January 2009Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803Av 5769

January 2009Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803Av 5769

I am currently working on a project for this year’s Blessing of the Sun (Birkat HaHammah), which is a celebration that marks the return of the sun to its original place in the heavens at the precise time and day of its creation. This event occurs once every 28 years. This year, Birkat HaHammah will be April 8th, which overlaps with Erev Pesach and the fast of the first born.

Given that it is extremely rare for Erev Pesach and Birkat HaHammah to coincide, the Conservative Movement’s Commission on Social Justice and Public Policy is producing a collection of traditional Jewish texts about the sun, called Massekhet HaHammah, with a commentary that emphasizes climate change. I was so inspired by one of the texts contained within this massekhet that I wanted to share it with you. It states:

Two students of Rabbi Haninah were going out to chop wood. A certain astrologer saw them and said: These two will go out and not return. When they went out, an elderly man said to them: Do good for me, for I have had three days without tasting a thing. They had one loaf with them; they cut half and gave it to him. He ate and prayed for them. He said to them: May your souls be sustained this day as you have sustained my soul this day. They went out in peace and returned in peace. There were people among them who heard [the astrologer’s] voice. They said to him: Did you not say, “These two will go out and not return?” They said: He is a liar because his astrology is false. Even so, they went out and searched and found a snake — half [of the snake] in this bundle [of wood], and half in that bundle. They said [to the students]: What was the character of your activities on that day? They told them the story. [The astrologer] said: And what can a person do, when the God of the Jews is appeased by half a loaf? [Jerusalem Talmud, Shabbat 6.9, 8d]

Within this text is the inherent tension between astrology, a common practice in Rabbinic times, and believing in God and the power of change. What is perhaps most interesting about this story is that the rabbis do not reject the power of astrology altogether, but rather claim that it does not necessarily apply to people in their daily lives. While they accept that the practice does have some grounding, they believe more in the power of one to control his or her own destiny by doing righteous acts and teshuvah.

This story evokes a timeless Jewish theme: the power of righteousness and kindness to alter the course of a person’s life. The last paragraph reveals that the astrologer’s prediction was right: certain death was waiting for Rabbi Haninah’s students when they set out that morning. At the same time, his knowledge of astrology only enabled him to see what was, and not what could be. The Rabbis continue to press their theme: Jews, who believe in justice and teshuvah, control their own destinies. It is our sacred duty to look beyond what is, and see what can become.

I encourage you to use this opportunity of the New Year to think about what is, what you would like to change, and to realize that you have the power to become the person that you want to be. I look forward to seeing you at the end of the month.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Jill Levy

Rabbi Weekends:

• Feb, 27, 28 & March 1, 2009
• April 3, 4 & 5, 2009
• May 15, 16 & 15, 2009

Hello Etz Chayim,

Has someone ever come up to you and said Gosh! You don’t look Jewish! Some people would probably be offended by their comments; I on the other hand love the opportunity to show that Jews come in all shapes, sizes and nationalities. When I inform them that my dad was a cow farmer from Bangor, Maine and my mom is originally from Mexico City most people just can’t believe that there are Jews in Mexico much less cow farmers. When they meet my wonderful husband and find out that he is a Jew from Madrid, Spain that too throws them for a loop and they often need time to contemplate that idea.

At the last Sisterhood event Ted Roberts mentioned that we, as Jews need, to embrace our differences and be proud of them. Jews will always be looked upon as different. We as a community need to harness this pride and make sure that our children learn that being Jewish is a really special characteristic that not everyone has.

As a Sunday school teacher for 2nd grade, I have the ability to reinforce this idea on a weekly basis. I am blessed to have Ian Burdeshaw as my aid because my younger kids can see their Jewish future in him. He reads Hebrew, he was a Bar Mitzvah and last week while discussing Jewish lifecycles the kids decided it was getting close for him to find a wife so he could get a Ketubah and stand under a Huppah. 2nd graders keep it so simple. I love it.

I have included some pictures of my class. They are great learners and teachers at the same time.

Shalom,

Sandy, President

We are thrilled to invite our newest members of Etz Chayim: Robin Kirby, Jon Berger, and Martin Coopersmith. We are so glad to have you as part of our synagogue family.

On Monday evening, January 19th at the Sisterhood General Membership Meeting, Ted Roberts, a renowned author and humorist was our guest speaker. His latest accomplishment was writing a book entitled “Scribbler on the Roof.” He spoke to us about “The Joys of Judaism,” and the challenging world that we, as Jews, live in. At the conclusion of his talk, the over 30 attendees shared in an interesting discussion. Thanks Ted, for taking time out to join us!!

Keep saving those White Elephant items for the event on Saturday, 7 p.m. on March 14, 2009 . We welcome new or like new items. No clothing. You can start bringing all donated items to the synagogue back classroom. There will be wine and refreshments, a 50/50 raffle, plus back by popular demand, Sandy Pepper will be leading us with Karaoke singing. Please plan to attend and bring your friends to this exciting evening!!

Lots of fun things are in store this year. Our dues are only $15.00 per year! Please come out and join us!!

Shalom,

Sue Paddock

Etz Chayim Sisterhood President

We are saddened to advise you that Mrs. Joyce Paddock, Mother of Joe Paddock died today, Friday, January 30, 2009 in a Newton, New Jersey nursing care facility. She was 78 and had been struggling with numerous health problems including arthritis, diabetes & emphysema. She knew that her health was failing and she had time to make peace with herself and with God. She is survived by her children; Joseph, Bruce Wayne, Jane, Sharon, Joanne, Mark and numerous grandchildren & great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held Sunday, February 1, 2009 in Newton, New Jersey. The family requests for memorials/ donations to charities/ other organizations will be contained in another email.

May God comfort the entire Paddock family along with all the other mourners of Israel and Jerusalem.

MEN’S CLUB
MENS CLUB: The next Mens Club meeting date is: February 3, Tuesday, 8:00PM at Synagogue. Fun, Food and Relaxation. Come and enjoy the evening.
INTERFAITH MISSION SERVICE: Deliveries are made biweekly to Food Pantry and First Stop. Please continue to support these worthy and needy projects. Your participation is a mitzvah.
Simcha & Memorial Plaques: $50.00 & $75.00 respectively. For further info, please contact Joe Sacks. 883-1889.
Keep warm and enjoy the winter months.
Thanks, Joe

General Fund

From: Karen Lewter

To: Stan Belsky & Family – In Memory of Stan’s sister-in-law, Harriet Belsky.

Building Fund

From: Harriet & Joe Sacks

To: Stan Belsky & Family – In Memory of Stan’s sister-in-law, Harriet Belsky

From: Shirley & Ted Roberts

To: Stan Belsky & Family – In Memory of Stan’s sister-in-law, Harriet Belsky

From: Miry & Richard Trudeau

In Honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Estie & the Bar Mitzvah of Nathaniel Trudeau.

From: Brenda & Cliff Liles

To: Stan Belsky & Family – In Memory of Stan’s sister-in-law, Harriet Belsky.

From: Larisa Thomason & Phil Kirshtein

In Honor of the Bat & Bar Mitzvah of Estie & Nathaniel Trudeau

From: Michal & Gary Hall

In Honor of the Bar & Bat Mitzvah of Nathaniel & Estie Trudeau.

From: Larisa Thomason & Phil Kirshtein

Belated congratulations and Mazel Tov to everyone who chanted the Torah and Haftorah portions during the high holidays.

From: Dianne Eubanks

From: Lori Asburry & Jim Weinberger

From: Max & Millie Rosenthal

Outdoor Lighting Fund

In Memory of Gertrude and Perry Schlein by their daughters, Natha Hancock and Robin Slomka and their families.

Plaques

From: Stan & Diane Belsky

In loving Memory of Diane’s sister, Lotta Helene Chester

From: Paulette Goldstein

In loving Memory of Paulette’s brother, Martin Howard Goldner

Remember the food pantry on your Oneg. First Stop needs personal hygiene items. Bring a few cans of food when possible.

Be sure to visit our website for the latest news…

TUUT

Online Donations are Now Possible

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WHATS A MILLIGRAM ??

For a $5.00 per message donation Millie Rosenthal will send a handwritten message from you to acknowledge a Simcha or loss. These donations will also appear in the Shofar. Help your synagogue, send a Milligram. Call or e-mail Millie.

February Calendar 2009
Date / Time / Event / Place
2/28 / Kiddush Luncheon

Unless otherwise noted Shabbat Services are Friday night 7:30pm, Saturday 9:30am

YARTZEITTT
Feb 3 / Shevat 9 / Alice Levine Yalowitz
Feb 4 / Shevat 10 / Selma Levitt
Feb 5 / Shevat 11 / William Flank*
Feb 5 / Shevat 11 / Hersh Schindler
Feb 6 / Shevat 12 / Henry Fleishman
Feb 10 / Shevat 16 / Jerome L Richard
Feb 11 / Shevat 17 / Esther Goldberg*
Feb-12 / Shevat 18 / Helen Flank Baum*
Feb-13 / Shevat 19 / Charles Katz
Feb-14 / Shevat 20 / Mildred Freedman*
Feb-14 / Shevat 20 / Jennie Greenbaum
Feb-15 / Shevat 21 / Bertha Flank*
Feb-18 / Shevat 24 / Rebecca Treister*
Feb-20 / Shevat 26 / Rose Belsky*
Feb-22 / Shevat 28 / Joseph Goodman
ANNIVERSARIES
Feb 4 / Shirley and Ted Roberts
Feb 14 / Lynne and Steve Edmondson
Feb 26 / Valoree and Sam Sainker
Shabbat Onegs & Candle Lighting
Fri, Feb 6, 2009 / Light Candles: 5:02 PM
Oneg: Adams
Shabbat, Feb 7, 2009 / Shabbat Ends: 6:00 PM
Parshah: Beshalach
Fri, Feb 13, 2009 / Light Candles: 5:09 PM
Oneg: Paddock
Shabbat, Feb 14, 2009 / Shabbat Ends: 6:06 PM
Parshah: Yitro
Fri, Feb 20, 2009 / Light Candles: 5:15 PM
Oneg: Kirshtein
Shabbat, Feb 21, 2009 / Shabbat Ends: 6:12 PM
Parshah: Mishpatim
Fri, Feb 27, 2009 / Light Candles: 5:22 PM
Oneg: Lash
Shabbat, Feb 28, 2009 / Shabbat Ends: 6:18 PM
Parshah: Terumah

TU

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BIRTHDAYS
Feb 1 / Juliana Opengart
Feb 2 / Danny Bulgatz
Feb 3 / Gordon Sacks
Feb 4 / Ken Lash
Feb 5 / Jan Sainker Ray
Feb 8 / Ezra Roberts
Feb 10 / Ashley Bostick
Feb 12 / Steve Edmondson
Feb 12 / Daniel Yalowitz
Feb 14 / Aryeh Roberts
Feb 17 / Nathan Cerezo
Feb 17 / Cliff Liles
Feb 18 / Sarah Drake
Feb 18 / Phil Sanders
Feb 25 / Andrew Edmondson
Feb 28 / Michelle Lapidus

ETZ CHAYIM BOARD MEMBERS

President /

Sandy Pepper

Vice-President /

Jeff Yalowitz

Treasurer /

Michal Hall

Recording Secretary /

Sam Sainker

Corresponding Secretary / Holly Kent
Trustees / Brenda Liles
Larry Weinberger
Larisa Thomason
Sam Kleiner
Dennis Bulgatz
Mens Club Representative / Joe Sacks
Sisterhood Representative / Mille Rosenthal

Let us know if you currently do not get an email version of the Shofar and would like to receive it.

The Sisterhood White Elephant Sale and Kareoke Party has been rescheduled for March 14, 2009

The writers who gave us "Fiddler On the Roof" are now presenting

"The Rothchilds"

A Jewish Tony Award Winning Broadway Musical

Starring Bernie Dean in an incredible one man performance sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Huntsville and North Alabama in support of the recovery of the Chabbad House and the Jewish Community in Mumbai.

The performance is Sunday, February 15, 2009

Seating is limited so get your tickets soon!

Tickets are $18 per seat. All profits from the performance will be donated.

Additional information will be forthcoming

Reservations can be made now by contacting Ed Gollop at 881-2477

• We are updating our records. Please email the following information to Lisa Kleiner at :
  
• Birthday Dates
• Anniversary Dates
• YARTZEIT Dates

• Dennis Bulgatz has volunteered to maintain email address changes in our web based database system. Please email Dennis with any of your Email address changes at:
  
• Parking: In order to keep large trucks and student cars from driving over our parking lot and using it as a break area, we are putting out some Orange Parking Cones to block the back parking lot. If you need access to the back lot and the cones are out, just move them to the side, but please replace them when you leave. Max
  

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