The Newsletter of Cleveland’s Jewish Reconstructionist Community
february 2013
“Persions in Pirate Dray for Purim,” by Capt. “Inkyfingers” Hanftt
Avast, me hardies, it’s Adar!
Pirate Purim Party
Megillah Reading, Oneg & Caberet
Sat. Feb. 23 / 15 Adar 6:30 p.m.
Ahoy there! It’s time to dust off yer peg leg, oil yer eyepatch,
wake up the parrot and join in KHL’s Purim Shpiel. Once
again, we’ll be atelling the tale of that delightful wench,
Esther, and the handsome way she sent Hamen, that scurvy
hornswoggler, off to dance the hempen jig.
At the oneg, grub like cackle fruit, hardtack or salmagundi
(as long is it is parve and nut-free) will abound, along with
hogsheads of grog, arrack, rumfustian or bumboon (or, more
likely, juice and water). After, a fine caberet will entertain the
saltier dogs (rated PG13) -- provided you buckos bring your
fine jests and jolly chanties to the stage (to volunteer, contact
continued on page 5
February 2013
Page 1
In This Issue:
Rabbinic Corner
Hagiga Happenings, Kvells
Pirate Purim Party
Shalach Manot
Hesed, Contributions, Yahrzeits
Board Report, Adult Education
From Our President
Hug HaSefer, Women’s Shabbat
Connections
Shabbaton Info, RCC News
Photo Gallery
Calendar
3
4
5
7
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
18
Kol HaLev Happenings
DIRECTORY
Services & Programs:
Office Address:
Kol HaLev
2245 Warrensville Center Rd. Suite 215
University Heights, OH 44118
(216) 320-1498
The Lillian and Betty Ratner School
27575 Shaker Boulevard
Pepper Pike, OH 44124
http://www.kolhalev.net
Rabbi:
Steve Segar
rabbisteve@kolhalev.net
Education Director:
Robyn Novick
robyn@kolhalev.net
Office Manager:
Judy Herdering
judy@kolhalev.net
OFFICERS:
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS:
VALUE TEAM LEADERS:
President
Barb Truitt
First Vice Presidents
Halle Barnett
David Conn
Secretary
Molly Berger
Treasurer
Pete Robertson
Past President Greg Selker
Rabbi Steve Segar
Founding Rabbi Jeffrey Schein
Education Director Robyn Novick
Democratic & Fiscally Responsible
Barry Epstein
Informed & Involved
Karly Whitaker
Learning Teams
Sue Kisch
Participation & Volunteerism
Leah Kamionkowski
Spiritual
Bill Scher-Marcus
Welcoming & Caring
David Conn
AT-LARGE MEMBERS:
Elise Hagesfeld
Margaret Cohen
Bruce Goodman
Alan Weinstein
COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND COORDINATORS:
Adult Education Coordinator
Sue Kisch
Art Lieberman
Book Group
Kevin Weidenbaum
Cemetery
Mike Armin
Child Care Coordinator
Traci Elgart
Fundraising
Barry Epstein
Mimi Plevin-Foust
Finance
Dick Epstein
Hesed
Jane Arnoff-Logsdon
High Holy Days
Claudia Weissman
Marcia Goldberg
Holidays
Amy Hogg
Interfaith
Dick and Donna Weinberg
Israel
Mike Armin
Kiddush Coordinator
Robin Shell
Lunch and Learn
Adina Davidson
Marketing/PR
Halle Barnett
Deena Epstein
Meditation
Nancy Rubel
Karly Whitaker
Membership
Jean Miller
Maureen Dinner
Mock Trial
Judy Harris
Music
Sue Pelleg
Bruce Jennings
Newsletter Editor
Lila Hanft
Newsletter Proofreaders
Marcia Goldberg
Deena Epstein
Nominating Commitee
Allen Binstock
Rabbi Liaison
Selma Gwatkin
Ratner Liaison
Mike Caputo
Religious Practices
Bill Scher-Marcus
Strategic Planning
Greg Selker
Tech Support
Brian Miller
Tikkun Olam
Greg Millas
Torah Study
Ralph and Selma Gwatkin
Ushers/Greeters/Sadrans
Anita Cohn
David Conn
Website
Benjamin Barnett
Brian Miller
Weekly Update
Robin Holzman
Youth and Family Education
Lynn Liebling
Young Families/Tot Shabat
Rachel Williams
march NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: fri. feb. 15
February 2013
Page 2
Kol HaLev Happenings
rabbinic corner
rabbi steve segar
Greater Cleveland congregations and our own growth
This month, I would like to return to a theme that I began writing about last summer: the categories
of congregational growth described by Episcopal priest Loren Mead in his book, More than Numbers.
Last July and August, we took a look at what Mead calls “maturational growth” and “organic growth.” The first category deals with the extent to which members of a religious
community have a vibrant and meaningful relationship with their religious tradition. The
second one deals with the extent to which there has been development of structures and
practices that bring coherence to the collective life of a congregation on an institutional
level and also interpersonal level.
This month, I would like to focus on Mead’s third category of non-numerical growth, “incarnational
growth.” While that term “incarnation” carries within itself implicit Christological echoes and
would therefore require a change in nomenclature for use in a Jewish context, the function that it
measures is very familiar and important within Jewish tradition: the extent to which a religious community generates and supports opportunities for its members to engage with the broader community
for the purpose of helping to bringing positive change beyond the boundaries of the congregation.
In this arena, I feel that we as a community have made great strides over
the past couple of years. A fortunate combination of factors brought the
Industrial Areas Foundation to northeast Ohio and has led to the creation
of Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC) and the opportunity for a
number of our members to choose to invest themselves quite deeply into
this new organization. As a result, we within Kol HaLev have had a wide
range of opportunities to participate in meaningful conversations and activities that are demonstrably
making a tangible and positive impact on the quality of life for all residents of our region.
I don’t want to neglect to acknowledge some of our more traditional activities in this category, such
as participating in the Interfaith Hospitality Network or collecting donations for Mazon at Passover
and the High Holy Day period. These actions have been important staples of our collective Tikkun
Olam work for a very long time and a wide range of our members have participated in them.
It’s clearly the case that the vision and the philosophy of change embedded within GCC has galvanized us at an entirely new level. There is room here for those who are passionate about and committed to particular types of social change to truly find themselves at the table with others who are
in positions to profoundly affect many people’s lives, and to have a chance of influencing what
those people in authority choose to do. I look forward to the further growth and development of the
impact that membership in GCC has on us as individuals and as a community.
Rabbi Steve
Rabbi Steve is available to meet with Kol HaLev members on a range of issues by appointment on
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.Contact him by phone at the office (216-3201498) or at rabbisteve@kolhalev.net to schedule a meeting time.
February 2013
Page 3
Kol HaLev Happenings
robyn novick
HAGIGA HAPPENINGS
There has been a lot of talk about camp this year, much more than usual, and I wanted to share why.
Among the many grants we received this year was the One Happy Camper Promotional Grant. As
you may know, the Cleveland Jewish community has been supporting Jewish Summer Camping for
a very long time through various grants. Presently, all first-time campers receive $1000 from One
Happy Camper through financial support from the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland,
which hopefully makes it possible for more children to attend Jewish summer camp.
I was so excited to have a push in promoting Jewish camping. There are several studies that have
been done on Jewish identity. The experiences that have the greatest impact and long-term positive
effect on Jewish identity are informal education: youth group, peer Israel trips and summer camp.
This is one reason why Hagiga is fashioned as an informal/experiential educational learning
program. We have so much to learn from camping, especially its role as a complementary learning
environment.
I know that I am biased, as I am a product of Jewish camping. I grew up in Habonim Dror, which is
a Labor Zionist youth movement. My camp was fashioned to represent Kibbutz life and I learned a
great deal about Zionist history and Hebrew, as well as modern issues facing Israel. There were arts
and crafts, sports, and bug juice, everything camp, as well as a sincere learning component which
was easily approachable. Camp is the reason I learned to speak Hebrew, lived in Israel and eventually
became a Jewish educator.
I realize that not all children who attend Jewish summer camp become Jewish educators, but most
who attend are excited and connected to their Judaism. That is what we wish to celebrate and
enhance. With the cold temperatures and snow, it is hard to imagine the warm days of summer ahead.
To celebrate those days of summer, there will be a Camp Pizza Party for all children who attend a
Jewish sleep away camp or those who are interested in learning more about camp on Sunday, Feb. 10
from 5-7 p.m., where we will sing songs, have a bite and of course have s’mores! Please let me know
if you would like to attend (see flyer on page 17).
Kol Tuv,
Robyn
kvell corner
Congratulations to Roberta and Mario Tonti on the
birth of their new grandson, Uri Shir Chaim Tonti, born
December 22, 2012. His parents are Rabbi Mathew and
Julie Tonti, sisters Mayira and Hami, of Fairfax, VA.
Mayira (5 1/2), Uri Shir Chaim (8 days) and Hami (3 1/2)
February 2013
Page 4
Kol HaLev Happenings
Pirate Purim Party, continued from page 1
Amy Hogg at duffiemoon@gmail.com). And of course, there will be groggers! And hamentashen! (For
the oneg, those with names beginning A-H will bring Hamentashen; I-P -- drinks; and Q-Z -- Treats).
Other KHL Purim Activities:
What:
When:
Where:
What:
When:
Details
What
When
How
Details
A Torah Study session on Megillat Esther. The story is not historical, nor mentioned
in the Sefer Torah, but is an intricate comical tale appropriate for the carnival. It was
probably written between 400 and 300 BCE. Selma and Ralph Gwatkin will lead the
discussion..
Saturday, Feb. 2 , 3:30-5:00 p.m.
At the home of Maureen Hack, 17 Dorset Court, Beachwood
Lunch & Learn session on Purim, the Feast of Lots, led by Rabbi Steve. This year’s
series explores various ways of connecting to God through the annual cycle of holidays
and festivals, with deeper exploration of the Reconstructionist perspective.
Saturday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m., following Shabbat morning services and kiddush
Please bring a dish to share for the potluck lunch (no nuts or dairy, please) If you need
childcare or have questions, contact Karal Stern at karals@roadrunner.com or 440-7813318.
KHL’s Annual Mishloach Manot Fundraiser. The Purim custom of bringing a basket
of sweets (Shalach Manot) to friends, family & neighbors contributes to the joy and
festivity of the holiday
Orders will be accepted until Friday, February 15, 2013.
Follow directions on the order form on pages 7, 8 and 9
You will receive 1 basket regardless of how many are ordered for you, plus a card listing
all of the people who ordered a basket for you!
Pirate Inspiration
Jewish Pirate Humor
Talk Like a Pirate video (funny):
http://loadingreadyrun.com/videos/view/49/how-to-talklike-a-pirate
Q: What does a Jewish pirate do on Yom Kippur?
A: Blows the shof-aarrr.
English-to-Pirate Translator:
http://www.talklikeapirate.com/translator.html
Purim App
Q: What do Jewish pirates say after hearing
tekiah?
A: “Thar she blows.”
Q: Why can’t you go maurauding after the captain
walks the plank?
A: You have to sit shiva me timbers.
Read Megillat Esther in
Hebrew -- on your iPhone!
With a variety of built-in
grogger sounds!
http://www.rustybrick.com/iphone-megillas-esther.php
February 2013
Q: What happens when a Jewish pirate turns 13?
A: He has a barrrr mitzvah.
Page 5
Q: What is a pirate’s favorite newspaper?
A: Ha’ARRRRRetz
Kol HaLev Happenings
Ahoy there matey! ’Tis I, Captain
Mordechai, inviting you to get your
share of the treasure and Purim
laughs! Come celebrate with all your
Kol HaLev friends at the
Saturday, February 23, 2013/14 Adar 5773
6:30 pm on the SS Ratner
Cabaret Following the
Megillah Reading!
Join us for an oneg following the megillah reading!
A-H Hamentashen; I-P Drinks; Q-Z Treats
Looking for 3 to 5
minute performances.
Anything goes!
Music, dance, comedy,
improv…
Sign up with Amy
duffiemoon@gmail.com
Please note there may be
PG 13 material
Pick up your mishloach manot
before the megillah reading.
Don’t forget to bring Matanot L’Evyonim gifts for the poor!
Canned goods will be collected for the
Heights Emergency Food Center.
Questions? Contact Robyn, robyn@kolhalev.net
or 216-320-1498
February 2013
Page 6
Kol HaLev Happenings
Kol HaLev’s Annual Purim Fundraiser
ORDER SHALACH MANOT
for your Kol HaLev friends & family!
Fulfill the Mitzvah!
During Purim it is customary to bring a basket of sweets (Shalach Manot) to friends, family &
neighbors. The sweets contribute to the joy and festivity of the holiday.
Each festive bag contains
Hamantashen,
Pretzalicious pretzels,
candy, juice AND MORE!
The exchange of Mishloach Manot has become a vital component of Kol HaLev’s Purim celebration and
annual fundraising efforts and we are striving for 100% participation.
• Orders will be accepted until Friday, Feb. 15, 2013.
• Baskets will be delivered between Feb. 23 – Mar. 1 OR
you may pick them up at KHL’s Annual Megillah Reading, Feb. 23
You will receive 1 basket regardless of how many are ordered for you,
plus a card listing all of the people who ordered a basket for you!
To order, choose one:
1. Print and complete this 2-page form & return it with a check to:
Kol HaLev, 2245 Warrensville Center Rd., Suite 215; University Hts., OH 44118
OR
2. Email your form (or your name and your list of recipients) to duffiemoon@gmail.com
or fax it to 216-464-4489, then pay online with Pay Simple. Instructions:
A. Go to http://www.kolHaLev.net/pay_simple;
B. Click on the link “Click Here to go to Kol HaLev PaySimple Secure Payment site”
C. If you’re already registered on the PaySimple site, enter your user ID and password.
D. If you are not yet registered, simply click the “Click Here to Pay Now” link on the left
side of the page.
E. Type “SHALACH MANOT” in the Payment Description box.
Orders cannot be processed until payment is received.
Please contact Robin Shell with any questions at
rshell@bernsockner.com or 216-482-6100
ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY KOL HALEV AND PAID IN FULL BY February 15
February 2013
Page 7
Kol HaLev Happenings
Shalach Manot Order Sheet, page 1
Name: Phone number:
 I wish to order ____ baskets @ $3.00 each
$________
 I also wish to reciprocate to all those who have sent me a basket for $18.00 total.
$18.00
TOTAL $________
OR
 I wish to send a basket to EVERY KOL HALEV MEMBER (146 Households)
$225.00
 I would like to order ____ baskets for people outside of the Kol HaLev community. $________
(There are a very limited number of these available at a cost of $5.00 per basket on
a first come, first served basis. Those ordering are responsible for delivery to the
recipients).
To perform the Purim mitzvah of Matanot la’evyonim (Gifts to the Poor), please
consider making a tax-free donation to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund. We will then
forward all such contributions to one or more of the charitable organizations that
provide meals and other financial services to local individuals and families in need.
 YES!! I am fulfilling the mitzvah of Matanot la’evyonim. Here’s my donation of
$________
GRAND TOTAL (Purim baskets, reciprocals and Matanot La’Evyonim) $_______
METHOD OF PAYMENT:
 check (payable to “Kol HaLev”) OR
 Pay Simple (www.kolHaLev.net)
 YES!! I would love to help deliver baskets (you get a great rush from it – it’s like delivering
flowers. YOU make people SMILE!) The city I’d like to deliver to is ________________________
 I will pick up my personal basket at Kol HaLev on Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Megillah reading.
 I prefer to have my personal basket delivered sometime between Feb. 23 and Mar. 1.
Thank you and have a joyous and sweet Purim!
(Don’t forget the second page of this form!)
February 2013
Page 8
Kol HaLev Happenings
Shalach ManoT Order Sheet, page 2
**Please check off the names of the families that you would like to send Shalach Manot baskets to.
If you would prefer, we can send them by random selection.
□ Please send my baskets randomly
□ Adamson, Anne
□ Agopian, Sharon
□ Arian, Dan & Nan
□ Armin, Mike
□ Barnett, Benjamin & Halle
□ Baxter, Daniel& Hannah
□ Berger, Molly
□ Berns, Jordan & Amy
□ Biagianti, Arthur & Sue
□ Binstock, Allen
□ Borden, Michael & Mir&a
□ Bortz, Carol
□ Bortz, David
□ Brodsky, Jack & Amy
□ Caputo, Michael & Kareen
□ Chasin, Abraham& Muriel
□ Chefitz, Josh& Tyler Katz
□ Chenin, Fred & Marsha
□ Cohn, Anita
□ Collin, E. Maxine
□ Conn, David& Elizabeth
□ Dash, Judi
□ Davidson, Mark & Adina
□ Dinner, Maureen
□ Dudwick, Nancy
□ Elgart, Scott & Traci
□ Epstein, Barry& Barbara
□ Epstein, Dick& Deena
□ Epstein, Michael & Ann
□ Fallick, Bruce& Catherine
□ Feil, Mimi & Ed
□ Fish, Juanita
□ Foust, Bill & Mimi Plevin-Foust
□ Friedman-Romell, Frederick & Beth
□ Gellman, Paul
□ Gilbert, Ron & Leah
□ Glueckselig, Nina
□ Goldberg, Gil & Marcia
□ Golden, Susan
□ Goldstein, Joyce
□ Goodman, Bruce & Brenda
□ Gordon, Jonathan & Paula Klausner
□ Gross, Linda
□ Gwatkin, David
□ Gwatkin, Ralph& Selma
□ Hack, Maureen
□ Hagerling, Carl& Gwen Glazer
□ Hagesfeld, Mike& Elise
□ Handler, Louis & Julie
February 2013
□ Hecht, Nancy
□ Herdering, Judy
□ Hersch, Chuck & Shahin Afnan
□ Herzenstein, Jonathan & Amy
□ Hogg, Amy
□ Holzman, Robin
□ Immerman, Michael & Irene
□ Imrey, Peter
□ Jennings, Bruce & Celia
□ Jones, Dick & Jayne
□ Kamionkowski, Leah
□ Kanner, Steven & Karly Whitaker
□ Karabin, Carol
□ Kay, Rachel
□ Kelman, Sam & Anna
□ Kisch, Eric & Sue
□ Kittila, Peggy & Miriam Geronimus
□ Klein, Dan & Nancy Rubel
□ Kohn, Ron
□ Kopstein, Ami & Glenda Kupersmith
□ Korman, Neil & Diane
□ Kornspan, Alan & Lisa
□ Lazar, Lee & Karen
□ Lesser, Ray & Susan Wolpert
□ Lewis, Ben & Bellamy Printz
□ Lieberman, Arthur
□ Liebling, David & Lynn
□ Lipson, Alan & Judy Harris
□ Litvene, Marilyn
□ Litwin, Richard & Kirby Date
□ Logsdon, Ernie & Jane ArnoffLogsdon
□ Malemud, Franklin & Maggie
□ Maris, Frank & Phyllis
□ May, Chip & Audrey Warner
□ May, Harold
□ Meacham, Mattuck & Elizabeth
□ Mendes, Joe & Cynthia Larsen
□ Messinger-Rapport, Ken & Barbara
□ Millas, Greg & Pam
□ Miller, Brian & Jean
□ Nadler, Ginny
□ Ness, Ruth
□ Olsen, Eric & Jennifer Finkel
□ Oster, Andy & Robyn Novick
□ Pelleg, Mordechai & Sue
□ Pelsmajer, Julia & Aurelia
□ Petrack, Emory& Sammy Greenspan
□ Plevin, Gloria
□ Pliskin, Rob
Page 9
□ Politzer, Rita
□ Raddock, Mike& Christina Antenucci
□ Rahilly, Kevin & Margaret Cohen
□ Raymond, Pauline
□Roberts, David & Lila Hanft
□ Robertson, Pete & Heidi GorovitzRobertson
□ Rosenblatt, Charles & Deborah
Gross
□ Rosenfield, Allan & Sandy
□ Rosenstiel, CJ & Jennie
□ Sandman, Barrie
□ Schein, Jeffrey & Debby
□ Scher-Marcus, Bill & Michal
□ Schubert, Dave & Martha
□ Schultz, Stuart & Sharon
□ Segar, Steve & &y Getz
□ Selker, Gregory & Lois
□ Shafran, Robert & Susan Knell
□ Sheehe, Chuck & Marianne Lax
□ Shell, Robin
□ Shutkin, David & Connie Friedman
□ Siegel, Renee
□ Sklarin, Chris & Alexis Abramson
□ Sobel, Howard & Joanne Federman
□ Sobel, Sarah
□ Solomon, Larry & Jodi
□ Steinweg, David & Erica
□ Stern, Karal
□ Sugerman, David & Peggy
□ Sunshine, Jeffrey & Helen Salz
□ Sussman, Vicki
□ Tatar, Steven & Terre Maher
□ Tetelman, Aaron & Jessie Vigorito
□ Tonti, Mario & Roberta
□ Truitt, Barb
□ Unger, Pnina
□ Wallach, Happy
□ Weidenbaum, Kevin & Sue
□ Weinberger, Irwin & Meg Manny
□ Weinberger, Richard & Donna
□ Weinstein, Alan
□ Weinstock, Brent & Kate
□ Weiss, Eda
□ Weissman, Jeffrey & Claudia
□ Wilhelm, Jonathan
□ Williams, David & Rachel
□ Wolpert, Joyce
□ Zevit, Shawn & Simcha
□ Zipper, Helen
Kol HaLev Happenings
hesed
We send condolences to Kol HaLev members Greg, Pam, Elaine and Esther Millas on the loss
of Greg’s aunt, Judith Lee Miller, may her memory be for a blessing. May Greg and Pam and their
entire family be comforted at this difficult time along with all others who are in mourning among the
Jewish people and the world as a whole.
We send condolences to Kol HaLev member Nancy Hecht on the loss of her mother, Edith Hecht, may
her memory be for a blessing. May Nancy and her family be comforted at this difficult time along with
all others who are in mourning among the Jewish people and the world as a whole.
We send wishes for a refuah shleymah / a complete and speedy healing to Kol HaLev member Louis
Handler, who is recovering from pneumonia.
contributions
Kol HaLev gratefully acknowledges contributions from:
•
•
•
Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in honor of Leah Kamionkowski
Judy Harris and Alan Lipson in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Judy’s father, Sol Fink
Anita Cohn in honor of the B’Nai Mitzvah class and in commemoration of the yahrzeits of
Anita’s parents, Lisa and Harry Goldstein
• Bill Foust and Mimi Plevin-Foust to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
• Abe and Muriel Chasin in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Muriel’s father, Abe Ritz
• Roselyn Chapnick in honor of Leah Kamionkowski, Gloria Plevin and Mimi Plevin-Foust
• Anna and Sam Kelman in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Anna’s father, Jacob Festinger
YAHRZEITS
They are now a part of us, as we remember them
Members of Kol HaLev will mark the following yahrzeits during February:
Sarah Altenberg Festinger – mother of Anna Kelman
David Jack Herzig – uncle of Barry Epstein
Freda Shleser Imrey – mother of Peter Imrey
Lisa Goldstein – mother of Anita Cohn
George Smith – father of Barbara Truitt
Esther Scher – grandmother of Michal Scher-Marcus
Lee Brooker – friend of Ernie Logsdon and Jane Arnoff-Logsdon
Della London Gorovitz – paternal grandmother of Heidi Gorovitz Robertson
Donald J. Goodman – father of Bruce Goodman
Kol HaLev members may include the yahrzeit of family in KHL Happenings by submitting the
name of the deceased, the relationship to the member and the date of death, including the year, in
either the secular or Jewish calendar to Judy@kolhalev.net.
February 2013
Page 10
Kol HaLev Happenings
molly berger, secretary
board report
The board met on Jan.14 at Leah Kamionkowski’s home. After a d’var Torah and approval of the prior
month’s minutes, the board discussed treasurer Pete Robertson’s budget report, which had been circulated
in advance of the meeting. The good news is that we are on target for dues collection and commitments
and we have met our fundraising goal.
Rabbi Steve asked the board to co-sponsor an upcoming program with the Laura and Alvin Siegal Lifelong Learning Program at CWRU. On Thursday, Feb. 28, at noon, Jeffrey Gurock, Libby M. Klaperman
Professor of Jewish History at Yeshiva University, will speak on “Working with the Kaplan Journals to
Answer a Historian’s Question.” The board approved the sponsorship. KHL members can register online
at http://www.case.edu/lifelonglearning. (More info, see the calendar entries for Feb. 27 and 28)
The board agreed to send Purim baskets to prospective members and members in nursing homes.
Halle Barnett is leading an effort to develop a communication plan so that communications and processes
are consistent and reflect our community values. She is hopeful it will help internal committee work be
more effective and efficient and will result in a handbook of policies and practices. She is working with
Jean Miller and Maureen Dinner on membership committee work. The website update is in process.
Our Torah is in need of repair. Rabbi Steve has been in touch with Rabbi Kevin Hale of Congregation
Beth El of Springfield, Mass., about our options for assessing and repairing our Torah. Rabbi Kevin, who
helped KHL dedicate its Torah scroll, is the only Reconstructionist sofer in the world. The board unanimously passed a motion to bring Rabbi Kevin here to assess the Torah and to make his visit and the repair
the centerpiece of next year’s education programming. Once we know what the repair entails, the board
will make decisions as to the degree of restoration that is appropriate.
Barb updated the board on recent office changes that include a new telephone sytem and moving the
bookcase and books. Everyone is urged to mark their calendars for this year’s Shabbaton April 26-28,
2013.
The next Board meeting will be held Monday, February 11, 2013 at Molly Berger’s house, 19744 Chagrin
Boulevard, Shaker Heights. Contact info: 216-752-5434. All Kol HaLev members are welcome to attend.
Respectfully submitted,
Molly Berger
adult education
The Adult Education Committee is sponsoring a series of three programs entitled Running a Jewish
Home, led by Rabbi Steve and a panel of members. The focus is on practical aspects, such as what we do
and why, and is intended for adults, especially those with children still at home. The series will meet on
Sunday afternoons from 3- 5 p.m. (Locations to be announced in the weekly update and later newsletters.)
Sunday Feb. 17: Running a Jewish Home: Shabbat
Sunday Mar. 17: Running a Jewish Home: Passover
Sunday May 5: Running a Jewish Home: Daily Life
February 2013
Page 11
Kol HaLev Happenings
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Evolution
Shabbat
In the summer of 2004, the
Grantsburg, Wisconsin,
school board held prolonged
policy discussions about
the teaching of evolution
in the public schools. Michael Zimmerman, then
a professor at UW Oshkosh, asked
scientists and religious studies
professors to write to the school
board in support of the teaching of
evolution, and I was among those
who wrote. On Nov.8, 2004, the
Grantsburg, Wisc., school board
revised its science curriculum to
include the teaching of creationism
in their science classes.
During the same year, Michael Zimmerman
organized a Clergy Letter, asking Christian
clergy in Wisconsin to sign a letter in support of
the teaching of evolution in public schools. Two
hundred Wisconsin clergy did so that year and the
number has now grown to over 11,000. A Rabbi
Letter has over 500 signatures,
including Rabbi Steve’s and Rabbi
Jeff’s. Michael then organized
Evolution Sunday in 2006 to be
held on the weekend closest to
Charles Darwin’s birthday, Feb.
12.
The first Evolution Shabbat was
held that February in Mequon,
Wisc., at Congregation Shir
Hadash, co-led by Rabbi David
Brusin and myself. I also led a
service the following year with
CSH. In July, 2007, I moved to Cleveland and
skipped a year of leading an Evolution Shabbat,
while 64 other Jewish congregations held an
February 2013
Page 12
barb truitt
Evolution Shabbat. I have been happy to bring
Evolution Shabbat to KHL.
Project Steve, organized by the National Center
for Science Education, is a tribute to Stephen
Jay Gould and a tongue-in-cheek response to
Creationists who claim that many scientists do
not believe in evolution. One percent of the
U.S. population is named Steve, or variations
thereof, so getting scientists named Steve to sign
a statement supporting the
teaching of evolution has been
used by NCSE to demonstrate
the widespread support for
the teaching of evolution. As
of Jan. 11, 2013, the list is at
1237, representative of well
over a million scientists. As a
molecular biologist, I cannot
imagine conducting my
research without utilizing the
concept of evolution.
My belief in evolution and the utility of science
does not cause a conflict for me in my belief in
God and in belonging to a spiritual community.
Science and religion both ask many questions with
the goal of understanding
the world that we live in and
the lives that we lead. For
me, they go hand in hand,
complementing each other.
The wonder of a newborn
child, born with ten fingers
with fingernails and eyes
wide open to observe a
world is enhanced for me by
the knowledge that scientists
have been able to learn
about how a fetus develops.
There are many more
questions to be asked by both scientists and those
of us on a spiritual journey. Join me in that joint
journey for Evolution Shabbat on Feb. 16.
~Barb
Kol HaLev Happenings
hug hasefer: book discussion group
The February book group meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 28, at 7:30 at the home of
Ruth Ness. We will discuss Exit Ghost by Philip Roth (304 pages. A Kindle Edition
is available).
A description from Amazon: Like Rip Van Winkle returning to his hometown to
find that all has changed, Nathan Zuckerman comes back to New York, the city he
left eleven years before. Previously alone on his New England mountain, Zuckerman has been nothing but a writer: no voices, no media, no terrorist threats, no
women, no news, no tasks other than his work and the enduring of old age. Now
walking the streets like a revenant (a person who has returned, esp. supposedly
from the dead), he quickly makes three connections that explode his carefully
protected solitude. One is with a young couple with whom, in a rash moment,
he has offered to swap homes… The second connection is with a figure from Zuckerman’s
youth, Amy Bellette, companion and muse to Zuckerman’s first literary hero, E. I. Lonoff… The third
connection is with Lonoff’s would-be biographer, a young literary hound who will do and say nearly
anything to get to Lonoff’s “great secret.” Suddenly involved, as he never wanted or intended to be
involved again, with love, mourning, desire, and animosity, Zuckerman plays out an interior drama of
vivid and poignant possibilities.
The book for March is The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus
(selected chapters to be announced) by Amy-Jill Levine. The calendar of books for 2013 is listed at the
web page shown below.
All KHL members are welcome to attend. For more information about the group, look at our web
page (http://www.kolhalev.net/book_group) and contact Kevin Weidenbaum (KJW@oberlin.net) to be
added to the group’s email list.
Women’s Shabbat Potluck
All women in KHL are cordially invited to a Shabbat Potluck Dinner at the home of Happy Wallach
on Friday, Feb. 8, at 6:30 p.m. Happy’s address is 23538 Duffield Road, Shaker Heights; please
RSVP to her at HappyHKW@aol.com or 216-283-4058.
Food contributions should be dairy or parve, and “allergy-aware.” Food categories are unassigned,
but if you know what you will be bringing, please let Happy know. This will be helpful if others
inquire about what they might bring to “fill in the gaps.” We hope that you will join us!
February 2013
Page 13
Kol HaLev Happenings
David conn
Connections
at your service
As Kol HaLev members, the one place we all have in common is our
synagogue, shul, temple . . whatever name you prefer! While KHL hosts
and sponsors a variety of programs and events, I would like to focus on
our prayer services.
There are multiple ways to experience our prayer service. Communal
prayer can be very powerful, with elements both ancient and modern and
much of it in Hebrew, the holy language that has united Jews throughout
history. Some members say they connect very strongly with the singing and the music, whether or
not they themselves participate. It is a very special experience indeed when, for example, during the
Amidah (standing prayer midway through the service) everyone “dials in” simultaneously, slows
down the singing and gets very loud.
Our service also leaves some time for individual prayer and reflection. The Kol HaNeshamah siddur
(prayer book) we use includes very rich “below the line commentary” on the majority of pages
throughout the service. Some members connect deeply with these commentaries when they don’t
connect with the prayers, whether individual or communal.
Our movement once comprised the liberal wing of the Conservative movement and therefore our
liturgy (language of the prayer service) is closely related to the Conservative Service. KHL retains
most “required elements” of the standard service but creates room for more songs and readings. We
generally have one to three aliyot (Torah readings) rather than the full complement of seven. We
rarely do the prophetic Haftarah reading. The Musaf service (basically a second Amidah with some
language changes) is dropped entirely.
Reflecting Reconstructionist ideas, our liturgy also changes traditional language in a few places,
for example to modify references to the chosenness of the Jewish people, providing for an nonexclusive reading. Other changes--not unique to the Reconstructionist movement--avoid depicting
an uncomfortably supernatural G-d, for example via references to the resurrection of the dead.
Kol HaNeshamah substitutes “m’chayeh kol chai” (translated as “nurturing all living things”) for
the traditional “m’chayeh ha metim” (gives life to the dead...). Still, some members prefer the
traditional formulations for a variety of reasons and recite them during the service.
Members sometimes also avoid reciting liturgical language they personally find uncomfortable, for
example “tivneh homot Yerushalayim” (rebuild the walls of Jerusalem); some members perceive
it as exclusionary: by building walls we are keeping some people out...we need to tear down walls
between people in order to bring about the vision of a messianic era embodied in the Aleynu prayer
near the end of the service.
While the KHL prayer service may not “work” for everyone, many members find in it a strong
connection with our community, traditions and the Divine.
February 2013
Page 14
Kol HaLev Happenings
save the date
The Kol Halev biannual shabbaton
April 26-28, 2013
at Punderson State Park
topic:
Exploring the Omer:
Integrating Freedom and Responsibility
Registration material coming soon
Interested in contributing to the programming? Contact Rabbi Steve
216-320-1498 | rabbisteve@kolhalev.net
News from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RRC)
Wrestling With Rest
Can we capture the magic of a b’nai mitzvah in pictures? Welcome Shabbat with musical instruments?
March for social justice on Saturday? When Kehillah Synagogue in Chapel Hill, N.C., needed to resolve
thorny questions about Shabbat observance, a Reconstructionist approach brought congregants closer to
each other and to their Judaism. Visit www.rrc.edu/wrestling to learn more.
RRC@Work Debuts!
In a new blog, our faculty, students and graduates will pull back the curtain on the many ways that
rabbis and rabbis-in-training make a difference in the world. With the debut post, Dean of Academic
Administration Barbara Hirsh considers the timely issue of how a campus rabbi can help manage
controversy over Israel. Read it now at http://www.rrc.edu/at-work.
Life of Pi: Can a Movie Make You Believe in God?
The film Life of Pi was required viewing this holiday season for Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer, Ph.D., who
directs RRC’s program in multifaith studies. “As an interfaith educator, how could I not see a film whose
protagonist, a boy named Pi, is born a Hindu, loves Jesus and practices Islam?” she writes. “While Pi’s
co-star is a 450-pound carnivorous Bengal tiger and I am not a fan of animal movies, the theme of interspirituality intrigued me.” Further, she couldn’t pass up a story that claims it will “make you believe in
God.” Read more at http://www.rrc.edu/multifaithworld/life-pi-can-movie-make-you-believe-god.
February 2013
Page 15
Kol HaLev Happenings
photo gallery
Tu B’Shvat Seder and Friday Singing Shabbat service
Bonim students volunteer at
The Cleveland Food Bank
February 2013
Page 16
Kol HaLev Happenings
Grab a little summer sunshine in February at the
Camp Pizza Party!
When? Sunday, Feb. 10, from 5-7 p.m.
Where? The Shell Home
(4111 Linnell Rd. S. Euclid)
What? Fun reminiscing and sharing
about camp!
Who? All overnight campers and
interested campers
We will have a song
session, have some
pizza, talk about how
fun camp is and make
s’mores! It will be a
very fun and delicious
time!
Please RSVP to Robyn at robyn@kolhalev.net or 216-320-1498 by
February 6th - so we know how much pizza to order!
February 2013
Page 17
Kol HaLev Happenings
CALENDAR
Sat. Feb. 2
9:15-10:15 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
3:30-5:00 p.m
Tues., Feb. 5
4:00-9:00 p.m.
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Fri., Feb. 8
6:30 p.m.
8:00-10:00 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 9
10:30 a.m.
Sun., Feb. 10
1:00 p.m.
Mon., Feb. 11
7:30 p.m
Fri., Feb. 15
Sat., Feb. 16
February 2013
Philosophical Inquiry with the Parasha for 5th and 6th grade
Hagiga students in the Art Room.
10:30 a.m. – Hagigat Limud and New Member Shabbat
Service preceded by Torah Discussion at 9:30 a.m. at Ratner
Chapel; Yitro; Service leader: Rabbi Steve; Discussion leader:
Rabbi Steve; kiddush co-hosted by Hagigat Limud and New
Member Shabbat Membership Committee
Hagiga
Tot-Parent Shabbat Program for families with children in
preschool and under in Rooms 113 & 114. The program is about
a half an hour. Babysitting is available before and after Tot
Shabbat, also in Rooms 113 & 114.
Torah Study at the home of Maureen Hack, 17 Dorset Court,
Beachwood; Topic: Megillat Esther. More info on page 5.
Count Me in Retreat at B’nai Jeshurun
Schmooze with the Rabbi at the Stone Oven on Chagrin Blvd.
Women’s Group Shabbat Dinner at the home of Happy
Wallach, 23538 Duffield Rd, Shaker Heights, 216-283-4058.
More information on page 13.
February No’ar Hadash (Teens) Dessert Potluck at the
Weinstock home, 3663 Bainbridge Rd. Cleveland Hts., For info,
contact Ma’ayan (youthdirector@kolhalev.net)
Member-Led Shabbat Service at Ratner Chapel; Mishpatim;
Service leader: Kol HaLev member; kiddush co-hosted by Jack
and Amy Brodsky and by Alan and Lisa Kornspan
Movie and discussion: Front of the Class, the 5th annual
program of Special Needs Awareness in the Jewish
Community at Frankel Auditorium – Siegal Facility, 26500
Shaker Boulevard, Beachwood; free and open to the public
Board Meeting at the home of Molly Berger, 19744 Chagrin
Blvd., Shaker Heights, 216-752-5434; all Kol HaLev members
are welcome.
Deadline for ordering SHALACH MANOT. Order form on page 8.
Deadline for the March issue of Kol HaLev Happenings
10:30 a.m.
Evolution Shabbat Service preceded by Torah Discussion at
9:30 a.m at Ratner Chapel; Teruma; Service leader: Rabbi Steve
and Barb Truitt; Discussion leader: Kol HaLev member; kiddush
co-hosted by Bruce and Brenda Goodman in honor of Kayla’s
12th birthday and by Bill and Michal Scher-Marcus. (More
about Evolution Shabbat on page 12.)
Page 18
Kol HaLev Happenings
CALENDAR
Sat., Feb. 16
10:00-10:30 a.m
Intergenerational Learners Service in the Chapel; Rabbi Steve
will lead a 30-minute service open to anyone in the community
who would like to learn a little more about the Shabbat morning
service.
10:30 a.m.
Hagiga
10:45 a.m.
Tot-Parent Shabbat Program for families with children in
preschool and under in Rooms 113 & 114. The program is about
a half an hour. Babysitting is available before and after.
1:00 p.m.
Lunch & Learn at Ratner School; Rabbi Steve Segar will lead a
discussion about Purim, the Feast of Lots. More info on page 5.
3:00-5:00 p.m.
Adult Ed Program - Running a Jewish Home: Shabbat;
location TBA. More info on page 11.
5:00 p.m.
Camp Pizza Party. More information on page 17.
Fri., Feb. 22
6:00 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 23
10:30 a.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat and Potluck at Ratner Chapel; kiddush cohosted by Steve Kanner and Karly Whitaker in honor of Mira’s
8th birthday and by Irwin Weinberger and Meg Manny
Musical Shabbat at Ratner Chapel; Tetzave (Zachor); Service
leader: Rabbi Steve; kiddush co-hosted by Peter Robertson and
Heidi Gorovitz Robertson and by Fred and Marsha Chenin
Purim Intergenerational Program at Ratner School; kiddush
co-hosted by Barb Truitt, by Anita Cohn and by Robin Shell.
More information on page 1 and page 5.
Mindful Jewish Practice -- at Nancy Rubel’s office, 24755
Chagrin Rd. #305. The meditation will be brief to allow those
who are interested to attend the lecture on Kaplan (below).
“DLS: A Modern Heretic and a Traditional Community:
Rabbi Mordecai M. Kaplan and Orthodoxy and
American Judaism,” a lecture by Jeffrey Gurock, Libby
M. Klaperman Professor of Jewish History at Yeshiva
University. At Green Road Synagogue. (Register at http://
www.memberize.com/ClubPortal/EventDisplayNew.
cfm?clubID=3475&eventID=172829)
6:30 p.m
Wed., Feb. 27
6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Thu., Feb. 28
12:00-2:00 p.m.
“Working with the Kaplan Journals to Answer a Historian’s
Question,” a lecture by Jeffrey Gurock, Yeshiva University.
(Register online at http://www.memberize.com/ClubPortal/
EventDetailPublic2.cfm?clubID=3475&eventID=179116)
7:30 p.m.
Book Group at the home of Ruth Ness, 2328 Miramar, University Heights, 216-932-5579. More information on page 13.
The newsletter calendar is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. However,
dates and venues for KHL events do sometimes change. To keep abreast of any changes, read the
Weekly Update which is emailed to all members on Thursdays, or check Kol HaLev’s website
calendar.
February 2013
Page 19
Kol HaLev Happenings
Kol HaLev, Cleveland’s Jewish
Reconstructionist Congregation, is an
egalitarian,
participatory
spiritual community Page 20
February
2013
Visit our website at http://www.kolhalev.net
Kol HaLev Happenings
2245 Warrensville Center Rd., #215
University Heights, OH 44118
216-320-1498
The Newsletter of Cleveland’s Jewish Reconstructionist Community
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ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER
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