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www.Temple-Sinai.org February 2008
Rabbi's Message - Rabbi Todd Thalblum mailto:Rabbi@Temple-Sinai.org
In Genesis, during the creation story, one of the
first commandments given to Adam and Eve was to tend the earth and till it, to
care for it and all the creatures in it. As our community celebrated Tu
B'Shevat last week, I couldn't help but reflect on this statement.
Our community takes a couple of hours each year to acknowledge the wonderful creations that we are privileged to encounter daily, the trees that provide food, shelter and clean air for each inhabitant of this earth. But it is the things we do for the other 8758 hours of the year that we need to change in order to fulfill the commandment to "tend the earth". There is a sense of urgency in this commandment today, much more so than in earlier generations. We are luckier than our ancestors in that we know more about how what we do impacts our earth negatively; we know what we can change to make small improvements in order to fulfill this command.
Recycle, reuse, carpool, change a few light bulbs in your home, look for non-processed food choices, environmentally friendly cleaning supplies, natural ways to maintain your current lifestyle... Really small, seemingly insignificant changes can make a big difference in the "big picture." You may find, too, that once you start, it almost becomes an inspiring challenge to see what other "small" changes you can make within your family and home that can have a big impact on the earth.
Even if you can’t afford to change all of the light bulbs in your home at the same time, you can change them out as the older ones die, replacing them with newer compact fluorescents. They pay for themselves (lasting 8-10 years, costing 30% less to run) in a short time. What could it hurt to give it a try? Do you think that "green" cleaning supplies cost too much? Try microfiber cloths and water. The cloths are reusable and water, well... what is cheaper?
We all know that we are at a critical period in our history. Slowly, the media that told us just a few years ago that global warming was merely a "theory", has finally begun to spread the message that the status quo, in terms of humanity's impact on the earth, is going to continue to create significant problems for our children and the children after them. Pollution, created by the cars we drive and the factories that make consumer products, the cleaning products we use in our homes, and the chemicals we spread on our lawns is creating an environment where toxins surround us. Our bodies are constantly under a barrage of chemical influence. Is it any wonder that asthma, allergies, and autism are on the rise? So, if you cannot do it for your self, please do it for the generations of humans who will follow you.
When our ancestors read the Torah, how did they interpret this commandment by God? Certainly as a call to work the land, but they also knew to let it rest each Sabbatical year. Even 2000 years ago, they understood that you cannot constantly strip the land of its resources without giving it a rest, allowing it to re-charge every once in a while. Where did we forget this along the way? Really, it doesn't matter... as long as we take a moment to re-remember and change our manner of embracing the incredible gifts that God has given us in this beautiful round package called Earth.
May we always realize that what we do matters. That our existence does impact the world we live in. Whether we impact this world positively or negatively is our choice. May we choose to leave this world better than we found it. To repair what we can and leave behind a healthier planet for the future.
Rabbi Search Committee – David Simon
The Search Committee is now up and running. The group was announced at the January 27th congregational meeting. Thanks to everyone who contacted me with interest. Regrettably, in order to insure a cross-section of the congregation, we could not include everyone. The committee is as follows:
Diane Adler Jackie Schicker
Robin Converse David Schwam
Emily Deakins Barb Shepard
Ron Grabois Betty Sichel
Sandy Herman David Simon
Carol Levin Frank Weber
Angie Matyukov Joyce Word
Ellen Neuwirth-Hirsch
In addition, the committee has four advisors providing expertise in the following functions: Finance (Craig Hoffman), Legal (Stu Levin), Administration (Roger Rochman) and Executive (Karen Westall).
February will be focused on initial candidate screening. Sub-committees are currently hard at work preparing scripts for the first phone interviews and logistics. Another sub-team is mapping out the arrangements for the face-to-face meetings with finalists, which will likely begin in March. Finally, we are continuing to incorporate input from congregants, including proposed interview questions supplied at the mid-year meeting as well as upcoming SinaiVision parlor meetings.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
SinaiVision – Do You Have It ??
On Sunday January 27th we formally launched a new project: “SinaiVision – Navigating Our Future”. The project is designed to understand the new and shifting priorities of our congregation, renew and invigorate our energies for the future, and ultimately create an integrated strategic plan to meet congregational needs for the next 3-5 years. The success of this work is dependent on the involvement of all members of the congregation and there will be many opportunities to contribute. A major opportunity to participate will be at upcoming parlor meetings – small meetings which will be held from mid February-mid March, designed to gather initial input from all members on strengths and priorities for the future. Please look for your invitation in the coming weeks. If you are interested in knowing more about the project or in assisting the SinaiVision Committee, please contact Emily Deakins.
President's Message – Karen Westall
In all likelihood, as you read this, twelve congregants plus the Rabbi (lucky 13!) will be in (or on our way to) Israel, including my husband, Tommy, and myself. This historic trip, the first congregational trip for Temple Sinai to Israel, promises to be memorable and inspiring for those of us who are traveling, and we hope to send home emails and pictures as we examine and experience the juxtaposition of historic and modern-day Israel. Prior to our visit, we have been having some textual study sessions to help us explore and appreciate Israel in a broader context than biblical history and religion, to understand the social, cultural, and political complexities that have helped shape Israel as it exists today.
But this trip also represents a metaphorical turning point for our congregation, as we embark on our broader exploration of what Temple Sinai could be in the future. At the congregational meeting on January 27, we talked about SinaiVision – Navigating our Future, and how the work of the committee will lead to the development of a forward agenda for the congregation. Just as the history of the Jewish people informs our current view of the world and Judaism, we have to understand where Temple Sinai has been in order to move forward, to meet a broader and more complex set of needs as our congregation matures.
We have a number of special events to come in the next couple of months. In particular, we have our major fundraising event on March 2nd. Denise Friefeld and her committee have created what promises to be a fun evening, with food and drink, Silent Auction, and lots of surprises. Please make every effort to attend and support your synagogue in our primary fundraiser for the year.
Next week in Jerusalem!
Religious School News - Rina Mesarwi/Valerie Zuckman
On February 17, 2008 the Jewish community will come together for a day of learning or Yom Limmud. The Bureau of Jewish Education is sponsoring this event, which takes place at Congregation Emanu El, 1500 Sunset Blvd. The day includes many classes for all ages, and anyone can register on line at www.houstonjewish.org/yomlimmud.asp.
Through this program, Temple Sinai
received a grant which enables us to be one of four congregations to have a
Scholar in Residence. Rabbi Geoffrey Dennis will be at Temple
on Friday February 15 & 16. He is a Rabbi at Congregation
Kol Ami in Flower Mound North Texas. He will give a sermon
on Friday the 15th as part of the service. The topic will be:
"Kabbalah: Jewish Myth, Mysticism, and Magic". On
Saturday February 16, after the service we have a study session and lunch with
Rabbi Dennis, and his topic will be "This, Too,
is Torah: The Rationale for the Practice of Medicine in
Judaism". Please come and enjoy this special event at Temple
Sinai, while welcoming Rabbi Dennis.
We are planning a large West Houston community celebration for “Israel
at 60” on May 18, 2008. More details to come.
The Education Committee and the Religious School sponsored the 7th Tu
B'Shevat celebration on January 20. With great help from many volunteers
the event was a success. We want to thank Brotherhood, Temple
members, teachers, parents, Gesher Students, Rabbi Thalblum, and the Education
Committee for all your help and enthusiasm in bringing our community
together. Thank you to the Crawford and Farber families for donating
trees to beautify the Temple
grounds. Thank you to the Berlat family for
your donation to the school. Thanks to Brotherhood for donating a round
table and to Suzanne Hunn for a beautiful tablecloth
for all to use.
The 3rd & 4th grades students and parents enjoyed learning and spending
time with Rabbi Thalblum during Breakfast with the Rabbi.
6th grade learned about the Tallit and Teffilin from Rabbi Goldstein of
Chabbad.
Grades 4-9 had an hour of learning about Jewish values from
a visiting Israeli group called Echai Ve’reai, My Brother, My Friends.
This group traveled from Israel to Houston to present this special
program.
In February:
2 Gesher Shabbaton
for 8th & 9th grade students of Temple
Sinai and other Temples.
3 Cafe Ve'Ougah
Topic: Yom Limmud 9:15-10:00 for all parents.
6 Post Confirmation
10 Mezuzah Workshop for grades Pre
K-2nd; GFC Presentation 9:45-10:30
13 Post Confirmation
15-16 Scholar In Residence
17 Yom Limmud No School
24 Breakfast with The Rabbi 2nd Grade
and Parents
27 Post Confirmation
Adult Education – Susan Berger
Adult Education is offering two new programs this
month.
February's guest speaker is Oscar Gonzalez. Oscar is a new member to
Temple Sinai
and a great asset. Besides being warm, friendly and funny he has
experienced quite a bit of life during his 25 years. On Wednesday,
February 27 from 6:45 pm - 8:00 pm Oscar
will share his experiences of "Being Jewish in the Marines".
His stories of friendships, sharing Shabbat and other holidays as well as his
responsibilities will move you to question why today's young men enter the
service.
Our other new program will take place on Sunday mornings, February 24, March
29, April 6 and April 27 from 9:00 am - 10:30 am.
Our Rebitzen, Sabrina Thalblum will guide us through
the book, “Eat, Pray, Love” by
Elizabeth Gilbert. The discussion will focus on balancing our
emotional and spiritual selves to fully engage with those around us.
Interested participants should read the first 116 pages in preparation
for the first class. This class is offered free of charge.
If there is a special program, class or speaker that you would like to see at Temple
Sinai please let me know.
We are delighted to announce that on February 15th & 16th we will be hosting a Scholar in Residence, Rabbi Geoffrey Dennis, from Congregation Kol Ami in Flower Mound, Texas . Friday evening, he will deliver a sermon on “Kabbalah, Jewish Myth, Mysticism, and Magic”. Free babysitting will be available. On Saturday the 16th, following our Saturday morning worship service at 10:30, we are hosting a luncheon and study session entitled “This, Too, is Torah: the Rationale for the Practice of Medicine in Judaism” led by Rabbi Dennis. Please, please don’t miss the opportunity to hear this inspirational speaker. Mark your calendars, circle the date and devote some time to participating in this wonderful event on February 15 & 16. Our Temple is honored to have this distinguished presenter and guest speaker. Help us extend a Temple Sinai welcome to our special guest. Please attend - you won’t be disappointed!
Sisterhood – Iris Rochman
Sisterhood had a busy month in January. Thanks to Jill Gentsch, Susan Berger, Miriam Wolod and their committee for a wonderful and informative program at our Sisterhood paid up luncheon. A special thanks to our guest speaker, Linda Barrett, who spoke about her most recent novel and the necessary writing process she uses to write and publish books.
Kudos to Susan and Irv Berger on producing another successful Murder Mystery Dinner. All in attendance had a wonderful time, even though no one was successful in figuring out “who done it”. That was a first!
This month Sisterhood will be learning about wines. Join us at Vino 100 on February 21st at 7:30 P.M. as we sample wines. The cost is $20 per person which includes appetizers and the wine tasting. Please RSVP to Nancy McIntyre by February 14th.
Sisterhood is going to the Houston Pops to enjoy Motown’s Greatest Hits. Plan on joining us on Sunday April 13th for this musical evening at the Pops. Contact Miriam Wolod for information on tickets.
Invitations
If you have a Special Simcha coming up, we have the latest books available:
Wedding Books Bar and Bat Mitzvah Books Save the Date Books
And more... just call Marla Lantz the Sisterhood Invitations Sales Representative.
Thank you to the following for helping at Temple's B'nai Mitzvah Onegs:
Avi
Ginsberg's Oneg: Betsy Hoover, Kim Miller, Erika Wheeler and Karen Greenspan
Sam Detke's Oneg: Esther Treistman
and Kim Miller
We will not meet In February, but will meet again in March on the 9th.
Senior Sisters – Estelle Weissburg
Senior Sisters will meet Wednesday, February 13th at 12:00 noon at the temple. Gladys Shavell is hostess and we'll name city, country or shtetel of our ancestors. Are we landsleit? Please call Estelle for more information.
After a brief respite for the winter holidays, the Brotherhood is now gearing up for the new year. We are already planning some exciting activities for 2008.
- In conjunction with the New Member Shabbat, we hosted our Spaghetti Dinner on January 11th. Over 85 people arrived to enjoy a delicious meal of spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread. All in attendance had more than enough to eat, and the Shabbat was begun in a delightful, fun, and friendly manner. Many kudos to all the guys that helped, but especially to our chef, Eric Riley, who will be sorely and sadly missed.
- A large, lightweight round table was recently purchased for the synagogue and the Religious School. The Brotherhood was honored to help out in this way, and hopes that the table will get much good use within the congregation.
- Members of the Brotherhood assisted the congregation on January 19th and 20th with the Setup and Breakdown for the Tu B’Shevat Seder. Both projects were completed in less than an hour, and in each case, the end product looked great. Many thanks to everyone who participated for making things go so smoothly.
- We are considering having a container built to house our congregation’s Tallit and Yarmulkas. The intent will be to erect an attractive cabinet that blends in well with the entrance to the sanctuary. Once we begin planning the structure in earnest, we will be in close contact with the Interior Committee for design considerations.
- In order to utilize some of the profits that we earned from our recent fundraiser, we unanimously agreed to assist two children from our congregation to attend Greene Family Camp this summer. Michael Burg will head up a committee to establish criteria for the awardees, and to ultimately decide who will receive the money. We plan to have the two children selected by the middle of April.
- Brotherhood's next Blood Drive is Sunday, March 2, from 8 AM to Noon.
- Wayne Dolcefino has confirmed his talk on March 2nd, and Astronaut Michael Foreman will speak on April 13th. David Gold was not able to speak at our January meeting, in view of the recent birth of his daughter, but will reschedule later this year.
- Plans are underway to host a congregational viewing of the play, "The Triangle Factory Fire" on Thursday night, February 28th. The performance will be held at Westside High School, on Briar Forest near our Temple. The play tells the story of the 146 workers who were killed in the 1911 textile factory fire of Lower East Manhattan, and of the ensuing trial, when an angered populace tried to find those responsible for the tragedy. The vast majority of the workers were young Jewish women who had recently immigrated to this country. More details will follow.
- Plans are also underway to participate in another Habitat for Humanity project during the April - May timeframe, and we are still considering a day-trip to a Louisiana casino some time in March or April. In addition, we are looking into attending an Aeros Hockey game and a Rockets Basketball game sometime in the near future.
- Since several of our key members are traveling to Israel next month, there will not be a Brotherhood meeting for February.
I want to thank everyone for making our New Member Shabbat
so special...
Marc Boin and Brotherhood for having their great
spaghetti dinner on the same night, Ann & Eric Riley, Ed
Stevelman and family, Peter Foster, Betsy Hoover, Ellen
Neuwirth-Hirsch, Karen Greenspan, Spencer Marlmelstein,
Debbie Cervera, and anyone else who I have forgotten
to mention. If you are interested in helping on the Membership Committee
please let me know.
If you know of anyone who is interested in joining our Temple family please let
me know and I will be more than happy to give them a call.
On Sunday, March 2, 2008 the fundraising committee is hosting “Play It Again Sinai”, Academy Awards Night. The red carpet opens at 5:30 pm and the festivities continue until 9:00 pm. Here are some specifics.
"PLAY IT AGAIN SINAI"
Academy Awards Night
Sunday, March 2, 2008. 5:30pm - 9:00pm
Windermere Lakes Subdivision Clubhouse
Silent Auction
Adults only, Snappy Casual!
$25.00 per person (includes 2 drink tickets and hor
d'oeuvres)
all non-alcoholic beverages are free
Temple Sinai trivia, games, drawings, movies, and much more
Donation levels:
$1,000.00 - best movie (four people)
$500.00 - best actor/actress (four people)
$200.00 - best supporting actor/actress (2 people)
All those participating in donation levels receive an Academy Award and special thanks from the Academy!
All members will be mailed an invitation with a map.
The location is approximately 20 minutes from
temple. For this reason we are
encouraging car-pooling. Meet at the
temple at 5:00 pm and join together for a great fun evening with friends.
I’ll e-mail a list to all those interested.
Everyone coming in a group has a chance to win
a prize in a car-pooler drawing.
Don’t forget to re-gift all unused and unopened items in your cabinets,
closets, attic, etc. The auction
committee will use these items for auction baskets.
We could also use restaurant gift
certificates, and items for teen, movie, date night, reading, sports, child,
and cooking baskets.
I look forward to seeing everyone there!
Directories are complete and available by stopping by the temple office. Any directory not picked up by Feb. 4th will be mailed. Please read through and look at all the great advertisers. Many are temple members!
SCRIP continues and has profited around $2,300 since May. Thank you to everyone who buys SCRIP and helps this number climb. February’s order dates are the 5th and the 19th and don’t forget we always keep our most popular cards in stock.
Social Action – Jill Gentsch
We are in the final week of our Veteran’s Project. This project includes the collection of gently worn sweaters, jackets and blankets for the homeless veterans as well as letters of thanks. If you have not already brought in your items and letters of appreciation, please do so. Place your donations in the designated boxes in the foyer. On February 10th, a Temple Sinai contingent will visit the VA and deliver the hand written notes and home baked goodies to the vets staying in the Spinal Cord Unit at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital. We encourage congregants to join us for this mitzvah. We are leaving from the Temple @ 12:30 and expect to return by 3:45. If you want to carpool or caravan, be sure to be here on time. Maps will be available to guide you. Please participate. Many thanks to all of you who have already donated items for this worthy cause.
- In loving memory of my mother, Peggy Matthews, on the anniversary of her yahrzeit from Jill Gentsch
- In memory of Della Rosenberg from Karen Greenspan and the Rich Family
Hello from TeSTY! We just had our Winter Conclave on January 25-27 in Dallas. The theme was "House of Jews" with the 10 Commandments remix. It was a very fun weekend for everyone who came.
Earlier, we had our Houston Area Lock-in hosted here at Temple Sinai, where 57 kids came from all over the Houston. The theme for that was "Abra Kadabra", making it a very magical night for everyone.
TeSTY is planning a Trivia Bowl, coming soon, about everything you can possibly think of about Judaism. Keep buying Passover candy – it is a great fundraiser. Last but not least, we're going to host our 2nd annual Chocolate Seder. Last year was a lot of fun, and this year will be even more so come celebrate and indulge with us.
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Sunday |
Monday |
Tues |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
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1 |
2 |
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7:30 PM Services Baby Naming Tyler Thalblum Oneg: Thalblum Bd Rep: Susan Berger |
Gesher Shabbaton |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
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9:00 Religious School 9:15 Café V’ouga
Israel Trip
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6 PM Conversational Hebrew
Israel Trip
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6:30 PM Rosh Chodesh
Israel Trip
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6:45 Heb/Conf.
Israel Trip
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Israel Trip
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7:00 PM Nosh 7:30 PM Services Lay Leader: Carol Levin
Bd Rep: Harvey Rich
Israel Trip
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Israel Trip
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10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
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9:00 Religious School 9:30 AM Social Action Mtg. 10:45 AM Hebrew I & II 12:15 Fundraising Comm. Mtg. 12:30 PM Education Mtg. Israel Trip
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6 PM Conversational Hebrew
Israel Trip
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Israel Trip
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12:00 PM Senior Sisters
6:45 Heb/Conf. Post Conf. Israel Trip
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Israel Trip
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7:30 PM Services Oneg: Education Committee Bd Rep: Karen Westall
Scholar In Residence |
10:30 AM Services Bd Rep: Diane Adler
Scholar In Residence |
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17 |
18 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
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No Religious School
Yom Limmud |
6 PM Conversational Hebrew |
4:30 PM Cantillation 5:30 PM Hebrew III
7:30 PM Board Mtg. |
6:45 Heb/Conf. |
7:30 PM Sisterhood Wine Tasting |
7:30 PM Services Rachel Treistman Bat Mitzvah Oneg: Treistman
Bd Rep: Diane Statham |
10:30 AM Services Rachel Treistman Bat Mitzvah Bd Rep: Marc Boin |
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24 |
25 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
29 |
Mar 1 |
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9:00 Religious School 9 – 10:30 AM Sanctuary Adult Education Parenting Class 2nd Grade Breakfast With Rabbi 10:45 AM Hebrew I & II 12:30 B’nai Mitzvah Workshop |
6 PM Conversational Hebrew |
4:30 PM Cantillation 5:30 PM Hebrew III |
6:45 Heb/Conf. Post Conf. 6:45 Library Adult Ed Guest Speaker |
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7:00 PM Nosh 7:30 PM Services
Bd Rep: John Wojciak |
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The Talmud teaches that it’s a Mitzvah
To join in the Celebrations of our Community.
Erev Shabbat Services @ 7:30 PM Shabbat Services @ 10:30 AM
Rachel Treistman Bat Mitzvah – February 22 & 23, 2008