President's Message 

Cere Fingerhut

I am aware that hate is not a Jewish value. Yet, I don’t know how else to describe my feelings toward what is happening in our world right now related to antisemitism, the war in Israel, and how scary it feels to be Jewish right now. While I was thankful to read the clear messages of support from the Bend-La Pine Superintendent and the Head of Seven Peaks School, I am terrified about what my and my friends’ Jewish babies will endure if there isn’t a massive shift. 

I also find myself encountering the phrases “now more than ever” and “if not now, when” a lot in my mind. I don’t really believe in the concept that a single moment in time is necessarily more important than another. It’s like getting mad when a kicker on an American football team misses a field goal that would have won the game. I always think, shouldn’t we also discuss why the kick-off receiver didn’t work harder to run the ball down the field for a touchdown? Arguably, one is more difficult than the other. And yet. 

And yet, there are times where we simply need one another more. Right now is certainly one of those times. Alongside the global issues facing our Jewish community, our lives continue. The asynchronicity of this experience is often jarring. I’m aware that, by now, you will have received a letter from the board outlining a new approach to supporting Temple Beth Tikvah financially. We, as a board, made a decision months ago to reach out related to financial matters after the High Holy Days—to be focused on the health and growth of our local community now, while there is so much suffering is jarring. And yet. 

And yet, we have reached out, reminding you that each year each of us in the community is asked to make an intentional and thoughtful choice about contributing to Temple Beth Tikvah financially. Temple Beth Tikvah isn’t an institution. It’s where we connect. It’s an exceptional Rabbi. It’s Shabbat and Holiday Services. It’s Social and Cultural Events. It’s Adult Education and Children’s Events. It’s engaging in Tikkun Olam. It’s ensuring we have spaces where we can come together—safely. It’s ensuring that many in our congregation are actively engaged—so that no one person is left to organize or lead alone. And yet. 

And yet, we want to ensure that anyone who shares our values, who wants to connect in our community, who seeks to be a part of a Reform Jewish community is able to. I want to acknowledge that many of you already have shared with us your recommitment. To all of you, I am asking you to read our message fully and carefully. I am asking you to reach out to me as president (cere@bethtikvahbend.org) or Michelle Mahony (michelle@bethtikvahbend.org), your treasurer, with any questions you have about your commitment. I am asking you to consider the criticality of this moment as well as the importance of all the other moments we share throughout each month, each year, each decade, each life.    

L'shalom,

Cere

How to Stand with Israel

There are many articles appearing on how you can show your support for Israel and how you can stay safe. Here are some resources for you:

The worldwide Reform Movement is standing in solidarity with the people and State of Israel. We pray for an end to the war, healing for those injured, and the safe return of all those taken captive by Hamas.  Click here for some ways you can take action. 

Resources for the broader Oregon community, centralized out of Portland are available via the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland.

If you are experiencing antisemitism due to the war in Israel, fill out this incident report with the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland.

Watch a video by actor Mayim Bialik about being Jewish right now.

For those who wish to participate in understanding and sharing thoughts in a private, respectful, nondenominational forum TBT members Mel Seigel and David Coutin wish to inform our congregants of the existence of a Facebook group called The Haverah established 4 years ago. It is administered by David and Mel who offer this description: The community is primarily located here in Central Oregon, but includes friends and family outside. One of our goals is to seek common ground and how we can guide our legislators on decisions on anti-semitism, terrorism, and peace. Please send friend requests to David or Mel so that you can be invited to this group.  

There are several other organizations that are offering resources, community prayers, information sessions, etc. including The Antidefamation League, My Jewish Learning.  

Please join the Temple Beth Tikvah Facebook Group to ensure you get real-time updates of other resources available to our community.

Intro to ORA

Northwest Jewish Artists

Lou Jaffe (a member of the TBT community), would like to introduce ORA to the TBT congregation. Lou serves as the president of ORA - Northwest Jewish Artists. ORA is an artist collective of about 60 Jewish artists primarily in the Greater Portland area and Willamette Valley. In Hebrew, ORA means “light” or “warmth”. ORA is a collective of Jewish artists who share a love of art and creativity… and is a home where Jewish artists find support, community, and inspiration. ORA sponsors art exhibitions, art sales, and educational opportunities primarily in the greater Portland area in support of our artists. If you would like to learn more about ORA, please visit their website at https://www.northwestjewishartists.org

Join us at the Family Kitchen

You are invited to give back to Central Oregon

If you’re looking for ways to become more involved in TBT and meet new people, then join us at Family Kitchen. On the second Wednesday of each month, our volunteer crew prepares lunches for The Lighthouse and Stepping Stone shelters and serves those who come to Family Kitchen. 

We are in need of more participants for our Wednesday, November 8th and December 13th Family Kitchen services. There are openings for both first and second shifts.



It’s a labor of love that provides great benefit to the population in greatest need in Central Oregon. If you’re interested in joining the crew, send an email to Jeanne Freeman at jgfree925@gmail.com and she’ll get you started.

Thank you to Market of Choice for providing our monthly challahs!

Young Family Shabbat -

Join the Fun Nov 11!

Join the family fun: sing, dance, and celebrate Shabbat with Kim Schneiderman leading our first Tot Shabbat in Bend!

This free program is geared for families with children ages 0-7 (siblings welcome).

Grape juice, challah, playtime, and schmoozing will follow this fun, musical service.

Location will be provided upon RSVP.

TBT Board Notes

Next Board Meeting: November 17, 9 am

All board meetings are being held in person. Contact Cere Fingerhut if you want to attend. cere@bethtikvahbend.org

Your TBT Board meets monthly and members are invited to attend. Dates and times of Board meetings are on the TBT calendar at: https://bethtikvahbend.org/calendar/

If you would like to read minutes of previous board meetings, you can request a copy from Board Secretary, Kathy Schindel at kathy@bethtikvahbend.org

Social Action Update

Donna at Family Kitchen, is collecting leashes, collars, and jackets for dogs. They have plenty of dog food but can always use new or in-good-shape used leashes, collars, and jackets to help those in need with their dogs. Anyone with donations can contact Perla: taylorperla@yahoo.com or Linda Brant:  lindybrant@gmail.com. 

Games Club - December 3

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

Join us for a fun way to exercise your brain and get to know TBT members. Newcomers are welcome.

Invitations will be sent to everyone on the Game Club email list. If you are new to TBT or have not yet joined the email list, please email Suzanne Schlosberg at schlos1@gmail.com.

Ladies Lunch

The Ladies Lunch will be on November 15. Watch the Weekly Happenings for location and time.

High Holy Days Tzedakah Drive

Thank you to all who so generously contributed to our High Holy Days Tzedakah Drive.

We are excited to donate more than $1500 on your behalf to Family Kitchen and to have raised nearly $600 for Temple Beth Tikvah.

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 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: November 2

Temple Beth Tikvah gratefully acknowledges the following contributions:

• From Terry Reynolds, in memory of Dina Lewinter
• From Emma Ronai-Duming, in memory of Peter Ronai
• From Cathy Wynschenk, in memory of Claire Brody
• From Leslie Conley, in memory of Oliver Gold
• From Chuck Shattuck, in memory of Sandra Shattuck
• From Mark & Kathy Schindel, in memory of Leon Schindel
• From Marti Fields Johnson, in memory of Jerry Fields
• From Phyllis Greenbach, in memory of Goldie Gurvitz
• From Jeffrey German, in memory of David German
• From Larry Barker, in memory of JoAnn Ray
• From Rachel Koch, in memory of Judy Sommer
• From Florence Beier, in memory of Bertha Ilfeld
• From Diane Dober, in memory of Ida Livstone
• From Ruth Stephenson, in memory of Hilda Steiman
• From Pati & Danny Boyd, in memory of Dara Boyd
• From Gary Held, in memory of Mildred Held
• From Larry Barker, in memory of Sarah Weldman

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
• Rabbi Hershenson Anniversary Fund
• Gary Reynolds Memorial Fund
• Youth Education Fund
• Music Fund   
• Special Projects Fund
• TBT's Goodwill Fund
• Social Action/Tzedakah Fund
• The Corrie Grudin Memorial Fund