הקשר HaKesher
TBT's Newsletter: The Connection
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Come be a part of our growing Reform synagogue.
All are welcome!
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EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
All Events via Zoom Unless Otherwise Noted
November 4 - 7:00 pm - Discussion of the Movie Upheaval (see Community News)
November 5 - 6:00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat service
November 6 - 9:00 am - Learner's Minyan
November 6 - 7:00 pm - Havdallah with a Movie
November 8 - 11:00 am - Board Meeting
November 19 - 4:00 pm - Rhythms in Jewish Living (in person)
November 19 - Friday Night Shabbat Lights (in person):
5:30 pm - Music by TBT Members
6:00 pm - Proneg (an Oneg before Shabbat)
6:15 pm - D'var Torah
6:45 pm - Meaningful Conversations
November 28 - Chabad Annual Chanukah Lighting Ceremony (in person)
CHEVRUTA
"The Chasidic Masters"
Via Zoom
Sundays 9:00 am - 10:15 am - 11/14, 11/21, 11/28
(no meeting 11/7)
MORAL COURAGE
A Learning and Practice Group
Via Zoom
Sundays 10:30 am - 12:00 noon - 11/14, 11/28
JEWISH WELLNESS INITIATIVE
Fridays 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm - 11/12, 11/19, 11/26 (no meeting 11/5)
ON THE HORIZON
December 3 - TBT's Chanukah Treasure Hunt (in person)
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President's Message
Kerrie Zurovsky
I want to wish everyone in TBT a wonderful November - a very happy Thanksgiving and also (I can’t believe we’re starting in November this year) a wonderful Chanukah! I find myself very grateful this year for a multitude of blessings - a Covid vaccine and better treatments that have allowed many people to resume in-person activities, including sending my own young daughters back to school this year (hallelujah!), safe and cautious travel plans, spending more time with friends enjoying outdoor dinners and camping trips, in-person religious school for our members’ children, and the possibility of resuming some in-person gatherings for TBT events and services when First Presbyterian Church reopens its doors at the end of November.
While my mind remains cautious, my heart is excited to know that we may be able to see each other once again at the church. I have enjoyed both Tashlich in September and an informal outdoor gathering of new members in October, and these opportunities for connection were emotional and fulfilling. Our hearts are longing to be together again, and while we all know things can change on a dime and we must put our community’s safety first, the prospect of gathering together is really fun to think about! For those who are ready to join in-person, we are grateful for the church’s plans to reopen. For those who remain anxious or apprehensive, please know that your concerns are certainly valid and heard, and we will move forward with caution and safety in mind, as well as embrace an inclusive community where everyone is able to feel connected.
As the busy-ness of the holidays approaches, I want everyone to know how much I personally value my place within this community and the support and friendship of this congregation. I hope each of you enjoys a Thanksgiving holiday that highlights both gratitude and joy, and I hope every one of our members begins Chanukah with light and laughter.
Shalom,
Kerrie
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Divrei Tikvah
From Rabbi Johanna Hershenson
Already the days are noticeably shorter! And, this Jewish year, 5782, Chanukah comes before November gives way to December! Where does the time go? During the summer we began dipping our toes into the life we remember in which gathering and going out together helped us connect to one another. Seemingly and suddenly the Delta variant scared us back into our resigned pandemic restricted activities. We celebrated the High Holy Days virtually with a couple outdoor meet ups to keep the extroverts among us sane.
As November takes hold, I share great news for Temple Beth Tikvah. I walked through the halls of First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Steven Koski recently and we identified a space for Temple Beth Tikvah to call home day in and day out. I am moving out of my downtown office and into an office/classroom/meeting space in the church, a space big enough for our adult learning classes and board and committee meetings. It is a room we can decorate with our own art and banners; keep a bulletin board with our own upcoming events.
As this is our B’nai Mitzvah year in Temple Beth Tikvah, I am eager to guide us into institutional adolescence with wisdom and conviction. You may or may not be aware of the fact that I voluntarily seek supervision twice a month from a mental health clinician with decades of experience as an interim pastor who worked with churches in moments of transition and change. In supervision we discuss culture and leadership in Temple Beth Tikvah. We explore opportunities for deepening the connections among our members and between our members and our temple.
I won’t lie. Between vacillating restrictions on gathering and social exhaustion caused by permeating divisiveness among Americans, I am struggling to hold on to my optimism for what we can accomplish this year. We are all sick of Zoom and yet, grateful at least that we can look on each other’s faces and hold a conversation every so often. There’s a push-pull feeling when we do gather, even outside. Some of us are more comfortable than others…for good reason.
First Presbyterian Church is planning to reopen its building during this month of November, and we are planning to gather for a Friday Night Shabbat Lights later in the month. We will have to mask and we will not have the kind of oneg we enjoy so that we do not force ourselves into the mask on mask off choreography that still feels awkward.
I invite us all to think about how we might actively lean into bringing our congregation back to life as public health guidance permits. Carl Jung taught: We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate; it oppresses. I invite us to find the strength and will to push past the many complaints with which we have burdened our minds over the course of the past year and a half to two years. I invite us to let go of our wish that everything will go back to normal and instead imagine a new normal, a new way of being and being together.
November ends with the American Thanksgiving. May we put in the practice of noticing what is good in our lives and in our community so that come the end of the month, we feel gratitude and appreciation. Our liberation comes not in kvetching, but in nurturing the capacity to see the good alongside the bad, the opportunities sprinkled among the challenges.
B'virkat Shalom
Rabbi's office hours are by appointment.
Click here to schedule a Zoom meeting.
Click here to schedule an in-person office meeting (115 NW Oregon Ave, Suite 26 - on second floor, stairs only)
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Saturday, November 6
7:00 pm
Zoom
Join Mel Siegel for a virtual Havdallah watch party. We’ll screen a film titled, “Shalom Bollywood: The Untold Story of Indian Cinema”, a documentary revealing the unlikely story of the 2000 year old Indian Jewish community and its formative place in shaping the world’s largest film industry.
See the weekly Happenings for the Zoom information.
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2021 Chanukah Celebrations |
Chanukah is on the horizon and the Jewish community here in Central Oregon will be offering multiple chances to celebrate together!
Chabad’s Annual Chanukiah Lighting Ceremony
Sunday, November 28
Chabad traditionally invites all of us to join them for the lighting of their Chanukiah on the first night of Chanukah. Expect candles, community, and maybe even some candy.
Keep an eye on the Happenings for more information.
TBT’s Chanukah Treasure Hunt
Friday, December 3
5:30 pm
During First Friday in Downtown Bend, Rabbi Johanna Hershenson is organizing a Chanukah treasure hunt for all ages to enjoy. For the eight days of Chanukah, Rabbi Johanna will provide eight riddles to be solved. Each riddle will lead to a location where a candle will await the finder. Collect eight candles and head to the final ending spot to get the prize!
Keep an eye on the Happenings for more information.
Community Chanukah Celebration
Sunday, December 5
Afternoon
Keep an eye on the weekly Happenings for more information.
For our community’s health safety, Chanukah plans may shift, depending on COVID.
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November Shabbat Services |
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, November 5
6:00 PM
Zoom
Join Rabbi Johanna Hershenson for a brief virtual Kabbalat Shabbat service, including D’var Torah and Mourner’s Kaddish.
See the weekly Happenings for the Zoom information.
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Friday Night Shabbat Lights: Jewish Jam
Friday, November 19
5:30 PM
In-person, indoors
Join Rabbi Johanna Hershenson for a Jewish Jam Friday Night Shabbat Lights service. Whether you’re a life-long musician or a first-time novice, bring an acoustic instrument of your choice and we’ll play music together from 5:30 - 6:00 pm. All ages welcome!
Following the jam session, our Friday Night Shabbat service will continue as usual.
6:00 PM: Proneg
6:15 PM: D’var Torah
6:45 PM: Meaningful Conversations
Feel free to drop in and out as your schedule permits. Everyone must wear a mask, as this is an in-person event.
See the weekly Happenings for location details.
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Chevruta: Weekly Torah Study Through the Lens of Musar Masters |
Sundays at 9:00 - 10:15 am
July 11 - Summer of 2022
Zoom
What is a Chevruta? Chevruta (pronounced chev-roo-ta) is a group of adults committed to lifelong Jewish learning together, where camaraderie and friendships are cultivated through discourse. A fitting name for TBT’s adult education group!
Each week, we explore the Torah portion through the lens of the Musar Masters. Musar is best described as a character development practice. Its rabbis taught that the ethics we derive from our sacred stories and legal codes call us to behave differently in the world and in relationship with others.
Come, let's study together!
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Moral Courage: A Learning and Practice Group |
Sundays, twice a month
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Zoom
The Moral Courage: A Learning & Practice Group offers a brave space for TBT members to engage with one another on some pretty challenging topics. As a course, a study group, and a support group all in one, the Moral Courage: A Learning & Practice Group explores race, gender, ethnicity, identity, and beyond from the perspective of Jewish wisdom and teaching.
Since our first meeting in November, 2020, we’ve explored topics like the history of racism, anti-Blackness, color blindness vs anti-racism, gender, sexuality, pronouns, ageism, cultural appropriation, the houseless crisis in America, and Critical Race Theory. Our curriculum evolves and shifts as members express interest in new topics that become relevant in current events. What would you like to learn about?
The Moral Courage Group will be meeting next on Sunday, November 14 & 28. Facilitators Rabbi Johanna Hershenson and Lauralei Garrity welcome TBT members of all ages and backgrounds to join the on-going conversation.
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More Adult Learning Offerings at TBT |
Rabbi Johanna Hershenson is offering several adult learning opportunities to deepen our knowledge of Jewish ceremony & ritual as well as our sense of community together.
For 2021-2022, we encourage everyone to participate in the Jewish Wellness Initiative, TBT’s own Learner’s Minyan, and a course titled “Rhythms in Jewish Living”.
See the weekly Happenings for more details.
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Jewish Wellness Initiative
Every Friday
Next meeting: Friday, November 12
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Zoom
We feel better in life when we feel understood. Many of us in Temple Beth Tikvah share personal and familial challenges, but we tend to navigate them alone. How do we in Temple Beth Tikvah discover one another through our shared concerns or worries? What would it feel like if we had an opportunity to hear each other’s stories? Could we find friends we didn’t know were right in our midst? Could we acquire insight and ideas that help us get a new perspective?
For the month of November, we will be exploring the topic, “Existential Angst: When the World’s Problems Seem Big”. For monthly themes throughout the year, please click here.
Please sign up to receive the Zoom information.
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Learner’s Minyan
One Saturday a month
Next meeting: Saturday, November 6
9:00 am- 11:30 am
Our Learner’s Minyan is dedicated to encouraging our members to better understand how our services work, how to help lead a service, and how to read from the Torah.
Class is from 9:00 - 9:45 am, followed by a service and discussion about the weekly Torah reading from 10:00 - 11:30 am.
In November, we will explore P’sukei d’zimra: Setting the Mood for the Service, as well as Toldot: the Birth of Jacob and Esau.
If you would like to peruse monthly topics, click here.
Please sign up for location details.
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Rhythms in Jewish Living
One Friday a month
Next meeting: Friday, November 19
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Are you interested in exploring the rhythms of the Jewish calendar? Join Rabbi Johanna Hershenson one Friday a month to learn more about Jewish holidays, synagogue and home rituals, as well as life cycle milestones.
Our November class will explore Chanukah, Acculturation, and Continuity and, of course, that means we’ll be cooking latkes!
For a list of monthly topics and activities, please click here.
Please sign up for location details.
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TBT Board Notes
Next Board Meeting: November 8, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Due to COVID-19, all board meetings are being held via Zoom. If you would like to attend, contact Lauralei Garrity at lauralei.garrity@gmail.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
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Social Action Update
Secret Santa
Beverly Adler
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Please help Assistance League of Bend with their Secret Santa Program
There are hundreds of senior citizens in nursing homes in Deschutes County who need our help again this year.
It is very easy to help 1 or 2 seniors in need this holiday season. These people don’t have any money nor anyone to assist them.
I select people who have made simple requests to make shopping easy for our members.
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Membership Engagement
Sheila Luber, Chair
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Fingers crossed this pandemic is finally, truly relaxing its grip as we push towards winter from a beautiful fall.
Having canceled a September brunch for new members to mingle and munch, we knew we had to do something! So we decided to do nothing... but schmooze for an hour.
Yep, no frills, no food, no drinks. Just Schmooze at the River! On a chilly Sunday afternoon in October at Pioneer Park, nine new TBT members stopped by to say hello to Rabbi Johanna; our current President, Kerrie Zurovsky; and numerous Board and committee leaders. Though it wasn’t fancy, it was simply delightful and 30 member families had a grand time. We thank everyone for schmoozing like champs.
Question for all members: Do you have a special talent, skill or hobby you’d like to share? On the TBT website under Engage is a page called Special Interest Groups. You’ll find names of member volunteers who, as contacts for activities they enjoy, are happy to welcome other members to join in.
We have several members who’ve added their names for downhill skiing. Reach out to any of them to meet up at the mountain. If it suits you both, you’re on. Or they might post on the TBT private Facebook group when they’ll be there.
We would love to add someone to sponsor cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. What about a cooking class on Zoom or perhaps in person? Art appreciation or writing? How about Scrabble, Bridge, or other card or board games? This is a small group experience, perhaps even one on one and friend to friend, expressing the heart of TBT while not an official temple event.
If you have a special interest that you’d like to share on the Special Interests Group page, please email me at sheilarl@me.com.
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December Newsletter Deadline: November 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 Eileen Katz: eileentam@aol.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,
Eileen
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UPHEAVAL: The Journey of Menachem Begin |
Congregation Neveh Shalom, Israel 360 and the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland are pleased to invite you to a free online screening of the documentary, Upheaval: The Journey of Menachem Begin, to be enjoyed anytime between October 31-November 5, 2021.
Then join us for a free Zoom discussion with the film’s director, Jonathan Gruber, on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 7:00pm.
Watch the incredible life story of former Israeli Prime Minister, Menachem Begin—imprisoned by the Soviets, orphaned by the Holocaust, crowned Peacemaker by the Nobel Prize Committee--in this captivating documentary. With evocative imagery, rarely seen archival materials, and revealing interviews with those who knew him, Upheaval portrays the life and essence of this brilliant, tough, complex, loving, and proud man who never compromised when the survival of Israel and the Jewish people were at stake.
To view a trailer for the movie, go to:
Event: Discussion with the Director, Jonathan Gruber
November 4th at 7:00 PM
Movie viewing instructions will be emailed on October 31 to those registered for the discussion
For questions, contact Rachel Nelson at
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Temple Beth Tikvah gratefully acknowledges the following contributions:
- Jan Freeman-Bauer & Larry Bauer In Celebration of Bri & Tieler’s marriage
- Phyllis & Jerry Greenbach In Memory of Murray Gurvitz
- Phyllis & Jerry Greenbach In Memory of Terry’s mother, Selma Nichols
- Terry Reynolds In Loving Memory of Gary Reynolds
- Lorraine & Lawrence Schechter In Memory of Joseph Shapiro
- Kathy & Mark Schindel In Memory of Terry’s mother, Selma Nichols
- Chuck & Marilyn Shattuck In Memory of Richard Shattuck
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
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Temple Beth Tikvah
P.O Box 7472
Bend, OR 97708
541-388-8826
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Your secure online donation to
Temple Beth Tikvah
is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your generosity.
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Celebrations in November honor the following:
Birthdays:
November 2
- Steven Draheim
- Barbara Seipp
November 4
November 7
November 10
- Michael Freundlich
- Hannah Goldstein
November 12
November 13
- George Brant
- Liz Levinson
November 16
November 17
November 18
- Andrea Casey
- Heather Lazarus Molnar
November 20
November 28
November 30
Anniversaries:
November 4
November 7
November 20
- Pati & Danny Boyd
- Gene & Linnea Epstein
November 29
- Sharon Maier-Kennelly & Patrick Kennelly
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President:
Kerrie Zurovsky
Past President:
Sheila Luber
Vice President
Cere Fingerhut
Secretary:
Lester Dober
Treasurer:
Mark Schindel
Members-at-Large:
Jillian Frankl
Paul Spencer
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Budget & Finance
Chuck Shattuck
Membership
Sheila Luber
Program Oversight
Kathy Schindel
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Adult Learning
Mel Siegel
Bikur Cholim
Suzanne Schlosberg
Evie Lerner
Linda Brant
Calendar Keeper
Kathy Schindel
Chevra Kadisha
OPEN
Communications & Public Relations
Kathy Schindel
Sheila Luber
Fundraising
OPEN
Music
Julie Geveshausen
Newsletter
Eileen Katz
Onegs
Jan Freeman-Bauer
Program Coordinator
Lauralei Garrity
Religious Education
Melissa Wikler
Social Action
OPEN
Venue Logistics
Mark Schindel
Webmaster
Jeanne Freeman
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Your secure online donation to
Temple Beth Tikvah
is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your generosity.
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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.
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PO Box 7472
Bend, OR 97708
(541) 388-8826
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