Friday, December 4
5:30 p.m.
via Zoom
We continue to come into your homes for Shabbat via Zoom, with Rabbi Sharfman and cantorial soloists Scott Leader and Erica Erman. PowerPoint slides will be viewable to you to follow along if you don't have your own copy of Gates of Prayer for Shabbat and Weekdays.
A Zoom link with be sent to all congregants during the week. For our non-members who would like to join us for Kabbalat Shabbat, please email Renee. |
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Sunday, December 6
10:00 a.m.
via Zoom
YEP! families, be sure to stop by the Chanukah Drive-Thru, too, between 1:00-2:00 p.m. where you'll receive materials for the next semester of YEP! in addition to Chanukah goodies. And mark your calendars for our next YEP! session:
Sunday, December 13
10:00 a.m.
In this session that falls during Chanukah, our students will be joined by Josh Hartuv, Licensed Israel Tour Guide, LIVE from Israel! He'll present a special Chanukah program, and students are asked to dress up as Maccabees -- and be sure to have a dreidel nearby!
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CHANUKAH DRIVE-THRU for ALL CONGREGANTS
Sunday, December 6
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Kehillah back parking lot
All congregants are invited to come by Kehillah between 1:00-2:00 p.m. to pick up Chanukah goodies! Please let us know by December 4 if you plan to come. (YEP! families will also receive materials for the next semester.)
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CHANUKAH!
Thursday, December 10, First Night
Chanukah is coming! Would you like a gift from your synagogue?
We're starting off the fun with a Chanukah Drive-Thru on Sunday, December 6, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Please let us know by December 4 if you will be taking a Sunday drive to the synagogue to pick up your goodies.
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Shake out those ugly Chanukah sweaters, because Chanukah starts Thursday night, December 10!
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Eight? Yes, Eight!
We want you to join us every single night of Chanukah via Zoom to light the candles together. And we're inviting YOU to lead us in candle lighting. We'll provide you with the prayers ahead of time and a reminder on how to light the candles. Please let us know what date you would like. Our candle lighting times: 5:30 p.m. every night except Friday, December 11 (4:45 p.m.) and Saturday, December 12 (6:00 p.m.).
Thursday, December 10 - 1st candle - Dreidel contest
Wear your ugly sweater and let us judge the ugliest. (Join us even if you don't own one!) Also, sign up for our 1st Annual Dreidel Spin-Off. You and your family can use your favorite dreidel and gelt (chocolate coins, pennies, etc.) and we'll provide you with your competition, instructions and a line judge. Sign up by Tuesday, December 8.
Friday, December 11 - 2nd candle - Shabbat
Rabbi will lead us in lighting the Chanukiyah and then light Shabbat candles beginning at 4:45 p.m. (Note: this is Shabbat candle lighting, not a Kabbalat Shabbat.)
Saturday, December 12 - 3rd candle - Two events!
10:00 a.m. - Sippy Cup Shabbat
This will be a delightful morning (click here for the flier), designed for young children and their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Join Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Dr. Stephanie Kirklin, Director of our Online Learning Center, and Renee Joffe for Shabbat music, dancing, stories and more! Open to all families in the community.
6:00 p.m. - Havdalah
Join Rabbi and friends as we end Shabbat together with Havdalah, then light the Chanukiyah.
Sunday, December 13 - 4th candle and Chanukah program: In the Footsteps of the Maccabees
Join us at 4:15 p.m. for Josh Hartuv, Licensed Israel Tour Guide, who will be coming to us live from Israel with a special Chanukah program, In the Footsteps of the Maccabees. We will light the Chanukiyah after Josh's program. (Earlier that day, Josh will also be live from Israel as he joins our YEP! session for their own Chanukah program. Students are asked to please dress up as Maccabees -- and be sure to have a dreidel nearby!)
Monday, December 14 - 5th candle and origami
Learn how to make an origami dreidel, with instruction from YEP! teacher Bob Bessen.
Tuesday, December 15 - 6th candle and story time for all ages
Listen to a Chanukah story read by Rabbi.
Wednesday, December 16 - 7th candle and scavenger hunt
YEP! teacher Scarlett Allison will lead us in a scavenger hunt, Zoom-style.
Thursday, December 17 - 8th (final) candle and Dreidel Spin-Off
Candle lighting for the last night of Chanukah. We will also have the championship Dreidel Spin-Off!
And one more thing . . .
Got kids or grandkids? Be sure to get your Chanukah bags, filled with eight fun activities, through PJ LIbrary -- Kehillah is a sponsor! |
Saturday, December 12
10:00 a.m.
via Zoom
This special Shabbat morning is designed for young children and their parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and is open to all families in the community. Please join Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Dr. Stephanie Kirklin, Director of our Online Learning Center, and Kehillah Administrator Renee Joffe for Shabbat music, dancing, stories and more! Please RSVP by Wednesday, December 9.
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TORAH TALK
Saturday, December 12
11:00 a.m. -- note: later time than usual
via Zoom
No prior knowledge is needed to enjoy Torah Talk; all are welcome. Be part of an amazing 4,000-year-old conversation, as relevant today as when it began. Torah Talk is one of Kehillah's most-loved traditions -- a morning filled with questions, conversation, and laughter.
In this week's Torah portion (Genesis 37:1-40:23), Jacob favors Joseph, and this angers Joseph's brothers. Joseph has dreams in which he predicts reigning over his brothers, provoking them further. They decide to sell Joseph into slavery in Egypt. Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute and sleeps with her father-in-law, Judah. In Egypt, the wife of Joseph's owner tries to seduce Joseph, and when he rejects her, she accuses him of trying to rape her and has him sent to prison. In prison, Pharaoh's baker and butler have dreams, and Joseph interprets them correctly. (Summary from My Jewish Learning.)
If you would like email reminders about Torah Talk, just let Ellen know!
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Sunday, December 13
10:00 a.m.
via Zoom
In this session that falls during Chanukah, our students will be joined by Josh Hartuv, Licensed Israel Tour Guide, LIVE from Israel! He'll present a special Chanukah program, and students are asked to dress up as Maccabees -- and be sure to have a dreidel nearby!
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BOOK GROUP
Monday, December 21
1:00 p.m.
via Zoom
We'll be discussing Bel Canto, by Ann Patchett. You don't have to be a regular to enjoy Book Group; you can join in for any book you like, any time. Book Group is open to all Kehillah adults and their guests. To get on the Book Group mailing list or to RSVP and receive your Zoom meeting information, please email Rick .
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WELCOME TO JUDAISM
Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Instructor
Beginning in January 2021
Are you interested in learning about Judaism? Filling in the gaps in your knowledge? This is how to do it!
"Welcome to Judaism" is an introductory course that provides a foundation in the basic tenants of Judaism. Among the areas covered are History, Holidays and Observances, Lifecycle, Theology, Prayer, Israel, and Communal Life. Jews and non-Jews are welcome.
This course is presented every trimester through the Bureau of Jewish Education. The next trimester begins in January. For information please visit the BJE or call them at 480-634-8050. Kehillah members may take this course at no charge by signing up by contacting Renee.
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One of our most treasured Jewish values
is that we express gratitude by providing for others.
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JFCS HOLIDAY PROGRAM 2020
For the holiday season, we are proud once again to sponsor a Jewish family in need.
Our family this year is a 36-year-old single mom, with four children, three boys and a girl. More details are below.
How to help
Gift cards, checks, and cash need to arrive at JFCS by Monday, December 7. Checks should be made payable to JFCS, and should include the designation "Holiday Program CH-4 Rachel." (JFCS will convert checks into Walmart or Fry's gift cards.) Please include a note letting Kathy Rood know that you are with Congregation Kehillah, and indicate who your gift is for (i.e., 12-year-old boy). Mail your donations directly to JFCS, or drop them off: 
Kathy Rood
JFCS
4747 N. 7th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Our holiday family's requests
Boy, age 12 - Kohl's, Great Clips, sporting goods storeBoy, age 9 - Big Five or other sporting goods store, Barnes & Noble (or similar)Boy, age 7 - Walmart, sporting goods store (he wants a bike), Michael'sGirl, age 4 - Walmart, Target, Kohl'sMother, age 36 - Fry's, gas cards
Thank you!
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This year more than ever before the students at Whispering Wind Academy need our help in order to have a happy holiday season.
In the past Kehillah members were asked to support a few chosen families and through your amazing generosity, we met and exceeded expectations. This year, Megan, the school social worker, has asked if Kehillah would be willing to provide 24 $30 gift cards, to help families that are having financial hardships due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Gift cards could be for Target, Walmart, or something similar. The cards will be delivered to Whispering Wind Academy and given to the families chosen based on need. Please contact Paulette Fraenkel with your questions and for gift card distribution. Please do not mail these gift cards to Kehillah. Thank you!
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DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS and ANNIVERSARIES
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Happy Birthday!
Yom Huledet Sameach!
December 1 - Russ Hendricksen
Dory MawyerDecember 2 - Francine Ebersman  December 3 - Ella FleetDecember 8 - Ilene MalkaDecember 12 - Leona GarzaDecember 13 - George RosenbergDecember 14 - Ilene Riffle Mort Berkowitz Sandra KrischDecember 16 - Ryder Toppel Sheryl KirshenbaumDecember 19 - Max Cohen Ava KatzDecember 21 - Karen ThursbyDecember 22 - David Fabricant Henry FleetDecember 24 - Joanna LeBlangDecember 26 - Ally MelhadoDecember 27 - Emelia MerrittDecember 29 - Dan Sommer Payton Fleet Alex Abrams
Happy Anniversary!  Mazel Tov!
December 29 - Jonathan and Rebecca Seeliger
December 30 - Jared and Erica Erman |
Condolences...
to Eydee Schultz and John Wood on the passing of his sister, Marilyn, on Saturday, November 28, 2020.
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Rachel Segal
Reisa Miller
Ellen Lerman
Daniel Odgers, grandson of Paulette and Rudy Fraenkel
Joel Bartak, brother of Bonnie Bartak
Sarah Bayla bar Miriam v' Yitzchak and Yosef Dov ben Rachel Feyga, mother and father of Jackie Shore
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Marilyn Morris
Joe Ettinger
Arlene Maletta
Sandra Krisch
Stanley Rosen, father of Robin Rudin
Cathy Michels
Davie Glaser
Kimberlie Rich, sister of Pamela Miller
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
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Your donations in any amount are genuinely appreciated.
Please help support Congregation Kehillah by donating to Kehillah's various funds
-- to celebrate, honor, remember, give thanks, to assist, or simply to do tzedakah.
You can donate through our website in any amount or send a check. Congregation Kehlllah is a 501(c)(3) organization; donations are tax-exempt to the fullest extent allowable by law. (Please consult with your tax adviser.)
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Did you know . . .
that it is customary to donate at the time of Yizkor or when Kaddish is recited in memory of a loved one? It is also customary to make a donation when given an aliyah (honor) during a service.
Jewish Philanthropy: The Concept of Tzedakah is a much-admired practice throughout the world. "In Jewish tradition, tzedakah requires the donor share his or her compassion and empathy along with the money. Judaism teaches the belief that donors benefit from tzedakah as much [as] or more than the recipients."
You can find out more about the roots and practices of Jewish philanthropy at Learning to Give.
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General Fund
Caring Fund
Torah Fund
Social Action Fund
Gottlieb Music Fund
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Education Fund
Oneg & Hospitality Fund
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
Bookplates
Memorial Plaques
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More great ways to support Kehillah
Sponsoring an Oneg is normally a great way to celebrate lifecycle events and other wonderful news with your Kehillah family. Until we can once again gather in person, please consider supporting Kehillah in other ways.
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JNF TREES IN ISRAEL
Consider planting a tree in Israel for any occasion. Contact Renee to place your order. Trees cost $18 per tree and a portion of all sales benefit Kehillah. |
AMAZON SMILE
Make all your Amazon purchases through Amazon Smile and choose Congregation Kehillah as your charity. It's simple, costs you nothing, and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase price to Kehillah.
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JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment - December offerings
Jewish Family & Children's Service has expanded its Zoom offerings for seniors. Click here to see December's classes and events. To receive Zoom links, or to find out more information about their services and programs, visit their website or call JFCS at 602-279-7655. You can also follow the Center for Senior Enrichment on Facebook.
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 Kabbalat Shabbat | Torah Talk | YEP!_________________________________________
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SERVICES
Kabbalat Shabbat
B'nai Mitzvah
Kabbalat Shabbat, via Zoom, begin on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. A Zoom link will be sent out in advance.
December 4 & 18
2021
January 8
January 9 - Rebecca Allison Bat Mitzvah
January 22
February 12 & 26
February 27 - Ally Melhado Bat Mitzvah
March 5 & 19
April 9 & 23
May 7
May 8 - Emelia Merritt Bat Mitzvah
May 21
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TORAH TALK
Torah Talks are led by Rabbi Sharfman (except where noted) and are held monthly on Saturday mornings via Zoom. They are among Kehillah's most-loved traditions -- mornings filled with questions, conversation, and laughter as we explore that week's Torah portion. No prior knowledge is needed to enjoy Torah Talk; all are welcome. For more information, contact Ellen Lerman.
December 12,
starting at 11:00 a.m.
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YEP!
Youth Education Program
YEP! sessions are held on Sunday mornings during the school year. Read about YEP! here. Questions? Please contact Renee.
December 6 & 13
2021
January 10 & 24
February 7 & 21
March 7 & 21
April 11 & 25
May 2 & 16
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Congregation Kehillah
602-369-7667
Mailing Address: 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste. 1630 #439, Phoenix, AZ 85050 |
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Friday, December 4
Kabbalat Shabbat
Sunday, December 6
YEP!
Chanukah Drive-Thru
Thursday, December 10
Chanukah, first night
Eight Crazy Nights - see details under LOOKING AHEAD section
Saturday, December 12
Torah Talk
Chanukah Sippy Cup Shabbat
Sunday, December 13
YEP!
Friday, December 18
Kabbalat Shabbat
Monday, December 21
Book Group
Information for Seniors
The Senior Concierge Project (through Jewish Family and Children's Service) can provide information and help with socialization, education, transportation, home care, living facilities, legal assistance and more for those over age 60. Contact Janet Arnold Rees, Senior Concierge, at 480-599-7198 or [email protected].
Need a hand?
Need a ride to services or to an event? Have an odd job that might need an extra hand or two? Give Men of Kehillah a shout! MOK members are ready to help out. Email Rich Fox at
Remember "Mom" and the other women!
Reminder: There are hungry neighbors and families experiencing food insecurity throughout the Valley, throughout the year -- even if we can't always see it. And there are women who can't afford basic feminine products. Our food collection bin for Mom's Pantry is always in our lobby, and our Kehillah Cares bag for women4women tempe is in our ladies' room.
Please bring food
and toiletry donations whenever we are able to come back to Kehillah.
For now, please consider giving directly to Mom's Pantry, which accepts donations on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are located at 13440 N. Cave Creek Road in Phoenix. Call 602-992-0083 for other times.
Congregation Kehillah Leadership
Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman
Gil Blumenthal, President
Scott Leader, Erica Erman
Cantorial Soloists Renee Joffe, Administrator
Board of Directors:
Rich Goldman,
Immediate Past President
Henry Fleet, Member at Large
Rich Fox,
Member at Large
MOK President
David Goldfarb,
Member at Large
Building Chair
Leslie Goldman,
Member at Large
Arlene Maletta,
Member at Large Hospitality Co-Chair Ilene Malka,
Education Chair
Jane Neely,
Member at Large
High Holy Days Chair Hospitality Co-Chair Dr. Bruce Sobel,
Member at Large Paul Stein,
Member at Large
Additional Support:
Scarlett Allison, Beth Hirshenson,
Margi Tabaknek,
Caring Committee Amy Bessen, Webmaster Rick Cohen,
Book Group
Paulette Fraenkel, Social Action
Leona Garza,
Movie Time Dr. Stephanie Kirklin,
OLC Director Ellen Lerman, Torah Talk and Special Projects Vicki Mardell,
Membership Co-Chair
Reisa Miller, Sherry Siegel
Newsletters
Mark Solow,
Finance Manager
We love hearing from you!
If we don't respond to your email within 24 hours, it means we did not receive your message. Please call us at 602-369-7667.
We take a technology break for Shabbat and Yom Tov. If you have an emergency during these times, please leave a message on the Congregation Kehillah phone and we will get back to you. Otherwise, we ask that you please call or email us after the Sabbath or holiday ends.
Don't miss any of our emails...
Please make sure that periodically you check your Spam and Junk folders for emails from [email protected]. Some of the emails we send out have several links for you to click on for resources. Depending on your individual computer settings you may have not received these emails in your inbox.
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Copyright © 2020. All Rights Reserved.
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