Come be a part of our growing Reform synagogue.
All are welcome!
Temple Beth Tikvah is pleased to welcome our newest members:
Jeremy & Josie Feldman, with son Jacob
|
|
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
All Events Are In Person Unless Otherwise Noted
May 3 - 7 pm - City Council Meeting: Jewish American Month Proclamation (Zoom or In-Person)
May 7 - Board Games Club
May 9 - 7 pm Board Meeting
May 12 - 7 pm - Friday Night Shabbat Lights
May 13 - 9 am - Shabbat Learner's Minyan
May 13 - 10 am - Shabbat Torah Service
May 13 - 11:15 am - B'nai Mitzvah Family Learning
May 20 - 6 - 8 pm - Honoring Rabbi Johanna
May 21 - 12:30 PM - Vindaloo with the Jews
CHEVRUTA
"Prophetic Judaism"
Via Zoom
Thursdays 12:30 - 1:30 pm: 5/4, 5/11. 5/18, 5/25
MORAL COURAGE
A Learning and Practice Group
Via Zoom
Sundays 10:30 am - 12:00 pm: 5/7, 5/21
ON THE HORIZON
Annual Meeting - June 4
|
President's Message
Kerrie Zurovsky
|
photo l - r: Rabbi Johanna Hershenson, Samantha Winters, Kerrie Zurovsky |
If last month’s Seder showed me anything it is that we are a vibrant, fun, and caring community. With over 150 attendees, I saw a renewed energy that filled my heart and fueled my passion for TBT. I am so grateful to the Passover Committee for their hard work and organization to make that evening a success. I am in awe of Sam Winter’s beautiful voice and the melodies she brings to us in such a special way. These things brought us together in a way we haven’t been able to share for four years.
I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge our wonderful Rabbi Johanna and her leading the Seder in a manner that involved everyone, brought members onstage, and elicited creativity and laughter. We sometimes overlook the gifts that Rabbi brings us, and this is something I have been reminded of lately. It is for this reason I hope you all can attend a very special Havdalah service on May 20 to celebrate and honor Rabbi’s 10 years at Temple Beth Tikvah.
You will be receiving an email invitation to this dinner and Havdalah where our wonderful musicians and Rabbi Sam Joseph from Cincinnati will lead us in a service that honors Rabbi’s decade at TBT. I am also proud to share that your Board has created a new fund called the Rabbi Hershenson Anniversary Fund in Rabbi Johanna’s honor. This fund will support the development of, and resources for, the clergy of Temple Beth Tikvah both now and in the future, ensuring their work’s importance to our community. If you would like to read more about this Fund, you can do so here: https://bethtikvahbend.org/rabbis-anniversary-fund
In an effort to create more gratitude in my life, I count many things in my life as blessings. Being a part of our Temple Beth Tikvah family and having Rabbi Johanna as our spiritual guide rooted in Judaism are two places where I find gratitude daily. I sincerely hope to see our members on May 20, as we share a meal, a service, and our shared respect and love for our wonderful Rabbi.
Shalom,
Kerrie
|
Divrei Tikvah
From Rabbi Johanna Hershenson
Did you know that the month of May is Jewish American Heritage Month? If you did not know that we had a heritage month...join the club as I didn't know it was a thing either. President George W. Bush, on April 20, 2006, proclaimed May of that year to be the first Jewish American Heritage month. He acted in cooperation with Senator Arlen Spector, the Jewish Museum of Florida, and the South Florida Jewish community. Since then, Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden have continued the practice, each making their own proclamations.
I learned about Jewish American Heritage month, only in mid-April of this year, and only upon being invited with my rabbinic colleagues to discuss what might be included in a proclamation issued by the city of Bend at the city council meeting on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. The public is invited to attend Bend City Council meetings and they are aired on our local TV station. Tune in, this month. Let's accept the proclamation and be proud it is indeed a thing.
President Joseph R. Biden's proclamation from 2022 is a wonderful read as it reminds listeners (and readers) that Jewish history in America is as old as Western history in America. In 1654, 23 Sephardic Jewish refugees sailed into the port of present-day New York City. Despite facing resistance from the colony's leaders, these Jews secured the right to remain in New Amsterdam and became the first Jewish communal presence to settle on American soil.
In a letter to the keeper of the New Orleans Touro Synagogue in 1790 after having visited, President George Washington wrote that the United States' government would "give to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance." He concluded this letter, "May the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid."
The Statue of Liberty welcomed so many of our grandparents and great grandparents, and immigrants throughout our history as a country with poetry penned by a Jewish woman, Emma Lazarus. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free."
Throughout our history Jewish Americans have served our nation in uniform, in elected office, and in our highest courts. We have made countless contributions to America's cultural, scientific, artistic, and intellectual life. We have marched, petitioned, and boarded buses to demand civil and political rights for all--from voting rights to women's rights and LGBT+ rights.
It is an honor to be recognized and acknowledged for our presence and contributions to this country in which we live and have lived for centuries. As we take note of increases in antisemitic incidents in the United States, may we also take note when our country, state, and city draw attention to us and honor us for being a part of the story of America. It is our own wisdom that instructs: It is not our duty to finish the work, and neither are we permitted to abstain from it. May our Jewish practices and our ethics continue to further our country's evolving commitment to figuring out how to blossom our democracy so all who live within our borders count, and codify the idea that diversity is a strength that makes possible glorious outcomes we've yet to imagine.
B'virkat Shalom
Rabbi's office hours are by appointment.
Click here to schedule a Zoom meeting.
Click here to schedule an in-person meeting at "Chemple" at FPC.
|
A Special Celebration of Rabbi Johanna! |
How lucky we are as a congregation to have Rabbi Johanna. Let's mark an important milestone: her first decade of service to TBT by celebrating together!
Please join us on Saturday, May 20 from 6 - 8 pm for a festive evening of music, food, and schmooze. RSVP by May 12 to kerriefayez@icloud.com.
The TBT Board has created a new fund called the Rabbi Hershenson Anniversary Fund in Rabbi Johanna’s honor. If you would like to donate to this fund, please click here.
|
Our Annual Meeting: Save the Date!
June 4, 2023
|
SAVE THE DATE!
Our Annual Meeting will be held in-person on Sunday, June 4, 2023 from 5-7pm.
Dinner will be served.
Members will have a chance to say thank you to the outgoing Board, meet their incoming Board for 2023-2024, learn about Committees and Teams, and find ways to get involved in the coming year.
All TBT members will receive invitations prior to the Annual Meeting.
|
On Holocaust Remembrance Day last month, members of TBT and JCCO gathered to watch a documentary. Dear Fredy is different in several ways from other films and books about the atrocities of the Holocaust. It honors a man who heartened other victims in Auschwitz and helped especially the children, while enduring added personal pain imposed by society because he was gay. The telling includes interviews with survivors who knew him as well as creatively presented archival photographs. Expressive illustrations greatly enhance the presentation. If you missed the community viewing, you can access Dear Fredy on Prime Video (rent or buy) and on Tubi (free, but with a few commercials).
|
Sweet Endings ... and how you can help! |
Just a friendly reminder for our upcoming service and oneg May 12.
Please consider bringing a dessert to share at our upcoming oneg, if your last name begins with “A - N.” Thank you in advance for bringing your item plated with your name on the bottom. Suggestions: dried fruit, fresh fruit, mini cupcakes, cookies, cheese and crackers.
Jan also (literally) does all the "heavy lifting" by keeping our cupboards well stocked as well as setting and cleaning up for our service rituals and onegs. If you can arrive early or stay late, your help before and after is always appreciated.
Please don’t hesitate to email Jan with questions.
|
Chevruta: Weekly Torah Study through the Lens of Prophetic Judaism
Prophetic Judaism: Exploring the weekly Torah portion together through a social justice (ethics, gender, sustainability) lens.
Thursdays 12:30 - 1:30 pm: 5/4, 5/11. 5/18, 5/25
Come, let's study together!
|
TBT Board Notes
Next Board Meeting: May 9, 7 pm
All board meetings are being held in person. Contact Kerrie Zurovsky if you want to attend. Kerriefayez@icloud.com
If you would like to read minutes of previous board meetings, you can request a copy from Board Secretary, Lester Dober at les36dob@gmail.com
|
Social Action Update
Jeanne Freeman
|
Ready to get in on TBT’s social action program and help Family Kitchen to prepare and serve a small portion of the 3,000 meals they serve weekly? If you’ve wanted to help, but you’re not an early riser, this is your opportunity! We’ve split the shifts at Family Kitchen and it works exceptionally well.
The first shift works from 8:30-11:00 am making sandwiches, salads, and coffee and preparing the condiments and dessert table.
The second shift works from 10:15 am-1:00 pm and makes the to-go boxes, serves meals from the kitchen, serves desserts, and stays for cleanup.
We need a minimum of 6 people for each shift. Our next scheduled shift is Wednesday May 10th.
If you’re available for May 10 – or interested in being on the monthly “call for volunteers” email – and would like to join the crew, email jgfree925@gmail.com.
|
TBT has a Bikur Cholim committee or “The Care and Feeding of our Jewish Community.”
Historically, committee members have organized Meal Trains for those recovering from illness or surgery or following the birth of a new baby. Meals have been delivered to Hospice House for families with loved ones in Hospice care. Rides to medical appointments and physical therapy have been provided.
The committee has added some new members and reorganized to help our growing TBT community. If you, or someone you know, need help following surgery or due to an illness, please contact Suzanne Schlosberg, schlos1@gmail.com, Evie Lerner, evielerner60@gmail.com, or Ari Halpern, aridhalpern@yahoo.com. An email will be sent to TBT members requesting meals, transportation or visits based on individual needs.
Linda Brant, lindybrant@aol.com is in charge of needs for a single day such as a ride to a medical test or appointment. She is in the process of establishing a list of volunteers willing to help out. If interested in helping, please reach out to Linda.
Micah Slate, micahaslate@gmail.com is our first teen member of the committee. If you have a teen who would be interested in helping Micah, please let him know.
And, please, if you need assistance from our community, do not hesitate to ask.
|
Antisemitism isn't new, but the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism has created a new icon to represent the fight to end it: a blue square along with the hashtag #StandUptoJewishHate
|
Learn a new game or play an old favorite! Join us occasionally or every month.
The member games club meets monthly on Sunday afternoons at a private home. This month's date is May 7.
|
Curry and Conversation: Vindaloo with the Jews |
Eat, Schmooze, eat some more.
There is a buffet or you can order off the menu.
Third Sunday of the month at 12:30 at Taj Palace (south end of Bend)
No reservations needed - just show up on May 21.
|
Congregant Voices in the News |
Please read these companion pieces authored by congregant Jana Zvibleman in The Source with a follow-up response by Rabbi Johanna.
Never Forget Again
Courage and Memory Are Still Necessary
We gathered to watch a movie, share treats, socialize. Not earth-shaking.
Yet it was.
“We” were members of our local Jewish temple. Our Rabbi was host, plus the audio-visual setter-upper.
Why call this simple event “earth shaking”? Maybe earth-calming is a more appropriate term. Or affirming. Or, radical.
I hope history does not record it as a significant date. It had been declared somewhere on social media a “Day of Hate.” “Against Jews.” “Non-violent.” The Jewish Federation of Portland got wind of that and put out a heads-up.
Much to unpack there. Social media — amazing tool to keep in touch, share news, learn about others, celebrate life / An efficient means to broadcast poison.
“Declared.” By whom, really? A teenager in their parent's basement, furious at life and their math test? Self-declared skinheads drinking and spouting off? A future mass shooter? A past president of the US? Who knows.
“Day of Hate.” Typo? Was it supposed to say “Hats”? Nope. Hate. Might all hate begin with fear? Disappointment in oneself? PTSD, abusive childhood, chemical imbalance?
“Against Jews.” Not in the 1940s. Not thousands of years ago. Not somewhere else.
“Jews.” Only those Jews who spend Friday evenings in prayer? Only those who fled from Hitler? “Jews.” You, and/or your next-door neighbor? And/or your dental hygienist. Me. Our mixed-heritage grandchildren. My Episcopalian friend who found out through Ancestry.com she’s guess what?
“Non-violent”? Isn’t the word hate itself a violence? Isn’t a declaration against any people a violence? Haven’t we learned that one lie, a vicious post, an incendiary whisper, are violent? That they can spark a mob, a riot, mass murder?
That they create seeds of suspicion, fear, that spread, sprout, crack us apart?
“Let’s have a calm, sweet little Second Amendment suggestion that so-and-so people are The Enemy.”
No such thing.
So, on the afternoon of a regular Saturday in our town, our antennae were raised. Phone calls and emails. “Rabbi, you’re calling off our event, right?” “I’m certainly not going out.” “Stay safe at home — lousy weather anyway.” “Let’s each watch the movie on our own.”
And, “Will we have a hired guard outside the door, like at the Holidays last year?”
Also, “Now I want us to get together.” “Don’t share the post — don’t fuel it.” “I’m coming for sure; I’m calling others.” And, “What? I haven’t been on my computer, heard nothing.” “Is that today? I thought tomorrow. Today’s probably okay.”
Some of us went ahead and drove to the church, parked our cars, looked around the dark. Greeted each other with longer than usual hugs.
Inside, we locked the outer door. Arranged chairs, set out vanilla pound cake, Turkish Delights, rugelach, soda, water.
“Let’s first talk about, you know, please.” We shared what some remembered from the “mass shooter safety training” we took together last year, led by a policeman and a trainer from a congregation in another city: That door where we came in is good. It opens from inside. There, and there, are other exits. Looks like the only thing to hide behind in this room is that big cabinet. Remember “playing dead” doesn’t work. Let’s note who’s here. What could we grab as weapons for defense?
Someone said upstairs another group, Mennonites?, was also having an activity so would account for some sounds. We reminded ourselves to turn off phones during the movie — but keep them close.
In Search of Memory, a documentary, was fascinating. Neuroscientist Eric Kandel won the Nobel Prize for discoveries about how our brains’ changing structure creates and stores memory. For those of us concerned about memory loss in aging, it was especially relevant.
Kandel is Jewish. He has a direct relation to the Holocaust, noting the slogan “Never Again,” linked to “Never Forget.” Approaching age eighty, he with his family visited his childhood home, Vienna. The growing terrorism there had forced him to become a refugee.
Though riveted to the screen, I regularly glanced around, and toward the dark hallway. I couldn’t forget.
Afterwards, we enjoyed more noshing. We faced each other, discussing. “He’s always been one of my heroes,” “Never heard of him. Wow!” “We’ve gone to Austria.”
And, “I wonder whether anything, uh, happened tonight.”
I drove home through a quiet town. Proud of our courage. Thankful the world seemed not shaken, in the horrible sense. We were safe. At least here. At least now.
-- Jana Zvibleman
—
a shortened version of the above was published in The Source Weekly, April 6, 2023
The next week, The Source Weekly published our Rabbi's comment:
E: Can't Forget: Guest Opinion, 4/6
I must say I was very happy and moved to see the guest opinion piece last week entitled: Can't forget: Courage still necessary. Ms. Zvibleman captured the complex and textured experience of gathering as Jews that evening. I was the organizer of that Saturday's Jewish movie night in Temple Beth Tikvah, months before the social media frenzy about a so-called Day of Hate targeting Jewish communities went viral. Throughout that Sabbath day, I personally received numerous phone calls from congregants asking if we should cancel the gathering or hire a security guard. I insisted that we not accept the gift of fear mongering and proceed with our movie night. And, we did. I also heard from clergy colleagues here in town to express their concern about rising antisemitism in our country and to make sure I, and our congregation, felt safe. Some of my clergy colleagues have even delivered sermons in their churches speaking to the ugliness of antisemitism. The only antidote to hate, is love.
— Rabbi Johanna M Hershenson, Temple Beth Tikvah in Bend, Oregon
|
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 Sharon Maier-Kennelly
sharon_maier@yahoo.com for the following month's publication. As always, you will continue to receive "e-minders" before important events take place.
|
Taizé Service
Next Taizé: May 4
|
The Taizé Choir of Central Oregon invites you to participate in an hour of meditative non-denominational Taize music, prayer, and silence at their monthly ecumenical service, 7 pm, Thursday, May 4, at Trinity Episcopal Church (St. Helens Hall), 231 NW Idaho, Bend. The theme for this service is 'Praying for the Planet’.
You are welcome to participate in or listen to our rehearsal starting at 6:15.
This is the last service for the 22/23 season.They will restart in the fall.
|
Temple Beth Tikvah gratefully acknowledges the following contributions:
- From Jerry & Phyllis Greenbach, in Memory of Arthur Greenbach (Yahrzeit).
- From Jeanne Freeman & Burt Litman, in Memory of Rose Freeman (Yahrzeit).
- From Kathy & Mark Schindel, in Memory of Doug Beetham (Yahrzeit).
Donations listed above were made to the Temple's general fund unless otherwise specified.
You may honor the lives and achievements of friends and relatives via a tribute with a donation to TBT. You can do this online by clicking here, 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:
- General Fund
- Gary Reynolds Memorial Fund
- Youth Education Fund
- Music Fund
- Special Projects Fund
- TBT's Goodwill Fund
- Social Action/Tzedakah Fund
- or the Corrie Grudin Memorial Fund
|
|
Temple Beth Tikvah
P.O Box 7472
Bend, OR 97708
541-388-8826
|
Your secure online donation to
Temple Beth Tikvah
is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your generosity.
|
Celebrations in May honor the following:
Birthdays:
May 2
- Lorraine Schechter
- Suzanne Schlosberg
May 4
- Kim Casinelli
- Jacob Feldman
May 7
- Alia Boettcher
- Ed Connelley
May 8
- Burton Litman
- Michelle Mahony
May 9
May 10
May 11
May 14
- Abigail (Abby) Arathoon
- Steve Dimond
May 16
- Gerald Greenbach
- Jayda Wikler
May 17
May 18
- Chris Arathoon
- Zac Zlatkus
May 18
May 20
May 21
May 23
May 25
- Edward Boettcher
- Diane Warren
May 26
May 28
May 30
- Iris Boettcher
- Zack Charney Cohen
May 31
Anniversaries:
May 11
May 17
May 22
- Arielle Metz & Martin Meinig
May 26
May 31
- Gerald & Phyllis Greenbach
Milestones:
- Rabbi Johanna Hershenson's 10 Years of Service!
|
President:
Kerrie Zurovsky
Vice President
Cere Fingerhut
Secretary:
Lester Dober
Treasurer:
Mark Schindel
Members-at-Large:
Michelle Mahony
Paul Spencer
Richard Lazarus
|
Budget & Finance
Mark Schindel
Program Oversight
Kathy Schindel
|
Adult Learning
Mel Siegel
Bikur Cholim
Linda Brant
Ari Halpern
Evie Lerner
Suzanne Schlosberg
Micah Slate
Calendar Keeper
Kathy Schindel
Communications & Public Relations
Kathy Schindel
Games Club
Evie Lerner
Suzanne Schlosberg
Member Engagement
Linda Brant
Terry Reynolds
Suzanne Schlosberg
Perla Taylor
Moral Courage
Lauralei Garrity
Music
Julie Geveshausen
Newsletter
Sharon Maier-Kennelly
Onegs
Jan Freeman-Bauer
Social Action
Jeanne Freeman
Venue Logistics
Mark Schindel
Webmaster
Jeanne Freeman
Jewish Community Religious School of Central Oregon
School Director and Youth Group Leader
Noah Chemtov
|
Your secure online donation to
Temple Beth Tikvah
is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your generosity.
|
|
About Temple Beth Tikvah
For Jewish families, retirees and singles at every level of faith in Central Oregon, Temple Beth Tikvah provides a comforting embrace for the soul of your DNA. We are a dynamic Reform Jewish congregation with friendly, giving, active people drawn to Bend and Central Oregon because of the active lifestyle we find here.
We come together in different ways, inspired and informed by our common thread of Jewishness. Whether you were born Jewish, love someone who is Jewish or choose to be Jewish. Practice Judaism a little, a lot or not at all. TBT can serve as the heart of your vibrant, connected life.
We can be your primary source of friendship, purpose, spiritual and intellectual pursuit. Or a side note adding flavor and dimension how and when you want. Whichever you choose, TBT offers an inclusive, communal foundation on which to build your relationships, experiences and practice. From social activities to social action, worship to study, participation to leadership. It's your choice, in this community of yours.
|
|
|
|
PO Box 7472
Bend, OR 97708
(541) 388-8826
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
