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The Shofar
November 2008 Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803 Av 5769
the sake of ______ God created the world”. The only
problem is that it is not clear what should go into the
blank.
Rashi offers two suggestions. He suggests that the
pasuk should be translated as either, “for the sake of
Torah God created the world” or “for the sake of Israel
Each year during Shabbat God created the world”. These are not necessarily the
Bereshit, I get this same feel- two things that I would use to fill in the blank, but I
ing, of taking a step back. Rab- think that he makes an important point. I believe that
bi Yitz Greenberg says that one of the first questions that someone asks when be-
Yom Kippur is a time to break ginning a spiritual journey is why was the world creat-
yourself out of old cycles, the ed? What is the purpose of life?
things that keep you back, and
then to have a death to your Now, I am confronted with an existential crisis because I
Rabbi Jill & Matt Levy
old self so that you can be re- am not sure that I know the answer to the meaning of
born into a new self. What is so hard for me is that if existence. At the same time, I believe that Genesis re-
my old self has just died, why do we, two weeks later, minds us that the beginning of the spiritual journey is
start all over again? It is supposed to be a new year, but the statement I want to discover the meaning of life.
it feels as if we are doing the same thing as last year. Victor Frankl, Holocaust Survivor and Psychologist
coined the term, logos therapy, or therapy through
meaning. He says that the central motivation for living
is the will to meaning. His method of therapy challeng-
After reading parshat Bereshit I realized that we are
es people to find meaning through suffering, work and
beginning a new spiritual journey, not re-living an old
love.
one.
He also says that existential anxiety is defined by the
Rashi asks an important question about the first pasuk
unavoidable result of being confronted with the givens
in Bereshit - why does the Torah not begin with the first
of existence – death, freedom, meaninglessness. He
commandment, after all isn’t this what we really need
believes that existential anxiety can be a stimulus for
to know? His answer is that it starts with “B’reshit Bara
growth. And he believes that if we learn to listen to the
Elohim” for a reason. The Hebrew in this verse is ex-
subtle messages of our anxiety we can dare to take the
tremely complex and many commentators disagree as
steps necessary to change the direction of our lives.
to how to translate B’reshit (commonly translates as “in
the beginning”). Rashi does not believe that it means in
the beginning, but rather should be translated as “for
the sake of”. Therefore the first pasuk would read, “for
The Shofar http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org Page 1 of 8
November 2008 Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803 Av 5769
Frankl helps me understand the reason why this is the
Rabbi Weekends:
first topic in the Torah and why we have to come back
to it each year. If we want to be people who are new, October 31 & November 1 & 2, 2008
changed, or transformed, we have to be asking our-
selves what is the purpose to life. The resulting existen- December 12, 13 & 14, 2008
tial anxiety that this question leaves us with is our stim-
January 9, 10 & 11, 2009
ulus for spiritual growth.
February 27, 28 & March 1, 2009
April 3, 4 & 5, 2009
It also informs how I understand the rest of the chap-
ter. Adam and Eve eat from the tree of knowledge of May 15, 16 & 15, 2009
Good and Evil and are subsequently thrown out of the
garden. Perhaps the reason why they were thrown out
of the garden is because their real crime was that they
wanted to know all of the answers. God’s response to
them is no! If you want to become closer to me, if you
truly want to understand the purpose of life, you actual-
ly have to live into the suffering, hardship, and work of
the world – You have to toil the earth, have pains in
childbirth, your life span will be limited. You can not
have real knowledge without the quest for meaning.
The end of our year long Torah reading cycle coincides Change is in the Air!. The election will be here before
with the Jewish calendar telling us that we are not the we know it and everyone needs to go out and cast their
same person we were before, our old selves are gone - ballot. What a historical moment and I am so pleased
Yom Kippur killed it. At the same time, we must con- that all of my friends have such different opinions but
tinue to ask the questions and to start new journeys although I may not agree with them, I still know that we
into the meaning of life. Bereshit is a reminder that we all want to achieve the same thing and that is peace,
are on a new journey and that it is not as much about prosperity and a safe future for our children.
the answers as it is the quest.
Shalom, Rabbi Levy did a great job over the high holidays and I
look forward to her enthusiasm this coming weekend.
Rabbi Jill Levy Mark your calendars that Jennifer Johnson and I are
planning a potluck Shabbat dinner on December 12 at
the synagogue with the Rabbi and we encourage any-
one with children who would like to spend an intimate
dinner with Rabbi Jill come and join us.
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November 2008 Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803 Av 5769
The Sukkah party was a success and I was pleased to Sacks, the Schindlers, the Belskys, the Roberts and Linda
show a possible newcomer to town that our community Kamisher. And of course, to Shirley Roberts and her
is small but thriving and takes our holiday celebrations volunteer team for the delicious Break–the- Fast meal.
very seriously. That was only reinforced when I took
him to Jeff and Michelle Lapidus's house to really chill
inside their Sukkah. He might not move here but I guar- The Lunch Bunch held on Monday, October 20th at Mac-
antee he left knowing that the torch is being handed aroni Grille was a lot of fun!! Thanks to B.J. Brigadier for
down in Huntsville, Alabama. making the arrangements.
I have recently relinquished the Rabbi Hospitality The General Sisterhood meeting will be held on Mon-
schedule to Shannon and Bob Burdeshaw. There are day, November 17th, 7 p.m. at the Synagogue. At this
several openings to host the Rabbi dinner in the spring- time, a Craft Project will be taught on “Etching on
time. Rabbi Levy will eat in a restaurant; she will eat fish Glass.” Please bring a smooth surfaced glass item, such
in your house. No need to use plastic plates and there as a mirror, a glass, a plate or a
are several foods that she is not fond of and for that
info you can email me at sanfernando@knology.net and vase. There will be a small cost for supplies needed to
I will give you the details. complete the project. (Sisterhood
members will receive a reminder Post Card with the
cost for supplies.) The Gift Shop will be opened for Pre-
Shalom Chaverim, Chanukah purchases.
Sandy Lots of fun things are in store this year. Please come
out and join us!
Shalom,
Sue Paddock
Etz Chayim Sisterhood President
A special thanks to the following for the beautiful flow-
ers purchased for the High Holy Days: the Polins, the
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November 2008 Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803 Av 5769
MEN’S CLUB
Next Meeting Date: Thursday, No- TO ETZ CHAYIM MEMBERS.
vember 13, 8PM at the Synagogue
In order to keep large trucks and student cars from driv-
ing over our parking lot and using it as a break area, we
are putting out some Orange Parking Cones to block the
INTERFAITH MISSION SERVICE (IMS): Please remember
back parking lot. If you need access to the back lot and
to perform a mitzvah and bring good for the needy for
the cones are out, just move them to the side, but
the Food Pantry and personal hygiene items for First
please replace them when you leave.
Stop. Deposit your contributions at the entrance of the
Synagogue. Everyone's support is greatly appreciated. Max
Please remember these worthy causes especially when
you have an Oneg. Deliveries are made bi-weekly to
FOOD PANTRY and FIRST STOP.
SIMCHA & MEMORIAL PLAQUES: $50.00 & $75.00 RE-
SPECTIVELY. Please contact Joe Sacks for further infor-
mation at 883-1889.
HEADS UP NOTE: CHANUKAH Is just around the corner,
Sunday, December 21th....LATKE PARTY. Sisterhood is
sponsoring the Latkes and all the trimmings, and Mens
Club is sponsoring the Bingo games and prizes. ALSO General Fund
calling all men for Latke graters at 8AM. Bingo will start From: Dianne Eubanks
at 11AM and lunch at 12 noon. Please make your plans
accordingly In Honor of the High Holidays
Wishing all good health & happiness for the New Year From: Anonymous Donor
!!! Joe
In Honor of Dorothy & Bill Goldberg, Millie & Max
Rosenthal, Janet & Morrie Schindler, Harriet & Joe
Sacks, and Sandra Wiederecht.
The Shofar http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org Page 4 of 8
November 2008 Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803 Av 5769
From: Ray Applebaum To: Jeff Lapidus - In Honor of his High Holiday Service
participation - well done!
In Memory of Nathan & Rose Applebaum
To: Diane Belsky - Continued good health.
To: Sharon & Jeff Yalowitz - Mazel Tov on the birth of
From: Lynne & Steve Edmondson your grandson, Ari Justis vanLeeuwen.
To: Pam Thompson & Joe Savage - In Honor of Joe's in-
duction into the Alabama A&M Athletic Hall of Fame.
Sisterhood Fund
From: Millie Goldstein From: The Liles Family
In Honor of the High Holidays To: Morris Schindler - Glad you are back at home. We
hope you will continue to feel better.
Building Fund
Plaques
From: Millie & Max Rosenthal
From: Harriet & Joe Sacks
In Honor of all who participated in High Holiday Services
and those who made the Break-The-Fast so great, In Loving Memory of Betty Sacks Kravits, Sister of Joe
thanks to all. Sacks
In Loving Memory of Jack Kirsch, cousin of Harriet Sacks
To: Sharon & Jeff Yalowitz - Mazel Tov on the birth of
your grandson, Ari Justis vanLeeuwen.
From: Diane & Howard Polin
Outdoor Lighting Fund In Loving Memory of William C. Polin, nephew of How-
ard Polin
In Memory of Gertrude and Perry Schlein by their
daughters, Natha Hancock and Robin Slomka and their
families.
Randy Sacks Memorial Fund Remember the food pantry on your Oneg. First Stop
needs personal hygiene items. Bring a few cans of food
A very generous donation From: Dr. & Mrs. Alan Sacks
in memory of Randy Sacks. when possible.
Be sure to visit our website for the latest news…
From: Harriet & Joe Sacks TU http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org UT
The Shofar http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org Page 5 of 8
November 2008 Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803 Av 5769
Unless otherwise noted Shabbat Services are Friday
night 7:30pm, Saturday 9:30am
Online Donations are Now Possible
YARTZEIT TT
Make a donation the Etz Chayim
Website using Paypal. Look for Nov 1 Cheshvan 3 Sarah Goldstein*
Nov 1 Cheshvan 3 Sara Osovsky*
at Nov 2 Cheshvan 4 William Polin*
http://www.EtzChayim-HSV.org Nov 3 Cheshvan 5 Morris Goldberg*
Nov 3 Cheshvan 5 Leon Treister*
Nov 3 Cheshvan 5 Sam Ginsburg*
Nov 6 Cheshvan 8 Dr. Abraham Feitelberg*
Nov 7 Cheshvan 9 Joan Zelickson*
Nov 9 Cheshvan 11 Rose Feitelberg*
WHATS A MILLIGRAM ??
Nov 10 Cheshvan 12 Samuel Belsky*
For a $5.00 per message donation Millie Rosenthal will
send a handwritten message from you to acknowledge Nov 11 Cheshvan 13 Herschel Tzvi Rabinovich
a Simcha or loss. These donations will also appear in the
Nov 12 Cheshvan 14 Dr. Harold Isasac Goldman*
Shofar. Help your synagogue, send a Milligram. Call or
e-mail Millie. Nov 13 Cheshvan 15 Pauline Rudoy*
Nov 14 Cheshvan 16 Suzanne Ivy *
Nov 15 Cheshvan 17 Rose Soble*
Nov 15 Cheshvan 17 Abraham Belsky*
November Calendar 2008
Nov 16 Cheshvan 18 Al Soble*
Date Time Event Place
Nov 16 Cheshvan 18 Molly Levy Buchman
11/6 8 PM Men’s Club EC
Nov 17 Cheshvan 19 Elise Margaret Hoehne
General Sisterhood
11/17 7 PM EC Nov 19 Cheshvan 21 Pauline Baron Kripke*
Meeting
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November 2008 Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803 Av 5769
YARTZEIT TT
Shabbat Onegs & Candle Lighting
Nov 22 Cheshvan 24 Margareta Bernstein* Shabbat Ends: 5:21 PM
Shabbat, Nov 15
Nov-22 Cheshvan 24 Helene Kamisher* Parshah: Vayeira
Nov-23 Cheshvan 25 Gertrude S. Goldberger
Light Candles: 4:20 PM
Nov 27 Cheshvan 29 Irving Weinberger
Fri, Nov 21
Oneg: Adams
Nov-28 Kislev 1 Lily Yedid
Shabbat Ends: 5:18:PM
Shabbat, Nov 22
Parshah: Chayei Sarah
Light Candles: 4:18 PM
Fri, Nov 28
ANNIVERSARIES Oneg: Kirsch
Nov 6 Natha and Scott Hancock Shabbat Ends: 5:16 PM
Shabbat, Nov 29
Nov 13 Mante and Arthur Polin Parshah: Toldot
TU http://www.chabad.org/calendar/candlelighting.asp UT
TU http://www.anshe.org/parsha.htm UT
Shabbat Onegs & Candle Lighting
Light Candles: 5:35 PM
Fri, Oct. 31
BIRTHDAYS
Oneg: Kleiner
Nov 1 Linda Sue Maier
Shabbat Ends: 6:31 PM
Shabbat, Nov 1
Nov 2 Kelley Zelickson
Parshah: Noach
Nov 3 Jennifer Roberts
Light Candles: 4:29 PM
Fri, Nov 7 Nov 5 Skylar Green
Oneg: Palermo
Nov 9 Sharon Yalowitz
Shabbat Ends: 5:25 PM
Shabbat, Nov 8 Nov 11 Shirley Roberts
Parshah: Lech Lecha
Nov 16 Jonathan Levitt
Light Candles: 4:24 PM
Fri, Nov 14 Nov 17 B.J. Brigadier
Oneg: Liles
Nov 19 Daniel Goodman
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November 2008 Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803 Av 5769
BIRTHDAYS
Nov 21 Josh Bulgatz
Nov 23 Adam Kalachman/
Nov 23 Haley Rosenthal
Nov 24 Shoshana Rosenthal
Nov 26 Bill Goldberg We are updating our records. Please email the
following information to Lisa Kleiner at li-
Nov 28 Yael Roberts
sa@lisakleiner.com :
o Birthday Dates
ETZ CHAYIM BOARD MEMBERS
o Anniversary Dates
President Sandy Pepper
o YARTZEIT Dates
Vice-President Jeff Yalowitz
Treasurer Michal Hall
Dennis Bulgatz has volunteered to maintain
Recording Secretary Sam Sainker email address changes in our web based data-
Corresponding Secretary Holly Kent base system. Please email Dennis with any of
your Email address changes at: den-
Trustees Brenda Liles nis@bulgatz.com
Larry Weinberger
Larisa Thomason
Sam Kleiner
Dennis Bulgatz
Mens Club Representative Joe Sacks
Sisterhood Representative Mille Rosenthal
Let us know if you currently do not get an email ver-
sion of the Shofar and would like to receive it.
sa@etzchayim-hsv.org
The Shofar http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org Page 8 of 8
