Temple Times
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TEMPLETemple TIMESTimes JANUARDEC 2020Y 2020 | KISLEV–TEVES| TEVES/SHEVA T5781 5780 | | VOLUME VOLUME 324 311 | | URJURJ AFFILIATED AFFILIATED TEMPLE EMANU-EL | SARASOTA, FL | FOUNDED 1956 Rabbi’s Message: with Christmas celebrations, we miss Hanukkah Means out on what is uniquely beautiful about Hanukkah. Dedication In Jewish tradition, Hanukkah is actually a minor holiday; it’s become A few years ago, our family spent central mostly because of its proximity Hanukkah in Israel, and it was amaz- to Christmas. But Hanukkah holds a ing. On the first night, we witnessed the special significance and purpose as well. kindling of a giant menorah in front of The word Hanukkah literally means Tel Aviv’s city hall, then went in search Rabbis Glickman and family celebrating “dedication.” And I suggest that we use of a good gluten-free restaurant for din- Hanukkah in Israel these eight nights of Hanukkah to dedi- ner. As we wandered, I thought that as cate, or rededicate, ourselves to learning, wonderful as the menorah-lighting had menorah and candles on every table. exploring, and being inspired by Juda- been, I missed the intimacy of saying the It was the same each night of ism. How? I have a few ideas: blessings and watching our own candles Hanukkah. In hotel lobbies, along the Eight Hebrew Words. Why not learn burn. Maybe tomorrow night, I told streets of Jerusalem, even at the kiosk a new Hebrew word each night of Ha- myself. where we returned our rental car and the nukkah? Google “Hebrew Word of the But there was no need to wait. We airport where we prepared to board our Day,” and you’ll find a variety of websites soon found a place to eat, a place that flight back to the States, were hanuk- ready to teach you how to say everything served gluten-free crepes—and had a kiyot, candles, and matches. In Haifa we from rachamim (mercy) to k’vish (road). ate at a sushi restaurant that didn’t have Or join me in subscribing to “Your Daily IN THIS ISSUE menorahs on the table; when we asked, Dose of Hebrew” (it’s free!) at https:// our waiter apologized and invited us ulpan.com/your-daily-dose-of-hebrew/, President’s Message . 2 into the kitchen to light candles with the and have a new word or phrase delivered Brotherhood . 3 chef. When we checked into our kibbutz to your inbox every evening. hotel in the Galilee, a giant tray of suf- Sisterhood . 4 Please continue at top of page 2 Executive Director’s Message . 5 ganiyot greeted us. Even the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem were aglow with a Appreciation for Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman . 6 Hanukkah-themed light show. EDITOR’S NOTE Adult Education Update . 6 Things are different here. And while REGARDING THE Member Spotlight . 7 we try to bring a bit of Israel’s Hanukkah CORONAVIRUS Strategic Planning Group Update . 8 spirit into our majority-Christian com- Havurah Committee Update . 8 munities, it’s difficult. I love Hanukkah All services and events are currently Confirmation Class Goes Online . 9 lights, seeing blue-and-white decora- being livestreamed, held via zoom or Opportunities for Young Families . .9 tions on the shelves of Target, hearing shown on our Facebook page. Please Photto Gallery from Rabbi Elaine . 10 that our religious school parents are look for news and updates on the “Empires of Israel” talk . 10 reading Hanukkah stories, distributing temple website and in our Eblasts. Membership Committee’s New Members 11 gelt, and playing dreidel in their chil- Shabbat Services will be livestreamed TEE Peace Wall Project . .12 dren’s classrooms—and of course brows- at: Rabbi Shefrin Renews Contract . 13 ing the wonderful Hanukkah merchan- www.sarasotatemple.org Joyous Sukkot for TEE Families . 14-15 dise in the Temple gift shop! But I also Stay healthy and well worry that when we try to “compete” Rabbi’s Message from page 1 cheim stories” or “Etgar Keret stories” 150, then go to www.sefaria.org and to start. If you’re willing to pay a bit, type in the number of the psalm you Eight New Countries. Explore the explore Orly Castel-Bloom and Shani chose. Jewish world from your computer. Boianjiu as well—their stories are There are many other worthwhile Google “Jewish attractions in” and worth it! ways to spend these days of Hanuk- add the name of a city you’ve always Eight Psalms. If you have a Bible kah—performing eight good deeds, wanted to visit—or visit again. You’ll at home, open to the beginning of the connecting with eight people you care be amazed at how many Jewish mu- Book of Psalms—then flip through the about, sending a little tzedakah to seums, synagogues, and historic sites pages at random and read whichever eight organizations. I’d love to hear will come up; enjoy browsing their psalm comes up. When I do this, the your plans! individual websites, or just click on right psalm always seems to find me Wishing you and yours a holiday Images to indulge in a virtual tour. —it fits my mood and provides the of rededication and renewal, and a Eight New Stories. Did you know comfort or inspiration that I need. I season filled with light and miracles, that many classic and modern Jewish bet it will work for you as well! And and Israeli short stories are available if you don’t have a printed Bible at Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman for free online? Google “Sholom Ale- home, pick a number between 1 and Presidents Message they seek to fulfill their mission and Happy Thanksgiving to all. During vision. In his presentation,” Practi- this season of gratitude and shar- cal Wisdom for Presidents”, he noted ing we need to be thankful for the that much of the work as president liberties and pleasantries we enjoy. should be relational. He went on to On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I say,” that means connecting with wish you and your family both health professional staff, lay leadership and and fulfillment in your days. both board and non-board temple During the recent semi-annual members”. That same message is congregational meeting I spoke of a the focus of Dr. Ron Wolfson’s book recent URJ Seminar I attended for entitled,” Relational Judaism”, that new and president elects. I would like talks about using the power of rela- to share with you two specific pre- tionships to transform the Jewish sentations that are relevant consid- community. In his book he outlines ering the pandemic we continue to twelve principles of relational en- experience. Rabbi Samuel Joseph, gagement that temples and organi- Distinguished Professor of Jewish Barry Gerber zations can employ to attract new Education and Leadership Devel- people and deepen relationships with opment at Hebrew Union College those already in the ranks. Especially in Cincinnati spoke to us on how synagogues can be most excellent as Temple Emanu-El welcomes WELCOME! the following members: Bunin, Andrew & Randee & Family Ducoff, Nick & Elizabeth & Family Hakim, Alya & Clement & Family Hoffman, Eric & Morielle Ross, Joe Schapiro, Dr. Howard & Sandra 2 during this pandemic his book has VUCA—Volatility, Uncertainty, the temple board will respond with significant relevance. I feel Temple Complexity and Ambiguity. During clarity and deliberate process. And Emanu-El is doing many of the right this pandemic many of our members finally, any ambiguity in the opera- things to strengthen our connection are facing uncertainties in their lives. tions of the board will be countered with current members and with the I’m confident that you can count on with agility, the ability to communi- Re-Invention Initiative we hope to the temple should you need its help. cate across the organization and to achieve even greater success. As your Our mission and vision will guide move to apply solutions. The temple president, I plan to focus on innova- us to making the right decisions for is here for you. tion, vision, motivation, trust and Temple Emanu-El. Any uncertainty change. will be countered with understand- Barry Gerber A second presentation by Rabbi ing, listening and appropriate ac- President Joseph focused on the acronym, tion. However complex the future is, Davis Jr…an array of talent the likes “Shabbat To Go” program on TEE’s of which have never been seen in home page. This initiative is jointly one show. Thank you Don Malawsky sponsored by Sisterhood and Broth- for your unique program design and erhood. Michael Lauber and team creativity, and to David Steinbach and are continuing to prepare delicious Jesse Bauer for doing their behind- weekly Shabbat dinner meals, hearty the-scenes magic so we could offer and large-portioned, and available for Brotherhood this as a streamed event We hope you only $18. enjoyed it as much as we did in put- Brotherhood’s ‘Interest Groups’ Brotherhood-2020’s inaugural Sun- ting it together. For the gamers in our are sparking interest. Each group lead day morning lecture program, “Birds, congregation, we brought back Bingo has solicited members to determine Barry and Bagels” was a huge success a few weeks ago and are considering what they would like to see from their with over 80 people in attendance. another Trivia Night at the start of individual groups. We anticipate each We were enraptured as Barry Ger- the year. group will have their first planned ber taught us the history of Celery If you attended our “Bach to event this month. Currently, we have Fields, introduced us to the contribu- Bach” concert last season and enjoy three such groups—Investment Club, tions of Bertha Honore Palmer and classical music, you won’t want to Sports and Theatre.