Join on Nov.11 Tzedek = Justice

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The Newsletter of Mount Zion Temple November 2012 Cheshvan/Kislev 5773 We will make a difference. Vol. 157, No. 3 L’DOR VADOR FROM THE RABBI FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION Why Conversations? MAZEL TOV TO... It seems too simple to say that conversations make a difference. Yet I be- Our members who will celebrate a milestone lieve they are essential for the success of our Year of Tzedek at Mount Zion. anniversary in November: Daniel & Lauren We don’t necessarily agree about how to solve our society’s challenges. We Froelich, Roger Bjork & Gail Gendler, Kent may vote for different leaders to represent us. All of us, however, have a Simon & Karen Gjerstad, Bob Weisenfeld & story about how we want this world to be better than it currently is today. Michele Rusinko, Scott & Joan Wilensky, Richard We can learn a lot by talking with each other. We spend so much time speaking about the & Beth Keyworth, Sue & Patrick Parks. weather and mundane daily things. How would it feel to get to know someone better by asking: ZICHRONAM LIVRACHA • What, in your life experience or your family’s history, has most profoundly shaped May their memories be a blessing your view of the world? Or: What experiences in your life have most impacted you? We note with sorrow the passing of our members • Which of the following values most speaks to you? Myra Greenberg Our condolences to her family, 1. Yitziat Mitzraim - We were redeemed from Egypt; we know what it is like to be including her husband, Lionel. the stranger. Robert Launer 2. B’tzelem Elohim - We are all created in the image of God. (October) Our condolences to his family, 3. Tikkun Olam - The world was created imperfectly; we partner with God to repair. including his brother-in-law, Herman Birnberg. • What drives you to work for a better world? WE EXTEND CONDOLENCES TO... Reach out to one person in the congregation and find a Reach out to one Debra Allerhand-Kool, on the death of her father- time to talk before November 11. When you come to person in the in-law, Harry Kool Sr. (September 25), and mother- Mount Zion over the coming weeks, take a sticker that congregation and in-law, Sandra Kool (October 8). says: “I had a conversation”. Encourage friends and fam- find a time to Judy Arbit on the death of her brother,Dennis Engel, ily to get to know at least one other person as well. This talk before on October 5. is not easy for everyone, but it is so worth it. It will November 11. The family of Gloria Cohen, past, long time mem- strengthen our community even as we find purpose in ber of Mount Zion. our meeting. Gary Kravitz (Anna Schorer) on the death of his If we learn to tell our stories effectively and can connect them to our Jewish values, this will mother, Bernice Kravitz, on October 21. begin to shape a statewide conversation of caring and commitment. May God grant peace to all who mourn and On Sunday morning, November 11th (see page 16 and the insert in the bulletin), we en- comfort to all who are bereaved. courage you to help make this Year of Tzedek real by showing up. Master facilitator Beth Zemsky will help us learn together and find areas of common concern. We want to hear WELCOME...B’RUCHIM HA’BAIM... your thoughts. We will see where our conversations lead us. TO OUR NEW MEMBERS! May this focus on tzedek inspire you in the way you need, to find your spirit of caring, and Bernard and Deborah Bachrach to bring that energy to our efforts as a congregation. Paul Berger and Diane Lazarus, L’shalom, and their children Nathan and Sylvia Lenore Hauser Adam Stock Spilk er, R a b b i Leon and Yolla Levitt, and their children, A note about weddings at Mount Zion: The Minnesota Rabbinical Association, to which Michael, Daniel, and Talya Rabbi Adler and I belong, has changed its historic position about where weddings may Charles and Sally Rafowicz, take place. I believe that the synagogue is still the most sacred and meaningful setting for and their children Abraham and Rachel a wedding ceremony. I do recognize, however, that we can stand before God in other places David Soll and Sara Wise, as well. We are open to dialoguing with engaged couples about the location for a wedding. and their son, Maxwell This change of a sixty year policy has given us an opportunity to articulate some of the val- Jeremy and Angela Tilsen, ues we envision in every wedding and marriage. Our guidelines are the same for same-sex and their children, Isaac and Adam couples regardless of state recognition. Please see page 15 for more information. Iton Tziyon Cover: Tikkun Olam Calling All Veterans Each month this year will feature a different value that is fundamental for creating an We would like to recognize you on Shabbat authentically Jewish worldview about justice. (See article above). Also, see page 18 to services the weekend of Veteran’s Day, 11/9/12. read congregants’ views on Tikkun Olam. If you have served our country in any branch of the military, or if you have a family member currently Friday, November 30 serving, contact Kate at [email protected]. During services we will study the value of the month and after services, we will have See page 16 for more details. an opportunity to talk informally during the oneg.

2 MAKE SHABBAT YOUR SANCTUARY Tzedek Testimonial NOVEMBER Tikkun Olam - the world was created imperfectly; FRIDAY SHABBAT SATURDAY SHABBAT we partner with God to repair it. EVENING SERVICES MORNING SERVICES The Broken Mirror: My Tikkun Olam Story, by Michael Kuhne Michael Kuhne has taken the reigns of chairing the Tzedek November 2, 6:30 p.m. November 3, 10:00 a.m. Committee and has quickly brought his organization, humor, Shir Tzion Participates Vayera - Gen. 21:1-22:24* and vision to this central effort of the congregation. During Soul Food Friday, 7:30 p.m. (see p.8) Young Learners’ Shabbat (see below) the day, Michael is a Professor in the Department of English and the Center for Civic Engagement at the Minneapolis November 9, 7:30 p.m. November 10, 10:00 a.m. Community and Technical College. Professional Quartet Chaye Sarah - Gen. 24:53-25:18* In the fall of 2011, I participated in the Tzedek Institute, a community Honoring our Veterans (see p.2) Victoria Garner, Bat Mitzvah organizing training planned and led by Jewish Community Action, one of Mount Zion’s social justice partners (along with Neighborhood November 16, 7:30 p.m. November 17, 10:00 a.m. House and the Jeremiah Program). There were over 25 participants Birthday Blessings Tol’dot - Gen. 27:28-28:9* representing many of the Twin Cities’ Reform and Conservative con- Shabbat Chai Zemirot (after services, see p. 7) gregations, as well as the large independent and unaffiliated Jewish com- Food for Thought (see p.6) munities. I met amazing people during the four-month training, people November 23, 7:30 p.m. November 24, 10:00 a.m. who moved me with their stories, who inspired me with their commit- Vayetze – Gen. 31:17-32:3* ments to make positive change. JCA did a remarkable job of pulling to- Celebrate Shabbat Celebrate Shabbat gether the group and nurtured an environment where we were November 30, 7:30 p.m. encouraged to take risks and grow. Torah Tones Participates December 1, 10:00 a.m. During one training, we were asked to consider one of our public Study of Value of Month: Vayishlach – Gen 35:16-36:43* narratives that we would then share with the other participants and Tikkun Olam Celebrate Shabbat trainers. Marshall Ganz defines public narratives as “woven from three elements: a story of why I have been called, a story of self; a story of Schedule Every Shabbat Day why we have been called, a story of us; and a story of the urgent chal- 9:00 a.m. Open TorahStudy - Drop in any time to lenge on which we are called to act, a story of now.”i We were challenged study the week’s Torah portion (listed above). by the JCA trainers to take a risk when telling our stories. As Val Cas- *Using a triennial [3 year] cycle, we are reading the sano (another Mount Zion Temple trainee who has since left to work in third third of each parashah this year. 10:00 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service Washington, DC) and I listened to the others, we gently encouraged each other to tell a personal story, something from our past that we car- Daily Service Schedule ried with us as motivation to do social justice. I decided that I would tell Daily services are held in the Harris Chapel, Monday through Thursday my tikkun olam story. continued on p. 16. at 5:45 p.m., Sundays at 9:30 a.m. November Mondays: Rita Grossman, Victor Vital, Lee Litman Tuesdays: John Mast, Arnie Krohn, Ira Kipp Wednesdays: Betsy Rest, David Epstein, Gustav Gutman Tot ShabbatTot is the secondShabbat Saturday of every month. Thursdays: Patrick Zimmerman, Charles and Vicky Fodor, For families with children from birth to seven years old Janet Kampf Tzedek/Justice Sundays: Sally Glick, Lindsay Nauen, Charles Fodor, Kurt and Saturday, November 10 at 10:30 a.m. Anne Schaeffer If you would like to participate in Leading or Greeting at our daily Please bring a healthy, nut-free vegetarian dish to share. services, call Janet Kampf at (651) 482-9951 or Charles Fodor at Congregational Shabbat Dinner (651) 646-6543. Friday, December 7 Dinner: 5:00 p.m.; Service: 6:30 p.m. Young Learners’ Shabbat Saturday, November 3, 10 a.m. Why cook? Come to Mount Zion for Shabbat dinner be- fore services for good food and better company. Register For all ages! Everyone is welcome! This hour-long, family-friendly online at www.mzion.nirsham.com/events after November 16. For Shabbat Morning service will be led by our clergy. Engaging and in- more information, please contact Jennifer at [email protected] or formative, this service is geared for grades 2 and up and will include 651-698-3881. an abbreviated Torah service. 4th graders will participate as part of their Shabbaton Dairy/vegetarian potluck luncheon follows.

3 CHAI NOTES

Mosquito Nets and Dental Supplies for Uganda Attention Knitters and Crocheters! At the end of December, a group of Mount Zion mem- Join us for fiber time: bers will make the long journey to Africa to meet the Sundays, December 2, 9, 16 and Abayudaya, a small but devoted Jewish community in January 6, 13, 27 at 9:45 a.m. Uganda. We look forward to talking with individuals, You do not need to attend all sessions! to hearing their stories and to sharing ours as well. In addition to our good will and friendship, we would like What: Making Healing Shawls for our Caring Community Program to bring something on behalf of Mount Zion that will have an impact and warm hats for Project Home. on this community and her neighbors. What should I bring? We will supply yarn. If you have needles, please Of the many things this community needs, the one that captured my bring them. Healing Shawls: Size 13, 24" circular knitting needles or attention is mosquito bed nets. Malaria is one of the leading causes of Size N (9mm) crochet hook. Hats: Size 5 or 7 16" circular knitting death in Uganda, but bed nets can reduce the spread of this disease by needles as well as size 5 or 7 double pointed knitting needles. as much as 90%. I think what moves me most about the Abayudaya’s Who? Knitters and crocheters of all abilities who want to participate in request for mosquito nets is that they are not just for the Jewish com- these fun, social, and rewarding projects. If you are a beginner, we can munity but for distribution to their Muslim and Christian neighbors. get you started. We hope you can join us. Efforts like this help the Abayudaya contribute to the health and eco- Questions? Betsy Rest (651) 578- 1587 or [email protected]. nomic development of their community, promote co-existence among people of different faiths and even combat anti-Semitism. SAVE THE DATE! I would like members and friends of Mount Zion to raise at least Mount Zion’s 16th Annual Jewish Retreat for Women $1,000 - enough money to purchase 100 nets (at $10 each) by the Our Bodies, Our Souls end of December. Our delegation will present the nets to the Abayudaya community’s Tobin Health Center in the town of Mbale when we visit in December. With Chanukah around the corner, B’tzelem Elohim: In the Image of God please consider buying nets in lieu of gifts to honor friends and family; Tzedek from the Inside Out perhaps you can donate money for nets as one of your main end-of- February 8-9, 2013 / 29 Shevat, 5773 the-year tzedakah donations; maybe you can dedicate one night of Co-sponsored by Mount Zion’s Sisterhood & Women’s Spirituality Chanukah for everyone in your household to purchase a net (or two or three!). However you choose to do it, you will be part of a significant Join fabulous Mount Zion women for a mean- gift to a special community. ingful Shabbaton (retreat) in the beauty of the Donations can be made online at tinyurl.com/MountZionNets or Dunrovin Retreat Center in Stillwater, MN. checks can be given to the Mount Zion main office (Please write checks This is a wonderful opportunity for learning, to “B’chol Lashon” with “Mosquito Nets” on the memo line. B’chol relaxation, community connection and Lashon (“In Every Tongue”), fun. Now in its 16th year, Our Bodies, Our the organization facilitating Souls provides a variety of offerings including: our mosquito net donation, Shabbat services, singing, massage, Torah educates about and promotes study, nature walks and more. Rabbi Esther Jewish diversity and inclusiv- Adler, Cantor Rachel Stock Spilker and song ity leader Wendy Goldberg will guide us through- out the Shabbaton. This year we will explore In addition, the community various aspects of tzedek, justice. has a great need for tooth- brushes for adults and for children as well as toothpaste (including some fluoride free for children under two). We Trope Troupe hope to fill several suitcases ... the more Torah, the more life. -Hillel with these supplies to bring in Todah Rabah to our October Ba’alei Korei December. (chanting Torah): Adam Apter, Sally Glick, Siana Please drop off toothbrush and toothpaste donations in the box Goodwin, Maria Rubinstein next to Cantor Spilker’s office. Todah Rabah to our Kohelet/Ecclesiastes Chanter: Siana Goodwin Thank you in advance for your support of these projects! To sign up to chant Torah or Haftarah on Shabbat, Rachel Stock Spilker, Cantor e-mail Cantor Jennifer Strauss-Klein at [email protected]

4 FROM THE PRESIDENT 5773 Yom Kippur Fast Appeal In last month’s bulletin article I talked about last year’s Yesher koach to our community for the tzedakah raised this year successful fundraiser on “Give to the Max Day”, our first for the following organizations: ever participation in this one day event. Once again, I Mount Zion Temple Cemetery $722 feel compelled to talk about this wonderful way to raise Jeremiah Project $608.37 much needed funds for our Temple. Neighborhood House $2,734 Jewish Community Action $707 The date for Give to the Max Day this year is: Nechama, Jewish response to disaster $375 Mazon, Jewish response to hunger $1,157 Thursday, November 15, 2012 URJ Disaster Relief $272 Congregation YOZMA in Modiin $336 Our theme this year is: Uganda Abayudaya $181 2012 Total Gifts $7,092.37 2011 Total Gifts $12,476 From Gratitude to Gift Results of our 5773 Yom Kippur Food Drive We collected 2,800 pounds of food. Last year we collected 3,850 Every Gift is Meaningful pounds of food. Thank you so much for supporting this effort. Every Member Can Participate Our goal is to raise $54,000.00 in new pledges to Mount Zion Temple. Landscaping Project It is a fundamental tenet in Judaism, that each person gives tzedakah to the Noah Robiner, son of Bill and best of her/his ability including the people of little means. This fundraiser Susan Robiner, is on a quest to allows everyone in our entire Mount Zion Community to participate in become an Eagle Scout. As part a very straightforward and meaningful way. Liz Kreilitz and her Give to of the steps to achieve this goal, the Max Committee will be communicating with you all in many differ- Noah and other troop members ent ways over the next few weeks—email, posters, phone calls, and all completed a landscaping project other media methods to remind you how important it is for everyone to that enhances our Syndicate Av- circle their calendars and make sure they “Give to the Max” on Novem- enue school entry way and ber 15. beautifies our campus. Noah was instrumental in planning If we all participate we can make a significant difference in our Temple the project, and in getting approvals from the various committees community. Watch for the emails and welcome the phone reminders. that oversee the Temple’s grounds, funding and governance Let us all give to the best of our abilities. I look forward to talking with functions. Noah was also instrumental in securing the plants and many of you in the coming weeks at Temple about our Gratitude for what supplies, and in overseeing the com- we have at Mount Zion and our Generosity on “Give to the Max Day.” pletion the project. In addition to Scouting, here at Robert O. Mast, President Mount Zion, Noah has been a mem- ber of the high school SPORTY youth group board, a teaching assistant working in the school office and a Music Madrich (teaching From Gift to Gratitude assistant), and he participates in class By making a donation to Mount Zion on Give to electives for high school age students. the Max Day, your gift could help us win an extra We want to thank Noah and Scout Troop 738, a Jewish scout troop $1,000. Drawings are done every hour! open to all boys at the Sabes JCC. for an excellent job!

Every gift is meaningful. Every member can participate!

5 Food for Thought 5:45-7:00 p.m. Learn and Nosh before Shabbat Services Discussion over wine, juice, and light appetizers. Child care available. Friday, November 16 Two options:

Before You Get on the Plane: Following the Footsteps of Little Crow Thoughts About Wills & Estate Planning Curt Brown is an au- If you have any questions thor and staff writer for about Estate Planning, this the Minneapolis Star session is for you! Steve Tribune. Curt recently Brand, Mount Zion Temple completed a year long Past President, is partner in study of the U.S. the law firm of Robins, Ka- Dakota war and wrote a plan, Miller & Ciresi. He historical narrative of was recognized as a “Super that awful time period Lawyer” by Minnesota Law as told through the & Politics, conducted an es- story of Little Crow, a tate planning workshop at Dakota chief who led the Women of Reform Ju- the 1862 rebellion. The daism’s Biennial Assembly work was published as a held in Minneapolis in 2003, was awarded the Susie six part series in the Star Tribune and is available as Selcer Community Leadership Award in 2003 in a ebook "In the footsteps of Little Crow", now on recognition of his work with the Sholom Commu- the New York Times best-seller list. nity Alliance. He recently was chosen for the Sidney Barrows Lifetime Commitment Award (2012) given by the Twin Cities Cardozo Society.

In appreciation… Check out Mount Zion’s Our wonderful High Holy Day Services ran smoothly due to the efforts of the Ushers, Volunteers and Staff that worked so hard behind new ONLINE calendar! the scenes. A big thank you to all of them! Ushers and Volunteers: Susan Benfield, Adele Brown, Curt Brown, Charlie Bulman, Karmit Bulman, Sharon DeMark, Jan Dubinsky, Shel Finver, Robert Garfinkle, Siana Goodwin, Rick Hauser, Janet Kampf, Maria Kirsch, Ellen Konstan, Joe Konstan, Shirley Kulevsky, Steve Levin, Charlie Levine, Marty Lieberman, Jeremy Lund, Laura Magel, Trevor Mann, Judi Marshall, Tom Marver, Nancy Mason Hauser, John Mast, Scott Miller, Phyllis Miller, Michelle Morris, David Nathan Varda Nauen, Joan Ostrove, Raline Paper, Betsy Rest, Susan Robiner, Dan Rybeck, Ellen Sampson, Ray Sevett, Rosemary All Worship Service times see page 3. Sevett, Dan Shapiro, Reine Shiffman, Batya Spector, Anne Starr, Steve Full Mount Zion calendar is available at Warch. Staff: Jen Baddin, Julie Beckman, Bob Epstein, Teresa Matzek, . Janelle Norlien, Don Novak, Elias Pastrana Navarro, Sheila Schuman. www.mzion.org

6 MAZAL LIFE LONG LEARNING ONE STEP AT A TIME

(newly) Annual meeting of the MaZAL Council The Many Faces of Jews For all committee chairs and groups engaged in adult learning at MZ Steven Derfler, Ph.D, Instructor and all who are interested in attending Monday, November 19, 7-9 p.m. Steven Derfler returns to Mount Zion with a new series Siana Goodwin, chair where he will weave historical teachings with personal Purpose: Dreaming the 5774/2013-14 Adult Learning Offerings anecdotes and pictures enriching our understanding of Jews around the world. Zemirot (Shabbat Table Songs) Sundays, 10:00-11:30 a.m. at Mount Zion Saturday, November 17, After services (approx. 11:30 a.m.) Led by Cantor Jennifer Strauss-Klein November 18 - The Jews of Ethiopia and Uganda Want to expand your Jewish song repertoire? Hoping to participate in Ethiopic legends say that they are descendants spirited singing at Mount Zion Shabbat lunches? of Israelite tribes who followed Menelik, alleged to be the son of Solomon and Sheba. According Join us to learn Zemirot, Shabbat table songs, at a to tradition, he brought with him the Ark of vegetarian potluck lunch in Margolis Hall immedi- the Covenant. The Abayudaya (Lugandan for ately after our Shabbat morning services. We will “People of Judah”) are a small community in eastern Uganda near the learn traditional and new tunes from the NFTY town of Mbale who practice Judaism. Although they are not genetically bencher, the blessing and songbook we use at Mount or historically related to other Jewish communities, they are devout in Zion meals. All songs will be available in transliteration. their practice of the religion, keeping their version of kashrut, and ob- serving Shabbat. They only date to the late 19th Century. March 3 - The Jews of Cuba Great Expectations: It is said that Christopher Columbus was part- A Program for Expecting Parents Jewish, and that Jewish sailors were part of his Sunday, November 4, 11:00 a.m - 12:15 p.m. (No Cost) crew when he landed on the island in 1492. Cantor Jennifer Strauss-Klein Ever since, there has been a Jewish community in Cuba. Even today, Jewish life, although Great Expectations is an opportunity for expectant small, is still vibrant. individuals and couples to gather in an intimate setting for a Jewish perspective on pregnancy, birth, April 7 - The Jews of Iraq baby namings, briss and what it means to be a new One of the first major Judean communities out- parent. Participants will be able to share their side of Eretz Israel can be found here, with ori- concerns, questions and ideas as well as get advice gins dating to the destruction of Jerusalem and about prayers to bring to the hospital, Hebrew names and ways Solomon's Temple in 586 BCE. It would be the to connect to the synagogue and Judaism with their new families. lamentation of the Priests in the Galut, the No cost for this program. Exile, that would give rise to spiritual Zionism embodied in Psalm 137.

Unorthodox: An Israel Book Discussion The Scandalous Rejection of My Hassidic Roots Join Charles Fodor and members of Mount Zion’s by Deborah Feldman Israel committee for an engaging conversation about Saturday, November 17, 7 pm Israeli life through its literature. When we meet in $9, $6 St. Paul JCC Member Value Price November, we will discuss other titles and format for Part of the 2012 Twin Cities Jewish Book Fair future gatherings. Even if you cannot read the book Co-sponsored by Mount Zion in advance, you are welcome. Questions: Contact Charles Fodor at [email protected]. The Satmar sect of Hasidic Judaism is as mysterious as it is intriguing to outsiders. Deborah Feldman was married First Book and Date: at age seventeen to a man she had only met for thirty My Russian Grandmother and Her American minutes. Feldman recalls how stolen moments reading Vacuum Cleaner: A Family Memoir about the empowered literary characters of Jane Austen By Meir Shalev and Louisa May Alcott helped her to see an alternative way of life. Unorthodox is the captivating odyssey of a young woman Monday, November 5, 7 p.m. determined to live her own life at any cost. Meet in the Mount Zion Library

7 BROTHERHOOD PRIME TIMERS Shalom Friends, For members 55 and older. Bagel Sales and Wi-Fi Café in Lipschultz Lounge: The Brotherhood will be selling flavored coffee (K-Cups), hot chocolate, and bagels (with Chanukah Potluck Lunch and Party cream cheese and lox) before Sunday school this year in Lipschultz Monday, December 10, 12:00 p.m. lounge. Everyone is invited to make use of the Wi-Fi in the Temple, eat bagels, and drink our coffee. Sales will be from about 8:45 until about Please bring a salad or a dessert to share. For the gift exchange, each 10:30. Please e-mail Arnie Krohn ([email protected]) to volunteer person attending should bring one new or gently used gift ($5 or less). to help. Any profits are returned to the Temple to support camp schol- RSVP: Joan Newmark, 651-340-3487 or [email protected]. arships, the rabbi's fund, the Purim Carnival, and the Mother's Day Brunch. Brotherhood membership forms were mailed in early July. Thanks NOAZIM - 20S/30S GROUP again to all Temple members who’ve already sent in their annual dues payment which ensures this year's programming and Tzedakah. If you Making Judaism relevant to 20- & 30- somethings at Mount Zion! haven't sent in your payment, please bring (or mail) the check to the For more information on upcoming events, to get involved, or to Temple. simply get on our mailing list, email [email protected] or find our group on Facebook! Brotherhood Meeting: Our next monthly business meeting is sched- uled for Monday Nov. 12. Contact Richard ([email protected], 651 340-3487) if you will join us for pizza, salad, and discussion. Soul Food Friday Come for the food, stay and feed your soul! Richard Newmark President, Mount Zion Brotherhood First Friday of every month. November 2 Jewish Genealogy 101: Shabbat Dinner* @ 7:15 Finding your Jewish Roots Kabbalat Shabbat Service @ 8:15 p.m. Sunday, December 2, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (No Cost) Connect with new people at this friendly and inviting service! Sin- Steve Greenstein and Phil Goldman gles, couples, partners, ALL are welcome! *For dinner, RSVP to [email protected] ($5). Have you ever wondered where your family really came from and what their lives were like before and CARING COMMUNITY after emigrating to the Mount Zion Cares! U.S.? Are you curious how your family ended up The Caring Community Program is here to help Mount Zion living in Minnesota? Temple members in their moments of need. We reach out to you Have you ever considered with a helping hand when there is injury, illness, grief or other life the possibility of having stressors. unknown relatives who We provide meals, rides, visitors, and shiva support. could be living anywhere To get help contact the program at [email protected] in the world? Or might or call 651-698-3881 your relatives simply be getting on in years, and have stories that you need to capture before Looking for a 7th Grade Mitzvah Project? they go? Like to make people smile? If you like detective work, have an interest in history and culture, or Become a Mitzvah Clown! are looking for a fun, family activity that can connect multiple gen- erations – this could be the session for you. Next site visit: Sunday, November 18, 12:30 – 3:00 p.m. Additional site visits planned (same time): Learn how to use the power of the Internet and basic research tools December 9, February 3, April 14, and June 2 and techniques to build your own family tree, connect with other rel- atives who may be searching for your family, experience the thrill of As mitzvah clowns, we will role play, learn how to make balloon an- finding relatives you never knew of, and (re) discover your roots (Jew- imals, apply clown makeup, get dressed in clown clothes, and bring ish and otherwise) along the way. joy to those who need some! This is great for both adults and kids (Grade 5 and up!), Teens, Families and especially 7th graders! RSVP This will be an introductory session in Jewish Genealogy. BY October 1st: Please contact Sue Lund at [email protected] or 952-217-0594. The site visits are to Sholom Home West.

8 BAT MITZVAH SISTERHOOD Victoria Garner Pampered Chef November 10, 2012 Sunday, November 4, 10 am-12 p.m. at Mount Zion It’s Pampered Chef time! Come check out the latest in cooking pans Victoria Garner is the daughter of Ruth and Jon Garner and the sis- and utensils, baking dishes, recipes and seasonings. You can order gifts ter of Sidney Garner. Victoria is the granddaughter of Gerald & Deb- that will be here in time for the holidays! orah Goldberg, Lawrence Garner (married to Brenda Garner) and the late Marilyn Garner. She is in 8th grade at Friendly Hills Middle Theater Schedule School where her favorite subjects are Math, Language Arts, and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, $71, Jan 8, 7:30 p.m. Music where she plays the clarinet. Victoria participates in Math Mary Poppins, $71, April 25, 7:30 p.m. Team, Debate, Jazz Band, and Speech. Her other hobbies include War Horse, $75, June 19, 7:30 p.m. reading, writing, singing in Shir Chants, playing piano, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. Victoria hopes to be a bestselling All plays will be at the Orpheum Theater. Payment not due until 6 author one day. A portion of Victoria’s gift money will go to Dakota weeks before performance. BEST SEATS! Call Toba to reserve your Communities where she enjoys having fun with the residents. tickets, 952-953-0228.

MIRIAM’S WELL VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH Sisterhood’s Judaica Shop News One Stop Chanukah Shopping! During Shabbat services on November 16, a group Volunteer of the Month Award will be presented to all those who organized, built, 20% off ALL Jewelry for Month of November! and worked at the Drive-Thru and Run-Thru Sukkah. For the finest selection of Chanukah items, shop at your Sisterhood Judaica Shop. We offer gift wrap, (chanukiot) menorot, Chanukah These volunteers were banners and decorations, paper goods, dreidels of all sizes and colors, nominated by Richard candles, CDs, video cassettes and gelt. In addition, we have games, Newmark. The project puzzles, toys, jewelry, gift items, greeting cards, books for all ages, was led by “sukkah and ritual items. Stop in soon and let us help you meet your every mavens” Phil Goldman Chanukah need. and Sam Shiffman. Hours: They accomplished this Sunday, Nov. 4, 11, 18 & Dec. 2, 9, 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. significant effort with Wednesday, Oct. 31, Nov.7, 14, 28 & Dec. 5 & 12, 4:00-7:30 p.m. less than six weeks lead Friday, one hour before services (starting November 2) time. The joyous harvest festival of Sukkot got a special boost Shop early for best selections. this year as Mount Zion created the Midwest’s first Drive-Thru Sukkah! This high-visibility project, constructed in Mount Zion’s parking lot on Summit Avenue, engaged and informed Red Cross Blood Drive congregants, neighbors, and many of Kowalski’s staff in the Your donation can help save the lives of up to 3 people! meaning and celebration of the holiday. Neighborhood House, Blood Drive Chair: Terri Stander through the incorporation of a food drive, also was a partner in this project. This sukkah withstood wind, shifting sands, and the occasional bad driver throughout the holiday. The Drive-Thru Sukkah was accompanied by a Run-Thru Sukkah on the day of the Twin Cities Marathon along the race- course, providing inspiration, water, and amusement to athletes on their way to the finish line! Many others helped make this all Wednesday, November 7 happen, including the teachers, school groups, lay leaders, con- Margolis Hall at Mount Zion Temple gregants, and staff who helped out at various points: decorating Schedule your appointment online at www.redcrossblood.org, the Sukkot, instructing drivers on the prayers, and the proper sponsor code 4008. There is a required 56 day interval in between way to shake the lulav through the moon roof of a Fiat, provid- blood donations. Double red blood cell donors need to have 4 ing water and cheers to runners, and disassembling the Sukkot months between their donations.Donating blood is a mitzvah! Please so that they can retire, splinter-free, until next harvest season. contact Terri Stander at 651-293-1776 or [email protected] to vol- We thank all who helped make this year's celebration special! unteer or with any questions.

9 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL NEWS Wishing you a happy, healthy Thanksgiving!

There will be NO School on: Wednesday, November 21 or Sunday, November 25 in observance of Thanksgiving

Consecrants holding their Torahs "IM EIN KEMACH, EIN TORAH; with special covers designed by their parents. IM EIN TORAH, EIN KEMACH." (PIRKEI AVOT) Bread and Torah November 18 Without sustenance, there can be no Torah; Without Torah there can be no sustenance.

What do you think our sages meant by this dual statement? As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, religious school students will learn about the interrelationship between bread and Torah. They will spend school time preparing a meal for single mothers and their children living at Jeremiah Program, one of Mount Zion’s Tzedek partner or- ganizations. Parent volunteers are needed! To participate in the mitz- vah that feeds families in need, contact Dana Prottas at [email protected]. Around the school. Mount Zion Hebrew Program Fall Hebrew Conferences Weds., November 14 & Sun., November 18

Conferences are a special time for parents/guardians to meet with Hebrew teachers to hear about their child’s progress in the Hebrew classroom. An e-mail will be sent to you shortly with an online registration link.

Upcoming Events November 4 – Change Clocks Students preparing for Sukkot. November 3-4 – Fourth Grade Shabbaton November 11 – OSRUI Recruitment Presentation November 14 & 18 – Hebrew Conferences November 17-18 – Sixth Grade Retreat November 18 – Bread and Torah November 21 & 25 – Thanksgiving Break

10 TEEN AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES 7th Grade A Day Apart Shabbaton 5773 Gesher JYG (Junior Youth Group 7th-8th Grade)

Skyzone Saturday, November 17, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Contact Mike Kahn, [email protected] with any questions. Sign up online at www.mzion.nirsham.com/events.

Noar Tzion (4th-6th Grade)

th Mad Science: 10 Grade Confirmation Retreat 5773 Fire & Ice and Slime Workshop Sunday, Nov. 11, 12:15-2:45 p.m. RSVP at mzion.nirsham.com Contact Mike Kahn, [email protected] with questions.

SPORTY News and Events SPORTY Blue Jeans Shabbat Friday, November 16, 6-9:30 p.m. Come join SPORTY for Shabbat! We will learn, pray, and enjoy an ice cream sundae bar on this laid-back Shabbat evening. We’ll join the congregation for services, but feel free to come in your jeans!

The Yom Kippur Food Drive brought in 2,800 lbs of food! Thank you! SPORTY Board Meetings 8th & 9th Grade Torah Trekkin’ 5773 All Meetings are Wed. from 7:15-8:30 p.m. November 7, 14, 28

SPORTY High Holiday Food Collection for Neighborhood House

11 THANK YOU...FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS GENERAL OPERATING In Honor of Receiving the Marion King RABBIS’ Sidney Barrows Lifetime DISCRETIONARY FUND FUND Steve & Gail Brand Achievement Award: Esther Kobrin In Yahrzeit Memory of: In Honor of: Steve Brand Hilary & Jerry Kobrin Beatrice Kanny Chris Simon & Sheila & Martin Schuman Susan Leonard Margaret Spiegel Judy Sharken-Simon MOUNT ZION Sue & Stan Leonard In Honor of the Birthday of: Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Sharken CEMETERY Yakov Lev Sue Lund In Yahrzeit Memory of: MAINTENANCE & Rafail Lev & Family Michael Kuhne & Amanda Albert David Goodman PERPETUAL CARE Sybil Lipschultz Roll-Kuhne Arthur Goodman FUND William Lipschultz In Honor of the Bar Mitzvah of: Constance Goodman Flossie Newmark Isaac Ash Eugene H. “Happy” Goodman In Yahrzeit Memory of: Jeff Oberman & Lynn & Alan Ash Henrietta Cook Goodman Miriam Benowitz Kathy Conner In Honor of the Brit Milah of: Max Goodman Betty Marz Harold Pelly Jonas Gillman Raymond L. Goodman Rose Brand Susanne & Natalie Spitzer Esther & Richard Gillman Theodore Goodman Steve & Gail Brand Bruce David Peterson In Appreciation of: Emma View Earl Conner Janet Leach Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker Stephanie Goodman Howard & Mariam Lowinger Fanniebelle Robins Doreen & Sanders Gwin Mary Ann Reilly Lois Hoffman Jo Elllen & Stan Robins John Mast HARRIS CHAPEL Jan Hoffman Harold Rosoff In Appreciation of: PRESIDENTS’ Stewart Rosoff The Clergy In Yahrzeit Memory of: DISCRETIONARY FUND Harry Sarbach Art & Mirriam Thell June Barrows Barbara Sarbach In Honor of the Birthday of: Donation: Mary Ann & David Wark James F. Schwartz Sue Lund Mildred Raffe M & S MANDEL MUSIC Amy Moore Jean King & Stuart Daniel Sogin FUND Anita Schwarz Appelbaum Bessie Schwarz CANTORS’ In Yahrzeit Memory of: In Honor of Receiving the Walter Schwarz DISCRETIONARY FUND Stelle Mandel Sidney Barrows Lifetime Marcella Sechter Roxy Lerner Achievement Award: In Yahrzeit Memory of: Pearl Rosen & Family In Memory of: Steve Brand Earl Conner Harvey Sniderman Abbey Kuller Jean King & Stuart Howard & Mariam Lowinger Karol, Tony, Adam & Daniel Erma Lipschultz Appelbaum In Honor of the Bar Mitzvah of: Berliner Roxy Lerner Isaac Ash SHIR TZION Bernard Tousman Lynn & Alan Ash MITZVAH FOODSHELF CHILDRENS CHOIR Mitzi & Rich Gramling In Support of Cantor Spilker: FUND FUND Rita Grossman Cynthia Launer & Will Thomas In Yahrzeit Memory of: In Memory of: Marc & Mayda Raffe Ludwig Baum Charles Anthony “Bud” Dorn Lois & Walter Baum The Hotvedt Family BLOOM LIBRARY FUND Rose Brand Mary Ann & David Wark In Memory of: Marion King HARRY WARD FAMILY Robert Launer Steve & Gail Brand YOUTH & TEEN Our apologies.... Bette Ann & Richard Bloom Ethel Rosenblum DIRECTOR FUND These names were inadvertently In Yahrzeit Memory of: Lois & Walter Baum omitted from the Memorial Robert W. Paskins In Memory of: In Yahrzeit Memory of: Book: Sally & Mitch Rubinstein Robert Launer Scott Ward Emily Seesel Jeff, Tracie, Zach & Brett Milton Applebaum CARING COMMUNITY In Honor of the Birth of: Ward Judith Lewin Chausss FUND Sonia Pred YAHRZEIT FUND In Yahrzeit Memory of: Tammy & Carl Birnberg Bella Glass In Honor of the Anniversary of: In Yahrzeit Memory of: Rozanne Glass Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Hoffman Bertha Applebaum Laura Jarvinen Jan Hoffman Susan and Dan Levey Ilona & Robert Rouda In Honor of: Eva Applebaum In Memory of: Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker Howard Applebaum Abbey Kuller Rabbi Esther Adler Meyer Applebaum Donald & Maureen Giblin Cantor Rachel Stock Spilker Maxine & Stuart Applebaum The Family of Abbey Kuller Cantor Jennifer Strauss-Klein John Berdie Julie Woodward Ilona & Robert Rouda Reine Shiffman Robert Launer In Honor of the Birthday of: Molly Blaize Bernice Rosten Sue Lund Jeff Oberman & Joe & Ellen Konstan Kathy Conner Z. WILLARD FINBERG Henry Borow CED FUND In Honor of the Bat Mitzvah of: Becca Swiler Carolyn Borow & Brad Moore In Memory of: Lois & Walter Baum & Family Marvin Borman In Support of Cantor Spilker: Hazel Brim Dee Dee & Dick Harris Beverly Bunin-Gillman Stuart Appelbaum Scott Bunin Sol Ellis FUND FOR MOUNT Ron & Betty Ellis ZION Donations: Richard Epstein & Candy Gray In Memory of: Melissa Weisman The Family of Candy Gray Dennis Engel Dee Albert & Shel Finver Stephen Holczimmer Robert Launer Bill & Gloria Levin Sandra Lyksett Mary Ann & David Wark Mildred Miller Vladimir Kashevatskiy Franzi Perlman Galina Kashevatskaya Marilyn & Howard Silver

12 Sukkot at Mount Zion!

Thank You Sukkah Volunteers! We now know that it takes many volunteers to run 3 successful Sukkot (plural of “sukkah”). We want to thank everyone that helped in our Sukkot on Wednesday, October 3, and Sunday, October 7. Thank you to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, Adele Brown, Jessica Griffith, Sarah Kogut, Luciano Kolodny, Peggy Kipp, Michael Kuhne, Brita Kukich, LoRene Leikind, Dan Levey, Vicki and Chuck Long, Batya Spector, Liz Stein, Jennifer Wallen. A special thank you to the Sukkah builders and coordinators who worked so hard: Howard and Jordan Epstein, Aaron Grossman, Charlie Rich, Bill Robiner, Neil, Jessica, & Han- nah Segal, Reine Shiffman, and David Wark. Mostly our thanks to Phil Goldman for helping plan and for so much more, and to Sam Shiffman whose engineering and building expertise and tire- less efforts made this project possible.

13 A Year of Tzedek What drives you to work for a better world? Sunday, November 11, 9:45 – 12:15 p.m. Open Meeting at Mount Zion, Facilitated by Beth Zemsky

After the elections and our conversations, what ways can we come together to put our Jewish values to work for tzedek in our state? Tzedek and Stories: What is your story? Jewish Values and the Stories We Tell By Michael Kuhne

Over the high holy days, my head was filled with many thoughts, my The rabbi goes on to cite Harvard professor Marshall Ganz, who claims, heart with many feelings. One thought I had came in the shape of That’s the power of story. Stories communicate our values questions: what would it be like to have a year of tzedek during a non- through the language of the heart, our emotions. And it is what election year? How would this year of tzedek be different if it took we feel – our hopes, our cares, our obligations – not simply what place, for instance, in 5774 and not 5773? I am not sure how it would we know that can inspire us with the courage to act. be different, but I know that it would be different. I will leave you to ponder the questions and their answers for yourselves. What are your stories? Which values do they convey? In the months to come, we’ll return to these questions time and again. The clergy has I know that organizing and planning social justice programming, helped us identify three fundamental Jewish values that might drive us events, and actions during an election year is a political and spiritual to work for a better world: minefield. The way the ballot works, our conversations about elections, no matter how capacious they might begin, will always narrow to two Yitziat Mitzrayim – leaving Egypt and knowing the heart of choices: yes or no? this candidate or that candidate? Unfortunately, the the stranger. manner of our current civic discourse has been more divisive than B’tzelem Elohim- we are all created in the image of God. unifying. Too often, political discussions seem like the old Monty Tikkun Olam - the world, created imperfectly, is waiting for Python “Argument” skit: “this isn’t an argument – yes it is – no it isn’t us to mend it. – yes it is – no, this is just contradiction . . . .” These values might affirm the way you see the world. They might in- Maybe I am experiencing election year fatigue (although watching that form the way you think and act. However, it is the stories that we can skit does provide some welcomed comic relief). However, I know that attach to these values that breathe life into the values. What is your when I can listen to people tell their stories about what moves them to story? act for justice, I am deeply moved. We are, in one sense, the accumu- This is all prelude to my invitation to attend the Sunday, November 11 lation of our stories. Open Meeting from 9:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. at Mount Zion Temple. During Rabbi Spilker’s Rosh Hashanah sermon, “Speaking of Justice,” The session will be facilitated by Beth Zemsky, a consultant specializing he cites some inspirational thinkers and writers. The rabbi quotes in social change work. Hopefully, you will be sharing stories with an- Rabbi Art Green, who suggests that “the purpose of religion . . . is to other prior to this gathering, during which we will have an opportunity help us move from gratitude to gift,” and I want to suggest that our to discuss the social justice issues most pressing to us and to others. stories, when told and listened to authentically, are gifts that we can share with one another.

14 Minnesota Rabbinical Association Marriage and Wedding Guidelines

(See Rabbi Spilker’s message on page 2 for the context of this statement.)

On May 24, 2012, the Minnesota Rabbinical Association (MRA) affirmed the following resolution: While the MRA recognizes the value of its historic wedding policy over the past six decades concerning the location of weddings, the decision about officiating at the wedding venues will now be at the sole discretion of each rabbi. As the MRA ends its current policy, we ap- preciate the good the previous position has brought to generations of Minnesota’s Jews. We continue to encourage couples to consider the synagogue as the location to uphold the sanctity of the wedding covenant between two reim ahuvim/loving partners who stand be- fore God and the Jewish people. The rabbis of the MRA have long guided many in the Minnesota Jewish community in the celebration of marriage. We offer the following statement of values as a guide for our community. We encourage all to reflect on them especially before planning a wedding: Marriage: We affirm the sanctity of marriage reflecting the value Judaism places on committed, monogamous re- lationships. Preparing for the Wedding We value the months of preparation leading up to a wedding ceremony and we pray for a long, healthy marriage. We invite couples to be in conversation with their rabbi about choosing a date and location of the ceremony before any arrangements are made. It is appropriate for the home rabbi to extend invita- tions to other clergy who might be involved. We require pre-marital counseling. Ceremony and Celebration The location for the ceremony ought to reflect the sacred quality of the occasion. In most cases, the synagogue best achieves this ideal. A home or a natural setting may also inspire a sense of kedushah/holiness. The celebration of a wedding is a joy for the community. It is appropriate to celebrate in a way that reflects Jewish values. Judaism places a value on: • modesty in dress and all aspects of celebration. • moderation in the choice of decorations and flowers. • minimization of waste in the celebration and consciousness of impact on the environment. • food that is appropriate to the celebration of a seudat mitzvah (the celebration of the mitzvah of the wedding) as interpreted by our religious traditions. • giving tzedakah in order to remember our responsibility to others even as we are celebrating our joyful occasion (e.g. giving 3% to MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger or to other worthy causes that are meaningful to the celebrating family). A NOTE ABOUT MOUNT ZION: Mount Zion’s rabbis look forward to meeting with all couples considering marriage/unions. Rabbi Spilker’s officiation guidelines when couples come from different faith backgrounds are available at www.mzion.org under “life cycles.” Regardless of officiation, all cou- ples are invited to receive a blessing in anticipation of their marriage/union during a Shabbat service. May all seeking marriage find their union to be a blessing to them, family, community, to the Holy One of Blessing, to our people, and indeed to the world.

15 SOCIAL ACTION UPDATE Tzedek = Justice

Attention Veterans and Families of Veterans: Continued from p. 3 Beyond the Yellow Ribbon I understood tikkun olam to mean “repairing the world,” and during War and peace are complex issues. Many of us have strong this year of tzedek at Mount Zion Temple, we are understanding tikkun opinions on these issues and our government’s actions around olam as “the world, created imperfectly, is waiting for us to mend it.” them. Our scripture teaches us, “There is a time to love and a With some trepidation, I told my story about battling acute, situational time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace” (Eccl. 3:8). depression on and off throughout my life. Some of our family members have heard the call to join the I first experienced depression as a teenager. I would continue to experi- military when it was a time for war. Now is a time to love, honor and ence depression on and off throughout my early adult years. My last support all of those who are serving or have served in the military and bout was almost fourteen years ago (knock on wood; throw salt over their families who lived with the stress of having a loved one at war. my left shoulder, and so on). It was stultifying. I felt distant from every- Here at Mount Zion we believe in supporting our military families thing that was near to me: my spouse, my family, my work. Depression regardless of our stand on war. for me was like taking a pair of binoculars and turning them around so The City of Saint Paul has become a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon City. that when I viewed them, what I saw was small and distorted. What I Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a comprehensive initiative committed saw was me. That is a narcissistic and paralyzing moment. to providing an opportunity for Minnesotans to support our military At the time, I was teaching an ethics course, and one of the essays I had members and their families with community support, training, serv- assigned was by John Stuart Mills, who was writing about his own de- ices and resources. As a good neighbor within the Saint Paul commu- pression. Mills notes that when he was able to turn outward from his nity, Mount Zion Temple wants to do its part by joining the network melancholy and pay attention to those around him, the melancholy to honor this country’s men and women and their families, who are began to disappear. serving, and have served our country through their military service. And so, I attempted what Mills had suggested. I shifted my attention to Will you help us? my spouse, to my family, to my students and my work. It wasn’t a dra- We are asking for your help us make our own list, a Mount Zion list matic overnight transition, but it was a persistent attempt to connect of military families. with others. I am forever grateful that it worked. • Are you an active duty military member or a veteran of the military? When I hear many people discuss tikkun olam, they discuss the outward • Do you have a member of your family who is performing active focus of this work. The broken item is an injustice that must be ad- duty military service or is a veteran? dressed: racism, sexism, homophobia, poverty. Yes, these are broken • Do you consider your family a military family? items that demand our attention. However, I cannot drive a nail with a We want to know. broken hammer; I cannot cut wood with a dull saw. In my shift to oth- Please contact Kate Cavett, who is leading Mount Zion’s Beyond the ers, I was mending myself. In mending myself, I was able to begin Yellow Ribbon effort, and let her know your name or your family mending the world, and the inverse is true as well: in mending the member’s name, the branch of the military, and the years of service. world, I was mending myself. We want to create a list, of military families to honor them on the For me, this is what tikkun olam offers the world: an opportunity to re- weekend of Veteran’s Day (Sunday, November 11). Send your infor- pair and mend the world, and in doing so, I am made more whole, mation to [email protected] or call 651-227-5987. more human, more full of life. When I was studying with Rabbi Adler, she asked me what my understanding of G-d was. I told her that I thought G-d was a broken mirror, a million beautiful shards of reflec- tive glass, and that it was our job to put the mirror back together. That act of putting the mirror back together is akin to tikkun olam: I am one piece of the whole. Neighborhood House Needs Volunteers! Please consider donating some of your time this fall and winter at this “The world, created imperfectly, is waiting for us to mend it.” What is multi-cultural social service agency that Mt Zion founded over 100 your tikkun olam story? Tell it to a loved one, tell it to a trusted friend, years ago. Neighborhood House helps immigrants, refugees and and then tell it whenever the occasion arises. Encourage others to tell underserved populations break the cycle of poverty through basic needs their tikkun olam story and listen with a clear mind and heart. I prom- support, youth and adult education, and community building. ise you: these stories having healing, inspiring, and motivational pow- ers.What is your story? • Volunteers with large vehicles are needed for food pick ups for the Food Shelf once per month on Tuesdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m. i Ganz, Marshall. “What is Public Narrative?” Kennedy School. 2008. • New Francis Basket Food Shelf volunteers are needed in the afternoons on Tuesdays/Fridays 1-4 p.m. Tzedek Display Case • English Language Learning co-teachers are needed 9-11 a.m., Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Please take a moment to view the Tzedek display case, which is to your left as you enter through the Summit Avenue doors. Thanks to Mary Want more information? Email Riley Karbon ([email protected]) Ann Wark for creating this display, which honors the history of Mount or P.J. Pofahl ([email protected]) Zion Temple’s social justice efforts.

16 SOCIAL ACTION UPDATE Tzedek = Justice Vote! Tuesday, November 6 Vote. After you vote, wear the “I voted” sticker proudly throughout the day and inspire others to vote as well. Remember that Minnesota has experienced a re-districting, and your polling location may have changed. Use the Secretary of State’s Polling Place Finder, where you will be prompted to provide address information. Not only can you learn your polling site, but you can also view a sample ballot. Remember to vote, too, on the two proposed Minnesota constitution amendments. You can find Mount Zion Temple’s Board position regard- Please join us on ing the marriage amendment on the temple’s web site. Please take the time to educate yourself regarding the Voter ID amend- Friday, December 14, at 6:00 p.m. for ment. There are many resources available to the curious voter on this amendment also available on Mount Zion’s web site www.mzion.org or check out www.jewishcommunityaction.org web site. A Family Chanukah Dinner Celebrate the joy and fun of Chanukah with family and Take the Election Day off, Help to Get-out-the-vote. Join the larger Jewish Community as we remind people to vote and help them get to the friends! You can bring your own Chanukiah and candles! polls. Contact Jewish Community Action 651-632-2184 to let us know you will be joining the fun. More details in the December bulletin. Educate yourselves and then vote with your conscience. SPONSORED BY MOUNT ZION TEMPLE SISTERHOOD

INTERFAITH CONNECTIONS Questions about Chanukah? www.mzion.org and Grandparents Circle Course www.myjewishlearning.com A free, five-week program at Mount Zion

Mondays, Nov. 5-Dec. 3, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Professionally facilitated by Marjorie Sigel, MSW, LICSW, Jewish Family Services Join the Grandparents Circle Course • All sessions will be held at Mount Zion Temple, 1300 Summit Ave. Saint Paul; www.mzion.org. 651-698-3881 Sunday, December 9 • Space is limited. Please RSVP to: Maureen Davidson, Mount Race Grand Marshal Zion Interfaith Outreach Coordinator (651-645-9244; Sven Sundgaard, Kare 11 Meteorologist [email protected]). What is Grandparents Circle? 10k Start 12:30 p.m. at the St. Paul JCC • This program is for Jewish grandparents whose children are in- 5k Start 1:15 p.m. at Temple of Aaron termarried. It offers participants skills and techniques to share Post Dash Bash & Family Concert their Jewish heritages and nurture their interfaith Featuring Saul Kaye grandchildren’s Jewish identities. The Twin Cities’ largest Hanukah celebration • Also, all participants are welcome to join an online community 2 p.m. at the St. Paul JCC that allows grandparents to share their experiences with others. Free! All are welcome! Sign up for the Grandparents Circle Online Community by emailing Hannah Morris at [email protected]. Register for the race at active.com The Grandparents Circle is a national project of the Jewish Outreach Institute, www.JOI.org. Sponsorship for this program is generously made possible through Mount Zion’s Ruvelson Outreach Fund.

17 TAKE HOLD OF TORAH - A YEAR OF TZEDEK Uncontainable love So Isaac Luria, the mystic of Safad, expands upon this theory. In this The Talmud meditates upon the symbolic power of containers. In the midrash, God’s containers break in the act of Creation. Why? A love rabbinic imagination, mundane objects become the instruments of so great overflows its boundaries. When we have taught ourselves to holiness. When a person dies, the spirit breaks free from its “con- reassemble the containers of the holy light, God knows that, all the tainer,” the body, and this causes a ripple effect whereby the pots, the more so, we will have learned the way to raise up the whole world. pans, the cups—even shoes—all the containers in the household be- Thank you to the participants of the Shabbat morning Torah study come unfit for use until they are purified. Why? Because there is a who shared many and diverse insights into Luria’s conception of sense the containers have captured something that does not belong to Tikkun Olam, repair of the world. people, but to God alone. --Jonathan Eisenthal, editor, Take Hold of Torah page

Comments from Shabbat morning Torah Study participants: The first step in performing tikkun olam is to recognize the sparks in When we have taught ourselves to reassemble the containers of the holy others. —William Chittendon light, we will have learned the way to raise up the whole world. We need to work together to save mankind from the destruction due —Jonathan Eisenthal to the impact of global climate change. —Richard Newmark Although we can say with truth Given the experience of the “life isn’t fair,” some of us have The origin of the mystical concept Tikkun Olam Spanish expulsion (1492), an impulse to rectify unfairness, (Repair of the World) this is an amazingly ptimistic to try to mitigate others’ suffer- view of hope for humanity. ing. The human heart is spa- At the beginning of time, God’s presence filled the universe. The redemption of any one cious, and can contain concern When God decided to bring this world into being, to make room spark is not wasted. Jews do for the wellbeing of many. better when our neighbors do for creation, God first drew in breath, contracting God’s self. Tikkun Olam is acting on the better. impulses of the heart, empathy, From that contraction darkness was created. And when God —Hillary Major compassion, love. said, “Let there be light” (Gen. 1:3), the light that came into —Siana Goodwin Did God knowingly make being filled the darkness, and ten holy vessels came forth, each the vessels fragile? God could Tikkun Olam should not be filled with primordial light. have made them sufficiently only for Jews but for all sturdy. What message was humans. —Victor Vital In this way God sent forth those ten vessels, like a fleet of ships, God sending in scattering all Our holiness is in our each carrying its cargo of light. Had they all arrived intact, the of the “holy sparks?” interaction in the world—how world would have been perfect. But the vessels were too fragile The responsibility of gather- we respond to others, to need, to contain such a powerful, divine light. They broke open, split ing the sparks to repair our to hurt, to problems. Holiness is asunder, and all the holy sparks were scattered like sand, like broken world is a gift. It gives about how we do what we do, seeds, like stars. Those sparks fell everywhere…. our lives meaning and not only what we do. thereby joy. —Sharon DeMark That is why we were created — to gather the sparks, no matter —Shirley Kulevsky Luria’s story sounds like a God- where they are hidden…. -We are each emissaries of central description of the “Big When enough holy sparks have been gathered, the broken God. Finding the divine Bang” theory. Maybe the Uni- sparks means recognizing the verse is going to continue in a vessels will be restored, and tikkun olam, the repair of the divine essence within and cycle of expansion and world, awaited so long, will finally be complete. Therefore it acting in a way to bring that contraction, which Luria called should be the aim of everyone to raise these sparks from essence out. -Random acts of repair. We just have to make the wherever they are imprisoned and to elevate them to holiness by kindness are spark gathering. system work until it contracts -G-d had to contract in order and expands again. the power of their soul. to make room for humanity, —David Wark -Howard Schwartz (adapted) summarizing free will and intellect. -If we do not seek to repair the It is our lifelong duty to find the the 16th century views of Lurianic Kabbalah sparks through acts of justice. world we are in violation of —Rosemary Sevett the very reason we were cre- ated. -Many of us are here Every act of kindness toward another helps “repair the world.” because of one’s person’s action. I’m here because my great grandfather —DLM sent his three eldest sons to America, so they wouldn’t be impressed Giving God all the responsibility to repair the world and giving into the Czar’s army. It can take a large act or a small act to experience mankind all the responsibility are both wrong. —Paul Oneness. —Participants

18 Website: E-Mail: Phone: [email protected] Matzek, Teresa Address Requested Service Saint Paul, MN55105 1300 Summit Avenue Mount Zion Temple Ellen B. Rest, President-Elect Rest, B. Ellen President Mast, O. Robert Director School Chai and Teen Apter, Ana Director School Hebrew and School Lower Prottas, Dana Director Executive Solomon, Larry Strauss-Klein Jennifer Cantor Spilker Stock Rachel Cantor Adler Esther Rabbi Spilker Stock Adam Rabbi Sunday, December 9,3-4:30p.m. Mark your calendarsnow. A Joint Program ofISAIAHandJewish CommunityAction A clergyandpublicconversation withelectedState andLocalLeaders Speaking ofFaith after theElections INSIDE Sunday This leadership? aftertheelection. communityforum afternoon willbeanimportant elected our to values, and faith our in views, grounded our about speak we do How future. state's our about conversation the in needed are voices our 6, November on be will results the Whatever

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7 Attention Veterans and Families of Veterans: Beyond the Yellow Ribbon at Mount Zion Temple After theelectionsandourconversations, whatways canwe cometogether to putourJewish valuestowork for tzedekinourstate? Seepage14. Open MeetingatMountZion, Facilitated by BethZemsky Before You Get on the Plane: Presenter: Steve Brand Thoughts About Wills & Estate Planning What drives you towork for abetterworld? for more details. See page16 Sunday, November 11, 9:45–12:15p.m. Food for Thought Friday, November 16, 5:45-7:00 p.m. A Year of Tzedek See page 6 for more details. Presenter: Curt Brown Little Crow Following theFootsteps of TWIN CITIES,MN TWIN PERMIT NO.814 US POSTAGE PAID PRESORTED STANDARD A Year of Tzedek What drives you to work for a better world? Join us: Sunday, November 11, 9:45 – 12:15 p.m. Open Meeting at Mount Zion, Facilitated by Beth Zemsky I hada conversation! After the elections and our Join on Nov.11 conversations, what ways can we come together to put our Jewish values to work for tzedek in our state?

Tzedek and Stories: What is your story? Jewish Values and the Stories We Tell By Michael Kuhne, Selections from article in the bulletin Iton Tzion, p. 14

During Rabbi Spilker’s Rosh Hashanah sermon, “Speaking of Justice,” he cites some inspirational thinkers and writers. He quotes Rabbi Art Green, who suggests that “the purpose of religion . . . is to help us move from gratitude to gift,” and I want to suggest that our stories, when told and listened to authentically, are gifts that we can share with one another. The rabbi goes on to cite Harvard professor Marshall Ganz, who claims, That’s the power of story. Stories communicate our values through the language of the heart, our emotions. And it is what we feel – our hopes, our cares, our obligations – not simply what we know that can inspire us with the courage to act. What are your stories? Which values do they convey? Do any of the three foundational Jewish values (below) speak to your own motivations for improving the world? If they do, can “owning” these values strengthen your own story?

Yitziat Mitzrayim – leaving Egypt and knowing the heart of the stranger. B’tzelem Elohim - we are all created in the image of God. Tikkun Olam - the world, created imperfectly, is waiting for us to mend it. Then, please join for Sunday, November 11th at the Open Meeting. The session will be facilitated by Beth Zemsky, a consultant specializing in social change work. Hopefully, you will be sharing stories with another prior to this gathering, during which we will have an opportunity to discuss the social justice issues most pressing to us and to others. 15

From Gratitude to Gift Every Gift is Meaningful Every Member can Contribute

12:01 AM to 11:59PM Thursday, November 15 Log in through www.GiveMN.org www.mzion.org

During Give to the Max Day 2012 Mount Zion will be eligible for prize grants in the form of hourly “Golden Tickets” - an hourly drawing to add $1000 to a donor’s donation, randomly selected from donors who gave during each hour of the event.

One donor giving to a nonprofit will be drawn in the evening for a Super- sized Golden Ticket of $10,000 added to their donations.

Our Goal is $54,000 We Need YOU to Participate!