October 28-November 3, 2019 / Tishrei-Cheshvan 5780
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Rabbi's new class starts soon!
Welcome to Judaism
taught by Rabbi Sharfman, through the BJE (Bureau of Jewish Education)
Discover new topics
Get answers to your longstanding questions
Fill in the gaps in your knowledge,
... there's no better time than now!
This course will provide a foundation in the basic tenets of Judaism: History, holidays and observances, life observances, life cycle events, theology, prayer, and communal life will be explored through Jewish texts, beliefs, and customs.
This course is open to non-Jews, non-Jews with their Jewish partners, and Jewish adults interested in further exploring Judaism.
Classes will be held Monday evenings, November 4 through December 16, from 6:30 p.m to 7:45 p.m., at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Cost: $42.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE__________________________
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Dear Friends,
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Gil Blumenthal
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Yikes - First, it's so good to be back from the Pacific Northwest. It was business, but I was afraid I was going to rust. The real "yikes" is about all of the things that we need and want to accomplish as a congregation. Some are financial and some will require that I reach beyond the leadership cocoon and ask a simple question of our congregation. Kehillah needs a person or people to assist with programming to help bring the ideas we're discussing to life. We're not going to be overly ambitious, although Kehillah is still remembered for the Cabarets it put on a few years ago. They were amazing, but the amount of time and resources devoted to such an enterprise was taxing, with some asking was it worth it. Yes, it was worth it and perhaps someday in the near future we'll have another fundraising extravaganza like our Kehillah Cabaret. For now, the only promise I can make is that you will have the full support of everyone as it's in the interest of all of us that our programs, large and small, are successful. If you're interested in helping, please contact Renee directly.
We celebrated Simchat Torah last Monday. I was in meetings that lasted far longer than expected, so I missed Yizkor and the Simchat Torah activities. When I returned home, I pulled a book off of my shelf entitled
"The Jewish Community of West Philadelphia." The entire West Philadelphia Jewish community is gone, having long ago dispersed to the suburbs. But through the magic of love, persistence, tradition and now social media, my old congregation, Beth Am Israel, has survived as a viable congregation. Below is a photo from the 1958 Simchat Torah celebration, held outdoors on the city street in front of their building (now a Baptist Church). The arrow in the photo points to yours truly. Joel Goldman is next to me and Saul Cohen is in back. Beth Am was my congregation, just as many of you have similar feelings about your old congregation. So why am I mentioning this? How does this apply to Kehillah?
The answer is simple. Many of us have great memories and affection for our "old" congregations. But Kehillah is our "now" congregation. So, how can we strengthen the "community" aspect of our community? Among other things, we need to continue to get to know each other. Are we welcoming our new members? Are we ready to form Chavurot? Realistically, Kehillah is in its second decade. By comparison, Beth Am was ancient. This is a reminder to focus on the present, not the past, and a reminder that we all have to do our part in community building and strengthening community bonds. That said, I will leave you with a very simple challenge. At the next Kabbalat Shabbat service, make a point to introduce yourself to someone you don't know. If we all commit to do this, there will be no "strangers" in our midst.
L'Shalom,
Gil Blumenthal
President
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UPCOMING______________________________________
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KABBALAT SHABBAT
Friday, November 8
7:30 p.m.
Join us to welcome Shabbat. Birthdays and anniversaries for October and November will be recognized, and our oneg will be sponsored by Scott and Joanna LeBlang, in honor of the daughter, Jacqueline Ava LeBlang.
Please remember to bring your food and toiletry donations for Mom's Pantry and womenforwomen Tempe. Your donations are always appreciated.
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BAT MITZVAH of JACQUELYN AVA LeBLANG 
Saturday, November 9
10:00 a.m.
Please join us as Jacquelyn Ava LeBlang is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.
Jacquelyn, pictured at right, is the daughter of Joanna and Scott LeBlang.
For Jacquelyn's Bat Mitzvah project, she is making friendship bracelets. All of the proceeds from the sale of these bracelets are going to a Phoenix-based organization called Childhelp, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping abused, neglected and at-risk children. Childhelp's programs and services include residential treatment services, children's advocacy centers, therapeutic foster care, group homes, and child abuse prevention, education, and training.
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YEP! and CAFE KEHILLAH 
Sunday, November 10
9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
While YEP! meets, all Kehillah members are invited to come on by for a cup of coffee, bite of food, and conversation with your fellow Kehillah members. No need to RSVP - just show up and schmooze!
The next session of YEP! after this one will be November 24. The next Cafe Kehillah will be December 8.
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MEN OF KEHILLAH (MOK)
Tuesday, November 12
7:00 p.m.
Join us for dinner and conversation at
Preston's Steakhouse, 8700 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Suite 115, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
Please RSVP by Sunday, November 10. If you have questions about MOK or this dinner, please email Rich Fox.
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1:00 p.m.
You don't have to be a "regular" to enjoy Book Group; you can come to any meeting for any book you like, any time.
Book Group is open to all Kehillah adults and their guests.
At our November meeting, the subject will be Thomas Jefferson -- you can read anything about him or written by him. (Rabbi Sharfman enthusiastically recommends Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War That Changed American History, by Brian Kilmeade.)
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Saturday, November 16
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
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. This session will be led by Rabbi Sharfman.
Please RSVP
by Thursday, November 14, and please
park in the back when you arrive on Saturday.
Would you like email reminders about Torah Talk? Just let Ellen know!
See below
for the complete Torah Talk schedule.
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Late morning/early afternoon
Movie Time meets on the third Sunday of most months, and is open to all Kehillah adults and their guests.
Click here for updated information and
to get on the Movie Time email reminder/update list, which lets you help decide what movie to see; or send your name and email address to Leona.
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KABBALAT SHABBAT
Friday, November 22
7:30 p.m.
Join us to welcome Shabbat. Our oneg will be sponsored by Pamela Miller and Brad Osterweil, in honor of their anniversary.
Please remember to bring your food and toiletry donations for Mom's Pantry and womenforwomen Tempe. Your donations are always appreciated.
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9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
The next session of YEP! after this one will be December 8.
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OCTOBER 19-NOVEMBER 2, 2020 - ONLY EIGHT SPACES LEFT!
The only thing better than visiting Israel is visiting Israel with Rabbi Sharfman and your Kehillah friends!
Kehillah members receive $200 off by using memberk200 when registering and paying!
If you're interested -- from "just curious" to "ready to pack RIGHT NOW!" -- email us so we can keep you updated.
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NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS and ANNIVERSARIES
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Happy Birthday!
Yom Huledet Sameach!
11/3/2019 Megan Schatzberg
11/3/2019 Jacqueline Schatzberg
11/7/2019 Rachel Isgar
11/12/2019 Kari Stafford
11/14/2019 Mia Kirshenbaum
11/17/2019 Howard Schatzberg
11/19/2019 Stella Price
11/20/2019 David Asher
11/21/2019 Renee Joffe
11/24/2019 Vicki Mardell
11/26/2019 Emma Price
11/26/2019 Ava Stafford
11/26/2019 Rachel Barkley
11/27/2019 Barbara Solow
11/28/2019 Penny Celmins
11/30/2019 Ethan Sandler
11/30/2019 Mia Sandler
Happy Anniversary!
11/6/2019 Bradley and Pamela Osterweil
11/7/2019 Richard and Dani Fox
11/11/2019 Marc and Debbie Melhado
11/20/2019 Barry and Janet Bernell
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✷ ✷ ✷ ✷
If you have a November birthday or anniversary and your name is missing,
please
email us
so we can update our records. To make a donation in honor of birthdays, anniversaries, "Our Kehillah Family" mentions
or any other reason, please
use this link or contact us directly.
Thank you!
✷ ✷ ✷ ✷
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Mazel tov to . . .
Dave Goldfarb and
Daisy Zhu on their marriage.
Monica Edelstein on being featured on
American Greed on CNBC in September. She was the successful prosecutor of a white collar crime involving house flipping, the theft of millions of dollars, and stolen identities. You can watch the episode,
The House Flipping Reality Star Fraudster,
here.
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We send prayers of healing to . . .
Jennifer Schaefer
Jim Hrlevich
Fred Benoff
Stanley Rosen,
father of Robin Rudin
Bonnie Cikins
Dan Simon
Denice Whiteside
Marion Krepcio
Cathy Michels
Ethan Miller
Ted Fink
Abbott Miller
Brian Skiba
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Rivka bat Sarah
Davie Glaser
Meir ben Chanah
Kimberlie Rich
Jeff and Denise Noll
Shmuel ben Chaim
Mary Beth Pratt (Miriam Elisheva)
Howard Glick
Shoshanna bat Phyllis
Gedalya Nachum bar Bayla Rivka
Rose Sobel,
mother of Bruce Sobel
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I am available to all Kehillah members in times of joy and sadness. Please let me know when I can extend support and comfort to you and your family.
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Our Caring Committee works as an extended family, organizing and mobilizing aid
and assistance when you are in need.
If you need help (or would like to be part of the Caring Committee), please email Scarlett Allison or call her at 949-510-3379.
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS
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Anonymous
Leona Garza, for the Yom Kippur honor
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Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
Anonymous
Margie Tabaknek, in memory of Jim Waxenberg
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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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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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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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You can also
plant trees in Israel directly through Kehillah,
and Jewish National Fund will send a certificate out on your behalf.
Each tree is $18 and a portion of your donation stays with Kehillah.
Contact Renee for more information or to place your tree order.
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Here's another great way to support Kehillah:
celebrate with an Oneg!
Sponsoring an Oneg is a great way to celebrate your lifecycle events
and other wonderful news with your Kehillah family.
For 2019-2020, we are aiming to have every Oneg sponsored.
To reserve your Oneg, please email Renee
or call her at 602-369-7667.
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Keren Leibovitch, Israeli Paralympic Gold Medalist, will be the featured speaker at this luncheon on Thursday, November 14. Please
click here for the flier.
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 Kabbalat Shabbat |
Torah Talk |
YEP!
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SERVICES
Kabbalat Shabbat
B'nai Mitzvah
Kabbalat Shabbat begins on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
November 8
November 9 - Bat Mitzvah of Jacquelyn LeBlang, 10:00 a.m.
November 22
December 6
December 20
2020
January 10
January 24
February 14
February 28
March 13
March 27
March 28 - Bar Mitzvah of Isaac Hemmert, 10:00 a.m.
April 17
May 1 - Bar Mitzvah of Noah Sunshine-Barinbaum, 6:30 p.m.
May 15
June 12
June 13 - Bar Mitzvah of Ryan Heller, 10:00 a.m.
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TORAH TALK
Torah Talks are led by Rabbi Sharfman (except where noted) and are held monthly on Saturday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. 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.
November 16
December 14
2020
January 18
February 8
March 21
April 25
May 2 (
depending on weather)
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YEP!
Youth Education Program
YEP! sessions are held on Sundays during the school year from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon unless otherwise noted. Read about YEP!
here. Please
use this registration form. Questions? Please contact
Renee.
November 10
November 24
December 8
December 15
2020
January 12
January 26
February 9
February 23
March 15
March 29
April 5
April 19
May 3
May 17
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Friday, Nov. 8
Kabbalat Shabbat
Saturday, Nov. 9
Bat Mitzvah of Jacquelyn LeBlang
Sunday, Nov. 10
YEP!
Cafe Kehillah
Monday, Nov. 11
Book Group
Tuesday, Nov. 12
Saturday, Nov. 16
Torah Talk
Sunday, Nov. 17
Movie Time
Friday, Nov. 22
Kabbalat Shabbat
Sunday, Nov. 24
YEP!
Friday, Dec. 6
Kabbalat Shabbat
Sunday, Dec. 8
YEP!
Cafe Kehillah
Saturday, Dec. 14
Torah Talk
Sunday, Dec. 15
YEP!
Friday, Dec. 20
Kabbalat Shabbat
October 2020
Kehillah's Fabulous Trip to Israel
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 you come to Kehillah.
Congregation Kehillah Leadership
Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman
Gil Blumenthal,
President
Scott Leader,
Cantorial Soloist
Renee Joffe,
Administrator
Board of Directors:
Rich Goldman,
Immediate Past President
Joseph Ettinger,
Member at Large
Henry Fleet,
Member at Large
Rich Fox,
Member at Large and
Brotherhood President
David Goldfarb,
Member at Large and
Building Chair
Leslie Goldman,
Member at Large
Arlene Maletta,
Member at Large
Ilene Malka,
Education Chair
Jane Neely,
Member at Large and
High Holy Days Chair
Dr. Bruce Sobel,
Member at Large
Dan Sommer,
Member at Large
Paul Stein,
Member at Large
Additional Support:
Scarlett Allison,
Caring Committee
Amy Bessen,
Webmaster
Rick Cohen,
Book Group
Paulette Fraenkel,
Social Action
Leona Garza,
Movie Time
Stephanie Kirklin,
OLC Director
Ellen Lerman,
Torah Talk and Special
Projects
Vicki Mardell,
Membership Co-Chair
Feli Van Deman
Membership Co-Chair
Sherry Siegel, Reisa Miller,
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. O
therwise, we ask that you please call or email us after the Sabbath or holiday ends.
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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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Copyright © 2019. All Rights Reserved.
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