CCHAHAII NNOOTETESSshirshalombuffalo.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2017-12-Newslet… · Bar and Bat Mitzvah service attendance counts as well! Sunday, December 3rd at 9:00am st

CHAI CHAI Congregation Shir Shalom · 4660 Sheridan Drive · Williamsville, NY 14221 · (716) 633-8877 · Fax (716) 633-8952

NOTES NOTES

Song of Peace

www.shirshalombuffalo.org

December 2017 Kislev - Tevet 5778

and HANUKKAH STORY TIME with Congregation Shir Shalom and PJ Library

Sunday, December 17th at 1:00pm 1565 Niagara Falls Boulevard

Amherst, NY 14228

Join our clergy & staff for Hanukkah stories.

Enjoy singing Hanukkah songs!

Complimentary gift wrapping from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

Visit shirshalombuffalo.org or call the Temple office at 633-8877 for more information.

Hanukkah: A Star Wars Story Friday, December 15, 2017

Happy Hour & Latke Bar 6:00pm

Erev Shabbat Family Service 7:00pm

Oneg Shabbat 8:30pm

RSVP a must 633-8877 by December 10th

Join characters from Star Wars as we transform our festival of lights into a festival of light sabers. Traditional songs, festive food, an out of this world experience! May the Schwartz be with you as we usher in Hanukkah in intergalactic style.

Give back to our community by supporting “The Fifth Night of Hanukkah” Program.

Please bring in winter items or gift cards to be donated to

Jewish Family Service of Buffalo.

*The purchase of gift cards, Barnes & Noble memberships, textbooks, magazine subscriptions, video games, purchases made at Cafes owned and operated

by Starbucks and other items Barnes & Noble may exclude from time to time are not eligible for bookfair sales. Institutional discounts may not be applies. See

BN.COM/bookfairs for more details and to shop online.

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF CONGREGATION SHIR SHALOM

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December 2017

Parashat Vayishlah (Genesis 32:4-36:43)

Friday, December 1, 2017

7:00 PM Erev Shabbat Service

Saturday, December 2, 2017

9:00 AM Torah Study

10:30 AM Mishebeirach and Mourner’s Kaddish

10:45 AM Shabbat Morning Service

*** Parashat Vayeshev (Genesis 37:1-40:23)


6:00 PM Tot Shabbat Service



9:00 AM Torah Study



*** Parashat Miketz (Genesis 41:1-44:17)


7:00 PM Erev Shabbat Service and Hanukkah Service


9:00 AM Torah Study at Canterbury Woods

11:00 AM Shabbat Morning Service at Canterbury Woods

*** Parashat Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27)




9:00 AM Torah Study



*** Parashat Vayehi (Genesis 47:28-50:26)




9:00 AM Torah Study



5:30 PM Bar Mitzvah of Max Diamond

Upcoming Services

Chai Notes - Issue 58

Published Monthly

Congregation Shir Shalom 4660 Sheridan Drive

Williamsville, NY 14221

CONGREGATION SHIR SHALOM

“Song of Peace"

OUR MISSION IS TO BE A WELCOMING COMMUNITY AND TO ENHANCE ALL

ASPECTS OF JEWISH LIFE.

WE ARE: Reform and Reconstructionist Diverse Multigenerational Inclusive and Interfaith

WE SHARE: Joy in Judaism Compassion and support Lifelong learning Traditions with flexibility

WE AFFIRM: Reinterpreting our heritage Repairing the world Embracing uniqueness and unity Recognizing the relevance of Israel

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February 2018 Chai Notes Deadline

The deadline for articles to be submitted for inclusion in the February 2018 issue of Chai Notes is December 21, 2017.

Please submit articles to the editor at [email protected]

True story - long, long ago in a distant Jewish galaxy, a small band of rebels using a force greater than their own defeated a mighty evil empire. Well, sort of… Hanukkah is the ultimate heroic story full of a Hollywood like excitement that if retold, today, may sound a little like, well, Star Wars. Just substitute Luke

Skywalker with Judah Maccabee, Obi Wan Kanobi with Mattisiyahu, and Acheshverosh with Darth Vader, and add a few special effects and you would have something George Lucas could appreciate. Our holiday of lights would suddenly be transformed into a holiday of lightsabers.

With the new Star Wars movie (the Last Jedi) opening on December 14th, and Hanukkah starting a day earlier, we thought this would be the perfect year to make the shiduch (match). On the Friday night of Hanukkah (12/15), we have invited several characters from Star Wars to join us in welcoming Shabbat. Who says Jedis cannot appreciate latkes? Just because Judaism is an old religion, does not mean it needs to be out of touch. Imagine the fun we can have when we light a menorah made up of only lightsabers, spin floating dreidels, and sing traditional Hanukkah ditties with a sci-fi flair.

Who knows when the next time these two important cultural milestones will coincide? So, spread the word and, to quote Space Balls, “may the Schwartz be with you.”

B’Shalom,,

[email protected]

Meet with the Rabbi or Cantor

If you need guidance, advice, or if you just want to schmooze, Rabbi Alex and Cantor Frank are available every Thursday, from 1:30 to 3:00pm. Call Rabbi Alex at (716) 308-4558 or Cantor Frank at (845) 596-5142, to make an appointment.

From Rabbi Lazarus-Klein

Can you help a fellow congregant with a ride to Temple?

We have some members who are no longer able to drive at all, or are no longer able to drive at night. But, they still want to come to Temple for services and other events.

Recently, a long time member approached me and said “When I was younger, I helped the Temple by being very active on com-mittees. Now, I am no longer able to be active, but would still like to attend services and other events. Can the Temple help me?”

I am reaching out to you, our congregation, to ask “can you help a fellow congregant with a ride to Temple?” If you can, please call me at 633-8877. Thank you for this mitzvah!

Joanne Marquisee Executive Director

Video Streaming

Video Streaming of Friday Night Services

Live video streaming of Friday night services in our Sanctuary at Shir Shalom is available to anyone with a computer, ipad, tablet or mobile device and an internet connection.

To access it, simply go to the Temple’s website, www.shirshalombuffalo.org and click on the “Watch our

services and other events live” link.

The video streaming is a joint project of the CSS Sisterhood, Men’s Group, and Communications Committee, with the goal of making services available for those unable to get to Temple, especially our ill and/or immobile congregation members. Please note that we occasionally experience technical difficulties that are beyond our control. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

▪ Marina Finkelstein and Robin Raphael for decorating the sanctuary for Sukkot

and Simchat Torah.

▪ Dan Kester, the Men's Group and everyone who helped set up the Temple's

Sukkah and other Sukkahs in the community. They helped to make the holidays very special for many people.

Tikkun Olam

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CSS Religious School, Youth & Family Programming

Religious School Upcoming Events - December 2017 Please note: dates and times are subject to change.

Sun. Dec. 3 9:00am Religious School

9:00am Ganainu Preschool Program (registration required)

9:00am K/1 Family Education Program

9:00am “Better Together” 6th & 7th Grade Volunteer Program at Weinberg Campus

Tues. Dec. 5 4:30pm Religious School


9:00am Experimental Judaism Class for 8th - 12th Graders (registration required)

10:00am Tzedek Corp - 6th & 7th Grades


Fri. Dec. 15 6:00pm Hanukkah Happy Hour with Latke Bar

7:00pm Star Wars themed Erev Shabbat Family Service and Hanukkah Service


9:00am Outstretched Arm Program for Gesher Students - offsite

10:00am Hanukkah in the Classrooms

1:00pm Barnes & Noble Hanukkah Story Time


NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL December 24th, 26th & 31st, January 2nd

Congregation Shir Shalom’s Religious School

Parent Council Meeting Sunday, December 3rd at 9:15am

Take an active role in your child's Jewish Education by participating in the Religious School Parent Council. Learn where and how you can help! All that is required is a child attending our Religious School. We can learn and grow together.

Shabbat Service Attendance

Attend three services between September and December and be our guest for pizza and ice cream sundaes on

Tuesday, January 9th immediately following Religious School.

Shabbat Attendance cards and stickers will be outside the Sanctuary every Friday evening.

Bar and Bat Mitzvah service attendance counts as well!

Sunday, December 3rd at 9:00am

Kindergarten/1st Grade students and their parents

Family Education Program

RSVP to the Religious School office at 633-8877.

Friday, December 8th at 6:00pm

Please join your family and friends at Shir Shalom for

Tot Shabbat Service

Complimentary pizza dinner following Service at 6:30pm.

Mini Service with joyful singing, crafts, story time and more!

Make new friends and catch the Shabbat spirit!

A Special Thank You to Max Goldhirsh for leading the Opening Prayers at Religious School!

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8th - 12th Grade Experimental Judaism with Rabbi Alex

Next session Sunday, December 10th from 9:00 - 11:00am

We are very excited to introduce a new class to our older, post B'nai Mitzvah students called Experimental Judaism. Students will be encouraged to take concepts like Shabbat, Kashrut (dietary laws), and Teshuvah (repentance) and put their own spin on them. The goal is to help students understand the vast resources they have available in our Jewish heritage and to give them the tools to be creative and daring in adapting Judaism to their lives.

As part of the the study we will be piloting a program for the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregations (JRC) called "My Jewish Lab", providing a once-a-month mailer to families and individuals interested in "getting down and dirty" with Jewish ritual.

A light bagel breakfast will be served during class.

Class meets from 9:00 - 11:00am on the following Sundays:

12/10, 1/21, 2/4, 3/18 and 4/22.

Please contact the Religious School Office at 633-8877 for information or to register.

Ganainu Preschool Program for 2, 3 & 4 year olds

(parents, grandparents & caregivers are welcome to attend)

Next session December 3rd from 9:00 - 10:45am

Activities, stories, crafts, music and snacks make this morning most special. This program will be led by Ashirah Lazarus-Klein.

Call the Religious School office at 633-8877 for information or to register.

Classes meet once per month from 9:00 - 10:45am at CSS on the following Sundays:

12/3, 1/28, 2/11, 3/4, 3/25 and 4/29 - Open to the community.

CSS Religious School, Youth & Family Programming

Congregation Shir Shalom ST RRY News

The Youth Group is excited to announce our annual Hanukkah Celebration will take place on December 15th at 8:30pm following services. All 7th -12th graders are welcome to attend this event as well as any other Youth Group program. We always encourage new members to come check out events, meet friends, and get involved with the group! For any information about the Youth Group, please contact the advisor, Shiri Kester, at [email protected]

From the Religious School Director

December is known around the world as a time of celebrating. Many religions have special holidays in December. December comes from the Latin, "decem" for ten because it was the 10th month of the year in the Roman calendar. Turquoise is the birthstone of December and narcissus is the birth flower. It also happens to be one of my

favorite months of the year. I love the snow and enjoy looking at all the festive lights! It seems like they are everywhere.

Here in our Religious School there is plenty of excitement! We begin the month with K/1 Family Education learning about Hanukkah. Under the direction of Mrs. Bergman and Nick Lowinger, our students will listen to stories, build menorahs and learn why we celebrate for eight days. We continue in the spirit of celebrating throughout the month with Hanukkah in the Classrooms, latkes, sufganiyot, menorahs & much learning. Our students will be encouraged to bring in gifts to be donated to Jewish Family Service of Buffalo - a wonderful opportunity to share with those less fortunate.

On December 17th at Barnes & Noble on Niagara Falls Blvd. our clergy will read Hanukkah stories and the school will receive a gift card that we can use to purchase books for our Youth Library.

I am happy to meet with anyone who would like to know more about what is going on at school, or anyone interested in volunteering or sharing ideas. I have office hours on Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:00pm. Appointments are most appreciated.

B’Shalom, Hope Bongiorno [email protected]

AED Plus Sponsor Needed

We need to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator Plus (AED) unit for the Religious School. In an emergency, every minute counts. We have one unit near the sanctuary, but need a dedicated unit in the Religious School. The unit is approximately $1,800. Please contact Joanne Marquisee if you can help.

Mazel Tov to our December Bar Mitzvah and his Family

Max Diamond December 30th at 5:30pm

https://box495.bluehost.com:2096/cpsess0851122244/3rdparty/squirrelmail/src/[email protected]

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The High Holy days are a very special time for Jews. And everyone has their favorite part. For some people, their favorite part is the beautiful Kol Nidre prayer. Your favorite might be hearing the sound of the shofar. Or maybe it is the memories the holidays bring; memories of going to services with parents or grandparents, or with kids or grandkids. Or maybe for some of you, the favorite part is that first bite of food after a long fast.

Yes, everyone has their favorite part of the High Holy days. But one thing is for sure…no one’s favorite part, no one’s, is the annual fundraising speech!

So, imagine my surprise when I was told that I had a special “honor” this year. I asked if it was an Aliyah or a special prayer to read. “No,” they said, “You get to give the Annual Giving speech!” Oh… what do I know about fundraising? Nothing.

But I remembered that I do have some experience with religious fundraising. It was actually in a Catholic church. I was young, 18 or 19, and wandered into a Catholic chapel. And this priest comes up to me and says that the mass is about to start and could I help with their money collection. “Sure,” I said. But then I started getting worried, what would I have to do? What if I’m supposed to read something in Latin? My Latin’s worse than my Hebrew. Much worse. Then I thought back to my synagogue when I was growing up, and thought of the annual High Holiday appeal. We had a guy who would always start off with a few Yiddish jokes. So, I figured I could do that, start off by telling a Yiddish joke. But then I thought that they probably wouldn’t get it, these people don’t know a schlemiel from a schlimazel. So I’m starting to get nervous. I know, I’ll tell a Catholic joke. So I’m trying to think of one… “The Pope and a Rabbi walk into a bar…” But I couldn’t remember what happens after that! I’m starting to panic, trying to think of what to say… What am I going to do??? Well, it turns out that all I had to do was carry around this plate attached to a long pole and stick in in front of everybody’s face until they put a few dollars on it, and that was it. Phew!

I tell this story (yes, there IS a reason…) because it showed me the different ways religions can raise money. Now here at Congregation Shir Shalom we do not ask you for money at Friday night or Saturday morning services. You could come to services all year and never be asked for money except this one time. Today. Now. This is it. Do you realize how few things in Judaism only happen once a year? We sound the Shofar more than a hundred times. We light Hanukah candles 8 times We even have two Passover Seders. But a fundraising speech happens only one time a year. So, enjoy this, appreciate it, savor it, but most of all respond to it, because it won’t happen again for a whole year.

Yes, I know what you’re thinking. You’re Thinking, “Dan, I just wrote a big check for Temple dues, and you’re asking for MORE money?” Yes, but dues are kind of like paying your electric bill; you’ve got to do it. The annual giving campaign is something different. It gives you the chance to look inside yourself, into your heart, and to do something extra. Something not required. It gives you a chance to show your appreciation for what the synagogue offers, what it gives you.

Maybe the Synagogue was here for you when there was a special family milestone. A birth, a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a death. Maybe the congregation and clergy supported you when you were ill or when a loved one passed away, as my own mother did this past May. Or maybe you just like knowing it will be here should those things happen. Maybe you like that your kids or grandkids, or even other people’s kids or grandkids have a place to go to learn about Judaism or for Jewish events. The Synagogue is here for you.

You’ve probably all heard us say that the dues don’t cover the expenses of the Synagogue. It’s true. Without the money that will be pledged today we would need to cut back a lot. Maybe we would need to cut back to just one clergy member. Can you imagine what it would be like, if we only had one clergy member and you had all come here last night and it was Rabbi Alex chanting the Kol Nidre?!?

Remember that, as Todd said, your donation is not just for us now, but it is for the next generation, to make sure that an active and vital Reform/Reconstructionist Synagogue continues to exist here in Buffalo.

Every day people ask me, “How much such should I give?” Actually, no one has ever asked me that. But if they did, I would say, think of what you spend if you go out for dinner with your family or if you go to a Sabres or Bills game or to a concert or theater. Think about what you spend then, and use that as a starting point. If you’re on a tight budget, give less, that’s okay. And if you’re fortunate enough to be able to give more, please do, the large donations are critical for us. But whatever you do, please give something.

I want everyone to take a look at your blue ticket. Put your thumb on an appropriate donation. Now how about moving your thumb an inch to the right. Hey, I said right, not left! Now fold down the tab. The ushers have envelopes you can put your tickets in, for privacy, just wave to them if you want one. Then pass the ticket to the ushers, and know that today, on Yom Kippur, you have performed a Mitzvah.

Thank you, Daniel Kester Annual Giving Chairperson

We hope that you will take advantage of the opportunity of year-end giving.

2017 Annual Giving Campaign

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Have you sent in your Men’s Group dues? If not, now would be a great time to do it! Lost the form? No problem, just send a check for $36 (or more!) made out to “Men’s Group” to the temple.

This month’s Men’s Group’s meeting will feature realtor and Temple member Diane Safir, who will talk about buying and selling a home and offer tips on the process and on how to get the best deal. She will give advice for first time home buyers as

well as for those more experienced. Diane will tell us how mortgage and banking have changed in recent years and what the effects are of the new banking restrictions. She will discuss market volatility and how it affects the real estate market. Diane has been a realtor for over thirty years, and works for Stovroff & Taylor.

The meeting will be on Sunday, December 17th at 9:15am. Bagels and lox will be served.

Daniel Kester Men’s Group President [email protected] (716) 536-5628

Hanukkah is coming! And we can’t let that go by without a special event. What better way to celebrate a holiday than with food and crafts? Join Sisterhood on December 7th, at 7:00pm at Temple, for our second annual cards and cookies event. We will decorate pre-made Hanukkah cookies, and make Hanukkah greeting cards. We will send some to people living in local senior communities - and there probably will be enough left over for us to snack on or share with our families.

May the lights of Hanukkah bring warmth, peace, and happiness

to all of your homes - hope to see you soon at temple!

Jill Hamilton

[email protected]

Sisterhood Men’s Group

20% off all Hanukkah merchandise through December 19th

Also look for these promotional discounts: Mezzuzas 50% off Kippot 50% off Tallit 40% off Books 50% off Special markdown items up to 75% off

Shir Shalom Gift Shop

Gift Shop Hours Sundays: 9:00 - 11:30am Tuesdays: 4:30 - 7:00pm Fridays: 6:00 - 7:00pm Gift Shop Manager Jill Rafferty

982-9121

“Cards & Cookies” Event 2016

mailto:[email protected]


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General Programming and Announcements

Friday, December 15th at 7:00pm

New Member Shabbat

Please join us as we welcome new members of our Shir Shalom family.

All new members who have joined CSS this year will be invited to the Bimah to

receive a special blessing and gift.

New Member Shabbat is a nice opportunity to make new friends

at Shir Shalom.

Headed South or West for the Winter?

Please let the Temple office know when you are leaving so we can update our data base to ensure that you receive your CSS mail at your winter address in a timely fashion.

Friday December 1st

following the 7:00pm Erev Shabbat Service

Cookie Cook-off

If you make a mean cookie, this is your chance to show off. If you just like to eat cookies, this is your chance to do just that. The cook-off will be held at the Oneg following the Erev Shabbat Service. The rules are

simple. Bake a big batch of cookies, and drop them off at the temple kitchen before services. Each entry will be assigned a number. Everyone attending the Oneg will get a chance to sample a couple of different entries, and then vote for their favorite. The winner will receive a gift card.

If you would like to enter, send the name of your cookie and list of ingredients (for allergy purposes) to Bruce Corris at [email protected] or call him at 636-8387.

Mazel Tov

Sharlene Rypsyc on the birth of

granddaughter, Chloe Marie Vogler.

Jeff and Denise Balsom on the birth of grandson, Murray David.

Rabbi Alex at The Amberleigh

Rabbi Alex will be leading a session at The Amberleigh on the third Tuesday of each month between 1:00 - 2:00pm. The next session will take place on December 19th.

The Talent Search Is On!

We are looking for cast members for our Purim Spiel! Please contact

Cantor Frank if you are interested at [email protected].


9

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY UPDATE We will soon be updating the 2017 Directory for next year. Members who submitted their forms after the August 8th deadline will be added. All others who would like to be included should submit this form by January 15th. This will be the final day to accept submissions. The 2018 directory will be ready for pick up in the Temple Office during Purim.

Please sign here indicating that we have your permission to include your information in the Congregation Shir Shalom published Membership Directory. Only those members that give us written permission will be included.

______________________________________ ________________ Signature Date

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

Friday, December 8th

6:00 - 7:00pm

Congregational Potluck Dinner

Please bring a dairy/parve/vegetarian (no meat) main dish or side dish to share, for approximately ten people. Some ideas are pasta, salads, fruit, soups, casseroles, veggies, etc. Dessert foods are not needed as an Oneg Shabbat will be provided after the service.

Thursday, December 14th

Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting

The Parkinson’s Support Group will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, December 14th, at 6:30pm

at Congregation Shir Shalom.

For additional information, please call Grace Wach 341-6279 or Lauren Ashburn 983-0642.

The Chai Club is back!

Fourteen weekly drawings will be held. Three prizes are awarded each week; first prize is $18, second prize is $36 and third prize is $54. Each ticket purchased gives you several chances to win, since the winning tickets “go back in the hat.” That’s right, you have a chance to win every week and CSS is also a winner, as all profits from the ticket sales goes to the temple. Join in the weekly fun!

The first drawing will be December 6th. During Hanukkah (December 20th) prizes will be doubled! The grand prizes will be drawn during Purim on February 28th, they are: $180, $360 and $540. The top ticket sellers will also win prizes of $18, $36 & $54.

In November congregant families received tickets in the mail. Please sell tickets to your friends and family, and buy them for yourself. Tickets are $18 each and can also be purchased at the Temple office. Thank you for participating!

Member #1 information:

_________________________________________ First and Last Name

_________________________________________ Cell phone number

_________________________________________ Email address

Member #2 information:

_________________________________________ First and Last Name

_________________________________________ Cell phone number

_________________________________________ Email address

___________________________________________________________________________ Family home address

_________________________________________ Family home phone

Submissions will be accepted through January 15, 2018 only.

Please email information to [email protected] or mail to

Congregation Shir Shalom - Atten: Nancy ● 4660 Sheridan Drive ● Williamsville, NY 14221

If you were included in the first version of the Membership Directory, you DO NOT need to resubmit your information.


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Thank You to Bagel Jays...

for the lovely challahs you donate to Congregation Shir Shalom

each and every Shabbat.

Follow Congregation Shir Shalom on Twitter!

Just add @shirshalombflo to your follow list.

Like us on facebook!

Congregation Shir Shalom - Buffalo, NY

Get connected at CSS! Wireless Internet available at Shir Shalom.

No password necessary.

Join our Email List

Do you want to stay informed of all of the services and events that happen at

Temple? Then please join our EMAIL LIST. We send out a weekly broadcast on

Wednesdays. We also send out special events and death notices. It is an easy way to

get information quickly. Please call Joanne Marquisee at 633-8877,

or send her your email address at [email protected]

Check out the Congregation Shir Shalom

website!

www.shirshalombuffalo.org

We now have a facebook Bingo Page!

Congregation Shir Shalom Bingo

Environmental Column

Fossil Fuel Divestment by Joe Morris

In my capacity as a recently appointed member of the Board of Directors of New York Interfaith Power & Light (NYIPL), I attended a meeting of the Interfaith Climate Justice Community (ICJC), a volunteer environmental organization affiliated with the Network of Religious Communities (NRC). NYIPL is a statewide organization that represents over 110 communities of faith and thousands of individuals to provide the moral response to climate change in New York State. The NRC is a Western New York interfaith organization (Rabbi Alex was the president recently) that promotes dialog and cooperation among religious communities while working to promote justice and the common good. This year the ICJC is working toward the theme of divestment of fossil fuels by individuals and organizations. The term divestment may bring a sour taste to your mouth because it has been used by some organizations against. This is unfortunate because divestment has been used in the past with success in support of other causes, most notably in opposition to apartheid in South Africa.

The ICJC has put an interesting twist on the term “divestment” by extending it beyond just divesting our organizations and ourselves of fossil fuel investments. This group aims at divesting fossil fuels from our lives. For example, purchasing an electric car instead of a gas-powered vehicle would be a form of fossil fuel divestiture. Purchasing wind or solar-generated electricity for your home, apartment, or business from a renewable energy supplier, or installing solar panels on your roof, would help eliminate fossil fuel from your life. Divestment takes conscious thought, and, more often than not, sacrifice, but the action doesn’t have to be big. Buying an electric car is certainly a major decision and a financial sacrifice, since they typically cost more than their gas-powered cousins, and represents a major decision. However, taking light rail instead of a car, or even turning down your home’s thermostat in the winter are no less meaningful actions you can take, though they represent a sacrifice of comfort and convenience instead of a monetary expense.

A willingness to make a sacrifice, and not just consider energy savings, comes from an appreciation of the moral imperative in the effort to combat climate change. You’re electing to divest from fossil fuel for moral reasons, to make a better world for your descendants and to repay your obligation to a higher power, not just for energy efficiency. Once you understand and accept this, then the sacrifice becomes much less important, if important at all. Greening Shir Shalom, whether it’s by recycling, or by replacing old energy inefficient appliances and facilities, helps the congregation make a statement in support of the moral perspective for battling climate change.

I have a Facebook page, “Saving the Earth - a Scientific and Moral Imperative,” dedicated to supporting the battle against climate change from both the scientific and moral perspectives. Please visit and feel free to add your own posts, so we can make this a vibrant place to express our support. At some point in the near future, I hope to expand this into a Facebook group.

Opportunity

Learn To Braille!

The Braille Group of Buffalo needs volunteers to learn to transcribe print into Braille for blind children and adults. We will train you!

Classes begin January 4, 2018. Classes are on Thursdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm and are held at Congregation Shir Shalom, 4660 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville.

For information contact: Bonnie at 634-2432 (available 10am-7pm) or Jill at 689-1560 (available 7-10pm), or email a message to [email protected]

http://gmail.com/

11

Library Corner

College Connection 2017-2018

The Sisterhood of Congregation Shir Shalom will be sending out two holiday packages to our college students away from home. The first one will be sent at Hanukkah time, and the second will be sent out at Passover. These packages will include food items, holiday candy, study items, etc. If you would like your child included in this wonderful Sisterhood project, please mail the following information to Renee Klein by December 7th, at the address listed below.

STUDENT’S NAME: ____________________________________________________________________________

STUDENT’S MAILING ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

NAME OF SCHOOL: ____________________________________________________________________________

YEAR IN SCHOOL (Freshman, graduate student, etc.): __________________________________________________

LIVING ON OR OFF CAMPUS: ____________________________________________________________________

PARENT(S) NAME(S): ___________________________________________________________________________

PARENT(S) PHONE NUMBER(S): _________________________________________________________________

This is a wonderful way for our Temple family to keep in touch with our students away from home. Renee’s contact information is as follows:

Renee Klein: 420 Willow Green Drive, Amherst, NY 14228, or call 691-7467 You can also email the information to Renee at: [email protected]

College Connection

This review was originally published in the January 2015 issue of Chai Notes.

Marjorie Burke and her family are not of Jewish descent, to the best of their knowledge. Yet Marjorie has chosen the Wandering Jew as the subject of her doctoral dissertation and her sister Holly is now an Orthodox Jewish wife named Chavah. In Stephanie Feldman’s debut novel, The Angel of Losses, they will discover just how closely connected they are to Judaism and its mystical heart.

Marjorie and Holly, once close, have become estranged due to Holly’s choice of an Orthodox lifestyle, but while going through their Russian grandfather’s books, Marjorie discovers that he had written several stories about a mystical figure known as the White Rebbe. With the help of fellow researcher, Simon and her despised brother-in-law Nathan, a devotee of a group founded by a similar rebbe, Marjorie sets off in search of her family’s connection to the White Rebbe and the mysterious Angel of Losses, a search that becomes much more than academic when her nephew, Eli, is diagnosed with a devastating genetic disease similar to Tay-Sachs.

Ranging from nineteenth century Russia through Nazi Europe and into the computer age, and leavened with a healthy dose of magical realism based on Jewish folklore and mysticism, The Angel of Losses is a moving story of how family members deal with and resolve issues of abandonment and betrayal, as well as how these actions can haunt future generations.

The Angel of Losses can be obtained through the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library System.

Leslie Jaszczak [email protected]

12

(those received by October 20, 2017)

December 2017 Donations

The Congregation Shir Shalom Endowment Fund In Memory of: Jacob Goldenberg, by Phoebe Meyers Joseph Kornblatt, by Diane Symons Gerald Symons, by Joan Alexander

The Rabbi Lazarus-Klein Discretionary Fund In Memory of: Stanley Bardach, by Judith Bardach Maureen E. Brinkworth, by Amy Brinkworth Nate Finkelstein, by Cis Snitzer Jeffrey Lyons, by Michael Godshaw Cindy Konovitz Howard Wiseman Rebecca Snitzer, by Clarice Snitzer Gerald Symons, by Susan Ronald In Appreciation of: Rabbi Alex for the marker unveiling ceremony for Cynthia Cohen by, Renee, Bill and Aaron Klein Rabbi Alex for your time and effort on behalf of the Davis Family by, Howard Davis

The Cantor Susan Wehle Memorial Caring Fund In Memory of: Gerald Symons, by Naomi Mintzer In Appreciation of: The Chicago Cubs winning the 2016 World Series, by Alvin Greene

The Rabbi Daniel E. Kerman Memorial Fund In Memory of: Morton Levy, by Lenore Levy

The Chesed/Caring Fund In Memory of: Lillian Brody, by Jean Messinger Shirley Cohen, by Harvey and Myra Horowtiz Nathan Finkelstein, by Renee Klein Vito and Carmelia Cavalieri, Carmela and Keven Keiffer and Pat Cavalieri Jean Messinger Edward and Harriet Karls, by Karen Houser Jeffrey Lyons, by Elizabeth Stellrecht Margaret Wells and John Drexelius Theodore Plechaty, by Jean Messinger Mary Shevat, by Liz and Max Sloan, Joshua Sloan, Jessica and Adam Cunningham and Children Sidney Sugar, by Irving Sugar Gerald Symons, by Harvey and Myra Horowtiz Jennie Pohl Robert Wakoff, by Karen Houser Melania Puius In Appreciation of: Julia and Chris Cohan, for all the thoughtful mitzvot they perform by, an anonymous donor Harvey Horowitz, for leading a prayer service for Jack Millman, by Nancy and Mike Millman Reverend Gail Lewis and Judy Henn, for leading a prayer service for Jack Millman by Nancy and Mike Millman

The Social Action Fund In Memory of: Gerald Symons, by Barbara Markel

The General Education Fund In Memory of: Sam Gensler, by Clarice Snitzer

The General Operating Fund In Memory of: Nathan Finkelstein, by Jill Hamilton John and Deborah Wolfre Edward Hyman, by Zena Hyman Arnold Lowenthal, by Karin Lowenthal Jeffrey Lyons, by Leslie and Bruce Cherkis Stephen Freid Jackie Thompson Dr. Norman and Marcia Weiss Gerald Symons, by Judy and Al Bernstein Lewis Kramer Carole and Dave Schrager Maxine Seller In Honor of: The wedding of Amy Weinman and Chris Napolitano, by Gail Goodman and Maureen Stewart

The Green Fund In Memory of: Jeffrey Lyons, by Philip Herzbrun

The Library Fund In Memory of: Jeffrey Lyons, by Jane and Stuart Fischman Gerald Symons, by Ferne and Gordon Mittleman

The Thanksgiving Baskets Fund In Memory of: Jeffrey Lyons, by Susan Ronald Theresa Ronald, by Jan Sandberg In Honor of: Chris Cohan, on his special birthday, by Jean Messinger

The Anne Bernstein Memorial Education Fund In Memory of: Jeffrey Lyons, by Ellen and Alan Bernstein Martin Sklar, by Ellen and Alan Bernstein

The Dr. Barnett A. Slepian Memorial Fund In Memory of: Robert Wakoff, by Lynne Slepian and Family

The Neustatter-Shapiro Fund In Memory of: Sol Sloan, by Liz and Max Sloan, Joshua Sloan, Jessica and Adam Cunningham and Children

The Robert Unher Memorial Fund In Memory of: Diana Ganson Becker, Sanford C. Kulick, Bonny Levy Vitali and Audrey E. Trinca, by Wynne Elizabeth and Mark Trinca Rose and Nathan Unher, by Norma Unher

The Edith & Joel Cohen Memorial Prayer Book Fund In Memory of: Anna Rosenthal and Cynthia Cohen, by Renee, Bill and Aaron Klein Jeffrey Lyons, by David and Joyce Levine, Ida Gische and Sam Gische In Honor of: Aaron Klein and Jessie Jablon on their engagement, by Renee and Bill Klein

13

December 2017 Memorial Anniversaries

December 1, 2017 Esther Eva Pasternak Abramowitz, Esther Atlas, Trudy Feld Barsky, Abraham Bates, Louis Brogadir, Adele Bronsky, Joe Brown, Sadie Bunis, Gladys Burwick, Meyer Cantor, Abraham Isaac Cassover, Tessie Cohen, Gertrude Altman Covett, Keith Crandall, Louis Fagin, Jay E. Frey, Lucille Friedman, Herman Gabel, Benjamin Gafter, Boris Y. Gelfer, Anne Gellin, Lewis Leonard Glick, Harold J. Goldstein, Alice Gordon, Emma Harrison, Lester Horwitz, Rebecca Jacobs, Raphael Jacoby, Alla Kaplin, Morris Ladis, Bella Lesser, Samuel Levit, John Mercurio, Benjamin Neiman, Russel Nisengard, Mary Peisachow, Diane Pontikos, Samuel Portin, Seymour Rauch, Marion Schieff, Maurice Schmidman, Sylvia Schulefand, Lillian Schwartz, Rose Schwartz Lowowsky, Olivia Seldis, Florence Serotte, Joseph Simon, Milton Slutsky, Lewis Alvin Starsky, Arthur Stern, Florence Summer, Arnold Weiss, Lillian Weiss.

December 8, 2017 David Atkin, Ralph Atlas, Joseph Baker, Laya Berdichewsky, Shifra Berdichewsky, Sidney Birzon, Harry Brown, Minna Camann, Harry Cantor, Jacob Chasen, Monroe D. Edelman, Marge Feldman, Abraham Fudeman, Sarah Furash, Nathan Galinsky, Lillian Gambino, Gertrude S. Grass, Jack Horowitz, Edwin Jeffay, Henry Kahn, Paul Kent, Albert Klein, Beatrice Kramer, Ted Lane, Morris Markel, Louis Milstein, Howard Mitofsky, Margot Myers, Dr. Otto Neustatter, Philip Okun, Abraham Raphael, Rita B. Ray, Edgar C. Rivo, Max J. Safir, Ben Schack, Ida D. Schaer, Samuel Schonfeld, Arthur Slonim, Marjorie Suchman, Samuel Vyner, Irving Weinstein, Aaron Weintraub, Anne Weintraub.

December 15, 2017 Burton Cohen, Sidney Colbert, Thomas Ferri, Rose Fertig, Joseph Greenberg, Aaron Gold, William Greene, Burton W. Gussow, Ezra Hurwitz, Jack Kareff, Paul Kent, Sadie Klein, Sylvia L. Knopp, Joseph Kozower, Ida Krutchick, Fred Landau, Anna Lessner, Lillian Levy, Robert M. Lewis, Rupert Lewis, Jacob Lipsitz, Charlotte R. Majeski, Myron Miller, Dr. Alex Morrison, Paula Helene Nisengard, Albert Organek, Minnie Paget, Lewis Pierce, Ruth Rasnick, Edgar C. Rivo, Rae Robins, David Rosen, Max Ruben, Ruth Sachs, Sam Schaeffer, Jennie Segal, Donald M. Silverberg, Anne Slonim, Dr. S. Mouchly Small, Gladys Sperry, Sidney Steinhart, Leonard Vogel, Abraham Saul Weinstein, Belle Weiser, Abraham David Weissman, Ruth G. Wolkind, Charlotte Yudell.

December 22, 2017 Morton Barnett, Sophie Berman, Sherwood Brown, Bernice Cohen, Nathan Cohen, Gilbert Corris, Helene Cukierman, Samuel Fagin, Mary Franke, Delores Frawley, Rosalyn Gabin, Andrew Gafter, Eva H. Gale, Flora Galipoliti, Daniel Gelman, Dr. Jacob Gilden, Benarta Glickman, Albert Gold, Paul Gold, Seymour Gold, Max Gross, Ida Haas, Jacob Herr, David H. Hersh, Anna Hoffman, Patricia Horowitz, Alice Kann, Ada Kareff, Mary Kempner, Sophie Ladis, Jonathan Leiter, Esther Mintzer, Mathilda Noznisky, Albert Nussbaum, Gerald Oehlbert, Rosalind Posterman, Ruth Remson, Pauline Rosenbloom, Sandra Schweitzer Siegal, Lester Simon, Anna Steinberg, Selim Terzi, Mollie Roth, Harry Rubin, Adolfa Scheyer, Elliot Shapiro, Bess Sokalsky, Sarah Swartz, Philip Umof, Florence Vyner, Isadore Weiss, Ruth Wolfson, Dinah Yood, Icek Zysman.

December 29, 2017 Dora Bardach, Gertrude Berliner, Samuel Burstein, Albert Callistein, Louis Chertoff, Pierson L. Cohen, Anne Hoffman Fine, Ida Gottesman, Sigmund Gross, Albert A. Haniford, Henrietta Hersh, Bertha Horowitz, Marcia Horwitz, Alvin Kantor, Sally Kellman, Sidney Zion Kleiman, Tonia Kozower, Ida Kranitz, Margaret Lansing, Ralph W. Levinson, Toni Lilien, Judith Landau Liss, Rachel Marks, Lucy Marx, Alice Miller, Anna Berg Moscow, Nathan Neiman, Pincus Peller, Martin Pine, Hyman Pleskin, Rose Kaiser Rubin, Sam Rudolph, Belle Schapiro, Joseph Schweitzer, Nathan Siegel, Sandra Schweitzer Siegel, Bess Sokalsky, Sasha Strassberg, Melvin Tasman, Dorothy Bernstein Wabnick, Lois White, Gregory Wolpin.

In Memoriam

Michael Karch, brother of Linda (Robert Kanner) Karch.

Linda Landsman, sister of Alice Landsman and Barbara Wrona, aunt of Richard (Sonya) Glaser, Daniel Glaser,

Diane (David) Safir, Steven Glaser and Elizabeth (Robert) Adelman.

Harriet Ritzer, sister of Myra (Herb) Falk.

Robert Wakoff, husband of Ruth Wakoff,

father of Michael Wakoff, Brian (Anne) Waykoff and the late David Waykoff.

Our Congregation extends its sympathy to the families of:

Bingo Volunteers Needed

We URGENTLY need your help. Bingo is held every Monday night at 7:30pm; the doors open at 6:30pm.

We need you to volunteer in order to operate properly and efficiently. Our annual budget includes

$28,000 in bingo revenue. Please help us raise money to meet the budget in order to cover

operating expenses.

It is a fun and social way to help Shir Shalom. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Phil Herzbrun

at [email protected]. If you have any questions, call the

Temple office at 633-8877. We appreciate your help!

Volunteering even one Monday per month makes a difference!

Bingo

Shir Shalom Bingo

NO Bingo Monday, December 25

th

Doors open at 6:30pm Games start at 7:30pm

Money raised helps out your congregation… join in the fun!

December Dates:

Monday, December 4th



14

Clergy and Staff

Alex Lazarus-Klein - Rabbi [email protected]

Arlene Frank - Cantor [email protected]

Hope Bongiorno - Religious School Director [email protected]

Joanne Marquisee - Executive Director [email protected]

Renae Gattozzi - Bookkeeper [email protected]

Nancy McGory - Administrative Assistant [email protected]

Lori Morrison - Religious School Assistant [email protected]

Karen Houser - Receptionist [email protected]

Harvey Horowitz - B’nai Mitzvah Tutor [email protected]

Paul Staley - Organist [email protected]

Irwin A. Tanenbaum, D.D. - Rabbi Emeritus [email protected]

Maintenance Jonathan Grosofsky, Dave Rose,

Lorenzo Stewart , Nate Gellin

CSS Officers

Todd Sugarman - President [email protected]

Bruce Corris - V.P. Administration [email protected]

Marina Finkelstein - V.P. Membership [email protected]

Mindy Weinman - V.P. Worship [email protected]

Shari Jo Reich - V.P. Education [email protected]

Larry Posses - V.P. Finance [email protected]

Michael Frisch - Secretary [email protected]

Joseph Glickman - Treasurer [email protected]

Jill Hamilton - Immediate Past President [email protected]

Jean Messinger - Sisterhood President [email protected]

Daniel Kester - Men’s Group President [email protected]

Shiri Kester - Youth Group Advisor [email protected]

Staff and Officers

Congregation Shir Shalom • 4660 Sheridan Drive • Williamsville, NY 14221

(716) 633-8877 (Phone) • (716) 633-8952 (Fax) • www.shirshalombuffalo.org

Congregation Shir Shalom Endowment Fund

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund

Executive Director’s Discretionary Fund

Educator’s Discretionary Fund

Building Fund

Capital Repair Fund

Cemetery Fund

Chesed/Caring Fund

Fight Hunger Fund

General Operating Fund

General Education Fund

Green Fund

Landscaping Fund

Library Fund

Music Fund

Sanctuary Fund

Sisterhood Fund

Social Action Fund

Thanksgiving Baskets Fund

Yahrzeit Fund

Youth Group Scholarship Fund

Rabbi Daniel E. Kerman Memorial Fund

Cantor Susan Wehle Memorial Caring Fund

Cantor Susan Wehle Memorial Garden Fund

Abe and Shirley Marquisee Memorial Fund

Anne Bernstein Memorial Education Fund

Dr. Barnett A. Slepian Memorial Fund

Bella & Bert Kremer Education Fund

Bess & Morris Michaels Memorial Garden Fund

Edith & Joel L. Cohen Memorial Prayer Book Fund

Ellen Davis Memorial Fund

Feld Family Torah Fund

Hyman Midda Memorial Fund

Irving & Helene Fudeman Memorial Fund

Jane Oved Memorial Fund

Julian Safir Memorial Fund

Leonard Goodman Fund

M. Sobel Education Fund

Marshall L. Glickman Memorial Fund

Dr. Max, Jeannette and Edgar C. Rivo Memorial Fund

Neustatter-Shapiro Fund

Rabbi Steven & Patty Mason Israel Scholarship Fund

Robert Unher Memorial Fund

Cynthia and Samuel B. Cohen Memorial Fund

Spivack Youth Library Fund

If you wish to honor those whose memories are dear to you, or express your gratitude for a joyous occasion,

you are invited to make a contribution to Congregation Shir Shalom. Below is a list of funds available for your donations:

Shir Shalom Funds

Board of Trustees

Jeff Balsom Jan Berg

Michael Berger Jackie Block

Gary Bluestein Bruce Corris Rella Corris

Micky Farber Marina Finkelstein

Michael Frisch Joseph Glickman

Jill Hamilton Daniel Kester

Rob Lederman Jean Messinger

Larry Posses Jill Rafferty

Shari Jo Reich Diane Safir

Stuart Shapiro Marc Slonim

Todd Sugarman Mindy Weinman

Betsy Zappia


http://mac.com/





mailto:sjreich@kslnlaw,com






Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 3870 Buffalo, New York

4660 Sheridan Drive Williamsville, NY 14221

Song of Peace

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

7:00pm Erev Shabbat Service

8:30pm Oneg Shabbat and Cookie Cook-off

2 9:00am Torah Study

10:30am Mishebeirach and Mourner's Kaddish

10:45am Shabbat Morning Service

3

9:00am Religious School

9:00am Ganainu Program

9:00am K/1 Family Education Program

9:15am Parent Council Meeting

9:15am Men’s Group Meeting

4 OFFICE CLOSED

7:30pm BINGO

5

4:30pm Religious School 6:15pm Religious School Faculty Meeting 7:00pm Board Meeting

6 Chai Club Drawing

11:30am Sisterhood Bible Study 6:30pm Hebrew High at JCC

College Connection 7 forms due

10:30am Women’s Torah Study at Forest Creek Game Room

1:30 - 3:00pm Meet with Rabbi Alex or Hope Bongiorno (appointment requested)

7:00pm Sisterhood Hanukkah Event

8

6:00pm Congregational Potluck Dinner 6:00pm Tot Shabbat Service 6:30pm Tot Shabbat Pizza Dinner 7:00pm Erev Shabbat Service 8:30pm Oneg Shabbat




10 Reservations due for

Hanukkah Happy Hour and Latke Bar

9:00am Religious School

9:00am Experimental Judaism Program Grds 8-12

11

OFFICE CLOSED

7:30pm BINGO

12

4:30pm Religious School

Hanukkah 1st Candle

13 Chai Club Drawing

11:30am Sisterhood Bible Study 6:30pm Hebrew High at JCC

Hanukkah 2nd Candle

10:30am Women’s 14 Torah Study at Forest Creek Game Room

1:30 - 3:00pm Meet with Rabbi Alex, Cantor Frank or Hope Bongiorno (appointment requested)

6:30pm Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting 7:00pm Sisterhood Chai Mitzvah Program

Hanukkah 3rd Candle

15 6:00pm Hanukkah Happy Hour & Latke Bar

7:00pm Erev Shabbat Family Service, Hanukkah Service & New Member Shabbat 8:30pm Oneg Shabbat 8:30pm Youth Group Hanukkah Party

Hanukkah 4th Candle

16

9:00am Torah Study at Canterbury Woods

11:00am Shabbat Service at Canterbury Woods

Hanukkah 5th Candle

17 9:00am Religious School

10:00am Hanukkah in the Classrooms

1:00pm Barnes & Noble Storytime

6:30pm Purim Spiel Rehearsal

Hanukkah 6th Candle

18

OFFICE CLOSED

7:30pm BINGO Hanukkah 7th Candle

19

1:00pm Rabbi Alex at The Amberleigh 4:30pm Religious School

Hanukkah 8th Candle


11:30am Sisterhood Bible Study

6:30pm Hebrew High at JCC

21 Submissions for

February Chai Notes due



22

12:30pm Communications Committee Meeting

7:00pm Erev Shabbat Service

8:30pm Oneg Shabbat




24

NO Religious School

31

NO Religious School

25

OFFICE CLOSED

NO BINGO

26

NO Religious School


11:30am Sisterhood Bible Study

NO Hebrew High

28



29 7:00pm Erev Shabbat Family Service

8:30pm Oneg Shabbat




5:30pm Bar Mitzvah of Max Diamond

December 2017 Kislev - Tevet 5778 For the most current information, visit our web site www.shirshalombuffalo.org/calendar.html

Our calendar is prepared more than

one month in advance of

publication and is subject to change.

Gift Shop Hours:

Sundays 9-11:30am Tuesdays 4:30-7pm

Fridays 6-7pm

Documents

CCHAHAII NNOOTETESSshirshalombuffalo.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2017-12-Newslet… · Bar and Bat Mitzvah service attendance counts as well! Sunday, December 3rd at 9:00am st