LIVING TORAH: Humility

The ego provides the lens through which we see all of life. If our lens is clean, we see clearly and can interact in a true way. To be arrogant or self-deprecating distorts our approach to life. stands on a foundation Humility of self-esteem, and is defined by how much space you occupy – being humble means occupying your rightful space, where “space” can be physical, verbal, emotional, financial, and so on. - Alan Morinis, Every Day, Holy Day

I¦TON T¦ZIYON Phrase: oeiv oeYr¦¦ No more than my space, no less than my place.

The Newsletter of Practice: Mount Zion Temple Carry two notes in your pocket. On one, write, “I am dust and ashes”; on the other, “The world was created for me.” October/November 2014 Tishrei/Cheshvan 5775 Mount Zion’s Year of Connecting to Torah: Vol. 159, No. 2 Take Hold of Torah - Take Hold of Mussar/Instruction L’DOR VADOR FROM THE RABBI FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION “Turn it and turn it again, for all is in it. Contemplate MAZEL TOV TO... it, grow grey and old over it; do not budge from it. There Our members who will celebrate a milestone anniversary in October and November: Matthew & is nothing better. –Ben Bag Bag, Pirkei Avot 5:22 Kimberly Parker, Sanders & Doreen Gwin, The year 5775 is the year of our focus on Torah. Ben Bag Bag’s Michael Skoler & Maria Kirsch, Todd & Melissa instruction is timely for this year, as 5775 is a palindrome: it is the Wickard, Shane & Susan Mueller, Jeff & Faye Kel- same no matter which way you read it! But, actually, not so with berg, Tamara & Mark Wentworth, Paul & Lisa Torah. Each time you turn it, each time you read it, you get a different Dorn, Brian & Judith Krasnow. perspective. That is why we keep going back to it year after year, and Kurt and Anne Schaeffer on the birth of their grand- why we don’t just read it; we study it. son, Mickey Schaeffer, on September 5. There will be many opportunities this year to engage deeply with Torah, and I encour- age you to take advantage of them. As Rabbi Johanan Ben Nappaha says in the Talmud, WELCOME...B’RUCHIM HA’BAIM... “As there is always a fruit when the tree is searched, so is there always a pleasant surprise TO OUR NEW MEMBERS! when Torah is searched.” (Eruvin 54a) It doesn’t matter whether you are new to Torah Terrie (T.J.) & Ronald (Ron) Finlay study or have been at it a long time, “there is always a pleasant surprise!” and their children, Sarah and David. We have several ongoing Torah study groups, which are open to everyone, always. No Ken & Rhonda Fox need to enroll or prepare, just come and be surprised. On Mondays at noon, I lead a James & Irene Goldberg group that is currently studying the weekly Haftarah (portion from the Prophets). On Melissa Krasnow & Danley Chan Thursdays at noon, Rabbi Spilker leads a study of Torah with the commentary of Rashi, and their son, Alexander in downtown Minneapolis. Our largest Torah Study group is on Shabbat mornings, at Geoff Mason & Jennifer Farber Mason 9 a.m. Led by me or Rabbi Spilker we read and have a lively discussion of the weekly and their children, Parker and Jackson Torah portion. Vic & Chris Rosenthal For those who are eager for a different sort of Torah experience, we are offering an in- Richard Sheinfeld & Heidi Goldstein tensive study of Mussar – a combination of study and practice designed to enable one and their daughter, Sydney to really live the values taught in Torah, to help “the heart feel what the intellect under- Greg & Marina Shor stands.” (Everyday Holiness, p. 30). Our Mussar program involves meeting with your Mussar group of 10-15 people every other week (10 sessions from November through March). Through text study, discussion, journaling, and spiritual practices, we will ex- plore the Middot (character traits) of humility, truth, equanimity, honor, order, respon- ICHRONAM IVRACHA Z L sibility, patience, moderation, and trust. May their memories be a blessing There are many more opportunities to learn and engage this year. You can find detailed WE EXTEND CONDOLENCES TO... information in our MaZAL Brochure – online at www.mzion.org. Click on Learning, Judy (Phil) Chansky on the death of her father, then Adult Learning. We also have paper copies at the synagogue. Abraham Warner, on August 28. Best wishes to you and those you love for good health, blessing, peace, and Torah in the Nadine Rosenberg on the death of her brother, new year. Donald Perwien, on September 17. Each fresh discovery by a student of Torah creates a new heaven. – Zohar May God grant peace to all who mourn and comfort to all who are bereaved. Esther Adler, Rabbi

Connect with Mount Zion at our First Annual Activity Fair & Brunch Sunday, October 26, 9:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. See p. 6 for more details.

If you have joined Mount Zion since January 2013, please join us for the New Member Shabbat Dinner Friday, November 14, 6:00 p.m. We’re glad you have become part of the Mount Zion family. Please Please RSVP to Ellen Konstan at [email protected] by join our clergy and congregational leaders for Shabbat dinner. We’ll get Friday, November 7. to know each other, share some great food, and build our community!

2 MAKE SHABBAT YOUR SANCTUARY Creation: and there was evening and OCTOBER there was morning… FRIDAY SHABBAT SATURDAY SHABBAT A Presentation connected to the Creation and Kabbalah Exhibit showcased at Mount Zion EVENING SERVICES MORNING SERVICES Friday October 17, 7:30 p.m. October 3 - Kol Nidre October 4 - Yom Kippur Pulpit Guest: Lucy Rose Fischer For service times see p. 3 For service times see p. 3 Lucy Rose Fischer, PhD, is Coordinator of the Jewish Women Artists’ Circle. She is an artist, author, and October 10, 7:30 p.m. October 11, 10:00 a.m. gerontologist. Her most recent book, I’m New at Being Professional Choir Chol Hamoed Sukkot - Ex. 33:12-34:26* Old, received a Midwest Book Award and an Independent Samantha Elwood, Bat Mitzvah Publishers Gold Award. October 17, 7:30 p.m. October 18, 10:00 a.m. Daily Service Schedule Pulpit Guest: Lucy Rose Fischer Bereishit - Gen. 2:4-4:26* Daily services are held in the Harris Chapel, Monday through Thursday Birthday Blessings Celebrate Shabbat! at 5:45 p.m., Sundays at 9:30 a.m. October October 24, 7:30 p.m. October 25, 10:00 a.m. Mondays: Patrick Zimmerman, Harvey Arbit, Lee Litman Celebrate Shabbat! Shabbat Rosh Chodesh* Tuesdays: John Mast, Alex Klass, Ira Kipp Joshua MacGregor, Bar Mitzvah Wednesdays: Eric Lund, Batya Spector, Arnie Krohn October 31, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays: Rita Grossman, Deb Bachrach, Judi Golden Celebrate Shabbat! Sundays: Rita Grossman, Lindsay Nauen, Gloria Levin, Brian Serle, Anne and Kurt Schaeffer If you would like to participate in Leading or Greeting at daily NOVEMBER services, contact Janet 651-482-9951 or Charles 651-646-6543. FRIDAY SHABBAT SATURDAY SHABBAT Daily Service Schedule EVENING SERVICES MORNING SERVICES Daily services are held in the Harris Chapel, Monday through Thursday November 1, 10:00 a.m. at 5:45 p.m., Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Lech Lecha - Gen. 14:1-15:21* November Celebrate Shabbat Mondays: Patrick Zimmerman, Steve Silverman, Victor Vital November 7, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays: John Mast, Ellen Sampson, Joni Lipschultz Burg November 8, 10:00 a.m. Shir Tzion Participates Wednesdays: Eric Lund, Steve Levin, Margie Abrahamson Vayera - Gen. 19:1-20:18* Soul Food Friday, 7:15 p.m. (see p. 12) Thursdays: Rita Grossman, Charles and Vicky Fodor Henry Mueller, Bar Mitzvah Sundays: Rita Grossman, Ray Sevett, Lindsay Nauen, Gloria Levin, Anne and Kurt Schaeffer November 14, 7:30 p.m. November 15, 10:00 a.m. If you would like to participate in Leading or Greeting at daily Pupit Guest: Rabbi Amy Eilberg Chaye Sarah - Gen. 24:10-24:52* services, contact Janet 651-482-9951 or Charles 651-646-6543. Greta Shore, Bat Mitzvah Professional Choir November 21, 7:30 p.m. November 22, 10:00 a.m. Food For Thought, 5:45 p.m. (see p. 11) Tol’dot - Gen. 26:23-27:27* Erica Paley, Bat Mitzvah Birthday Blessings Tot ShabbatTot is the secondShabbat Saturday of every month. For families with children from birth to seven years old November 28, 7:30 p.m. November 29, 10:00 a.m. Celebrate Shabbat! Vayetze - Gen. 30:14-31:16* Saturday, October 11 at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate Shabbat Celebrate Sukkot Schedule Every Shabbat Day Saturday, November 8 at 10:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Open TorahStudy - Drop in any time to study the week’s Vayera (Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac) Torah portion (listed above). *Using a triennial [3 year] cycle, we are reading the second third of each parashah this year. (Torah study will Please bring a healthy, nut-free vegetarian dish to share. be in Sisterhood Lounge in June). 10:00 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service

3 HIGH HOLY DAYS SukkotSukkot andand SimchatSimchat TorahTorah ScheduleSchedule HighHigh HolyHoly DaysDays ServiceService ScheduleSchedule - Sukkot - Wednesday, October 8 – Tishrei 15 - Erev Yom Kippur - Kol Nidre - Sukkah Decoration and Pizza in the Hut 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 3 - Tishrei 10 Brief Evening Sukkot Service in the Sukkah 6:00 p.m. Early Service* 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 9 - Tishrei 15 Late Service 8:30 p.m. Coffee and Bagels in Sukkah 8:00 a.m. Festival Service 8:30 a.m. - Yom Kippur - Sunday, October 12 - Tishrei 18 Saturday, October 4 - Tishrei 10 Consecration Service 11:30 a.m. Early Service (Mount Zion Family Machzor)* 8:30 a.m. Tot Service (Birth-Grade 1) 11:00 a.m. - Simchat Torah/Shmini Atzeret - Study Session 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, October 15 -Tishrei 22 Late Service* (Gates of Repentance) 11:45 a.m. Simchat Torah Service 7:00 p.m. Teen Service (Grades 7-12) 11:45 a.m. with Klezmer and unrolling of the Torah Study Session 2:30 p.m. Thursday, October 16 - Tishrei 22 Musical Meditation 2:30 p.m. Coffee and Bagels 8:00 a.m. Yizkor* 3:15 p.m. Festival Service (including Yizkor and Prayers) 8:30 a.m. Afternoon Service* (approx) 4:00 p.m. Teen Program (Grades 7-12) 4:00 p.m. Kids’ Program (Grades 2-6) 6:15 p.m. Ne’ilah Service* (approx) 6:15 p.m. Break-the-Fast (Following Havdalah) (approx) 7:15 p.m. Saturday, October 4, 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. *Broadcast will be on Comcast Cable. Swab a cheek, save a life! For more details: www.mzion.org PizzaPizza inin thethe HutHut Wednesday, October 8 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Sukkah Decorating and Complimentary Light Dinner (Pizza in the Hut) 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. Family Friendly Erev Sukkot Service Celebrate Simchat Torah CelebrateWednesday, October Simchat 15, 7:00 Torah p.m.

Join us as we renew our Torah cycle, reading the end of the Torah and then the beginning with the entire scroll unrolled around the Sanctuary. Dance with the Torah scrolls to the infectious rhythm of Mark Stillman and his Klezmer band! Consecration – Sunday, October 12, 11:30 am - During this service, we will welcome our newest students into the world of Jewish learning!

4 CHAI NOTES

Thirteen years ago this June, my then-boyfriend, now-hus- hart Tolle writes: “Many people live habitually as if the present moment were band Nick and I were visiting friends and family in the Twin an obstacle that they need to overcome in order to get to the next moment, Cities before each going our separate ways for the summer— and imagine living your whole live like that. Always, this moment is not quite me to an opera program in San Francisco, Nick to a music good enough because you need to get to the next one.” festival in Vermont. We’d only been dating a few months, Well, as they say, there’s an app for that. Alan Morinis, the dean of the Mus- but we were pretty serious, and so as we jogged around the sar Institute and the author of Everyday Holiness, writes in his article “Bondage Lake of the Isles, we envisioned our dream future together: me, a cantor some- to Busyness” in the fall 2014 issue of Reform Judaism magazine: “On the where in the Twin Cities; Nick, a full-time Feldenkrais practitioner. Sabbath we are freed from the need to make or to acquire or even to do, so Well, eight years, three cities, three graduate degrees, and two children later, we can focus on our souls and the holiness within, and so restore our bodies, that dream finally came true (except for the house on the Lake of the Isles minds, and inner compasses. The practice of Shabbat is meant to bring wis- part)! But it took a while before we realized that, even though we were living dom and balance to our entire lives, not give us one day of rest per week, fol- the life we had always wanted, we were still stuck in the “getting through it” lowed by six days of high-speed chase. On Shabbat, we can experience what pattern we had honed living in New York City while I was in cantorial school. it is like to slow down and unclutter our lives. We can then apply that lesson Crazy neighbor in the apartment downstairs? Only four more years. Lugging all week long.” the stroller, the kid, and the groceries up three flights of stairs while double We may not be able to live in the present all the time, nor is it truly practical parked? Only two more years. Not enough room in the apartment for the sec- for most of us. But Judaism has given us the great gift of Shabbat, the per- ond kid? Only a few more months. mission to take time to be truly present with our selves, our family, our God. “So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, but they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her.” –Genesis 29:20 Jennifer Strauss-Klein, Cantor We will read from Parashat Vayeitze, the parasha in which this verse can be found, on November 29th. The Torah is notoriously succinct when it comes Trope Troupe to its characters’ feelings and the circumstances of daily life, and this line about ... the more Torah, the more life. -Hillel the seven years Jacob serves is all we know about them. We don’t hear about Todah Rabah to our September Ba’alei Korei what Jacob had for breakfast or how he felt about watching the sheep. The (chanting Torah): Deb Bachrach, Sidney Garner, Sally Glick, text is not concerned with that; the mundane events of those seven years sim- Siana Goodwin, Micah Gwin, Miriam Lebowitz, Orrin Mann, ply aren’t the point of the larger narrative. Laura Mathews, Mandy Roll-Kuhne, Brian Serle, In some ways, it is this way with us when we recall the past. I remember events Todah Rabah to our September Ba’alei Haftarah in the context of significant lifecycle events—like counting my years at Mount (chanting Haftarah): Sue Benfield, Siana Goodwin, Bonnie Zion using my second son Ari’s age, who was three months old when we Resnick moved here. But it is easy to forget or gloss over the present moment— those everyday events that really make up the bulk of our lives—when we are caught To sign up to chant Torah or Haftarah on Shabbat, up in getting through the day or are fixed on the pursuit of a larger goal. Eck- e-mail Cantor Jennifer Strauss-Klein at [email protected] What’s New With Accessibility and Inclusion At Mount Zion? - Allyson Perling , Inclusion Working Group Chair

“…Becoming an inclusive community is a process,” writes Lisa Friedman What Physical Accessibility Resources Are Already In Place? who is widely known in the field of Jewish Special Education. “It is a deliberate and intentional transformation. It is a work in progress. I nclusion Handicapped Parking—There are three designated handicapped parking is a funny thing, really. When it is ‘done right’, it’s not something to talk spots in the lot next to the kitchen for our congregants and guests. If there about. It just is.” is a car parked there without a handicapped parking sticker or plate, then temporarily park in the lot, buzz the kitchen door and ask for assistance This quote beautifully captures the goal of the recently formed Accessibility from Larry Solomon or one of our maintenance staff. There are additional and Inclusion Working Group whose mission is to focus on those needs public handicapped parking spots on Summit Av. in front of our building. among all of our congregants from infants to elders. The group includes — Sheri Frisque, Mavis Goldstein, Sue Lund, Joan Ostrove, Ed Pickett, Alley Accessible Entrance The alley entrance to Mount Zion has a spe- Allyson Perling, Shelly Robbins, Batya Spector, Cantor Rachel Stock Spilker cific area where you can pull your car over to the side and let off individu- and Anne Starr. We are in the process of charting our course and we en- als who need access to Mount Zion via a ramp, electric doors, and/or an courage others who are interested to join us in this process. Contact my- elevator to the second floor. You can use this entrance to drop someone off self or any working group member to see how you might get involved. As before parking in the available lots. we begin, our first task is to communicate what we already have in place. Accessible Bathroom—We have a one-stall unisex bathroom located near the kitchen. Please use it only if you need it.

Continues on p.18 5 FROM THE PRESIDENT Connect with Mount Zion at our First Annual G’mar Chatimah Tovah—May you be inscribed for another year! Activity Fair & Brunch We are completing our Days of Awe. I hope you are having a meaningful and fulfilling High Holy Days season. I feel Sunday, October 26, 9:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. especially connected to and appreciative of Mount Zion at this in Margolis Hall time of year. I always get so much to think about from our services, sermons, and being in our community of worshipers. Part of my “job” as President is to help keep Mount Zion on the best possible financial footing. We are in a good situation in many ways. Making sure that you know how we support ourselves is very important. Our income comes from our membership commitments (dues), interest from our endowments and funds, school fees, and gifts. Our membership commitments (dues) are based on a fair share system where each household pays according to ability. Our dues income depends of course on how many member households we have and the amount given as their annual com- mitment. Each year when it is time for recommitment, we ask that you make sure that you are giving at the appropriate level for your income, as dues are our single most significant source of revenue. We thank you very Come Early, Come Late, Stay As Long As You’d Like! much for your dues commitment. • Learn about the Temple’s diverse array of more than 50 With improvement in financial markets, our endowment and fund income organizations, activity groups, and committees has improved. We draw 5% from the endowments to ensure that we will • Discover our abundant learning, social, spiritual, and have funds for the long term—l’dor vador. volunteer opportunities When we compare ourselves to other Reform congregations, we are close • Reconnect with old friends to average in the percent of our income that comes from dues. However, • Meet and chat with new members we are significantly behind other congregations in the gifts that we receive. • Enjoy a tasty brunch In the past, we certainly welcomed gifts and have received many, including Connect! Learn! Pray! Act! Nosh! some extremely generous ones. However, we have rarely really stated that we need your gifts. We rely on them to carry out all of the work that Mount Questions? Contact the Temple office at 651-698-3881. Zion does. We have also never had a formal annual campaign. This year we are instituting L’Chaim 5775. You may have already heard about the campaign, L’Chaim 5775 Annual Campaign which is starting now. We hope that you feel the connection to Mount Maximizing your participation Zion that will motivate you to participate. This campaign is separate from dues giving. This is an investment in our community from your heart that As we welcome 5775, we are officially launching the L’Chaim 5775 comes from your sense of belonging here, from watching our children Annual Campaign. Please show your support by participating today! participate in services or Sunday school, from knowing that we care for We welcome any giving level. Thank you to all who have already given. each other in times of need, and from your desire to see us continue to be This campaign is vital in order to keep our spiritual community strong a vibrant community. There is no set amount to contribute but we hope and vibrant. Our essential work is to be there for you when we celebrate, you will be inspired. Our goal is to have most of our households participate comfort, and create meaning at key points along the cycles of life. Our at some level. You can give online at www.mzion.org or call Jana Robbins, annual campaign supports the people and programs that ensure we our annual campaign director, at 651-698-3881. I am personally glad to continue to meet those needs. talk with you about the campaign if you have questions. I know that we are a generous community and that your gifts will support our Kehillah We thank all who have given so generously to Mount Zion in past years K’doshah, our sacred community, for a long time to come. during Give to the Max Day. This year, rather than Give to the Max, we welcome your participation in the L’Chaim 5775 Annual Campaign. Betsy Rest, President It is easy to give online at www.mzion.org/giving. Or you can send a check or stock transfer to the Mount Zion office. Nominating Committee for The Board of Directors Our goal is to achieve a high level of congregational participation. The The Nominating Committee meets in late January to prepare a slate of amount is not important. We know that giving is a very personal Officers and Directors for a congregational vote at the Annual Meeting. decision, and we appreciate your consideration. This is an opportunity At the October Board of Directors meeting, 10 congregants are selected to invest in Mount Zion’s essential work for the Jewish people, for our to be on the Committee. The President selects 10 people. (10 more are community, and for you. selected by the previous year’s Committee for a total of 30 participants.) The Committee should be representative of the entire congregation, so We invite you to make a contribution that is meaningful to you. Make that we can put together a Board that represents everyone. your contribution today at www.mzion.org/giving. If you have If you would like to be part of this important process, contact President questions, please contact Jana Robbins, Annual Campaign Coordinator, Betsy Rest at [email protected] or Convener Ellen Konstan at 651-698-3881, [email protected]. [email protected].

6 Connect with Mount Zion!

At Our First Annual Activity Fair & Brunch

Sunday, October 26, 9:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. in Margolis Hall

Come Early, Come Late, Stay As Long As You’d Like!

 Learn about the Temple’s diverse array of more than 50 organizations, activity groups, and committees

 Discover our abundant learning, social, spiritual, and volunteer opportunities

 Reconnect with old friends

 Meet and chat with new members

 Enjoy a tasty brunch

Connect! Learn! Pray! Act! Nosh!

Questions? Contact the Temple office at 651-698-3881. Mount Zion Temple Board of Directors As we find many ways to strengthen connections at Mount Zion, we are introducing this column as a way to get to know members of Mount Zion’s Board of Directors. Our nominations process for the Board is very open and involves many people. Therefore our Board is as diverse and representative as can be. We are grateful for all who serve in leadership and volunteer their talents for our community. We are also blessed that Batya Spector volunteered to write these vignettes. Each month this year, we will meet two - four Board members.

Mark Cohen Karen Suzukamo “This place (Mount Zion Temple) is a beacon (of What is the similarity between solo designing a Reform Judaism) in the eyes of the community (St. creative, interactive bulletin board on Israel for Paul)”, said Mark, who has served eight of the last the Religious School and co-leading the multi- ten years on the Board of Directors, beginning in month, multi-volunteer strategic planning 2004 as Brotherhood Representative. His focus is process approved at the September 2014 Board the Budget Committee, bringing to its tasks a meeting? They are examples of how Karen has lifetime of high-level administrative and board given back to Mount Zion Temple with her experiences in health care organizations. Recently, talents and skills since 1998 when she, husband he was on our Strategic Plan’s ‘Giving Action Team’. Les and daughters Alison and Louise (of blessed memory) became members. She values the “opportunity to get involved Mark’s volunteer efforts help the Board keep the synagogue’s beacon ‘lit’ and in the community”; her advice is to choose a way that “is great for you, he does so willingly because he appreciates our clergy, High-Holiday based on your life stage and skills”. Services, Religious School, and Affinity Groups such as Brotherhood and Sisterhood. These are, he observed, the ‘underpinnings’ of congregational Following two earlier terms of Board service, Karen rejoined the Board life that help to pull us together to connect with one another. in 2013 to volunteer with Dan Rybeck as strategic plan co-chairs. She brought 25 years of marketing leadership experience at 3M to this Mark and wife Jill joined Mount Zion Temple in 2002 when they returned project. Karen enjoyed getting to know and form relationships with to the Twin Cities (Vadnais Heights). About Jill, he said, “if there was an congregants, office staff and clergy during this period when she provided angel on earth she is it. Everything I become and accomplished is because of her seasoned expertise and enthusiasm - appreciated by others also her”. They have two adult children, Eric and Stephanie, living in Chicago, working on the plan - to her co-chair role. Illinois and Erie, Pennsylvania, respectively. Mark is a very active retiree, volunteering three days weekly with St. Paul public school 4th graders and She and Les, both retired, live in Vadnais Heights. Karen said “retirement once weekly at the Science Museum of Minnesota. has given me time for my passions of time with family and friends, learning new things, travel and gardening”. Michelle Morris Michelle became an active Mount Zion Temple congregant in 1998. She joined the Board in 2011 Dan Zelle When asked in May 2013 to serve on the Board and, beginning in 2013 as Sisterhood Co-President, of Directors, Dan answered ‘yes’ because “My finds it provides her with a “broad perspective” to help her fulfill that role. As a Board function, she also co- motivation to be on the Board is that someone asked led the monthly Friday evening pre-services ‘Food me to serve. I had been taught that if someone deems me valuable to be of service, unless there is for Thought’ program set up to engage congregants something that prohibits me from doing that, I am who are primarily “my demographic –adult members supposed to say yes.” Along with Eric Rice Dan with no kids in Religious School”. co-chaired our Strategic Plan’s Digital Michelle enjoys entertaining with her storytelling skills and encouraging Communications Action Team. laughter in her listeners! She has found relationships through Women’s Dan values how Mount Zion Temple members seek connections with Spirituality, ‘Our Bodies Our Souls’ (annual women’s retreat), ‘Torah Tones’ one another. He said (adult choir) , a book club, as well as Sisterhood very important because she “People here are interested in each other. They bring their gifts and their blessings. The community is strengthened by the mutual seeks “different participants giving me opportunities to relate to many people” and interest of congregants in each other.” Dan’s brother Peter and his family “ to be with people who like to learn from one another”. She summarized that are also Mount Zion Temple members. these relationships are “central to my Jewish identity” as an adult convert to Judaism. Dan, his wife Laura and children Eli (17) and Mira (14) joined our congregation in March, 2012. They are St. Paulites and have dual A licensed clinical social worker, she works as Manager of 3M’s Employee synagogue membership in Temple of Aaron, the community of his Assistance Program for the U.S. Oakdale is her home. She has a son Nate youth and first years of married life. Dan began his professional career (24), who grew up at Mount Zion Temple, spent a year teaching English in in financial services. In 2002, he ‘retooled’ as a chef and transitioned South Korea after college graduation and is planning another living/ working to the food service industry, working first in several area top notch abroad adventure. kitchens and most recently as Chief Operating Officer of a local produce wholesaler distributor.

7 BAR MITZVAH Samantha Elwood Joshua MacGregor October 11, 2014 October 25, 2014

Samantha Elwood is the daughter of Benjamin Joshua, son of Mark MacGregor and Lela Wright, Elwood and Susie Steinbach and the sister of Sophie brother of Caleb Hinz and Sydney MacGregor, is an Elwood. She is also the granddaughter of Audrey 8th grader at Great River Montessori, where his fa- Elwood, Phil Elwood, Samuel Steinbach (all of blessed memory) and vorite classes are science and philosophy. He enjoys reading, listening Carole Steinbach. Samantha is in the 8th grade at Linwood-Monroe to a wide variety of music, hanging out with friends, learning new yoyo Arts Plus, where she enjoys English and choir and is a member of the tricks, as well as making videos for his YouTube channel with topics Gay-Straight Alliance. She has been playing the piano for seven years. varying from gaming to tutorials on how to solve Rubik's Cubes. His The organization that has received the Class of 2013-14 gift, and will sense of humor keeps friends and family on their toes and his desire to receive a portion of Samantha’s own gift money, is Samantha’s mitz- explore language through his writing continuously entertains those vah project site, the St. Paul Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, around him. At a young age Joshua began making plans to travel the which exists to eliminate domestic violence against women and their world. His curiosity of foreign languages, life, and society in other children and provides crisis and transitional services to over 5400 countries will undoubtedly bring him adventure throughout life. His women and children who are impacted by domestic violence each year interest in computers has been a constant since the age of two, and he in MN. looks forward to studying software engineering in college. He is learn- ing the value of patience, persistence, and the importance of family and community through this process, becoming Bar Mitzvah. Henry Mueller November 8, 2014

Henry is the son of Susan Feinberg Mueller and Shane R. Mueller and the grandson of Arnold and Greta Shore Joan Feinberg, Dorothy Coddon Feinberg, and November 15, 2014 Richard and Pamela Mueller. Henry has one older brother, Liam (14). He is a seventh-grader at St. Croix Preparatory Academy in Stillwater, Greta Shore is the daughter of Marta and Sean Shore MN where his favorite subjects include S.T.E.M. courses (math, sci- and is the sister of Miranda (Mimi). She is the grand- ences and technology). He enjoys playing sports (especially lacrosse daughter of Larry Grossberg, Joan and Sheldon and skiing), playing guitar, jamming with friends, and playing with his Shore, Gail Shore (in blessed memory), Phyllis Dykhuizen, and Dan two dogs (Pippa and Eowyn). He spends whatever free time he has left and Margaret Dykhuizen. Greta enjoys racquet sports, swimming, using his iPad, playing his computer, or doing science/physics projects. reading, and creating art. She is a 7th grader at Highland Park Mid- Henry is donating a portion of his gift money to the Israel Guide Dog dle School where is involved in the yearbook and is the reigning spelling Center and Youth Advantage, organizations that train service dogs for bee champion. Greta's Mitzvah project is working with Neighborhood Israelis and provide athletic equipment for underprivileged youth. House to bring fresh, donated vegetables to people who would not oth- erwise have access. In addition, she is coordinating a food drive for pets of people served by Neighborhood House and is encouraging everyone to bring pet food to her Bat Mitzvah. Greta will be donating a portion of her gift money to Heifer Project International.

Erica Paley November 22, 2014

Erica is the daughter of Tanya and Daniel Paley. She Max Zelle is in the 7th grade at Owatonna Junior High and December 6, 2014 knows the road well between Owatonna and Saint Paul (an hour away.) She has one older sister, Sophia who is in 10th Max is the son of Natalie Hopfield and Peter Zelle grade. Erica has a special interest in drawing and art and plays the and brother of Milo, age 10. He is the grandson of viola in the Orchestra. This year Erica has joined the Owatonna Cross Honey & Larry Zelle and Cornelia Fuller & John Country team and is a long-time Figure Skater. Erica has begun her Hopfield. Max is in the 7th grade at St. Paul Academy where he par- mitzvah project , which is to start a seed library. She has the support ticipates in the Chamber Orchestra, baseball and soccer. Max is pas- of the Director of the Owatonna Public Library for this project. Erica sionate about playing the piano and composing classical music. Max chose this project because she wants to spread the opportunity to enjoys reading about current events and politics. He is a Madrich at everyone to grow and have healthy food. In addition, in honor of her Mount Zion and plans to volunteer at a group home for older adults Bat Mitzvah Erica plans to donate a portion of her gift money to the with memory loss this year. Max is donating a portion of his gift Food Shelf. Erica loves adventure and one day would like to go sky- money to the ACLU. diving. She also thinks it would be cool to travel to Tokyo one day.

8 ISRAEL MATTERS MAZAL LIFE LONG LEARNING ONE STEP AT A TIME An Israel Book Discussion Reform A Pigeon and a Boy What Do ^ Jews Believe? By Meir Shalev Judaism Beyond the Basics What we believe, from our theology to our values, Monday, November 3, 7:00 p.m. impacts what we do every day. We began this series of in the Mount Zion Library classes last year focused on topics from tattoos to Join Charles Fodor and Jonathan Eisenthal cremation. This year we will continue to examine other as well as members of Mount Zion’s Israel questions of personal choice and belief where Judaism may influence our committee for an engaging conversation decisions and views. Regardless of your own choices, you will leave these about Israeli life through its literature. classes better informed. When we meet in November, we will dis- All are welcome regardless of level of Jewish knowledge. Hebrew texts will cuss other titles and format for future gath- be used in part but will be fully translated. Talmudic texts will be used erings. Even if you cannot read the book in each session along with Reform Jewish statements and responsa (rab- in advance, you are welcome. Questions: binic, scholarly answers to contemporary issues and questions). These Contact Charles at [email protected] or classes are open to the public. Each session is a stand-alone class, but Jonathan at [email protected]. themes will emerge from attending all of them. In this stunning tale, Shalev masterfully interweaves “two remarkable personal stories… This gem of a story Who Wrote the Torah? about the power of love, which won Israel's Brenner Wednesday, October 29, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Prize, brims with luminous originality.” Rabbi Esther Adler - Publishers Weekly What have Jews believed over the generations about INCLUSION this fundamental question? Intro to Conversational American Sign Language Instructors: David and Rebecca Rosenthal 8-week class, begins Monday, October 13, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Life After Death Class Fee: $36 - Register at www.mzion.org. Wednesda, November 19, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. (Classs fees will be donated to a fund that will help Mount Zion hire cer- Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker tified sign language interpreters for services and other synagogue events). Financial aid is available. What do Jews believe about Interested in learning the basics of American where we go after we die? Sign Language and supporting Mount Zion's efforts to welcome Deaf and hard-of-hearing congregants who sign? Consider taking a class at Mount Zion! This learner-centered course is a basic introduction to conversational Amer- Abortion ican Sign Language (ASL), used by deaf com- munities in the United States and Wednesday, December 3, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. or English-speaking parts of Canada. It is de- Sunday, January 25, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. signed for students with little or no previous Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker knowledge of ASL. Eligibility: Members of Mount Zion who are 16 years old or older; What do Jews believe class size will be limited to 30. about when life begins? Questions? Contact Joan Ostrove ([email protected] or 651- 334-5286 [voice or text])

9 MAZAL LIFE LONG LEARNING ONE STEP AT A TIME From Enemy to Friend Learn Hebrew This Year! Rabbi Amy Eilberg Follow synagogue services, be more involved in your children’s November 14-16 Jewish education, or simply enhance your own ties to Judaism. Islamic Center of Minnesota, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Introduction to Hebrew - Mount Zion Temple Co-Sponsored by the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning and the Hebrew Reading Crash Course St. Paul Interfaith Network (SPIN) Intro to the aleph-bet, Hebrew vowels, basic reading. (You can pick Wednesdays or Sundays) Weds., October 22 – January 14, 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. or Sun., October 26 - January 11, 9:45 - 11:00 a.m. (Minimum 5 students for both classes). Instructor: Siana Goodwin Tuition (includes all materials): $75 members/$100 non-members Read the Book of Jonah in Hebrew The Book of Jonah has some of the easiest Hebrew in the Bible; it is also relatively short. During this class, you will focus on phonetically reading the book aloud. Using translation, you will pick up vocabulary without needing to From Enemy to Friend: learn all of the mechanics of the Hebrew The Nature of Conflict and Vengeance - language. This class is for anyone who can already sound out Hebrew Why Do We Fight? (albeit haltingly). Fri, Nov 14, 7:30 pm at Mount Zion Temple Weds., October 22 – January 28, 6:00 - 7:15 p.m. Rabbi Eilberg will speak during Shabbat services approximately at 8 pm and Instructor: Kent Simon then after services for Q and A. Tuition (includes all materials): $75 members/$100 non-members From Enemy to Friend: The Practice of Peace: To register for all classes, go to www.mzion.org. Training the Heart and Mind for Peace The Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Minnesota Sat, Nov 15, 1:00-2:30 pm - Mount Zion Temple presents this lecture by Paul Lerner: Learn and practice the ways to bring peace into your life. The Consuming Temple: From Enemy to Friend: Seek Peace and Pursue it Jews, Department Stores and the Sun, Nov 16, Morning – Gloria Dei, 700 Snelling Ave, St. Paul Rabbi Eilberg will speak during Worship services at 8:15 am & 10:45 am Consumer Revolution in Germany, 1880-1940 (pick one). She will also lead Q and A from 9:30-10:30 am. Guest Speaker: Paul Lerner From Enemy to Friend: Peace Among Religions Sun, Nov 16, 1:45 pm Sunday, October 26, 7:30 p.m. Islamic Center of Minnesota, 1401 Gardenia Ave. NE, Fridley at Mount Zion Rabbi Amy Eilberg is the first woman ordained as a Con- Free and open to the public servative rabbi by the Jewish Theological Seminary of Paul Lerner is Associate Professor of History and Director of the Max Kade America. After many years of work in pastoral care and Institute for Austrian-German-Swiss Studies at USC. He specializes in hospice, Rabbi Eilberg now serves as a spiritual director, di- German-Jewish history, and the history and theory of consumer culture. Lerner rects interfaith dialogue programs in Minneapolis/St. Paul, is the author of "Hysterical Men: War, Psychiatry and the Politics of Trauma MN, and teaches at United Theological Seminary of the in Germany, 1880-1930.” The current talk comes from a book that will be Twin Cities and St. Catherine University. She serves as a co- published by Cornell in Spring 2015. chair of the Civility Initiative of the Jewish Council on Public Affairs and Co-sponsors: the Department of History; Center for German and European Studies; the teaches the art of listening and peacebuilding in venues throughout the country. Department of German, Scandinavian and Dutch; Mount Zion Temple. Her book, From Enemy to Friend: Jewish Wisdom and the Pursuit of Peace, was published by Orbis Books in March 2014. 10 MAZAL LIFE LONG LEARNING ONE STEP AT A TIME Food for Thought Library News Learn and Nosh before Shabbat Services 5:45 - 6:15 p.m. Gathering and a Light Nosh 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. Food for Thought Discussions Discussion over wine, juice, and light appetizers. New in the Library: Child care available. During the summer and Fall, several new titles were added to our collection. Among them were Gail Hareven’s The Confessions of Friday, November 21 Noa Weber; Yoram Kaniuk’s The Last Jew; D. A. Mishani’s A Possibility of Violence; Gidi Grinstein’s Flexigidity; James Patrick Hunt’s The Detective; Larry Hoffman’s All the World; and Michelle The Mechanics of Stress Alexander’s The New Jim Crow. For these and many other titles Speaker: Aimee Gonzalez please visit our library. You've likely heard all kinds of stress management tips, but how Also during the summer, major upgrades were made to the library’s do you realistically incorporate those into your life? Is stress even software. It is now possible to search the library’s titles, authors, and that bad anyway? Find out exactly what's going on when your body subjects on the guest computers. experiences stress, and how to form specific goals to keep your stress under control. Lastly, a big thank you to all of you who responded to Charles Fodor’s calls about overdues this past summer. Many long overdue books Aimee Gonzalez is the head of community relations and were returned, and of course, we would like to see more come in. If web development for MNCOME, her family's en- you haven’t been able to locate the titles about which you were con- docrinology practice in Eagan. She teaches patients about tacted, please come by and talk with Bob. emotional eating, food addiction, and healthy cooking. She also leads a healthy living and cooking program for high school students at Henry Sibley in Mendota Heights. In the Mount Great Expectations: Zion community she is a board member and participates in Noazim. A Program for Expecting Parents Sunday, November 16, 9:30 a.m - 10:30 a.m. (No Cost) Cantor Jennifer Strauss-Klein Renaissance: A Strategic Plan Great Expectations is an opportunity for expectant individuals and couples to gather in an For Transforming Judaism intimate setting for a Jewish perspective on preg- Speaker: Jim Stein nancy, birth, baby namings, briss and what it Jim Stein is a Jewish community activist and ardent student of emerg- means to be a new parent. Participants will be ing trends of Jewish spirituality and ritual practice. A retired lawyer, able to share their concerns, questions and ideas as Jim has been a keen observer and student of Jewish religion, ethics well as get advice about prayers to bring to the hospital, He- and values for many years. Jim believes that too many Jews are bored brew names and ways to connect to the synagogue and Judaism and utterly disconnected from regular Jewish belief and practice, and with their new families. have “voted with their feet” and abandoned Jewish involvement, re- ligious and otherwise. Jim has studied this issue, resulting in the writ- In Mount Zion’s Year of Torah, here is an opportunity to ing and publication of his book, Renaissance: A Strategic Plan for LIVE TORAH THROUGH MUSSAR Transforming Judaism, which can be found on Amazon. Jim has recently been appointed to the national Board of Do you ever wonder: Directors of the Jewish Outreach Institute in New York • What are practical ways Judaism can help me in my led by Rabbi Kerry Olitzky. He is currently chairing a everyday life? select committee studying the rejuvenation of the Uni- • What really matters in life? versity of Minnesota Hillel. Jim also serves on the Board of Directors of TC Jewfolk Media and Makom Community, a newly es- Each group will meet every other week to learn, tablished Jewish after school daycare in Philadelphia. Jim is a past Pres- study, and practice Mussar (Nov-Mar for 10 ses- ident of the St. Paul Jewish Federation and was Executive Director of sions). For more details or sign up: mzion.org. NECHAMA, the Jewish Response to Disaster.

11 NOAZIM - 20S/30S GROUP SISTERHOOD

Making Judaism relevant to 20- & 30- somethings at Mount Zion! MIRIAM’S WELL For more information on upcoming events, to get involved, or to Sisterhood’s Judaica Shop News simply get on our mailing list, email Cantor Strauss-Klein at [email protected] or find our group on Facebook! Hours: Weds., 4:30-7:15 p.m. & Fridays 1/2 hour before services. Chanukah Mart Set-up November 2 starting at 9 a.m. Soul Food Friday New gifts for Chanukah will be on their way in as well as all your can- dle & dreidel needs! Come for the food, stay and feed your soul! First Friday of every month. We are in need of volunteers, think about giving volunteering once November 7 a week/month/year. Without our volunteers, our doors do not open. Training provided. We're using VolunteerSpot to organize our upcom- Shabbat Dinner* @ 7:15 p.m. ing activity. Please sign up for Gift Shop volunteer - here's how it works Kabbalat Shabbat Service @ 8:15 p.m. in 3 easy steps: Connect with new people at this friendly and inviting service! Singles, 1. Go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot: vols.pt/7TWPn8 couples, partners, ALL are welcome! *For dinner, RSVP on NOAZIM 2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an ac- Facebook page ($5). count on VolunteerSpot) 3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an au- St. Paul Young Adults and Young Families tomated confirmation and reminders. Easy! Apple Picking Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Ruth Garner at Sunday, October 12, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. [email protected] or 651-278-9596. Afton Apple Orchard (14421 So. 90th St., Hastings) www.aftonapple.com Enjoy the Fall weather with St. Paul Federation Young Leadership, Beth Jacob Congregation, Beth Jacob’s 20’s & 30’s Community, Mount Zion Temple, TAXY Families, and Temple of Aaron. Get lost in the corn maze, pick out a pumpkin, take a hayride, drink some hot apple cider, and bring home a bag Sukkot Cruise of crisp and juicy apples. Sunday, October 12, 4:30– 7 p.m. (Boarding begins at 4 p.m.) This event is being sponsored by Mount Zion’s Brotherhood, Young Leadership will have a table set up inside the orchard with free Sisterhood & Prime Timers groups. For more details, see page 11. cider, apples, and other apple treats to share. We will raffle a few prizes at 3pm. Look for the Jewish Federation of Greater St. Paul sign. Ad- Women's Networking Event mission $4/adults, $3/children under 4. FREE ADMISSION for Tuesday, October 21, 7:00 pm. those who register here: tinyurl.com/October12ApplePicking by Join experts from different fields who will be giving personal consulta- Tuesday, October 7. For more information, contact Dan Mogelson at tions on a number of exciting business topics. Bring your written ma- [email protected] or 651-695-3189. terials and have them reviewed. Ask questions and get the help you Cross River Congregations 20s & 30s need to grow professionally and personally! Contact Gail at [email protected] or Sandra at [email protected]. Sukkot Happy Hour $10 pre-registration fee. WRJ Midwest District Convention: Building Your Ark: Navigating Your Future Join us as we begin our journey into the future of Sisterhood! October 23-26 at the Hilton - Minneapolis (Bloomington) Registration is now open: wrjm dcon2014.eventbrite.com Tuesday, October 14, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Our 5th Annual Non-event Fund Raiser starting soon! Check your cabinets, make your list and peruse the latest catalogue of at Parlour must have Pampered Chef items. Items will arrive in time at Mount (730 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis ) Zion in time for your Chanukah gift giving needs or can be shipped to Bringing all our Sukkot Happy Hours together those friends and family far and near. Visit our exclusive link at: tinyurl.com/qawfq67 Free Specialty Drinks! As a special note, the November 5th Red Cross Blood Drive has Adath Jeshurun, Bet Shalom, Beth El, Beth Jacob, Mount Zion, been moved to an alternative location at the request of the Ameri- Shir Tikvah, Temple of Aaron, Temple Israel can Red Cross. More information will be available soon.

12 LOWER SCHOOL NEWS

Save the Dates! "IM EIN KEMACH, EIN TORAH; IM EIN TORAH, EIN KEMACH." (PIRKEI AVOT) October: Fri., Oct. 3: Yom Kippur starts in the evening Bread and Torah Sat., Oct. 4: Yom Kippur children’s programming during sermon time November 23 Sun., Oct. 5: Sukkot Service (no classes) Without sustenance, there can be no Torah; Sun., Oct. 12: Sukkot Festival & Consecration (no classes) Without Torah there can be no sustenance. Weds., Oct. 15: Simchat Torah Service (no classes) Weds., Oct. 15 & Sun., Oct. 19: No School, MEA weekend What do you think our sages meant by this dual statement? As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, religious school students will learn Sun., Oct. 26, 10 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.: 6th Grade B’nei Mitzvah Orientation about the interrelationship between bread and Torah. They will spend November: school time preparing a meal for single mothers and their children Sun., Nov. 2: Monkey Mind Pirates Family Community Program by living at Jeremiah Program, one of Mount Zion’s Tzedek partner Z. Puppets Rosenschnoz organizations. Parent/Guardian volunteers are needed! To participate in the mitzvah that feeds families in need, contact Liza Mole at Sat., Nov. 8-Sun., Nov. 9: 6th grade Family Retreat [email protected]. Fri., Nov. 14-Sat., Nov. 15: 4th grade Shabbaton Sun., Nov. 16. 11:45 a.m.: OSRUI Camp Presentation Sun., Nov. 23: Bread & Torah and Hebrew Goal Setting Conferences Weds., Nov. 26 & Sun., Nov. 30: No School, Thanksgiving Break Hebrew School (Grades 2-6): Fall Goal Setting Conference Pizza in the Hut! Sunday, November 23 Wednesday, October 8 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Parents/guardians will have the opportunity to set Hebrew goals with Sukkah Decorating and their child’s teacher for their learning this year. Don’t miss out on this Complimentary Light Dinner unique opportunity! This is the only conference day for the 2014- (Pizza in the Hut) 15 school year. 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. Family Friendly Erev Sukkot Service SCHOOL CLOSING DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER Consecration Please tune to WCCO for Hebrew and Religious School closings Sunday, October 12 (WCCO AM Radio 830, WCCO TV Channel 4, www.WCCO.com) 11:30 a.m. Service Snow cancellations will also be posted on the Mount Zion 12:00 p.m. Picnic lunch ($5/person) home page, www.mzion.org or on the Religious School Join the congregational festive service and the Facebook page. Cancellation decisions will be made by: 1:30 p.m. Kindergarten class as they receive their mini- for Wednesday Session I, 4:30 p.m. for Wednesday Session Torahs as part of Consecration. Sign up online II, 8:00 a.m. for Sunday Session at mzion.nirsham.com/form/sukkot-festival-consecration-picnic-lunch.

2nd-6th grade Families: Get Excited for November 2! “Z Puppets knows how to combine puppets, music and yoga into a swashbuckling good time.” – Fox News Tap into the power of puppets, rock and chaos turns his ship upside down and drives the Captain overboard yoga through Monkey Mind Pirates, a fun- where he meets the Wise Sea Monkey. Find out how the Captain learns filled, family-friendly musical mixing to turn his “arrghs” into ‘Oms,” regain peace and tame the Monkey playfulness with mindfulness-- and pirates! Mind Pirates. Sail along with this epic tale of a sea captain Turn your family’s “Arghs” into “Oms” with the award-winning, catchy, as he discovers the secrets to navigating the original songs and lovable puppets of the Monkey Mind Pirates. stormy seas of stress. When Captain Fitz sets out for the Legendary Waters of Calm, the unruly Monkey Mind Pirates hijack his ship with anxiety, depression and distraction. The

13 CHAI SCHOOL NEWS Chai School Save the Dates! Youth Groups 7th Graders 7th grade In Action! Go Wild!: Building our Kehillah Kedoshah Noar Tzion Sunday, October 26, 12:15-3:00 p.m. - Come with your friends to the (4th-6th grade youth group) Zoo for an afternoon of a scavenger hunt, working together, seeing the Apples to Apples: Apple and Pumpkin animals, and more. Sign up at mzion.nirsham.com Picking with Noar Tzion Save the Date: Sacred Choices Parent/Guardian Info Session Sunday, October 26, 12:15pm-3:30pm Sunday, December 7, 12:15-3:00pm Join us to pick the last applies of the season and to 8th/9th Graders get that perfect pumpkin! Sign up at Torah & Teva Shabbaton mzion.nirsham.com. Friday, November 21-Sunday, November 23 JYG Join your friends for an awesome weekend of high ropes, campfires, (7th-8th grade youth group) learning, and other Jewish stuff! Sign up at mzion.nirsham.com Get Psyched! Tri I Classes Sunday, November 2, 12:15-2:45 p.m. 50 Shades of Israel Taught Taught by Mor Pinhas Join JYG for lunch and performance by Beyond Schindler’s List Taught by Maddie Jaffe Amye Scharlau, Comedy Hypnotist! Be Do Not Place a Stumbling Block Taught by Sarah May amazed as you or your friends fly space- What’s in Your Wallet? Judaism, Money, and Planning Ahead Taught ships, speak in different languages, or forget by Susan Robiner their own names. Cost for lunch and the 11th Graders show is only $12. More info. about Amye NYC Movie Night – Crossing Delancy can be found at www.amyescharlau.com. Sign up at mzion.nirsham.com Monday, October 13, 4:00-6:00pm Wear a new hat and revel in our old-world grandmother’s story about a SPORTY nice Jewish boy-next-door who sells pickles near Delancy Street. (9th-12th grade youth group) 11th/12th Graders Mini, Mini, Mini Save the Date! 11th/12th grade Electives Saturday, October 25, 4-9pm Wednesday, December 3-Wednesday, February 11 Join SPORTY for an evening of mini golf, mini food, and MINNE- We miss having you here every week! Come during “regular” Chai sota! Minnesota gear and accents are encouraged but not required. School time—Wednesdays, 6:00-7:15pm—for electives specifically for RSVP at mzion.nirsham.com. Contact Liza Mole, SPORTY Advisor, YOU, our oldest students! [email protected] with any questions!

SPORTY Board meetings All meetings are Wednesdays from 7:15-8:15pm and are open to all SPORTYites TeenTeen HangoutHangout October 1, 22, 29 and November 5, 12, 19 NFTY (9th-12th grade national/regional youth group) Sign up for Fall Kallah! October 10-12 at Bet Shalom in Minnetonka www.nfty.org/no/events/fall/ Contact Liza, SPORTY Advisor, [email protected] with questions.

NFTY Convention 2015 Feb 13-17 in Atlanta Every Monday, 3-6pm nftyconvention.org Join your friends in the youth lounge on Mondays. Feel free to use Join thousands of teens from around the country for five days of one of our 7 Chai School laptops, our new TV with Netflix and NFTY National fun! Sign up at nfty.org/convention. video games, or our comfy seating. This afternoon is not about will connect, inspire & engage programming, it’s about hanging out with your Jewish friends. Free #NFTYConvention snacks will be provided! teens & adults. Join us!

14 CARING COMMUNITY Mount Zion Cares! The Caring Community Program is here to help Mount Zion Temple members in their moments of need. We reach out to you with a helping hand when there is injury, illness, grief or other life stressors. We provide meals, rides, visitors, and shiva support. To get help contact the program at [email protected] or call 651-698-3881.

Attention Knitters and Crocheters! Sundays, Dec. 7, 14; Jan. 4, 11, 25, & Feb. 1 at 9:45 a.m. You do not need to attend all sessions! What: Making Healing Shawls for our Car- ing Community Program and warm hats for Project Home. Who? Knitters and cro- cheters of all abilities who want to partici- pate in these fun, social, and rewarding projects. If you are a beginner, we can get you started. We hope you can join us. What should I bring? We will supply yarn. If you have needles, please bring them. Healing Shawls: Size 13, 24" circular knitting needles or Size N (9mm) crochet hook. Hats: Size 5 or 7 16" circular knitting needles as well as size 5 or 7 double pointed knitting needles. Questions? Betsy Rest (651) 578- 1587 or [email protected].

15 THANK YOU...FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS Rhoda & Don Mains RABBIS’ Malcom & Wendy McLean MITZVAH YAHRZEIT FUND DISCRETIONARY FUND FIRESTONE ART CAMP Philip McMonagle FOODSHELF FUND In Yahrzeit Memory of: In Memory of: Mary & Bob Mersky In Yahrzeit Memory of: In Memory of: Elijah Aaron Shirley (Fritzie) Mae Brand Pearl Rosen Maurice J. Birnberg Shirley (Fritzie) Mae Brand Esther Shallom Steve & Gail Brand Connie & Paul Ross Herman Birnberg Jerome & Beth Marie Geis Bernardo Akerman Betsy Rest Ellen & Martin Sampson Jules & Janice Goldstein Roberto Akerman Jeanette Litman Steven & Judith Schumeister FUND FOR Rita Grossman Lys Akerman-Frank Marcia & Chuck Lavine Emily Seesel MOUNT ZION Emmy Lou Jacobson John Berdie Lee Litman Lawrence Sherman Dan & Denise Jacobus Reine & Sam Shiffman In Memory of: Rosalie Seibel Sally Silk & Thomas Wolfe Janet Kampf Maurice J. Birnberg Shirley (Fritzie) Mae Brand Beverly Kennedy James & Leslie Strohm Bob & Ilone Rouda Herman Birnberg Mary Ann & David Wark Elfriede Sultan Wishing a speedy recovery to: Sheila & Martin Schuman Josephine Blooston Jeanette Litman Gary & Jeannie Sultan Scott Johansen Marilyn Silver Barbara Sarbach Mary Ann & David Wark Wayne & Maureen Sultan Betsy Rest Jeanette Litman Dorothy Eisenreich Abraham Warner In Appreciation of: In Honor of: Rita Grossman Kenneth & Angela Canter Mary Ann & David Wark Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker Judi Marshall Marilyn Silver Rose Fox In Yahrzeit Memory of: John Mast Michael & Stephaine Chauss Rosalie Seibel Bill Fox Family Raphael Brooks In Yahrzeit Memory of: Rita Grossman Albert Halper Mrs. Marjorie Edwards Mort Lazor Elfriede Sultan Bertha Halper Dr. & Mrs. Brooks Edwards Toba Lazor CEMETERY MAINTE- Marilyn Silver Harvey Epstein NANCE & PERPETUAL In Yahrzeit Memory of: Marice L. Halper CANTORS’ CARE FUND JEAN B. & ROBERT W. Aharon Frankel William Lipschultz DISCRETIONARY FUND In Memory of: HARRIS SUMMER Esthera Frankel Bob Rubenstein Shirley (Fritzie) Mae Brand CAMP ENDOWMENT Shulem Frankel David Herring In Memory of: Honnen & Barbara Weiss FUND Yehuda Frankel Elaine Herring Shirley (Fritzie) Mae Brand In Yahrzeit Memory of: Alexandra Oppenheimer Stephan Holczimmer Steve & Gail Brand In Memory of: Dorothy Eisenreich Gad Jacobus Sandra Lyksett Jeanette Litman Shirley (Fritzie) Mae Brand Kenneth & Angela Canter Dan & Denise Jacobus Meyer Kobrin Marcia & Chuck Lavine Elfriede Sultan Anthony Finberg Laura E. Jarvinen Hilary & Jerry Kobrin Shannah Tovah to: Devorah Harris & Larry Joan Shapiro Bob & Ilona Rouda Florence Levin Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker Abrams Frederick Rest Esther Ruder Stephen, Rita & Elena Cantor Rachel Stock Spilker Herbert Rest Carol Gurstelle Levin Alan & Phyllis Kritz Betsy Rest J. C. HARRIS FUND Happy New Year to: Dorothy Linsk Terry Lynne Tilsen In Honor of the graduation of: The Adler Family Sarah Davini MAXINE APPLEBAUM Steve & David Tilsen Molly Gold The Spilker Family Lester Oberman ART ENHANCEMENT Bill & Gloria Levin The Strauss-Klein Family Ruth Oberman FUND The Solomon Family Jeff Oberman & Kathy EDELSTEIN FAMILY BIB- The Skora Family Conner In Memory of: LICAL GARDEN FUND YALE & SARA Tudie Ross & Family Harold Pelly Denise Spillane’s mother In Yahrzeit Memory of: JOHNSON MEMORIAL Francie & Barry Ross Susanne & Natalie Spitzer Sally & Jimmy Beloff Ann Mendelson FUND Kim & Mike Ross John Rothmund In Honor of the birthday of: Tom, Randy, Henry & Elisa Jeff Ross Jill Cohen Patti Engler In Memory of: Edelstein Debbie & Kevin Staska Rose Slisz Sally Beloff Mel Kurnow Adam Ross Rebecca Slisz In Honor of the special birthday Elaine & Michael Johnson & Cori & Gena Levin & Family Terry Lynne Tilsen of: EPSTEIN YOUTH LEAD- Family Lydia, Peter & Tali Koch Steve & David Tilsen Laurie Goldfarb ERSHIP TRAINING In Honor of the 60th Wedding Max Ross In Memory of: Sally & Jimmy Beloff FUND Anniversay of: Betty & Harold Zats Connie & Paul Ross Elfriede Sultan In Memory of: Gloria Johnson Betsy Rest BLOOM LIBRARY FUND Shirley (Fritzie) Mae Brand SISTERHOOD Rabbi Leigh Lerner In Yahrzeit Memory of: LEADERSHIP FUND Aaron & Dawn Milgrom JULIE LAZOR FUND Jerrold H. Paskins In Honor of the marriage of: MOUNT ZION Wishing good health to: Robert Paskins Liddy Rich & Amy Ariel Berneen Rudolph Sally & Mitch Rubinstein In Yahrzeit Memory of: Mary Ann & David Wark Judy Katz In Honor of the birthday of: Freda Gang In Yahrzeit Memory of: Mitch Rubinstein Toba Lazor Leontine Robitshek Bierman Sally Rubinstein ISRAEL EMERGENCY Gerald D. Katz Sally & Mitch Rubinstein FUND LEVINE CHOIR FUND Sheila Reback Yancy In Memory of: In Memory of: Wishing a speedy recovery to: Judy Katz Shirley (Fritzie) Mae Brand Beverly Salmenson Sanford Bemel In Memory of: Sally & Mitch Rubinstein Lois & Walter Baum Leigh & Harvey Cohen Shirley (Fritzie) Mae Brand In Honor of the Anniversay of: Harvey & Leigh Cohen CARING COMMUNITY Josh & Jordana Dorn LIPSCHULTZ LOUNGE Raline Paper FUND Lois & Walter Baum FUND In Yahrzeit Memory of: In Memory of: SHIR TZION CHIL- Ludwig Baum In Yarhzeit Memory of: Shirley (Fritzie) Mae Brand DREN’S FUND Ethel Rosenblum Sandra Lipschultz Feldblum Joan Cleary & Jerry Helfand Lois & Walter Baum Dottie Lipschultz In Honor of the birth of: Tom, Randy, Henry & Elisa Walter & Lois Baum’s Edelstein great grandson Eileen Elkin IRENE FINBERG CAMP Paul & Lisa Dorn’s grandson Bill & Susan Goldenberg In Memory of: Nancy Karasov Karen & Irving Katz Elfriede Sultan Donald Klass Bernice Rosten

16 IN THE COMMUNITY BROTHERHOOD The next Brotherhood bike ride is Sunday, October 20 (MEA week- Mental Health Education Project end). Meet at the Como Pavilion at 9:45 (west side of the Lake, off of 14th Annual Conference Lexington and north of Horton). The ride features: the transit way be- tween the U of MN campuses, the new bikeway through the Min- neapolis campus, lunch at Falafel King in Uptown, returning via the Greenway, Griggs, and the new Lexington Avenue bike path. Don’t miss this great ride! RSVP to Richard ([email protected] or cell 651-270-9345) Sunday, October 19, 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. St. Paul Saints -Thanks to Dan Levey for coordinating our most suc- Temple Israel, 2324 Emerson Ave S, Minneapolis cessful trip yet to see the St. Paul Saints play Winnipeg in one of the last FREE and open to all! games at the old Midway Stadium. We look forward to the next game in the new Saints stadium in Lowertown. The 14th Annual Conference, "Creating Harmony in our Lives," will feature keynote speakers Ronald Braunstein and Caroline Whiddon. October 26 – Stop by our table at the Activity Fair in Margolis Hall, It is free and open to all and will feature two sessions of workshops Sunday morning. with 19 topics to choose from, covering mental health issues affect- On Thursday, November 6 we will volunteer ing youth to people in the later stages of life. Braunstein and Whid- at Feed My Starving Children. Dinner (op- don, both musicians, launched the Me2/Orchestra in 2011 as the tional, of course) is at Panera (6:30 pm, 1260 world's only classical music organization created for individuals with Promenade Place along Yankee Doodle, mental illnesses and the people who support them. Eagan). At FMSC, nutritious dehydrated food is packaged by volun- For more details, go to www.jfcsmpls.org or contact Margie Earhart, teers, then shipped to starving children throughout the world. Please Career and Community Services Director at 952-542-4815 or contact Shel Finver ([email protected]) if you will attend. The vol- [email protected]. unteer activity at FMSC runs from 8-9:30 PM. FMSC is at 990 Lone Oak Rd, Suite 136, Eagan. The Mental Health Education Project is a collaboration of December 7 – Special Israel Current Events program, sponsored JFCS and Jewish Family Service of St. Paul. jointly with the Mount Zion Israel Committee. Everyone in the Mount Zion community is invited to hear from our new Federation Israeli Shlichah – Mor Pinchas. Mor will share her background with us, as Neighborhood House: well as bring us up-to-date on what’s happening in Israel from her Check out these Volunteer Opportunities: unique perspective. Complimentary brunch includes bagels, lox and Skills for School Preschool Assistants Needed egg bake. Help 3-5 year olds increase their school readiness by assisting with Brotherhood Bagel Sales with bagels, cream cheese, lox and coffee our free preschool program. Most our kids don’t speak English at each Sunday from 8:45 to 10:15 when Sunday school is in session. home and need a little extra help to start school with the tools they Keurig coffee is available. We also sell snacks such as granola bars and need to succeed. Assist with crafts, reading, learning ABCs and Pop Tarts. This is an opportunity to meet Sunday school parents and free play. Mondays-Fridays 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Wellstone others in the Temple Sunday mornings. Profits are returned to the Tem- Center and Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays 12:30-2:30 pm at ple and support the Purim Carnival, the Mother’s Day Brunch and Homecroft Early Learning Center. other Temple activities. Please e-mail Arnie Krohn (askrohn@com- Halloween Party Help Needed cast.net) to volunteer to help. Join us as we provide area families with a fun and safe Halloween Brotherhood Meeting: Our next monthly business meeting, to which by volunteering at Neighborhood House's annual Halloween all Mount Zion gentlemen are all invited, will be on Oct 28 (location party. Volunteers will help setup/run a variety of family-friendly TBA). Contact Richard ([email protected]) if you will join us games and entertainment. for light dinner along with discussion. • At the St. Paul Eastside YMCA – 875 Arcade St, St Paul Habitat for Humanity: Thanks to Arnie Krohn for leading the Mount Monday, October 27, 4:30-8:30 p.m. (5-10 volunteers needed) Zion Temple group helping to build a home for a deserving Ethiopian Rummage Sale Help Needed family, as a member of the Interfaith Builders group of 12 religious or- Lend your strength and enthusiasm to a great cause by helping at ganizations. Thanks, Arnie! our annual Rummage Sale! Volunteers are needed to help set-up Join the Brotherhood - don’t miss out! If you haven’t responded yet, for the sale or to package and clean-up unsold goods at this Neigh- please send in your dues to the Brotherhood at the Temple to help borhood House event. support our activities for the coming year. You can also use PayPal to • At John A. Johnson Elementary – 740 York Avenue, St. Paul, pay your dues online – pay to Mount Zion Brotherhood. L’Hitraot! • Setup from 2-8 pm on Wednesday, October 15 Richard Newmark and Brian Serle, Brotherhood Co-Presidents • Cleanup from 4-5 pm on Friday, October 17 L’hitraot! • 10-20 volunteers needed Richard Newmark and Brian Serle, Brotherhood Co-Presidents For more information, call or email Anders Ringdahl-Mayland at Neighborhood House (651-789-2524) or [email protected].

17 Inclusion at Mount Zion (continued from p. 5)

Lift on the Bimah—Beautifully hidden on our bimah is a lift that takes What Steps Can You Take In the Inclusion Process? one from the main floor level (behind the organ) up to the Ark. Let Larry Please keep these resources in mind if you host a simcha (celebration) or an- or an usher know in advance if you would like to use it and someone will other group event/meeting at Mount Zion Temple. gladly help you. The lift is definitely an underutilized resource and we hope All of us can play a role in being the welcoming and inclusive congregation to see it used more by congregants and guests. we appreciate so much. Each of us can make sure if someone needs one of We’re Offering an American Sign Language Course! In an effort to the physical accessible resources that it’s available for them: a handicapped welcome deaf and hard-of-hearing congregants who sign, we are offering a parking space to be able to enter the building, a seat near the front of the Conversational American Sign Language course (see p. 9). sanctuary to be able to see, a clear path to be able to get down the aisle Do you or a family member have an accessibility or inclusion need that safely when using canes, walkers and wheelchairs. would make it easier to be in Mount Zion Temple building and/or One might argue the most important aspect of the Accessibility and attend any programs/services here? Contact me or any of the members Inclusion Working Group’s accomplishments will never be seen. If suc- of the working group and we can direct you to the people or resources you cessful the work will be interwoven into our congregation’s new strategic need! Join us on October 26 at Mount Zion’s first Members’ Activity Fair plan and the systems, practices, and processes that go along with that. From (even if you are a longer term member) to talk with fellow congregants face time to time our work will be visible but mostly we hope to stay quietly be- to face about your need (see p. 6 for more details). hind the scenes educating, consulting and coaching. -Allyson Perling ([email protected])

SOCIAL ACTION UPDATE Tom Marver Accepts National Tzedek Role Fall Book Discussion Tom Marver wants his appointment to a national social action commis- sion to open communication between Mount Zion and other congrega- Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration tions, and to encourage more Temple members to take part in social justice in the Age of Colorblindness (New York: The New Press, action. “This is an opportunity to work on systemic change,” Marver said. 2010) is one of the most important books in recent memory to outline in detailed analysis the insidious nature of insti- Tom Marver is a commissioner on the CSA, or Commission on Social tutional racism through her examination of the public poli- Action for Reform Judaism in January. The CSA sets the agenda for the cies that have created our prison system. As part of Mount Zion Religious Action Committee, which in turn is comprised of members from Temple’s ongoing relationship building with Camphor Methodist the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and the Central Conference of Church, the Tzedek Committee offers this book as a focus for discus- American Rabbis. The commission researches and presents resolutions to sions about race and public policy. These gatherings are discussions, the URJ biennial. not lectures or presentations, so please read the book and come pre- Part of Marver’s role is to serve as a liaison between the RAC and the pared to converse with your fellow congregants. Mount Zion community. The commission allows him to learn how other Mon., Oct. 6, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., Fireside Lounge, Chapters 3-4 congregations organize social justice initiatives and he plans to bring some fresh ideas to Mount Zion’s Tzedek Committee, of which he is a member. Mon., Nov. 10, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., Fireside Lounge, Chapters 5-6 He also plans to update the Mount Zion board on URJ social justice ini- Questions, contact Michael Kuhne ([email protected]). tiatives as they arise. The CSA operates three task forces: domestic policy and equal rights; eco- nomic justice, women and families; and Israel and world affairs. The list of topics is long and almost daunting; research focuses on everything from housing and living wages to health care, climate change and international religious freedom. One issue of particular concern to Marver is what he Tzedek = Justice calls “crushing student debt.” “It’s preventing millennials from getting involved in social action,” he said, Tzedek Committee Meetings in 2014-15 because community organization jobs do not pay enough to cover the Mount Zion's Tzedek Committee meets monthly to address social debt. “Students should not have to pay more interest than the big banks justice issues in our community. All are welcome. Meetings happen to borrow money.” on Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 in Mount Zion's library. Rabbi Spilker also sits on the commission and nominated Marver for the October 20 February 23 position. Marver is an at-large member and will serve for an unspecified November 17 March 16 length of time. Marver has a long history of social activism, starting with December 15 April 20 the Students for a Democratic Society in the 1960s. He works as a con- January 26 May 18 sultant and researcher for political candidates. Contact Michael Kuhne ([email protected]) or For more info. on the Religious Action Center and its work, visit rac.org. Donna Koren ([email protected]) with questions.

18 Mount Zion Temple PRESORTED STANDARD 1300 Summit Avenue US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 814 Saint Paul, MN 55105 TWIN CITIES, MN Address Service Requested

Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker Rabbi Esther Adler Cantor Jennifer Strauss-Klein Cantor Rachel Stock Spilker Larry Solomon, Executive Director Ana Apter, Interim Religious School Director Ellen B. Rest, President Dan Rybeck, President-Elect

Teresa Matzek, Iton Tziyon, editor [email protected] Phone: 651-698-3881 ~ Fax: 651-698-1263 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.mzion.org

Connect with Mount Zion at our Sukkot Sukkot Cruise Reform Weds. - Thurs., Sunday, October 12 Activity Fair & Brunch What Do ^ Jews Believe? Oct. 8 (erev) - 9 Sunday, October 26, 9:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Judaism Beyond the Basics

Simchat Torah Weds. - Thurs., Oct. 15 (erev) - 16

See page 4 for details. See p. 15 for details See page 6 for details. See page 9 for details. Rabbi’s Letter 2 Food for Thought Service Schedule 3 Friday, November 21, 5:45-7:15 p.m. High Holy Days 4 The Mechanics of Stress Renaissance: A Strategic Plan for Aimee Gonzalez Transforming Judaism Chai Notes 5 Jim Stein Inclusion 5 See page 11 for more details. From the President 6 Board of Directors 7 In Mount Zion’s Year of Torah, here is an opportunity to From Enemy to Friend Israel Matters 9 LIVE TORAH THROUGH MUSSAR Rabbi Amy Eilberg MaZAL 9-11 Do you ever wonder: November 14-16 • What are practical ways Judaism can help me Sisterhood 12 in my everyday life? Lower School News 13 • What really matters in life? Each group will meet every other week INSIDEChai School News 14 to learn, study, and practice Mussar Contributions 16 (Nov-Mar for 10 sessions). For more details or sign up: Brotherhood 17 www.mzion.org Social Action Update 18 See p. 10 for details.