the SHOFAR
Newsletter of the
Congregation OLYMPIC B’NAI SHALOM
This is how we look when we meet outdoors - which we do as often as we can!
| Want to learn about Jewish history and clulture but don't like attending religous services? Come to our adult education meetings! See details below. |
October 2011
A Message from President Suzanne DeBey:
Years ago, when I was studying Judaism for conversion with Cantor David Serkin-Poole of Temple B’nai Torah, I remember expressing concern that I wasn’t even sure if I believed in God. And if or when I sorted that out, my concept of God might be very different than the Jewish view. He smiled and asked me to remember the Avot, where it says “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob”. He pointed out it didn’t say “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”, because it reflected that even the Patriarchs did not necessarily share “one” view of God. So in our ancient prayers, there is the acknowledgement that how we view the Divine is a very personal thing and Judaism encourages that rather than a more rigid perspective.
Not only our view of God, but our view of worship and services is shaped by our upbringing, our world view and experiences. If you look in the yellow pages under churches you will find over 60 different listings in the Port Angeles/Sequim area. (Yes, I counted!) Thus, with a little “shopping” one could find a place of worship that most fits ones beliefs and practices. You would feel comfortable amongst congregants who see the world and the method of worship exactly as you do. However, when you look for synagogues, there is only one….Congregation Olympic B’nai Shalom.
So how can we meet everyone’s needs when we are “the only game in town”? Here on the Peninsula we have Jews who are secular, liberal Reform Jews, those who come from an Orthodox or Conservative background, Jews who found their religious upbringing stifling and have rejected all formal practice, Jews who see their Judaism strictly in the context of tikun olam and social action, Jews by Choice , and those whose families have non-Jewish members. In a large city, each of these Jews could find a congregation that would best fit their needs. Somehow we have to find a way to provide a Jewish presence that can touch everyone in some way.
There isn’t a person out there, including myself, who couldn’t find fault with some aspect of our community, but I suggest that as we enter a period of reflection before the High Holy Days, we all take a deep breath and see our common ground simply as Jews in a predominantly non-Jewish, and sometimes hostile environment. By affiliating with the Reform movement, there will be practices that Jews from a more conservative background will find difficult, but we also have many things in our services that would make a more liberal, secular Jew uncomfortable. As we approach the High Holy Days, we need to work on respecting and honoring the huge variety of Judaism we represent in our tiny area, and see it as a blessing, not a curse. Comments that begin with “How can you possibly…or the proper way to…” are hurtful and disrespectful to the glorious diversity in our community.
So join us when you can at whatever event or service has meaning to you. And if no formal activities suit you, consider contributing to our one and only Jewish congregation knowing that, no matter how we keep the spark of Judaism glowing on the peninsula, the flame still glows. You will be supporting the beauty of our faith, not just through your own perspective of the Divine, but through the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Shalom.
If you would be willing to serve on the board or help your congregation in any way, please contact us!!
CALENDAR
All services are held at the Unitarian Church unless otherwise noted – see articles below for more information about services
Services / Programs for next 2 months
9/9 – Adult Education – 6:30 pm – High Holy Days 101 – Why we do what we do - potluck & discussion led by Marsha Melnick hosted at Marsha and Kent’s home
High Holy Day Services led by Rabbi Stan Yedwab - Rosh Hashanah - 9/28/11 –9/290, Kol Nidre – 10/7, Yom Kippur – 10/8/11 – schedule attached
10/15/11 – 3:30 – Sukkot – Family Friendly service and potluck at Suzanne DeBey’s home led Susan Stombaugh
11/18/11 - Adult Education – 6:30 pm Jews in the New World – led by Phyllis Darling, place TBD
12/16/11 - Adult Education – 6:30 pm Jews and the American Revolution – led by Phyllis Darling, place TBD
12/26/11 – Hanukkah Party!!!!
2011-2012 Board Meetings - 7:00 pm – at UU Church-all welcome – 9/19, 10/17, 11/21, 12/19, 1/9, 2/13, 3/19, 4/16, 5/21, 6/18, 7/16, 8/20
Teen Dinners at TAFY - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for the 4th Saturday of each month including Thanksgiving and Christmas – organized by Jill Dole
5772-73 Holidays: Rosh HaShanah - 9/28, 9/29; Kol Nidre – 10/7; Yom Kippur – 10/8/11, , Sukkot – begins 10/12, Simchat Torah – 10/21, Hanukkah – 12/20 – Party on 12/26, Tu Bishvat: 2/8/12, Purim – 3/7, Passover 4/6 to 4/14, Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) – 4/19, Israel Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron): 4/25 Israel Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut) – 4/26, Lag B'Omer – 5/10, Shavuot: - 5/26 to 5/28, Tisha B'Av – 7/29, Rosh Hashanah – 9/16 – 9/17/12, Kol Nidre – 9/25/12, Yom Kippur – 9/26/12, Sukkot, 9/30 – 10/2/12
Adult Education Program:
Watch email for dates or call Jody Moss – 417-2869 if you do not have email.
Future Topics for these programs include the following:
Women in Judaism
Jews during the late Greek and Roman periods
Jews in Arab lands
Kabala (part 2)
Jews in Early America
How did Jews wind up in Eastern Europe and what did they do there?
What is the history of Jews in England and France?
Jews in Central Europe
Jews in the Far East
How did Jews wind up in the new world?
What was the culture of Jews in Germany before WWI (not II) and was it similar to current American Jewish culture (assimilation)?
Genetics of Jews in relation to heritage, achievements, etc.
Weekly Torah portion
Great Jewish Merchants
Seeking new volunteers: As many of you know, some of the board members have been serving in our roles for years. We are always in need of new blood, fresh ideas, fresh energy for carrying out the work required to maintain a congregation here in Clallam County.
Services for September & October: We have noted that more people tend to enjoy and attend events which are hosted at members’ homes and we are very pleased with the positive response to the home based programs and will continue to schedule in home activities. Let us know if you would like to host a service sometime.
Adult Education Program – 9/9/11, 6:30 pm - High Holy Days 101 – Why do we do what we do? - Potluck dinner followed by program led by Marsha Melnick. Wonderful opportunity to get ready for the Days of Awe – and why do we call them that? High Holy Day Schedule – 5772/2011
5772 High Holy Days –
Thursday, September 28, 2011: Erev Rosh Hashanah
Set Up - 5:00 pm - come help if you can
Potluck - 6:00 pm
Services - 7:30 pm
Friday, September 29, 2011 Rosh Hashanah
Sunrise Service at City Pier – 6:55 am (7:10 Sunrise) Breakfast Following Sunrise Service at Crabhouse
Morning Service - 10:00 am – Led by Rabbi Stan Yedwab
Annual Meeting - 12:00 pm (lunch to follow)
Clean up - All volunteers welcome
RAILROAD BRIDGE IN SEQUIM **Tashlich 2:30 pm at Rail Road Bridge Park – Bring your bread crumbs
Directions to Railroad Bridge: Coming from Port Angeles, get off Hwy 101 at River Road. Turn left toward town. Go around the traffic circle to get onto Washington Road. The first traffic light is Priest St. Turn LEFT onto Priest. Take Priest till it dead ends at Hendrickson. Turn left. Follow the signs to the park. There is a big parking area when you first get into the park. If you bypass that one, you come to a smaller lot closer to the bridge. From Sequim, take Washington to the traffic light at Priest, just before Wal-Mart at Home Depot. Turn RIGHT at the light. Follow the directions as above.
Friday, October 7, 2011 Erev Yom Kippur
Set up - 6:30 pm
Kol Nidre Service - 7:00 pm
Saturday, October 8, 2011 Yom Kippur
Morning Service - 10:00 am
Torah Study - 2:00 pm led by Sandy Goldstien
Afternoon Service – 3:30 pm
Yizkor, Neilah and Havdalah to follow Break the Fast Dairy Potluck
Clean up - All volunteers welcome Of particular note for families are two services 1) the Sunrise services followed by breakfast at the Crabhouse Restaurant and 2) Tashlich at Railroad Bridge. On Rosh Hashanah at the annual meeting we will serve lox & bagels, fruit and veggies. Other dishes are always welcome. At the annual meeting we will be electing a new board, discussing our financial status, and discussing how to invigorate our work.
Fees for services: We love sharing our traditions and truly welcome anyone, to attend our High Holy Days Services. However, we ask that non COBS members pay a small fee which covers all services and our lunch on Rosh Hashanah. We trust you to help support our Congregation. Send in a check in advance, or bring a check made out to COBS to services.
Non-Member High Holy Day Tickets: $25.00 Single / $40.00 Family (Payment can later be applied for membership should you decide to become a member) Mail to 73 Bridge Lane Port Angeles, WA 98362 or bring to services.
Food Drive: Remember that throughout the High Holy Days we conduct a Food Drive for the Port Angeles and Sequim Food Bank – remember to “glean” the corners of your cupboards for those who are struggling in our community. A donation in the form of a check to the Port Angeles Food Bank or the Sequim Food bank works as well.
10/15/11 – Sukkot: Come at 3:30 pm with flowers, garden harvests and branches to decorate the Sukkah, followed by a service and a potluck dinner. We are welcoming Susan Stombaugh to lead this family friendly event filled with tradition, music, good friends and great food! Bring chairs, blankets and yourselves along with decorations.
Hanukah Party: Tentatively Saturday, December 26th: A committee has formed to begin planning a community wide Hanukah Party. Years ago we held a huge party with a klezmer band that led dancing and served sweets. For years now, many members of the broader community have asked us to begin doing this again. There is an intrepid few who have indicated they would like to work on this. If you have an interest in serving on this committee please let us know.
IT IS TIME TO RENEW OUR MEMBERSHIPS:
OLYMPIC B’NAI SHALOM HAVURAH
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES NOTICE – 5772 / 2011-2012
Please complete entire form and return with check made out to COBS Treasurer,
Mail to address: Gary Kriedberg; 73 Bridge Lane; Port Angeles, WA 98362
Name(s):_____________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________________________________________________________
Email Address: _______________________________________________________________________
May we send your Shofar through email only? _____________________________________________
List Yarzheit’s of all family members you’d like to have included in our “Members’ News” section:
Name: _________________________________Date of Yarzheit (month/day)___________________
Please check one: (make checks out to COBS and mail to 73 Bridge Lane, Port Angeles, WA, 98362)
Family Membership: $375.00 __________
Single Membership: $225.00__________
Limited Income: $_______________ Note: If you cannot afford a full membership, we would still like for you to join us. Any donation you can afford is welcome.
Newsletter Subscription: $15.00 __________ You can also support the congregation by sending in a subscription to the newsletter which although mostly online still does have some expenses.
In addition to my dues, I’d also like to make the following donation(s):
Amount $________ For: ______________________________________________
Options for donations include the following funds: General fund, Scholarship fund, Will Gordon Cultural Fund, Building fund, Tzedakah fund, Sunshine fund, and the Rabbi fund
ANNUAL DONATIONS: Living on the Peninsula we do not have access to all the services of a regular synagogue. Neither do we encounter the very high dues, annual building funds, and required purchase of High Holy Day tickets. Still we need dues and donor support to provide services throughout the year. Last year, rather than raise dues we want to encourage regular donations by members. So, we created several support levels. In our first year, we had several donors who sent in regular monthly payments towards the Chaver Level in addition to their dues. We also had 8 other donors who through various donations throughout the year, reached the Chaver level, and one donor who reached the Jubilee Level.
This year, we hope that you will all consider giving a little extra regularly:
Chaver Level - Consider annually donating $250. This comes to just $21 per month.
Jubilee Level - Consider annually donating $500 or $42 per month.
Chai Level - Consider annually donating $1,080 or $90 per month.
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