OCTOBER 5 - 18, 2012 PAGE 6 A JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA Congregations Rabbinically Speaking Learning how to master our fears By RABBI MARC SACK Congregation Rodeph Sholom There is a jarring scene in the movie, Saving Private Ryan. The American forces are under attack in a French village and a Nazi soldier is engaged in hand-to-hand combat with an American soldier in the top of a bell tower. At the base of the stairwell hides another American soldier, with a rifle in hand, who hears the struggle taking place above him and, out of his fear, does nothing while his comrade is killed. In an irony of the film, the soldier who gave in to his fear survived the war, while most of those who risked their lives were killed. In the book, Puddinhead Wilson, Mark Twain wrote, “Courage is the mastery of fear, not the absence of fear.” Where do we learn to be courageous, to master our fears? From the people who raised and taught and mentored us. David Brooks, in his book, The Social Animal, wrote, “The person with good character has taught herself or been taught by those around her to see situations in the right way.” (Page 127) But he goes on to write, “…it is not one crucial moment that shapes a character. Character emerges gradually out of the mysterious interplay of a million little good influences. This model emphasizes the power of a community to shape character.” (Page 128) So we are never stuck. Through good associations we can always grow to be better people. In my Kol Nidre sermon this year I shared a vision with my congregation: The organizations of the Jewish community should get together and open a Jewish Community Thrift Shop whose merchandise would come from the adults’ and children’s clothing that we all give away. My vision is that members of the community would donate a storefront and storage space for these items and that the thrift shop would be run by a rotation of members of our community. Moreover, the proceeds would go to secular charities: homeless shelters, battered-women’s shelters; soup kitchens; education programs – this list could go on. Why should we do this? In that sermon I quoted the great Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, the former head of Yeshiva University, who said, ”Jews were not put here just to fight antiSemitism.” We were not put here just to survive. We were put here to do God’s work in the world. It is one thing to talk about tikkun olam, “restoring the world.” It is another to make it a focus of our Jewish lives. There’s another reason why we should open this thrift shop: to model this behavior for our children and to actually bring our children with us when we work there. This is how we teach our children to take charitable giving seriously – letting them see us do it and involving them in the work itself. David Brooks’ book is subtitled, “The Hidden Sources of Love, Character, and Achievement.” He wrote that successful people – my term, not his – “had good character. They were energetic, honest and dependable. They were persistent after setbacks … They possessed enough confidence to take risks and enough integrity to live up to their commitments…” This is, of course, what we want for our children — to have love, character and achievement. They gain these qualities when we show them the way. As individuals and as a community, we can do this. Rabbinically Speaking is published as a public service by the Jewish Press in cooperation with the Tampa Rabbinical Association which assigns the column on a rotating basis. Cong. Schaarai Zedek Musical Shabbat Congregation Schaarai Zedek will welcome Rabbi Ken Kanter on Friday, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. as the Kotler lecturer. He will present “the Jews of Tin Pan Alley” as part of the Shabbat service. His discussion will be illustrated with musical selections, as well as anecdotes. Rabbi Kanter is director of Rabbinical School for Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati. Earlier, he served Congregation Micah in Nashville and Mizpah Congregation in Chattanooga. He is the author of two books including The Jews of Tin Pan Alley and JewishAmerican History and Culture. Bless the animals: In honor of “Parashat Noach” – the story of Noah and the Ark, the rabbis and cantor will bless pets under the front entryway to the synagogue on Sunday, Oct. 14 at 8:30 a.m. Camp presentation: Parents and children are invited to hear Diana Bloom, girls’ unit head at Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Camp Coleman, located in the mountains of North Georgia, talk about the camp experience on Sunday, Oct.14 at 10:30 a.m. Beginning Hebrew: The first semester of adult Hebrew will be offered every Monday from Oct. 15-Dec. 17 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Ann Rubin will teach the Hebrew alphabet – letters, sounds, letter-sound. The cost is $36 for temple members and $54 for others. A required textbook is available for purchase. Call Sherry Stein at (813) 876-2377, ext. 210, to enroll. Film and lectures: A film and lecture series is under way with the next session on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. with a showing of the film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, followed by a discussion by Rabbi Richard Birnholz. The film explores retirement, marriage, and sexuality. On Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. the film Food Inc. will be shown, followed by a discussion by Rabbi Joel Simon. Brewery tour: The Brotherhood is planning an evening of “Brews, Schmewes and Dinner” on Thursday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. at Cigar City Brewing, 3924 W. Spruce St., just west of Dale Mabry Highway. The event will include a brewery tour. A beer-infused Southern feast will be prepared by Loko’s John LoScalzo. The event is limited to 75 men and cost is $25 for members and $35 for others. A portion of the proceeds will benefit disabled kids at LaVoy Exceptional Center. RSVP by emailing [email protected] Senior luncheon: A senior luncheon and special program presented by Lifelink Foundation will be held Thursday, Oct. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lifelink is a non-profit organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissue for transplantation therapy. The lunch is free for temple members and is $12 for non-members and guests. RSVP to the temple office at (813) 876-2377. Intro to Judaism: A lecture series required for anyone who is planning to convert and open to anyone else who wants to learn about basic Judaism and Jewish practices will be held on Wednesdays from 6:15-8:30 p.m. from Oct. 17 through Nov. 14. The course is taught by Rabbi Richard Birnholz and Rabbi Joel Simon. There is no charge for the course, but books are purchased separately. Call Ming Brewer at (813) 876-2377, ext. 202 to register. Dr. Ruth: The Sisterhood’s Star Event, featuring renowned sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer will be held on Monday, Oct. 22 at Tampa Renaissance Hotel at International Plaza with registration and a social at 9:30 a.m. and the lunch and program at 11 a.m. Tickets begin at $75. For reservations, contact Marcy Kaufman at [email protected]. Cong. Beth Am Habitat Shabbat: Congregation Beth Am volunteers will assist on a project for Habitat for Humanity of East Pasco on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 7:45 a.m. at a location still to be determined. Volunteers will gather at the project site and hold a short Shabbat service, then begin work. Those interested in helping should contact Joe and Marilyn Lehman at (813) 245-4619 or email [email protected] for information on the location of the project. Talmud study: Rabbi Jason Rosenberg leads a Talmud class every Thursday in his office at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome. Shabbat Candle Lighting Times Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Del Webb Blvd., Sun City Center • Mailing Address: P. O. Box 5203, Sun City Center, 33571 • Rabbi Philip Aronson • Shabbat Services: Friday 7:30 p.m. • Telephone: 633-2548 or 634-2590 • Web address: http://fl042.urj.net. Congregation BETH AM — 2030 W. Fletcher Ave, Tampa 33612 • Rabbi Jason Rosenberg • Joy Katzen-Guthrie, Cantorial Leader • Shabbat Services: Friday nights, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7:30 p.m, potluck dinner to follow; 2nd and 4th, 6:30 p.m.,; Saturday: 10:30 a. m. • Telephone 968-8511 • Website: www. mybetham. com. Congregation BETH SHALOM — 706 Bryan Road, Brandon, 33511 • Rabbi Betsy Torop • Shabbat Services: Friday 7:45 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. • Telephone: 681-6547 • Website: http://bethshalom-brandon. org. Congregation SCHAARAI ZEDEK — 3303 W. Swann Ave. , Tampa 33609 • Rabbi Richard J. Birnholz, Rabbi Joel Simon • Cantor Riselle Bain • Services: Friday, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Torah study, 9 a.m.; Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service, 10:30 a.m. • Telephone: 876-2377 • Website: www. zedek. org. Conservative Congregation KOL AMI — 3919 Moran Road, Tampa 33618 • Rabbi Robert Judd • Hazzan Jodi Sered-Lever • Shabbat Services: Friday 6:30 p.m. (Family Service first Friday of the month); Saturday 9:30 a.m. • Sunday morning minyan 9:15 a. m. • Monday-Thursday minyan 7:30 p.m. • Telephone: 9626338 • website: www. kolami. org. Congregation RODEPH SHOLOM — 2713 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa 33629 • Rabbi Marc Sack • Hazzan Mordechai Schram • Shabbat Services: Friday 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Torah study, 8:30 a.m., service 9:30 a.m. • Daily Minyans: Mon. – Fri. 7:15 a. m, Wednesday, 4:30 p.m., Sunday, 9:15 a.m. • Telephone: 837-1911 • Website: www. rsholom. org. Orthodox BAIS (TEMPLE) DAVID CHABAD — 2001 W. Swann Ave., Tampa 33606 • Rabbi Lazer Rivkin • Shabbat Services and meal: Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 9:45 a.m., 7:30 p.m. • Telephone: 966-8770 • Website: www. chabadofcentralflorida.com. CHABAD LUBAVITCH of TAMPA — Frank A. Weaner Center, 14908 Peninngton Road, Tampa 33624 • Rabbi Yossie Dubrowski, executive director • Telephone: 963-2317 • Website: www.chabadoftampabay.com. CHABAD of BRANDON — Rabbi Mendel Rubashkin • 3005 Waylon Lane, Valrico • Services:: Saturday, 10 a.m. • Call for location, Telephone: 657-9393 • Website: chabadbrandon.org. 6:47 pm 6:40 pm 6:33 pm 6:28 pm 5:23 pm Cong. Kol Ami Hebrew classes: Three Hebrew classes are being offered at Congregation Kol Ami beginning Oct. 15. “Alef Isn’t Tough,” a course for beginners with no previous experience, is taught by Ephraim Graff on Mondays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. “Alef Isn’t Enough,” for those who completed an Alef-Bet course, or those who want to brush up, is taught by Rabbi Bob Judd on Mondays from 6:45-7:30 p.m. “Bet is for Bereshit,” a semi-advanced class for those with Hebrew knowledge, is taught by Rabbi Judd on Mondays from 6-6:45 p.m. A time to learn: Starting Oct. 17, Rabbi Judd will lead a weekly class for those who would like to learn about an important Jewish topic, text or idea that impacts them from the Conservative Judaism point-of-view. The class will meet every Wednesday, at 7:30 p.m. in the boardroom. Sisterhood fundraiser: The Sisterhood invites folks to dine at Sweet Tomatoes at 14703 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa to raise money for the Sisterhood on Thursday, Oct. 18 from 5-8 p.m. Participants must present a flyer at the fundraiser at Sweet Tomatoes. Pick up the flyer at the Kol Ami office or print from the Kol Ami website: www.kolami.org. Bim Bam Shabbat: Join Rabbi Aaron Lever for a familyfriendly Shabbat service on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the board room. There will be puppets, singing and dancing for pre-k to second grade children, with siblings and parents invited to join. Sisterhood re-enrollment: There will be a wine and cheese tasting on Sunday, Oct. 28 from 4-6 p.m. with wine master • CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE Religious Directory HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Reform BETH ISRAEL/ JEWISH CONGREGATION OF SUN CITY CENTER — 1115 East • • • • • CHABAD LUBAVITCH of SOUTH TAMPA — Rabbi Mendy Dubrowski • 202 S. Audubon Ave. #1, Tampa, FL 33609 • First Friday of the month: Eat. Pray. Love, 6:30 pm • Telephone: 813-287-1795 • Website: www.ChabadSouthTampa.com Congregation BAIS MENACHEM CHABAD — 8913 Eastman Dr., Tampa, FL 33626 • Rabbi Levi Rivkin • Shabbat dinner, 8 p. m. • Shacharit service: Mon. & Thurs., 8:15 a.m., Weinberg Village. Mincha service: Mon.—Thurs., 6 p. m., Weinberg Village • Telephone: 813-375-9799, 813-504-4432 • Website: www. chabadofcentralflorida.com Congregation BAIS TEFILLAH — 14908 Pennington Road, Tampa, 33624 • Rabbi Yossie Dubrowski • Shabbat Services: Friday, 7 p. m. , Saturday 10 a.m. • Shachrit, Mon. – Fri., 6:30 a.m., Maariv, Mon. – Fri., 7:45 p.m., Sunday Shachrit, 9 a.m. • Telephone: 963-2317 • Website: www. chabadoftampaybay.com Congregation YOUNG ISRAEL of TAMPA - 13207 N. 52nd St., Tampa, 33617• Rabbi Uriel Rivkin • Shabbat Services: Friday, 7 p. m., Saturday, 10 a.m. • Sunday, 9:30 a.m. • 832-3018 • Website: www. youngisraeloftampa. org MERKOS CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF CENTRAL FLORIDA — 613 S. Melville Ave. Tampa, 33606 • Director: Rabbi Lazer Rivkin • Telepone: 966-8770 • Website: www.ChabadOfCentralFlorida.com Campus CHABAD HOUSE JEWISH STUDENT CENTER AT USF — 5205 E. 131st Ave., Tampa, 33617, Mailing address: USF Marshall CTR. Box 310, Tampa, 33620. • Rabbi Levi Rivkin • Shabbat Services and Meal: Friday 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. • Housing Available • Telephone: 504-4432 • Website: www.chabadoftampa.com HILLELS OF THE FLORIDA SUNCOAST— 13101 Sycamore Drive, Tampa, 33620 • Rabbi Ed Rosenthal • Shabbat Services: Friday 6:30 p.m. • Telephone: 899-2788 • Website: www.suncoasthillels.org. USF CHABAD on CAMPUS — 4605 Sweetwater Lake Drive, Tampa, 33620 • Rabbi Pinny Backman • Website: www.USFChabad.com Unaffiliated Congregation OR AHAVAH — A Jewish Renewal Community • Rabbi Debrah Shenefelt, spiritual leader • Shabbat services • Telephone: 813-968-7850; email: orhaahavahtampa@att. net. • Affiliated with Aleph. Temple OHEV SHALOM of NEW TAMPA — 6460 Tampa Palms Blvd. Tampa 33647 • Mailing Address: P. O. Box 46155, Tampa 33647 • Hazzan Paul Goldstein • Shabbat Services: 2nd Friday of the month 7:15 p.m. • 1st Saturday of the month 9:30 a.m. • Tel.: 632-9900. • Website: www. templeohevshalom.org. CITRUS COUNTY Congregation BETH SHOLOM — Civic Circle, Beverly Hills • Hazzan Mor- deca Kamlot, spiritual leader • Mailing address: Beverly Hills Jewish Center, P. O. Box 64024, Beverly Hills, FL 34464-0024. Shabbat services: Friday, 7:30 p. m., Saturday, 9:30 a.m. Telephone 352-746-5303 PASCO COUNTY CHABAD JEWISH CENTRE at WIREGRASS — Rabbi Mendy Yarmush • 2124 Ashley Oaks Circle, Wesley Chapel, 33544 • Services: First Friday of the month, 7 p.m. • Telephone: 813-642-3244 • Website: www.ChabadatWiregrass.com. PINELLAS COUNTY Reform Congregation B'NAI EMMUNAH — 3374 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, 34688 • Rabbi David Levin • Services: Friday: 8 p.m., One Saturday per month, 10 a.m. • Telephone: 938-9000 • Website: www.bnaiemmunah.org • Affiliated with Union for Reform Judaism. POLK COUNTY Reform Temple BETH SHALOM — 128 Bradbury Road, • P.O.B. 313 Winter Haven, FL 33882-0313 • Rabbi Garson Herzfeld • Shabbat evening services: (usually 2nd and 4th Shabbat of the month at 8 p.m.) Torah study-Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. • Telephone: (863) 292-0722. • Website: www.templebethshalompolk.org. Conservative Temple EMANUEL — 600 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, FL 33803 • Cantor Victor Geigner, Spiritual Leader • Shabbat Services: Friday 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m. Telephone: (863) 682-8616. • Website: TempleEmanuelLakeland.com. Orthodox CHABAD of LAKELAND — 3500 S. F lorida Ave, Suite 3, Lakeland, FL 33803 • Rabbi Moshe Lazaros • Services: Shabbat 10:a.m., Sunday 9 a.m. • Telephone: (863) 510-5968 • Website: www.chabadlakeland.org.
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