The o/a[fey Tempfe :News

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 7:30 pm TEACHING SERVICE -- Shabbat Service Music by Marilyn Ze1cer and Bob Pollack Oneg Shabbat hosted by Nora and Eric Rubinoff in honor of the birthdays of Eric and Brandon Rubinoff

SATURDAY, MARCH 5 9:30 am - Torah Study 10:30 am - Shabbat Service

FRIDAY, MARCH 11 8:00 PM AT TEMPLE SHOLOM Joint Reform Service at Temple Sholom There will be no service at Valley Temple

SATURDAY, MARCH 12 9:30 am - Torah Study 10:30 am- Shabbat Service Bat Mitzvah of Erica Denham, Daughter of Bob and Linda Denham, Granddaughter of Ellen Bamberger

FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 7:30 pm FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE Shabbat Service Baby Naming of Jacob Carter Clark, son of David and Shannon Clark and grandson of Bill and Rita Clark. Oneg Shabbat hosted by Bill and Rita Clark and David and Shannon Clark in honor of this special occasion.

SATURDAY, MARCH 19 9:30 am - Torah Study

· 10:00 a.m. Tot Shabbat 10:30 am - Shabbat Service

March, 2005 Adar I, Adar II, 5765

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 7:00 pm Megillah Reading (Preceeded by Purim Dinner for those with reservations. See form in bulletin) Special music by David Snyder and the Purim Megillah Musicians

FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 7:30 pm Shabbat Service Cantor Yvon Shore will participate in the Service and deliver a sermon in song Oneg Shabbat hosted by Michael and Nancy Shayeson in honor of Michael 's birthday

SATURDAY MARCH 26 9:30 Torah Study 10:30 Shabbat Service

PURIM IS COMING - A BIG MEGILLAH!

ANNUAL PURIM CARNIVAL

Sunday, March 20 following Religious School

PURIM CELEBRATION Thursday, March 24

6:00 pm - Dinner for those with reservations 7:00 pm - Service and Schpiel

(Nutsy musical tribute to story of Esther

BA~ER-S AR-E NEEDED TO HELP

BA~E HAMANT ASHEN

MAR-CM 6 AT 10 AM

AT THE TEMPLE

FROM THE RABBI BE CAREFUL WHAT

YOU ASK FOR.

Sandford R. Kopnick

The last few months have seen an astonishing turnout on a monthly basis for the service we call Friday Night Live. When the psalmist said, "Come before God 's presence with singing," it is not clear that blowing the roof off the Sanctuary was what they had in mind ... .

Don't get me wrong, I love that 100+ people join in for the phenomenon sweeping the country and our congregation. However, I need a reality check. Is it that folks are coming to be inspired in a contemporary way by Jewish prayer and music, or are they coming to be entertained?

Granted, it is amusing to watch as your rabbi attempts to make a "rain stick" musical. Rabbi Andi Cosnowsky is a unique talent who brings a real "mach" (spirit) to our bimah. Rabbi Brad, Ernie, and Larry make music-real music. And we try very hard not to entertain, but to pray.

The question is, do you try to pray or are you hoping to be entertained? Our Friday Night Live allows for creatIvIty-we try things not attempted at a conventional service. You, too, should try to explore new avenues in an attempt to communicate with God, not just to be

moved by the music, the way you can be moved at a concert

If you've been wondering about movement at a service, then get up and move! If you've been wondering about singing along, trying a hannony, attempting to make the translations of prayers connected to the melodies you sing in Hebrew-then you're on the right road.

Sure it's a lot of noise, kids running around, a different feel of community when the worshippers are so numer­ous-but it's still a service. We still need to accomplish the goals of Jewish worship: saying prayers with

heart-felt intention (Kavanah), allowing for the stranger, the mourner, and the Shabbat observer. We should still expect to pray, learn, and share as a community at Friday Night Live.

We are blessed for just a few more months with Beth Adam's Rabbi Cosnowsky. She will be moving on this summer to a state more hospitable than Ohio in which she, Jane and their son Jacob can feel safer and more valued. Undoubtedly our Friday Night Live will evolve as our band does, yet these next months can help us refme exactly why our Friday Night Live is a success, and what we need to keep it moving forward. What we all bring to the sanctuary on any given Shabbat is essential-not just what

happens on the bimah!

TOT SHABBAT Saturday, March 19, 10:00 am

The next Tot-Shabbat will be held on Saturday

morning, March 19 at 10:00 a.m. Join our songleader and Rabbi Kopnick for a wonderful program of prayer, stories, puppets, and lots of singing. Intended for children ages infant-6, the tot service is a great way for your child to get to know the rabbi, feel comfortable in our sanctuary, and learn the joy of our Jewish heritage. Guests are most welcome.

~VE>~ V1A~~ 0l:JU,~ Visit the exhibit-

From Haven to Home •• 35@ years of

American Jewish History TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 11 AM

at the Museum Center at Union Terminal Meet at the Museum Center, see the exhibit,and have

lunch. Cost is$5.00 for museum plus cost oflunch (Adminnsion is free for musuem members) Send your reservation to the Temple office

Please let Jody know if you need a ride

r------------------, I SAVE THE -DATE I I Dan Nichols Weekend I I April 15, 2005 I L __________________ J

MAZALTOVTO Stefan and Deborah Eckert on the engagement

of their daughter, Erin Lynne Adler Linda and Bobby Denham and Ellen Bamberger

on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter and granddaughter, Erica

MISHEBERACH

We send get well wishes to:

NANCY SHAYESON JOHN SCHWAB

OUR SYMPATHY TO ~ ~ Jim Schwartz on the death of his Wife, Carol

Oppenheimer Barbara Del Mauro on the death of her Father,

Richard Heller

NEW ADULT EDUCATION

SEMINARS

INTRODUCATION TO KABBALAH

(Jewish Mysticism) with Rabbi Kari Hofineister

THURSDAYS March 3, 10, 17, 31 at 7:30 pm

There is a fad going on in this country-celebrities and Kabbalah-Jewish Mysticism. Learn about the Zohar (the text of Kabbalists) the roots of this approach to Judaism, and its meaning. Spend time with Rabbi Hofmeister as she gives an academic, not pop-culture, understanding of the texts and ideas surrounding the Kabbalah.

Rabbi Hofmeister was ordained by the HUC-JIR in 2004 and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at HUC-JIR in Jewish Philosophy.

PATHWAYS THROUGH THE PRAYERBOOK

TUESDAYS, APRIL 5, 12,MAY 3,10 at7:30pm

With Bradley Levenberg, Rabbinic Intern

How is the Siddur (the Jewish prayer book) structured? What is the history of Jewish worship, and

why do we do what we do? Join our rabbinic intern as we explore what the editors of Jewish prayer books intended for worshippers. Services may become even more meaningful.

WOMEN OF REFORM JUDAISM BOOK REVIEW

C "SARAH LAUGHED" ~ ~~\ By Vanessa L. Ochs, Ph.D. ~ ~ Reviewed by

Rabbi Sandford Kopnick Monday, March 14,2004

6:30 pm Champagne and Chocolate Reception 7:00 pm ReviewlDiscussion

TEACHING SERVICE

FRIDAY, MARCH 4 7:30 p.m. during Services

Intended to create a better understanding of the worship service and how the prayerbook is layed out. Sponsored by the Outreach Committee, this service is designed to answer questions, teach mu­sic and make the service more meaningful. Active participation is encouraged.

A TASTE OF PASSOVER RECIPE SHARING AND

UNDERSTANDING THE HAGGADAH

Thursday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m.

LUNCH AND LEARN

Judaism Confronts Contemporary Issues ...

SECOND TUESDAYS 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the office of David Feldstein, Office Suites Plus, 11427 Reed Hartman Hwy in Blue Ash. (thru May)

SECOND THURSDAYS 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the office of Jon Hoffheimer in the Mercantile Library Bldg. 414 Walnut Street 12th Floor (thru May)

Using real questions posed to the Central Conference of American Rabbis Responsa Committee,

we explore issues of bio-medical ethics, business ethics, Reform Jewish rituals, and balancing modern sensibilities with timeless tradition.

SHABBAT MORNING TORAH STUDY 9:30 a.m. Saturdays (continues thru June)

The joy of Torah is explored as we attempt to bring our contemporary values and insights to traditional and modern views of the weekly Torahportion. No previous experience is expected.

SOUP KITCHEN - MARCH 6

Volunteers are need to help cook, serve and bake brownies for the Soup Kitchen on March 6. Please contact Buz Stewart at 931-9054.

ANNtIN. .aasMc.AausVAI. ....... .rat .. hO .. ...,. ••

~ .. th Gr""

Ij'. Sunday, March 20

. . 12:00 noon

. " • (starting right after

. : '. ' Religious School) ~

LUN CH **'11(} AM ES ****PR lZES ****RAFFLE

B rilg $ $ $ :fi:>rgam es, Imch, :rafEl:! and m ore ! A cosb.lm e cont:estprecedes the C amiralatthe

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DONATIONS NEEDED FOR CARNIVAL

If you have new toys, gift certificates, or other items that can be used as raffle and/or game prizes for this year's Purim Carnival, please contact Bradley Levenberg,

Rabbinic Intern at the Temple,

\,VRIM Cnf-BR/frI01\ Thursda¥, March 24,2004

6:30 p.m. Dinner 7:30 p.m. Service and Schpiel

(Nutsy musical tribute to story of Esther)

Dinner includes Pizza, Salad, beverage and hamentashen $8.00 for Adults, $4.00 for kids under 13

Bring your friends and see what the rabbi will wear this year!! Costumesinvited! Send in your reservation for the dinner to the Temple office.

Name(s) ...................... .. .......... .................. .. ............. .. # of Adults @ $8.00 .. ............................... .. # of Children (under 13) @ $4.00 .... .. .............. .

(Children under 3 free) .. .................. .... ........ .. AMT ENCLOSED .. .............. .. .

LETUSRESERVEASEATFOR YOU// PLEASE SEND IN YOUR RESERVATION FORM AND PAYMENT TO THE TEMPLE OFFICE, 145 SPRINGFIELD PIKE, 45215 BY TUESDAY, MARCH 22 .

•

FROM THE PRESIDENT:

I learned something new from the rabbi recently (not to imply that this is such an unusual occurrence!). While discussing Valley's thriving membership in relation to the declining number of Jews in Greater Cincinnati, it became clear that not only are fewer Jews living in the region, but also that fewer Jews who do live here are joining a congregation. Of course this is not a problem unique to Cincinnati - it's a national issue. Nevertheless, it does raise concerns for our future if the pool of potential members continues to decline.

Over the past several years, we've gained many enthusiastic new members at Valley, thanks in large part to our enhanced programming and active membership com­mittee.

Our varied programs and "marketing" efforts, however, are meaningless to those who are not even thinking about joining a temple. This is where you come in ... and where the rabbi's recent lesson applies: congregational worship is one of the foundations of Judaism, and it's considered a mitzvah to encourage

unaffiliated Jews to join a temple.

We all have Jewish friends who don't belong to any congregation, despite the range of worship styles available in the area. For many of these people, Valley Temple would be a perfect "fit". Why not invite a friend to join you at services one Friday evening, or meet them at an adult education program, or take them to a Religious School event? Be sure to introduce them to the rabbi and other temple members who are there as well. Whether or not they decide to join Valley, perhaps they'll at least reconsider the idea of temple affiliation in general.

As Rabbi Kopnick told me, "membership is an obligation, not an option". I hadn't thought of it that way before, and certainly never thought of membership "recruitment" as a kind of mitzvah, but I'm beginning to see why that is. I've started generating my list of unaffiliated friends to bring to Valley Temple. I hope you will too.

Helen B. Habbert

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CORNER

When you walk into our Temple on Sunday morning, you find children and adults connecting to Judaism. Our kids walk in with smiles on their faces­happy to be coming to Temple and Sunday school. Adults walk in smiling too-whether they're coming to teach or sub, to attend a Family Ed session, to assist in a classroom, to take part in all-school assembly, come to a Sisterhood or Men 's Club Meeting, or to have a cup of coffee, read a book in our library, and catch up with friends. All of this is what goes on in a typical school morning. I invite you to "drop-in" one Sunday-I'll find something meaningful for you to do inside or outside a classroom! It's one of the best ways I know to connect to God, to Judaism, and to our Temple.

Speaking of children with smiles on their faces: a young lady in the first grade, Maddie Weikel, recently wrote in her "school during the week" journal these words about Sunday school.

"Sunday, my brother and I went to Valley Temple. It takes us a Long time to get there! My teacher's name is Miss Julie (Rabe-a Valley member). The other students are Sydney and Brady. Every week we do a Torah Portion. What is a Torah Portion? It's special pages that we color and teaches us. It is fun!"

Without S.E.E.D, we might not have been able to train this teacher who is helping Maddie (and Brady and Sydney) learn to love Judaism.

While, we're "kvelling" about students ... Jacob Hatfield, a seventh grader (who will have celebrated his Bar Mitzvah by the time you're reading this) received a letter congratulations from President George W. Bush for completing over 268 hours of community service in one year in his neighborhood. President Bush commended Jacob for his, "working to make a difference in your neighborhood. Your inspiring efforts demonstrate the spirit of America and build a more generous and compassionate Nation."

During these last two years, it has been my pleasure to watch our school "without walls" embrace

creative teaching that is not bound to textbooks, and is lim­ited only by the creativity of the teachers, the rabbis, and me. My position was re-created two years ago with a grant from the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati's S.E.E.D. (Synagogue Education in Excellence Directive) program. Without the funding provided by S.E.E.D., I would be far more limited in the time and support my position could pro­vide our school. It is these funds that help us to create our

dynamicreligious school! I come to work every day excited to be a part of all ofthis!

We're doing a lot right at The Valley Temple. Thank you S.E.E.D and The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati for your help and partnership!

B'Shalom,

E~~ Elizabeth F. Woosley Director of Education

fRIIm Supported by the _. Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

REMINDER - For the safety of our children and flow of traffic, please park in the back parking lot on Sunday mornings

during Religious School. Thanks for your cooperation!

Please note: Change in Schedule -- Religious School Hebrew will meet on Thesday, March 22

CONFIRMATION CLASS VISITS WASHINGTON, D.C.

Jonathan Sass and Rachel Miller and Rabbi Kopnick in front of the Capitol Building and lobbying in

Congressman Portman's office

WOMEN OF REFORM JUDAISM NEWS ...

Ladies,

Please join us for our first book review on Monday, March 14 at 7:30 pm at the Temple. Sarah Laughed: Modem Lessons from the Wisdom & Stories of Biblical Women by Vanessa L. Ochs will be reviewed by Rabbi Kopnick. There will be a "champagne and chocolate" social preceding the session, compliments of the Sisterhood, in dedication of our library "Kol Isha"; A Woman's Voice. If you are interested, there are additional copies of the book (hard cover) available for $15 . Please call Carmen Kovarsky at 825-0744 to reserve your copy.

We need a few good women to participate in a two hour discussion group. For your participation, the Sisterhood will receive $35/person. Two dates/times are still available; March 17th and June 10th at 8:30am. Choose one or the other. For details on how to help Sisterhood with this fundraiser, call Carmen Kovarsky at 825-0744.

On March 13th at lOam there will be a speaker meeting at the home of Kathie Tamarkin at 312 Burns Ave. Dr. Nancy Magnus-Kopnick will be our guest and her topic will be "Autism and Asperger Syndrome: What Are They and How Do They Affect Me and My Family".

Carmen Kovarsky

SAVE THE DATE --­REFORM RETIREES LUNCHEON

AT ROCKDALE TEMPLE -- APRIL 7 AT NOON IRIS PASTOR,

Managing Editor of the Israelite will be the Speaker Watch for more info

IM:xAe~ eA-n~ WHITl1 ~eA-cDH cDeA-TthN,li>~ meA-@' 7TH

meAN,~ @'®thN, ecA.~l1U10cA~!

'Tlie 1/a[fey rr'empCe Sisterliooa invites you to .. .

%~ a Seat, Learn, andf£at! Jewisli PassCYrJer Haggadafi creation continues . ..

'We wi[[ provUfe tfie 6asic Haggadali dements and materiafs- you 6ring famify recipes, pliotos, and stones

to 6uiUi a persona{ized, meaningful treasure.

The creative workshops will be at the temple on:

Sunday, February 27, 2005 from 12:15-2:30 Sunday, March 13,2005 from 12:15-2:30

If you were una6fe to attend tfie first worRifiop-you can sti[[join in!

(]3ring your cfiiUiren! rJliey can 6e part of tfie creative process,

and we wi[[ provUfe 6a6ysitting and a pizza funcli.

Contact Alison Weikel at rweikeljr@aol.com or 759-6554 to R.S.v.P. for this enriching event.

This project has been partially funded by the jewish Women's Endowment Fund of the jewish Federation of Cincinnati.

SHABBAT DINNER" PRECEDES JOINT SERVICE AT SHOLOM

FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 8 pm

All four Reform Congregations will join together for the annual Joint Service. In addition to welcoming Rockdale Temple's Rabbi Sissy Coran, the service will feature the 50th anniversary of host Temple Sholom. Rabbi Kopnick will participate with his colleagues from Wise Temple, Temple Sholom and Rockdale Temple

Preceding the Service, members of Valley are encouraged to join Rabbi Kopnick for dinner at Sturkey's restaurant at 6:00 p.m. We will have a private room and all are encouraged to attend. To make a reservation, contact Jody or Wendy at the Temple office at 761-3555 or by email wendy@valleytemple.com.

MAI<CH 811< THOA YS

Pam Levinson 03/01 Fred Moss 03/01 Jessica Firestone 03/02 Bernice Blatt 03/02 Jacob DelMauro 03/02 Joan Reckseit 03/02 Michael Gelfand 03/04 Marc Klein 03/04 Stephen Dessner 03/05 Lawrence C. Freeman 03/06 Anne Weitzenkorn 03/06 Beth Schwartz 03/06 Eric Thomas Deutsch 03/06 Arlene Katz 03/07 Cody Hiller 03/10 Bob Broh 03/11 Helen Waits 03/12 Robert E. Levinson 03/1 2 Samuel Lobar 03/13 DorieAch 03/13 Ann Shulman 03/14 Phillip Levinson 03/1 4 Dotti Mantel 03/1 5 Harris Sutter 03/16 Eli Lewis 03117 Erica Denham 03/19 Richard Magnus 03/19 Abigal Rose Rothman 03/20 Christy Goldner 03/20 Michael Shayeson 03/21 Grace Kaufman 03/21 Karen Frecker 03/21 Lewis Rosin 03/21 Carl Gehr, Jr. 03/22 Sharon Ran 03/22 Leah DelMauro 03/22 John Shore 03/23 Michael Heines 03/24 Elsa Mendel 03/24 S. Sidney Pranikoff 03/24 Eric Rubinoff 03/24 Marjorie Rauh 03/26 Anne Sterner 03/27 Martin Fritzhand 03128 Michael Gales 03/30

MAI<CH ANNIVEI<SAI<IES Fred and Jane Friedman Joel and Lisa Rosenthal Michael and Janelle Gelfand Bob and Phyllis Levinson

03/18/1965 03/23/ 03/24/1973 03/27/1948

HOST AN ONEG SHABBAT

Hosting an Oneg Shabbat, which is the reception following services to celebrate the joy of the Sabbath, is a lovely way to honor a special occasion. Call Wendy or Jody at the Temple office to say that you will host one. A special thanks to the following who recently hosted Oneg Shabbats:

THE MEN'S CLUB JON AND SUSAN HOFFHEIMER

JOAN RECKSEIT TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF ELSA WISE FLEISCHER

SANDY AND JAY HATFIELD IN HONOR OF JACOB'S BAR MITZVAH

Sustaining tlie qenerations ...

We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions:

TO THE ESTELLE WIGSERFLOWER FUND: In memory of Mother of Mr. and Mrs. Art Zimmerman; In memory of Husband of Mrs. Leeb; From Estelle Wigser To honor the memory of Helen Silver; From Sue and Jay Price

TO THE SOCIAL ACTION FUND: In Memory ofMick Michaelson; From Gail Lewin

TO THE CAMP SCHOLARSmPFUND: A gift from Eli Shupe, Jr. A giftfrom Donna Goodman

TO THE RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND: To honor the memory of Samuel Waisblum; From Marilyn and Phil Waisblum

TOTHE SEINSHEIMERMUSIC FUND: To honor the memory of Kathleen Mulloy; From Kathy and Ivan Tamar/an

TOTHE L'CHAYIM COMMfITEE: To honor the memory of Bill Levenson, Miriam Lobar and Esther Lobar; From Laura, Sam, Matt and Marcelle Lobar

TO THE BRYNA SCHWARTZ MEMORIAL ONEG AND HOSPITALITY FUND: In honor of Brad Greenberg'S new position as Administrator of Clerk of Courts; From Pam Greenberg

TO THE SPECIAL GIFfS FUND: To honor th ememory of Arthur Hofiheimer, Jr. and Cecile C. Goldsmith; From Minette HojJheimer

THE VALLEY TEMPLE 145 Springfield Pike Cincinnati, OH 45215

************************** Sandford R. Kopnick, Rabbi Solomon T. Greenberg, Rabbi Emeritus Bradley Levenberg, Rabbinic Intem Elizabeth Woosley, Director of Education Helen B. Habbert, President Carmen Kovarsky, Women of Reform judaism President Jim Miller, Men's Club Chairperson Wendy Walsh, Temple Administrator

************************** WEB SITE: www.vallevtemple.com E-MAIL: wendy@vallevtemple.com or use links at valleytemple.com

ADDRESSSER~CEREQUESTED

KLAU LIBRARY HUC-JIR 3101 CLIFTON AVE CINTI OR 45220

March 2005

SUnday MondaY TuesdaY Wednesday Marth

11:00am ~::- Valley

6:30pm Ad Hob I 6:30pm Ad Heb n 7:00pm RS Hebrew

SouD (itdl<!n 12:oopm Lunch N Learn 9:45am Religious School Blue Ash

lO:ooam Fam Ed-2nd gr 6:30pm Ad Heb I l1:ooam Fam Ed·3rd Gr 6:30pm Ad Heb n 7:00pm CRlHS 7:00pm RS Hebrew

-'" H 9:15am ~igious School

12:15pm 5isterl1ood ~~=== ::o::::::~ Haggadah Review 7:00pm RS Hebrew W1<shop

7:00pm CRlH5

2( 21 2; ~ 9:15am Religious School ·6:30pm Ad Heb I

12:00pm Purim camivaI 6:30pm Ad Heb n 7:00pm RS Hebrew

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NO RS HEBREW

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Thursday

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12:00pm Lunch N Leam Dwntwn

7:30pm Intra to Kabbalah

6:30pm Ad Heb Vv1<shop 7:30pm Intra to

Kabbalah

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6:00pm Purim Dinner 7:00pm Purim Service

~:30pm Ad Heb Wkshop 7:30pm Intra to

Kabbalah

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U.S. POSTAGE PAID

CINCINNATI, OHIO NON PROFIT ORG. PERMIT NO. 2333

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Friday Saturdav

-~ T~ l~~;==t~ 7:30pm Shabbat Service

6:00pm Dinner at l~~~~=~n:m Stur1<ey's

8:00pm Shabbat ServIce Sat Mlt2Vah PI. Shalom

U g Friday Night Live 9:30am Torah Study

7:30pm Shabbat Service lO:QQam Tot Shabbat lO:3Oam 5habbat Service

2! 2; 7:30pm Shabbat ServIce ~:,uam lorar Study

lO:3oam Shabbat Service

._- -- - .- _ ..