December 2015 • Volume 29 • Issue 11 A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Sunday, Dec. 6 - 1st Night of Chanukah

-Religious School

-Sisterhood Mah Jongg

-JYG Cooking Class

Monday, Dec.7 - 2nd Night of Chanukah

Candle Lighting at 7 pm

Kesher, Confirmation & Kivunim

Tuesday, Dec. 8 - 3rd Night of Chanukah

Candle Lighting at 6:10 pm

Religious School

Wednesday, Dec. 9 - 4th Night of Chanukah

HOTTY Board Meeting

Thursday, Dec. 10 - 5th Night of Chanukah

Friday, Dec. 11 - 6th Night of Chanukah

-ECEC Chanukah Celebration

-Shabbat Service followed by Chanukah Celebration

Saturday, Dec. 12 - 7th Night of Chanukah

-Shabbat Service with Bar Mitzvah

-HOTTY Latke In

Sunday, Dec. 13 - Last Night of Chanukah

Religious School Monday, Dec.14 -

-Senior Luncheon & Latkes

-Religious School with Special Musical

Performance by Beit Tefilah Israeli

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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Home Guide for Chanukah Celebration

On Sunday evening, December 6th at sundown,

we begin our eight-day celebration of

Chanukah. Traditionally we join with our

family members each night in lighting the

menorah. Based upon a wonderful discussion

in the Talmud between the Houses of Hillel and Shammai, we

understand the customs and procedures for how we treat these

lights of wonder.

It is customary to place the Menorah in a window for the light

to shine out into the world. If however this could be considered

dangerous, the menorah may be placed in a position better

suited in your home.

Facing the Menorah, the candles are added each night from

right to left, & kindled with the Shamash (the helper candle)

from left to right

As the first candle is kindled we recite the first blessing:

Baruch atah Adonai elohenu melech ha’olam, asher kid’sha-nu

b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu le’had’lik ner shel Chanukah.

Praised are You, Adonai our God, Ruling Spirit of the

Universe, by whose Mitzvot we are hallowed, and who

commands us to kindle the Chanukah lights.

Then after the lights are lit, we recite the second blessing:

Baruch atah Atonai elohenu melech ba’olam, she’asah nissim

la-av-otenu bayamin hahem baz-man hazeh.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the Universe,

who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in days of

old, at this season.

ON THE FIRST NIGHT ONLY, we chant the She’hecheyanu

blessing to mark this unique moment in this year’s

commemoration of Chanukah:

Baruch atah Adonai elohenu melech ba’olam, she’hecheyanu

vekiyemanu vehigiyanu laz’man hazeh.

Praised are You, God, Ruler of the Universe, for giving us life,

for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season.

It is always nice to spend a few moments gazing into the

flames, marking the miracles in our lives and in gratitude to do

a bit of learning. Below are some mini-teachings, shared by

rabbis from across the spectrum of Judaism, one for each night

of Chanukah. Enjoy!

FOR THE FIRST NIGHT: We light the first candle to remind

ourselves that in the beginning there was darkness on the face

of the earth. With the words, “Let there be light” the world was

brought into existence from darkness to light. We kindle our

first candle, which we hope, like the earth’s first light, will

grow to enlighten the whole world.

FOR THE SECOND NIGHT: The second light reminds us of

the brightness of our community and the community of our

people in ERETZ YISRAEL, the land of Israel. Through the

darkness of years in exile our people clung to a beacon of hope,

shining forth through our tradition. And now through years of

miles and lands, that beacon burns brightly in our hearts, and in

the world, again. “If I forget You, Oh Jerusalem, let my tongue

cleave to my mouth, left my right hand forget its cunning.”

FOR THE THIRD NIGHT: The third light reminds us that in

every generation we need the faith of the Maccabees of old.

Long ago in Jerusalem, this brave band led by Judah, drove the

Syrian Greeks out of the Temple, and as their first act of faith

rekindles the Ner Tamid, the Eternal Light, which, along with

the Temple, had been desecrated. In this simple, yet meaningful

act of belief, they demonstrated their faith that God, once again

had redeemed God’s people, for “Adonai is my light and my

salvation.”

FOR THE FOURTH NIGHT: The fourth light is the light of

courage. It took strength for Mattathias and his sons to ignore

the bribes and threats of Antiochus. It took courage to make the

decision that not gold and not precious stones, but freedom to

worship was the higher goal of the people.

Every day we are called upon to make decisions. Some of them

are easy and affect only ourselves; others are infinitely more

difficult and involve many others; family, friends, community,

even nations. Just as the Maccabees lived by the words of

Moses to Joshua, may we also, “Be strong and of good

courage.”

FOR THE FIFTH NIGHT: The fifth light is the light of Torah,

the Five Books of Moses, the source of our values. It was to be

faithful to its teachings that Judah and his followers went to

battle. Often we must sacrifice for an ideal. How much we are

willing to lose is a mark of how much we hope to maintain. Yet

we have a guide to help us. “The Mitzvah is a lamp and the

Law is a light.”

Continued on next page...

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Notes from Cantor Kassel

BEIT TEFILAH ISRAELI (TEL AVIV)

To Perform at Temple Beth Tikvah

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14th

7:15 – 8:15 pm

Beit Tefilah Israeli's famed musical ensemble to tour over a dozen USA Jewish communities on its annual Chanukah tour

Beit Tefilah Israeli is a creative, innovative and inclusive Jewish-Israeli grassroots community and or-

ganization that offers meaningful Jewish ritual, study, activism and a sense of belonging to the general

Israeli public. We are a young and fast-growing, liberal, musical, independent and egalitarian communi-

ty in urban Tel Aviv, committed to Jewish spirit, culture, and social action and redefining the Jewish-

Israeli identity of the secular Israeli public. We strive to create, develop and sustain a dynamic, indige-

nous Israeli Judaism relevant to modern Israeli life and in line with our core values. Rabbi Esteban Gottfried, Beit Tefilah Israeli's co-founder, director and spiritual leader, is leading the en-

semble during a two-week tour in the United Staes, together with the incredible musicians of Beit Tefi-

lah Israeli's musical ensemble: Atalya Lavi (cantor, soloist singer), Yotam Mahler (pianist, singer, song-

writer), Eitan Gofman (flute/saxophone/clarinet) and Dor Biran (percussion). During the two-week tour,

the ensemble will present its highly creative, innovative, modern Jewish-Israeli musical performances,

original works and workshops in over a dozen communities across North America, to be attended by

thousands.

For more information about Beit Tefilah Israeli, check out: http://www.kbyonline.org/Beit-Tefilah/

DONATIONS TO THE CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND ARE APPRECIATED

TO HELP WITH THIS EVENT

… Continued from page 1

FOR THE SIXTH NIGHT: The sixth light is the light of the Synagogue. Some call it Temple; some shul, it is our symbol, that

through worship, through common ideas, and through our devotion to the Jewish people, there can be no force which can ever

destroy us. The Sanctuary is the sign that we, as co-workers with God, can help to bring about freedom in our world, “Blessed are

all who come in the name of God, we bless you from out of the House of Adonai.”

FOR THE SEVENTH NIGHT: The seventh light reminds us that our beginnings are in the home, where we first learned our

Judaism. The home is where we learn the warmth of love; the joys, tastes, aromas, sensations of caring families, of Jewish homes.

On this Festival, as at all times, may the hearts of children be turned to the parents and parents to children, and may we understand

through all their experiences the blessings of love and devotion symbolized by the home. "Let your home be open wide, and let the

lost be members of your household."

FOR THE EIGHTH NIGHT: The final light is the light of our responsibility, to be a “Kingdom of priests and holy people,” to try

to complete the work of creation; bringing love and humanity into the world. The prophet Micah said, “It has been told to you what

is good, and what God requires of you: “Only to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

B’nai Mitzvah

Hannah Faer will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on December 5, 2015. Hannah is the daughter

of Stefani and Craig Faer and sister to Emily. She is in 7th grade at Simpson Middle School where she

participates in the Junior Sprayberry Jackets Cheer Program. Hannah is the granddaughter of Judy and Alan

Schulman and Andy Faer and Bruce and Donna Faer. Her hobbies include cheer and hanging out with her

friends.

Already missing your camp friends, or looking forward to going to

camp for the first time? But not sure how to pay for it?

The TBT Camp Scholarship Program helps families

with the cost of camp tuition. Camp scholarships are based on financial

need and are awarded by the Camp Scholarship Committee as a part of

an anonymous review and allocation process. All applications and

inquiries are confidential. Please submit your application as well as any

scholarship questions to MarciaHaber@yahoo.com by December 15th.

Daniel Schilstra will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on December 12, 2015. Daniel is the son of

Caryn Schilstra and Mets Schilstra. He has an older brother, Mark, and a younger brother, Jeremy. Daniel is a

7th grader at Elkins Pointe Middle School where he is an honor roll student. He loves playing baseball and

especially 1st base on his travel baseball team, the Exhibition Athletics. Daniel also enjoys playing basketball

and was excited to have the opportunity to participate in an adaptive basketball program where he played with

children with developmental disabilities. Daniel is looking forward to sharing this occasion with his family

Edward Benjamin Kagan will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on December 5, 2015. Edward is

the son of Morris and Anna Kagan of Roswell, and brother to Albert and Diana. The Kagan family immigrated

to the United States from Kiev, Ukraine in the early 1990s. Edward is an 8th grader at Hightower Trail Middle

School where he enjoys playing violin in the school orchestra. As part of his 13 Mitzvot Project, Edward is

sharing his talent of performing magic tricks to entertain families of hospitalized children at the Ronald

McDonald House. Edward’s Bar Mitzvah day marks the 115th birthday of his great-grand-father Benyamin

Gurevich (1900-1977), after whom Edward received his Hebrew name Benyamin.

We are collecting toiletry

samples for gift bags for

the homeless. There is a

basket underneath the

education table in the

lobby. Items to include are: toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, condi-

tioner, feminine hygiene products, soap, brushes/combs and lotion.

Knit and Nosh with Sisterhood; we are knitting and crocheting

scarves for the homeless for distribution in December. Thanks to all

who are participating. A warm scarf will be a wonderful gift for the

upcoming cool temperatures.

FOOD of the month for December will be pet food for dogs and

cats...please start collecting canned and dry food in anticipation.

As you can see, we as a congregation are concerned with all who are

hungry. It brings me to the Turkey Drive. Imagine your holiday

dinner with no turkey...with just some potatoes or canned beans. We

have done a wonderful job with Project Isaiah, now let's put our ef-

forts into the most successful Turkey Drive we have ever had. 100%

participation! All it takes is a $10 donation (you can write a check

with Turkey Drive in the memo)! The money collected will be split

between NFCC and JF&CS. Think about what a meaningful

donation this will be to a family, just like yours, who will be able to

celebrate the holiday and not be hungry.

We can do this for our community.

Thank you.

Terry Apt Carasick

www.terryshealthyliving@gmail.com

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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah Click on the coffee cup to RSVP

The ALEF Fund is a registered Georgia 501(c)3 Student Scholarship Nonprofit Organization that supports Jewish education in

Georgia by helping taxpayers get a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit for providing scholarships to students at the school or schools

of their choice! ALEF Fund was established by Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta in 2008. They provide scholarships to pre-k,

kindergarten, primary or secondary public school students who wish to attend participating Jewish schools. It is the only

organization in Georgia that provides student scholarships exclusively to Jewish preschools, day schools and high schools.

Over the past two years, Temple Beth Tikvah’s Early Childhood Center has been fortunate to be a part of the ALEF fund. Several

of our Temple Beth Tikvah students have been able to receive these funds toward their tuition. It allows families the comfort of

continuing a Jewish education, without the worry and stress of tuition costs.

The key to success of the ALEF fund, however is YOU! By redirecting your state tax dollars to the Early Childhood Center at

Temple Beth Tikvah, you can help our school provide a quality Jewish education to the youngest members of our community.

Visit www.aleffund.org to electronically complete your 2015 ALEF Fund forms OR contact Nina Rubin, ALEF Fund manager

nrubin@jewishatlanta.org or 678.222.3739.

The ALEF Fund, 1440 Spring St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

Fax: 678.495.9927 E-mail: nrubin@jewishatlanta.org

If you have any questions, call Nina Rubin at 678-222-3739

If you have any tax questions, please your tax advisor or you may contact Ron Swichkow for more information.

The Early Childhood Education Center thanks you in advance for your support!

Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director www.bethtikvahpreschool.com

ECEC

We are very proud of our achievements in the religious school. We are extremely focused on Hebrew, History, Bible, Prayers, art

and music. Each month I’d like to share some of the things our students are doing in their classes.

Here is a glimpse into our 2nd grade classes: They have covered bible stories from creation to Noah’s Ark, reviewed and discussed

the Jewish holidays. They are able to take the familiar customs and have deeper discussions where the children are able to relate

and share their own family experiences. The children are so excited each Sunday as they are introduced to one or two new Hebrew

letters.

Another class read the Tower of Babel. The students were then tasked to build a tower without using their words to communicate!

Boy was that funny. When they were allowed to speak again, they discussed the meaning of G-ds punishment to the builders when

he gave them all different languages, leaving them unable to communicate. The class decided our greatest gift from G-d was being

able to communicate with one another, and how much easier tasks are when they work together instead of apart.

Our final 2nd grade class does Mitzvah Moments. The Mitzvah Moments cover 18 different Mitzvahs that the student tries to ac-

complish at home during the year. Each week they turn in a brief written paper showing how they did the Mitzvah. They have

done 3: Honoring Mother and Father, Inviting Guests to the home, and Being a Good Listener.

As you can see, our 2nd grade students are very busy and are having a lot of fun!

Our Religious School and Youth Group are again collaborating on making sure our children get to know one another. We have had

2 sets of mixers during the past month. The students spent time learning about their classmates and had fun playing silly mixer

games!

Reminders: Our Hanukkah assembly is December 13th. Please join us as our 6th grade students entertain the school with their

holiday program. Our PreK, kindergarten and 1st grade students will entertain us as well with Hanukkah songs.

There will be no school on the following days:

December 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th, 29th

January 3rd, 4th, 5th, 17th and 18th

Shalom,

Hassia Levin

Religious School

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

This month, I am deviating from my usual writings to share

something that has been bothersome to me. My thoughts are

shared in hopes that we can all better assess the role we play in

influencing our own children and grandchildren as well as those

in our synagogue community.

In Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech, he referred to

the “content of one’s character.” Growing up, I knew the words

of his speech but not until I became the parent of two young

adults did I realize what those words truly meant. In my mind,

one’s character goes hand in hand with one’s ethical DNA. In

my professional life, I have seen many examples of poor ethical

behavior, both in people’s business and personal lives. What is

even more perplexing to me is that many of these people are

individuals of strong faith, both Jewish and non-Jewish.

So I asked myself, where might that behavior come from?

Shockingly enough, it often comes from our parents.

According to a report published in the Journal of American

Medicine, babies are born with an instinctive capacity and

desire to imitate adult human behavior. I think we all have

experienced this as we make fools of ourselves making weird

faces to try to get babies to imitate us. As a new grandparent, I

am absolutely guilty of that. But here’s the rub - they do not

possess an instinct for gauging whether a behavior ought to be

imitated. Repeated enough times, babies and children will

imitate almost anything, including behaviors that most adults

would regard as destructive or anti-social.

So, here is my point. If we want to raise

ethically behaving children, we need to work

on developing their character. We as parents

are the most powerful role models for our

children, but if we are dishonest even in ways

we consider to be just “white lies”, the odds are that our

children will internalize these behaviors as well. We can spend

thousands of dollars on private schools, either secular or non-

secular, in hopes of getting our kids the best education and

instilling some semblance of ethics. But, we sometimes

undermine that education when our child hears us fudge their

age at the movie theatre or amusement park to get a cheaper

ticket.

The same theme can be applied to our children’s attitudes

toward their Judaism. How can we expect our kids to fully

embrace their Judaism and spirituality when we make passing

comments they might overhear about how Religious School

interferes with another event or when we, ourselves, only enter

the synagogue a few times a year?

Parents may be the strongest role models, but our children also

learn from grandparents, teachers and other adults in their lives.

We can all aspire to be better role models at home, at work and

in the synagogue, an improvement that will undoubtedly pay

dividends well into the future.

L’Shalom

Ron Swichkow

Do as I Say, Not as I Do

The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)

presented TBT and Rabbi Shuval-Weiner

with the Maurice N. Eisendrath “Bearer

of Light” Award “for participation in the

American Journey for Justice and

outstanding civil rights work”.

The award was given at the November URJ

Biennial convention in Orlando in early

November. The Eisendrath Bearer of Light

Award is conferred every two years in two

categories’: Service to Reform Jewry and

Service to the World Community. As detailed in the October Kol

Tikvah, Rabbi Shuval-Weiner joined 150 other Reform Rabbis from

all over the U.S. in the march organized by the NAACP from Selma,

Alabama to Washington D.C., carrying a 20 pound Torah scroll

enroute. Rabbi Shuval-Weiner marched 16 miles through historic

South Atlanta / the Capital and observed “the experience of walking

side by side sharing the stories of our lives, and learning from one

another was incredibly profound. We made deeply impactful rela-

tionships in a very short amount of time. The carrying of the Torah

was a powerful thing…passing it between Jews and non-Jews, Black

and White; we all talk about its message and purpose”.

The march served to inspire everyone involved in calling attention to

social justice and civil rights. Rabbi Shuval-Weiner noted “we are a

people whose sacred narrative is based on a journey from slavery to

redemption. In Torah the single most repeated line is “remember you

were once slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt” – How is a liberated people

to act? This gives us our ethical charge, just as we were redeemed,

we too acting b’tzelem eloheim (in the image of G-d) are obligated

to work toward bringing redemption to broken places. As members

of our sacred congregation - Beth Tikvah - the House of Hope - each

and every one of us should feel that obligation to better understand

the injustices that exist in our community, in our country, and work

toward repairing the wrongs. Rabbi Maurice Eisendrath was a pow-

erful voice in the American rabbinate. He served as president of the

UAHC (URJ) from 1943-1973, and helped to found the Religious

Action Center in 1961. He was a champion of prophetic Judaism,

and as such he spoke out passionately on the struggle for civil rights

and marched with MLK carrying the Torah, representing God’s de-

mand for tzedek. (This is why we carried the Torah during

America’s Journey for Justice march)”.

May we all be so inspired for social justice causes like this one !

-Mark Rudel, Communications Chair

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Youth Group

HOTTY (9-12th Grade)

WHAT DID WE DO THIS PAST MONTH?

November was a fun and busy month for HOTTY. On November 7th, we had our

HOTTY Spooky night. We played games at temple and spent some time learn-

ing about what Judaism has to say about the afterlife. Then we headed to the

town square for Roswell’s Haunted Ghost tour and havdallah under the stars.

See some pictures in this month’s newsletter.

We also had our inaugural HOTTY youth lounge night! HOTTYites hung out in

our brand new youth lounge, eating dinner, watching TV, and decorating our

new space. If you missed it, don’t worry, we have another one next month!

WHAT’S UP NEXT FOR HOTTY?

Come hang out with your HOTTY friends at our next Lounge Night, December

2nd. And, the event every HOTTYite waits all year for…our annual Broomball &

Latke-in Lock-in is December 12-13th. We’ll meet at TBT on Saturday night and

then head over to the Cooler to play broomball! Then, it’s back to TBT for a lock-

in at the synagogue. Hope you can make it!

Save-the-date: NFTY-SAR Winter Regional & Elections is

January 15-18th, 2016 at Camp Thunderbird.

Stay tuned for details on how to register!

Join the HOTTY Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.HOTTY/) to

stay up-to-date on what's happening and to RSVP for HOTTY events!

Join our Remind101 text updates: text @826ef3 to 81010.

JYG (7-8th Grade)

In November we had a great time at The Main Event…we went bowling, com-

peted in laser tag and played arcade games. It was a great way to kickoff the

year! Check out some of the pictures from our event in this month’s newsletter.

December 6th JYG is headed to Young Chef’s Academy for a fun afternoon

cooking up delicious treats! Watch your email and our Facebook page for this

fun event which will start right after Sunday school. See you there!

Save-the-date: March 11-13th is NFTY-SAR’s Hatikvah Kallah for

7th & 8th Graders at Temple Kol Emeth in Marietta!!

We’ll send out more info about this awesome weekend as the date gets

closer.

Join the JYG Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.JYG/) to stay up-to-date on what's happening with JYG, RSVP and arrange carpools for events!

Club 56 (5th & 6th Grade)

Ever wanted to go to a movie premiere?? Well, we may not be able to get to

L.A., but on Saturday, December 5th, we’re turning TBT into our own

Hollywood!! Come dressed up like a movie star, walk the red carpet, get your

picture taken, and enjoy dinner and a movie with Club56!

Join the 5th & 6th Grade Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.56/)

to stay up-to-date on what's happening, RSVP and arrange carpools for events!

UPCOMING YOUTH GROUP EVENTS:

December 2 - HOTTY Lounge Night

December 5 – Bonim & Gesher Chanukah Party

December 5 – Club56 Hollywood Night

December 6 – JYG Cooking Class

December 12-13 - HOTTY Latke-In

January 23 – Family Tu B’Shevat event (grades K-12)

Want more info about the youth groups at TBT? Contact Adam or Bobbee at: youth@bethtikvah.com or (404) 228–2494

The Definition of Success…

The definition of success when it comes to planning NFTY

Kallot is always multi-faceted. Did we establish and keep in

mind the technicalities of the Kallah so that it runs smoothly

and without interference? Did we plan programs, mixers, and

services that genuinely engaged the participants and made them

feel like more than just an observer? Was the Kallah meaning-

ful for the participants? Did they leave with a brightened sense

of what the theme of the Kallah was meant to convey?

HOTTY worked tirelessly for months preparing for NFTY-

SAR’s Fall Kallah – brainstorming and organizing and planning

and writing and buying – and was rewarded with innumerable

positive responses via word of mouth and the Kallah survey

created by one of our own advisors, Adam Griff. Among

these were compliments on services, on the Saturday night pro-

gram at Cagle’s, and especially on the Saturday social action

program, which invited members of several different charitable

organizations such as North Fulton Community Charities and

the Drake House to speak, allowing participants the opportunity

to learn more about the social action movements in our area.

However, the most striking and meaningful for HOTTY were

those commenting on our preparedness for and execution of the

Kallah: “Out of all the Kallot I've been to, HOTTY has always

done a good job on being organized and on-pace, but they also

make sure to include every member of their TYG who wants

to be a part of it. There have always been entirely new program

ideas and themes coming out of those Kallot that seem to ex-

ponentially raise the bar compared to what other TYG's do.” It

is because of such impacts on the participants that HOTTY has

always striven to be a model for our region and our members.

HOTTY has become such a force in NFTY-SAR that the Kallah

co-chairs, Allie Goodman and Ben Goldenthal, and our ad-

visors, Bobbee and Adam Griff, without whom the Kallah

would not have had such immense success, will be interviewed

by the URJ on December 9 on how to run a successful Kallah.

Meanwhile, HOTTY will be back to business as usual for the

month of December. Our December events include a youth

lounge night on December 2nd and our Broomball Latke-in on

December 12th and 13th. The Latke-in is our annual December

event in which participants from other TYG’s are welcome to

come. We will be going to The Cooler to play broomball, a

hockey-like game played with brooms on ice, and returning to

Temple for a “Latke-in” (lock-in), spending the night at TBT.

All HOTTY 9th-12th graders are welcome, and if you are inter-

ested in HOTTY this would be a great event to meet not only

HOTTYites but members of other NFTY-SAR TYGs as well!

SEE YOU THERE!

-Joey Chanin, HOTTY’s Communication Vice-President

HOTTY - Kallah

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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

THANK YOU to Sisterhood! We are well under way with plan-

ning great events for the winter and spring of 2016! We had so

many great suggestions at our last 2 brainstorming programs that

we are looking ahead to the fall of 2016 for implementation also…

Wow! There will be social, educational, social action, and

hospitality themes to attend. Our committee looks forward to

seeing YOU!

Sisterhood had a great turn out for Mah Jongg and Knit and Nosh last

month. We have been teaching beginners how to play Mah Jongg and

how to knit scarves respectively. Please come to our next sessions

whether you are experienced or a novice. We welcome all!

Oli and Ve is Thursday night, 12/3/15, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Please

come and learn about wonderful oils and vinegars, socialize, and have

some great taste treats. The shop has some wonderful gift ideas so

come prepared with a shopping list.

Mah Jongg is Sunday, 12/6/15, 9:45 a.m.- 11:45 a.m. Please come

and enjoy this intricate game, either as a novice or learned player. We

have some wonderful teachers ready to teach the basics. You are sure

to enjoy the morning and get to know fellow Sisterhood members.

Our scarves made at Knit and Nosh will be delivered this month to a

homeless shelter. Please watch for more Knit and Nosh dates as this

project will be continued into 2016.

A big THANK YOU goes out to all the volunteers that have signed up

to help with onegs this fall. This has also been a special ongoing pro-

ject for Sisterhood. There will be new dates for winter and spring to

shop and/or bake for onegs, so please sign up when you receive the

sign up genius link.

Robin Bledsoe Sisterhood Chair

Sunday, January 24th

at 4:30 pm in

TBT’s Oneg Room

Our Kehillat Chesed and Adult Education

Committees, along with Etz Chaim’s Kehillat

Chesed, will present an informative program on

the Eden Alternative.

Please plan to join us and look

for more information in the

January Kol Tikvah.

TBT Seniors Luncheon

Monday, December 14th at 12 PM

Presentation by

Herb Smith

Former Military Guard for the

"Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” in Washington D.C.

RSVP to Natine at rosen4348@aol.com

HOTTY GHOST TOUR

JYG MAIN EVENT

11

News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Holiday Turkey Drive

Donations in $10 increments will go to purchase

grocery gift cards for JF&CS & NFCC

Help make someone’s holidays “Full”filling!

Please make your checks out to TBT and mark them Food Drive or donate online here.

2015-2016 Jewish Scouting

Religious Emblem Program

for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts

of all ages and ranks

The Jewish Scouting Religious Emblem Program is designed to give

recognition to youth who have demonstrated religious growth. The

program originated in 1945 and is as strong as it has ever been. The

program is a combination of classroom discussion and individual

achievement. The more advanced programs may require service

hours or additional homework and may not be completed within the

selected timeframe. Future scheduling will be available. Recognition

will still be offered at a Scout Shabbat either at your unit or at the

District.

Class Dates: Sunday December 6 - 4:30-5 pm

Orientation (scouts and parents)

Sundays-December 6,13; January 10,17,24,31 5-6:30pm

All classes will be held at Temple Beth Tikvah

To Reserve a Space – Please email Tony Rosenberg

TBT 30th

Anniversary

Volunteers Needed !

Contact

Debbie Malever at dmalever@gmail.com

or Suzanne Hurwitz at suzanne@hurwitz.us

Unless, someone like you cares a whole lot, nothing is

going to get better

It’s not!

Dr. Seuss

Watch for

info

about the

TBT Business

Network

in the

January

Kol Tikvah

12

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

December 2015

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 19th of Kislev 5776

No Religious School Tai Chi 9:30 am Officers Meeting

7:30 pm

2 20th of Kislev 5776 HOTTY - Youth Lounge

Night 6:00 pm

3 21st of Kislev 5776 Sisterhood - Evening at

Oli & Ve 7:00 pm

4 22nd of Kislev 5776 Shabbat Service w/

Choir 8:00 pm

5 23rd of Kislev 5776 Bagels, Learning &

Torah 9:00 am Shabbat Service -

Faer/Kagan Bnai

Mitzvah 10:00 am Bonim & Gesher -

Chanukah Party

5:00 pm

Club 56 - Hollywood

Night 5:00 pm

6 24th of Kislev 5776 First Night of Chanukah Religious School 9:30 am Sisterhood - Mah Jongg

9:45 am

JYG - Cooking Class

12:30 pm

7 25th of Kislev 5776

1st Day CHANUKAH 1st Day Hanukkah

2nd Night of Chanukah Kesher, Confirmation &

Kivunim 6:45 pm Families Anonymous

7:15 pm

8 26th of Kislev 5776

CHANUKAH 3rd Night of Chanukah Tai Chi 9:30 am Religious School 5:00 pm

9 27th of Kislev 5776

CHANUKAH 4th Night of Chanukah HOTTY Board Meeting

6:30 pm

10 28th of Kislev 5776 CHANUKAH

5th Night of Chanukah

11 29th of Kislev 5776 CHANUKAH

6th Night of Chanukah ECEC Chanukah

Celebration 12:00 pm Chanukah Family

Shabbat Service

6:30 pm

Chanukah Festivities

7:30 pm

12 30th of Kislev 5776 CHANUKAH

7th Night of Chanukah Bagels, Learning & Torah - prior to service

Shabbat Service -

Schilstra Bar Mitzvah

10:00 am

HOTTY - Broomball

Latke-In 6:15 pm

13 1st of Tevet 5776

CHANUKAH Last Night of Chanukah Religious School 9:30 am Religious School

Chanukah Assembly

10 am

Sisterhood - Knit & Nosh

9:45 am

Sisterhood - Board

Meeting 11 am

14 2nd of Tevet 5776

Last Day CHANUKAH Senior Luncheon

12:00 pm Kesher, Confirmation &

Kivunim 6:45 pm with

Beit Tefilah Israeli

Performance at 7:15 pm

Families Anonymous

7:15 pm

15 3rd of Tevet 5776

No Religious School Tai Chi 9:30 am Board of Trustees

Meeting 7:30 pm

16 4th of Tevet 5776 17 5th of Tevet 5776 18 6th of Tevet 5776 Shabbat Service

8:00 pm

19 7th of Tevet 5776 Bagels, Learning &

Torah 9:00 am

Shabbat Service

10:00 am

20 8th of Tevet 5776

No Religious School 21 9th of Tevet 5776

Cobb & Fulton County

School Break No ECEC No Religious School Families Anonymous

7:15 pm

30th Anniv. Commitee

Meeting 7:30 pm

22 10th of Tevet 5776 Cobb & Fulton County

School Break No ECEC No Religious School Tai Chi 9:30 am

23 11th of Tevet 5776 Cobb & Fulton County

School Break No ECEC

24 12th of Tevet 5776 Christmas Eve

Becky OOO Cobb & Fulton County

School Break No ECEC

25 13th of Tevet 5776 Christmas Day

Cobb & Fulton County

School Break No ECEC TBT Offices Closed Shabbat Service

8:00 pm

26 14th of Tevet 5776 Cobb & Fulton County

School Break Bagels, Learning &

Torah 9:00 am

Shabbat Service

10:00 am

27 15th of Tevet 5776 Cobb & Fulton County

School Break No Religious School

28 16th of Tevet 5776 Cobb & Fulton County

School Break No ECEC No Religious School Families Anonymous

7:15 pm

29 17th of Tevet 5776 Cobb & Fulton County

School Break No ECEC No Religious School Tai Chi 9:30 am

30 18th of Tevet 5776 Cobb & Fulton County

School Break No ECEC

31 19th of Tevet 5776 New Year's Eve

Cobb & Fulton County

School Break No ECEC TBT Offices Close at

3 pm

13

Shalom! By now, the

entire congregation has

received information

concerning the

2015-2016 Annual

Campaign - Building

Our Future Today!

Our committee is excited about this year’s campaign and the

challenges ahead. Let me point out some of the key goals ahead:

1. Raise $110,000

2. Increase our community’s participation level

3. Reach our January 31st incentives for our matching pro-

grams

Part of accomplishing goal #1 is asking everyone to consider, if

you are able to do so, to make a pledge by January 31st, 2016.

Our community has 2 outstanding matching programs to raise an

additional $30,000 by January 31st.

1. This year The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is

again prepared to add 50 cents to each dollar you con-

tribute, up to a total of $25,000. The math is simple, but

an example might help drive the point home. If you

commit $100 to the campaign, TBT will receive a total

of $150. Commit $500, and TBT will receive a total of

$750. Where else can you get that kind of return on in-

vestment these days?

2. An anonymous congregant, has made a $10,000 chal-

lenge donation that can be achieved by a combination of

the following:

a. New Annual Campaign Donors. For each gift of $250

or more donated by congregants who have not partici-

pated in the Annual Campaign before, our congregant

will match dollar for dollar up to $250.

b. Past Annual Campaign Donors. For gifts that repre-

sent an increase of $250 or more over last year’s Annual

Campaign donation, the congregant will match dollar

for dollar up to $250.

These commitments must be made by January 31, 2016, to be

eligible for the challenge donation.

Please reach out to the Temple office by calling 770-642-0434

and ask for Jenny, or simply log onto www.bethtikvah.com and

click on the 2015- 2016 Annual Campaign Building Our Fu-

ture Today link on the opening page and you will be guided to

the on-line contribution area for the campaign.

Below is a list of all of the families that have made a pledge

during the first month of this year’s campaign…who is next??

Shalom,

Jonathan Agin Fundraising Chair

Jlagin1@gmail.com

Jonathan and Allison Agin

Barry and Shari Alhadeff

Steven and Teri Astren

Dale and Wendy Bearman

Harris and Suellen Bergman

Josh and Andrea Berman

Michael and Jeannine Bernstein

Michael and Heather Braun

Lonnie and Debbie Carter

Michael and Marlene Cohn

Renee Davis

Gordon and Holli Decker

Joseph and Waynah Dunn

Steve and RoseAnn Gerson

Harlan and Ivie Graiser

Michael and Anna Gutkin

Andrew and Karen Gutman

David and Ellen Herold

Jamie and Katie Jaffe

Peter and Sharon Jedel

Daniel and Stephanie Joseph

Morris and Anna Kagan

Jill Kaplan

Valerie Kassel Jr

Lloyd and Diane Katz

Peter Klokow and Ellen Frank

Judy Levine

Sherwin and Judee Levinson

Jeffrey and Ellen Levitz

Emily Lewit

Gary and Michal Loventhal

Gil and Ellen Ludwig

Murray and Sonia Lynn

Sidney and Lois Malkin

Joel and Aviva Margolies

Jonathan and Joan Marks

Howard and Helaine Medoff

Mark and Jennifer Mosbacher

Bernie and Gail Natter

Shirley Plotkin

Herbert and Bunny Renkin

Russell and Gailen Rosenberg

Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig

Kevin and Andrea Rubin

Mark and Gail Rudel

Paula Sandfelder

Joel and Kathleen Schoenblum

William and Marjory Segal

Bart and Kara Segal

Allan and Pessie Shippel

David and Robyn Shippel

Carol Shutzberg

David and Elisa Siegel

Sandy and Nancy Simon

Larry and Anne Skal

Stuart and Frances Solomon

Terry and Missy Stein

Shelby Steinhauer

Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz

Ronald and Leslie Swichkow

Rosalind Taranto

Mark and Sally Vosk

Bruce and Carol Waldman

Bruce and Bonnie Walkes

Doug Wexler and Jane Green-

berger

Todd and Rachel Wilson

Andrew and Ilana Zalkin

Seth and Ellen Zimmer

14

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Annual Campaign

Jamie and Katie Jaffe in memory of Aline McMurrain

Renee Davis in memory of Elias Waxman

Ellen Frank in memory of Barry Feinberg

Gordon and Hollis Decker in memory of Isadore Zierler

Shirley Plotkin in memory of Henry Trucker

Anne Grossman in memory of Conrad P. Grossman

Ellen Frank in memory of Lucille Falkof

Lawrence and Anne Skal in memory of Joseph Cunix

Building Fund

Anne Grossman

Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Jacob Dutkiewitz,

Eleanore Bearman, Jeanne Laibow and Jules Stein

Campership/Israel Fund

Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Nathan Mangen

Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund

Michael and Wanda Cohen in memory of Gladys Cohen

Addie Myers in honor of the marriage of Lois Clymin's

grandson, Joey Abramson to Debbie Kestadt

Pam Alterman in honor of Josh Rubin becoming a

Bar Mitzvah

Mariann Mamberg in memory of Isaac Mamberg

Mariann Mamberg in memory of Etta Mamberg

Pam Alterman in memory of Paul Alterman, Sonia Oxman,

and Edna McMurrain

Sherwin Rubin in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Josh Rubin

and in honor of Paul Rubin

Mark and Joy Goldberg in memory of Bonnie Keller

Harris Bergman in memory of Rabbi Abner Bergman

Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund

Ruth Zeidman in honor of Rifka Isaac becoming a

Bat Mitzvah

Sherwin Rubin in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Josh Rubin

and in honor of Paul Rubin

Ruth Zeidman in honor of the marriage of Joseph and

Debby Abramson

Douglas Wexler and Jane Greenberger in memory of

George Jordan

General Fund

Marvin and Trudy Davis in memory of Aline McMurrain

Rhea Negrin wishing Lois Clymin a Mazel Tov on the

upcoming marriage of her grandson.

William and Marjory Segal in memory of Muriel Segal

Tod and Leslie Rubin in memory of Gerald Mittler

Lawrence and Anne Skal in memory of Lenore Levy

Nat and Jeanette Tieman in memory of George Jordan

Jane Greenberger in memory of Jacob Stern

Andrew and Barbara Sacks in memory of Dorothy Tveit

Michael Zalkin Memorial Library Fund

Jeffrey and Beth Kess in memory of Iris Naomi Kess and

Ben Goldberg

Mark and Gail Rudel in honor of Matthew Gilbert becoming

a Bar Mitzvah

Prayerbook Fund

Mark and Sally Vosk in memory of Leonard Vosk

Addie Myers in memory of William L. Myers

Preschool Fund

ECEC Staff in honor of Aylin Allen Howard

Rabbi Shuval-Weiner’s Discretionary Fund

George and Frances Jordan in memory of Henrietta Jordan

Cary Goldenthal and Lori Shapiro in memory of

Barry Goldenthal

Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in memory of Aline McMurrain

Donald and June Restler in memory of Sally and

Philip Hinerfeld

Betty Rickles in memory of David Goldsmith

Betty Rickles in memory of Norton Locke

Families Anonymous

Sherwin Rubin in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Josh Rubin

and in honor of Paul Rubin

Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig in memory of Lucille Falkof

Harvey and Natine Rosenzweig in memory of

George Jordan

David and Ellen Herold in memory of Bernard Bickwit

Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund

Max and Carol Wolf in honor of Morris Harry Perling

Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Sarah Wixman

Robert and Marcy Nader in memory of Aline McMurrain

Lila Stein in memory of Jeanne Laibow, Fritzie Shaw,

Jacob Dutkiewitz and Jules Stein

Barry and Dore Kaiser in memory of Sylvia Kaiser

Bernice Bickwit in memory of Bernard Bickwit

Religious School Fund

David and Ellen Herold

Tikkun Olam Fund

June Wallach in memory of Blanche Hertzberg,

Irving Hertzberg and Howard Wallach

Torah Fund

Morray and Susan Scheinfeld in memory of Leo Snitzer

(donations processed through 11/ 23)

Donations

15

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

SHMOOZE NEWS / KUDOS CORNER

In Memoriam

Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow

the passing of:

Lucille Falkof

Mother of Ellen Frank

Margaret Ann Shulman

Mother of Gail Frank

George Jordan

Husband of Frances Jordan

Bernice “Bonnie” Keller

Sister of Sid Malkin

Sol Winder

Cousin of Renee Berman

May God console you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Thank You to our Amazing Office

Volunteers!

Richard Staviss

June Wallach

Lois Malkin

Leslie Swichkow

Marsha McMurrain

Thanks to Steve Bauman,

Ted Nathan, Bart Segal

& Ron Swichkow for helping to replace the

molding in the lobby and adding

non-skid strips to all our

wood stairs

And a shout out to: Robin Bledsoe

Alisa Bauman

Jill Leitman

Ann Dee Torino

for shopping for and

preparing TBT onegs in

November.

If you would like to

help with an oneg,

please click here to

sign up.

Jeff Willard has been appointed to the

Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism for a two year term as an

at-large member beginning on1/1/16.

New leaves have

been added to

Temple Beth

“Plan Ahead” An in-depth conversation regarding funeral pre-planning

Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care cordially invites you to join Edward Dressler, Licensed Funeral Director

Sunday, January 10th, 2016 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm Whole Foods Market, 1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta

complimentary dessert and drinks will be available

Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care provides a variety of services to Atlanta’s Jewish community including funeral and burials in Georgia,

coordination of funerals in other states and Israel, purchase of cemetery plots and grave markers, and non-traditional requests.

Death is not an easy topic to discuss, yet many families find it more manageable to deal with the death of a loved one when a family member or

friend has pre-planned all of the arrangements. Funeral pre-planning alleviates emotional decisions and financial stress at time of death.

Funeral pre-planning is responsible, safe, and easy to complete. Anyone can pre-plan and pre-pay for him- or herself, or for a loved one, in one

lump sum or over time. When pre-paying, funeral home service fees, casket, vault and headstone prices become fixed, and are placed in an escrow

account owned by the purchaser (not owned by the funeral home). Pre-paid funeral costs are released to the funeral home upon death.

Attend our complimentary pre-planning seminars and learn about:

♦Planning a funeral ♦Cemetery options ♦Fixing costs and how pre-payment works

♦Out-of-town funeral planning ♦Traditional and non-traditional options

Helen Scherrer-Diamond is Community Outreach Director for Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care. She helps individuals understand the importance of

funeral and cemetery pre-planning, offers continuing education for LMSWs, LPNs, and Chaplains, and Jewish Funeral Traditions education. Please rsvp to Helen at 770-289-8964 or helen@jewishfuneralcare.com

Edward Dressler, Owner

16

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

Synagogue Information

Synagogue Office - 770-642-0434

Fax Number - 770-642-0647

School Office (Perri) - 770-642-4168

Preschool (Jenifer) - 678-350-0076

Assistant to Clergy - Michelle Leder

Financial Secretary - Jenny Korsen

Admin. Assistant - Lisa Singer

Office Manager - Becky Sullivan

Adult Education Ivie Graiser iviegraiser@yahoo.com Budget & Finance Karen Korshak karcpa@comcast.net

Camp/Israel Scholarship Marcia Haber marciahaber@yahoo.com Chavurot Dalia Faupel d2faupel@comcast.net College Outreach Lynda Bennett lrbennett08@comcast.net Beth Kess bmkess@yahoo.com Communications

Mark Rudel mrudel@ups.com Family Promise Randy and Amy Siegal amysiegal@gmail.com Brian and Jennifer Steinberg zokadesigns@gmail.com Tony Rosenberg trosenberg860@gmail.com Fundraising Jonathan Agin jlagin1@gmail.com

House Ted Nathan tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com Human Resources Seth Zimmer sz4941@att.com

Israel Gene Carasick gcarasick@gmail.com Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow lswichkow@comcast.net Library Ilana Zalkin ilanaz@att.net Long Range Planning Harvey Rosenzweig Membership Recruitment &

Retention Jill Leitman jaarons2@yahoo.com Marcia Pearl marciapearl@bellsouth.net Men’s Club Mark Greenspan greenspanfamily@bellsouth.net Peter Hartog althazyr@gmail.com

Nominating Committee Todd Boehm tboehm30@bellsouth.net Ritual Rick Winer rsw@drrickwiner.com

Security Jay Sausmer jsausmer@gmail.com Seniors Natine Rosenzweig rosen4348@aol.com Sisterhood Robin Bledsoe sisterhoodtbt@gmail.com Social Action Terry Apt Carasick terryshealthyliving@gmail.com

Website Development Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com Youth Group Debra Schwartz dls63@bellsouth.net Michal Loventhal loventhalmichal@gmail.com

Get Involved! TBT Committees and Chairpersons

Planning a simcha or group gathering?

The Tam-Blank Social Hall is the Place to Be.

For more information on renting our Social Hall,

contact the synagogue office at 770-642-0434.

17

News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah

18

Alexandria Shuval-Weiner Rabbi

Donald A. Tam

Rabbi Emeritus

Nancy Kassel

Cantor

Hassia Levin

Education Director

Jenifer Friedman

ECEC Director

Ron Swichkow President

Harlan Graiser

Vice President and

President Elect

Todd Boehm

Vice President

Rhonda Povlot Vice President

Joe Dunn

Treasurer

Michael Braun

Secretary

Mary Block

Chairperson, Board of Education