It will probably be after the Festival of Hanukah by the time
you get this newsletter. Hanukah’s message however, is eternal. The festival commemorates the victory of the “ few against the
many, the weak against the strong, righteousness over evil, the spirit over physical might.” Greek influence had spread throughout
the land. Israel’s religion and culture would have disappeared just like those of the many nations that had come under Hellenistic rule.
The Hasmoneans were able to turn the tide and Judaism is here today, thanks to their courage and spiritual strength. Hanukah is always celebrated during the darkest days of
the year, when the days are the shortest. We light the Menorah and keep increasing its brightness from day to day to chase the darkness around us.
We could use the miracles of Hanukah again and the world could use some enlightenment.
Israel, one of the smallest countries in the world, is surrounded by enemies who wish her harm. Unable to win on the many battlefields, her enemies are
conducting a media war, recruiting other nations to place boycotts and sanctions against Israel and to even question Israel’s legitimacy among the family of nations.
The few will prevail against the many. The spirit of our people will prevail. The Hasmoneans were able to stop the Hellenization of Israel and the return
to Jewish practices. Can the trend of assimilation to the general community be stopped or at least be reduced to insure the future viability of the Jewish community.
The Europeans and the United Nations are transfixed on Israel and only on Israel. When they could and should be raising their voices and doing something against
the horrific and barbarian kidnappings and killings of children and innocent lives by Islamic militants. Most of these terrible massacres are committed by Muslims against Muslims. G-d Forbid, if Israel was ever at their mercy.
The European Court of Justice does not believe that Hamas is a terrorist organization—supposedly not enough evidence. How dark has Europe become, when
it comes to Israel’s struggle against an enemy that uses women and children as human shields? Can Israel ever allow the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on
her border, without guarantees that the new state will not be like Gaza? As long as the Palestinians continue to teach their children to hate Jews and swear Jihad against
Jews, these will not be the neighbors you want to trust.
The world could use some light. Happy Hanukah! Avram Ettedgui, Rabbi
Dear Members and Friends of Sharei Chesed,
Winter 2015
BOARD MEMBERS Rabbi Avraham Ettedgui Co-Presidents Bernie Miller
Terry Schwartz Treasurer Gregory Gittsovich Secretary Jacob Mars Immediate Past
President Sol Awend Board Members
Berek Awend Madalyn Braufman Jerry Berkowitz Bruce Cohen Dr. Martha Cohen Roz Ettedgui Dr. David Feldshon Nina Furman Aaron Geller Boris Gerber Dmitry Gringauz Judith Ingber Gail Kenton Leo Kudishevich Francelyne Lurie Jack Moskowitz Cindy Neff Gail Nord Dr. Sheldon Pinsky Irving Smith Anya Solodkina Corrine Toretsky Richard Woldorsky Shelly Zien
Page 2 Winter 2015
MESSAGE FROM THE CO-PRESIDENTS
Shalom Aleichem, everyone!!
Our year has gotten off to a great start. High Holy Days services were very well attended, and
people responded with tremendous generosity to our annual Yom Kippur appeal. Our thanks to
Cantor Mitchell Kowitz for doing a wonderful job in leading this year’s services.
We also held our first Kabbalat Shabbat of the year in November. Our thanks to our friend Niza
Schear for graciously making herself available as our guest speaker and talking about her book, “My
Pixie Dixie”. Our next Kabbalat Shabbat is scheduled for Friday night January 16th, and we hope you
will attend.
We were successful in repairing our roof before the cold weather hit. The water damage we
observed in certain areas of the building has been stopped, and we can be more confident in our
synagogue’s long-term physical integrity.
Speaking of securing the future, Sharei Chesed now offers religious school education. Our first year
got started this past September, and both teacher and students are thrilled to be a part of it. If you
are interested in enrolling your children, be sure to contact Rabbi Ettedgui for more information.
The story of Hanukkah is not mentioned anywhere in the Hebrew Bible (1st and 2nd Maccabees are
part of what is known as the ‘Apocrypha’ – those books outside of the official canon). Nonetheless,
it is without a doubt one of the most beloved holidays in the Jewish calendar. We thought it might
be nice, therefore, to share some fun facts about this holiday, courtesy of the website
‘israel21c.org’ ):
Each and every box of Hanukkah candles you buy should have at least 44 candles in
it. That’s enough for all 8 days. If you get extra in your box, consider it a bonus!!
Forget about dieting during Hanukkah (I suppose during any other Jewish holiday, for that
matter):
One potato latke – 150 calories
One sufganiya (deep-fried jelly doughnut) – 400-600 calories
Those ubiquitous chocolate coins – 220 calories apiece
The word ‘dreidel’ comes from the Yiddish word ‘drei’ (turn or spin).
We don’t light the menorah for Hanukkah – we light the ‘hanukkiyah’. The former has 7
branches, while the latter has 9.
Page 3 Winter 2015
Maimonides wrote that the mitzvah of lighting the hanukkiyah is even more important than
buying wine for Shabbat (Laws of Hanukkah, 4:13)
The first time Hanukkah was celebrated in the White House was in 1951. President Harry
Truman received a hanukkiyah as a gift from then-Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion and Israeli
Ambassador to the United States Abba Eban.
However you and yours celebrate Hanukkah, we hope that it’s a joyous celebration. And, if you’re
in need of a hanukkiyah, candles, cards, or anything else for the holiday, Sharei Chesed is operating
a gift shop during this time. Come by any Sunday morning, or call the office and let us know when
you can come over.
B’Shalom,
Bernie Miller and Terry Schwartz
Direct link to Hanukkah information:
http://www.israel21c.org/uncategorized/eight-fun-facts-about-hanukkah/
Sharei Chesed would like to thank Francelyne Lurie,
Sol Awend, and Momy and Cindy Benzaquen for the beautiful
Hanukah decorations in our sanctuary!
Page 4 Winter 2015
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS AT SHAREI CHESED
Friday, January 23, 2015 | 6:30 p.m. Friday Night Service and Shabbat Dinner
We're pleased to announce that our guest speaker will be Adam Schwartz, son of Cantor
Neil Schwartz. Adam is a University of Minnesota Graduate Student in Human Factors and
Ergonomics, Public Health, and Environmental Science. He served in the IDF as a volunteer
from 2010 to 2012 as a combat engineer and then as a psychological research assistant. He
will be speaking about his journey to the IDF and some of his experiences there. You
won't want to miss it!
You can find information about the upcoming Kabbalat Shabbat on the 'Services',
'Happenings' and 'Calendar' pages of our website: www.shareichesed.org Saturday, February 7 | Tu Bishvat Seder
Sunday, March 1 | Purim Party! 5:30 PM at Sharei Chesed.
Purim comes to remind us to look with optimism
to the future. There are four Mitzvot we can fulfill
on Purim:
Reading or Hearing the Megillah
Sending Mishloah Manot - Exchange of food
items with friends,
Give Matanot Lawevyonim - Gifts to those in
need
Have a Seudah - Enjoy a festive Purim Meal.
We invite you to join us for the Purim Celebration:
Program: Music, Masquerade Party
Prizes: For all children and for all who come in costumes
Refreshments: Hamentashen and all Purim Trimmings
Wednesday, March 4 | 7:30 pm - Purim Services
Thursday, March 5 | 8:30 am - Purim Services
Friday, April 3 | Passover begins at Sundown with the 1st Seder
Page 5 Winter 2015
NOW AVAILABLE! Did you know that you can make online contributions? How?
Go to www.shareichesed.org/donate
Rabbi Ettedgui writes a weekly D’var Torah that is sent to nearly 100 members and
friends. Would you like to be added to our list? If yes, please go to
www.shareichesed.org/sermons and click on the link at the bottom of the page.
DAILY MINYAN Join us Monday through Thursday at 5:45 PM for Mincha and Maariv and help make
the Minyan.
Come and Celebrate
Leo Wolk’s 98th Birthday
Saturday, January 10, 2015 | 19th Tevet, 5775
Services begin at 9:30 A.M
Leo’s Celebration begins at 11:15 A.M.
Kiddush/lunch follows the service.
Sharei Chesed Congregation
Hosted by...
Leo’s children
Sandra and Michael Wolk
Joyce and Alan Branfman
Grandchildren Jonathan and Benjamin
and Sharei Chesed Congregation
Page 6 Winter 2015
OUR RECENT TRIP TO ISRAEL | BY: JERRY AND SHARON BERKOWITZ
A few years ago while planning a trip to Israel we were
approached by a very close family friend with a request that
we have her twenty year old daughter, Amy, accompany us
for her first trip outside the Country. The Pingrees are a
wonderful family and we have been privileged to know them
for many years. They are a Christian family who live in a very
remote part of Kodiak, Alaska and practice their faith in their
daily lives. We felt honored to have these friends be willing to entrust their daughter to
us in order to make her dream of traveling to Israel come true. After discussion and
two years of planning the three of us took off in October for a three week trip to
Israel. What a great time we had.
Israel is a wonderful place to renew our spiritual connection as well as enjoy the
beautiful outdoors, learn history, and of course, before dealing with Minnesota winter,
bask in the sun on the beaches of Tel Aviv and Eilat.
We toured on our own by starting in Jerusalem. We prayed at the Kotel and toured
the Kotel tunnels. After four days in Jerusalem we traveled to Nitzanim and spent
Shabbat with our orthodox cousins. When Shabbat concluded we drove to Ber Sheva
to visit more mishpucha. Then we went on to Eilat to snorkel the Red Sea and swim
with dolphins. We drove to Masada, floated in the the Dead Sea, and spent time around
the Kinneret and Golan. We enjoyed a day in Safed and saw the incredible bird
migration in the Hula Valley. We finished our circumference of Israel, hiking the Banyas,
touring Rosh Hanikra, Acco, and then back to Tel Aviv.
During our trip we paid our respects at Yad Vashem, explored the Israel Museum, and
visited the citadel and underground fighters museum in Acco. We also managed to eat
plenty of falafel, schwarma, and schnitzel and drank many cups of coffee in numerous
outdoor cafes. Amy found all of our Israel experiences connected her with her faith
and observed that the lord's presence is found all around including in the nature that is
part of Israel.
Safety is something to be considered wherever you travel. While in Israel we never felt
uncomfortable. We always felt safe and welcome and encourage everyone to try to
visit .You are guaranteed an incredible experience whether it is your first trip or one of
many trips.
SUNDAY TALLIT AND TEFFILIN BREAKFAST
Page 7 Winter 2015
KOSHER CUISINE FOR A NEW GENERATION | BY: CANTOR MITCH KOWITZ
Keeping kosher seems to be something of the past for many Jews. People
say to me that kosher foods are more expensive and keeping separate
plates and silverware is a hassle. This is something my grandparents did
and it is not for me. We are told in the Torah to teach our children the
ways of G-d. The Shema prayer says “You shall diligently teach them to
your children.”
For many, not being able to eat all foods, separating meat from milk, and
the financial cost is difficult to say the least.
While writing Kosher Cuisine For a New Generation, I wanted to focus on all the above.
All of us want food that is easy to prepare and most of all, delicious. The foods my mom
and Bubbie prepared echo in my mind. All of the holiday foods from my past hold a special
place in my heart. One phrase that I especially like is “Celebrate the Past and Embrace the
Future” So what is one to do?
Kosher Cuisine For A New Generation focuses on untraditional kosher recipes that can
stand side by side with traditional ones. People today, especially young people, like to try
ethnic and traditional foods at the same time. They also want to be able to create a few
untraditional foods as well.
My recipes are more than kosher. The dishes are easy to prepare and taste wonderful.
Chicken Marcela, Oriental salmon, broccoli and cheese quiche and Cantor’s Killer Chili
offer new opportunities for everyone to create their own traditions. So I say, serve the
brisket…serve the baked chicken…serve the chopped liver. And also so serve a spinach
salad, make oriental string beans, and top your meal off with a fresh sorbet or Bubbie’s
banana bread drizzled with chocolate sauce.
Judaism has never stood still. It is always evolving. Each generation must find their own
ways through the wilderness of their time. My own life is like the Star of David with 6
points; G=d, family, community, prayer, music and food. Each point of my star connects
with the next. It forms my life, my soul, my passion and my heart.
So never be afraid to try new things! You can still embrace the treasures of the past. This
new generation will determine the future. They will connect their own 6 points of the Star
of David. Remember, masterpieces can come from mistakes! Let’s all have fun, fun, fun in
the kitchen and around the table.
Page 8 Winter 2015
GENERAL DONATIONS Naomi & David Balto
Sharon & Jerry Berkowitz
Myra Chazin
Kathy & David Cooper
Jenny Daylis
Jan Edelstein
Linda & Rabbi Avraham
Ettedgui
Ephraim Grinberg
Gail & Greg Kenton
Deanie Lerner
Mary Lutz
Donna Morales & Matthew
Schwartz
Myla Mendyuk
Emiliya & Dmitry Pogorelsky
Gary Shapiro
Polina & Boris Shteyman
Aaron Wasserman
Helen Wolk Trust
Shelly & Steve Zien
IN HONOR & APPRECIATION
In Honor Of
Donor
Rabbi Avraham Ettedgui
Sally & Dr. Joel Feder
Esther Geller
Rose Naiman
Julie Miller’s Bat Mitzvah Linda & Rabbi Avraham
Ettedgui
Carolyn & Uri Koppel
Cindy Neff
Gail Nord
Lisa, Benjie, Shelby, & Noah
Rubin
World Shabbat
Celebration
Sima & Mark Feldman Unveiling of Fanny
Rubenstein
Esther Rubenstein Unveiling of Enta
Galperina
Irina Kigelman CAPITAL FUND Marcy & Bruce Barrick
Jane & Dmitry Gringauz
Sally & Mort Leder
Ron Margolis
Rita & Steve Paper
Aileen & Sonny Snyder
EDUCATIONAL FUND Maurice Goldstein
In Memory of Stanislav
Tamakhin
Yuliya Portnova
SPONSOR KIDDUSH
Cindy & Momy Benzaquen
In honor of their anniversary
Carolyn & Uri Koppel
Sally and Mort Leder
In honor of their anniversary
Mike Miller In honor of the baby naming
for his grandson, Nehemiah, son
of Kalli Miller
Corrine & Morris Toretsky In honor of Corrine’s birthday
and their anniversary
Elizabeth & Jeffrey
Toretsky
In honor of Corrine’s birthday DONATIONS FOR BIRTHDAY AND OTHER SPECIAL WISHES
In Honor Of
Donor Bev and Marvin Aaron’s
Anniversary
Corrine & Morris Toretsky Shelly and Steve Zien’s
Anniversary
Linda & Rabbi Avraham
Ettedgui Birth of Gavriel, son of
Sara & Russ Reininger, and
grandson of Sharon &
Jerry Berkowitz
Sue & Sol Awend
Birthday of Nella Goldis
Linda & Rabbi Avraham
Ettedgui Marriage of Dr. Joel &
Sally Feder
Joel and Sally Feder
Linda & Rabbi Avraham
Ettedgui Engagement of Leon
Moscatel & Rebecca
Maddy Braufman Birthday of Corrine
Toretsky
Shelly & Steve Zien DONATIONS FOR YOM KIPPUR Rene Aaron
Sybille Aaron
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
SEPTEMBER 1, 2014 TO DECEMBER 8, 2014
Page 9 Winter 2015
Lee & Jerry Altman
Sue & Sol Awend
Rebecca Bender
Sharon & Jerry Berkowitz
Rosalyn Bernstein
Dee Dee Bolter
Maddy Braufman
Maria & Boris Davydov
Irma Davydova
Henni & Danny Ettedgui
Linda & Rabbi Avraham
Ettedgui
Bonnie & Harry Farb
Sima & Mark Feldman
Steve & Laura Fine
Rene Fishman
Stella & Simon Fishman
Lyubov & Solomon Fridland
Nadezhda Gelbukh
Aaron Geller
Mary & Mark Geller
Nella Goldis
Goldstar Daycare
Louise & Boaz Granot
Rita Dulitskaya Grinberg
Jane & Dmitry Gringauz
Raisa & Lazar Gringauz
Eva Gross
Sonja Hauter & Bernie Miller
Barry Kelner
Patricia Kenton
Barbara & Howard Kirschner
Julia & Yan Kravchenko
Sally & Mort Leder
Deanie Lerner
Ryva & Anatoly Lipnik
Karin & Larry Margolis
Lyudmila Mendyuk & Vladimor
Banchik
Julie Miller & Ron Scholder
Art Nettis
Mary Novikov
Alex Perelman
Diana & Gal Peremislov
Avram Peysman
Marilyn & Dean Renstrom
Phyllis & Berle Richman
Alla & Lev Rozhanskiy
Iosif Semanduyev
Bev & Burt Shacter
Emma Shapiro
Liya Shapiro
Ida & Samuil Shkolnik
Faina Shtulman
Galina & Nakhamya
Simanduyev
Aileen & Sonny Snyder
Erik Sosunov
Alexandra & Alexender
Teplitski
Corrine & Morris Toretsky
Nesya & Aron Tsukerman
Sofiya & Yefim Tsukerman
Sue & Mark Wasserman
Nataliya & Vladimir
Zabezhinsky
Jodi Jenna ZArk
Luba Zevelev
Sofia & Moisey Zhuravel
Shelly & Steve Zien
Clarice Zuckman - z”l
BREAK THE FAST Linda & Rabbi Avraham
Ettedgui
Elena & Boris Gerber
Lyudmila & Gregory
Gittsovich
DONATIONS IN MEMORY OF Lenore Applebaum
Shirley Held
Corrine & Morris Toretsky
Clara Margolis
Fern Badzin
Heidi & Howard Gilbert
Truen Press
Rosalyn Bernstein & Family
Paul Wolf
Rosalyn Bernstein & Family
Janice Wolf
Rosalyn Bernstein & Family
Gerald Gold
Fruma Ginsburgh
Ted Papermaster
Rachel Zadaka
Linda & Rabbi Avraham
Ettedgui
Freda Paper
Linda & Rabbi Avraham
Ettedgui
Carolyn & Uri Koppel
Irene Golden
Thomas Paper
Richard Paper
Mickey Schoenzeit
Phyllis & Berle Richamn
Frank Wilensky
Rivia & Red Goldberg
Paula Spector
Pamela & Gary Sultany
Anita Libson
Marcy & Bruce Barrick
Allegria & Don Bouquet
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
SEPTEMBER 1, 2014 TO DECEMBER 8, 2014
Page 10 Winter 2015
Rabbi Barry Wolf
Fern & David Sanders
Corrine & Morris Toretsky
Rose Szneller
Freda Paper
Steve Goldfarb
Joyce Ettedgui
Don Perwein
Corrine & Morris Toretsky
YAHRZEIT DONATIONS Renee Aaron
Sybille Aaron
Esfir Ablyzalova
Sue & Sol Awend
ARakhil & Mikhail Bershteyn
Olene & Larry Bigelow
Maddy Braufman
Elena & Edward Budilovsky
Tatyana Estrina
Rene Fishman
Stella & Simon Fishman
Alla Furman
Nina Furman
Anatoly Galbinsky
Inna & Cary Geller
David Gerber
Elena & Boris Gerber
Galina & Shulim Gitelman
Irene Glynn
Rivia & Red Goldberg
Nella Goldis
Rita Dulitskaya Grinberg
Raisa & Lazar Gringauz
Lucy & Anatoly Haykinson
Irwin Hershkowitz
Minna Hudson
Nadia & David Kaganovich
Lilly Kamenir
Morris Kaswen
Angelika & Leonard Kats
Adela Kazaniuk
Gail & Greg Kenton
Berta & Nahum Kipnis
Carolyn & Uri Koppel
Cantor Mitch Kowitz
Marvin Krichmar
Lois Kulinsky
Rosie Hulse Larson & Swede
Larson
Barry Libson
Ryva & Anatoly Lipnik
Lois Liss
Alex Malamudman
Maya Malamudman
Mariya Melamud
Nataliya & Leonid Melamud
Bernie Miller
Morris Miller
Arkadiy Nadelman
Dolores Neiman
Art Nettis
Larisa Palant
Rita & Steve Paper
Alexander Perelman
Maya & Yefim Peskin
Sheldon Pinsky
Sofia & Oleg Pisarenko
Emiliya & Dmitry Pogorelsky
Shirley Politz
Lisa & Randal Prowizor
Marilyn & Dean Renstrom
Phyllis & Berle Richman
Regina Rubenstein
Cynthia & Terry Schwartz
Mariya Shafranskaya
Emma & Liya Shapiro
Daniel Snyder
Roz & Bert Strimling
Genya & Ilya Tamarkin
Sondra Tenner
Ita & Shmel Teyvel
Nesya & Aron Tsukerman
Sashra & Abram Vaynberg
Toots & Ruben Vodovoz
Norma Wilensky
Nekha & David Zelikman
Alex & Luba Zevelev
Luba Zevelev
Yelizaveta Zeveleva
Sofia & Moisey Zhuravel
Shelly & Steve Zien
Rakhil & Moisey Zilberman
MEMORIAL PLAQUES Nesya & Aron Tsukerman
REFUAH SHELEMAH Bev Aaron
Corrine & Morris Toretsky
Danny Ettedgui
Cindy & Momy Benzquen
Berta Kipnis & Family
Milaina & Boris Fershtman
Leo Fine
Corrine & Morris Toretsky
Berta Kipnis, their son and
their granddaughter
Berta & Nahum Kipnis
Jack Moskowitz
Linda & Rabbi Avraham
Ettedgui
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
SEPTEMBER 1, 2014 TO DECEMBER 8, 2014
Page 11 Winter 2015
OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES OF Lenore Applebaum
Steve Goldfarb
Anita Libson
Mikhail Melamud
Liza Tsivlina
Freda Paper
Mickey Schoenzeit
Rose Szneller
Rabbi Barry Woolf
Clarice Zuckman
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Mary Lutz
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
SEPTEMBER 1, 2014 TO DECEMBER 8, 2014
Snow Removal Services
from Team Benzaquen Momy and Cindy Benzaquen have always been invaluable in
making sure that the synagogue is in good shape for services,
luncheons, special events, etc. Now they would like to extend
that same kind of care to your property during the winter
months. They have recently purchased a 2-stage snow blower
and are available for snow removal services. They are able to
handle individual snow events, or if you have a need for ongoing
services throughout the winter they can setup a monthly
schedule.
For more information and to schedule your snow removal services,
contact Cindy at 952-686-8568.
Religious Class at Sharei Chesed
Page 12 Winter 2015
Sometimes fairy tales do come true...even at Sharei Chesed. Just ask and
Sally Velick and Joel Feder.
They grew up in Skokie, Illinois. Long story short Joel took Sally to the 1962 Senior Prom. Sally has a picture of her and Joel; Joel has the
same picture--and so does Joel's mom. (As an aside, Joel's mom even has an apron that Sally made for her in high school home economics, not to
mention all the memorabilia of her sons' formative years).
Another aside...Sally even remembers spending a Passover Seder with Joel's family in the spring of 1961. She got to know Joel's brothers, Mark,
Allen and Robert. Then came the blur of history and everyone went their separate ways.
Sally met Gary Velick in Chicago, got married and moved to Minneapolis.
Gary became a doctor; Sally became the mother of three. Joel became a doctor as well and specialized in podiatry; as did his father before him. Joel went into the family practice; later to include his brother, Mark. Joel got married and had three boys.
Sally got involved with Talmud Torah. She met Rabbi Ettedgui, and from the start they
became friends. She even became his secretary. Her memories are fond and she happily shares her memories of how much she enjoyed working with the Rabbi. He encouraged her and some other
10 people to perform their B'nai Mitzvot. Joel became involved in his own Jewish world in Chicago and felt the tug of spirituality. He became
involved in his synagogue, actively participating in a commendable way of Jewish life.
Sally brought Gary to the 15th Reunion; Joel and Gary met and had an amicable time. Between the picture taken at Prom and the Reunion, Sally and Joel hadn't seen one another: From the Reunion
in 1985 until 2011. Time was passing quickly.
Sally's husband became ill in the early 1980's and he died in 2005; Joel had separated from his wife. The kids were all off creating their own lives. Sally was alone; So was Joel. One day Sally was
looking on line for a book her sister Charlotte had written. While on line Sally ran across a children's book written by Joel Feder.
Could it be?! She tracked him down, and indeed it was the same Joel Feder of Skokie High School fame. They began communicating, and Sally remembers that on November 10, 2011 she invited Joel
to Minneapolis for Thanksgiving holiday. Joel agreed and came to visit.
In the meantime, Sally was a member at Sharei Chesed. You would see her at Shabbat services and holidays, usually sharing in other people's simchas. When Joel came to visit and it was time for
Shabbat morning services, she brought him to Sharei Chesed.
WHEN SALLY MET JOEL | BY: SOL AWEND
Page 13 Winter 2015
WHEN SALLY MET JOEL, CONTINUED...
Enter Rabbi Ettedgui.
With his warm and jovial manner he welcomed Joel and cheerfully joked with the couple. He saw
she was happy; he liked being with Joel. Joel, meanwhile, felt a warmth and kinship with how friendly everyone at Sharei acted towards him; how insightful and interesting Rabbi
Ettedgui's D'vrar Torah was that morning. Fast forward to Sally and Joel deciding that long distance was no way to foster a relationship. Even
though they spent a lot of "facetime"; it was no substitute for the real thing. Sally had been alone for 10 years; Joel was looking for permanency in his life.
After much discussion, Sally moved to Chicago to be with Joel. Shortly after, Joel asked for her hand
in marriage; and they wanted Rabbi Ettedgui to marry them: At Sharei Chesed, on Thanksgiving weekend, 2015.
Logistics kicked into high gear of who, what, when, where and how; all the makings of a great movie.
Cantor Mitch Kowitz had recently joined our congregation and brought with him quite a resume. He was an accomplished cantor, musician and gourmet kosher chef. He brought with him a powerful personality, and spicy zest for life.
He would cater Thanksgiving dinner! Yes! Right there at Sharei! The wedding was on! Sally's family
came, Joel's family came, friends were invited and the week-end was shaping up nicely. Even Ha-Shem cooperated and kept the weather above freezing with no snow. Following a
wonderful pre-nuptial dinner prepared by Cantor Mitch there came a wonderful guitar recital complete with song and lively repartee.
The mood had been set. Friday morning was abuzz with cheerful activity. Guests were
arriving, Mommee and Cindy set up the chupah, the Rabbi presided over the katubbah signing.
…And there were Sally and Joel. Sally was stunning; Joel
couldn't keep his eyes off of her. They were as inseparable as teenagers in love. Finally, it was time. The
sanctuary was silent. Cantor Mitch strummed and sang; rich in voice and melody. Still there was silence. Everyone watched in awe and happiness; with sunlight pouring in
from all around. Sally and Joel in reverent anticipation.
Rabbi Ettedgui, with his signature smile and soft, sure voice began the service. Bound up in friendship and love, he married them. He bestowed them with
the blessings of our ancient Jewish heritage, and gave his personal wish for them to live a long and happy life. And then he gave Joel the glass… A split second of silence and a tumult of mazel tovs!... It
really did seem like a fairy tale come true…at Sharei Chesed.
Page 14 Winter 2015
Mazel Tov to Rachel
Truskinovsky, her parents
Takako and Sasha, her
grandparents Moses and Alice
Truskinovsky, Michitaka and
Ritsuko Fukuda, Rachel’s
brother Mark, and sisters
Leah, Norimi, Aya, and the
entire family on the
celebration of Rachel’s Bat
Mitzvah!
Believe It or Not . . .
An Inspiring Romp Through the World of Religion Rabbi Gail Nord is a Former Assistant Professor of Religion, Oakton Community College
of Chicago
Coming up on January 14th at 7:00 p.m. I will launch a new class series at Sharei
Chesed exploring the world’s major religious belief systems. The series will
cover Indigenous traditions (focusing on Lakota spirituality), Hinduism, Bud-
dhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Jainism. Guest speakers representing some of the traditions
will enhance the experience, including the well-known teacher of Native American spirituality, Ed
McGaa-Eagleman.
Studying and teaching topics in religion and spirituality has long been for me a consuming passion. What, in an ultimate sense, one believes (or not) affects one’s worldview, political per-
spective, family dynamics, and sense of life’s meaning and purpose.
We live in a small world, where the religious perspectives of groups on the other side of
the globe have an impact on our daily lives. In our city are individuals of every
background imaginable. It behooves us to become familiar with the history and
foundational beliefs of these traditions. The focus of this class series will not be on the
fanatics, but on the mainstream teachings.
The goals are: (1) a fun learning experience, (2) great discussion, (3) increased
understanding, and (4) maybe even a clarification or enhancement of your own
spirituality!
NOTE: The series will run for12 weeks. I will videotape the lectures and make them
available online to paid participants if a session is missed.
Course Fee - $120 if paid in advance or at $140 at the first class session.
Register now by contacting the synagogue office at 763-545-8800 or [email protected].
Questions? [email protected]. Hope to see you there!
Winter 2015 Page 15
NEW CLASS BEING OFFERED | BY RABBI AVIGAIL NORD
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