Ruth Abusch-Magder, Rabbi

Barbara Rothbeind, President

Greetings,

Looking back while moving forward.

It occurred to me while preparing this newsletter that August’s communication marks the beginning of my sixth year as its editor. When I began five years ago, we had a circulation of 134. Today it is over 200, due to the steady increase in our membership.

I looked at that August 2017 newsletter. Upcoming events included the temple picnic, book club, community involvements. We welcomed new members and shared congregants’ news. Does it sound familiar?

While the format has been updated, the content of this August’s newsletter remains very much the same. But this one also looks forward. We welcome our new rabbi and plan for the 20^th Anniversary of our congregation.

I wrote that 2017 message from Albany, NY, where I was visiting my family. The Jewish Community Center was hosting the Maccabiah Games, or Jewish Olympics, and they were involved in the process of making it happen. I was impressed that the relatively small Jewish community of volunteers was able to welcome, house and organize venues for hundreds of teen athletes from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Israel. It was an example of how much can be accomplished by working together, and how Jewish values and commitment strengthen Jewish identity.

Those Jewish values are exemplified at the Sandhills Jewish Congregation. Members’ involvements on the Board, with Religious School or a myriad of other volunteer supported activities make our congregation a family. Even during Covid we were collecting for the Coalition and supporting Family Promise and The Crop Walk, all while learning how to Zoom services and plan virtual Passover Seders.

It has been exciting to chronicle the activities of the Sandhills Jewish Congregation through the monthly newsletter – to report on the congregation’s happenings and members’ life cycle events, to see it grow with projects and involvements, and I do it with pride. We start the temple's new decade with a new rabbi, new outside enhancements for the kids and adults to enjoy, and many new members. We look ahead to celebrating our

20^th Anniversary in style, and perhaps having that milestone lead us to unexpected future plans and fresh ideas.

But the underlying threads in the newsletters and in temple life are our shared values and traditions. That sense of commitment and belonging, of being part of the congregational family, that’s what keeps us viable and strong.

Looking Back while Moving Forward – new decade here we come...

Shalom,

Marcey

13agree@gmail.com

It is with great excitement that I write for the first time in our newsletter. I am so looking forward to coming to Pinehurst next month and officially beginning time with the Sandhills Jewish Congregation. In stepping into this role, I know that I have big shoes to fill. Rabbi Brickman loved this congregation and made a tremendous impact. I am looking forward to building on his strengths and leaning into my own as we grow together in creating meaningful Jewish life. Cantor Erik Contzius and I have already begun working with Rabbi Brickman to ensure that our High Holiday services continue to be as meaningful as they have always been.

As it happens, the Shabbat that I am in town is the anniversary of my becoming a bat mitzvah. The Torah portion is one that retells our history and reminds us of the importance of storytelling. I hope that you will join us both on Friday night for our monthly rabbi service and on Shabbat in the morning for Torah study. My training is as a historian and storyteller, topics at the center the Torah reading for Ekev, and I am looking forward to praying and learning together and engaging with this Torah portion. 

But if I’m honest, I’m most excited about the congregational picnic that is happening on Sunday the 21st. Because it is at the picnic that I will have a chance to really meet all of you and engage with the entire congregation. Additionally, I know that it has been a while since y’all have been able to come together for what has been an annual event, which makes this year’s picnic all the more special. Our ability to gather and reconnect is essential for making and maintaining the connections that are at the center of Jewish life. 

The Jewish month of Av, which overlaps this year with August, is one in which we celebrate the ways that community matters in Jewish life. I hope to join with all of you in community at the end of August to celebrate and strengthen our community.

Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Magder PhD.

(she/her)

Rabbi of the Sandhills Jewish Congregation

Jackson Springs, NC

I begin my second year as SJC-Beth Shalom President and our 20th Anniversary, filled with hope and optimism. Last year at this time we were still dealing with Covid outbreaks and cancellations. Even though Covid is still very much with us I believe that we have started to adapt to a new normal.

Rest assured that we will still be wearing masks indoors and we will continue to adapt to Moore County numbers.

I am so excited to welcome Rabbi Ruth to the pulpit this Friday August 19, 2022. I am hopeful that many of you will come to join us in the sanctuary. I have been told we will be having a special Oneg so please make every effort to be present. Of course, we will still be zooming as well.

Another exciting development stems from our grant award from CFJS, Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors. We will be offering free transportation to and from High Holiday Services this year. I hope that many of you will take advantage of this service so that you can be physically in the sanctuary to hear the Rabbi and Cantor Contzius and our professional musical accompanists. I am hoping for a most spiritual and uplifting High Holiday season.

As I have said many times, I could not do this job without our fantastic volunteers. Please make sure that you look at our front door when you come to the sanctuary. Andrew Greenwald and Yvonne Sovereign have done a fabulous job removing the excess hardware and painting the doors. Please thank them when you see them.

Also, I hope to see many of you at the picnic. Once again Harris Teeter and member Mitch Puritz have so generously been our sponsors.

Again, please remember to reach out to each other. I am a phone call or text away so reach out to me as well. I am always available.

Shalom,

Barbara Rothbeind

President SJC-Beth Shalom

Friday, August 19, 7:00 PM - Shabbat Services to welcome Rabbi Ruth

Join us in person and on Zoom. Oneg Shabbat to follow services hosted by

Suzy & Stan Gordon, Marcey & Fred Katzman, Trudi & Alex Porter .

Saturday, August 20, 10:00 AM - Torah Study

Torah Study will be in person at the temple.

Sunday, August 21, Noon to 4:00 PM - Annual Picnic, 7 Lakes West

-Annual family picnic includes sandwiches, chips, cookies, drinks (served 12:00 - 2:00)

-Kids (must be supervised) can enjoy swimming in the lake and the well-equipped playground area.

-Bring chairs, and towels if you are swimming. 

       click here for link to picnic flyer                            click here for directions 

Volunteers are needed to help with clean up

Sunday, August 28, 12:30 PM - Rosh Chodesh 

Group discussion on Torah commentary from a woman's perspective.  August's discussion will be led by Susan Miles. Everyone welcome. The group will meet at the temple. Please RSVP to Susan: milescks@gmail.com.   

Please note that masks are strongly recommended at all congregational functions held indoors. 

The Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors is an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of Jewish seniors in North and South Carolina. One of their aims is to support programs/projects and services that facilitate socialization. SJC-Beth Shalom applied for a grant by suggesting several programs that would benefit seniors in our congregation. Inlcuded was transportation to shabbat services, meals-on-wheels on an as needed basis, yoga for seniors, some sessions to include lunch. Our first focus is transportation and the committee is attempting to put that in place. Please reach out to Marcey Katzman, 13agree@gmail.com or president Barbara Rothbeind, barbara.rothbeing@gmail.com if you would take advantage of the service. And your feedback and suggestions would be appreciated. It is very exciting to have been awarded this money and to create new programs and activities for our future.

The book selection for Fall is "Lot Six: A Memoir"

by playwright David Adjmi.

This is a stirring memoir that examines the meaning of identity and the author's journey to find his. It is both hilarious and heartbreaking as we follow Adjmi, son of Syrian Jewish immigrants, through the challenges of living in two cultures.

Book Club will meet on Sunday, September 11 at 3:00 PM at the home of Susan and Carter Parry. Dinner will follow the discussion at a restaurant to be decided at that time.

Welcome to our New Members

We are pleased to welcome new members Julie Kampf and Andy Langfelder to our congregation. Julie and Andy met on J date sixteen years ago.  They are originally from Westchester, NY and New Jersey respectively and will share their time between Jupiter, Florida in the Winter months and Forest Creek from late Spring to early Fall.

Wedding Congratulations

George and Audrey Kessler are thrilled to announce the marriage of their grandson, Alex Grzyb to his lovely bride, Jackie Saunders. The wedding was held on August 6 at the Kent Island Manor in MD. Alex is a top-producing Insurance Agent (like his grandmother) and Jackie is an Oncology Pharmacist with John Hopkins. They reside in Ellicott City, MD.

Calling All Members

The SJC website is in need of help!  It requires some additions and upgrading.  Anyone with those skills who is available to lend a hand, please contact Amy Walters: aswalters101@gmail.com.  Thank you.

Cooking With Carol Returns to SJC Kitchen Sept. 20th

Carol Pierce is back in business! She is ready to share her skills in the kitchen. Her first recipe is honey cake, just in time for Rosh Hashanah. Mark your calendar:

Tuesday, September 20, 10:00 AM at SJC-Beth Shalom. The recipes will also be in the newsletter. And just to whet your appetite, below is a treat to try now, using local produce and perfect for this season.

Click here for recipe

We remember our loved ones during our August Shabbat Services

08/01 deLeslin Freeman

08/06 Craig Kroll**

08/06 Doris Vichnick

08/07 Barry Daskal

08/07 Mae Ducker Schleimer

08/08 Abraham Packer*

08/10 Morton Forgosh*

08/11 Hilary Harper

08/14 Ron Sutton**

08/15 Eric S. Jacoby

08/16 Natalie Saslafsky Levine

08/16 Frances Rogow*

08/16 Richard Sherer Weil

08/19 Lorraine W. Blackwell

08/21 Mary Rubinstein***

08/22 Myrtle Davis***

08/26 Barry Laidman**

08/27 Beatrice Kaskel*

08/28 Morris Laderman

08/28 Hattie Stern*

08/29 Rose Lipson

08/30 Neal Kessman

**Indicates Hebrew date

*Indicates Yahrzeit Donation

Thank you to those who made donations during the month of July

Please note that donations listed here are those that were received and processed by the end of the month listed. In order to guarantee inclusion on this list, please make sure that you send in your check by the 20th of the month.

Cards

• Mindy Fineman & Pete Sessler
• Vivian & Ernest Jacobson
• Marcey & Fred Katzman
• Audrey & George Kessler 
• Carol Pierce
• Barbara & Matthew Rothbeind

Cards, prepaid

• Mindy Fineman & Pete Sessler
• Audrey & George Kessler
• Barbara & Matthew Rothbeind

General Donations

• Michael & Cynthia Africk
• Michael & Alexa Ascher
• Sam & Melanie Blacker
• Steve & Sue Bloom
• Mindy Fineman & Pete Sessler
• Julie Kampf & Andy Langfelder
• Richard & Sharyn Korwin
• Arne & Pola Lipson
• Morton & Ronni Meltzer
• Rick & Nikki Lord
• Susan & Carter Parry
• Carol Pierce
• Kevin & Susan Price
• Paul Rogow & Carol Gemson
• Bernie & Jackie Rosenblum
• Matthew & Barbara Rothbeind
• Dev Sessler
• Sara Sutton
• Amy & Chuck Walters
• Geoffrey & Tess Weil
• Matthew & Anne Weinshel
• Michael & Nancy Weisser
• David & Eleanor Zolov
• 

Yahrzeit Donations

• Mindy Fineman & Pete Sessler, in Memory of Stan Sessler
• Marcey & Fred Katzman, in Memory of Sam Tenzer and Esther Tenzer
• Audrey & George Kessler, in Memory of Alice Kessler, Rita & Irv Haymes,       Etta Nathenson & Fannie Koblenz 
• Pola & Arne Lipson, in Memory of Rose Lipson
• Pola & Arne Lipson, in Memory of Semour Sander 
• Carol Pierce, in Memory of Semour Sander
• Carol Gemson & Paul Rogow, Annual Yahrzeit Donation
• Barbara & Matthew Rothbeind, Annual Yahrzeit Donation
• Barbara & Matthew Rothbeind, Plaque in memory of Samuel Rothbeind

Special Project Fund

• Mindy Fineman & Pete Sessler
• Kevin Price
• Anonymous

Cantorial Fund

• Audrey & George Kessler
• Susan & Kevin Price

High Holiday Fund

• Audrey & George Kessler, Cellist
• Carol Gemson & Paul Rogow, Cellist

Traditional Donation Card

There are many ways we can support our congregation and sending a special card can be one of them.  Whether it is a life-cycle event or a way to keep in touch, everyone loves to be remembered in this way. Our cards are $10.00 each, and that includes postage. Or buy a package of ten for $100.00. That way, you always have one in reserve.

Donation Card Packages

We are offering an addition to our $10.00 donation card. Packages of five cards (slightly smaller size) are now available for personal use. They sell for $25.00 for a 5 card package and members will be able to send the cards themselves. The cards are blank on the inside but the back recognizes the donation to SJC.

For more information contact

Bonnie Gillman: 910-420-2609 or bongee7@aol.com

For the protection of our members and guests, the Board has put in place the following security precautions:

-all members are asked to wear their name tags

-our doors will be locked at 7:15 so congregants are urged to arrive on time

-anyone arriving after 7:15 will have to knock until a congregant opens the door 

-when members see someone they do not recognize, reach out - to both make them feel 

 welcome and to be aware of unfamiliar faces in our building (unless a member's guest)

-Oneg hosts (one or two) are asked to be greeters, hand out prayer books, name tags

-one greeter is to remain in foyer until 7:15 when doors are locked and sit in the back

*Local Realtor Betsy Auster is affiliated with NextHome In The Pines. She has experience working with new construction, investment properties, and resales. Betsy will donate 5% of her commission from each referral or sale she receives from Temple members to SJC! Please give her a call at (609) 707-3047, or email her at betsy@nhpines.com.

NextHome In The Pines is at 105 Bradford Village Ct. , Southern Pines, NC 28387

*Companion Care Offered: Dottie Bevilacqua has over 20 years of experience and offers services for seniors including running errands and taking people to appointments.  She is available part or full time in the Pinehurst/Southern Pines area. Reach Dottie at 347-339-5167.

* Sue Deutsch has created a website that provides a single source for listings of events, happenings and activities in the area. Please visit www.ThePinesTimes.com and like The Pines Times on Facebook.  

* Members Susan and Tom Miles have relocated their company Belevation to Biscoe, NC. Manufacturers of direct to consumers support garments for expectant moms, Belevation can be accessed from its website belevation.com or Amazon, or you can like Belevation on Facebook.

* Gary Miljour is a local mortgage lender with American Financial Network in Pinehurst. If you are in need of mortgage financing to buy a home or need to discuss refinance options, please feel free to reach him at 480-251-0002(cell) or reach him online at www.garymiljour.com for a free consultation. Gary has been a mortgage lender for 15 years. (NMLS#207208)

* Marks Tax Professionals are now located at 169 Beverly Lane, Fresh Market Plaza, Southern Pines NC 28387. Phone is 910-585-6800. We have been providing a better tax experience in the Sandhills for over ten years. You worked hard to earn it, we help you keep it. Call or email for an appointment, markadel@taxgurusofpinehurst.com, or visit our website at www.taxgurusofpinehurst.com.

*Jennie Sessler is a stylist at Fantastic Sams (next to the Harris Teeter on 211). If you need a haircut stop in to see Jennie or call for an appointment: 910-420-1686

* Thyme and Place Cafe - your go to community cafe - is where you can get great food and pastries, and also cater your unique events. Leslie Philip adds extra touches that make every occasion personal and special. On-site functions are being added so please check the website or social media. Thyme and Place Cafe, an intimate meeting place with a big heart. Hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM, 155 Hall Avenue, Southern Pines. 

Board of Directors

• President: Barbara Rothbeind - barbara.rothbeind@gmail.com
• Vice President/Communications: Marcey Katzman - 13agree@gmail.com
• Secretary: Audrey Kessler - audhaykes@hotmail.com
• Treasurer: Kevin Price - pinehurstkp@gmail.com
• Immediate Past President: Bernie Rosenblum - bernie.rosenblum7@gmail.com
• President Emeritus: Lowell Simon - lsimon@nc.rr.com
• Building/Grounds: Wendel Kronis - wendelrama@aol.com
• Community Outreach: Paul Rogow - progow@outlook.com
• Education: Michelle Goetzl - mbgoetzl@gmail.com
• Membership: Amy Walters - aswalters101@gmail.com
• Religious Programs: Mindy Fineman - mfineman@nc.rr.com
• Social/Program: Bonnie Gillman - bongee7@aol.com
• Board Member at Large: Sharyn Korwin - sharynkorwin@gmail.com