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February 7th News

Adult Education

Thursday, February 7th at 7:30 PM – The topic of this Thursday’s program has been changed to “What Does Judaism Say About…Freedom of Expression Especially if it’s Critical of Jews and Israel?” This amendment is due to a very recent and timely situation which is important to us all. To be discussed is the charge by the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi that Israel and Jews are the Biggest Players in a Culture of Violence! Join Rabbi Julie Schwartz to discuss this topic and Gandhi’s comments.
 
PLEASE HELP! On March 29, 2008, the Temple will hold its Gala Event, “Black Tie and Pearls.” This event is in honor of our 30th anniversary. The planning committee would like to recognize the first thirty babies who were named at Temple Emanu-El, as well as the first thirty Bar or Bat Mitzvah children. Please call Brenda Graiser at 770-396-0006, if you think your child might fit into these categories.
 

Friday, February 8:

  • 6:00 PM – Family Shabbat Dinner. During the mealtime, YFI will be holding a social action event to benefit sick and underprivileged children. Nothing to bring! Just come and make a card or help stuff bags for a worthy cause.
  • 6:45 PM – Family Shabbat Service featuring 6th Grade Song Leaders.
  • 8:00 PM – Shabbat Service – Rabbi Schwartz’s sermon is entitled “?” During services we will celebrate the naming of Evan Rich, son of William and Michele Rich.
 
Shabbat Service....Shabbat Schmooze…
Shabbat is about community. Feel welcome to arrive as early as 7:30pm for snacks and socializing as we prepare for Shabbat Services.
 

Saturday, February 9:

  • Chevrah Torah at 9:00 AM. – Exodus 25:1-25:40.  All are welcome.
  • Casual Shabbat Service in the Chapel at 10:00 AM.
  • Shabbat Service in the Sanctuary at 10:00 AM. During Services we will celebrate the B’not Mitzvah of Rachel Aron & Rachel Vaizer.
 

Sunday, February 10:

  • Minyan – 9:15-9:30 AM
  • Religious School at 9:15 AM
  • Oneg 8th Grade Teen Program- 9:15 AM
  • Adult Advanced Hebrew Class – 9:30 AM
  • Trop Class – 9:30 AM
  • Leadership Training – 9:30 AM
  • Family B’nai Mitzvah Class – 9:30 AM
  • 2nd Grade Social Action Program – 9:30–10:15 AM
  • 3rd Grade  Parent Education Program – 9:30 AM
  • 3rd Grade Social Action Program (after family program) – 10:30 AM
  • Back to Bible Class – 10:30 AM      
  • Adult Advanced Beginners Hebrew Class – 11:15 AM–12:00 PM

A Taste of Judaism

For those curious about Judaism, this FREE, three-session program will be held at congregations throughout Atlanta.  In the North Metro area, classes will be held in both Alpharetta and Roswell beginning the week of February 4th. The sessions will be taught by the host congregations’ Rabbis and is open to those not affiliated with a local synagogue – Jews or non-Jews – all are welcome. If you or someone you know are interested please have them contact Pathways to register at 678-812-4161 or email: tasteofjudaism@pathwaysatlanta.org. “Taste of Judaism” was developed by the Union for Reform Judaism. The program is supported and co-sponsored by the URJ and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. 
 

Jazzercise at Temple Emanu-El

These 1-hour classes are held on Mondays & Wednesdays in the social hall at 9:00am.  RSVP to Nikkia Wright, Certified Jazzercise Instructor, at jazz4nikkia@comcast.net.  Single class sessions are available at $9/session.  Come prepared to have fun!
 

Coming Weeks 


YFI

Sunday, February 17th at 4: 00 PM Come clown around!! Join YFI at the Big Apple Circus for the new show “Celebrate!” at Stone Mountain Park. We have a RINGSIDE SECTION RESERVED BLOCK SEATING!!! $28/pp (children under 3 are free on lap of ticketed adult, one child per lap). If you want more information about the show go to www.bigapplecircus.com, or contact Cara at caraat@aol.com.
 
Next Family Shabbat - Friday, March 7th.
 

First Dance Productions of Atlanta

Have you ever wanted to dance like the stars? 
Well now is your chance to sign up for a 4 week dance lesson 1 hour a week.  For your convenience, First Dance Productions of Atlanta will be coming to Temple Emanu-El on Sundays, February 24, March 2, March 9 and March 16 at 11:15 am-12:10 pm. For couples only - lessons cost $120.00 total. Pre registration is required.   Please call Paula Fine for dance registration at 770-475-9233. Temple Emanu-El is turning 30 and on March 29th when we celebrate our gala event Black Tie and Pearls, you can feel ready to dance the night away....
 

“Angels 4 Angels” 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk Informational Meeting

Monday, February 25th at 7:30 PM – This is an informational meeting for “Angels 4 Angels” Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk Team. Debbi Chartash and Melody Maziar want to involve many more people by organizing a team which will raise a minimum of $2200, to help bring awareness to breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and to provide funding for research.
The team is honoring the memories of Jill Albert, Debbie Sonenshine and Lori Fierman. The meeting will be held in the Brill downstairs at Temple Emanu-El.
Prague and Minsk Trip: RSVP Deadline to Ayelet by February 29, 2008
Rabbi Schwartz will be leading a trip to Prague and Minsk. Jackie Granath has arranged for this wonderful Jewish Heritage Tour July 19th -29th 2008. Please call or e-mail Jackie with any questions, 770-394-0541 or j-granath@comcast.net. Please bring other family members and friends. It is not necessary to be a member of Temple Emanu-El to participate in the trip.

Sisterhood

An evening book club has now formed.  The first meeting will be on Thursday, February 21st at 7pm at the Starbucks at Orchard Park in Dunwoody – located at Mt. Vernon & Jett Ferry.  Please let us know if you would like to attend or are interested in the club. 
 
Thursday, February 14 at 12pm - Women’s Study Group. Please contact Susan Wittenstein at parentspal@mindspring.com for more information.
 
Upcoming Events:
Sunday, February 24 at 11 am - Sisterhood celebrates its members with our Annual Paid Up Event at Temple Emanu-El.  If you have paid your dues this event is especially for you! Join or rejoin Sisterhood now! RSVP by February 19th greatly appreciated. We are featuring Tina Wasserman, a “highly respected and well-known” cooking instructor.  She has been the Food Columnist for Reform Judaism Magazine. Her election in 1994 to Les Dames d’Escoffier, an International Culinary Society that honors women in the food and beverage industry, recognized her reputation as o­ne of the few, outstanding women in the country teaching kosher cooking.  She will also be on hand after the paid up event to teach a private 2 ½ hour hands on cooking class for an additional cost of $85.  Pre–Registration is required. 
 
February 28 - 7pm at Temple Emanu-El “Alive, Unabashed, and Passionate: Jewish Books for the Jewish Soul" RSVP by February 26th.
 
March 12 Game Night 7-10PM at TE –Mah Jongg, Bridge, Scrabble, Bunco, or Your Choice  $10 per person  Bring your own foursome or we’ll match you to a group! Cash Prizes, Refreshments, & Lots of Fun!  RSVP by March 3rd
 
Annual Hamentashen Making – March 16th at 7pm at TE
 
Volunteer Opportunities for upcoming events– Please let us know if you are interested in the following: Phone tree committee, Women’s Seder is Sunday, 4/13, Clergy and Staff Appreciation Week 5/12 -5/16, Lag B’Omer Picnic Sunday, 5/4, Cans for Cookies Monday, 5/5 5pm-7pm,  & Women’s Havdallah Retreat Saturday, 6/7 .
 
**For more information on all Sisterhood programs and events or you are interested in helping please contact Dara Amram by email at templeemanuelsisterhood@gmail.com or 678/795-9594.
 

Brotherhood

Men’s Discussion Group Meeting on Thursday, February 28th at 7:30 PM.
 

30th Anniversary Shabbat Service

SAVE THE DATE
Friday, March 14 at 8:00 PM – Temple Emanu-El will hold a special 3oth Anniversary Shabbat Service featuring original music composed by special guest, Cantor Robbie Solomon, internationally known composer of Jewish songs and choral works. Cantor Benjamin Adler along with the Temple choir and musicians from our congregation will also participate in this special service.
 

Judaica Shop

Contact: Samantha Susca 404/867-0480 or email templeemanuelsisterhood@gmail.com. If you are interested in volunteering in the shop please email sisterhood or call. Hours: Monday/Wednesday (4:55-6:40pm), Friday (9-11am) & Sunday's (9-12pm) & by appointment.
 
Sisterhood members enjoy a 10% discount in the Gift Shop all year long (excludes sale merchandise)! Celebrate special holidays and Simchas all year round with items from our gift shop. 
 

The New Variety Entertainment Coupon Book

The new Variety Entertainment Coupon Book good through July 31, 2008 is now available for purchase in the temple office and the gift shop at a cost of only $13.00.  This is a project of Sisterhood and your support helps Sisterhood help Temple Emanu-El.  Many new restaurants and old favorites are included as well as entertainment and golf.  These books make great gifts and save you money, introduce you to new, interesting places.
 

Social Action Community

Temple Emanu-El Social Action Committee - We need your help!  Have you ever wondered where your next meal will come from?  Have you thought about how it would feel to sleep in frigid temperatures? People without homes experience this everyday – we at Temple Emanu-El do not.  Please donate Kroger, Publix, Wal-Mart, & Target gift cards in denominations of $10 or more to help the families of the Interfaith Outreach Home.  The Interfaith Outreach Home is a facility that helps homeless families get back on their feet during their year long program.  The cards will help buy groceries, cleaning supplies, school supplies, and many other necessary household items. Please leave all donations in the Social Action mailbox in the temple office. “Yad B'Yad, Hand in Hand we work together to make the world better.
 
CARING COMMITTEE – We need volunteers to help as occasional substitute callers.  It involves contacting congregants to offer assistance while they are experiencing life cycle events such as weddings, births, illnesses or deaths.  This Mitzvah is very appreciated by our congregants and our Committee.  If you are interested, please call Ann Fine at 770-457-2786 or Gerri Penn at 770-457-2474.
 

Volunteer at the Temple Shelter

The Temple Shelter is a great way to get kids and adults involved in our community.  Temple Emanu-El needs groups of 4 or more to cook and serve dinner for the residents of The Temple Shelter.  Each group will be asked to prepare a full dinner for 50 residents, and then bring their dinners to the shelter and serve the residents.
This is a great way for chavurah groups and school friends to share a true mitzvah.
This is a first come first serve basis, so don’t delay!
For more information please contact Teri Edelstein at msedel@gmail.com or 770-734-0377.
Temple Emanu-El will serve and cook dinner on the 20th of each month October through April.
 

Community

Will Lewis volunteers to assist kids on a soccer team. The team was organized for a group of young refugees to encourage them with school work and assimilation in their new environment. Right now there is a need for winter coats for these kids.  If you would like to donate clean used or new winter coats, please bring them to the temple. If you have any further questions, please contact Randi Lewis at 404-281-8754.
 

NFTY in Israel

Summer 2008 Programs for teens: 4, 5, and 6 week options available. Celebrate Israel at 60 and NFTY at 50! For more information, email nftytravel@urj.org or call (845) 987-6300 x 6351.