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Havdallah With a Purpose Apr. 5th
Focus on Reach Another Foundation
Please join us on Saturday, April 5th at 7:00 p.m. to hear Dick Koning, MD, FACS, and medical director of the Reach Another Foundation, share an amazing story about Ethiopia. We invite you to enjoy authentic Ethiopian treats and to hear about how this local Central Oregon group saves the lives of children in Ethiopia at an amazingly low cost.
In Ethiopia each year, at least 2500 children are born with 'water on the brain', hydrocephalus. Until recently all these babies died. Reach Another Foundation helps these children get surgery, which, when done early enough, will allow them to grow up as normal adults. In 2012 the Reach Another Foundation provided operations to 200 babies in partnership with Ethiopia's neurosurgeons and three academic hospitals.
This Havdallah is hosted by Leslie Conley and Joe Jezukewicz. Please RSVP to [email protected].
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Passover Seder - Reserve Now!
Deadline for reservations is Monday, April 7th.
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| A Taste of Judaism - Series Three Begins Monday, April 21st
The 'G' Word
Join Rabbi Johanna Hershenson for the third series of "A Taste of Judaism", three series of lectures with discussion. Each of the series consists of three consecutive Monday evening classes.
The first series was "Rhythms of Jewish Living" in January. The second series, "Mechanics of Jewish Sacred Literature," ran in February and March. This third and final series, beginning Monday, April 21st, is entitled "The 'G' Word."
The courses can be taken independent of each other, so if you missed the earlier sessions, have no fear. The 'G' Word series will grapple with the diverse array of God concepts posited in Jewish theology: biblical, rabbinical, philosophical, and mystical.
April 21 - Biblical and Rabbinic God concepts
April 28 - Medieval God concepts
May 5 - Modern and Postmodern God concepts
The classes are open to the public at a cost of $6 per lecture or $18 for each of the three series (payable at the door cash or check only). There is no charge for members. Students through high school - free.
Presentations are on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at St. Charles Medical Center event room.
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Divrei Tikvah
From Rabbi Johanna Hershenson
Post card from Kaua'i:
While it has never been a part of a well thought-out plan, I have lived in or vacationed in many of the places that Captain James Cook visited in his explorations. Something about the Pacific rim, from Alaska all the way to New Zealand, beckons to me. Clearly, the same was true for Captain Cook.
Captain Cook's adventures ended in Hawaii with his tragic death. For a man who lived his adult life on the sea, his end was rather tragic. He couldn't swim. When Hawaiian natives chased him down, his only escape was his ship, docked off-shore. He couldn't swim to it, was subsequently captured, and quite possibly eaten as a warning to future white explorers headed this way. How did Captain Cook, with years of experience among Polynesians, miscalculate how the warriors of The Big Island felt about him and his men? Apparently when Cook visited the Hawaiian islands twice before, he had arrived during an annual cessation from warring. The nations on the islands would stop their fighting for a predetermined time period each year. During that time they would feast and engage in competitive sports. Captain Cook thought this arrangement was the status quo for the people of the islands. The third time he visited Hawaii, it was not during the brief annual peace among the nations. It seems that although he felt welcomed in the past, he really wasn't. We all know what it feels like to think we understand a situation only to later discover we had it all wrong. For Captain Cook, the miscalculation led to an untimely death. For us, miscalculation usually results in hurt feelings and loss. While these moments are quite painful, I treasure them. They remind me of the complexity of human experience. The human mind is so sophisticated that for everything that happens under the sun, there are as many accounts about what happened as there are people involved. And the people involved don't necessarily have to be present to create their own story about what happened. We become involved as soon as we hear someone tell us what happened. Even though we learn about events that occur in other times and places, we draw conclusions of our own. The danger of this human phenomenon is being fatally incorrect in our understanding of what is happening around us. But the value of it is that we can significantly alter outcomes by setting our minds on a particular goal and making it happen when it otherwise would not have happened. In two short weeks we remember and celebrate our Exodus from Egypt by holding a Passover Seder. The Hebrew word for Egypt is Mitzraim. Many rabbis have changed the vocalization of the word to say mitzarim, which means "from constricted places" or tight spots. Whether or not the ancient Israelites broke free from Egyptian bondage and wandered the wilderness to the Promised Land really doesn't matter. What is universally true is that we all get stuck in tight spots, we choose to break free but don't immediately know how to behave in our newly found freedom, so we wander until we get it right. Once we get it right we feel empowered and confident. We experience the Exodus time and time again. We gain new awarenesses about ourselves, our family members and companions in life, and the rules of the various landscapes we journey. Sometimes we make miscalculations and have to self-correct. Each Passover, I like to pay attention to the fact that we can and do self-correct. I am grateful for the opportunity and the wherewithal to participate. Amen. |
~~ Rabbi Hershenson's office hours are by appointment. If you would like to set up an appointment, please contact her by email at: [email protected], or by phone at 541-213-9880. |
 President's Message
From TBT President Mark Schindel
TBT Members & Friends,
I have some very personal thoughts to share. As many of you know, over the past several months, my wife has gone through a very tough journey dealing with a recurrence of breast cancer. This past month she had two surgeries. Not only has it taken its toll on Kathy physically, but the mental and emotional strain has been equally taxing. Of course, when your loved one is hurting, you are hurting. So, the outpouring of care, concern, love, and support from the congregation and community has been a most welcome blessing. For all that kindness, we are extremely grateful and wish to thank everyone.
For whatever reason, this year seems to be especially challenging with a number of difficult situations for several of our members. Yet, each time the congregation has risen to the occasion with the same care, concern, love and support that Kathy and I have experienced. It is who we are as a community. And it is something that should not be taken lightly.
Not all congregations are alike. When Kathy had her first battle with breast cancer 17 years ago, we did not experience the same warmth and support that we have received from our TBT community. At that time, we did not give it much thought, and managed to get through it as a family along with the support of close friends. Experiencing the difference when you have a whole community behind you, caring and helping, makes us realize how significant that can be. As a caring congregation, we should not take this attitude and closeness for granted. It is a rare and treasured gift that we should guard and nurture throughout our future.
So, with a deep sense of pride and gratitude for who we are and what we stand for, I extend my sincere thanks for all you do to care and support one another.
B'Shalom,
Mark Schindel
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New Tzedakah Fund Established
The generosity and caring of our TBT members and friends is apparent in our participation of Tikkun Olam - healing the world. To assist the Social Action committee in meeting the needs for all of the community projects in which we participate, the board has established a Tzedakah Fund that members can contribute to during the year and has generously funded it with $500 to start.
Having the Tzedakah Fund will provide some moneys for the Social Action committee to pursue current projects as well as future projects that are deemed of value to the community such as food for the Bethlehem Inn dinners, ingredients for the Back Door Caf� breakfast that TBT serves monthly, Havdallah with a Purpose, or for other worthy causes.
As you make your many generous donations in tribute or in honor of life events, we appreciate your consideration of making those donations to the Tzedakah Fund in support of our continued Tikkun Olam.
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Jewish Theater Presentation - April 6th at Community Sunday School
PJ Library� of Bend and Central Oregon Presents:
A JEWISH THEATRE COLLABORATIVE PRODUCTION
On Sunday, April 6th, at 10:00 a.m., the Jewish Theatre Collaborative will perform two plays at the JCCO, 21555 Modoc Lane, Bend, during the Community Sunday School
"The Trees of the Dancing Goats" by Patricia Polacco and "When Mindy Saved Hanukkah" by Eric Kimmel Sponsored by PJ Library. |
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IT'S COMING! IT'S STUPENDOUS! YOU CAN HARDLY WAIT!
It's the
Temple Beth Tikvah
Semi-Annual
POKER TOURNAMENT!
YES, YOU ASKED FOR IT! NOW, SAVE THE DATE:
Wednesday, May 21st, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Sidelines Pub, Downtown Bend
*This time, we are limited to only 45 seats. More details to follow...watch the newsletters! |
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TBT Board Notes
Next Board Meeting: Sunday, April 20th, 7:00 p.m
Location: Wesley Room, FUMC
If you would like to read the minutes of previous board meetings, you can request a copy from Board Secretary Diane Dober: [email protected]. |
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Religious Committee Happenings
Ann Rosenfield and Jill Muinch, Committee Co-Chairs
The month of March was full of activities. Paul Levinson's Bar Mitzvah was a wonderful, happy evening with friends and family celebrating the event. The following week brought another joyful
night, a Purim party gathering at the Adler's house. Thank you Bev and Jeff!
We will begin our April activities with Havdallah With a Purpose. Please join us on Saturday, April 5th, at 7:00 p.m. to hear Dick Koning, MD, FACS, and medical director of the Reach Another Foundation share an amazing story about Ethiopia at the home of Leslie Conley & Joe Jezukewicz.
On Sunday, April 6th, we will be hosting an event at the home of Rabbi Johanna Hershenson and Mark Hershenson, with Jewish food and fun for the families and kids. At that event we plan to meet with parents to get ideas of what interests them, and see if we can gear our religious events to better incorporate young families with children.
The regular Adult Education evening will be held on Tuesday, April 8th, at 7:00 p.m., at the home of JoAnn Ray & Larry Barker. The topic will be Spiritual Liberation.
Also coming up on Monday, April 14th at 6:00 p.m. will be our community Passover Seder at St. Charles Medical Center. Please reserve your seats online if you have not already done so. This year again promises to be both fun and inspirational.
The Taste of Judaism classes have been very interesting. The third and final series of classes, called The G-Word, will begin on April 21st, continuing April 28th and May 5th at St Charles Hospital event center.
Saturday, April 19th will be Munch and Torah Study at 9:00 a.m. in the Wesley Room. A Shabbat Morning Torah service will follow at 10:30 a.m.
And finally, on Sunday, April 27th will be a Yom Ha'Shoah service, time and location to be determined.
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Social Action Projects Update
Burt Litman, Committe Chair
In March some of TBT's grandparents brought their grandchildren along to help cook and serve dinner at the Bethlehem Inn. Eileen Katz and granddaughter Eliana baked brownies for the residents and helped to serve the dinner and their dessert. Paul Levinson brought part of the dinner and grandsons Nathaniel and Joseph to help serve. Completing the crew and bringing the rest of dinner were Linda and George Brant. Thanks to all for their participation in this mitzvah. The residents of the Inn are truly grateful and the lessons of tzedakah we teach our children and grandchildren are of great value to them.
Due to a change in Health Department requirements, we are now purchasing prepared foods to bring to Bethlehem Inn and our members are serving. If you would like to help, you can purchase food for the dinner or make a donation to the Tzedakah fund.
The next meal scheduled on Thursday, May 15th, will be served by the Adult B'nai Mitzvah class.
Back Door Caf�
One Wednesday each month, a group of dedicated TBT members cooks and serves breakfast at the Back Door Caf� at the Methodist Church. The appreciation of those we serve and their apparent hunger are both evident. Our guests are cheerful and upbeat; they laugh and joke with us and share stories of their lives. It is as rewarding for each of us as it is for our guests.
In March we served pancakes and scrambled eggs along with hot oatmeal, cold cereal, yogurt and more. Every one of the guests came back for at least seconds; many came back for thirds and fourths.
Thank you to the BDC crew who worked in March:
Jeff Adler, Linda and George Brant, Vivian Freeman, Jeanne Freeman and Burt Litman, Gerry Greenbach, Joe Jezukewicz, Ann and Michael Rosenfield, Kathy and Mark Schindel, Ralph Uri
We are limiting future work crews to 9 people - too many cooks - so will be rotating time off. If you'd like to participate in the future, contact Jeanne Freeman [email protected]. The April crew is set, but let us know if you'd like to be included for the future.
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Fundraising Committee Report
Jerry Greenbach, Committee Chair
The Fundraising Committee met telephonically/electronically on Thursday, March 13, 2014, at 7 PM. All members of the committee were present or excused.
The poker tournament scheduled for Wednesday, May 21st, 2014, at Sidelines Pub was approved. The discussion resulted in spreading the prizes out. Susequently, event chairman George Brant and committee chairman Jerry Greenbach agreed that the prizes will be awarded as follows. At 9:30 PM, first place (player with the most dollar amount of chips) will win a $1,000.00 gift card; 2 runners-up (the players with the second and third highest dollar amount of chips) will each win a $250.00 gift card.
Discussion of the Mystery Dinner was postponed to a future date.
The Auction scheduled for Spring 2015 was approved and will be scheduled by Harriet and Beverly. The semi-annual poker tournament that would have been scheduled for Spring 2015 will be re-scheduled, a date decided after the results of the Spring and Fall 2014 poker tournaments. Further details to be discussed at the next Fundraising Committee meeting some time in June 2014.
Rabbi Fund Status report at the next Fundraising Committee meeting.
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Passover Selections at the TBT Library
Beverly Adler, Library Coordinator
Have you checked out the Bend Jewish Library recently? We've got books on all kinds of Jewish topics - both fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. Here are a few of the Passover books that are available:
Passover
Aloian, Molly.
JUV 244
Passover is a Jewish holiday that lasts eight days and is celebrated in March or April, the exact dates change from year to year.
Celebrate! : A Book of Jewish Holidays
Gross, Judith.
JUV 347
Introduces Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simhat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu Bishva, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot.
The Elijah Door : A Passover Tale
Strauss, Linda Leopold
JUV F STR
A little help from the rabbi on Passover ends a feud between the Lippas and the Galinskys.
Rebecca and the Movies
Greene, Jacqueline Dembar.
JUV F GRE
Rebecca Rubin worries that her tenth birthday will be ruined because it falls during Passover, but her mother's cousin Max, an actor, takes her with him to a movie studio, where she makes friends with an actress and a set carpenter.
You can access the full catalog online at:
http://opac.libraryworld.com/opac/signin.php
Type in "Bend Jewish Library" to begin your search. You can search for specific titles or enter an asterisk, "*" to bring up the entire list. When you find a title you are interested in, click the request item link and complete the email form. Your email request will be received, and arrangements will be made for pickup. It's easy and there's a wealth of Jewish knowledge waiting for you!
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MAY Newsletter Deadline: April 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 [email protected] by the 24th of each month. As always, you will continue to receive "e-minders" before important events take place.
Shalom,
Sara Charney Cohen
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TBT Men's Night - Wed. April 9th
 The next TBT Men's Night will be Happy Hour on Wednesday, April 9th, 5:30 p.m., at The Row at Tetherow, located at 61240 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend, OR 97702. (541) 388-2582. All men of TBT are invited. For more info, contact Ralph Uri [email protected]. |
Taiz� Service 
Next Taiz�: Thursday, April 3rd
All TBT members are invited to Taiz� - an Evensong of Interfaith prayerful meditation, peace, and silence. Taiz� services are held the first Thursday of each month, October through May, 7:00 p.m. at St. Claire's Chapel, St. Francis Catholic Church, 2450 NE 27th St. in Bend, OR. Everyone is invited to attend and participate.
Sponsored by the Sacred Art of Living Center and the Interfaith Community of Central Oregon.
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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 High Holy Days Fund, the Music Fund including Adopt-a-Musician, the Library Fund, the Rabbi Fund, the Rabbi's Caring Fund, the new Tzedakah 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 Justin and Margaret Finestone, in memory of Pauline Finestone.
- From Bonnie Chaikind, in honor of Paul Levinson's second Bar Mitzvah.
- From Bonnie Chaikind, wishing a fast and easy recovery to Kathy Schindel.
- From Jeff and Beverly Adler, for the speedy recovery of Kathy Schindel.
- From Jeff and Beverly Adler, for the speedy recovery of Ralph Uri.
- From Shelley and Corrie Grudin, in memory of Leo Grudin.
- From Susan and Bruce Levin, in memory of Shelley Grudin's mother, Millie Fraider.
- From Kathy and Mark Schindel, in memory of Douglas Beetham.
- From Liz and Paul Levinson, wishing Kathy Schindel's return to good health.
- From Liz and Paul Levinson, wishing Ralph Uri's return to good health.
- From Liz and Paul Levinson, wishing Corrie Grudin's return to good health.
- From Liz and Paul Levinson, wishing Lauren Olander's return to good health.
- From Kathy and Mark Schindel, for the continued healing of Lauren Olander.
- From Kathy and Mark Schindel, in honor of Phyllis Greenbach's "Special" birthday.
- From Kathy and Mark Schindel, in honor of Paul Levinson's "Second" Bar Mitzvah.
- From Kathy and Mark Schindel, wishing continued healing to Terry Reynolds.
- From Kathy and Mark Schindel, wishing continued healing to Ralph Uri.
- From Kathy and Mark Schindel, wishing a return to good health to Corrie Grudin.
- From Kathy and Mark Schindel, in memory of Shelley Grudin's mother, Millie.
- From Kathy and Mark Schindel, in appreciation for the support and kindness shown us during Kathy's recent surgeries and recovery.
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About Temple Beth Tikvah
Temple Beth Tikvah is a growing Jewish congregation based in Bend, Oregon. We are affilliated 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
[email protected] for more information.
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