The Shofar
February 2009
Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803
Av 5769
the God of the Jews is appeased by half a loaf?
[Jerusalem Talmud, Shabbat 6.9, 8d]
I am currently working on a project for this year’s
Blessing of the Sun (Birkat HaHammah), which is
a celebration that marks the return of the sun to its
original place in the heavens at the precise time
and day of its creation. This event occurs once
every 28 years. This year, Birkat HaHammah will
be April 8th, which overlaps with Erev Pesach and
the fast of the first born.
Given that it is extremely rare for Erev Pesach and
Birkat HaHammah to coincide, the Conservative
Movement’s Commission on Social Justice and
Public Policy is producing a collection of traditional Jewish texts about the sun, called Massekhet
HaHammah, with a commentary that emphasizes
climate change. I was so inspired by one of the
texts contained within this massekhet that I wanted
to share it with you. It states:
Two students of Rabbi Haninah were going out to
chop wood. A certain astrologer saw them and
said: These two will go out and not return. When
they went out, an elderly man said to them: Do
good for me, for I have had three days without
tasting a thing. They had one loaf with them; they
cut half and gave it to him. He ate and prayed for
them. He said to them: May your souls be sustained this day as you have sustained my soul this
day. They went out in peace and returned in peace.
There were people among them who heard [the
astrologer’s] voice. They said to him: Did you not
say, “These two will go out and not return?” They
said: He is a liar because his astrology is false.
Even so, they went out and searched and found a
snake — half [of the snake] in this bundle [of
wood], and half in that bundle. They said [to the
students]: What was the character of your activities on that day? They told them the story. [The
astrologer] said: And what can a person do, when
The Shofar
Within this text is the inherent tension between
astrology, a common practice in Rabbinic times,
and believing in God and the power of change.
What is perhaps most interesting about this story is
that the rabbis do not reject the power of astrology
altogether, but rather claim that it does not necessarily apply to people in their daily lives. While
they accept that the practice does have some
grounding, they believe more in the power of one
to control his or her own destiny by doing righteous acts and teshuvah.
This story evokes a timeless Jewish theme: the
power of righteousness and kindness to alter the
course of a person’s life. The last paragraph reveals that the astrologer’s prediction was right:
certain death was waiting for Rabbi Haninah’s
students when they set out that morning. At the
same time, his knowledge of astrology only enabled him to see what was, and not what could be.
The Rabbis continue to press their theme: Jews,
who believe in justice and teshuvah, control their
own destinies. It is our sacred duty to look beyond
what is, and see what can become.
I encourage you to use this opportunity of the New
Year to think about what is, what you would like
to change, and to realize that you have the power
to become the person that you want to be. I look
forward to seeing you at the end of the month.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Jill Levy
Rabbi Weekends:
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Feb, 27, 28 & March 1, 2009
April 3, 4 & 5, 2009
May 15, 16 & 15, 2009
http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org
Page 1 of 6
January 2009
Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803
Av 5769
Hello Etz Chayim,
Has someone ever come up to you and said Gosh!
You don’t look Jewish! Some people would probably be offended by their comments; I on the other
hand love the opportunity to show that Jews come
in all shapes, sizes and nationalities. When I inform
them that my dad was a cow farmer from Bangor,
Maine and my mom is originally from Mexico City
most people just can’t believe that there are Jews in
Mexico much less cow farmers. When they meet
my wonderful husband and find out that he is a Jew
from Madrid, Spain that too throws them for a loop
and they often need time to contemplate that idea.
At the last Sisterhood event Ted Roberts mentioned
that we, as Jews need, to embrace our differences
and be proud of them. Jews will always be looked
upon as different. We as a community need to harness this pride and make sure that our children learn
that being Jewish is a really special characteristic
that not everyone has.
As a Sunday school teacher for 2nd grade, I have the
ability to reinforce this idea on a weekly basis. I am
blessed to have Ian Burdeshaw as my aid because
my younger kids can see their Jewish future in him.
He reads Hebrew, he was a Bar Mitzvah and last
week while discussing Jewish lifecycles the kids
decided it was getting close for him to find a wife
so he could get a Ketubah and stand under a Huppah. 2nd graders keep it so simple. I love it.
I have included some pictures of my class. They are
great learners and teachers at the same time.
Shalom,
Sandy, President
We are thrilled to invite our newest members of Etz
Chayim: Robin Kirby, Jon Berger, and Martin
Coopersmith. We are so glad to have you as part of
our synagogue family.
On Monday evening, January 19th at the Sisterhood
General Membership Meeting, Ted Roberts, a renowned author and humorist was our guest speaker.
His latest accomplishment was writing a book entitled “Scribbler on the Roof.” He spoke to us about
“The Joys of Judaism,” and the challenging world
that we, as Jews, live in. At the conclusion of his
talk, the over 30 attendees shared in an interesting
discussion. Thanks Ted, for taking time out to join
us!!
Keep saving those White Elephant items for the
event on Saturday, 7 p.m. on March 14, 2009 . We
welcome new or like new items. No clothing. You
can start bringing all donated items to the synagogue back classroom. There will be wine and refreshments, a 50/50 raffle, plus back by popular
The Shofar
http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org
Page 2 of 6
January 2009
Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803
Av 5769
demand, Sandy Pepper will be leading us with Karaoke singing. Please plan to attend and bring your
friends to this exciting evening!!
MEN’S CLUB
Lots of fun things are in store this year. Our dues
are only $15.00 per year! Please come out and join
us!!
INTERFAITH MISSION SERVICE: Deliveries
are made biweekly to Food Pantry and First Stop.
Please continue to support these worthy and needy
projects. Your participation is a mitzvah.
Simcha & Memorial Plaques: $50.00 & $75.00 respectively. For further info, please contact Joe
Sacks. 883-1889.
Shalom,
Sue Paddock
Etz Chayim Sisterhood President
Keep warm and enjoy the winter months.
Thanks, Joe
We are saddened to advise you that Mrs. Joyce
Paddock, Mother of Joe Paddock died today, Friday, January 30, 2009 in a Newton, New Jersey
nursing care facility. She was 78 and had been
struggling with numerous health problems including
arthritis, diabetes & emphysema. She knew that her
health was failing and she had time to make peace
with herself and with God. She is survived by her
children; Joseph, Bruce Wayne, Jane, Sharon, Joanne, Mark and numerous grandchildren & great
grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held Sunday, February 1,
2009 in Newton, New Jersey. The family requests
for memorials/ donations to charities/ other organizations will be contained in another email.
May God comfort the entire Paddock family along
with all the other mourners of Israel and Jerusalem.
From: Karen Lewter
To: Stan Belsky & Family – In Memory of Stan’s
sister-in-law, Harriet Belsky.
Building Fund
From: Harriet & Joe Sacks
To: Stan Belsky & Family – In Memory of Stan’s
sister-in-law, Harriet Belsky
From: Shirley & Ted Roberts
To: Stan Belsky & Family – In Memory of Stan’s
sister-in-law, Harriet Belsky
From: Miry & Richard Trudeau
In Honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Estie & the Bar
Mitzvah of Nathaniel Trudeau.
MEN’S CLUB
MENS CLUB: The next Mens Club
meeting date is: February 3, Tuesday, 8:00PM at Synagogue. Fun,
Food and Relaxation. Come and
enjoy the evening.
The Shofar
General Fund
From: Brenda & Cliff Liles
To: Stan Belsky & Family – In Memory of Stan’s
sister-in-law, Harriet Belsky.
From: Larisa Thomason & Phil Kirshtein
http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org
Page 3 of 6
January 2009
Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803
In Honor of the Bat & Bar Mitzvah of Estie & Nathaniel Trudeau
From: Michal & Gary Hall
In Honor of the Bar & Bat Mitzvah of Nathaniel &
Estie Trudeau.
WHATS A MILLIGRAM ??
For a $5.00 per message donation Millie Rosenthal
will send a handwritten message from you to
acknowledge a Simcha or loss. These donations will
also appear in the Shofar. Help your synagogue,
send a Milligram. Call or e-mail Millie.
From: Larisa Thomason & Phil Kirshtein
Belated congratulations and Mazel Tov to everyone
who chanted the Torah and Haftorah portions during the high holidays.
February Calendar 2009
Date
From: Dianne Eubanks
From: Lori Asburry & Jim Weinberger
From: Max & Millie Rosenthal
Av 5769
Time
Event
Place
Outdoor Lighting Fund
2/28
In Memory of Gertrude and Perry Schlein by their
daughters, Natha Hancock and Robin Slomka and
their families.
Unless otherwise noted Shabbat Services are
Friday night 7:30pm, Saturday 9:30am
Kiddush Luncheon
Plaques
YARTZEIT
From: Stan & Diane Belsky
In loving Memory of Diane’s sister, Lotta Helene
Chester
From: Paulette Goldstein
In loving Memory of Paulette’s brother, Martin
Howard Goldner
Remember the food pantry on your Oneg. First
Stop needs personal hygiene items. Bring a few
cans of food when possible.
Be sure to visit our website for the latest news…
http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org
TU
Feb 3
Feb 4
Feb 5
Feb 5
Feb 6
Feb 10
Feb 11
Feb-12
Feb-13
Feb-14
Feb-14
Feb-15
Feb-18
Feb-20
Feb-22
Shevat 9
Shevat 10
Shevat 11
Shevat 11
Shevat 12
Shevat 16
Shevat 17
Shevat 18
Shevat 19
Shevat 20
Shevat 20
Shevat 21
Shevat 24
Shevat 26
Shevat 28
Alice Levine Yalowitz
Selma Levitt
William Flank*
Hersh Schindler
Henry Fleishman
Jerome L Richard
Esther Goldberg*
Helen Flank Baum*
Charles Katz
Mildred Freedman*
Jennie Greenbaum
Bertha Flank*
Rebecca Treister*
Rose Belsky*
Joseph Goodman
UT
Online Donations are Now Possible
Make a donation the Etz Chayim
Website using Paypal. Look for
at
http://www.EtzChayim-HSV.org
ANNIVERSARIES
Feb 4
Feb 14
Feb 26
Shirley and Ted Roberts
Lynne and Steve Edmondson
Valoree and Sam Sainker
Shabbat Onegs & Candle Lighting
Fri, Feb 6, 2009
Shabbat, Feb 7, 2009
The Shofar
TT
http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org
Light Candles: 5:02 PM
Oneg: Adams
Shabbat Ends: 6:00 PM
Page 4 of 6
January 2009
Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803
ETZ CHAYIM BOARD MEMBERS
Joe Sacks
Mens Club Representative
Mille Rosenthal
Sisterhood Representative
Shabbat Onegs & Candle Lighting
Fri, Feb 13, 2009
Shabbat, Feb 14, 2009
Fri, Feb 20, 2009
Shabbat, Feb 21, 2009
Fri, Feb 27, 2009
Shabbat, Feb 28, 2009
TU
TU
Parshah: Beshalach
Light Candles: 5:09 PM
Oneg: Paddock
Shabbat Ends: 6:06 PM
Parshah: Yitro
Light Candles: 5:15 PM
Oneg: Kirshtein
Shabbat Ends: 6:12 PM
Parshah: Mishpatim
Light Candles: 5:22 PM
Oneg: Lash
Shabbat Ends: 6:18 PM
Parshah: Terumah
http://www.chabad.org/calendar/candlelighting.asp
http://www.anshe.org/parsha.htm
Feb 1
Feb 2
Feb 3
Feb 4
Feb 5
Feb 8
Feb 10
Feb 12
Feb 12
Feb 14
Feb 17
Feb 17
Feb 18
Feb 18
Feb 25
Feb 28
Let us know if you currently do not get an email
version of the Shofar and would like to receive it.
sa@etzchayim-hsv.org
UT
UT
BIRTHDAYS
Juliana Opengart
Danny Bulgatz
Gordon Sacks
Ken Lash
Jan Sainker Ray
Ezra Roberts
Ashley Bostick
Steve Edmondson
Daniel Yalowitz
Aryeh Roberts
Nathan Cerezo
Cliff Liles
Sarah Drake
Phil Sanders
Andrew Edmondson
Michelle Lapidus
The Sisterhood White Elephant Sale and Kareoke
Party has been rescheduled for March 14, 2009
The writers who gave us "Fiddler On the Roof" are
now presenting
"The Rothchilds"
A Jewish Tony Award Winning Broadway Musical
Starring Bernie Dean in an incredible one man performance sponsored by the Jewish Federation of
Huntsville and North Alabama in support of the recovery of the Chabbad House and the Jewish Community in Mumbai.
ETZ CHAYIM BOARD MEMBERS
Sandy Pepper
President
Jeff Yalowitz
Vice-President
Michal Hall
Treasurer
Sam Sainker
Recording Secretary
Holly Kent
Corresponding Secretary
Brenda Liles
Trustees
Larry Weinberger
Larisa Thomason
Sam Kleiner
Dennis Bulgatz
The Shofar
Av 5769
The performance is Sunday, February 15, 2009
Seating is limited so get your tickets soon!
Tickets are $18 per seat. All profits from the performance will be donated.
Additional information will be forthcoming
Reservations can be made now by contacting Ed
Gollop at 881-2477
http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org
Page 5 of 6
January 2009
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Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803
Av 5769
We are updating our records. Please email
the following information to Lisa Kleiner at
lisa@lisakleiner.com :
o Birthday Dates
o Anniversary Dates
o YARTZEIT Dates

Dennis Bulgatz has volunteered to maintain
email address changes in our web based database system. Please email Dennis with
any of your Email address changes at: dennis@bulgatz.com

Parking: In order to keep large trucks and
student cars from driving over our parking
lot and using it as a break area, we are putting out some Orange Parking Cones to
block the back parking lot. If you need access to the back lot and the cones are out,
just move them to the side, but please replace them when you leave. Max
The Shofar
http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org
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