july 2007 : vol. xxi no.11
at the opening
o f t h e tent
Services
Friday Evenings
July 6 July 13 7:30 pm 7:30 pm
Social Responsibility Service
July 20 July 27 7:30 pm 7:30 pm
Saturday Mornings
July 7 10:00 am
Pinchas
July 14 10:00 am
Matot / Masei Bar Mitzvah of John Culbertson
July 21 July 28 10:00 am
Devarim
10:00 am
Va’etchanan
Our group wound its way through the alleyways of the old city of Safed and found the studio of the kabbalistic artist, Avraham Lowenthal. He showed us a painting and explained its portrayal of one of the many conceptualizations of God’s four-lettered Hebrew name. In his painting, the ‘yud’ is on top and represents infinite divine light and love. The letters ‘hey-vav-hey’ appear one atop the other and display the process through which each human being can manifest the divine through our behavior. The bottom ‘hay’ is the tendency towards selfishness and negativity; the ‘vav’ is the vehicle for transformation to the upper ‘hay’ which signifies positive vibrations and unconditional love for others. We have just returned from ten days of immersion in the land, water and people of eretz Yisrael and we found examples of both ‘hays’. On the downside, we experienced the rage of the ultraOrthodox community as they burned garbage in a display of their intolerance toward a gay pride parade scheduled in Jerusalem. We felt the sting of gender discrimination while attempting to visit some of the holy sites of our people. We learned at a session with an urban activist of the unjust ‘service gap’ that exists between Arab and Jewish neighborhoods. Yet, on the positive side, we heard the inspiring stories and gratitude for Israel from an Ethiopian immigrant named Avivah. We met some sweet and brave IDF soldiers on the Israel-Lebanon border keeping the residents of a northern kibbutz secure during a shaky peace. We toured the Negev village of the Hebrew Israelites and witnessed the attempt to solidify an African-American styled Jewish pres-
ence on Israeli soil. At Independence Hall we heard a recording of the ‘Shehecheyanu’ recited at the birth of the State, reminding us of Israel’s potential. And our delightful guide, Jered, was a model for us of a new category of Israeli--an American born, kippah-wearing activist for environmental responsibility, Jewish-Palestian reconciliation, and for religious pluralism. I was mindful throughout the trip that we were mere weeks away from Tisha B’Av, our Jewish day of mourning. One of the teachings of that day is that future acts of violent destruction may be alleviated through actions that are in the spirit of the upper ‘hay’ – the spirit of love, generosity, and compassion. Please join us at CRC as we remember those we’ve lost and attempt to raise our collective consciousness in our Tisha b’Av observance on Monday, July 23 at 8:30 pm. Perhaps the most poignant moment we shared on our journey was a program of Bedouin hospitality. We found ourselves on a wind-swept desert landscape under the new Tammuz moon, drinking delicious tea in a remarkable carpetladen tent. In a flash, I realized we were sitting right at the opening – the ‘petach ohel.’ This was the very place that the Jewish people sat when our instincts were as native as the Bedouins, the place that allowed us to feel the earth, connect to neighbors and strangers, make peace, and respond to the needs of all. This is the true path to the upper ‘hay’ and the true hope of Israel and of all creation.
Tisha b’Av
Monday, July 23 7:30 pm CRC
Tu b’Av
Sunday, July 29 7:30 pm CRC
central reform congregation 5020 waterman blvd. st. louis, mo 63108 p: (314) 361-3919 f: (314) 361-2842 info@centralreform.org www.centralreform.org
b’Ahav (with lov ah e),
Rabbi Randy
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CRC News
Tidbits
CRC Board Meeting
Thursday, July 12 at 7:30 pm
Mazel Tov to . . .
Caleb Grady on his Bar Mitzvah Parker Goldman on his Bar Mitzvah Shira and Laura Pollio on their B’not Mitzvah Tristan Jappa on his Bar Mitzvah Lisa Orden Zarin on receiving the Creating Quality Educational Opportunities Award from Focus St. Louis Sheila Greenbaum on her election as President of the Jewish Federation Kathy Lass on being named one of the Ten Women of Worth by OWL (a national grass-roots advocacy group for mid-life and older women).
Grief Support Group Cancelled for July
Our next meeting is Saturday, August 18 from 1:00 to 2:30
Family Services Resume in July
Family services (9:30 - 10:00 am on Saturdays) return for all Shabbats in July. During August, family services again go on hiatus and will resume with the start of religious school.
Women’s Rosh Chodesh Elul
Tuesday, August 14 at 6:30 pm We continued our year-long journey at the Women’s Retreat. OR you can join us for your first time in the wonderful month of Elul. We will learn and study with Rabbi Susan, and share a delicious potluck meal. All are welcome to join us as we begin/ continue our studies from Sukkot to Passover to Rosh Chodesh Elul. Please RSVP to (314) 361-1564 x112.
Sincere Condolences to . . .
Our members, Richard Gram and Barbara Kurtz on the death of their father and brother, Herman Elias Gram Susan Block on the death of her mother, Cecelia Rothberg Debbie Monfort on the death of her mother, Sonia Schulman Sharon Brown on the death of her mother, Juanita Brown Paul, Jocelyn and Benjamin Wagman on the death of their dear friend and mother and our member, Leslie Moore CRC members on the death of our friend, Joseph Zimbrolt
Deadlines
MEMO - 5:00 pm, 15th of the month e-announcements - noon, Wednesdays Shabbat bulletin - 10:00 am, Fridays
Call for High Holiday Readings!
We love our High Holiday readings. Let’s make this year's the best ever! Send your submissions before August 1---we need time to make the selections, edit and fit them into the services! Remember: we look for offerings that deepen our understanding and experience of the High Holiday prayer services. We request all submissions: reflect and relate directly to at least one of the following High Holiday themes: prayer holiness dedication introspection forgiveness repentance hope are well-written, compact, relevant are typed and double-spaced on no more than a page and a half can be read in 3 minutes or less are the original writing of the submitting CRC member OR clearly identifes the author and source. Please send your submissions to connie@ centralreform.org. Put in the subject line, HiHo Readings. E-mail submissions are greatly preferred, but if this is not an option for you, mail to HiHo Readings, CRC, 5020 Waterman, St. Louis, MO 63108.
Welcome New Members . . .
Ben and Rachel Daniels Howard and Orietta Kohn
Social Responsibility Shabbat Immigration Reform: What’s Going On & What You Can Do
Friday July 13, 7:30 PM Immigration reform currently is a hot topic at both the state and federal levels. Come hear Bolivar Fraga from Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU) talk about this important issue.
Circles & Groups 3
Basic Judaism
Friday, August 10, 6:30 pm We will share a Shabbat Dinner and share each other and wonderful food too! Saturday, August 18, noonish We will talk and learn about the High Holy Days. This is a most special time for us to share together. All are welcome to join us. Please contact Maggie Duwe (see below) for more information and menu choices (Friday).
Meeting Times
A.R.T. @CRC Thursday, July 19, 10:30 am Basic Judaism Saturday, August 10 12:15 pm Book Club Saturday, August 10, 2:00 pm Continuing Interfaith Sunday, August 19, 9:30 am Drum Circle Summer Break, Returning Sept. 11 Education Steering Committee Thursday, July 12, 6:00 pm Green Circle TBA Grief Support Group Saturday, August18, 1:00 pm Hospitality Circle Sunday, August 12, 10:00 am
Israel Circle Meeting
Tuesday, July 10, 7:00 pm Please join us as we welcome CRC members home from their trip to Israel. They will present a first hand report on their experiences to help us understand the current situation. RSVP to Gloria Morgenstern helpful but not required. (314) 878-6078 or Grmrg@aol.com
A.R.T. @ CRC
Thursday, July 19, 10:30 am Join our Donnybrook-style group as we debate the question:
Book Club
Saturday, August 18 2:00 pmish
Is War with Iran Inevitable?
Lunch to follow at noon for $5.00 at the door. Please RSVP to (314) 361-1564 ext. 323 and let us know that your are coming.
For those interested in exploring conversion or those just interested!
At this meeting we will finish our book, Lovesong. Please read through Part IV for our next gathering. All are welcome.
Ruth Group
Wednesday, August 8, noon Ruth Group is for any woman not born Jewish but connected with Judaism. With Lorrie Kovell (our student intern) and Maggie Duwe, we finish reading The Faith Club by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver and Priscilla Warner. Please read to the end. For more information contact Maggie Duwe (see below).
Religious Events Circle
Sunday, July 29 at 5:45 just prior to the Tu B'Av program. The Circle will look at ways to engage more members in planning for Religious events. Two new events are being planned, including a Simchat Torah block party and Shared Shabbats in homes. The Circle will also sponsor Shabbat Services Focus groups in the fall and work to develop a selection of adult education programs. If you would like to get involved or just want to share ideas, please call Marci Mayer Eisen at (636) 532-7343(h) or email her at groupworker@charter.net.
Interfaith 101 Begins Sunday, September 16, 12:00 pm Interfaith 102 Sunday, August 19, 9:30 am Israel Circle Tuesday, July 10, 7:00 pm Membership Circle TBA Naomi Group Friday, August 3, 12:00 pm Religious Events Circle Sunday, July 29, 5:45 pm Ruth Group Wednesday, August 8, 12:00 pm
Naomi Group
Friday, August 3, noon
(a new date, the first Friday of the month)
Rabbi Susan to Train Docents
All potential docents are requested to attend the August meeting of the Hospitality Circle. Rabbi Susan will do the training for docents and is only available at this meeting, August 12, 10:00 am. Please attend as we really need all of you who have expressed an interest in this work.
Naomi group is for women who are interested in re-envisioning and re-kindling their Judaism.We are studying Jewish women from Biblical to modern times and will bring the voice and image of the Tkhines into our group this day. If you’re interested or have questions, please call Maggie Duwe (see below).
Social Responsibility Circle Sunday, July 22, 11:00 am
Friday Torah Study
Fridays, 2:00 to 3:00 pm We will not meet July 13 and 20.
Contact Maggie Duwe at (314) 361-1564 ext. 112 or maggie@central reform.org
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Social Responsibility
dots and move ahead even further in our commitment to tikkun olam.” “Another important area Jen will focus on is making sure that we communicate in a timely and open way with CRC members and in the broader community,” said Lise Bernstein,VP of Communications. Stay Tuned Jen joined CRC on June 18. She will focus her time initially on gathering information and talking with many people at CRC. “It is important that we look at our social action not as a separate program, but as a value that we integrate into all parts of CRC,” said Steve Friedman, CRC President. “We have asked Jen to work with us to develop a focused and strategic approach to social action. This will involve taking the time and creating a process for CRC to identify our goals, establish priorities and implement a process that allows us to have a real impact on key issues.” Jen will be reaching out to CRC members, but we also encourage you to drop by the office and introduce yourself. Jen can be contacted at (314) 361-1564 ext. 116 and jennifer@centralreform.org. Kudos to the Search Committee The CRC Search Committee has been working since January, identifying and interviewing candidates. “We were amazed at the number of qualified people who applied for the Director of Advocacy & Communications position,” said Wendy Jaffe, co-chair. “The committee had to make some very difficult decisions and they dedicated many hours to this effort.” Many thanks to the Search Committee: Chairs Lise Bernstein and Wendy Jaffe, Cheryl Adelstein, Alene Becker, Steve Engelhardt, Rabbi Randy Fleisher, Steve Friedman, Dan Glazier, Amy Rome, Ben Senturia, Hilary Skirboll, Rabbi Susan Talve, John Terranova, Gail Wechsler and Nancy Weigley.
Jennifer Bersdale Starts Work as Director of Advocacy & Communications
The Search Committee for the Director of Advocacy & Communications position at CRC is pleased to announce that Jennifer Bersdale has been selected for this new position. “Jen brings great experience in advocacy that will be of tremendous value to CRC as we seek ways to enhance our social action efforts,” said Gail Wechsler,VP of Social Responsibility on the CRC board. Jen’s experience includes serving as a grassroots organizer for Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region, where she helped develop and implement a statewide public affairs strategic plan. She has worked extensively with volunteers on community campaigns and legislative advocacy. Jen also worked with NARAL Pro-Choice America in Washington, DC as a constituency development assistant. In 2004, Jen was recognized as one of the top 30 pro-choice leaders under age 30 in the United States. In addition to her advocacy background, Jen has held development positions with Planned Parenthood and the Humane Society of Missouri. A native of Chicago, Jen earned her bachelor’s degree at Washington University. “I have attended services at CRC and love the congregation’s commitment to both Judaism and social justice. I am honored to join CRC and to contribute to your remarkable work,” Jen said. Thinking Strategically In her role as the first full-time staff member dedicated to advocacy and communications, Jen will work with CRC’s lay leadership, rabbis and members to develop a plan for our advocacy program. CRC has been active in advocacy since our founding 22 years ago; now we have the expertise to create a plan that focuses on key priority issues. “We have a wonderful opportunity to carefully plan and develop CRC’s social action efforts and our role in helping shape public policy,” Rabbi Talve said. “We have so many talents and resources within our membership and in our extended community. Now with Jen on board, we’ll be able to better gather those resources, connect the
Habitat for Humanity July Builds with the Jewish Social Action Network
This summer, CRC will again be helping to build several Habitat homes. Those who have done this work in the past have found it very rewarding. Participants must be 16 years of age or older. No special skills are required. The dates we will be building with JSAN are Sunday July 22,Thursday July 26 and Friday July 27. For more information and to sign up to participate, contact Marci Meyer Eisen at meisen@jcrcstl.org. In addition, Habitat has an ongoing need for volunteers to do office work, serve on committees and work other projects separate from the builds. For more information or to volunteer, call Habitat directly at (314) 371-0400 and ask for volunteer coordinator Jacinta Witherspoon.
and Advocacy
Join CRC to See SiCKO
Join CRC and the Interfaith Partnership of Metropolitan St. Louis to see SiCKO, Michael Moore's thought-provoking new movie about the healthcare system in the United States. Come watch the movie and stay for a discussion about the film and its implications for the movement to expand healthcare access in Missouri.
Interfaith 5
New Series of Interfaith Workshops
Please join us for a series of informative interfaith workshops, including time for discussion and getting to know each other. We will meet on the 3rd Sunday of every month beginning September 16, from noon to 2:00 pm at CRC. This series will be conducted by Rabbi Susan, Rabbi Randy, and Maggie Duwe. The topics will include: September 16 - What does my religion mean to me? Why is religion important in my life? Why is religion important in our life as a couple? October 21 - Holidays and the December Dilemma. How do we do and respect each other’s holidays throughout the year? And specifically for this season, how do we honor both Hanukkah and Christmas? November 18 - The “C” word. What about children? December 16 - Lifecycle events. How do we commemorate and honor our own wedding, births of our children, coming of age, and death, mourning, and burial? January 18 - (Friday night) Shared Shabbat Dinner. We will share a Shabbat Dinner together at CRC and explore the questions: How do we celebrate Shabbat in a way that includes the partner of another faith and wisdom and words from other paths? How do we make Shabbat meaningful for our family? February 17 - A panel of interfaith couples who have been living these issues. They will tell their stories and answer questions. To register or more information, please contact Maggie Duwe (see page 3).
SiCKO
Wednesday, July 11 6:30 - 8:30 pm Chase Park Plaza Theatres (Kingshighway & Lindell) Tickets: $6.00 per person Discussion to follow in the Plaza Room
All tickets must be ordered by Tuesday, July 10, so we may return any unused tickets. SPACE IS LIMITED - ORDER YOUR TICKET TODAY!
To reserve your ticket, contact Jen at (314) 361-1564 ext. 116 or jennifer@centralreform.org.
International Call for Art with Sukkat Shalom Theme Hosted and Curated by CRC
Sukkat Shalom are the Hebrew words for "Shelter of Peace." A sukkah is a simple, temporary shelter, open to the sky. The concept of a sukkah is an ancient and powerful symbol. They were built in the wilderness by a people who for generations were slaves and were now free. With little more than the hope of a better life to help carry them on their journey, our people knew, even then, that to truly be free, all people must be free, and to truly find peace, the shelter of peace must extend to everyone. Artists of all faith traditions are encouraged to interpret the theme. broadly. Show is September 29 - December 1, 2007. Download the prospectus at http://www.vogelpix.com/call_for_art.htm or e-mail jeane@vogelpix.com to be e-mailed the PDF. Deadline: August 1, 2007
Continuing Interfaith
Sunday, August 19, 9:30 -11:30 am Our wonderful continuing group is getting together for a Shared Brunch again! As usual, we will shmooz, eat, learn, and grow together. I’d love to see everybody! Please either email or call Maggie (see page 3) for our menu needs and to RSVP.
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Education
Adult Hebrew
Beginning Biblical Hebrew on Mondays at 12:00 noon with Maggie will start on July 30. Intermediate Modern Hebrew/Hebrew Poetry on Mondays at 12:00 noon with Rabbi Michael will start July 30. Beginning Conversational (Modern) Hebrew with Jordan on Tuesdays at 6:15 will start on July 31. The Hebrew of Jonah and the Midrash with Rabbi Michael on Tuesdays at 6:15 will start on July 31. Classes cost $75 for CRC members and $90 for non-members. Please RSVP to these classes by July 25 by calling or e-mailing Jordan. Make sure to leave your name, phone number, email adress and the class you wish to take.
Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Judaism But Were Afraid to Ask!
(well, maybe not everything)
Do your children ask you questions about Judaism that you can’t answer? Have you forgotten most of what you learned in Religious School? Are you or someone you know considering converting to Judaism? Are you involved in an interfaith relationship and would like to explore Judaism with your partner? “Introduction to Judaism” is a 16-week class covering holidays, history, theology, life cycle events, prayer, spirituality, Israel, and anti-semitism. Issues relating to intermarriage and conversion will also be discussed. The course will be held on Tuesday evenings from 7-9 pm from August 21 to December 18 at St. Louis area Reform congregations. An exciting component of the course is a Hebrew Marathon – a 1-day program designed to provide basic Hebrew reading skills to students. The Hebrew Marathon will take place on a Sunday in August or September. Rabbis Lane Steinger, Randy Fleisher, Brigitte Rosenberg and Amy Feder will teach up to four sessions each. Rabbi Lynn Goldstein will teach the Hebrew Marathon. The enrollment fee is $210 per individual/ $235 per couple (partners are encouraged to attend) affiliated with a congregation ($260 per individual/$285 per couple if unaffiliated), which includes the Hebrew marathon and course materials. “Introduction to Judaism” is co-sponsored by the Midwest Council of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and the Association of Reform Rabbis of Greater St. Louis. The class is open to anyone, regardless of religious background, who wishes to learn about Judaism. If you are interested, please contact Maggie Duwe (see
page 3).
Teachers Needed
We are looking for knowledgable, creative and enthusiastic teachers for Shabbat School and Hebrew School positions. If you are intersted please email your resume and availability for 20072008 to Jordan. If you have any questions, please contact Jordan.
To contact Jordan Ottenstein:
Call (314) 361-1564 ext. 106 or e-mail jordan@centralreform.org.
Writer, Poet and EducatorIbtisam Barakat discusses and signs her groundbreaking new memoir Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood
Wednesday, July 25, 7:00 pm at Left Bank Books, 399 North Euclid in the CWE Left Bank Books is pleased to announce a reading and booksigning with acclaimed writer, Ibtisam Barakat, author of the groundbreaking memoir, Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood, published by Farrar, Strauss and Giroux. The event is co-sponsored by CRC, Brit Tzedek v’Shalom and the Children of Abraham. The event is free and open to the public. Validated parking is available on the lot north of Left Bank Books on Euclid Avenue. Ibtisam S. Barakat is a Palestinian-American writer, poet and educator. Her work centers on healing the hurts of racism, sexism, and the oppression of young people. Barakat was a delegate to the United Nation's conference on the elimination of racism, which was held in Durban, South Africa, August 2001. She leads Write Your Life seminars and speaks frequently on using personal narrative and literature to repair social relationships, and toward the collective authoring of a world fully welcoming to everyone. In her groundbreaking new memoir, Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood, Barakat captures what it is like to be a child in Ramallah during the aftermath of the 1967 Six-Day War. With candor and courage, she stitches together memories of her childhood: fear and confusion as bombs explode near her home and she is separated from her family; the harshness of life as a Palestinian refugee; her unexpected joy when she discovers Alef, the first letter of the Arabic alphabet. This is the beginning of her passionate connection to words, and as language becomes her refuge, allowing her to piece together the fragments of her world, it becomes her true home. “In vivid, beautiful prose, Barakat transports readers into a place few Westerners have ever seen – the interior life of a young girl and her family in the occupied West Bank.” (Sandy Tolan, author of The Lemon Tree)
Other CRC News 7
Experience the High Holidays from a new perspective!
High Holidays Choir
We rehearse every Thursday evening from July 26 through September 6. We sing at all High Holiday services: S'lichot (Saturday evening, September 8), Rosh Hashana (Wednesday evening, September 12 and Thursday, September 13), and Yom Kippur (Friday evening, September 21 and Saturday, September 22). We're always looking for good, enthusiastic singers. You'll learn something and have a good time. Call Alan Freed at (314) 989-0424 (home) or (314) 727-2266 (office). Please leave your contact information, including an e-mail address and phone number.
Rachel Berkowitz’s Bat Mitzvah Project
I want to help children who are living in poverty, specifically in Guatemala, by donating clothing and medical supplies. The Casa Quivira Childrens Home in Antigua has expanded recently to help all children in Antigua who are in need of medical care by operating a medical clinic. I am asking for your help in purchasing supplies for both the orphanage and clinic. (www. casaquivira.org – adoptions & www.cqchildrensfund.org - clinic). Please bring donated supplies to CRC and place in the bins in the coat room the 2 weeks prior to my Bat Mitzvah on August 18. The following are needed: triple antibiotic cream baby wipes (unscented preferred) hydrocortisone cream diaper rash creme (5 a day are used) Phisohex bibs Selsun containing shampoos soy formula disinfectant Thank you so very much! bar soaps hypoallergenic soap Petroleum jelly (1 jar used daily) hand sanitizing gel 5 & 8 oz. baby bottles baby vitamins Claritin & Claritin D simethicone drops guaifenesin dextromethorphan Aveeno colloidal Calamine lotion
Catch Rabbi Michael on Channel 4!
Sunday, July 8, 6:30 am
at this hour, set your DVD!
Rabbi Michael and his wife, Rabbi Amy Feder, will appear on L’chaim.
PRIDE 2007
8
Photos from Israel Trip
Tributes and More 9
General Fund
Carol M. Portman In memory of Michael Mandel & In memory of Herman Gram Lois Soffer and Andy Kanefield In honor of Tom Treeger’s full recovery Lisa Graivier Barnes and Carl Barnes In memory of Gianna Jacobson’s father, Gerson Jacobson & In memory of Robin Berman & With healing prayers for Diane Katzman & With healing prayers for Ilene Joseph Rose-Lynn and Dan Sokol In honor of Joy Lieberman’s 24 years of service to the U. City Board of Education and having a school named after her & In honor of Lisa Orden Zarin receiving the Creating Quality Educational Opportunities Award from Focus St. Louis Lois Kanefield In memory of Nathan Weissman Rosenblum, Goldenhersh, Silverstein & Zafft, PC & Tony and Pat Diliberto In memory of Lottie Horowitz, mother of Gail and Carl Lang, grandmother of David Lang and Suzanne Epstein Lang Carole Zatlin In memory of her sister, Rochelle Scissors & In honor of the 98th birthday of her mother, Dora Edelman Ron and Sharalyn Saks In honor of Sheila Greenbaum being elected President of the Jewish Federation & In honor of Diane Maier being elected President of Hadassah Linda Matz Mantle In honor and appreciation of Lisa Orden Zarin, Ericka Zoll, and Debbie Greenberg for their transformative work through College Bound & With congratulations to Sheila Greenbaum on her welldeserved election to President of the Jewish Federation Ray Davidson In memory of Debbie Monfort’s mother & In memory of Juanita Brown, mother of Sharon Brown Sharon and Bob Hollander In honor of the birth of their granddaughter, Sophie Anita Deering & With prayers for Tim Deering’s continued recovery from back surgery & With healing prayers for Bobby Hollander & In memory of Ken Rowen Martin and Cookie Goldberg In honor of the 50th wedding anniversary of Bill and Sammy Shoss Albert S. Rose In recognition of Sheila Greenbaum being elected the 37th President of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis Debbie Harris In honor of Diane Maier becoming President of St. Louis Hadassah & With gratitude for the life-giving love of this community Fred and Sara Epstein In memory of Max Riekes Denise and Robert Bogard, Daniel, Jonathan, and Tenzin In honor of Jerry and Sue Schlichter’s well-deserved award & In memory of Judy Babitz’s mother and grandmother
Creating Your Own Spiritual Program
August 15, 22, 29 and September 5 6:30 to 8:00 pm Please join Rabbi Susan, Debbie Harris and Maggie Duwe as we journey through the month of Elul and prepare for High Holy Days. We will spend our time together exploring quieting techniques involving breathing, movement, music, chanting and more. We will also spend our time exploring God’s Presence and feeling the holiness. Please join us as we learn through many avenues “to feel the balance” and move into our Holy Days. Please RSVP to Joy at (314) 361-1564 x109.
Rabbis’ Tribute Fund
Marjorie Silverblatt In memory of Marti Frumhoff Susann and Bob Silver In honor of the naming of Inocencio Quinn Boc Cultural Leadership In honor of the marriage of Al Rose’s son Albert S. Rose With sincere appreciation to Rabbis Talve and Goodman for the warm and wonderful marriage service for Micah Rose and Tonya Oliver Susan Block and Family With appreciation for Rabbi Talve’s support, kindness, and wisdom Marilyn Probe In honor of the B’not Mitzvah of Shira and Laura Pollio Patti Teper In honor of Carol Portman receiving the League of Women Voters award Andrea and Tim Deering With gratitude to Rabbi Talve for Sophie’s baby naming Paul Wagman
Mitzvah Corps Thanks!
Special and heartfelt thanks to our Mitzvah Corps volunteers who saved the day with delicious chicken (and vegetable) soup to stock our Mitzvah Corps freezers. Sweet desserts too! We are grateful to Linda Cohen, Jeane Vogel, Jessica Pollock, Terri Leyton, Carol Portman and Vicki Lander. If you or someone you know could use a nutritious pick-me-up, please contact the Mitzvah Corps and let us know. Call 361-1564, ext. 313.
LGBT Shared Shabbat Dinner
August 17, Friday-6:30 pm Our group continues and grows! Please join us for a potluck dinner. Topic is still to be announced. But I just know it will be fun and wonderful. And the food is always great! Please bring: A-L salad or side dish M-S vegetarian main dish T-Z dessert and wine Please RSVP to Maggie (see page 3).
Youth Activity Fund
Melanie Seleman With appreciation for the opportunity to participate in NFTY and CRC trips.
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July 1 Tammuz 15
Laurie Caplan
Yahrzeits
Bernice Kayman
- may their memory be a blessing
David Yaffee
*June Kravin
Mother of Nancy Mohr
Gertrude Portnoy
Son of Lois Miller Brother of Leslie Caplan
Mary Feldman
Wife of Harold Kravin Sister of Nancy Brown
Minnie Rubinstein
Father of Brian Yaffee
Grandmother of Harvey Earl Portnoy
July 19 Av 4
Dorothy Drury
Mother of Rosalie Franklin
Louis Guller
July 7
Tammuz 21
Grandmother of Todd Siwak
Michael Sadoff
Mother of Yvette Dubinsky
Errica Vegotsky
William B. Gewanter
Father of Judy Berkowitz
Herman Kesten
Father of Judi Chapnick
Joel D. Seigel
Niece of Merle Freed
Grandfather of Marjorie Hartman
Alice Matzdorf
Remembered by Elaine Lapofsky Kesten
Ben H. Senturia
Father of Robert Seigel
Edward J. VanderVelde
July 20 Av 5
David Biber
Cousin of Larry Raskin
Frances Sacks Weil
Grandmother of Sheila Michaels
Father of Alice Senturia and Ben Senturia, Jr.
*Jack Zimmerman
Father of Michael VanderVelde
Father of Deborah Wafer
July 14 Tammuz 28
Joseph Loomstein
July 21 Av 6
*Samuel Moses Rosenthal
July 2
Jane Dee
Tammuz 16
Husband of Florine Zimmerman
Father of Jack Loomstein
Joey Murov
Mother of Michael Dee
Eli Ghertner
July 8
Tammuz 22
Father of Barry Murov
Adaline Sonenschein
Infant son of Robert and Debra Rosenthal
Father of Marjorie Silverblatt Grandfather of Leah Silverblatt
Selma Moskowitz
Mother of David Moskowitz
Norman Sandberg
Mother of Debby Silverberg
Samuel J.Temperato
July 22 Av 7
Sandra Donato
July 3
Tammuz 17
Father of Neil Sandberg
Leonard Esstman
Father of Donald Esstman
Elaine Kutten
July 9
Tammuz 23
Shirlee Chackes
Husband of Joanna Temparato Father of Katie Bensky and Jane Oelke
Mother of Cynthia Donato
Evelyn Holtzman
Mother of Linda Holtzman
Lorraine Pepper
Mother of Kenneth Chackes
Fanny Frauenglas
Sister of Florine Zimmerman
Morris Shapiro
July 15 Tammuz 29
Sherman Marver
Sister of Eleanor Gellman
Melba Powell
Grandmother of Bobby Frauenglas
Edna Lander
Father of Harvey Shapiro
Father of Betty Marver
Joseph Rayman
Mother of Hewie Powell
July 4 Tammuz 18
Melba Levy Arnold
Mother of David Lander
Grandfather of Julie Scherck
July 23 Av 8
Jane McCray
Mother of Jay Arnold
Edwin and Estelle Fischer
July 10 Tammuz 24
Joseph McCray
July 16 Av 1
Kenneth Polson
Cousin of Karen McCray
Rose Telsner
Father of Karen McCray
Grandparents of Robyn Hunter
*Martin Fishkop
Brother in law of Philip Barron
Marjorie Levy Schlessinger
Great-aunt of Bobby Frauenglas
July 11 Tammuz 25
Benjamin Schuyler
Husband of Jane Fishkop Cousin of Sylvia Ehrlich
Lee Grossman
Mother of Jill Evans Petzall
Simon Sonenschein
July 24 Av 9
Forest Hahn
Father of Debra Finkel and Ellen Rumelt
Friend of Nancy Young
Kaitlyn Nicole Koerner
Father of Debby Silverberg
Julius Spiegel
Grandmother of Terri Grossman
Minnie Kravin
July 12 Tammuz 26
Dr. Barry Jasper
Mother of Harold Kravin
Nina Rosenthal
Father of Daniel Jasper
Irene Kafka
Husband of Fannie Spiegel Father of Miriam Raskin and Susan Spiegel
Infant granddaughter of Bob and Sharon Hollander
Jacob B. Orenstein
Mother of Rebecca Rosenthal
Sol Schwartz
Mother of Bradley Kafka
Wallace Langston, Sr.
July 17 Av 2
Charlie Glik
Father of Joy Lieberman Grandfather of Sharon Cohn
Ethel Rosenberg
Grandfather of Debbie Monfort
Rochelle Scissors
Father of Wallace Langston
Rose Drosin Quinn
Sister of Carole Zatlin
Nephew of Jeff and Brenda Fay Glik
Irene Klein
Grandmother of Gary M. Wasserman
Samuel Soffer
Grandfather of Lois Soffer
Sharon Weinstein
Grandmother of Judi Chapnick
Sam Turken
July 5
Tammuz 19
Mother of Jacob Klein
Jeff Maroney
Friend of Virginia Horowitz
Melvin Berkowitz
Father of Alan Turken
Edith Weinhaus
Father of Alan Berkowitz
Michael Davidson
Brother of Mary Jo Maroney
Donald Sadoff
July 25 Av 10
Edward Grossman
Mother of Sheldon Weinhaus
Norma Claire Wershil
Father of Ray Davidson
Edith Lotner
Brother of Judi Chapnick
Grandfather of Terri Grossman
Dorothy Hodgson
Mother of Laura Chazen
Mother of Adele Kaplan
July 18 Av 3
Dr. Herman J. Lanson
Mother of Peggy Kaplan
Albert Wong
July 13 Tammuz 27
Marcia Balsam
July 6
Tammuz 20
Father of Elliott Lanson
Julie Levey
Father of Diana Baumohl
Esther Baker
Mother of Nina Balsam
Nathan Goldberg
Grandmother of Barbara Greenberg Friend of Susan Block
Cousin of Robyn Hunter
Allen Rumelt
July 26 Av 11
*Carole Zimbrolt
Father of Richard Goldberg
Father of Michael Rumelt
Our member and friend
July 2007 11
Sunday Monday Tueday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
2
1:00 Mahjongg
3
4
INDEPENDENCE DAY OFFICE CLOSED
5
6
2:00 Torah Study 7:30 Service
7
8:45 Torah Study 10:00 Service
8
9
1:00 Mahjongg
10
6:00 Human Resources Committee 7:00 Israel Circle
11
12
6:00 Executive Committee 6:00 Education Steering Committee 7:30 Board Meeting
13
7:30 Social Responsibility Service
14
8:45 Torah Study 10:00 Service and Bar Mitzvah of John Culbertson
15
16
MEMO Deadline 1:00 Mahjongg
17
18
19
10:30 A.R.T. @CRC
20
7:30 Service
21
8:45 Torah Study 10:00 Service
22
11:00 Social Responsibility Circle
23
1:00 Mahjongg EREV TISHA B’AV 7:30 Tisha b’Av Service
24
TISHA B’AV
25
26
7:00 Choir Rehersal
27
2:00 Torah Study 7:30 Service
28
8:45 Torah Study 10:00 Service
29
5:45 Religious Events Circle EREV TU B’AV 7:30 Tu b’Av Celebration
30
TU B’AV 1:00 Mahjongg
31
1
2
7:00 Choir Rehersal
3
12:00 Naomi Group 2:00 Torah Study 7:30 Service
4
8:45 Torah Study 10:00 Service
yahrzeits continued
July 27 Av 12
*Owen Kantor
July 28 Av 13
Dr. Martin Calodney
July 30 Av 15
Rose Kaplan
Father of Dede Berg
Grandmother of Lee Kaplan
Hilda Morris Sachs
Our member
*Stephen D. MacAllister
July 29 Av 14
Susan Franklin
Mother of Susan Irgang
Our member and teacher
Frieda Merlin Maziar
Daughter of Sidney and Rosalie Franklin
Seymour Miller
July 31 Av 16
Roberta Finer
Grandmother of Harriet Entin
Daniel Stayton
Uncle of Judi Chapnick
Bernard Mitchell
Mother of Stacy Zeid
Lena Voda
Remembered by the McCray/Strauss Family
Grandfather of Bonnie Mitchel
Stephanie Seleman
Grandmother of Barbara Nanette Portnoy
Mother of Melanie and Carrie Seleman
July Holidays
Tu b’Av Celebration Tisha b’Av Service
We meet for fellowship and our service for Tisha b'Av, the fast day that comes on the ninth day of the month of Av. Traditionally, Tisha b'Av remembers the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, our metaphor for ultimate sadness and loss. At Passover when we conclude each year with "Next Year in Jerusalem", it is with the hope that the Temple will be rebuilt, the exile will end and our lives will again be whole. Many liberal congregations ignore Tisha b'Av because, as liberal Jews, we do not base our faith on the rebuilding of the Temple and the return to Zion, nor can we relate to the hot dry cycle of the Land that occurs at this time of the year. Practically and theologically we have made a commitment to making our lives whole and healthy in communities all over the globe as well as in Israel. At CRC, we have reclaimed this holy day as an essential part of our holy day cycle. Just as we cannot accept the responsibilities of the freedom that Passover brings without first having the fun of Purim, so we cannot be ready for the hope and joy of a New Year without doing the work of ultimate mourning and letting go of the sadness of loss on the Ninth of Av. On Tisha b'Av we are asked to face our greatest fears and our greatest sadness as a community so that we may continue the work of our healing and, each year, be ready at Rosh Hashanah, to begin at a higher, less painful, more conscious place. A Night of Connections Tu b’Av occurs a week after Tisha b’Av and traditionally marks the end of summer and all the holidays of the Jewish year. It is a night of the full moon. Since Tisha b’Av recalls the history of Jewish tragedy, the full moon of Av is said to represent the transformation of tragedy into joy. Our celebration is for ALL adults and teens. An evening of interactive games to create new friendships and develop connections within our CRC community. We'll share and laugh together! Know that when you come to CRC for Shabbat, a class or High Holidays, you'll know people you might not have met before. In modern times, Tu B'Av is known as the "love holiday" and was based on a night of matchmaking. CRC's Tu B'Av is NOT just for singles - this is a chance to create and deepen connections for all members...through an informal and fun evening of games. Rabbi Randy and CRC members with backgrounds in group dynamics and interactive games will lead the evening. Hope you can come! Bring a cold appetizer, dessert or beverage to share at the end of the program.
Monday, July 23, 7:30 pm
Sunday, July 29, 7:30 pm
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID ST LOUIS MO PERMIT NO 493