TBT News - May 2017 

Come be a part of our growing Reform synagogue. All are welcome! Top
In This Issue
Contact Us
Join Our Mailing List

May Celebrations
TBT Board Members
Board Officers:

 President:
   Jeanne Freeman
   jgfree925@gmail.com

 Vice President:
   Naomi Chudowsky
  Secretary:
   Marijane Krohn
   mak11@pitt.edu 
 
 Treasurer:
   Lester Dober
   tbttreasurer@gmail.com

 Past President:    
   Mark Schindel
   schindelme@yahoo.com
 

 Members-at-Large:

    
   Marilynn Jacobs
   mkjsend2bend@
   bendbroadband.com

   Chuck Shattuck
   ckshat@aol.com 
   
TBT Commitee Chairs
 Adult Education
   Mary Jane Eisenberg 
   maryjanee112
   @yahoo.com  

 Bikkur Holim
   Suzanne Schlosberg
           ---and ---
   Evie Lerner

 Calendar Master
   Ann Rosenfield
 Chevra Kadisha 
   Ralph Uri
 
 Communications/PR
   Ann Rosenfield 
 
 Facilities
   Mark Schindel

 Finance
   Mark Schindel
   schindelme@yahoo.com                   
 Fundraising 
   - TBD - 

 Library
   Beverly Adler
   fiber12@gmail.com

 Membership Engagement
   Terry Reynolds
            -and-
   Marilynn Jacobs
   bendbroadband.com

 Men's Group
   Joe Jezukewicz
   joe38jez@gmail.com

 Music
   Julie Geveshausen
 
 Onegs
   Tully Ellsberg
   tullyell@gmail.com
            -and-
   Jan Freeman Bauer
   janetlynnfreeman
   bauer@gmail.com
            -and-
   MJ Krohn
   mak11@pitt.edu 
 
 Religious Education
   Kathy Schindel
 Rituals
   Ralph Uri 
             
 Social Action
   Burt Litman 

 Website Development
   Sheila Ross Luber

 Youth Group 
   Naomi Chudowsky

Bend Jewish Library
Bend Jewish Library logo

Newsletter Sponsors

Tully's Yoga Ad
 



TBT Event Planning
Quick Guide
Special Interest Group Contacts
Quick Links
May Calendar of Events 

MAY EVENTS SCHEDULE 
 May  1  12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study at Evie's
              5:00 p.m. - Adult Hebrew Class
 May  2    3:30 p.m. - TBT Board Meeting
              4:00 p.m. - Hebrew School
 May  5    2:30 p.m. - Family Kitchen Dinner
 May  6    6:30 p.m. - Havdallah and a Movie
 May  7  10:00 a.m. - Sunday School
 May  8  12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study
              5:00 p.m. - Adult Hebrew Class
 May  9    4:00 p.m. - Hebrew School
 May 12    6:00 p.m. - Shabbat@Home
 May 13    9:00 a.m. - Adult B'nai Mitzvah Judaica Class
              10:30 a.m. - Shabbat Torah Service
 May 14         --- Lag B'Omer ---
 May 15  12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study
              5:00 p.m. - Adult Hebrew Class
 May 16   4:00 p.m. - Hebrew School
              6:30 p.m. - Adult Education Evening
 May 17   7:30 a.m. - Back Door Cafe
 May 21  10:00 a.m. - Sunday School
 May 22  12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study
              5:00 p.m. - Adult Hebrew Class
 May 23    4:00 p.m. - Hebrew School
 May 24  11:59 p.m. - June Newsletter Deadline
 May 26    7:00 p.m. - Erev Shabbat Service
 May 27  10:30 a.m. - Bat Mitzvah of Camille Smith
 May 29  12:00 p.m. - Weekly Torah Study
              5:00 p.m. - Adult Hebrew Class
 May 30   4:00 p.m. - Hebrew School
             Time TBA  - Shavuot Program


ON THE HORIZON  
   June 11th - Annual Congregational Business Meeting
   June 24th - Bat Mitzvah of Leila Slate
   July 8th - Bar Mitzvah of Maxwell Friedman
   July 21 - Shabbat in the Park

May Torah Study
Weekly-Monday noon: 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29

May School Activities - at Shalom Bayit unless noted otherwise
Sunday School - 10:00 a.m:  5/7, 5/21
Hebrew School - Tues. 4:00 p.m:  
                          5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30

For more details about any TBT events, see our complete schedule of Services, School activities, and Events online:
www.bethtikvahbend.org/calendar
  
 Movie
TBT Highlights
Havdallah and a Movie - May 6th
 
The theme for May's events is  "Contemporary Israel"
 
Movie: The Other Son
 

While preparing to enter the Israeli military for his compulsory service, young Joseph Silberg learns he was accidentally switched at birth with the son of an Arab couple from the West Bank -- a shocking revelation that sends both families reeling. (Netflix) The Director is Lorraine Levy
 

May 6th, 2017
Location: First Presbyterian Church
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
 
RSVP to Mary Jane Eisenberg at maryjanee112@yahoo.com or 415-572-1741
Snacks and Beverages are welcome!
AdultEd
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Adult Education:   Israel Then & Now

Adult Education Class - May 16th, 2017
Location: Home of Lynne and Ed Connelley
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
 
Topic: Israel: Then and Now

For this class Rabbi has asked that we read Ari Shavit's book:
 

But - PLEASE COME TO THIS ADULT ED CLASS! - even if you only read the Introduction, or a few chapters, or did not have time to read the book at all - please join us for class!  This will be the last adult ed class before fall.
 
RSVP to Mary Jane Eisenberg at maryjanee112@yahoo.com or 415-572-1741
Snacks, Appetizers, and Drinks are Welcome!!
Camille
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Bat Mitzvah of Camille Smith

Please join Hallie and Tracy Smith

in celebration of the
Bat Mitzvah
of their daughter

Camille Alyse

Saturday, May 27th
10:30 a.m.

All  TBT  members are welcome.
 
Kiddush luncheon following the service. 
If you will be attending, the luncheon, please RSVP  to   hallies@samoyedsmiles.com by May 18th .
   
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TBT Help Wanteds      
    
Help Wanted for Annual Meeting

The Member Engagement committee needs helpers for our annual TBT meeting to be held on June 11th!  Our committee is again responsible for putting this event together. Since last year's event was a great success, we have the template and will replicate it for this year, so planning should be easy.  We just need a few more people to help.  And it's a fun event!
 
If you would like to help, please contact Marilynn Jacobs


Newsletter Editor Wanted

Sara Charney Cohen has been editing our monthly newsletter for many years, but her schedule no longer allows for her to publish it on time. She would like to hand the baton to someone who can give the job the attention it deserves. If you would be willing to take on this task for our congregation, or would like more information, please contact Jeanne Freeman at jgfree925@gmail.com. Sara will provide training if desired. 
 
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Divrei Tikvah  RJohannaHeadShot
From Rabbi Johanna Hershenson

Just recently I watched a documentary on either Netflix or Hulu called Doubting Darwin. It juxtaposed Darwin's own journey into formulating ideas about evolution that would shake the foundation of Christianity with voices of the 45% of Americans who believe in Genesis rather than science. 
 
45% of Americans believe or prefer to believe in religion rather than science. 
 
These 45% of Americans aren't simply claiming a spiritual life - I value a spiritual life rather highly - they reject science as an assortment of so-called theories.
 
There is no indication in rabbinic texts that the rabbis or the ancient authors of the Torah believed the texts they passed down to us are meant to be taken literally.  Truth often transcends fact and observation. Truth often underlies what captures our attention either for better or for worse. 
 
Maimonides, wrote in the middle ages, that the language of Torah is multivalent, that is, means different things to different people in different times and places. The right meaning emerges through an organic, democratic process - we find rabbis who speak to our sense of reason and the theologies we can accept.
 
Determining that the words of Torah, the first five books of the bible, are to be taken in at their surface meaning diminishes the power inherited traditions can have in our lives here and now. To reject what can be empirically and mathematically demonstrated in favor of faith in words that defy reason as a badge of honor is silly. It's like using ancient tools to accomplish today's tasks.
 
The gift of an inherited tradition is that we, the receivers of the gift, enter the game of life further down the game board than the generation/s that preceded us. We don't have to start at start. We get an edge. The challenge is learn how to use the inherited tradition as an edge, as a tool that can move us forward in our own evolutionary process than could our parents.
 
It is up to us to do something with the information, tradition, rituals, and ideas we inherit. What is the teaching? The message? How can this piece of information or ritual enrich my experience here and now?
 
As American Jews our understanding of Israel is woefully similar to our understanding of Judaism. We aren't sure what we want to pass down to our kids and grandkids, but we can't help but want them to have something.
 
It is not always easy to relate to the image of the early pioneers from Russia and Poland and the region who turned from white collar training to pushing their sleeves up and getting dirty. Yesterday's heroic Irgun and Stern Gang ambushes against the British Mandate would be called terrorism today. The occupation of territories and the challenge of managing local inhabitants who are reasonably dissatisfied with the nearly 60 year stalemate has worn our attention spans thin. A rabbinic court having say over matters of personal status in our lives like who we can and can't marry or where we can be buried after we die is a totally foreign concept to us.
 
The truth is that Israel is what we remember and even more so isn't at all the perceptions we've taken for granted. The overwhelming demographic among Jews in Israel is nonreligious. Religious Jews comprise some 20% of the Jewish population and that number includes progressive religious Jews like Reform and Conservative.  Jewish holidays are celebrated traditionally among that 20% but as days off for family and recreation for the other 80%! Yes visiting antiquities in Israel is awesome.  But take a look at Israel's innovations: harvesting water, technologies, medicine, film and literature, etc.
 
The real gift Israel and Zionism has given the Jewish people is not the David and Goliath battle that pervades any reference to Israel in our culture... The real gift is normalcy and access to anything that interests us as Jews. Zionism sends off bells and whistles warning of nationalism and inherent racism to many people on the planet. It doesn't refer to a simple acknowledgement that the Jewish people have a rightful home in Eretz Yisrael like we'd like to think it does. And yet I believe Zionism is why I can go camping, trail running or hiking, and even four wheeling. Zionism is why my husband, a nice Jewish boy, can also ride a motorcycle. Zionism renewed the Jewish people with a tribal sense of self, (where I come from,) and courage to access all that history denied us: physical strength and sport, innovative prowess in science and math, connection to land and hard labor, art and music.
 
Of course I support the state of Israel's right to exist and importance to Jews as a refuge and a homeland. I also recognize the displacement and intimidation of local people, Palestinians, that cannot be justified by religious right to the land of our ancestors. What Zionism gives to the Jewish people and how Israel behaves as a democratic, Western nation in the middle of an Arab world are two distinctly different truths that must coexist.  Shared history and cultural mythology point to one truth.  Values and the laws intended to manifest those values point to another truth. The intersection of these truths can be confusing, but in my opinion are not unlike gaining spiritual wisdom or comfort/insight from the Book of Genesis and simultaneously gaining knowledge from scientific evidence for how the physical world as we know it came into being and impacts our existence.
 
Belief isn't a crap shoot in a casino or a back alley. Belief in something is about trust rooted in historic patterns and what we know to be consistently true.  Evidence has always been a part of belief in Jewish discourse.  We do not betray or abandon our beliefs when we find them challenged or when we find that they are works in progress that we refine over time and appear differently than they did when we started. 
 
In our efforts to build a more connected Temple Beth Tikvah community, we could all stand to ponder our personal relationship with concepts like belief and truth.  Don't hesitate to share with me if you feel so moved, johannahershenson@gmail.com


~~ Rabbi Hershenson's office hours are by appointment. If you would like to set up an appointment, please contact her by email at: johannahershenson@gmail.com , or by phone at 541-213-9880.
  
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President's Message
From TBT President Jeanne Freeman 

Dear TBT members & friends,

In just this past week, I have been impressed by the amazing bond, support, and spirit that exist among the members of our community.
 
This past Saturday I had the great pleasure of attending the first of six b'nai mitzvahs that will take place for our 6th and 7th graders this year. I knew that Eliana Canas was singing and I was excited to hear her. I knew that even though she isn't my child or grandchild, that I would get teary-eyed at some point during the service as we acknowledged her accomplishment and her acceptance as an adult in our Jewish community.
 
What I didn't know in advance is how I would kvell at what else I saw.
 
Our 6th and 7th graders have created a beautiful bond. They are a team; they are friends; they support each other. They walk as one. They have their arms around each other at services. They are all inclusive of each other. You may think that this is typical of their age, but think again. These kids are not in public school together. They live in Sisters, in Bend, in Sunriver. Their bond is their Judaism, their shared history, their experience of Sunday school and b'nai mitzvah, their participation in the recently formed Jewish Youth Group, and Temple Beth Tikvah.
 
Before the service I visited with some of the parents of the b'nai mitzvah kids and I happened to sit behind some of them during the service. And I heard in their conversation and saw in their relationship a similar bonding to that of their children. These parents and grandparents come together in support of their children and of each other as they participate in the planning of their child's b'nai mitzvah.
 
The following day, Kathy Schindel, our Religious School director, shared with me conversations from the parents of some of our youngest members. The Tot Shabbat program begun by Rabbi Hershenson has evolved into a monthly at-home program and kids and parents are having a wonderful time! The kids are creating the friendships in pre-school, kindergarten and first grade that will take them on their journey together to b'nai mitzvah, and their parents are discovering and developing their own new friendships.
 
(If you'd like to be on the email list to participate in the Tot Shabbat program, email Jessica Hammerman at jesshamm@gmail.com. )
 
Checking into Facebook I found this post from Suzanne Schlosberg: " A lot of people these days wonder whether it's even worth joining a synagogue. Why bother? Here's why: because your fellow Jews are the people you can count on. Exhibit A: Friday morning, the boys had a ski competition. When we got up to the mountain, we realized Ian had left his helmet, goggles and gloves at home. If I had driven home to get them, I would have missed Toby's first-ever Nordic race (Toby won - go, Toby!). But Ian obviously could not compete in ski jumping without his helmet! Paul was at a meeting in Redmond. I thought: Who would drive up to the mountain for me in an "emergency"? I called  Terry Reynolds , who passed on the message to Gary, who made the special delivery. Thanks a million, Gary! I am grateful to be a member of TBT and wish that more Jews would see the value in joining."
 
This month I joined the ranks of those who have undergone shoulder surgery. I have been fed, iced, hugged, called, supported in a multiple of ways by so many of you. I am richer for knowing you and for being the recipient of your love and nurturing.
 
Thank you for all you have done for me. Thank you for all that you do for each other. Thank you for making Temple Beth Tikvah the loving, caring community that it is.

B'shalom,
Jeanne 
 
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Board and Committee News
TBT Board Notes 
 
Next Board Meeting:  Tue. June 6th, 3:30 p.m. 
Location:  Stonebriar Apartments Clubhouse

Your TBT Board meets on the first Tuesday of each month and everyone is invited to attend. Dates and times of Board meetings are on the TBT calendar at: bethtikvahbend.org/calendar

If you would like to read minutes of previous board meetings, you can request a copy from Board Secretary Marijane Krohn:  mak11@pitt.edu.
 
Ritual Committee News colorful star
Ralph Uri, Committee Chair

The month of May is shaping up to be quite eventful. Friday,  May 12th,  is our third Shabbat@Home for the 2016/17 season. These events have proven to be quite popular in the past. Please sign up and get to meet fellow TBT members in a relaxed and informal setting. Several hosts are lined up to open up their homes so please respond quickly as capacity is not unlimited.

Friday, May 26th, we will celebrate our monthly Erev Shabbat at FPC. This will be followed by a Saturday morning Bat Mitzvah service on May 27th at FPC honoring Camille Smith. Please join us to honor her and her family as she is called up to the Torah to take her place as a young woman in our community.

The final ritual event for the month will be held at the Environmental Center on  Tuesday, May 30th, when we celebrate the holiday of Shavuot.

Check the TBT Happenings for the times for these events. 

Shalom Teva Youth Group News    
    
Our middle and high school youth groups both had wonderful Passover events, with special guest appearances by Rabbi Hershenson.

The weekend before Passover, Jillian Frankl hosted a Passover sleepover for our middle school COJY members at her beautiful home in Sisters. The eight tweens enjoyed games, cooking matzo crack and apple cake, and holding a mock seder, followed by s'mores, a movie, and sleepover craziness. 

Pictured as the Plagues from left to right: Jonah Henneberg, Katie Jackman, Beryl Keyser, Camille Smith, Sophie Chudowsky, Leila Slate, Chase Frankl and in front, our newest member, Sutter Libby.


In addition, a wonderful Seder was hosted and conducted by our own local BBYO teen chapter - Shalom Teva.  The teens enjoyed reciting prayers, singing Dayenu, asking the four questions, telling the story of Passover, talking philosophy with the Rabbi, and all the other good things a Seder has to offer.  And of course, no Seder would be complete without hiding the Afikomen - congratulations Sophie!  

Pictured from left to right - Sid Rafilson, Corinne Smith, Illeana Hilsee, Sophia Chudowsky, Rachel Uri, and Fisher Keyser.


Coming up:

April 28th-30th - BBYO Election Conclave; 6 of our BBYO teens are going to Seattle for this convention.

May (date tbd) - BBQ at the Libby home, more info to come.

Both youth groups welcome new members! Please contact   naomic@bendbroadband.com if you know of someone in grades 6-12 who might be interested; no temple affiliation required.
 
Nominating Committee

In early June we will hold Temple Beth Tikvah's 2017 annual meeting and election of new Board members. Four positions will be open. The terms of office for Naomi Chudowsky, Lester Dober, Marijane Krohn, and Mark Schindel are ending.

A Nominating Committee has been formed consisting of Naomi Chudowsky, Jessica Hammerman, and Michael Rosenfield.

TBT members are encouraged to submit their names for the Board. If there is a member you believe is an excellent board candidate, please present his/her name. If you are interested in running or have a recommendation, please send a note to Naomi Chudowsky  naomic@bendbroadband.com no later than May 15th, 2017 (we would appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible).

According to the current TBT by-laws, all nominees to the Board must be "members in good standing;" that is, current in their financial obligations to TBT. The Nominating Committee will present a slate of candidates for TBT members to consider. In addition to the recommended slate, any member in good standing may add his or her name to the ballot. Members must submit nominations no later than two weeks prior to the annual meeting.


JUNE Newsletter Deadline:  MAY 24th   

This newsletter is emailed to both members and non-members each month.  If you have something you want to include in the newsletter, please e-mail it to Sara: sarrava@gmail.com by the 24th of each month for the following month's publication.  As always, you will continue to receive "e-minders" before important events take place.

Shalom,
Sara Charney Cohen
    
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Community News
 Save This Date!

Shabbaton Weekend with Rabbi Shefa Gold
Healing the Spirit, Transforming the Mind, Deepening the Love
 
September 8th-10th, 2017
Shalom Bayit Synagogue, 
   Bend Oregon
 
"Chant is  the bridge between the inner life and the outer expression,  between the solitary practice and the shared beauty of fellowship."
 
In preparation for the High Holy Days. this Shabbaton Weekend Includes:

*Friday night service*
*Enchanting Saturday morning Torah Service*
*Saturday afternoon Women's Workshop exploring sacred phrases through study, melody, harmony, rhythm and meditation*
*Evening Havdalah celebration and catered dinner*
*Sunday - applying the magic of Hebrew Chant*
 
Cost: $36 for Friday night only, $72 for entire Shabbaton weekend (For info: Tully Ellsberg 541-410-9044 or Ellyce Whalen ellyce2009@hotmail.com)

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TBT Tributes
You may honor the lives and achievements of friends and relatives via a tribute with a donation to TBT. You can do this online, or by sending a check and the name and address of the person being honored to TBT at P.O. Box 7472, Bend, OR, 97708.

Donations may be designated to a specific fund, including:
   - the Youth Education Fund,   
   - the Music Fund - including Adopt-a-Musician, 
   - the Library Fund, 
   - the Rabbi Fund, 
   - the Rabbi's Caring Fund, 
   - the Social Action Fund, 
   - the Corrie Grudin Memorial Fund,
   - the Youth Group Fund,
   - or to the General Fund. 

Donations listed below were made to the Temple's general purpose fund unless otherwise specified.

Temple Beth Tikvah gratefully acknowledges the following contributions:
  • From  Marcia and Ralph Uri, in memory of Miriam Becker.
  • From Phyllis and Gerald Greenbach, in memory of Arthur Greenbach.
  • From Mel Siegel in memory, of Mae and Moses Siegel.

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About Temple Beth Tikvah

Temple Beth Tikvah is a growing Jewish congregation based in Bend, Oregon. We are affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and are excited to be the first Reform synagogue in Central Oregon.

Our members come from a range of Jewish backgrounds including Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Renewal. Temple Beth Tikvah welcomes interfaith families and Jews by choice. We are committed to providing a Jewish education for our children as well as stimulating educational activities for adults. We value social action and strive to provide a Jewish cultural, social, and religious experience in Central Oregon.

Temple Beth Tikvah is a warm and enthusiastic community that includes families, singles, and "empty nesters." We are a mix of long-time Bend residents and newcomers from around the country who moved here to enjoy Central Oregon's beauty, active lifestyle, and quality of life.

Please contact us at 541-388-8826 or info@bethtikvahbend.org for more information.
 
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