The Shofar
October 2008
Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803
Av 5769
who shall wax rich. But teshuvah, repentance, tefillah, prayer, and tzedakah, charity, avert the severity of the decree.
We are thrilled to have you as part of our Etz Chayim Family! We look forward to sharing this year
with you.
Parshat Nitzavim would like for you to imagine that
today is RH. It begins with the words, “You are all
standing this day before the Lord, your God - the
leaders of your tribes, your elders and your officers,
every person of Israel”. The Bal Shem Tov says
that the word “today”, means this parshah happened on Rosh Hashanah.
The fact that we read Parshat Nitzavim the Shabbat
before Rosh Hashanah each year is not accidental. The point of this parshah is for us to make
sure we are prepared for renewing our covenant
with God, prepared to enter into the holiday.
Towards the end of the parshah, Moses says, “behold I set before you this day life and prosperity,
death and adversity”. If you read on from there,
according to Moses, to chose life and prosperity
means to keep God's commandments and to love
God, to chose death and adversity means to turn
your heart away, to not follow God's laws and to
worship other Gods.
This idea of action leading to life or death reminded
me of an integral piece of Rosh Hashanah liturgy Une Taneh Tokef. A summary of it reads:
On New Year's day the decree is inscribed and on
the day of atonement it is sealed: who shall live and
who shall die, who shall maintain measure of man's
days and who shall not attain it, who shall perish by
water, who by fire, who shall become poor, and
The Shofar
At first read, this poem says to me that I have a
choice, a choice between life and death, a choice
between wealth and poverty, where my actions determine what happen. Not only does this remind
me of the passage from Nitzavim, but over the
years, I have realized that the times I feel most unprepared during davening, is when I hear the works
of Une Taneh Tokef.
Also interesting to keep in mind is that according to
the parshah, in order to live you need to keep
God's commandments and to love God. According
to Une taneh tokef, you need teshuvah, tefilah, and
tzedakah.
I have come to realize that perhaps the reason why
I do not prepare for Rosh Hashanah as much as I
would like is because I am not sure that I can buy
into the idea of if you do certain things like teshuvah, loving God, or not worshiping idols, that you
will be saved from death.
When I hear the words of Une Taneh Tokef, I often
think about my friend Marla Benett z"l who was
killed in the Hebrew University Bombing in 2002
and become emotional. I have to assume that the
emotion is tied into the words of the poem about life
being random and that ultimately we have no real
choice in what happens. It is also emotional because the words are especially painful to hear
when you are not sure that you believe they work,
that your action in this world has nothing to do with
the outcome.
On one hand, I look at this poem and I think that
the author really believed that we could have a
hand in our fate. That teshuvah, tefilah, and tzedakah can by their own power transform the world.
But that answer is not good enough for me.
I was recently shown a commentary on Une Taneh
Tokef by Lawrence Kushner. He says that if you
interpret it to mean, "if you're a good boy or girl,
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Page 1 of 7
October 2008
Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803
God will cancel or temper the terrible decree
against you", this is primitive cosmic boogeyman
theology. He also says that the Hebrew word for
avert, ma’avrin, also means to take someone
across a river, to get to the other shore, or to transcend. Bad things are certain to happen to you. At
the same time, your actions will alter the experience of how you face life's misfortunes. Teshuvah,
tefillah, and tzedakah help carry you through the
severe decrees.
I remember that Marla came to visit me in February
of 2002, 5 months before her death. Prior to her
visit, we had a minor falling out and we spoke about
it when we were together. She apologized and I
apologized and then we went out to dinner and had
a fabulous time. After her death, I always thought
that if we did not have that moment to discuss it,
even though it was never a huge deal, it would
have been much harder knowing that there was this
thing between us still out there. Our doing teshuvah on the issue may not have changed her life's
outcome, but it certainly effected how I dealt with
her death.
I may not ultimately have a choice in whether I live
or die, but I can try and live my life in a way that
can alter how I experience the decrees.
Perhaps it is the same in Nitzavim as well. Moses
gives people the option to walk in God's ways and
"live" or to follow other God's and "die". They too
are about to laahvir, to cross, the Jordan and it is
not going to be easy for them. Perhaps observance and loving God as well, will effect how
they experience the outcome of their journey.
L’Shana Tova,
Rabbi Jill Levy
Av 5769
I would like to wish everyone a fantastic New Year.
I love this time of year. I can remember sitting at
Beth Shalom in Memphis every year for what
seemed to be an eternity. I would play with my father’s tallis and my mom would give me hard candy
so I would stay occupied. For the kid’s service, we
would go into the school library and have a service
lead by the older kids. We would read books, eat
lemon cookies and play outside under 2 trees until
it was time to go. I have fond memories of those 2
trees and was heartbroken when Beth Shalom
moved east and the land the old building was on
was leveled to make way for a bank. I sat across
the street in the Kroger parking on the day that the
trees were cut down. Those trees represented
something so special to my childhood and everytime I think about my Jewish experience growing up
in Memphis those trees are always somewhere in
my memories.
I do my best to provide my children with Jewish experiences. Sometimes with so much going on it
takes all of my energy to get the candles out. Tonight I will offer them round raisin bread. Last
weekend we had Havdalah on Monte Sano, we
roasted marshmallows and sang Eliachu Hanavi,
Tomorrow there will be a kids services at 11:00 and
then my favorite Taschlich. I am fortunate that this
fabulous congregation offers my children the educational experiences they will need to look back on
their Jewish childhood positively. Although smaller
than Beth Shalom in Memphis, Etz Chayim provides the same warm, friendly, atmosphere where
members that are willing to go over and beyond the
call of duty. I am grateful that during the Holiday
Season when I cannot be in Memphis with my family, I can be with my other family here at Etz Chayim.
La’ Shana Tova
Sandy Pepper, President
Rabbi Weekends:
Sept 29, 30 & Oct 1, 2008 (Rosh Hashanah
October 8, 9 & 10, 2008 (Yom Kippur)
October 31 & November 1 & 2, 2008
December 12, 13 & 14, 2008
January 9, 10 & 11, 2009
February 27, 28 & March 1, 2009
April 3, 4 & 5, 2009
May 15, 16 & 15, 2009
The Shofar
http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org
Page 2 of 7
October 2008
Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803
Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
9:30 AM Morning Services
1:20 PM Tashlich Services following Musaf Services
Yom Kippur
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
6:30 PM Kol Nidre Services
Thursday, October 9, 2008
9:00 AM Morning Services
11:00 AM Children’s Services (Board Room)
11:30 PM Yizkor
5:00 PM Mincha & N’ilah Services
7:30 PM Break the Fast Dinner
Sukkot
Sunday October 12, 2008
12:00 to 4:00 PM Build Sukkah at Etz Chayim.
5:00 PM Decorate Sukkah at Etz Chayim
Av 5769
The next Hebrew I Reading Course Sponsored by
the National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP) will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008.
Hebrew I Reading will meet weekly on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM-8:30 PM. The class will meet for
about 6 sessions at Etz Chayim Synagogue, 7705
Bailey Cove Road SE, Huntsville, AL. This class is
for those who wish to learn the Hebrew Alphabet
and develop some beginner's level reading skills.
You will learn to print Hebrew letters and also get
introduced to a limited Hebrew vocabulary.
There will be a nominal $10 charge to cover the
cost of extra class materials.
Please call (256-882-2918) or email Bill Goldberg
zevgold@yahoo.com to register.
Monday, October 13, 2008
7:30 PM Evening Services
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
9:30 AM Morning Services
The Synagogue Cleanup held on Sunday, September 14th, was a huge success. Thanks to all who
helped prepare the building for the upcoming holidays: Shirley, Millie, Raven, Holley, Sandra, Natha,
Diana, Brenda, Alexis, and Shoshanna.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
9:30 AM Morning Services
Shemini Atzeret
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
9:30 AM Morning Services
10:30 AM Yizkor
Simchat Torah
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
7:00 PM Evening Hakafot Services & Consecration
“IT IS A TREE OF LIFE TO THEM THAT HOLD
FAST TO IT ”
The Shofar
The New Year Booklet is ready for distribution. This
was a huge under talking, and our largest annual
fund raiser! A big thank you to the committee of
Shirley, Millie, Max, Brenda, Karen, Joe, Harriett,
Natha and Dorothy, who worked hard to make this
happen!!
On September 15th, 2008, 7:00 pm at the synagogue, the Sisterhood hosted a General Membership Meeting. We played the game Apples to Apples, which was ‘lots of fun. The refreshments
were full of fat grams, and we enjoyed every bit of
it! Sharron Schuff was the lucky door prize and
raffle winner of “both” restaurant gift certificates!
http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org
Page 3 of 7
October 2008
Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803
Av 5769
When you get a chance, please thank the Brigadiers (Bill and B.J.) for hosting the Break-the Fast
this year.
Mark your calendar for the next Lunch Bunch gettogether, October 20th at Macaroni Grille at 11:30.
It is located in front of the Madison Square Mall.
And, on Monday, November 17th, a General Membership Meeting will be held at the Synagogue at
7:00 p.m. At this time, a craft project will be taught,
and the Gift Shop will be opened for pre-Chanukah
purchases.
Lots of fun things are in store this year. Please
come out and join us!
In closing, thanks to all who helped with the synagogue clean-up!! Your efforts make a difference!!
L’Shanah Tovah!
Shalom,
Sue Paddock
Etz Chayim Sisterhood President
The congregation thanks goes out to the workers
who cleaned up and beautified the synagogue
grounds for the Holidays and who built the new
swing set donated by the Bulgatz family. Our
thanks to Cliff and Adam Liles, Sam Sainker, Jeff
Lapidus, Scott Hancock, Bill Goldberg, Howard
Polin, Fred Kolchin, Bob & Ian Birdeshaw, Dennis
Bulgatz, Charlie Fisher, Shoshanna Rosenthal and
Alexis Birdeshaw.
In addition the Ladies did a super job of cleaning up
and straightening up the synagogue. Thanks to Millie Rosenthal, Shirley Roberts, Brenda Liles, Raven
Livingston, Holly Kent, Diana Polin, Eidele Sainker,
Alexis Birdeshaw (she gets two gold stars), Lucy
Fischer, Natha Hancock, and Sandra Wiederecht.
What an outstanding group of workers. And if you
look in the ark and the silver items are gleaming, its
thanks to Diana Polin.
MEN’S CLUB
Next Meeting Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at the Synagogue.
IMS: Deliveries are made bi-weekly
to Food Pantry and First Stop. Remember these
important projects. The need is great and your
support is much appreciated. Please keep in mind
these projects, especially when you have an Oneg.
Simcha & Memorial Plaques: $50.00 & $75.00
respectively. Please call Joe Sacks for further details. 883-1889.
Don't forget, Larisa, Phil & Sarah will be bringing
the raw material to the synagogue build and decorate the Sukkah on Sunday, October 12. The
schedule is as follows:



10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Build magnificent
Sukkah
11:00 - 12:00 Noon: Kids & adults decorate
the magnificent edifice Sukkah
12:15 PM: Eat free pizza in the Taj Maha of
all Sukkahs
So be there, bring the kids, and be a sukkahnik this
year.
Thanks.......have a great day, everyday..............Joe
The Shofar
http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org
Page 4 of 7
October 2008
Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803
Av 5769
From: Natha & Scott Hancock
From Miry & Richard Trudeau
Building Fund
From: Millie & Max Rosenthal
To: Lynne Edmondson - Get well soon and get that
hand working again.
To: Robyn Kirby - Glad you are feeling better, continued geed health.
From: Harriet & Joe Sacks
In Loving Memory of Betty Kravitz, Joe's sister.
In Loving Memory of Jack Kirsch, Harriet's cousin.
From: Diana & Howard Polin
In Loving Memory of William C. Polin, Howard's
nephew.
Mark and Tatjana Copeland
Children: Lucas, Jacob and Matisse
514 Mill Road
Madison, Al 35758
phone: 772-6989
email: copela.m@bellsouth.net
Laura King
1589 Old Railroad Bed Road
Harvest, AL 35749-9785
phone: 721-3361
cell:
658-5779
email: lking@knology.net
Please add these new members to your Etz Chayim Year Book for 5769.
General Fund
From: Pam Thompson
Outdoor Lighting Fund
In Memory of Gertrude and Perry Schlein by their
daughters, Natha Hancock and Robin Slomka and
their families.
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
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Randy Sacks Memorial Fund
From: B.J. & Bill Brigadier
Online Donations are Now Possible
Make a donation the Etz Chayim
Website using Paypal. Look for
Sisterhood Fund
From: Raven Livingston
at
http://www.EtzChayim-HSV.org
Irv Sainker Memorial Fund
From: B.J. & Bill Brigadier
Machzor Fund
From: Sandy & Marvin Kalachman
From: Raven Livingston
From: Millie & Max Rosenthal
From: Brenda & Cliff Liles
From: Harriet & Joe Sacks
The Shofar
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.
http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org
Page 5 of 7
October 2008
Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803
MILLIGRAM
To: Pam Thompson and Joe Savage to recognize
Joe's induction in the Alabama A&M Athletic Hall of
Fame.
From: Steve and Lynne Edmondson
Av 5769
ANNIVERSARIES
Oct 27
Millie and Max Rosenthal
Shabbat Onegs & Candle Lighting
October Calendar 2008
Fri, Oct. 3
Date
Time
Event
Place
10/1
10/8
10/0
10/12
10/12
10/13
10/14
10/15
9:30 AM
6:30 PM
9:00 AM
10 AM
5 PM
7:30 PM
9:30 AM
9:30 AM
11:30
AM
9:30 AM
7:00 PM
Rosh Hashanah
Kol Nidre
Yom Kippur
Sukkah Building
Decorate Sukkah
Erev Sukkot
Sukkot
Sukkot
EC
EC
EC
EC
10/20
10/21
10/21
Sisterhood Lunch
Shemini Atzaret
Simchat Torah
EC
EC
EC
EC
Macaroni
Grille
EC
EC
Unless otherwise noted Shabbat Services are
Friday night 7:30pm, Saturday 9:30am
Shabbat, Oct 4
Fri, Oct 10
Shabbat, Oct 11
Fri, Oct 17
Shabbat, Oct 18
Fri, Oct 24
Shabbat, Oct 25
Fri, Oct 31
Shabbat, Nov 1
CELEBRATING LIFE AS OUR LOVED
ONES PASS ON…
TU
TU
http://www.chabad.org/calendar/candlelighting.asp
http://www.anshe.org/parsha.htm
YARTZEIT
Oct-1
Oct-4
Oct-5
Oct-6
Oct-7
Oct 8
Oct 9
Oct 10
Oct 13
Oct 19
Oct 19
Oct 19
Oct 25
Oct 26
Oct 28
Oct 28
Tishrei 2
Tishrei 5
Tishrei 6
Tishrei 7
Tishrei 8
Tishrei 9
Tishrei 10
Tishrei 11
Tishrei 14
Tishrei 20
Tishrei 20
Tishrei 20
Tishrei 26
Tishrei 27
Tishrei 29
Tishrei 29
Daniel Flank*
Louis B. Lepp*
Sylvia Zarovsky
Sam Natt*
Jerome Gaftman
Rosa Schindler
Shirley Irene Jacobs*
Murray Rosenthal*
Terry Lee Green*
Randy Sacks*
Alex Greenbaum
Mariam Wertheim*
Bella Flank*
Louis Klazmer
Leo Krell
Rose Natt*
ANNIVERSARIES
Oct 9
Oct 24
Oct 25
The Shofar
Susan and Larry Levitt
Carolyn and Bob Palermo
Seena and Larry Weinberger
Light Candles: 6:09 PM
Oneg:
Shabbat Ends: 7:03 PM
Parshah: Vayelech
Light Candles: 5:59 PM
Oneg:
Shabbat Ends: 6:54PM
Parshah: Ha’Azinu
Light Candles: 5:51 PM
Oneg:
Shabbat Ends: 6:45 PM
Sukkot
Light Candles: 5:42 PM
Oneg:
Shabbat Ends: 6:37:PM
Parshah: Bereishit
Light Candles: 5:35 PM
Oneg:
Shabbat Ends: 6:31 PM
Parshah: Noach
Oct 2
Oct 3
Oct 3
Oct 6
Oct 9
Oct 10
Oct 11
Oct 12
Oct 13
Oct 14
Oct 15
Oct 16
Oct 20
Oct 21
Oct 21
Oct 23
Oct 23
Oct 27
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BIRTHDAYS
David Wiederecht
Zev Roberts
Marc Zelickson
Jakim Thompson
Ryan Burdeshaw
Sheri Bulgatz
Eidele Sainker
Martin Bandas
Max Rosenthal
David Rosenthal
Rose Opengart
Jonah Roberts
Marvin Kalachman
Ethan Hall
Frederick Kolchin
Paulette Goldstein
Marla Polin
Carolyn Palermo
http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org
Page 6 of 7
October 2008
Synagogue Etz Chayim, 7705 Bailey Cove Rd. Huntsville, AL 35803
Av 5769
ETZ CHAYIM BOARD MEMBERS
President
Sandy Pepper
Vice-President
Jeff Yalowitz
Treasurer
Michal Hall
Recording Secretary
Sam Sainker
Corresponding Secretary
Holly Kent
Trustees
Brenda Liles
Larry Weinberger
Larisa Thomason
Sam Kleiner
Dennis Bulgatz
Mens Club Rep
Joe Sacks
Sisterhood Rep
Mille Rosenthal

The Airport Road Publix has received a
once a year quantity of Kosher Meat & Prepared foods The list of items includes:
Whole Empire Turkeys, Steak & Beef, Frozen prepared items- Chopped Liver spread,
TV Dinners, Roast Beef, Stuffed Cabbage,
Egg Rolls, & more.

We are updating our records. Please email
the following information to Lisa Kleiner at
lisa@lisakleiner.com :
o
o
o
Birthday Dates
Anniversary Dates
Yahrtzeit 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

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
The Shofar
http://www.etzchayim-hsv.org
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