1. religion and spirituality
2. judaism

AndyHenry
Hodes,
and Sanford
Winer. Michael Dzik,
Stoloff,
Stoloff,
Sheila Nunley,
Hodes, and
Sanford
More Andy
GA photos,
pages
4-5Winer.
Congregational
School
...... Page 14
Community
......... Page 28
Strong Voices
....................
Pages 12-13
BulletinCalendar
Board ....................
Page 27
Chanukah
5768
.................
Pages
15-17
Congregational School ...... Page 14
Community Calendar ......... Page 28
Chanukah 5768 ................. Pages 15-17
More GA photos, pages 4-5
Jewish Community Federation
of Greater
JewishChattanooga
Community Federation
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
Nonprofit Org.
PAID
Postage
PermitU.S.
No. 63
PAID
Chattanooga, TN
Permit No. 63
Chattanooga, TN
P.O. Box
8947
of Greater
Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN 37414
P.O. Box 8947
Chattanooga, TN 37414
P.O.
Box 8947
Change
Service
Requested
Chattanooga, TN 37414
Change Service Requested
A Publication of the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga
A Publication of the Jewish Community Federation of Greater Chattanooga
Volume 27 Number 5 January 2014
Volume 21 Number 4
December 2007
Jewish Federation
Chai
ChaiNite
Nite2014
2008 is on January 26.
Annual Meeting
Look for an insert in this issue!
Rabbi Brad Hirschfield
Scholar-in-Residence
Community members are welcome to attend
any or all of these events for no cost.
Transportation available with advance notice.
RSVPs REQUIRED
[email protected]; 493-0270, ext. 10.
Saturday, Jan. 18
7:30
Schedule
ofp.m.
Events
Jewish
Cultural
Center to
Jew Crew Event
– From
The Maccabees
Christmakuh: Who Are We?
Hors d’oeuvres, creative cocktails, divine dancing.
Sunday, December 2
12:15
p.m.
Congregation
Black
tieMizpah
optional.
Tickets available by contacting
[email protected] or 493-0270 ext. 10.
Community-Wide Event – You Don’t Have to
Be Wrong For Me to Be Right: Finding
Faith Without Fanaticism
Sunday, December 2
6:00 p.m., Jewish Cultural Center
Lessons Learned
Women’s Event – Why I Am A Feminist: A
Traditional Jewish Approach
Monday, December 3
Noon, Mizpah Congregation
Leadership Event - Jewish Leadership in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities
Monday,
December
3
Rabbis
Tepper, Tendler
and Perlstein
will discuss the most important lessons
6:30 p.m.,
Zion Synagogue
they learned
fromB’nai
other rabbis,
and the lessons they think are most important to
Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Jewish Cultural Center
Community Menorah
Jewish community leader, businessman, and
Lighting
and
avid cyclist Stephen
Lebovitz will speak
at Dinner
the Jewish Federation’s Annual Meeting.
Lebovitz, a graduate of Stanford University
and Harvard Business School, has been an
active member of the Jewish community
since moving to Boston in 1986. He took on
various leadership positions within Boston’s
Jewish
Federation
(called
Combined Girls Choir!
Featuring
the Chattanooga
Jewish Philanthropies), received a Young
Leadership
Award
2000, andand
completed
Bring your
owninmenorah
we’ll light the second
a 12-year term on CJP’s Board of Directors.
candle of Chanukah as a community.
Stephen was president of Jewish
Enjoy
delicious
kosher
and and
timeof with
Family & aChildren’s
Services
fromdinner
2000-2002,
Congregation
friends.
Activities
and
gift
bags
for
the
kids!
Or Atid in Wayland from 2010-12. He is president and CEO of CBL
& Associates Properties, Inc., one of the largest owners of regional
and shopping
centers in the country.
Please RSVPmalls
to Carole
McNabb
As a cyclist
Stephen has
493-0270, ext.10 or [email protected].
participated in many races and charity rides
over the
past 15 years,
including
Before December 5:
$7/adult
$4/kids
6-12 the Pan
Mass Challenge in Boston, the Leadville 100
On December 5:
$10/adults $7/kids 6-12
mountain bike race in Colorado, the Etape du
Kids five Tour
and younger
in France, free
and most recently the
Maccabiah Games in Israel, where he was a
Visa/MC accepted
medalist. Stephen lives in Weston, Mass.
with his his wife, Lisa, and their four children.
Lebovitz
will
talk
about
his
experience in the Maccabiah games. New inductees to the Chattanooga Regional Jewish Sports Hall
of Fame will be announced, and include Milton “Buster” Edelstein,
Hallie Hochman McFadden, Harold Shavin, and Ira Stein. In addition,
volunteers-of-the-year will be announced, and new board chair, board
members, and officers will be installed. Dessert reception to follow.
There is no charge to attend, but please RSVP to 493-0270, ext. 10,
or [email protected].
Wed. December 5, 6:30 p.m.
Jewish Cultural Center
Thousands Convene at Nashville’s
Opryland for United Jewish
Communities General Assembly
share. Jan. 13, 6:00pm. Dinner $10. [email protected].
Young Leadership – From Addis Ababa to
IN THIS
Chattanooga: Why
We Do ISSUE
What We Do
Federation
News...................Page
2
Tributes...............................Page 13
Tuesday, December 4
Federation Programs...........Pages 3-6
Newcomers..........................Page 14
8:00 a.m., Beth Sholom Congregation
Federation Social Services...Page 7
Aleph Bet............................Pages 8
Federation Shlicha..............Page 9
CJCRS.................................Page 10
Community Voices.............Page 11-14
Mazel
Tovs/Condolences....Page
Federation
News ............... Pages132-3
Mizpah News......................Page 15
B’nai Zion News.................Page 16
Chabad News......................Page 17
Hadassah News...................Page 18
Federation Bulletin Board...Page 19
Federation
NewcomersCalendar............Page
...................... Page 1820
IN THIS ISSUE
General Assembly News .. Pages 4-5
Community Voices ............. Page 19
Campaign News ...............
Pages
6-7
Mazel Tovs/Condolences .. Page 19
Jewish Federation
Federation Programs ......... Pages 8-9
Nurse’s Notes ................... Page 20
of Greater Chattanooga
Social Services .................. Pages 9-10
Congregation News ............ Pages 2-25
Aleph Bet .......................... Page 11
Hadassah News ................. Page 26
Strong Voices .................... Pages 12-13 Bulletin Board .................... Page 27
Congregational School ...... Page 14
Community Calendar ......... Page 28
Chanukah 5768 ................. Pages 15-17
www.jewishchattanooga.com
SAVE THE DATE
Monday, Feb. 24
A new season of the
Foreign Policy Supper Club begins.
Kickoff topic: Defense Technology on the
More than21st
50 Chattanooga
members
Centurycommunity
Battlefield
headed to Nashville for the GA. Seated: David Israel,
Bev Coulter,
Susan
DiStefano, Finette
and to the
Dinner
and
discussion
$10.Winer,
Open
David community.
Winer. Standing: Rosalee
Bogo,
Elaine
Winer,
See p. 4 for details.
Stuart Bush, Dana Waxler, Rosalyn Vogel, Bonnie
Stoloff, Henry Stoloff, Sheila Nunley, Michael Dzik,
Andy Hodes, and Sanford Winer.
More GA photos, pages 4-5
FEDERATION NEWS
Wrapping Up
by Andy Hodes
Federation Board Chair
[email protected]
Last month, just before our December Board
of Directors meeting, I had the opportunity
to see Wrapped in Tradition, the current exhibit at the Jewish Cultural Center. It features
traditional and artist-made tallitot (that’s
the official Hebrew plural of tallit) from our
community, around the country, and from
Israel, many with interesting histories. This
compelling exhibit is just another testament to the creativity and originality of
our program staff and volunteers. You have until January 15th to check out the
exhibit for yourself.
As Wrapped in Tradition adorns the walls of our Jewish Cultural Center,
it is fitting that I will be “wrapping up” my term as Board Chair of our Jewish
Federation, making way for my successor, Warren Dropkin. The transition will
take place during the annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga, January 8, at 7:00p.m.. Also that evening, four local sports legends will
be inducted into the Chattanooga Regional Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Stephen
Lebovitz, Chattanooga native and medalist at last summer’s Maccabiah Games in
Israel, will be the featured speaker. It promises to be great program.
It’s hard to believe that my two year term is almost over. For the 14 of
you who read my monthly column in The Shofar (and that includes my dad and
the two Shofar proofreaders), this will be my last one. With my term drawing to a
close, I’ve spent some time reflecting on the last few years and the many successes of our Federation. We’ve seen increased attendance and volunteer participation
at the Federation. We’ve helped send numerous people to Israel, many for the first
time, and have made it possible for many others to attend Jewish summer camp.
Our Shaliach program continues to make a huge impact, not only in the Jewish
community, but throughout the greater Chattanooga community as well.
Black Friday, Cyber
Monday, and Giving
Tuesday
We’ve continued to provide essential social services like van
rides, Mitzvah Meals, the resources of our community nurse, and the
wisdom of our Federation’s social worker, all of whom have helped the
members of our community in strategic ways, from navigating Medicare
Part D to checking in regularly with members. The Shofar continues to
be robust with great information about our community, our congregations and our organizations. More people have been enjoying our delicious food at the many fantastic cultural parties and programs. Aleph
Bet continues to ready the youngest members of our community for
school, educating them in caring and respecting others and nurturing
a deep appreciation for Judaism. The work we do here at the Jewish
Cultural Center as well through our overseas partners around the world
is truly remarkable. I’ve been privileged to play a very small part in helping fulfill our mission each and every day.
American author Ralph Marston said, “Make it a habit to tell
people thank you, to express your appreciation sincerely and without the
expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you,
and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and
you’ll find that you have more of it.”
In my twenty-one Shofar articles, I’ve thanked many people
for working to make our Federation and our Jewish community a better
place. I’ve thanked those who were kind, those who shared their opinion,
those who attended programs, those generous with their time, and those
generous to us and others financially. Now I thank the entire Jewish
community for the opportunity to help continue our work, and for the
opportunity to find others to volunteer in various capacities. When I
called for help I was rarely told no—instead, people lined up to work on
task forces, volunteer at events, bring new ideas for programs, and even
accept nominations to the Board and Executive Committee, ensuring the
emergence of the next generation of our leaders.
As I wrap up my term, I want to say thank you to our wonderful staff members, who take our ideas and make them happen with style
while helping care so lovingly for the more vulnerable members of our
community. Thank you, Board of Directors and Executive Board, for
working so hard over the past few years to handle the sometimes difficult
issues that confronted our community. And thank you to everyone in
our community for working every day to make our greater Chattanooga
area one of the greatest Jewish communities anywhere. I look forward to
continuing to work to fulfill our mission for many years to come.
by Michael Dzik
Federation Executive Director
[email protected]
I know we’ve all heard of Black Friday and
Cyber Monday. You may have even heard of
Local Saturday (code for “shop local stores
the day after Black Friday”). Maybe I’m a little out of the loop sometimes, but I
was recently made aware of something called Giving Tuesday. Heard of it?
I was listening to talk radio. Someone was discussing Hospice of
Chattanooga. When I got to the office, I had many emails requesting donations
to various organizations: the American Cancer Society, ArtsBuild, and the
Alzheimer’s Association, to name just a few. What a great idea, I thought, to
create a true day of thanksgiving where people focus on the many organizations
that support a community. And what a great way to publicize your organization!
Then I sat back a minute and thought about it. We’ve come up with a
gimmick, so to speak, to increase the visibility of organizations in the hopes
of creating a huge, one-day incentive for people to exercise their philanthropic
muscles. We’re using social media, television and radio commercials, and the
daily mail to inform and educate people about the many helping organizations,
which we hope will encourage them to donate. “Giving Tuesday” is a once-ayear, one-day consciousness raising (and hopefully fundraising) extravaganza
whose goal is to encourage contributions to organizations that give back all year
long.
Similarly, the Jewish Federation has a fundraising kickoff event
(Campaign Kickoff) and a special day set aside for calling community members
and requesting donations (Super Sunday). Like the numerous other organizations
requesting your dollars on one special day to fund services year round, our
services are year round also. You recognize the necessity of our many programs
2
The Shofar
January 2014
and services, with which we are building relationships and a stronger
Jewish community each and every day. You generously support, among
other programs, Aleph Bet, the Jewish Film Series, social services, and
our biannual Chai Nite. I hold my head up high every day because I live
in a supportive and charitable community.
I want to take a moment to thank outgoing Board Chair Andy
Hodes for his work, time, and dedication to the Jewish Federation. While
he has been engaged with the Federation for well over a decade, he has,
for the past two years especially, led us in a positive direction, always
seeking new ways to engage our current leaders while also reaching out
into the community to bring more people into our discussions.
Andy, I appreciate your leadership and your friendship, and
know that you will remain a staunch advocate of the Jewish Federation
as well as an active leader in all that we do. I know the community joins
me in saying “thank you” for your service. And I look forward to giving
you a proper and public thank you at the Annual Meeting on Wednesday,
January 8th.
FEDERATION PROGRAMS
Lessons Learned
by Ann Treadwell
Program Director
[email protected]
When I was ten years old, I had a religious
school teacher named Mrs. Byrd. At the
time I thought she was ancient, although she
was probably just a couple of years older
than I am now. Mrs. Byrd was a task master.
In her class we had to memorize the psalms.
Not just one or two—all of them. With a
ruler in hand she would tap out a beat for us
to use to recite the words. Sometimes we were lucky and the class would say
the psalm together, but we all lived in fear of the day we’d be called upon to
do the reciting alone. Occasionally now I will hear a psalm and the words will
come flooding back, but on the whole I don’t remember them. Truly, the only
lesson I learned was to keep Mrs. Byrd happy.
In my teens a group of young Baha’i adults moved into my
neighborhood. They were hippie-like, which, in the early 1970’s, made them
very appealing to me. They embraced the sexual revolution, women’s rights,
and peace and love, and they related everything to their faith.They invited us
neighborhood kids to listen to their music, eat, and hang out. My father disliked
them with a passion, which of course fueled my interest in them. In the end, the
only lesson I learned was how to torment my father.
In my twenties I wandered through museums and concert halls,
working with and listening to great creative minds, in search of meaning. I
learned about composition and the making of art, as well as the business of the
arts: hunting for gallery affiliation, securing scholarships, dealing with taxes,
and seeking employment. But the main lesson I learned was about competition.
It didn’t occur to me until I was in my late twenties that I had, along
the way, learned some significant religious lessons. As a child, my parents sent
me off to spend the summers on my grandfather’s farm on the west side of
Cleveland, Ohio. During those hot afternoons (pre-air conditioning), we often
settled into the living room after the noon meal. Here my grandfather would
play craftily-disguised math games with us, and tell stories. He never indicated
which piece of scripture he was drawing from. He knew that the lesson was
more important than its origin. Which is why it was from Willis Gebhardt, and
not demanding Mrs. Byrd, that I learned about the power of faith.
I encourage you to come to the Jewish Cultural Center community
dinner on Monday, January 13 at 6:00 p.m.to hear our three local rabbis
talk about their most important lessons learned—those they received from
other rabbis, and those they feel are the most important to share. It will be an
inspirational evening. And while you’re here, please take some time to look
at the current exhibit Wrapped in Tradition, which is all about the power of
tallitot, or prayer shawls, in the lives of Jews from all over America and Israel.
Community Chanukah Party
Dec. 4
THANK YOU
The Community Chanukah Party was successful due to
the efforts of our supporters:
Brook Textiles
B’nai Zion Hebrew School
Chabad of Chattanooga Hebrew School
Mizpah Hebrew School
CJCRS
Amy Cohen
Students, teachers and leadership
Sufganiyot volunteers Sarah DiStefano, Holley Rudolph,
Rabbi Bill Tepper, and Hadas Peled
January 2014
The Shofar
3
FEDERATION PROGRAMS
Community Events
Jewish Federation Annual Meeting Wed., January 8. See front
page for details.
Wrapped in Tradition Exhibit
Runs through Jan. 15
Well-Being
Middle Eastern (Belly) Dancing
Jillanna Babb-Cheshul of Merry Bellies teaches this drop-in, one-hour, very fun
class, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Pay as you go. $5/class. For information, contact
493-0270, ext. 10; [email protected]. NO CLASS JAN. 1
Expand Your Mind
Lessons Learned, Mon., Jan. 13. 6:00pm
Rabbis Tepper, Tendler and Perlstein will discuss the most important lessons
they learned from other rabbis, and the lessons they think are most important
to share. Dinner $10. [email protected].
Young Leadership (Ages 21-40)
YL Leadership Planning Session, Sun., Jan. 5
Hollywood and Chai Nite
Sat., Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m.
Delicious food, martini bar, star quality beverages, and dancing.
Premiere reservations: $45
Walk of Fame reservations: $85 (includes chance to win candlelight dinner for two prepared by Alice Goss-Morgan)
Raffle tickets $25/3 for $50/7 for $100
for information on event sponsorship contact Ann Treadwell at
[email protected] or 493-0270, ext. 13.
Just for Fun
Noon Nosh with Irven Resnick
Judaic Studies at a Southern University: UTC in 2014
Tues., Jan. 21 at 12 p.m.
Since 1990, Irven M. Resnick has held the chair of excellence in
Judaic Studies at UTC, where he is also professor of philosophy
and religion. He has been a Senior Associate at Oxford University's
Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies since 2003. Resnick is the
author or translator of 13 volumes, and has published 40 scholarly
articles in professional journals. Learn about offerings in Religious
Studies/Judaic Studies at UTC, and about Resnick’s research.
Cost: $8.00
RSVP to 493-0270, ext. 10 or [email protected].
Deli Dinner
Mon., Jan. 27
6-8:00 p.m.
$15
No program, just a great
deli spread.
Young Leadership is encouraged to attend Chai Night Jan. 18
See www.facebook.com/groups/YJLCHA for details
Foreign Policy Supper Club
First FP Supper Club meeting is Mon., Feb. 24. Topic will be defense technology and
the issues and challenges facing the U.S. with regard to the 21st century battlefield.
Enjoy a family style dinner, watch a brief presentation, and discuss a
different topic on a Monday each month. Articles produced by the Foreign
Policy Association and Great Decisions will be available prior to the
discussion, and, when possible, an informed guest will join the discussion.
$10 includes dinner.
RSVP 493-0270, ext. 10; [email protected]
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Please remember to RSVP for Jewish Federation programs.
Your RSVP helps us to prepare the right amount of food so that
no one is left out and nothing goes to waste.
There are three easy ways to respond:
1. use the RSVP form at www.jewishchattanooga.com
2. call 493-0270, ext. 10
3. email [email protected]
Prefer a vegetarian meal? Just let us know 2 business days in advance.
Thanks for helping us serve you better!
Happenings with Hadas
(Israeli Shlicha)
FeminIsrael Exhibit and Evening Program
This important exhibit will spotlight some of Israel’s most influential
women from a variety of disciplines (music, literature, politics) who left
a mark on Israeli society and culture. During this program we will discuss
their accomplishments and contributions. The exhibit will be open from
Feb. 13 to Mar. 21. Evening program Feb. 23. Details in February Shofar.
RSVP a must!
www.jewishchattanooga.com or
493-0270, ext. 10
4
The Shofar
January 2014
Hadas Peled is available for public speaking for civic groups, schools,
churches, and other community organizations. Please contact Hadas at
[email protected] or (423) 385-0098.
FEDERATION PROGRAMS
Aleph Bet Children’s Center
Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga
At Aleph Bet, we believe that Sandy’s heart is made of gold. Over the past three years,
Sandy has spent time volunteering at Aleph Bet events including Spring Fling, the
Fall Luncheon, and Friday morning Shabbat celebrations. Every time Sandy visits for
Shabbat she brings a special gift for every child. The children and teachers always
enjoy listening to Sandy read a story.
Sandy has also served as the Aleph Bet Advisory Chair for two years and has
agreed to serve one more year. We are truly grateful for her devotion and the generosity
she has shown us at Aleph Bet. Sandy’s love for teaching and commitment to Judaism
and to education is contagious and inspiring. Thank you Sandy, for all you have done…
and will continue to do for the children, staff, and families at Aleph Bet Children’s
Center.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga is pleased to
announce that Lynn Howard has been selected as our 2013
Volunteer-of-the-Year. Lynn has been a tremendous asset to
the community during this past year. She served as chair of the
Federation’s Social Service Task Force, and served on the Aleph
Bet Task Force as an active member. Her leadership on the task
force was a vital part of the group’s success in brainstorming ideas
and prioritizing findings.
This past summer, Lynn was a key part of the Federation’s
Partnership2gether (P2G) teacher exchange program with Hadera,
Israel. She arranged for our two Israeli guests to visit numerous
schools, and used her wealth of experience and knowledge to
facilitate discussions between our local Jewish educators and the
Israelis to insure new bonds and relationships were formed. Thank
you, Lynn, for your outstanding service to the community.
Sandy Tabakin
B’nai Zion Congregation
Joe Kodsi
Congregations depend on both the participation and talents of their members-that’s the key to their success--and Joe Kodsi is the epitomy of the ideal
congregational member. Joe doesn’t miss a minyan, his attendance at services
nears 100%, he serves as co-chair of the Building and Grounds committee,
and is available at a moment’s notice. But it doesn't stop there. Joe is a true
craftsman when it comes to woodworking. His wooden plaque of the Ten
Commandments graces our lobby; just below it sits the magnificent display
case (his design), which he arranged and built with volunteers, and which
houses our newly acquired illustrated Torah. Dayenu, that's enough! But Joe
also took it upon himself to start, organize and manage the Shomrim mitzvah
for the entire Jewish community. The Shomrim volunteer to sit with the
deceased in respect for both them and their families. Recognizing Joe is our
way of saying the biggest thank-you we can.
Chabad
Bruce Weiss
Bruce Weiss has been a tremendous help in all of Chabad’s programs.
He has never turned down a request to help prepare for a program, even
after putting in long, hard hours at his restaurant. He has assisted with
everything from Jew-TC to family events, Purim, Chanukah, and Lunchand-Learn, and he is the secret behind the fabulous food at Chabad
events. In addition to helping with the upkeep of the Chabad center, he
always makes himself available to help with minyans. Bruce is an active
proponent of Jewish life in Chattanooga and we sincerely appreciate all he
has done for our community.
CJCRS
Donna White-Dropkin
Donna White-Dropkin has been actively involved in Jewish education
for as long as we can remember. Her two children, Lily and Sam, were
graduates of Mizpah Hebrew School, b’nai mitzvahed, confirmed, and
worked for four years at the Chattanooga Jewish Congregational Religious
School. Donna not only is the president of Mizpah Congregation, currently
she holds the position of treasurer on the CJCRS board of education.
Despite her professional responsibilities as a certified CPA, she gives of
herself to the fullest wherever Jewish education is concerned. One can
see her in Mizpah spending endless hours setting an example for others
to follow. No problem is beneath her and she is always available with an
encouraging word. CJCRS is proud to announce Donna White-Dropkin as
our Volunteer of the Year.
Lynn Howard
Hadassah
Rhonda Seeber
This year the Chattanooga Chapter of Hadassah is honoring
Rhonda Seeber as our Volunteer of the Year. Rhonda served as
president of Hadassah for two and-a-half years. In 1998, Rhonda
became a Life Member of Hadassah. She immediately became
active, attending events, programs, and meetings. She often
graced us with her beautiful voice and guitar-playing as she led
us in Hatikva, The Star Spangled Banner, and many inspiring
Havdallah services. After attending a Hadassah Regional Spring
Conference in 2010, Rhonda announced her desire to become our
chapter president. During Rhonda’s presidency she provided a
plethora of creative and innovative programming, during which
our membership increased. No one could say no to Rhonda. We
surpassed our fundraising goals. As further tribute to Rhonda’s
leadership, the Chattanooga Chapter of Hadassah won the most
prestigious award, The Southern Region Chapter of the Year
“Star of the Region.”
Unfortunately, Rhonda had to step down due to health
reasons, and she is in our daily thoughts and prayers. Although
we are honoring her for her service today, we thank her every
day for the hard work, dedication and passion she brings to her
involvement in Hadassah.
Mizpah Congregation
The Mizpah Choir
This year Mizpah has chosen to honor our dedicated and
outstanding choir as our “Volunteer of the Year.” With voices
raised together and esprit de corps, the choir enriches our worship
experience through its musical talents, whether it be on the High
Holy Days with a full complement of members on the bimah, or
at Friday night services, when two or more choir members may
lead our musical liturgy. Few members know about the hours of
choir practice these individuals put in behind the scenes to make
our worship memorable. All members of our choir are unpaid
volunteers. We are delighted to honor this group, and we thank
them for their contribution to Mizpah Congregation.
Members of the 2013 choir are: Bonnie Stoloff, Marianna Allen,
Karen Diamond, Madeline Hartmann, David Laband, Bill Lefton,
Ruth Longway, Jed Mescon, Melinda Rosenthal, Lisa Schubert,
Helen Smith, John Steinberg, and Richard Zachary.
January 2014
The Shofar
5
FEDERATION PROGRAMS
The Iron Dome as Part of Israel’s
Reality
Dec. 16, Jewish Cultural Center
Hadas Peled and Zachary Ben Yair discussed how the Iron Dome defense sysetm
works and how it has affected Israeli society.
6
The Shofar January 2014
Wrapped in Tradition Reception
Dec. 12, Jewish Cultural Center
Don’t miss this gorgeous exhibit, which will remain on view until Wed.,
Jan. 15 and which features traditional and handmade tallitot from across
the U.S. and Israel.
Marietta, Georgia
artist Meg Fisher
stands beside her
handmade silk tallit.
FEDERATION SOCIAL SERVICES
-Senior Programming
-Intergenerational Programming
-Family Support
-Community Partnering
-Friendly Visits
-Excursions
-Advocacy
by Amy Boulware
Social Services Director
[email protected]
That experience never left me. As Director of Social Services,
people come to me with many different needs. Some require help with
the basics of food, shelter and clothing, while others’ needs are much
more complex. No matter what the need is, our goal at the Federation
is to listen, respect and assist. We don’t kid ourselves into thinking we
can solve all problems for all people, but we will always be a safe and
nurturing place for the community to come and seek support. My hope
for all of the clients who leave my office is that they never have that
awful feeling in the pit of their stomach that I had. My goal is to leave
them feeling better than when they came in. I live by the philosophy
that people are not my problem, they are my purpose!
People Are My Purpose
The day before Thanksgiving I received a phone call that really made
my day. It was from a client who said that, in thinking about what
he was thankful for, my name came to mind. He told me that my
willingness to advocate for seniors, and to treat everyone who comes
into my office with respect and dignity, is a gift to the community.
This is the highest compliment I could have received. I try to
treat others as I would like to be treated. You see, twenty-two years
ago, when our daughter Amanda was born three months premature
and weighing just two pounds, I had my first experience with needing
assistance myself. I will never forget the feeling in the pit of my
stomach when my husband Gene and I were ushered into the finance
office of St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Our bill was over $183,000. We
were freshly out of school and just starting our family, and we did not
have that sort of money sitting around.
The financial officer was not at all nice. She went through our
monthly budget item by item, questioning every purchase from diapers
to medications. We agreed to a payment schedule, and she sent us on
our way feeling less than worthy. The interesting part of this was that
we were a couple who both had jobs, college educations and insurance.
We knew we were responsible for paying our 20% of the costs, and we
were committed to doing that. Then why did I feel so horrible?
Not once did the finance officer ask about our daughter or the
care we received. She was a numbers woman, and that was all she was
there to talk about: money.
Monica Gefter, M.D., FACP
Board Certified in Internal Medicine
Special Interest: Preventive Cardiology, Hypertension,
Diabetes, Cholesterol, and Healthy Aging
New Patients are welcome
ACADEMIC INTERNAL MEDICINE
Erlanger Physician Office Building
Suite 601B
979 E. 3rd St., Chattanooga 37403
423-778-8179
Take Home Chef Alice Goss-Morgan’s
“Bowls of Love”
Purchase matzo ball soup or chili for just $4
for a one-bowl container or $8 for a twobowl size.
Call ahead to reserve; we do run
out. Contact Ann Treadwell (do not call
the kitchen directly), 493-0270, ext. 13;
[email protected] to get
your order packaged and ready to go!
What Will Be
Your Legacy?
Giving (tzedakah) is at the core of Jewish life. For millennia, Jewish
dreamers have passed on that tradition
to their children through their words
and deeds. They have left their legacy in
the organizations and services that have
nourished us, strengthened us, guided us and
taught us during our lifetimes.
You learned well from their example. Through your generosity of
spirit and resources, you have continued the sacred work of repairing
our world. You have fed the hungry, educated the young, uplifted the
lonely, protected the persecuted, and cared for the elderly. You have
fought for justice and fairness, or furthered scientific understanding.
Whatever you have done, you have done with passion.
So how will you turn that passion into your legacy?
It’s never too early to share your dreams and your passions
with future generations. Call the Jewish Federation of Greater
Chattanooga today.
Contact Michael Dzik, 504-5518; mdzik@
jewishchattanooga.com to start a conversation
about how you can join others in the
Create a Jewish Legacy effort.
Your dreams…your passion…
your legacy.
• New to the area?
• Recently turned 65?
• Turning 65 in the near future?
• Receiving veteran’s benefits?
BOHN & ASSOCIATES
Jerry L. Bohn
Insurance Advisor
(423) 553-9393
Specializing in Medicare Supplements,
Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage Plans,
and Hospital Indemnity
The Shofar
January 2014 7
ALEPH BET CHILDREN’S CENTER
by Vicki Cathcart
Aleph Bet Children’s Center Director/
PJ Library® Coordinator
[email protected]
Priority registration starts January 2!
Aleph Bet is registering for the summer and 2014-2015
school year. Current enrollees, alumni families, siblings, and
those who have donated to the Jewish Federation two of
the past five years will have the first opportunity to ensure
their child has a spot at Aleph Bet. Please contact Vicki for
registration forms and more information.
Don’t want to wait until next summer? Also enrolling for this
winter! Limited space is available in our Yellow Room (three
turning four year olds) and Blue Room (four turning five).
Please call 893-5486 or email alephbet@jewishchattanooga.
com if you or a family you know is interested in quality child care.
Congratulations to the winners of our
“It Takes a Village” raffle!
Referral discount
When you refer a family to Aleph Bet, and their child
enrolls on or before January 31, 2013, you’ll receive a
$100 credit after they’ve been here for 30 days.
1st place ($500)-Julie and Rob Cowan
2nd place ($400)-Ellyn and John Brooks
3rd place ($300)-Candy and Don Poole
Aleph Bet greatly appreciates the following donations:
The Blankenbaker Family: Little People play sets
Raul and Wendy Beker: basketball, fabric markers, and duct tape
Ralph and Virginia Murray: fruit tray for
teachers, and markers
Dana Banks: toys and games
The Cathcart Family: holiday table cloth and
sufganiyot ingredients
Libby Setlich: soap
Sandy and Ben Tabakin: Activity books for
each child, Play-doh
The Eves Family: K-cups for teachers
Aleph Bet Children’s Center, a program of the Jewish
Federation of Greater Chattanooga, aims to provide
an educational, interactive and developmentally
appropriate preschool program that is enriched by
Jewish traditions and values and implemented by a
trained, dedicated, and nurturing staff.
Aleph Bet is a Three-Star quality program recognized by
the State of Tennessee for its commitment to good health.
At the Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 N.Terrace Road, Chattanooga 37411
Director: (423) 493-0270, ext. 18 or (423) 893-5486
[email protected]; www.aleph-bet.com
8 The Shofar January 2014
SAVE
THE
DATE
FEDERATION SHLICHA
Behind Every Word, A Hidden Meaning
by Hadas Peled
Israeli Shlicha (Emissary)
[email protected]
Every time I sit down to write my Shofar
article, all my doubts emerge: what will I
write about this month? What message do I
want to send? And where does Israel fit into
the story? I realized that writing doesn't come
easily for me! It’s a skill that improves with time, just as our whole life
is a learning process that doesn’t stop until we die.
Each time I sit down to write, I begin with some research. This
month I looked at the calendar, and there I saw Chai (as in “Chai Night)”
and “Tu B’Shevat.”
The word chai is made up of the Hebrew alphabet letters chet
and yod. The Hebrew word chai is related to the term for "life.” It is
a symbol and a word that figures prominently in Jewish culture. Using
gimatria (Hebrew numerology which calculates the value of individual
words), chai equals 18; because of this, Jews often give gifts and
donations in multiples of 18 (called "giving chai").
And the word chai has personal meaning for me as well, as
both an Israeli and a Jew. Every year, my family donates chai shekalim
to our neighborhood synagogue on Yom Kippur. I also discovered
that the Hebrew letters chet and yod are the initials for chinuch Israeli,
which means Israeli education, and chatimat yad, which means “hand
signature,” or “to leave one’s mark on something.” The way I see it,
these terms describe my role as an Israeli shlicha: to educate and engage
people with Israel, while also bringing my own personal touch to it, my
personal signature.
On January 16, we celebrate Tu B’Shevat, a day that marks
the beginning of a “new year” for trees. This is the season in which
the earliest-blooming trees in Israel emerge from their winter
sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. In Israel we celebrate
by planting saplings and having a seder in which the produce of
trees, including fruits and nuts, are eaten. Tu B’Shevat is about environmental
sustainability. And I’m realizing that we cultivate ecological awareness to keep our
environment healthy and sustained, not only for the people who live in Israel, but for
Israel herself: a holy and beautiful and spiritual land.
While chai means to live, Tu B’Shevat represents the sustainability of life
– both environmental and spiritual. From this I realize that not only do we need a
sustainable ecological awareness to keep our environment safe, but also a sustainable
spiritual awareness. For me, this means I must act to preserve my unique Israeli and
Jewish identities.
Support Shofar and directory advertisers. They
support our community!
JEW CREW
Lots of Latkes!
by Co-Adivsors Alison Lebovitz & Andy Hodes
The Annual Jew Crew Chanukah party was a huge success!
Fifteen Jew Crewers showed up at the Lebovitz home to shmooze, eat homemade latkes by Chef Andy Hodes, and
engage in a mean game of Dirty Chanukah (gift exchange). As they say, Chanukah isn’t over until the last dreidel is
spun! We look forward to seeing everyone at our next program, on January 12, at the Gogh Paint-N-Party. And don’t
forget, Jew Crew Retreat is just around the corner - February 28- March 2, 2014 at Camp Ramah Darom, so if you
haven’t registered yet you better hurry!
Next up: Gogh Paint-N-Party
Sunday, January 12
Your gift to the Annual Campaign enables the Federation
to fund the Jew Crew. Thank you!
January 2014
The Shofar
9
CHATTANOOGA JEWISH
CONGREGATIONAL RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Cheers to New Year’s!
by Ronni Charyn, Director
[email protected]
892-6175
Adult Education Classes
(taught by Barbara Paper)
Judaism and Social Justice
Jan. 12 - Judaism and the Death Penalty
Jan. 19 - Judaism and Mosques
Jan. 26 -Judaism and Immigration
CJCRS Year In Review
Second Semester Religious School Calendar
9:30 a.m. to noon at Mizpah Congregation, 923 McCallie Ave.
January
March
5
In-service for Madrichim with 2
Hadas at Whole Foods 9:30a.m. 9
12
First day back with all students 16
Purim Mifgash
and teachers
23
19
Classes with Tu B’Shevat 30
Mifgash
April
26
6
Passover Mifgash February
27
2
May
9
4
all-school program with
23
Adam Wassell, ISJL Fellow
New Year’s: Hitting the Restart Button
by Adam Wassell
Education Fellow, Goldring/Woldenberg
Institute of Southern Jewish Life
[email protected], (601) 362-6357
10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1… HAPPY NEW YEAR! On New Year’s
Eve, one calendar year ends and a new one begins. New Year’s Eve (and Day)
are among the most widely celebrated of holidays in the world, due to global
use of the Gregorian calendar. The typical New Year’s celebration usually
includes dressy clothes, adult beverages, dancing, some sort of resolution, and,
if you’re lucky, a midnight kiss. It’s a time when many of us are inspired to hit
the restart button. But have you ever taken a moment to think about why?
For most people, New Year’s is a time for internal reflection and
external change. In many ways, it’s a secular version of Rosh Hashanah and
Yom Kippur. As Jews, we celebrate the High Holidays with the intention of
cleansing our souls and correcting our wrongdoings. It’s a time be thankful for
God’s gifts, and to pledge to make better choices in the coming year.
Happily, under Jewish tradition, we have several opportunities to
celebrate a new year. The first one falls on the first day of the month of Nisan
and celebrates the anniversary of the Israelites’ freedom from Egyptian slavery,
from which we receive our Passover narrative.
The second new year celebration takes place on the first day of the
month of Elul. Although no longer celebrated, the 1st of Elul marks the date for
the religious tax (tithe) to be given to the priests of ancient Israel.
The third new year celebration happens on the first day of the month
of Tishrei and is more commonly known as Rosh Hashanah. During this
celebration we say goodbye to one year and welcome in another. The first day
of the month of Tishrei also commemorates God’s creation of the world.
Finally, the fourth new year takes place on the fifteenth day of the
month of Sh’vat. This new year celebration is more commonly known as Tu
B’Shevat. The Torah forbids the consumption of fruits from trees less than
three years old; fruit ripening on or after Tu B’Shevat of the tree's third year is
celebrated.
Multiple new year’s celebrations provide us with a checkpoint to
evaluate the goals we initially set, and help reinforce the importance of, and our
desire to, bring lasting change to our lives. As Jews we are always searching
for ways to make a positive impact on the world around us. By celebrating
multiple new years, we demonstrate our commitment to making a positive
impact on our individual souls as well.
This year I challenge you to choose a difficult resolution, and to spend
your year reflecting upon, and striving to bring a new sense of happiness to,
your life.
10
The Shofar
January 2014
Your gift to the Annual Campaign enables the Federation
to fund almost half of the operating costs of the CJCRS. Thank you!