Antisemitism
News You Can Use
Antisemitism
BI-TWT’s Antisemitism Conversation continues…NEXT Tuesday, February 25th – 7:00 p.m.
Updates
SOCIAL JUSTICE OPPORTUNITY
News You Can Use
SOCIAL JUSTICE OPPORTUNITY
Lunch ‘n Learn with Rabbi Lader & Friends
News You Can Use
Lunch ‘n Learn with Rabbi Lader & Friends
BI-TWT Jews in the News
Our Jews in the News
Congratulations to the graduate! Mazal tov to Kathryn Fleisher, daughter of Evan & Jill, as she graduates summa cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh.Kathryn graduates with a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in Gender, Sexuality, & Women’s Studies and Politics & Philosophy, with a minor in Nonfiction Creative Writing.AND Kathryn graduates as a University Honors College Student and 2020 Harry S. Truman Scholar. Kathryn, may you continue to go from strength to strength! Mazal tov to Debbie Chessin!
She is now the Chair of the EDN – Education Director Network.We are thrilled for Debbie as she takes on this leadership role in Cleveland’s Jewish community.The EDN is a professional network of the educational directors of the congregational religious schools. Debbie has been actively engaged with the EDN over these past years and has been an important member of their community of practice and curricular design, especially during these Covid times.May you continue to go from strength to strength!
LHS/WEST SHORE STUDENTS EARN TOP REGIONAL ART AWARDS
by Lila Wright[No, this is not a photograph!] Mazal Tov! to Lila Wright, one of 6 students at Lakewood High School and the West Shore Career-Tech Media Art & Design program who won highest honors among the 25 awards earned in the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards regional competition held in December. Lila’s artwork was one of the six Gold Key awards, the highest honor given.
Kathryn Fleisher, daughter of Evan and Jill Fleisher, has been selected as one
Kathryn’s interview was earlier last week, and by the end of the week the Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh called her to congratulate her on this incredible accomplishment!!! There has not been a Truman Fellow finalist from the University for over 10 years! Evan and Jill wrote: “We are so proud of her work with the “Not My Generation” (www.notmygenerationgvp.org ) non-profit she started, and this award just furthers our belief in her commitment to public service for the greater good.”
Coming Together, by Cecelia Ross
We are so proud to share this article in a recent edition of JGirl Magazine, written by our own Cece Ross, daughter of Juilian and Carol Ross. Cece is on the editorial board of JGirl Magazine.https://jgirlsmagazine.org/2020/01/coming-together/
Yasher Koach to Dr. Robert Weiss, recently featured in the Silver Linings article in the December 25th edition of the Cleveland Jewish News: http://bit.ly/302kBF
Mazal tov to… Erin Huber, one of Crain’s Cleveland Business Forty Under 40 https://www.crainscleveland.com/awards/erin-huber-rosen-forty-under-40-2019.
Kathryn Fleisher will be among the Women of Reform Judaism’s honorees at the Women’s Empowerment Awards Dinner on Saturday, December 14th at 5:30p.m. at the Marriott Marquis Chicago during the URJ Biennial.
Cece Ross, on JGirls Magazine Editorial Board https://jgirlsmagazine.org/profile/cecelia-ross-2/
Casino Night! February 22
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Casino Night!
BI-TWT’s Casino Night Fundraiser
Casino Night, February 22, 2020 from 6:30-10:00 p.m.BI-TWT’s new fundraiser for the General Fund. This is a great event to invite friends, families, and neighbors. Lots of fun… Over 30 different raffle prizes – from membership at the Maltz Museum, to tickets to the Beck Center, and many, many more. PLEASE purchase your tickets sooner rather than later. Thank you,Casino Night Committee Tickets, $45.00 each, can be purchased on line at https://bitwtcasinonight2020.eventbrite.com,Venmo@BITWT, or through the temple office (216-941-8882). Sponsorships are also available by contacting Evan Fleisher at Evanfleisher@gmail.com
Rabbinic insights into the timing of our Casino Night Fundraiser
Our Casino Night Fundraiser will take place on the evening after Shabbat Shekalim… So what exactly does this mean? Shekalim is the plural of the Hebrew word shekel, the currency used by the ancient Israelites as well as the currency of modern day Israel. In biblical times, every male Israelite, age 20 years and older, had to contribute a half-shekel annually to the maintenance of the Temple in Jerusalem. This is parallel to our modern day concept of maintaining our house of worship with dues. This practice comes from Exodus 30:14-16: “Everyone who is entered in the records, from the age of twenty years up, shall give Adonai’s offering…” The half-shekel was to be paid before the month of Nisan — the month of Passover, so that all the upkeep and day to day temple expenses could be ready in time for the big pilgrimage to the Temple for Passover. The Mishna, codified around 200 C.E. also speaks about this practice. It says: “On the first day of Adar they give warning of the Shekel dues. On the 15th thereof, they read the Megilla (meaning the scroll of Esther) in walled cities; and repair the paths and roads and pools of water.” (Shekalim 1:1) The paths and roads needed to be repaired after the winter rains in readiness for the Passover pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and the pools of water, or mikvahs, needed to be equipped in a fashion that would make them kosher, or valid. So again, even though the dues technically needed to be paid by the first of Nisan, the announcement began the month before. Temple dues is our way of supporting the financial health of our congregation… AND our Casino Night Fundraiser is our (much needed) additional way of supporting the financial health of our congregation. Everyone is encouraged to “shekel-up” – even if you cannot attend, please consider purchasing tickets or sending in a donation to help support our Beth Israel – The West Temple.
Antisemitism – A Congregational Dialogue
News You Can Use
Antisemitism – A Congregational Dialogue
Our Antisemitism Conversation Continues – here at BI-TWTTuesday, February 25th at 7:00 p.m. If you cannot join us in person, you can join us through Zoom — follow this link: Join Zoom Meetinghttps://zoom.us/j/801443049 Please join us as we continue to share in open conversationin response to the alarming rise of antisemitism in the U.S and around the world. We will discuss our many shared questions, challenges and fears: * What are our own experiences and concerns?
* What real dangers do we face? How should our congregation react to this growing threat?
* What should we do when confronted with antisemitism individually?
* What should we tell our children and how can we help them to be prepared when they encounter antisemitism? Plans are also being made to offer future opportunities for learning about:* The scope and presence of antisemitism locally, nationally, and around the world * How we can take actions individually and/or as a congregation to respond to and reduce antisemitism
Julian Ross, ChairLifelong Learning Committeejross@bw.edu
Chai There!
Chai There!
Religious School Updates from Debbie Chessin, Our Educator
NEXT Sunday, January 24th Zoom in for our Congregational Mini Winter University Join us as we celebrate Tu b’Shevat – Jewish Earth Day! You do not need to register for Winter U and there is no cost to attend! The Zoom Link will be as follows: Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/84719269346?pwd=aFhIR0FjMHJKS3h5bVpxQjQ2b2NqUT09 Meeting ID: 847 1926 9346Passcode: 810991 Here is the schedule with the times and class description: 9:30-10 am- “A Taste of Tu B’Shevat” and Story with Morah Debbie and Morah Carol – Students will learn about the foods and traditions of Tu B’Shevat and make their own edible trees. This class is for students in Yad b’Yad b’Bayit and RS students in Grades PK-4/5. The foods will be sent to all the PK-4/5 students’ homes prior to the program.
10-10:30- Modern Hebrew- “The Traditions of Tu B’Shevat” with Morah Shosh – Learn some new Hebrew words and phrases for the holiday of Tu B’Shevat. This class is designed for students in Grades 4/5 through High School and all Adults.
10-11 am – Climate Change and Northeast Ohio: Taking Steps Toward a Better Futurebrought to you by our Social Action Co-Chairs – Barbara Feldmar and Ken Dunn Speakers: Mandi Goodsett and Evan Meszaros, Climate Reality Project and Citizens Climate Lobby Cleveland
It is now widely acknowledged beyond the scientific community that human-caused climate change is altering our planet and putting our health, safety, and wellbeing at risk. This presentation answers three questions about climate change: Must we change? Can we change? Do we have the will to change? Learn how climate change is impacting Northeast Ohio, what exciting solutions are available for addressing climate change, and what you can do to contribute to a better future for all.This class is designed for students in Grades 6/7 through High School and all Adults. 11-11:30 am – All-U Tefillah – with Rabbi Lader
Menorah Lighting and Latkes
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Congregational Chanukah Dinner and Shabbat Service
Friday, December 27 – Festive service and dinner; dreidl & activities for the young at Beth Israel-The West Temple. Bring your menorahs to light.
Chicken, latkes, applesauce and beverages will be provided by the “Chanukah” Committee. If your last name is A-L, bring a dessert, last name M-Z bring a side dish (No dairy please)
Time: Shabbat service 6:30 Dinner will be served at 7:30 pm.
Cost: Adults – $10.00 per person, Kids 10 and under- $5.00, Ages 3 and under free. You can pay at the door!
R.S.V.P. Call or email the temple office by Thursday, December 26th
Phone: 216-941-8882
Email: BITWT bethisrael@nls.net
Hosted by the Social/Ritual/Membership Committee: “Chanukah Committee” We need volunteers to help set up and clean up. If you are interested in a one time volunteer opportunity, please call the office.
Mitzvah Opportunities
Mitzvah Opportunities
Update: Dec. 5
Todah rabbah* for your donations of winter clothing for Operation Warm Up – our bin was brimming over with coats, scarves, heavy socks, gloves, and more! *Todah Rabah (תודה רבה), Hebrew, means “thank you very much” or “thanks a lot.” Expressed as grateful feelings or thoughts; gratitude; a heart full of thanks; an expression of gratitude.
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Operation Warm Up, a partnership between the National Council of Jewish Women Cleveland section, the Richard Horvitz and Erica Hartman-Horvitz Youth Ability program and Hands On Northeast Ohio, is seeking winter clothing donations. Most needed items are adult waterproof winter gloves, pre-packaged socks and underwear for men, women and children, winter hats for men, women and children, adult hoodies, and gently used winter coats in sizes extra large and above. The collection bin is located as you enter through the parking lot entrance at temple– bring in your donations through November until December 8th.
Religious Action Center
Beth Israel – The West Temple was recently awarded a mini-grant in the amount of $5,000 from the Gilbert and Eleanor Kraus Initiative for Immigrant and Refugee Justice at the Religious Action Center. This mini-grant will amplify the efforts our members have been dedicating to advocating for and with Cleveland’s immigrant and refugee communities. With this grant, the Beth Israel high school class and social action committee plans to partner with local immigrant serving organizations to get resources to families in need and to advocate for policies that welcome refugees and immigrants into our community. If you are interested in being part of a congregational team to plan activities related to this grant, please email Judy Wright, Social Action Chair, at wrightww@gmail.com to get involved.