Tiferet Bet Israel News Recent articles and news from Tiferet Bet Israel. http://www.tbibluebell.org December 2008 Messenger After the Jewish people had dwelled in the land of Israel for more than 1,000 years, the Seleucid Greeks occupied the land and outlawed Jewish religious practices. Their defeat by the Maccabees, a local band of Jewish warriors, is commemorated at Han http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=130 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=130/ Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT December 2008 Messenger Coming Together

The following is an edited version of our Kol Nidre speech:

As we come together tonight like Jews all over the world, we must realize that the future of TBI and the future of the Jewish people depend on our a http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=131 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=131/ Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT December 2008 Messenger Light Up Your Life

Haverim,

Who doesn't love Hanukkah? It's such an easy holiday to love: low-stress, candle-filled, oil-laden...and the presents! Hanukkah is "win-win," in that there is little we have to give of ourselves o http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=132 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=132/ Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT December 2008 Messenger Make This Hanukkah a Special Family Affair

Every December/Kislev I say to myself, "no, I'm not going to write about Hanukkah again. What else can I say about this holiday that I haven't said before?"

Well, here it is, that t http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=133 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=133/ Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT December 2009 Messenger E pluribus unum: Out of many, one.

I am writing this four days before Election Day. By the time you read it, we will all know the outcome. The interpretation of the above phrase is pivotal to how we view "being American," and was even http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=134 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=134/ Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT December 2008 Messenger I truly cannot believe that we are already well into December! What an extremely fast 2008!

CROC FEVER HAS HIT TBI! Inspired by Marci Blum and driven by Cantor Shammash and Rabbi Kalev's extreme enthusiasm for their crocs and jibbitz, http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=135 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=135/ Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT November Rabbi Kalev I recently heard a television show character comment that religion is like a buffet table -- you take what you want and leave the rest. In a sense, this interesting analogy supports the theory that everyone makes religion suitable for their own need http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=121 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=121/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT November Presidents' Message As the holiday season ends, the regular weekly Shabbat Torah reading cycle begins again at TBI. Beginnings are a very powerful time. One place to learn about beginnings is in the first parasha of the Torah- Bereshit.

When the Torah des http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=122 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=122/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT November Interfaith Matters Interfaith "Inreach"
I met with the preschool parents along with Rabbi Kalev, Jane Greenberg, Susan Kasper, and Eileen Kupersmith for the Preschool Coffee and Conversation event on Wednesday, September 17. We had many parents attend and heard http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=123 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=123/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT November Cantor's Corner Haverim,

Have you called TBI recently and been put "on hold"? What did you hear? Our new and improved phone system now allows us the feature of programming "hold music" for your listening pleasure. No more silence on the airwaves as you http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=124 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=124/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT November 2008 Am HaSefer traditionally refers to the Jewish people and our relation to the Torah, and subsequently to the Mishnah, the Talmud, and other sacred books. Books and learning have always been important in our tradition. The importance of books is app http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=125 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=125/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT November 2008 I try to include an update to you every other month, on TBI Religious School's participation in NESS (Nurturing Excellence in Synagogue Schools), the four-year program administered by the Auerbach Central Agency for Jewish Education.

As http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=126 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=126/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT November 2008 October was a very special month here at TBI. We were honored to celebrate the 80th birthdays of Elie Weisel and Dr. Shammash between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. We enjoyed a month of holidays and celebration, culminating in an exciting tour of T http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=127 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=127/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT November 2008 October was a very busy month for TBI and for Women's League.

Our Women's League Greeting book was distributed at services. We appreciate all the work that Lynn Alexander put into this project. Thanks, Lynn!

As in the pa http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=128 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=128/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT November 2008 Mitzvah Mania is here! Since the year 2000, Hesed has been coordinating one or two Mitzvah Days each year. These special days are opportunities for our entire TBI community to come together to create meaningful projects for a wide variety of recipi http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=129 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=129/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT September 2008 Rabbi Kalev Every four years, I anxiously await the Summer Olympics. As one who absolutely loves sports and competition, there is no better happening than the grand stage of the Olympics. This year, the Olympics were played out in China amidst much controversy http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=105 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=105/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT October 2008 Rabbi Kalev Whenever I have had the privilege of studying with and assisting an individual through the conversion process, the most difficult aspect of this journey seems to be the "loss" of Christmas. So often the convert expresses incredible memories of bring http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=106 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=106/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT September 2008 Presidents Message As we welcome Rabbi Joshua Kalev to TBI, we look forward to a bright and exciting future for our synagogue. We are fortunate to have a team of talented and dedicated professionals in place, including Rabbi Kalev, Cantor Elizabeth Shammash, Executive http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=107 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=107/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT October 2008 Presidents Message Over fifty years ago, Abraham Joshua Heschel, in his book The Sabbath, emphasized the importance of Shabbat to modern life. Rabbi Heschel described Shabbat as a "palace in time" whose architecture is built through acts of prayer, study, joyous meals http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=108 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=108/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT September 2008 by Rabbi Charles Simon

It has become clear to the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs' Keruv lay and rabbinic think tanks and training programs that there is a pressing need for strategies for parents with adult children who choose to inter http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=109 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=109/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT September 2008 Dear Friends:

L'Shana tovah tikatevu! May you and your families be inscribed for a year of health and success. I look forward to celebrating the new year with you later this month.

Summer was busy here at TBI! We have been http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=110 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=110/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT September 2008 The Talmud advises that one should pray only in a room with windows. To sing to God and not see God's world is a contradiction!

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch suddenly announced to his students that he was going to Switzerland to climb in http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=111 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=111/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT September 2008 Shalom! My name is Hilary Yohlin and I have joined the staff at TBI as your new Program Director, USY Advisor, and seventh grade teacher! As I begin to balance my different roles at TBI, I am deeply grateful for the open arms with which I have been http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=112 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=112/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT September 2008 We are delighted to be serving as Women's League co-presidents. Many thanks to those who made our installation such a memorable occasion -- including Cecelia Cable, Jill Kornfeld, Myra Goldman, Boni Silverman and our immediate past presidents Lynn http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=113 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=113/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT September 2008 Happy September! Welcome to a season of new beginnings, new schools, new friends, new members, relationships, goals, commitments, etc. But of course, a special welcome to our Rabbi Joshua Kalev, his wife Rabbi Selilah and their big eyed smiley daug http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=114 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=114/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT October 2008 Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are a time for forgiving, being forgiven, making new resolve, and shedding negative feelings. Use the holiday theme of evaluating one's life and actions to look at how your own family operates. This is a good time to ta http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=115 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=115/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT October 2008 Haverim,

I hope you have had an uplifting, fresh start to the New Year and are looking toward a meaningful Yom Kippur. I look forward to spending this month celebrating the start of 5769 with you.

It is a wonderful coinciden http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=116 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=116/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT October 2008 The Lord said to Moses, "Carve out two tablets of stone . . . I will inscribe on the tablets the commandments. . . "
-- Deuteronomy 10:2

Even God doesn't do things alone.

Perhaps it is the American frontier mentality t http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=117 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=117/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT October 2008 Shanah Tovah! What an exciting beginning of a new year! TBI is buzzing with activity and, as Program Director, I am having a blast at the center of it all!

Our summer drew to a close with an uplifting concert by the Israel Scouts Frien http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=118 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=118/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT October 2008 Shanah Tovah! What an exciting beginning of a new year! TBI is buzzing with activity and, as Program Director, I am having a blast at the center of it all!

Our summer drew to a close with an uplifting concert by the Israel Scouts Frien http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=119 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=119/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT October 2008 Best wishes to our community for a happy and healthy New Year!

We hope that everyone enjoyed our New Year's Greetings. Thanks to Lynn Alexander for all her hard work in putting the booklet together.

September was a busy mo http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=120 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=120/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT October 2008 ROSH HASHANAH & OUR WORLD-ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

In my Messenger articles I try to alternate months when I write about our schools and then write about a broader Jewish topic. This month a http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=104 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=104/ Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT September 2008 WELCOME BACK IT’S GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR!

After what is now 17 years in Jewish education, I’ve learned that Jewish educators have their own cyclical calendar. Our year ends http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=103 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=103/ Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT June 2008, Rabbi Kamens There is an old rabbinic adage that "all beginnings are hard"! I tend to believe that both "beginnings" and "endings" are hard.

Rhoda and I are entering our last month as part of this wonderful TBI family with a measure of sadness. You http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=93 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=93/ Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT June 2008, Rabbi Kalev As I write this message, Selilah, Noa, and I are in the midst of preparations for our impending move to Blue Bell. While surrounded by boxes, tape, and bubble-wrap, we feel an excitement beyond which words cannot express as we prepare to join all of http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=94 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=94/ Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT June 2008 As summer begins, we are ending a year of many transitions. Cantor Shammash has now been with us for a year and will provide continuity for us in the coming months. She has developed close relationships with many of us, and we are especially grat http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=95 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=95/ Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT June 2008 Haverim,

We made it through the desert, through the long stretch of counting the omer, and here we are ready to receive Torah! Shavuot begins on Sunday night, June 8 with our confirmation class leading ma'ariv, followed by some study to http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=96 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=96/ Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT June 2008 There is a tradition in academia of giving a "Last Lecture" toward the end of one's career. The purpose of this "Last Lecture" is to provide academics the opportunity to discuss their career as a journey and to describe for colleagues and students w http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=97 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=97/ Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT June 2008 Last month we sent specific thanks, as we often have done, to "some of the very capable women who keep our Sisterhood going and thriving." This month our thanks go to the women who made May special at TBI--to Risa Altman for facilitating another stim http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=98 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=98/ Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT June 2008 It is with mixed emotions that I write to you to let you know that I have decided not to renew my contract with TBI for the coming year.

This past year has been wonderful; and I have enjoyed working with all of you to plan great progra http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=99 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=99/ Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT May 2008 As we welcome springtime and celebrate Passover, we are also beginning a new chapter in the history of our sacred community. Joshua Kalev will be our new rabbi starting July 1.

Rabbi Kalev has served as the rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom i http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=84 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=84/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT May 2008 COUNT ONLY HAPPY HOURS

The last box of Pesach dishes has been put away, the last box of Pesach macaroons has been eaten, but to hold on to the spirit and mood of Yom Tov we are in the midst of the counting of the Omer. This is our way, http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=85 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=85/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT May 2008 SOULMATE MUSIC

Dear Friends,

Am Yisrael Chai! Israel's 60th birthday, Yom HaAtzma'ut, finally arrives on May 8, the third day of Iyar. We have been celebrating this milestone community-wide for a few months now, and last mon http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=86 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=86/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT May 2008 Join us for the last Synaplex of the year which celebrates Israel's 60th birthday. We will have a fun filled night with Aztilut: Concerts for Peace, a Jewish/Arab Cultural bridging project, Israeli children's entertainment, a giant jigsaw puzzle map http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=87 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=87/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT May 2008 Love, Protect, Nurture, Guide, Teach ... MOTHER

God could not be everywhere, so (s)he created mothers.
-- Jewish Proverb

Every day is a time to appreciate mothers. Mothering is manifested in many ways. The words abo http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=88 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=88/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT May 2008 The Challenges of Teaching Kids about Israel Today

In the TBI Religious School, one of our curricular goals is to teach about Israel and nurture a love for the Jewish nation in our students. Many of our grades have components about the h http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=89 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=89/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT May 2008 Thanks are due to some of the very capable women who keep our Sisterhood going and thriving:

Thanks to our Mishloach Manot team, Boni Silverman and Lynn Alexander, with help from Myra Goldman, for organizing the purchasing, ordering and http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=90 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=90/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT May 2008 An Intermarriage Bibliography

We hope these books on intermarriage will be a helpful resource.

Cowan, Paul with Cowan, Rachel. Mixed Blessings: Overcoming the Stumbling Blocks in an Interfaith Marriage. Penguin Books, Inc., http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=91 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=91/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT April 2008 Again last month we shared some more of our experiences as an interfaith couple from the perspective of our adult children. As previously explained, we discussed their religious upbringing during our annual Christmas get-together. Thus far we have co http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=92 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=92/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT March 2008 DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

"There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among all the provinces of your kingdom and their laws are different from those of every people." (Esther 3:8) So begins Haman"s calumny of the Jewish people http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=68 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=68/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT March 2008 C'EST TROPE!*

The B'nai Mitzvah students work diligently (and complain maybe just a little) at mastering two trope (cantillation) systems: those for the chanting of Torah and Haftarah. They always ask me a good question when we begin stu http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=69 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=69/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT March 2008 It is hard to believe that we are over halfway through our first year as co-presidents. We began the year hoping to find ways to make TBI a more welcoming community, and many of you have been active in this endeavor. The Membership and Ritual Commi http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=70 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=70/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT March 2008 Last month we shared some of our experiences as an interfaith couple from the perspective of our adult children. As previously explained, we discussed their religious upbringing during our annual Christmas get together. We asked nine questions and o http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=71 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=71/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT March 2008 Creating Shalom Bayit*
While Responding to War and Superhero Play

Or -- Where Have All the Hamantashen Gone?

This month we celebrate Purim. The Megillah of Esther speaks of persecution and heroism. Some major themes http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=72 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=72/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT March 2008 GROWING UP ONLINE

Facebook. YouTube. iPods. MySpace, text messaging. It's the greatest threat to our children in history. It's the greatest innovation and creative tool in history. The Internet. It's the most pervasive double-edged sword http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=73 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=73/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT March 2008 It's Adar! Our month begins with Hamantaschen baking on Sunday morning, March 2. Mishloach Manot packages will be assembled during this first week of March--please call Lynn Alexander or Boni Silverman if you can help. We will distribute bags at TBI http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=74 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=74/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT March 2008 Time Marches on! And welcome to spring, finally, the season of renewal and re-birth. But come to think of it, isn't every day that we wake up a chance to renew, to start over, re-commit to one another or even our traditions? An opportunity to rej http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=75 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=75/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT March 2008 Shabbat Across America
"Shabbat Across America" is an unparalleled display of unity and Ahavat Yisrael, created in the hope of making certain that every North American Jew will have the opportunity to celebrate Shabbat!

Imagine an http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=76 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=76/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT April 2008 YOU MUST TELL YOUR CHILD

A number of years ago, my wife Rhoda wrote about the Shabbat candles that "they create memories even as they burn".

In this context, we approach Pesach this month and every year with a special emphas http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=77 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=77/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT April 2008 JAMMIN' AT TIFERET BET ISRAEL

This month is packed with events! I want to highlight a few of the musical events as we look toward Pesach and Yom Ha'atzma'ut, celebrating Israel's 60th birthday:

Have you ever watched Edie Har http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=78 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=78/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT April 2008 At the High Holidays, we challenged everyone to think about ways to make a stronger connection to Judaism and TBI by increasing religious observance in ways that are uniquely meaningful to each of us. The idea of being observant can be intimidating, http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=79 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=79/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT April 2008 Oh The Places You'll Go!

This phrase, the title of a book by Dr. Seuss, conjures up excitement and adventure, as well as fear and insecurity. Last month, at just about the same time as we celebrated Dr.Seuss' birthday, the children in http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=80 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=80/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT April 2008 SURVIVING THE MULTIGENERATIONAL PESACH SEDER
Or, How I learned to Love Matzo Balls at 11:00 p.m.

Every year at this time I promise myself that I'm not going to write another April article about Passover. And basically, every year I http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=81 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=81/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT April 2008 I love spring: flowers, the green grass and all the holidays! April brings us Passover. The name "Passover" refers to the fact that God "passed over" the houses of the Jews when he was slaying the firstborn of Egypt. In Hebrew, it is known as Pesa http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=82 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=82/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT April 2008 It is April, it is spring, it is Nisan. Our Women's League Seder on March 30 marks the beginning of this season for many of us. Thank you to coordinators Amy Spitofsky, Amy Sauber and Shelley Menkowitz, to Cantor Shammash, to the Women's League kitch http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=83 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=83/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT February Messenger 2008 In previous columns we have discussed our experiences as an interfaith couple. We have shared some of the difficult decisions that we struggled with early on in our marriage and those over the years. In reflecting upon what to share in this column, w http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=67 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=67/ Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT February 2008 MITZVAH MODELS



There is a great deal of news out there about the "role models" who are held up for our children and us to respect. These include athletes who disappoint with anti-social behavior; politicians who stretch the http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=60 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=60/ Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT February 2008 Winter at TBI is a quieter time in terms of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, but a very active time in the life of our congregation. We hope that you have all met Rabbi Sylvan Kamens. He has jumped right in with an active schedule of services, meetings, class http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=61 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=61/ Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT February 2008 WHY SHABBAT?

Haverim,

If you have been at Friday night services, you've noticed that we've been singing a piyyut called Yedid Nefesh, composed in the 16th century by Kabbalist Rabbi Eleazar Azikri. It begins "Yedid nefesh, a http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=62 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=62/ Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT February 2008 We are pleased to reprint these remarks by Fran Held, chairperson of the Rabbi Farewell Weekend honoring the Ackerman family. Fran gave this talk of Friday evening, December 14, following a lovely family-style Shabbat dinner attended by over 500 peo http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=63 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=63/ Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT February 2008 AT HOME IN A JEWISH WORLD

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

In Israel, the almond trees are just beginning to bloom; the new fruit is beginning to form, signaling the beginning of http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=64 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=64/ Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT February 2008 JEWISH STUDENTS, JEWISH TEACHERS, AND THE "S" WORD

Over the past few years, one of the hottest items on the Jewish scene has been the "newly rediscovered" concept of spirituality. All one has to do is scan any of the Jewish newspapers ar http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=65 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=65/ Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT February 2008 Hi everyone!

I hope you have all had the opportunity to meet Rabbi Kamens. If not, you should check out his adult education class meeting on Mondays at 9:30 a.m. For those of you who have been asking for adult ed in the evening, March http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=66 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=66/ Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT January 2008 When you read this note, my wife Rhoda and I will be deeply involved in unpacking!

My role as interim rabbi has taken me to four communities. We never find it easy. What we have found is that it is rewarding. Each situation has been dif http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=52 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=52/ Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT January 2008 "Tu B'Shevat Higia, Hag Ha'ilanot!...."
I would like to extend a warm welcome to Rabbi Sylvan and Rhoda Kamens, who join the TBI community this month--B'RUCHIM HABA'IM! I know that the entire extended TBI family joins me in embracing you and http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=53 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=53/ Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT January 2008 As we enter the new secular year, our focus at TBI is on welcoming.

Please come to Shabbat services and take the opportunity to welcome Rabbi Sylvan Kamens, our new full time interim rabbi. He is an experienced pulpit rabbi who has spen http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=54 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=54/ Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT January 2008 The Gift of Time . . . Too Valuable to Give Up

One who is descended from you often teaches you.
-- The Talmud

The Preschool ended the calendar year with a flurry of activities.

The first part of the year h http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=55 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=55/ Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT January 2008 Curriculum and Meaning-Centered Learning
As we move along in our second year of our four-year NESS (Nurturing Excellence in Synagogue Schools) participation, two prominent areas of positive change are becoming evident in our Religious School. http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=56 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=56/ Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT January 2008 Our first Synaplex with Rabbi Elana Zaiman was enjoyed by all who attended. Children played with the Little Gym and the Spinning Leaves entertained us during our Oneg Shabbat. A big thank you to Marsha Gayl and Barbara Miller, our Synaplex chairs, http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=57 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=57/ Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT January 2008 First and foremost, I would like to offer a warm Men's Club welcome to Rabbi Sylvan and Mrs. Rhoda Kamens as they begin their stay here at TBI. An Interim Rabbi position is by no means a simple task, or just biding time. The rabbi must immediately http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=58 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=58/ Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT January 2008 January may be cold outside, as it should be, but it is warm inside TBI--especially at the January Women's League events:

Book Club meets on Sunday, January 6 at 10:15 a.m. to discuss Outwitting History by Aaron Lansky, this year's One B http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=59 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=59/ Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article December 2007 This month we say good-bye to Rabbi Ackerman as our full time rabbi. He has been our spiritual leader and friend for 15 years, and has inspired, supported, and taught us in so many ways. For many of our children, he has been their rabbi for their http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=44 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=44/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article December 2007 This is the talk given by Hesed Co-Chair Fran Held as the speaker at the 25th Anniversary of the Home Delivered Meals Program of the Mitzvah Food Pantry on November 1, 2007. In response to requests by volunteers, Fran's talk is reprinted here.
http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=45 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=45/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article December 2007 On Sunday afternoon, October 28, 2007 the Tiferet Bet Israel community honored me with a beautiful installation ceremony and reception, formalizing my appointment as your cantor. I am touched by your presence and loving support on that special occas http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=46 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=46/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article December 2007 8 Days, 8 Actions--a Family Hanukkah Project

It's hard to believe, but Hanukkah is upon us again! Since we and our children have heard the story of Hanukkah (many times over for some of us), I wanted to share with you, an unusual aspect http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=47 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=47/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article December 2007 The Jewish people, ever since David slew Goliath, have never considered youth as a barrier to leadership."
John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Today's Preschoolers will shape our future!
One of the goals of early childhood education is http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=48 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=48/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article December 2007 In America today, interfaith marriages, interfaith families and Jewish children growing up in interfaith homes is a common reality. As the December holidays approach, how do American interfaith families who are raising their children as Jews balanc http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=49 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=49/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article, December 2007 Greetings from the Men of the TBI Men's Club. We're all around you, having a positive impact in your life. I hope you enjoyed the History of Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs on page 20 of the November Messenger. For fun, see page 22 of this issue http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=50 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=50/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article December 2007 November was a busy month with our first Rosh Hodesh meeting -- thank you to our chairs Barabara Katzman and Karen Shapiro and to Naomi Shapiro for her presentation on "Mothers and Daughters in the Torah and What We Can Learn From Them". Thank you t http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=51 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=51/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article November 2007 Haverim,

I love to travel, and one thing I always try to do is visit a local synagogue. I have been to shul in London, Prague, Rome, Florence, Venice, Istanbul, Tsfat and Athens, among other places. No matter where I am in the world, kno http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=36 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=36/ Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article November 2007 We hope you were all able to join us for the installation of Cantor Shamash at the end of October. It was a fabulous event for our community. In November, we welcomed Cantor Walters back, sharing the bimah with Rabbi Ackerman in his role as cantor http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=37 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=37/ Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger November 2007 Fall is such a wonderful holiday season for Jewish families. Jewish holidays seem to be planned with young children in mind. We know that children learn best when their hearts, hands and minds are engaged. Jewish holidays have so much that is conc http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=38 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=38/ Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article November 2007 NESS and TBI: Important Partners for Change

Developing an Educational Vision
When I was growing up as a kid in Detroit in the 1960's my Jewish identity was being forged by a strong family background of Jewish philanthropy, a love http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=39 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=39/ Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger November 2007 Shalom! My name is Marlyn Gelb and I am very excited to be joining the staff of TBI as your new program director. My background includes an MSW and Certificate in Jewish Communal Service from Yeshiva University and a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies f http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=40 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=40/ Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger November 2007 Greetings from the men of the TBI Men's Club. We are here, everywhere you look. And everywhere you look, we have had an impact in your lives. From building the Sukkah, to taking down barriers to communication; from distributing Shabbat Kiddush wi http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=41 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=41/ Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger November 2007 High Holiday snacks for our children, flowers to beautify the synagogue during the Holidays, Onegs for Sukkot and Simchat Torah, lunch preceding the Sukkah Hop, Simchat Torah candied apples, Book Club, Sunday brunch with Men's Club, greeting congrega http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=42 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=42/ Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Early Learning Standards and Jewish Values -- Play as the Child's Work The Preschool at TBI has been in session for a month. Based on the 9 Key Learning Areas of the PA Early Learning Standards, our program is similar to other high quality secular preschools, with an additional focus on Judaism. The Jewish component http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=28 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=28/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT From the President Okay. You may now take a deep breath, hold for a moment, and let it out slowly. Do it again. And now reflect on the peace of mind that you and your family are on the other side of the High Holidays! As the summer drew to a close, and the holiday http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=29 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=29/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Presidents' Message October 2007 As the fall holidays end, we can look back at several milestones in our life as a congregation. We welcomed Cantor Shammash and were inspired by her davening at Rosh Hoshana and Yom Kippur. We experienced our last High Holiday services with our bel http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=31 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=31/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT From the Hesed Committee TBI Messenger, October 2007

Have you ever known someone who was struggling with illness? Maybe one of your parents was sick? Or perhaps a grandparent or even a sibling? If you have gone through life and never known anyone who becam http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=16 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=16/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT From the Women's League Co-Presidents TBI Messenger, October 2007

Women's League had a busy summer--we held a successful rummage sale, paid for improvements to the outside step at the kitchen door, served a congregational Shabbat lunch, bought new benches for the TBI lob http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=17 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=17/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT From the Education Director TBI Messenger, October 2007

We're Underway with a Great New School Year

As you read this we will be about 3 weeks into our new Religious School year at TBI. And although I addressed some of the new and continuing eleme http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=18 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=18/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT TBI Messenger Haverim,

We Jews have been praying our hearts out for a really long time. Imagine if we just spoke our prayers, rather than chanting and singing them, how absolutely dull that would become! I think we might have gotten tired a long tim http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=24 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=24/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Preschool Education Committee Co-Chairs: Margie Kerbel and Sheila Kowit

The mission of the Preschool Committee is to be a voice and an advocate for all of the members our Preschool family. With the direction and input of the Preschool Committee, the Preschool D http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=25 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=25/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Camp TBI Camp TBI is the summer session of our preschool with registration for 4 or 8 weeks (other time periods by special arrangement). We welcome campers from 2 to 5 years of age. It's a great opportunity for your child to get acclimated to our staff and http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=26 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=26/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT TBI Messenger "Many things we need can wait, the child cannot. Now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made, his mind is being developed. To him we cannot say tomorrow. His name is Today."

Gabriela Mistral

No http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=27 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=27/ Sun, 16 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT From the Education Director TBI Messenger, September 2007

Sukkot: When Nothing Turns into Something

As we begin the start of a new year in our Jewish lives, I am going to skip past the "usual" topics of the High Holy Days and Teshuvah and go dir http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=19 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=19/ Sun, 16 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT TBI Messenger Haverim,

First things first, I would like to thank you all so much for such a warm welcome to Tiferet Bet Israel! I feel so delighted to be a part of this vibrant community, and I have been overwhelmed by your gestures of welcome and http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=23 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=23/ Sun, 16 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT Presidents' Message September 2007
As the new TBI Co-Presidents, we would like to introduce ourselves. - Jane Greenberg

I converted to Judaism in 1981 before marrying Mark. We joined Beth Israel in Lansdale and sent our two children, David and Ju http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=30 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=30/ Sun, 16 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT Presidents' Message February 2007

We hope you enjoyed all the events in January as much as we did. From the Cantor's Shalom concert which delighted all who attended, to the Synaplex event on the 27th and the Affair Fair on the 28th, we experienced some varied and fun programming http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=10 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=10/ Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT