Temple New Jerusalem Congregation Newsletter • Vol. 1 Issue 6 • October/November 2011 www.templenewjerusalem.org Word From the Rabbi t’s the end of another biblical year, about fellowship between God and His and that means the end of a cycle of people. He tells us to build a little hut, Torah readings. So it is this week, with a branch covering for a roof. Come I during Sukkot, that we shall read the to Jerusalem with your family, live for last word in the Torah. Then cycle back eight days in your little sukkah, and cel- on Simchat Torah - the last day of Sukkot ebrate the joy of being a citizen of the - to the beginning to read the first word. Kingdom, and a child of the living God. Sukkot is completeness, wholeness. The God and Israel end of the year. That means harvest. All TABLE OF The last word in the Torah is Yisrael (Is- the crops are in. CONTENTS rael). The first word is B’reishit (In the It began with barley and wheat back in beginning). Those two words say it all. the spring, when the first of the harvest Word from the Rabbi ...1 In the beginning, it was God. In the end, came in, and the people celebrated with it is Israel. God and Israel. God in Jerusalem on Shavuot. That har- Sisterhood Corner ...... 2 That is the whole story of the Bible. A vest continued all thru the summer. Love Basket ...... 3 love story, really, between God and His Now the richness and fullness of the har- people. Messiah Yeshua and His bride. vest is at last ready in the fall. It is the Temple Teenz & Kidz ...4 The bride rebelled and rejected her hus- fruit - grapes, dates, figs, pomegranates, Teenz Corner ...... 5 band, breaking the covenant. But in His olives, etc. love, God redeemed her. Prophetically, Sukkot is another kind of Volunteer Sign-up ...... 6 The Redeemer included the nations. The harvest. It’s the end of the age - a harvest Sukkot Recipes ...... 7 Gentiles are grafted into Israel as part of souls. Calendar ...... 9 of God’s plan to provoke Israel to jeal- ousy and to save a remnant of human- ity from both the Jews and the Gentiles. One people, one God. One New Man in Temple New Jerusalem Messiah Yeshua. 1190 E. Lake Rd. S. “So shall all Israel be saved,” explained Tarpon Springs, FL the Apostle Paul. As Isaiah prophesied, 34688 “From Zion will come forth a Redeemer Phone: 727.940.5886 to remove ungodliness in Jacob.” Isaiah Fax: 727.940.5887 [email protected] 59:20,21 and Romans 11:25, 26.
Supporter of: Fall Harvest Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, is all continued on page 5 Sisterhood Corner “Appreciation with Love” sn’t it nice to know we can all terms that describe strength, power He loves us. have some form of strength to and might (Strong’s Dictionary). Even upon those last earthly mo- get us through yet another busy The woman of Proverbs 31 was no ments on the stake of execution, I day in this fast-paced society? wimp! From being the caretaker of He continued to commune with Living in this time in history, we her home to spinning and weaving our Heavenly father and showed can sometimes get a skewed idea cloth from dawn until dusk, she strength. We can rejoice knowing of what a strong wom- that He sits at the an is. right hand of the “Charm and grace are deceptive, Father in Heaven. Strength and Everyone was Dignity and beauty is vain, but a woman amazed as to why Proverbs 31 invites Yeshua didn’t try to us to understand what who reverently and worshipful- take himself off that our Heavenly Father ly fears the Lord, she shall be holy stake. God’s considers to be true strength is in you, strength. “Strength and praised!” Proverbs 31:30-31 me and His follow- dignity are her cloth- ers. He continued to ing and her position commune with His is strong and secure ... ” Proverbs also prepared and cooked food and heavenly Father. 31:25 did many other things. She was Gifts and Talents Isn’t this a goal that you want to anything but a passive, charm- How can you be strong to do the achieve? So what’s stopping you? ing queen. In traditional Jewish things the Lord has set you to do? This is where the revelation of God homes, husbands and children re- It is in the time laying at His feet can speak to your inner spirit. cited the poem in Proverbs 31 at But we are not fi ghting against in fellowship with him (heart to “ the Sabbath table. fl esh and blood in this life. So the heart) that He can clothe you with We all are the most beautiful pre- strength that you will need to ac- strength and dignity. cious pearls in Yeshua’s eyes. Do complish God’s will is not carnal.” From beginning to end, the Woman you want to know a secret? Do you Ephesians 6:12 of Proverbs 31 is a practical hand- want to know a “pearl” of wisdom How many times have we all heard book for leading a life of wisdom, to hold in the palm of your hand? this Scripture before? Now, let’s strength and honor. Who wouldn’t It’s the glorious truth and brilliance read the Scripture again. Only this want to be such a woman? of the Word of God. time, insert your name into the verse Here are a couple of refl ective so that it becomes much more per- Let’s look at this “beauty tip”: questions to ponder on over the sonal and real. Inserting your name “Charm and grace are deceptive, next couple of weeks: What are a will have a much deeper level and and beauty is vain, but a woman few ways that you personally could spiritual meaning in your heart. who reverently and worship- make more time sitting at Yeshua’s fully fears the Lord, she shall be feet, communing with him to use Pearl of Wisdom praised! Give her of the fruit of your gifts and talents for the King- The word chayil in Hebrew is used her hands, and let her own works dom of God? Do you ever fall into to describe God’s idea of a real praise her in the gates of the city!” the trap of striving for the world’s woman. It means “virtuous wom- Proverbs 31:30-31 idea of a strong woman? Why or an.” It’s mentioned over 200 times How wonderful it is to know we why not? If so, think of ways to in the Scriptures, so it must be an worship an awesome and loving safeguard yourself from doing this. important term in God’s eyes. God. Yeshua often made referenc- Praise the Lord for friendships and We can elaborate on this to include es about loving our Heavenly Fa- fellowship with his people! other traits and gifts that the Lord has ther, our Abba, His Abba, showing woven us to become. Chayil offers grace and mercy, and how much Rebbetzin Tara Stepakoff page 2 MJAA SE Regional Conference 2011
JAA Southeast Regional Sake and Marc Chopinsky, will Conference 2011 takes perform during three nights of place from December Davidic worship and concerts. 16th-18th at the Rosen New this year are special end- MPlaza Hotel in Orlando. Bring the time insights with guests, such as prayer and spiritual encouragement, whole family! Dave Dolan (Middle Eastern jour- as well as an opportunity to be part Classes are available for all ages, nalist) and Usama Dakdok (Straight of the wider Messianic community. including programs for teens, young Way of Grace Ministry, reaching Log on to MJAA.org and download adults and singles, hosted by the Muslims for Messiah). The Interna- the conference brochure. Register Young Messianic Jewish Alliance tional Alliance of Messianic Con- online early and receive a discount. (YMJA). Babysitting is available gregations & Synagogues’s offers throughout the conference. attendees a pre-conference Yeshiva Immerse yourself in three days of Course and Dance Workshop. December 16th-18th Messianic teachings, discussions We encourage you to attend and Rosen Plaza 9700 International Drive and panels with top rabbis and lead- enjoy unifying with other Messianic Orlando, FL 32819 ers. Messianic artists and bands, Jews from around the Southeast re- 800.627.8258 such as Ted Pearce, For His Name’s gion. It’s a time to receive personal www.mjaa.org
Ladies Hanukkah Love Basket NJ gives the Luncheon Love Basket to a special he women of the of our TNJ mishpacha! person(s) each Sisterhood are Prepare to have some T month. During the month gathering for a fun! Bring a $5 gift for of October, we honored special Hanuk- the grab bag and join the Bob and Penny Harris. Our November Love Tkah luncheon on Sunday, gals for a special Hanuk- The Harris’ always have Basket recipient, Fran December 11th at Baha- kah gift exchange. the kindest heart. Where Naumann, is such an in- ma Breeze from 1-3 p.m. We will play a couple help is needed, they dig credible woman of God. Ladies, if you would like games, eat some deli- in and give to our mish- She warms our heart with to bring a female friend cious Caribbean-style pacha. Not only is Penny her smile and sincerity. or relative, please feel food and engage in great a fabulous chef and an She is alot of fun to talk free to do so. We would conversations. incredible party planner, to, a keen listener and is love to meet them and Join the Sisterhood for she is also a member of always willing to work welcome them to be part this exciting outing! the TNJ hospitality team “behind the scenes” to assisting those in need of get things done. Thank extra meals. Bob often December 11th you for all that you do! 1-3 p.m. makes Shabbat School a If you would like to help Bahama Breeze fun, creative and joyful fi ll the monthly Love 3045 N Rocky Point place. Together they are a Baskets with gifts of ap- Dr. East great team. preciation, contact Reb- Tampa, FL 33607 The TNJ mishpacha is betzin Tara Stepakoff at blessed to have them! 727.940.5886. page 3 Temple Teenz & Kidz AR Teenz Perspective by Ruthie Stepakoff osh Hashana is the new and putting our sins behind us be- from loving us. It also reminds us year. It consists of 10 days cause it’s a new year. that we can always have our slates of repentance and asking wiped clean because He forgives. R for forgiveness for your Spiritual Cleansing Because of this, I love the High sins of the past so you can start fresh Yom Kippur follows up with what Holy Days. It reminds me of how for the year ahead. Rosh Hashana is about. After the good God is and that I am always 10 days of asking for forgiveness forgiven. New Year and putting our sins behind us, Yom Recently, I’ve had some struggles Kippur rolls around and it is known with a couple friends of mine and as the Day of Atonement. I’ve been trying to forgive them It’s a spiritual cleansing of all of for some of the things they say and our sins for the entire year to start don’t mean. I’ve been asking God us fresh. We fast for an entire 24 for forgiveness for my sins as well hours (which is not easy, believe as theirs. me) in representation of the cleans- I understand no one is perfect and ing. I think everyone needs a spiri- God is good. No matter how many tual cleansing. Ruthie Stepakoff and TNJ Teenz & Kidz sins and mistakes we make, God Yom Kippur is extremely signifi - write Bible Scriptures on sky lanterns for forgives. This is exactly what Rosh cant in reminding us that God loves the TNJ dedication and celebration, Friday, Hashana is all about - starting new us and nothing we do can stop him September 16th.
TNJ Kidz Report Birth Announcement he Kidz have been Thank You busy this Holy Day sea- The Kidz will celebrate son with lots of activi- Thanksgiving by expressing how ties that make Scripture they are thankful to Yeshua for T come alive and deepen their many blessings. their relationship with Yeshua. We’d like to thank each and ev- They learned about Yom Kippur ery volunteer in the Kidz pro- and repentance through the study gram for the time, love, gifts and Welcome, Talyah (Tali) Shavat Hilm- of Jonah and the Big Fish and insight they bring to the program er! TNJ Youth Coordinators Tim and made candy sukkots and sukkot each week. We could not offer Shoshanah Hilmer gave birth to this lanterns. the quality of activities like we healthy baby girl in mid-October. They played games like Bibli- do without you! Let’s all thank our Lord for this won- derful miracle. If you would like to cal Win, Lose or Draw and Bible Todah! give a gift, make a hot meal or help Charades. They will also cook, Shannie Hilmer, in some way, please e-mail Shannie at perform skits and make crafts. Youth Coordinator [email protected]. Temple Teenz & Kidz RTeenz Corner t’s an exciting time for the Yom Kippur and Sukkot activities camp, making a bonfi re, kayaking Teenz, as we enter the “Days included discussions about the Holy and much more outdoor fun. For of Awe.” They have been busy Days, contests and quizzes, and some Teenz, this will be the fi rst learning about the High Holy building a delicious candy Sukkot! camping trip they have been on. IDays of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kip- This year, Youth Coordinators Tim When they arrive on Saturday, pur and Sukkot. and Shoshanah Hilmer planned an they will roast marshmallows, For Rosh Hashana, the Teenz extra special Sukkot since they were play games and engage in fellow- read Scripture relating to the Holy expecting their second child around ship time with their peers. On Sun- Day, refl ected on their prayers this Holy Day! day, the Teenz will gear up for for the New Year and made cards. some kayaking fun. The scenery is They handed out honey and apples The Great Outdoors breath-taking in this area! May the to the congregation during the erev On Saturday, November 12th, the Teenz have a blessed trip! Rosh Hashana (Feast of Trumpets) Teenz will go on a camping trip Stay tuned for December’s activi- Wednesday night service on Sep- at the Chassahowitzka River Camp- ties, as the Teenz are planning an tember 28th. ground. They will enjoy setting up entertaining surprise for Hanukkah!
from page 1 Word From the Rabbi
God gave the Ruakh to His congre- ken the yoke of his burden, and the are at last returning to faith in Mes- gation during Shavuot nearly 2,000 staff of his shoulder, the rod of his siah Yeshua. years ago. Since then, there has been oppressor, as in the day of Midian.” a harvest, which began that spring, Isaiah 9:1-4 Gather Your Family thru the summer of human history. That “great light” is Yeshua! For as Would you like to be one of the la- Now here we are in the autumn. The the workers brought in the harvest borers of this rich harvest? He has “fi g tree” has blossomed (Matthew from the fi elds, there was rejoicing called both Jew and Gentile to this 24:32)! night after night, all throughout the fi eld. Messianic Jewish revival is land. The tithes of the harvest were upon us. The joy is unimaginable. Rich Harvest gathered up from every fi eld. One- It’s the day of Israel. The day of Immediately before Yeshua comes, tenth of all was taken to the house which the prophets spoke, but did He will reap a great harvest. The har- of the Lord God in Jerusalem. The not themselves see. vest is plentiful. Do you desire to be people came from every town and Kings and princes longed to see this one of those laborers to bring in the village in caravans, carrying the day, as did many faithful people of fi nal harvest with the Lord? There produce on carts, singing, dancing, God from generations past. We are was no joy in Israel like the harvest rejoicing along the way. All of Is- living in it. time. “The people that walked in rael celebrated the harvest together It’s the season to gather your family darkness have seen a great light. for eight full days. and celebrate the harvest with God. They that dwell in the land of the There was nothing like it in all the TNJ is a venue where you can cel- shadow of death, upon them hath world. People came from every na- ebrate the prophetic revival of Isra- the light shined. They rejoice before tion, tribe and tongue to celebrate el. Come and worship Yeshua with thee according to the joy in harvest Sukkot in Jerusalem. The joy was us during Sukkot and into this new time, and as men rejoice when they especially great in a season of a rich year. Shalom! divide the spoil. For thou hast bro- harvest. The Jewish people today Rabbi Michael Stepakoff VOLUNTEER. GET INVOLVED. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
TEMPLE NEW JERUSALEM welcomes your help. Our volunteer opportunities include ...
Greeters Hospitality Ushers Food pantry
Maintains a healthy and Delivers food to congregants Responsible for maintenance Maintains upkeep of pantry warm smile to visitors and homes, makes hospital visits, and upkeep of the Synagogue donations. Checks for expired the congregation, while offer- and follows up with fi rst-time grounds, organize Siddurs dates on non-perishable food, ing assistance to the elderly, visitors by phone or a visit to and other items to display for stocks with plastic bags as handicapped and parents with their house with some fresh- services, and maintain order needed, and offers assistance infants. Greeters guide or di- ly baked cookies! during service times. to fellow congregants in need rect the congregation to dif- of some extra food items. ferent areas of the building.
Holiday preparation Oneg Local outreaches Volunteer teachers for elementary and During the Jewish holidays, Assist in putting out food Presently, TNJ is collecting middle school kids extra assistance is always items following services. “gently used” clothing, lin- welcome, from preparing Upon prior approval, also ens, non-perishable Kosher NOTE: Background Check is food for meals to simple deco- bring in food items. FYI: We food items for donations to required and enforced. Cur- rations and set-up and/or stay Kosher. Please refrain Gulf Coast Jewish Family riculums are simple, easy to clean-up. from bringing pork or shell- Services. Outreach represen- follow and, most importantly, fi sh products. tatives help drop off TNJ do- fun! nations at Gulf Coast.
If you’re interested in volunteering at TNJ, sign up below and return thisO form to Rebbetzin Tara.
______Name Address
______Phone E-mail Volunteer Position Yom Kippur Immersion Ceremony
On Saturday, October 8th, TNJ held a Yom Kimpur (Day of Atonement) afternoon service at 4 p.m. Near the close of the ser- vice, three people felt the Lord calling them to an Immersion. Rabbi Michael Stepakoff per- formed the immersion ceremo- ny. Immediately following the service everyone joined in on the decoration of the Sukkah.
*sukkot recipes Marak Kubbeh Adom • 2 tbsp sweet paprika Ingredients • salt & fresh ground pepper • olive oil • 8 cups chicken stock • 1 med onion, rough chop • 2 tbsp sugar • 6 beets, peel & rough chop • juice of 1 lemon • 4 tbsp tomato paste • frozen Kubbeh Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until onions are translucent. Add the beets and cook for a few minutes. Stir in the tomato paste. Add the paprika and season with salt and pepper, then add the chicken stock. Allow to simmer over medium-low heat, uncovered, for at least an hour. Stir in the sugar and lemon juice. Using an immersion blender, pulse to partially blend the soup. Add as many frozen kubbeh as will comfortably fit in the pot without crowding and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Serve in large bowls, giving 2 to 3 kubbeh per person. Yields: 8-10 servings
Meat Stuffed Peppers • 1 egg • 1-2 tsp salt Ingredients • 1/4 tsp pepper • 4-6 red bell peppers • 2 tbsp oil • 1 lb lean ground beef • 1 onion, chopped • 1 onion, grated • 20 oz. can chopped tomatoes • 3 tbsp uncooked rice • 3 tbsp lemon juice • 3 tbsp water • 3 tbsp sugar Cut a circle in the top of the peppers and pull out seeds. Rinse and set aside. Save the top of the pepper. In a bowl mix together the meat, grated onion, rice, egg, 1-2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stuff peppers lightly with this mixture. Place stuffed peppers in a roasting pan. In a saucepan, heat oil and saute chopped onion until golden. Add all other ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour sauce over the peppers making sure that some of the sauce stays on top. Place pepper tops back on top of the peppers. Cover and bake 1 hour, basting once or twice. Yields: 4-6 servings Seaside Escape Where Women Bask in God’s Presence February 24th-26th, 2012 Life Enrichment Center, 4991 Picciola Rd., Fruitland, FL 34731
An amazing and fun-fi lled annual women’s retreat, “Seaside Escapes,” for ladies 18 and older. Brochures are available on the Welcome Table in the back of the synagogue. Space is limited. Please drop off your payment and registration voucher in the Sisterhood “Beach Pail” collection basket in the back of the sanctuary, or mail them to TNJ with a note in the check memo “Seaside Retreat”: 1190 E. Lake Rd. S., Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688.
The fi rst non-refundable deposit of $90 (single occupancy) or $80 (double occupancy) is Due by October 31st.
Registration Voucher Please fi ll out and drop in the Sisterhood “Beach Pail” collection basket along with your fi rst deposit. Name: Address: Phone: E-mail: Single or Double Occupancy: If double occupancy, please list a roommate: Deposit Amount: Shabbat Service Fridays, 8 p.m.
Our main event at Temple New Jerusalem. A weekly ap- pointment with Yeshua! Praise, Dance, Teaching, Torah and Ministry, always under the presence of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit).
ANNOUNCEMENTS 2 0 1 1 C A L E N D A R
Birthdays ... October November October November Anniversaries ... General General Teenz & Kidz Teenz & Kidz Yahrzeits ...
We would like to mention Simchat Torah Love Basket Kidz Thanksgiving Teenz Camping your birthday, anniversary Fri., Oct. 21st, Fri., Nov. 4th Oneg Trip and Yahrzeits in upcoming 8 p.m. Fri., November Sat. and Sun., newsletters and weekly Fran Naumann will 18th November 12th- Simchat Torah marks receive the Love 13th announcements. the completion of Basket. If you Temple Kidz Please give us a call the annual reading would like to make will make No Bake Temple Teenz of the Torah. Fol- a donation for this Peanut Butter Gra- overnight camp- at 727.940.5886 or lows immediately Love Basket, please nola Cookies. Then ing trip. Contact send Tara an e-mail at after the festival of see Rebbetzin Tara. they will set up ta- Youth Coordinators [email protected] with Sukkot. bles for oneg with Shoshanah and Tim this information. tablecloths and cen- for details: terpieces. [email protected]. Happy Birthday and An- niversary to everyone en- Sisterhood 2012 Retreat, February 24-26th, 2012 joying your special day(s) “Seaside Escapes: Where Women Bask in God’s Presence” is a Bible-based program for woman of in the months of October all ages. Invite a friend to enjoy this joyous excursion into Bible truths that refresh, reinvigorate and and November. open your heart to a deeper level of experience with the Lord. Based on Psalm 46:10. “Be still and know that I am God.” Please see brochure for more details.
______Temple New Jerusalem 1190 E. Lake Rd. S. Tarpon Springs, FL 34688