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    • Message
      • id306
      • created2010-08-27 13:30:23
      • modified2010-08-27 13:30:23
      • published2010-09-01
      • title
      • message<p>I recently lost my passport, and with our upcoming congregational trip to Israel looming this November, I was absolutely frantic to find it. For months, I searched my entire house and tried to think where it could possibly be. Last November, I attended the URJ Biennial Convention in Canada, so I knew I had it then. I searched my suitcases and computer bag several times. I called the rental car agency, the hotel where we stayed, and even the casino and Niagara Falls Visitor Center where we stopped after<br />crossing back into the United States. Finally, I was resigned to the fact that it was indeed lost. Aside from the fact that I was mad at myself for losing such an important document, the 5.00 fee for applying for a new passport enraged me even more. But what was done was done and I had to have a new passport for our upcoming trip.</p><p><br />The other day, I decided to give it one more try. For two hours, I searched the entire house. I looked under the bed and behind the dressers. I took everything out of every kitchen drawer and even searched my children’s bedrooms. I had my wife looking everywhere too, but nothing turned up. In order to apply for a new passport, you have to show your original birth certificate, so I went in search for that. I looked in the two places I thought it might be, but no luck there. Finally, I remembered that I had to submit a copy of my birth certificate for my recent application to be a police chaplain for the City of Placentia. I remembered that there was a large envelope from the police department on the kitchen counter that I took to make copies of my vital document. Sure enough, in that envelope was my birth certificate, and guess what else was there? Right – the very passport for which I had been searching for months. Yes, it was right there all along, right under my nose, on the kitchen counter, mere inches from where I place my wallet, keys, and sunglasses every single day.</p><p><br />Of course, I was relieved to have found my passport and to have saved a little money as well, but my aggravation and frustration level at myself literally hit the roof. Here, I had lost something very important to me, something vital to my life and well-being, something essential for my future. And if that weren’t bad enough, it was right under my nose all along. So, naturally I had to turn this negative into a positive, and relate this experience to the upcoming High Holy Days!</p><p><br />At this time of introspection, many Jews feel guilty for their lack of observance or attendance at synagogue. Far too many Jews separate themselves from the community: some desire to return to the fold, while others simply don’t know the way back home or cannot find the proper path. Still others have no desire to return. Many feel a sense of loss, that part of their heritage, tradition, and culture have been lost and they don’t even know where to search. Many have lost their connection to family and friends, or even to God, and they don’t know where to look to retrieve that sense of community and belonging.</p><p><br />The little episode with my passport is an important lesson, especially at this time of year. Sometimes, what we think is really lost is simply misplaced. Sometimes, the most important and vital things in our lives are right there under our noses, but we just cannot see them because they are concealed behind or in something else. Sometimes, we learn and grow and mature through the process of searching, but ultimately find what we are looking for, and sometimes we may not find what we are looking for, but we should never stop searching.</p><p><br />Naturally, I hope that you will find whatever you happen to be searching for this High Holy Day season. But remember: The High Holy Days are all about the process and the journey, not about any one magical moment of transcendence or revelation.</p><p><br />My entire family joins me in wishing everyone a very happy and healthy New Year. May we indeed be written and sealed in the Book of Life, Happiness, Peace, and Joy. May we also see to it that through our actions of mitzvot, tzedakah, and tikkun olam, we write and seal ourselves and others in that same Book.</p>
      • categorymonthlyRabbi
  • 1
    • Message
      • id307
      • created2010-08-27 13:33:35
      • modified2010-08-27 13:33:35
      • published2010-09-01
      • title
      • message<p>This past July, I attended my 40th high school reunion. And for five amazing hours, the Long Beach, New York High School Class of 1970 succeeded in turning back the hands of time. In reflection, my reunion was everything I expected it to be; the obnoxious kids were still obnoxious, it was still funny to talk about the pranks we played 40 summers ago, and the captain of the cheerleaders was still beautiful though she was no longer a size two!</p><p><br />Time is often marked by milestones; a child’s first birthday, your son’s Bar Mitzvah, your daughter’s sweet 16, your 25th wedding anniversary, attending your 40th high school reunion. Likewise, the time that one holds an elected position is tracked by the passage of time. This is ever so evident when the political pundits on both sides of the aisle evaluated our nation’s president on his first 100 days.</p><p><br />Fortunately for me, I am not subject to such a microscopic review. However, though such a short period of time has passed, my experiences have already been most rewarding and here in my report.</p><p><br />A week after my installation as President, on June 12th, I made my temple presentation to our Rabbi’s daughter Leah on her Bat Mitzvah. And what a memorable occasion that was seeing her father all teary eyed. What a proud Dad he is!</p><p><br />Shortly thereafter, I presided over my first temple board meeting. And, as if by impulse, I rattled the gavel three times.</p><p><br />I was also a guest at the ECLC breakfast honoring volunteers. And the kids presented me with a key to the school! I also volunteered to perform a Brit but was politely told that it was not in my job description. In response, I was a little surprised as I had read the book, “Performing Circumcisions for Dummies!”</p><p>Unfortunately, I also attended my first Shiva as President for which there are never the right words to express your feelings. And by the time most of you have read this message, I will have delivered my first State of the Temple address on Yom Kippur.</p><p>During my first 100 days, I have also sent out dozens of letters to our members for the many simchas celebrated as well as unfortunate tsureres. And though my daily responsibilities as your president are not as demanding as trying to plug a gushing oil well in the gulf or trying to jump start a sputtering economy , my job is not limited to attending Bar Mitzvahs and making speeches. I have also had to manage member comp laints, make committee appointments, filter Project Legacy issues, write the President’s message in a timely manner, answer and respond to countless e-mails and phone calls. In general, my job is to keep everyone happy.</p><p>So, after my first 100 days, is being temple President everything I thought it would be? My answer is a resounding yes and this is why. Being your President has also instilled in me the value of giving of my time for which the rewards cannot be measured in time. To illustrate, to be able to help a member who is having a difficult time financially but is too embarrassed to ask for help is priceless. And to comfort someone in their time of grief makes you feel thankful for what you have.</p><p>So as we celebrate a New Year, I encourage each and every one of you to give of your time. Volunteer. Be a mentor. Help teach, give and give with your time. And remember what Ralph Waldo Emerson once so elegantly penned, “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”</p>
      • categorymonthlyPresident
  • 2
    • Message
      • id308
      • created2010-08-27 13:36:06
      • modified2010-08-27 13:38:20
      • published2010-09-01
      • title
      • message<p>Just in time for the new school year, our temperatures are cranked up. Those temperatures align with the level of excitement for the year ahead as we look forwa rd to moving into our new school buidling in the next couple of months. While we were hoping for things to be ready by September, we are also used to the flexibility that was required last year, and are now experienced at bending with the changes that occur on a regular basis with schedules and facility availability.</p><p><br />By the time you read this message, I will have met with our education vice-presidents to set forth some goals for the year, and we will have had our first faculty meeting to meet one another, do a little learning with Rabbi Milhander, and to take care of the nuts and bolts of beginning a new school year. We have an incredible team of adults whose dedication to Jewish education is priceless, and I can’t wait for you to see us in action.</p><p><br />At the end of the last school year, we held a parent meeting to evaluate how the year had gone. Great feedback was received by those in attendance, and based on your comments, we are adding a new position to the staff – Hebrew coach. Sammi Jass will work on Saturdays in Grades 3-7 to reinforce the learning that was done on Wednesdays in our Hebrew classes. Wednesday teachers will communicate with Sammi so that she knows what to work on with each class during their 20-minute coaching time. Then Sammi will report back to the Hebrew teachers to let them know what progress was made. With the added exposure to the language, we hope to boost retention of Hebrew education in a fun, non-academic way.</p><p><br />As was reported earlier in the summer, we are adopting a new curriculum for two classes in our Hebrew School. Mitkadem is an individualized approach to Hebrew education. Our Bet and Gimel classes (4th &amp; 5th graders) will be using the program, and the role of the teacher will be to guide the students as they work alone or in pairs to accomplish each level during the year. During each class session, there will also be a whole-group activity, focusing on a concept, a project, or another aspect of the curriculum. I look forward to seeing our students’ Hebrew knowledge unfold as they approach Mitkadem.</p><p><br />Our Saturday classes will again use the URJ’s Chai curriculum. Last year was our first year using this program, and it was well received. The three strands of the curriculum, Torah, Avodah (prayer), and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of loving kindness) form the framework, with lessons giving students a 21st century educational experience.</p><p>I hope you will plan to spend our first day of school, September 11, with us as we offer a full morning of family activities, culminating with a BBQ lunch sponsored by our Men’s Club. See elsewhere on this page for details. You will have a chance to meet our staff and volunteers, and our Shabbat morning service will be one of our upbeat, unplugged Inter-Generational Shabbat services. Songleader Mikey Pauker, Cantor Avdee, and Rabbi Milhander will lead us through the prayers, and you will leave with a smile on your face!</p><p><br />Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy and Healthy New Year! L’shana Tova u’Metuka,</p>
      • categorymonthlyReligiousSchool
  • 3
    • Message
      • id309
      • created2010-08-27 13:37:46
      • modified2010-08-27 13:37:46
      • published2010-09-01
      • title
      • message<p>As a teacher, September was always an exciting month for me. It was the beginning of a new school year and I would start fresh with a new class and new materials. The children came to school on the first day in their new outfits and shoes all excited to embark on a new journey. Although I don’t work in education anymore (other than my fantastic job at TBT Religious School), I still find myself looking forward to September, a new school year and of course, the High Holidays which kick off our new Jewish year.</p><p><br />It is at this time that I feel we are looking forward to a new year for Neshot Tikvah. The board has been working hard for the past few months gearing up for a new year with some new and exciting ideas. I sincerely hope that all ladies at TBT are planning to join this year. New years, new ideas, and new members are what make an organization continue moving forward.</p><p><br />If you did not attend our Girls ’ Night Out, you missed a fantastic event. There was a great turn out and lots a fun for everyone. In fact, the event did not end until midnight! I think this is a first for Neshot Tikvah! Thank you so much to Kathy Shefts and Audrey Prezgay who planned and hosted the event. Our next event will our paid up membership event in October. Stay tuned for more details. This is a free event for everyone who is a paid up member. We will happily take your dues at the door if you forget to send it in before then.</p><p><br />On behalf of the Neshot Tikvah board and myself, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Shana Tova. May you a have sweet year filled with blessings.</p>
      • categorymonthlySisterhood
  • 4
    • Message
      • id310
      • created2010-08-27 13:52:17
      • modified2010-08-27 13:52:17
      • published2010-09-01
      • title
      • message<p>MONTHLY MEETING CHANGE. Because of Labor Day, we will meet at TBT at 6:30 on Monday, Sept 13th. The second Monday. Dinner is on us.</p><p>S’LICHOT ICE CREAM SOCIAL. Your men’s club will be providing and serving the ice cream.</p><p>ANNUAL JOKE BREAKFAST. Sept. 19th. The day after Yom Kippur. Breakfast is free for paid up members. 11:00 AM. At TBT. You do not have to bring or tell a joke. Just come and have a good laugh. If you feel like telling a joke, then you can have your chance at your 15 min. of fame. Please wear your MC shirts.</p><p>MEMBERSHIP. We do a lot for the Temple. If you are not a member, please come join us for some Mitzvah doings, and some fun. We are 60 members strong.</p><p>NEW PROGRAMS. We are working on some exciting ideas. We welcome your input. For example we will be sponsoring a Tot Shabbat meal and helping out with the first day of religious school. We are also working on a community service project. And, we are currently working with other Men’s Clubs in putting together programs and activities that we can do together.</p><p>YOUNG ADULT MEMBERSHIP. We are working on this concept. . Our new membership fee schedule is as follows: <br />College Student * ................................................. FREE<br /> Under 30 * ............................................................. FREE<br />for the First Year<br /> per year until age 30<br />Over 30 *................................................................ per year<br />* You or a family member must be a member of TBT.</p><p>NEW VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS. Your Men's Club is also seeking new volleyball players for their Sunday morning get together at Mitch Shapiro's home. If any one is interested, contact Michael Flashner, Neil Rosen, or Mitch Shapiro.</p><p>IN THE WORKS … Our next meeting will be Monday night, 9/13/2010 at 6:30pm at TBT (the SECOND MONDAY). Please come join us for a little “bonding”. Please RSVP to Tom Green, membership, at puttering@dslextreme.com. If you have any questions or comments, please talk with your Men’s Club Officers: Michael Flashner, Greg Spalter or ask the Rabbi .</p>
      • categorymonthlyMensClub
  • 5
    • Message
      • id311
      • created2010-08-27 13:55:56
      • modified2010-08-27 13:55:56
      • published2010-09-01
      • title
      • message<p>Every day there is more and more progress on Project Legacy. The contractors have started enclosing the building. They are putting on the tar paper with wire mesh and then will start applying the three layers of stucco. They will then put insulation on the inside walls and then install the inside drywall. It will take about four weeks for this process. We will be putting stucco on both buildings, as well as Jerusalem stone on the front pillars of both so the buildings will match. Tune in on live-feed at our Temple website to keep track of progress in case you don’t make it to TBT for anything special.</p><p><br />We have started working on plans for the “Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony” on October 24 (Mark your calendar!). The Event Planning Committee has met to start the ball rolling for the event. Invitation postcards have been ordered and should go out shortly. We are also in the planning stages for a “walk-thru” weekend during the weekend of September 24-26 scheduling personal tours as a way to honor and thank major supporters of the Project. The patio will be the last thing to be poured and will not be started until all of the other outside work is completed. It will not be completed for the tours or Sukkot, but hopefully will be completed by the Dedication. There is no guarantee as to when the City will give us final approval for occupancy.</p><p><br />Miriam Van Raalte and Joyce Severson are continuing to work on the correct names for the Honor Walls , the rooms and other specified areas of dedications. They will be calling everyone who has made a pledge of ,000 or more. Please feel free to call Miriam at the Temple office if you have not yet been called.</p><p>We thank all of you who are rising to the challenge of helping us complete the Project and have increased your pledges to higher levels on the lobby Recognition Wall. There is still time for those of you who have not reached the level of at least ,000 to be included on the “Friends of Haim and Elaine Wall” or over ,000 to be included on the main lobby “Recognition Wall.” One method would be to increase your monthly payments for an additional year. We would like to see every curren memb er of Temple Beth Tikvah have their name listed along with ours so future generations will know you were here and part of this very important project for our North Orange County Jewish Community.</p>
      • categoryprojectLegacy
  • 6
    • Message
      • id305
      • created2010-08-27 12:52:21
      • modified2010-08-27 12:52:21
      • published2010-08-27
      • titleHealing Open Wounds
      • message<p>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; In 1985 I was in a bad car accident on my way to services on Kol Nidrei.&#160; At the corner of Burton Way and Doheny Drive in Beverly Hills, just blocks away from the temple, my 1992 Toyota Celica was t-boned by a much larger pickup truck.&#160; Although I was not seriously injured, I was knocked unconscious for a few seconds.&#160; A nearby resident who happened to know me gave me a ride to the temple and I performed my duties as Jr. Rabbi and Jr. Cantor that Yom Kippur as usual.&#160; The rabbis and cantors thought my actions were beyond the call of duty and even dedicated a leaf on the temple’s Tree of Life in my honor that still remains today.</p><p><br />&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Like most teenagers, I experienced that “rite of passage,” my first car accident.&#160; When I called my parents to tell them the details, my mom said that they would bring two cars to temple that night so I could drive home myself.&#160; This taught me an important lesson: that when you get knocked off the horse, you pull yourself up by the bootstraps and get right back on again.&#160; We have so many other clichés that also teach that important lesson but sadly, I am afraid that our country has not taken that lesson to heart.&#160;</p><p><br />&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; I believe that at the core of the consternation expressed in recent weeks over the proposed Islamic Center in Lower Manhattan is the fact that the World Trade Center towers have not been rebuilt.&#160; Even worse, there is no permanent memorial to those who perished there on 9/11.&#160; In contrast, the Pentagon was immediately reconstructed after the damage it sustained and a memorial does stand today at the plane crash site in Shanksville, PA.&#160; But Ground Zero remains a collective open wound.&#160;</p><p><br />&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Sadly and unfortunately, our nation collectively lives with many open wounds.&#160; For many, Viet Nam, the assassinations of the 1960s, Watergate, even slavery and the civil war movement remain difficult topics to comprehend, understand, and put into context.&#160; This very weekend also marks the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.&#160; Although many promises of money and rebuilding were quickly made, the follow through has been slow and lacking.&#160; News reports detail many areas that remain untouched from those terrible and shocking days of death and devastation.&#160;</p><p><br />&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Individually and collectively, we are good at responding emotionally and viscerally to images we see on television or to emails that tug on our heart strings.&#160; We feel as though we have to do something so we quickly react.&#160; But our attention span is short and long term commitment and follow through is certainly not our strong suit.&#160;</p><p><br />&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; The Jewish people has had its share of dark ages and tragic events.&#160; We have lived through and survived the cruelest of humanity’s behavior and been victimized by demonic hatred.&#160; Yet, I would venture to say that our ability to survive and continue despite such challenges is that we were able to turn such negatives into positives.&#160; We were able to learn important lessons and teach those lessons to the rest of humanity.&#160; We were able to sooth if not heal the open wounds of history by strengthening each other and by working towards fulfilling the prophetic promises.&#160; I am sorry to say that as Americans, we have not done the same with respect to the wounds of American history.&#160; However, I have hope and Judaism and Jewish history teach and preach optimism and promise for the future.&#160; So, I pray that the lessons of Jewish history will serve as an example for our fellow Americans.&#160; I pray that we will together turn the negatives into positives, sooth and heal the wounds, and in doing so, we will strengthen ourselves and all future generations.&#160;</p><p><br />&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Tonight at Temple we will have our fabulous Musical Shabbat Service at 7:30 PM featuring piano, three guitars, and drums!&#160; Tonight’s service will be carried live over the Internet at www.templebethtikvah.com (click on Live Services).&#160; Tomorrow, we will have Torah Study at 9:00 AM and our Shabbat morning service at 10:00 AM.&#160; Have a great weekend.</p>
      • categoryweeklyRabbi
  • 7
    • Message
      • id304
      • created2010-08-20 11:38:29
      • modified2010-08-20 11:38:29
      • published2010-08-20
      • titleKi is the Key
      • message<p>The Hebrew language is sometimes simple and easy to understand and translate into other languages, and at other times complicated and difficult.&#160; Seemingly innocent introductory prepositions can often set the tone for what follows.&#160; One little letter can imply a variety of different meanings, and set-up words can convey many messages.&#160; Of course that is the nature of all languages.&#160; There is a nuance to words that depends on tone and inflection.&#160; The written word cannot display such nuance, so it is up to the reader to apply his or her own experience and world view to any given text.&#160; This, of course, leads to disagreement and contention as to exactly what the texts means or means to convey, and to a variety of interpretations and applications.</p><p>This week’s Torah portion, Ki-Teitzei, begins with such a word: Ki, which in Hebrew can have a variety of different meanings.&#160; It can mean if, when, for, because, that, but, as, in case, while, even though, although, since, only, or lest.&#160; Yes, all those meanings are wrapped up in that little word.&#160; So, we might say that “Ki” is definitely the key!&#160;</p><p><br /> &#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; The opening verses of the parasha speak about going out to war, and to put it in modern terms, the rules of engagement in such a case.&#160; The rest of the parasha deals with all kinds of personal and communal situations and what to do in such situations.&#160; The question, of course, is how do we interpret and apply these ancient words to our modern world?&#160; In his Torah commentary, Rabbi Plaut makes the following observation: “It should be noted that these verses present ideal and theoretical, rather than practical, legislation.&#160; Actual warfare, then and always, gave vent to humanity’s basest impulses…..The Torah must be seen to have here a meliorating purpose, a statement of how God’s people, if war became their lot, should behave.”&#160; All that is wrapped up in the word “Ki” and how we understand and interpret that little word is indeed the key to how we apply the Torah and its teachings to our lives and our world.</p><p> <br /> &#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Tonight at Temple our service begins at 7:30 PM.&#160; The service will be led by this week's bar mitzvah boy Joshua Prezgay, and his classmates.&#160; Tomorrow, we have Torah Study at 9:00 AM and the Shabbat morning service at 10:00 AM at which time Joshua Prezgay, son of Chris and Audrey Prezgay, will be called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah.&#160; Mazal tov to Josh and his entire family.&#160; Both services will be broadcast live on our website: www.templebethtikvah.com (click on Live Services).&#160; You can now also find us on Facebook (Temple Beth Tikvah) or follow us on Twitter @OCJewish.&#160; Have a great weekend! </p>&#160;
      • categoryweeklyRabbi
  • 8
    • Message
      • id297
      • created2010-08-01 04:03:38
      • modified2010-08-01 04:03:38
      • published2010-08-01
      • title
      • message<p>An old Jewish proverb warns: “What you don’t see with your eyes, don’t witness with your mouth.” To put it in biblical language, “Thou shall not listen to or spread rumors.” And yet, gossip, innuendo, and rumor are sodeeply ingrained in our society and culture that such a teaching seems as outdated as telling teenagers to control their hormones. Still, we all know the power of language, we all know that the pen is mightier than the sword, and we all know that falsehoods only cause pain and injuryto others. Now I don’t mean to be so dramatic, and I know this is difficult for anyone to believe,but rumor and gossip are part of congregational life. Yes, Temple members talk about people and things that happen around the Temple, and sometimes what is discussed is untrue or halftrue. I have heard through my very secret sources (whose names shall remain confidential) that there are rumors surrounding the possible building of a mikvah on the property of Temple Beth Tikvah. So, to set the record straight, here are some things I have heard and is what is true and not true:</p><p>The Temple is building a mikvah. This is false. However, a separate non-profit entity has been incorporated, and discussions have taken place to possibly build a mikvah on the property of the Temple. However, no Temple funds will be used and no Temple members will be solicited for funds. The mikvah will have its own board of directors and will rent space from the Temple as does the Unitarian Congregation and the cell phone tower. The current proposal is to convert the youth lounge into the mikvah office and to build the actual mikvah directly in frontof that building.</p><p>We are Reform. Why do we need a mikvah? A mikvah (ritual bath) is primarily used by those who convert to Judaism and women for family purity reasons. Many men also go to the mikvah before Shabbat and holidays. Going to the mikvah is not an Orthodox practice, but a Jewish one, and in recent years, many Jews have reclaimed this ritual for a variety of reasons. The mikvah has also helped those seeking recovery from a traumatic experience. There is no community mikvah currently in operation anywhere between San Diego and Los Angeles.Having one centrally located in Orange County will serve the Jewish community from Long Beach to the Inland Empire.</p><p>We just built Project Legacy. Do we really need to embark on another major building project right now? Again, the Temple is not building the mikvah. It is being funded and built independently from the Temple. The mikvah will make good use of an otherwise unused building on the Temple grounds. In addition, it will bring Jews to the Temple property helping us to fulfill our mission of being a center of Jewish life. Of course, congregational approval for this project will be required and will be sought at an appropriate time.</p><p>We are a Reform Temple. Will other Jews come to use it? The mikvah will not be a Reform mikvah, but a community mikvah, built in complete accordance with Jewish Law. It is anticipated that Jews from across the religious spectrum to make use of its convenient location.</p><p>I hope this helps clarify any misleading or incorrect information you may have heard. If this is the first you have heard about this exciting possibility for our congregation and community,then I am glad to be informing you. It will still be several months if not years until this project is fully funded and built, and you will be kept fully informed of every step in the process. There is much more information to share about this project in particular and about what a mikvah is and why it is so important to have in a Jewish community. There will be learning opportunities in the future and I hope you will avail yourselves of them. For now, if you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.</p><p>I hope you are having an enjoyable summer and I look forward to greeting everyone during our High Holy Days, if not before.</p>
      • categorymonthlyRabbi
  • 9
    • Message
      • id298
      • created2010-08-01 04:13:07
      • modified2010-08-01 04:13:07
      • published2010-08-01
      • title
      • message<p>In my 58 years, Phyllis and I have had the great fortune of traveling to many places around the world. Curiously, wherever our travels have taken us, there is always a desire and interest to see the local synagogue.</p><p> On our trip to Buenos Aires this past December, we visited the Shul where Rabbi Asa once officiated. And upon entering, I realized that our little Temple on Acacia Avenue was very similar. There is the ark that protects and stores the Torah scrolls. And above is the eternal flame. And there is the sanctuary where we gather to pray.</p><p> But there is much more to a Temple than the furniture and fixtures. It is the voices and energy of the people that make a Temple thrive. And I invite you to come visit us and see what a warm, welcoming, spiritual environment we have created. Started 46 years ago with just a small handful of visionaries, our congregation has grown to approximately 300 families. And our growth reflects the increase of the Jewish population in and around North Orange County.</p><p> As background, my wife and I joined Temple Beth Tikvah in 1982. At the time, our son Cliff was just two years old and we were looking for a Jewish preschool as well as wanting a place to go to attend for the High Holidays. The next year, our daughter Allison was born and we had her naming ceremony here.</p><p> We also knew as Jewish parents that it was our responsibility to establish a Jewish home and maintain a connection with the local Jewish community. So slowly, we began to attend services and synagogue events. We joined the Men’s Club and Sisterhood, enrolled our children in Religious School and formed lifelong friends. And through the years, we have shared in our friends’ children’s Bar and Bat mitzvahs, weddings, and unfortunately sometimes tragedies. Most recently, my beautiful daughter was married under the chupah with both Rabbi Milhander and Rabbi Asa officiating.</p><p> When my father passed away, we also learned just how much we were accepted as members of this community. People we barely knew came to sit shiva in our home. And we were comforted and saw the depth of the Temple Beth Tikvah family spirit and love.</p><p>Over time, our connection to our spiritual home has broadened. Volunteering for events and becoming active on the Temple board put us on the continuum of our spiritual home. For a guy who grew up in a conservative synagogue, I never felt “at home” in my childhood synagogue. But from the moment I stepped foot in Temple Beth Tikvah, I found comfort and enlightenment in this congregation. It is a fantastic time here at Temple Beth Tikvah and I invite you to become a member of our family. Enjoy weekly Friday night services, sing traditional melodies and try new ones. Meet our members, our Rabbi and Cantor, and our teachers. Study, socialize and pray together. We also have many adult education programs to meet the needs and interests of our members. Our havurah programs enable our new members to join others with similar interests and form friendships that can last a lifetime. We have an active program of social activates for your youth as well as seniors. In short, Temple Beth Tikvah is truly the center of Jewish life in North Orange County. So help us build our home where spirits soar and lifelong bonds are created! I know it will be the beginning of a long and enriching series of friendships.</p><p>Chazak, chazak, ve-nitchazek! Be strong and let us strengthen one another!</p>
      • categorymonthlyPresident
  • 10
    • Message
      • id299
      • created2010-08-01 04:16:17
      • modified2010-08-01 04:16:17
      • published2010-08-01
      • title
      • message<p>There are times when I knew well in advance what I will be writing about in my column for the Scroll. And then there are times when nothing comes to mind. At those times I look back to see what I wrote about last year at that time. Being the middle of summer, and being on vacation when the August articles are due, my mind is not filled with the activities of the Religious School. However, in looking back at the August 2009 Scroll, I notice that I wrote about our acquisition of furniture from Morasha Day School, which closed its doors after many years of educating Jewish children in Orange County.</p><p>It just so happens that this past month I received an email from Rabbi Asa (actually from Elaine – Rabbi is not particularly techno-savvy!) informing me that the Orange County ADL office was moving and that there was office furniture available for FREE! I immediately made the call to the ADL, and we now have some beautiful office furniture for our new building. Thanks to Rabbi Milhander, Max Litt, Lila &amp; Stan Pesner, and our custodians Sergio &amp; Norberto, the only cost in acquiring the furniture was the rental of the truck. The job was done in two hours, and we can’t wait to see how it looks in the various places of our new school (including a beautiful purple two-seater couch with matching arm chairs!).</p><p>Project Legacy is definitely a community project. Most of our funds have come from within our congregation. There are some of our TBT family members who have not yet found a way to contribute. I keep thinking how wonderful it would be if we had 100% participation from every single family. I am hearing stories from some of you about recycling to find extra pennies to contribute. One person told me that he is putting away .00 each day as a contribution. That seems like such a doable amount that even our children could do. Every contribution/pledge of ,000 or more will be recognized on our Wall of Honor. Wouldn’t it be great if we could say that every member of TBT had their name on the Wall!</p><p>If you have not been at TBT since school ended in May, you really should come by for a tour of our future building. We who are at the Temple each day see the progress step by step. We are now at the point where you can see the individual rooms. Walls are starting to appear to enclose the steel, and before we know it, the wooden walkway will give way to a beautiful cement patio. We aren’t sure whether we will have the keys in time to begin the new school year in our building, but if now, it won’t be long. And when we are ready, we hope you will participate in our moving party to place the furniture in the various spaces within the rooms. What a day that will be, similar to Thanksgiving 1981, when members of our congregation came together to glue and nail pieces of wood onto the wall on either side of our ark in our (then) new sanctuary.</p><p>Enjoy the rest of your summer … remember to return your registration forms (visit our new link on the TBT website in the Religious School section). See you soon!</p>
      • categorymonthlyReligiousSchool
  • 11
    • Message
      • id300
      • created2010-08-01 04:17:50
      • modified2010-08-01 04:17:50
      • published2010-08-01
      • title
      • message<p>Bonjour, G’day, Ni hao from E.C.L.C. Who says it’s expensive to travel? We have taken the entire preschool to New York, Australia, China, and India with three more stops to go – France, Greece &amp; Russia. Our amazing teachers are exposing the children to the music, food and wonders of these countries as we travel the world together. Morah Marder even found a real Wallaby and Sugar Glider to visit us during our week in Australia. How many of you have ever seen one before and before the age of 6! Thanks to the mild weather and our new canopy (thank you parents!) this summer has been a breeze!</p>
      • categorymonthlyEclc
  • 12
    • Message
      • id301
      • created2010-08-01 04:20:33
      • modified2010-08-01 04:20:33
      • published2010-08-01
      • title
      • message<p>Every time we visit to our Legacy construction site, we get to see more and more action! The second floor concrete deck has been poured. The big dirt pile has been trucked away. The plumbers, HVAC people and electricians have been busy doing their thing. The framing contractor has sectioned off the individual rooms and the drywall guys are enclosing them! Some days we have as many as twenty-five trades people working on the project. Some are working Saturdays to catch up for the time we lost due to the rains.</p><p>We have checked the Temple calendar and we are looking at a possible 24th of October for our “big grand opening”. It is difficult to find a date right after High Holy Days that will work for most of us. We want to have the dedication as early in the fall as possible. A lot is going to depend on the City as to when we get the final occupancy permit.</p><p>Miriam Van Raalte and Joyce Severson are working to match giving levels to names for the Honor Walls and the dedication opportunities (rooms and other specified areas). They will be calling everyone who has made a pledge of ,000 or more and who haven’t yet advised us of their preferences. If you haven’t been called in a few weeks, please call the office.</p><p>As you know from previous correspondence, if we are to complete the Project and collect most of our pledges with no new debt we must increase our pledge level by 5,000. To that end we would ask you to consider one of the following:</p><p>1. Increase your pledge to a higher recognition level on the lobby Recognition Wall<br />2. Increase your pledge to a higher dedication naming level.<br />3. Join us on the “Friends of Haim and Elaine” Honor board by pledging ,000 or more.<br />4. Increase the number of periods over which you will make your present payments.<br />5. Dedicate some patio bricks to friends and loved ones.</p><p>Experience the metamorphous of Legacy to the…………. “Haim and Elaine Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning”</p>
      • categoryprojectLegacy
  • 13
    • Message
      • id302
      • created2010-08-01 04:21:51
      • modified2010-08-01 04:21:51
      • published2010-08-01
      • title
      • message<p>Before we look around the High Holidays will be upon us. It is time to renew your Neshot Tikvah membership. What does your membership dues do? A portion of that money goes to the WRJ to support programs such as scholarships for student Rabbis. In our community, Neshot Tikvah provides snacks for our children on the High Holidays, flowers for the bimah, and the delicious desserts for Onegs, just to name a few.</p><p>This year Neshot Tikvah is looking forward to partnering with ECLC, Hebrew and Religious School, TBT and Men’s Club programming to provide support, education, and programs.</p><p>Save the date! August 9 is our annual Girl’s Night Out. This very popular event will feature margaritas, snacks, and schmoozing at the home of Kathy Shefts. Join us at 7:00 PM. Please RSVP to Kathy Shefts, Audrey Prezgay, or the temple office.</p>
      • categorymonthlySisterhood
  • 14
    • Message
      • id303
      • created2010-08-01 04:25:25
      • modified2010-08-01 04:25:25
      • published2010-08-01
      • title
      • message<p>NEW OFFICERS. We have new officers for this coming year. Come and meet them, and hear what they have planned for your enjoyment!</p><p>ANNUAL JOKE BREAKFAST. Save the date. Sept. 19th. MUCH FUN.</p><p>MEMBERSHIP. We do a lot for the Temple. If you are not a member, please come join us for some Mitzvah doings, and some fun. We are 60 members strong.</p><p>NEW PROGRAMS. We are working on some exciting ideas. We welcome your input.</p><p>YOUNG ADULT MEMBERSHIP. We are working on this concept.</p><p>NEW VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS. Your Men's Club is also seeking new volleyball players for their Sunday morning get together at Mitch Shapiro's home. If any one is interested, contact Michael Flashner, Neil Rosen, or Mitch Shapiro.</p><p>IN THE WORKS. We are currently working with the other Men’s Clubs in putting together a community service project that we can do together, as well as other activities which will be announced at a later time.</p><p>NEXT MEETING: Monday night, 8/2/2010 at 6:30pm at TBT. Please come join us for a little “bonding”. Please RSVP to Tom Green, membership, at puttering@dslextreme.com.</p><p>If you have any questions or comments, please talk with your Men’s Club Officers: Michael Flashner, Greg Spalter or ask the Rabbi.</p>
      • categorymonthlyMensClub
  • 15
    • Message
      • id296
      • created2010-07-23 18:28:51
      • modified2010-07-23 18:28:51
      • published2010-07-23
      • title
      • messageThe episode this past week surrounding the now former USDA official demonstrates the incredible power and misuse of modern technology.&#160; It used to be that media outlets at the very least attempted to verify the veracity of stories before running them.&#160; They rarely relied on single sources and at one time made the attempt to show more than one side of an issue.&#160; Today, the Internet has changed everything.&#160; Now, everyone with a computer has at their fingertips their own broadcast television station.&#160; Anyone, with or without journalistic credentials can put out a story, offer their opinion, make accusations, and say whatever they want and the entire world can see and hear it.&#160; Today, everything is turned into a federal case and a small, local, and insignificant event can get blown totally out of proportion and capture the attention of the entire media world and government officials, when they really should be solving the major problems facing Americans and others around the world. <br />&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; I am afraid that we need to learn some old lessons.&#160; Today, it’s simply too easy to manipulate others and manipulate the media.&#160; Why should we care what one blogger thinks?&#160; Why does one person’s personal opinion rise to the level of national attention?&#160; I am afraid that we have stopped thinking and listening and all we do today is react and react quickly and viscerally. <br />&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; This week’s Torah portion contains the most familiar words not just in the Torah but in all of Judaism: The Sh’ma.&#160; The words are so familiar that like so many other things that are familiar, we take them for granted and we have forgotten their meaning.&#160; We say them by rote, without any thought, and we rarely ponder the lesson behind the words, let alone live them in our daily lives.&#160; The Sh’ma is not just a bunch of words, it is a call to action.&#160; Like so many other words from our sacred texts, they are words upon which to and around which to live our lives. <br />&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; It’s an old lesson, but one sorely needed today.&#160; Given the immediacy and instant natures of communication today, there is little time to stop, to think, to ponder, to wrestle with issues, to consider both if not all sides, to question, to hold off judgment, to wait before responding or reacting.&#160; Today’s media allows and demands instant response, and although the technology has wonderful abilities, it also has serious drawbacks as we saw this past week. <br />&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; As we read the words of Sh’ma from the Torah this week, as we say them each week in Temple, as you say them each day morning and evening (if you do-if not try it sometime), may we relearn some of these important old lessons.&#160; Think before reacting.&#160; Wait and ponder, wrestle and consider, before responding.&#160; Listen more and speak less. <br />&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Tonight at Temple is our Musical Shabbat service at 7:30 PM, which will be broadcast on our website www.templebethtikvah.com (click on Live Services).&#160; Tomorrow we will have Torah Study at 9:00 AM and our Shabbat morning service at 10:00 AM.&#160; Have a great weekend!
      • categoryweeklyRabbi
  • 16
    • Message
      • id295
      • created2010-07-16 16:29:31
      • modified2010-07-16 16:29:31
      • published2010-07-16
      • titleMaking a Positive out of a Negative
      • message&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; This coming Tuesday marks the observance of Tisha B’Av on the Jewish calendar, the date associated and lamented as the day of destruction of the two Jerusalem Temples, the first in 586 BCE by the Babylonians, the second in 70 CE by the Romans.&#160; For most of the Jewish world, the day will pass by unnoticed.&#160; Some on the more traditional side of the religious spectrum will spend the day fasting, praying in synagogue, and reading the book of Eicha (Lamentations). <br />&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; I have often said that if Tisha B’Av fell in December and Chanukkah in the Summer, the two holidays would be observed much differently than they are.&#160; In the midst of a warm, sunny day, the message of death and destruction simply does not resonate with most contemporary Jews, especially when connected to events so long ago.&#160; But there is much more to why most Jews do not mark Tisha B’Av with any great significance. <br />&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Traditionally the reason given for why the Temples were destroyed was because of the sins of the people.&#160; The Jews forsake God’s laws and were thus punished.&#160; Clearly, that message and understanding of history does not resonate today.&#160; Though some have tried to apply that reasoning to the Holocaust, it has been roundly rejected.&#160; When some tried to blame the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 on the “sins” of abortion and homosexuality or even on American foreign policy, those notions were also widely condemned and rejected.&#160; When the events of Hurricane Katrina were blamed on the perceived loose morals of the people of New Orleans, that idea too was placed outside of the mainstream. <br />&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Another reason we do not sit in sackcloth and ashes and mourn the destruction of the Jerusalem Temples is because we have turned that horribly negative historical event into a positive.&#160; Judaism was transformed (or as I like to say, re-formed) from a sacrificial religion to one demanding moral and ethical behavior.&#160; Instead of centralized power and worship, we Jews have spread out to all for corners of the earth, taking with us our story and message of survival, hope, and optimism.&#160; So, although I would not say that Tisha B’Av is a day of celebration or joyfulness, it has to be put into historical context.&#160; Today, Tisha B’Av should be a day of pride for the Jewish people.&#160; What other religion or culture has faced such devastation and destruction and yet survived and persevered?&#160; Vatican City has never been flattened.&#160; Mecca has never been laid to waste.&#160; Quite the contrary, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Al-Aqsa Mosque (known as the Dome of the Rock) continue to stand in Jerusalem as they have for centuries.&#160; And yet, the Jewish people survived and thrived without any Temple, without any central leader, even without a homeland for nearly two thousand years. <br />&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Today, of course, we rejoice in the modern State of Israel.&#160; Even though the Jerusalem Temple has not (and most likely will not) been rebuilt, Israel is stronger and more vibrant than ever.&#160; Israel and all of her incredible accomplishments are a tremendous source of pride for Jews (and even some non-Jews) throughout the world.&#160; So while we can be sad and lament the events of so long ago that fell on Tisha B’Av, we can also take tremendous pride in how we, the Jewish people, have turned such a negative into a positive. <br />&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Tonight at Temple (Temple Beth Tikvah, that is), our Shabbat service will begin at 7:30 PM with our incoming 8th grade class participating.&#160; Tomorrow, Torah Study at 9:00 AM and then Madeline Boliver, daughter of Dr. Scott and Dolly Boliver, will be called to the Torah at 10:00 AM.&#160; Mazal tov to Maddie and her entire family.&#160; Both services will be carried live on our website, www.templebethtikvah.com (click on Live Services).&#160; Have a great weekend and stay cool!
      • categoryweeklyRabbi
  • 17
    • Message
      • id289
      • created2010-06-28 14:04:29
      • modified2010-06-28 14:04:29
      • published2010-07-01
      • title
      • message<p>The other day I was relaxing on the couch with my son, Jason, when from out of nowhere, he said, “Dad, you have the best job.” I replied, “Really,Jason, why is that?” “Because you work for God,” he said. I was really taken aback at his intuition and insight, especially as a kindergartner. </p><p>I guess I never really thought about being a rabbi in those terms. I always thought being a rabbi meant that you worked for your congregation and the larger Jewish community. But after a few moments, I realized that Jason was right. I really do work for God. And in truth, it’s not just me,but all of us.</p><p>After thinking about it for a while, I was consumed by the awesome responsibility of that statement and reality. If you think your boss is tough, imagine working for God! But on the other hand, it’s really no job at all, but rather a way of life, a way of thinking and feeling,believing and behaving.</p><p>By serving God’s creatures, our fellow human beings, we work for God. By helping others,caring for those in need, being kind to the stranger, and working to bring peace between neighbors, we work for God. By supporting the synagogue and by keeping the Jewish community strong and vibrant, we work for God. By doing mitzvot and tikkun olam, we work for God.</p><p>To take the metaphor a little farther, we might wonder whether or not God pays well. The last time I checked, God didn’t sign my paycheck, so what rewards or compensation come with working for God? We all know that when the focus of our lives is outward instead of inward,the rewards are limitless. When we are consumed with our own problems and shortcomings,when our eyes can’t see beyond our own eyelids, then we feel small and insignificant. We see every day in our popular culture world those who are completely consumed with their fame and fortune, with self-promotion and self-aggrandizement. We also see how they never seem satisfied; that no matter how much they have, it is never enough. We also see those who live much more simply, who see the beauty of our world in rocks and trees, in a sunset or holy moment.</p><p>The words of our tradition ring true even today: “Who is truly rich? Those who are content with their lot.” Of course, that doesn’t mean that we don’t set goals, or that we don’t have ambition or initiative. We have to always set the bar high and keep working towards ever challenging goals. When we do all this, we also work for God.</p><p>I’d like to take just a moment thank everyone for their well wishes as our daughter Leah became Bat Mitzvah last month. I can’t thank enough everyone who provided food for the beautiful lunch and for all your kind and generous gifts to Leah. It was an amazing and very memorable weekend that we were honored to share with so many of you.</p><p>I hope you are having an enjoyable summer. Remember, that God does not take summer vacation (probably because God does not have a credit card to buy a plane ticket or rent a car!).So, come see us here at Temple and be sure to watch the progress of our Asa Center as it is finally completed in the coming months.</p>
      • categorymonthlyRabbi
  • 18
    • Message
      • id290
      • created2010-06-28 14:14:38
      • modified2010-06-28 14:15:07
      • published2010-07-01
      • title
      • message<p>Almost a year ago, my beautiful daughter Allison announced her engagement to her amazing I do. And with my wife Phyllis as the Executive Producer planning every magical detail, I spent the next six months dreaming of that moment when we would walk our daughter down the aisle.</p><p>Finally, the day arrived along with picture book perfect weather which was in stark contrast to all the gloomy days that had filled the earlier parts of March. And, as the hours and then minutes ticked away, I tried to stay calm knowing that in a very short time I would experience another wonderful chapter in the book of life.</p><p>In reflection, there is something beautiful about a Jewish wedding ceremony. And I say that not because I am biased as my feelings and thoughts were echoed by our many non-Jewish friends that evening who were attending a Jewish wedding for the first time.</p><p>Interesting, however, is that there are very few requirements for a Jewish wedding. There is the marriage contract (Ketubah),the religious ceremonies (Kiddush in and Nisuin), a plain gold band accepted by the bride, and the pronouncement that you are husband and wife. But what we recognize most as making a wedding Jewish are a wide variety of customs and traditions that are steeped in history and that make the ceremony full of joy and happiness and becomes the happiest and holiest day of a couple’s life.</p><p>For starters, unlike non-Jewish ceremonies where the mothers of the bride and groom are seated, both Mom and Dad walk their daughter and son down the aisle. And there is no giving away of the bride. (Why would anyone want to give their daughter away?) Instead, the parents of the bride and groom are present with their children under the Chuppah as the marriage is not just a union of the bride and groom but of the families as well.</p><p>As I took those first few steps onto the Bema, I inhaled the sweet fragrance of the hundreds of white roses and calla lilies that made up the posts of the Chuppah while my eyes caught the tallits of the three grandpas which formed the canopy. At that moment, I wiped a tear and thought how my Dad would be smiling if he was here today as a witness to this simcha. But just seeing his tallit gave me solace that he was there with me.</p><p>Allison next circled her groom seven times, symbolizing the bride creating a wall around the groom to protect him from outside evils while Rabbi Asa kept a close count on the number of turns she made. Another tear formed in the corner of eye as I gazed into my little girl’s beautiful face.</p><p>The ceremony continued with the Kiddush recited masterfully by both Rabbi Asa and Rabbi Milhander. And over the cup of wine, symbolizing the sweetness of life, Allison and I do shared the cup which indicated their willingness to share the rest of their lives together.</p><p>Soon the ceremony had reached the point where the bride and groom were enwrapped in Ido’s tallit, symbolizing the bringing together of the bride and groom in their first symbolic home, the Chuppah, and to never be apart. And as Rabbi Asa read the Sheva B’rachot (the seven blessings) which recall the creation of the world in seven days and expresses the value of family, at this moment I could no longer hold back my tears as I wrapped my arm around my wife’s waist and held her tight.</p><p>Finally, and with one crushing stomp, the groom shattered the glass into millions of pieces as the breaking implies that the marriage will last as long as it would take to repair the glass which is forever. “Mazel Tov” was shouted from every corner of the sanctuary. And those in attendance will never forget the bride and groom’s first kiss!</p><p>My daughter’s wedding ceremony will be etched in my mind forever. And just like Tevye so proudly responded to the question “Why we do what we do?” there can be only one answer; TRADITION!</p><p>Chazak, chazak, ve-nitchazek! Be strong and let us strengthen one another!</p>
      • categorymonthlyPresident
  • 19
    • Message
      • id291
      • created2010-06-28 14:23:38
      • modified2010-06-28 14:32:53
      • published2010-07-01
      • title
      • message<p>Heraclitus was an ancient Greek philosopher who lived about 100 years before Plato around500BCE. He wrote about our world being inconstant flux. From his writings came the saying that “the only thing that is constant is change.</p><p>TBT and our Religious School are living examples of Heraclitus’ message. With the start of construction last summer, we realized that we needed to take a deep breath and adjust to our space limitations.We also are aware that most of the other synagogue schools in our community meet two days each week. So, we changed our schedule and met on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. The curriculum for our Saturday classes was revisited, and we adopted the Chai Curriculum published by the Union for Reform Judaism. Students and teachers alike adjusted well to these changes, and I was pleased to report to the URJ that our school was now part of the growing numbers using the curriculum.</p><p>After the end of this school year, a town hall meeting was held to allow parents to give feedback about the changes and to offer ideas for the future. There was lively discussion about the days and times of classes, but the meat of the meeting focused on the content of what our children learn. Two hours of Hebrew in one exposure each week does not give our children the same quality of Hebrew education as two exposures of 1.5 hours each day.Even the fact that we have our junior congregation on Shabbat is not the same kind of reinforcement as reading and reviewing the material that was taught on Wednesday.</p><p>Out of our town hall meeting came some wonderful suggestions:</p><ul><li> Have 15-20 minutes of Hebrew instruction on Saturdays in each class to review/reinforce the Wednesday Hebrew instruction; </li><li>Increase school-home communication (i.e. newsletters, TBT website usage, blogs, etc.;</li><li> Have monthly parent meetings with the education vice presidents who discuss classroom issues, school programs, etc.</li><li>Utilize parents in the classroom as volunteers/observers.</li></ul><p>Your feedback is welcome at any time to add to the above list.</p><p>While we’re on the subject of change, it has become evident tome that the 21st century student is not the same kind of person as those of us who grew up in the last half of the 20th century. As such, I am also researching the URJ’s Hebrew curriculum, which offers a more individualized approach to Hebrew learning.Focusing on the prayer book, Mitkadem allows students to learn at their own pace while mastering the various prayers studied at each level. The teacher monitors each student’s progress, and offers enrichment materials for those who finish the units ahead of others. More information will be forthcoming about this as we approach September.</p><p>So, while you are enjoying your summer months without thinking much about Religious/Hebrew School, my time is being spent in planning for September … and looking forward to moving into our new classrooms and offices. Please give your child(ren) a hug from me … I miss them!</p>
      • categorymonthlyReligiousSchool
• categories
  • weeklyRabbiWeekly Rabbi
  • monthlyRabbiMonthly Rabbi
  • monthlyPresidentMonthly President
  • monthlyEclcMonthly ECLC
  • monthlyReligiousSchoolMonthly Religious School
  • monthlyMensClubMonthly Mens Club
  • monthlySisterhoodMonthly Sisterhood
  • projectLegacyProject Legacy
• latestScroll
  • Scroll
    • id80
    • created2010-08-27 12:53:34
    • modified2010-08-27 12:53:34
    • scroll_file_nameSeptember 2010 Scroll.pdf
    • published2010-09-01
    • scroll_file_size2474975
• navGoogleSites
  • 0
    • GoogleAppSite
      • id11
      • created2010-06-16 17:27:18
      • nameGrade 1/2
      • urlfirstgrade
      • published1
      • description<p>This is a site for the parents and students of the first/second grade Religious School class at Temple Beth Tikvah. It includes any information about what's going on in the school as well as in class.</p>
      • order1
  • 1
    • GoogleAppSite
      • id13
      • created2010-06-16 17:27:50
      • nameGrade 3
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      • published1
      • description<p>This is a site for the parents and students of the third grade Religious School class at Temple Beth Tikvah. It includes any information about what's going on in the school as well as in class.</p>
      • order3
  • 2
    • GoogleAppSite
      • id14
      • created2010-06-16 17:28:08
      • nameGrade 4
      • urlfourthgrade
      • published1
      • description<p>This is a site for the parents and students of the fourth grade Religious School class at Temple Beth Tikvah. It includes any information about what's going on in the school as well as in class.</p>
      • order4
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    • GoogleAppSite
      • id15
      • created2010-06-16 17:28:29
      • nameGrade 5/6
      • urlfifthgrade
      • published1
      • description<p>This is a site for the parents and students of the fifth/sixth grade Religious School class at Temple Beth Tikvah. It includes any information about what's going on in the school as well as in class.</p>
      • order5
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    • GoogleAppSite
      • id17
      • created2010-06-16 17:29:05
      • nameGrade 7
      • urlseventhgrade
      • published1
      • description<p>This is a site for the parents and students of the seventh grade Religious School class at Temple Beth Tikvah. It includes any information about what's going on in the school as well as in class.</p>
      • order7
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    • GoogleAppSite
      • id10
      • created2010-06-16 17:26:57
      • nameGrade 8
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      • published1
      • description<p>This is a site for the parents and students of the eighth grade Religious School class at Temple Beth Tikvah. It includes any information about what's going on in the school as well as in class.</p>
      • order8
  • 6
    • GoogleAppSite
      • id18
      • created2010-08-22 16:09:00
      • nameConfirmation
      • urlconfirmation
      • published1
      • description<p>This is a site for the parents and students of tenth grade (Confirmation) Religious School class at Temple Beth Tikvah. It includes any information about what's going on in the school as well as in class.</p>
      • order10
  • 7
    • GoogleAppSite
      • id6
      • created2010-06-16 17:22:21
      • nameHebrew Alef Class
      • urlalefhebrew
      • published1
      • description<p>This is a site for the parents and students of the Alef class at Temple Beth Tikvah. It includes any information about what's going on in the school as well as in class.</p>
      • order11
  • 8
    • GoogleAppSite
      • id5
      • created2010-01-26 23:07:44
      • nameHebrew Bet Class
      • urlbethebrew
      • published1
      • description<p>This is a site for the parents and students of the Bet class at Temple Beth Tikvah. It includes any information about what's going on in the school as well as in class.</p>
      • order12
  • 9
    • GoogleAppSite
      • id7
      • created2010-06-16 17:22:38
      • nameHebrew Gimel Class
      • urlgimelhebrew
      • published1
      • description<p>This is a site for the parents and students of the Gimel class at Temple Beth Tikvah. It includes any information about what's going on in the school as well as in class.</p>
      • order13
  • 10
    • GoogleAppSite
      • id8
      • created2010-06-16 17:23:08
      • nameHebrew Dalet Class
      • urldalethebrew
      • published1
      • description<p>This is a site for the parents and students of the Dalet class at Temple Beth Tikvah. It includes any information about what's going on in the school as well as in class.</p>
      • order14
  • 11
    • GoogleAppSite
      • id9
      • created2010-06-16 17:23:25
      • nameHebrew Hay Class
      • urlhayhebrew
      • published1
      • description<p>This is a site for the parents and students of the Hay class at Temple Beth Tikvah. It includes any information about what's going on in the school as well as in class.</p>
      • order15
  • 12
    • GoogleAppSite
      • id20
      • created2010-08-22 16:31:55
      • nameMusic
      • urlmusic
      • published1
      • descriptionThis site is for you to keep up to date on the music that is being taught in our Religious School.
      • order16
  • 13
    • GoogleAppSite
      • id21
      • created2010-08-22 16:33:03
      • nameShabbat Hebrew
      • urlshabbathebrew
      • published1
      • descriptionThis site is to allow you to see what reinforcement of our Hebrew program is being done in our Religious School on Shabbat.
      • order17
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