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January 16th News

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.
 
Please note that The Temple Office, Preschool and Religious School will be closed Monday, January 21st, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.
 
There will be a Minyan on Monday, January 21st, at 6:00PM.
 

Friday, January 18:

  • 8:00 PM – Shabbat Service – Ms. Sherri Morr, Western Zone Director for Jewish National Fund, will be our guest speaker.
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, January 19:

  • Chevrah Torah at 9:00 AM. – Exodus 13:17-15:26.  All are welcome.
  • Casual Shabbat Service in the Chapel at 10:00 AM.
  • Shabbat Service in the Sanctuary. During Services we will celebrate the B’nai Mitzvah of Eric Beeler and Marissa Persky.
 

Sunday, January 20:

  • Minyan – 9:15 AM – 9:30 AM.
  • No Religious School scheduled for today.  
 
The Board Meeting that is in the congregational calendar for Wednesday, January 16th has been changed to Wednesday, January 23, 2008.
 

Israel’s Water Crisis:

The Jewish National Fund’s Western District Executive Director
Speaks this Friday Night at Temple Emanu-El Shabbat Services
 
So you think we have water challenges here in Georgia?  Have you seen how much the Dead Sea has receded in recent years?  Resorts that used to be right on the water now bus their guests a mile or more so they can float in the mineral-infused sea.  Helping to tackle this water shortage in Israel, the Jewish National Fund is building reservoirs.  The same JNF so closely associated with planting forests in Israel also:
 
  • is working to expand the Negev through the construction of new communities;
  • is cleaning up rivers in Israel to bring them back to good health;
  • has established therapeutic riding stables and baseball fields. 
 
And, according to JNF’s Western Regional Executive Director, Sherri Morr, the organization’s most interesting work is with the Tal Fund, an environmental citizens action group.
 
Sherri has been with Jewish National Fund since 1998, initially as a Major Gifts Director in Los Angeles, and then as a Zone Director for the Western States.  In this capacity she supervises and manages campaigns throughout the West via personal solicitations, board development, volunteer relationships and training. This year’s fundraising campaign closed at almost 6 million dollars from the Western United States. 
 
Sherri completed her masters in Jewish Communal Service at Hebrew Union College in 1976 and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2002.  Her undergraduate work focused on public speaking and group dynamics.
 
She is our guest speaker at Shabbat Services this Friday evening, January 18th, at 8PM. 
 

Jazzercise at Temple Emanu-El

A Special 9:00am Demo Session will be held on Friday, January 18th - come out and see what Jazzercise is all about, ask questions and pre-register for the best deals. Remember to wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movements and allows for sweat evaporation and bring a water bottle and towel.  To view basic movements performed in class, visit our website:  www.jazzercise.com or call (800) FIT-IS-IT.
 
Adult Jazzercise classes start Monday, January 28, 2008.  These 1-hour classes will be held on Mondays & Wednesdays in the social hall at 9:00am.  Pre-register for 16 classes and pay only $96 ($6 per class).  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 


“Katz Scholar Series”

The Davis Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of Georgia will be Temple Emanu-El’s “Katz Scholar Series” on Sunday, January 27th. Dr. Richard Elliot Friedman is a world class scholar, story teller, teacher, and even has dabbled in archeology in biblical Jerusalem, raising the question, if you can dig the Bible, can you believe it?
  • 4:30–6:00PM -“If the World Didn’t Really Begin with Two Naked People, a Magic Tree, and a Talking Snake: Would It Ruin Your Day?”
  •  6:15–7:15PM -Dinner and discussion. Reservations required no later than Monday, January 21st by calling Temple Emanu-El at 770-395-1340 x204. Please tell us how many will be in your party, $8.00 per person fee for non-members of Temple Emanu-El.
  • 7:30-9:00PM –“Go Try and Raise a Family: Deception in the House of Jacob”

YFI

February 8th - Bring your family and join YFI for a Social Action Family Shabbat
in an effort to make “Thinking of You” bags for 4-5 year old underprivileged children in Fulton County prior to Family Shabbat Services. Nothing to bring - just come help us decorate and fill goodie bags to make a child’s day a little brighter! Do you have any extra “goodies or party favor-like items” to donate for the bags?  We would love to use them! If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Cara Abramson at 404 290 6023 or at Caraat@aol.com.
 
Sunday, February 17th at 4: oo 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. TICKETS ARE LIMITED SO ORDER NOW! DEADLINE JANUARY 15th RSVP to: Cara Abramson VIA CHECK made out to Cara and send to: 2690 Brairlake Woods Way, Atlanta, GA 30345 (Tickets will be mailed to you before the show).

Prague and Minsk Trip:

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

Do you like to talk on the phone?  We need you!  We are looking for women to help promote Sisterhood by being a part of the phone tree committee.  Please let us know if you are interested. This is an easy commitment that you can do in the comfort of your own home! No meetings!
 
Thursday - January 17 at 12pm - - Monthly Women’s Study Group. Please contact Susan Wittenstein at parentspal@mindspring.com for more information. 
 
Join us for lunch and friendly conversation FRIDAY, JAN 18th at 12:00 PM  California Pizza Kitchen on Ashford Dunwoody Rd by Perimeter Mall Please RSVP so we'll know what size table we'll need: sisterhoodbookclub@mac.com
 
GET ORGANIZED in 2008! Join Sisterhood on Sunday, January 27, 2008 at 10am. Organization is the trick! Get tips, strategies, and solutions for dealing with family clutter from a professional organizer. Special Guest: Professional Organizer, Michelle Cooper, President, “Put It There” (www.put-it-there.com) being held at Kim Foodman’s home - 1450 Northwold Atlanta, 30350. Bring a brunch item to share. It’s FREE so come on out! We encourage ALL Temple Emanu–El women to see what Sisterhood is all about! *Current Members: Bring a non-Sisterhood friend to this event and your name will be entered into a drawing for a special item from the gift shop!  Anyone who joins Sisterhood that morning will also be placed in the drawing! RSVP by January 24th with the brunch item you will bring: templeemanuelsisterhood@gmail.com or Robin Zusmann 770.393.4346.
 
Book Club - February 7th “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak from 11:30AM – 1:30PM. Everyone is invited; come whether you read the book or not. We meet downstairs in the Board Room. Bring your lunch. To get on the Book Club mailing list or for more information call Vicki Siegel at 770-393-1221 or email at sisterhoodbookclub@mac.com. Upcoming reading selections:
March 6th - "Losers and Keepers in Argentina: A Work of Fiction" by Nina Barragan
April 3 - "The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara" by David Kertzer
May 1 - "Thirteenth Hour" by Barbara Sofer
 
An evening book club is in the works!  Please let us know if you are interested in helping to co-chair or attend. We need at least 8 women to get this group started. 
 
It is a Tree of Life … and you can be a part of it. Located by the main office, it shines in honor of Simchas and each leaf helps Sisterhood.  Order forms for leaves and rocks are available in the front office.  Cost per leaf is $118 and rocks are $180. 
 

Brotherhood

BROTHERHOOD INVESTMENT CLUB
Brotherhood is launching a parent-child investment club in January.
Children age 13 and older can participate with their fathers, but you don't have to have a child to be a part of the club.  The first meeting of the Brotherhood Investment Club will be January 24 at 7:00 p.m. If you are interested in becoming a member of the investment club, e-mail Gil Bubis at GBubis@register-akers.com.
 
Thursday, January 24th - Men’s Discussion Group at 7:30PM.
 

Schiff Preschool

ORDER YOUR 2008 MAH JONGG CARD!
This is a great fundraiser for the Schiff Pre-School. For every card that is ordered the pre-school will receive $1.00. The cards cost the same as they do when ordered directly from the Mah Jongg league. The orders will be shipped directly to your home. Small card is $6.50; Large card is $7.50 Please make the check payable to: Schiff Preschool Parent's Group and send order and check to: Amy Leftoff, 615 Water Garden Way, Roswell, GA 30075. Orders must be received by Friday, February 1, 2008.
 

Judaica Shop

We are looking for volunteers to help in the Judaica Shop Monday & Wednesday (4:55-6:40pm), Friday (9-11am) & Sunday's (9-12pm). No long term commitment required! Please let us know if you are interested.   Please email sisterhood or call Samantha Susca 404/867-0480.
 
Sisterhood Members enjoy a 10% discount in the Gift Shop all year long! Regular Gift shop hours coincide with Religious School: The Gift Shop hours are Mondays/Wednesdays 4:55pm-6:40pm, Sundays 9:00am-12:00pm and Friday’s 9-11am.  By appointment call Samantha Susca 404/867-0480.
 

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.
 

“Serving It Up Sisterhood Style” Cookbook

Cookbooks have arrived and are on sale now! We’re proud to present our second cookbook with recipes from our Sisterhood as well as other Temple Emanu-El members!  This cookbook includes over 375 wonderful recipes that are sure to be a hit in your house! These cookbooks would make a fantastic gift to your friends & family.  Purchase in the Gift Shop or Temple Office. Cost $18.
 

Interfaith Families: Challah Baking for Kids @ Young Chefs Academy

Pathways have teamed with the Sandy Springs “Young Chefs Academy” cooking school to offer a class just for kids ages 4-12!  Sunday, January 27, 2008, 4-5:30 PM.  $12 per child/$10 for the second child.  To register, please contact Rachelle at rachelle.schaffer@atlantajcc.org or call 678-812-4161.  A Parents’ Coffee will be held at the same time in a café also located in the City Walk Shopping Center.
 

The Grandparents Circle: A New Program for Jewish parents of Interfaith Couples!

With the growth of intermarried households far outpacing in married Jewish households in Atlanta, the community recognizes that more must be done to support intermarried couples and their families - including the parents of Jews who have intermarried.   We’ve partnered with the Jewish Outreach Institute (JOI) to offer the “Grandparents Circle” program, which provides FREE education and support to help Jewish grandparents share their Judaism in an effort to nurture and in some cases establish their grandchildren’s Jewish identities.  “Grandparents Circle: The Course” is a 5-session series, beginning Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 7:30-9:00pm, MJCCA Zaban Park.  Reserve your spot now by contacting Pathways, www.pathwaysatlanta.org !  Call Rachelle at 678-812-4161 or e-mail Suzette at suzette.cohen@atlantajcc.org. 
 
Social Action Community
STAND AND BE COUNTED, TAKE ACTION, STOP THE GENOCIDE IN DARFUR
We have said "never again."  We must not stand idly by while the Sudanese armed forces and the government-backed Janjaweed continue to terrorize and kill civilians, rape women and girls, burn villages and drive innocent people from their homes in Sudan.  It is estimated that more than 2.5 million people have been displaced and 200,000 have lost their lives to this genocidal campaign.
 
This year on United Nations Holocaust Memorial Day, January 27, 2008, stand up and be counted and find out what else you can do to make a difference.  Attend the Darfur Urgent Action Coalition (DUACG) Rally "Not on Our Watch, Not on Our Dime" on Sunday, January 27, 2008, 3 pm at Central Presbyterian Church, 201 Washington Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. For directions and parking information go to www.gadarfur.org.
 
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

The community is invited to attend "The Impact of Depression on our Lives" on Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:30-4:00 p.m. Keynote speaker, Dr. Rick Blue, followed by break-out sessions on topics including:  Children and Depression, Medications and Depression and Depression in Older Adults. Presented by Temple Sinai's R'fuat HaNefesh Committee and JF&CS @ Sinai - free of charge to Temple Sinai members, $10 pp non-members. RSVPs and pre-payment required. Contact bkatinsky@templesinaiatlanta.org. For more information, contact Rachel Simon, 404-252-3073, ext. 44 or jfcs@templesinaiatlanta.org.
 
Itsy Bitsy Yoga Classes for Mommy and Babies, hosted by Jewish Family & Career Services in Dunwoody, Decatur, Roswell, and Atlanta. This is a six week series for Mommies and Babies/Kids starting up mid to late January in several locations. Babies: 6 weeks to pre crawling, Tots:  Crawling to 21 months, Tykes:21 months to 4 years  Learn more at ItsyBitsyYoga.com contact Lori Sugarman at 678-778-0707 or itsybitsyoga@gmail.com for upcoming schedule.
 
Wednesday, February 7th ,2008 - Atlanta Celebrates 60 Years of Israel at Center Stage with Israeli Fusion Band Ha Dag Nachash. Doors open at 7PM and show begins at 8PM. Tickets can be purchased now at www.ShalomAtlanta.org/concert. The cost is $20 for general admission.
 
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.
 

SAVE THE DATE!

The Annual Hunger Walk, benefiting the Atlanta Community Food Bank is Sunday, March 2nd, 2008 at Turner Field.  Help make Temple Emanu-El's contribution BIGGER and BETTER than ever!  Look for more information coming soon via email and around the synagogue, but if you have any questions, email Marci Gaither (mdgaither@comcast.net).