1206 Newsletter, Temple Shalom of NWA

Temple Shalom
of Northwest Arkansas

608 N. Storer Ave., Fayetteville, Arkansas
P.O. Box 3723 Fayetteville, Arkansas 72702
(479) 973-2702

Kislev - Tevet 5767 -- December 2006

A Letter to Temple Shalom from Bret Park

We’ve had a terrific time working with your building and design committee. Over the past month, we’ve met with them several times to present the design as our ideas develop. Stacey and I are very pleased with the progress. Your interaction with us through the committee members has helped us focus our energy toward a very solid early design. We extend our gratitude to you all for your excellent input.

As you may have heard, the old house on the property is not viable as part of the new facility. It pains us to reach this conclusion. We worked hard to find some way to preserve at least part of the structure, but every attempt resulted in the overall design far exceeding our target size. This fact combined with the structural and moisture problems in the building led us to conclude that the old place would have to go. Perhaps we can use some of the materials from the old house in the new building. We’re still exploring those possibilities.

The design includes two distinct outdoor spaces for gardens. One is open and sunny, great for social gatherings. The other is more shady and somewhat enclosed, definitely a meditative space. We are pleased that these opportunities are available for you in the design. Your sanctuary will face east. It will have lovely natural light from at least three directions. Its layout is intended to be flexible so it will accommodate a small number for intimate services or expand easily to seat many more on special occasions. We’re very happy that the Social Hall is centrally located. This allows multiple uses for this space. It will be great for large group meals and celebrations. For smaller group meetings, the space can be subdivided with movable bookcases. We are fine-tuning the religious school, kitchen, and Hillel functions presently. This work is going well and at the time I write this, I am confident that we’ll have a working solution very soon.

We’ve had tremendous support from our friends and neighbors in the community regarding your project. Word is out that we’re working with you and everyone offers congratulations to you in your pursuit. It makes me very proud to share this news with you. As well, I am proud to say how excited we are to present the design to you on November 28th.

Architects' Presentation by Bill Feldman

We will have a congregational meeting followed by a board meeting Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Hillel House for a presentation by our architects (Bret and Stacey Park) of plans for our new Temple building. We are really making progress.

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Extra: The Happy Minyan Chavurah

Dear Friends,

Reminder: Sing! Dnce! Pray! Eat! Drink!

The Happy Minyan Chavurah invites you to join us for joyful prayer and Shabbat dining on Friday, December 8th at Hillel House. Service will be conducted by Rabbi Jacob Adler and by new Temple Shalom member Ami Dodson.

Please help us welcome Ami (and her family), whose vocal contribution to the Temple we gratefully acknowledge.

Service begins at 6:30 pm and lasts as long as we feel like davening.

Veggie-Dairy-Kosher fish potluck follows.

Information: Happy Minyan Chavurah Coordinator Miriam Klinzing

The Happy Minyan Chavurah is a group of Temple Shalom members dedicated to celebrating Jewish life in the spirit of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, of blessed memory.

Gift Shop by Sharon Myers

We have Chanukah items in -- a few menorahs, candles, gift wrap, Chanukah gelt, etc. Please come by and shop for your Chanukah needs. Also we have Ahava lotions and creams that are from Israel and are wonderful! If there is a need for more Chanukah things like menorahs, please let me know quickly so I can place another order. Thanks, Sharon Myers.

Hillel House by Sharon Myers

If there is anything we need at the Hillel House in terms of supplies, please let Sharon Myers know so that she can take care of it. Thanks, Sharon Myers.

From the Treasurer by Darla Newman

The end of the calendar year is approaching. Please fulfill your pledges in time to take a tax deduction for donations to your Temple. Additional donations are always welcome!

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Pot Latke? Pot Latke!

Temple Shalom's Annual Pot Latke will take place on Sunday, December 17 at 11:45 a.m. at the Hillel House. The entire congregation is welcome!

Bring your finest latkes, a side dish or a dessert.

Temple Shalom T-Shirts Make Great Chanukah Gifts!!

Temple Shalom Religious School has had new t-shirts made. We have given one to each Religious School student, but we still have some left over to sell.

Please let us know how many you want and what sizes. They are blue with white letters and available in children and adult sizes. They cost $15 with proceeds going to tzedakah and to fund various Religious School activities.

Also available in white on red with only the list of peace in many languages (no Temple Shalom logo).

The December Dilemma by Rabbi Jacob Adler

I’ve got to hand it to our Christian brothers and sisters - Christmas is a beautiful holiday. Even with all its commercialism and excess, you’d have to be a hard-bitten cynic not to see the spirit of generosity and goodwill that Christmas embodies. Just watch the movie, “Miracle on 34th Street” and you’ll get the idea.

It is the very beauty of Christmas that presents a dilemma for Jewish parents.

A few suggestions:

1. EMPHASIZE THE UNIQUENESS OF EACH HOLIDAY. Christmas is not Hanukkah, and Hanukkah is not Christmas. Our children should know the unique glories of Hanukkah and understand that it’s not just Christmas with dreidles and latkes added. The existence of many different holidays in the world is a glorious thing, something to be cherished, not undermined.

At the same time, one needs to recognize that when cultures come into contact, they inevitably affect each other. I remember how Mr. Shapiro, my old Hebrew school teacher, would rail against the custom of giving gifts at Hanukkah. To him, raised in pre-State Palestine, it seemed like a blatantly Christian custom. And, in fact, we have adopted the custom of gift-giving from our Christian neighbors. As long as we are aware of the unique messages of Hanukkah, such borrowing is nothing to worry about.

2. VISIT CHRISTMAS. If your family has defined itself as Jewish, then Christmas is not your holiday, but it is still possible to visit Christmas. I recall many sweet winter days and (even more) winter nights when I was a little boy, gazing with admiration at the Ellinwoods’ decorated fir tree or the Foleys’ amazing aluminum tree, illuminated by a then-fashionable color wheel. Both children and adults can appreciate and enjoy our friends’ holidays without making them our own.

3. TWO HOLIDAYS. If your family embraces both Judaism and Christianity, things are more complicated. I especially encourage you to see in this season two distinct holidays, each with its own beauties. Each family is different, of course, so it’s hard to generalize, but without knowing each family’s situation, I would generally encourage people not to smoosh the two holidays together into one generic holiday.

4. Remember: the stronger our Jewish identity, the more we can appreciate and admire what others do. So develop and deepen your Jewish self, and you won’t need to worry about Santa.

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Sisterhood by Carol Fields

At our November Sisterhood meeting we shared our fond memories of Carol Rappaport. Our next meeting is Sunday, January 21 at 1 p.m. at the Hillel House. We will share memories of Miriam Ella Alford and have a Pot Luck nosh.

Save the Date! March 9, 10, 11

A special weekend on Jewish Sacred Dance with Latifa Berry Kropf, right here in Fayetteville. Check out her Web site.

November 14th Board Notes by Daniel Levine

The board met Nov. 14 at the Hillel House.

Jeremy Hess reported on progress on the new property. He spoke about the conditional use permit, architect plan, the upcoming meeting with the neighborhood association, and the work of the Building Committee. Our current plan is to close on the property on December 23.

The Board decided that the Dec. 15 Shabbat evening service will take place at the Hillel House at 6:30pm. Jacob Adler will conduct the service, and Margot Ganster will be in charge of the pot-luck supper which will follow the service.

Darla Newman presented a written Treasurer Report, and reviewed the finances available for the new building.

Sharon Myers reported about the roof inspection at the Hillel House, and said that it does not need to be replaced. She plans to hire a pest control company to treat the Hillel House kitchen during a Religious School holiday. She also talked about stump removal and the gravel behind the Hillel House that still needs to be spread. Jacob said that there is a curtain missing from the kitchen and he hopes it will be returned.

Ben Pollock said that the new address for our web site is templeshalomnwa.org. Our Temple e-mail address is contact.shalom@gmail.com.

Carol Fields reported about the Sisterhood tribute meeting last week to memorialize Carol Rappaport. There will be another meeting on January 21 to memorialize Miriam Ella Alford. Carol also reported that Ricky Costrell has joined the Programs Committee.

Joel Freund and Margot Ganster reported that the Religious School Pot Latke will be on Dec. 17 at 11:45am, and that all are invited.

Mike Lieber talked about the reconstitution of the Hillel Foundation Board due to the possible impending sale of 607 Storer Ave.

Jacob Adler reported about Adult Education, the Minhag Committee and a mantle for the new Torah.

Darla Newman reported that Jewish Renewal activities would resume, beginning with a visit from Latifa Berry Kropf, the weekend of March 9, funded by the Jewish Renewal account.

Mike Lieber reported on nominations for the Jewish Federation of Arkansas Tikkun Olam award.

Bill Feldman reported that Deb Capp will work on updating and correcting the Temple Directory.

The next board meeting will be on Tuesday, December 12 at 7 p.m. at the Hillel House.

Board Meetings

In an effort to encourage participation of all congregants in our board meetings, we will try to adhere to a schedule of regular meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. The final schedule will be publicized in our newsletter each month and announced on the listserv.

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Social Action by Gene Tweraser

We always welcome anyone who would like to be part of the Social Action Committee. No qualifications are needed except wanting to help others and having time to attend infrequent meetings (like twice a year) and communicate by e-mail, if possible, about community needs.

We are there to help members of the congregation who have special needs, and we support local community as well as Jewish causes - regional, national and international. As we get older, there will be more need for friendly visits, help with transportation, shopping, etc. If you know of someone who needs our assistance, please contact one of the committee members listed below.

Newsletter Expiration Notice:

Postage & copy expenses keep rising. If you are NOT a member, and wish to keep receiving the newsletter in the mail, please send a donation of at least $18, by Dec. 15, to help defray costs. If you wish to receive the newsletter by e-mail, please, let us know.

If you are a member, you will continue to receive the newsletter by mail unless you notify us that you prefer the e-mail version.New Temple e-mail Address by Darla Newman

We have lost some data due to the sudden change in email servers. If you have contacted the Temple Shalom office since October 1 with changes to the membership directory or any other correspondence, please resend to the new email address: contact.shalom@gmail.com

Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Tribute Fund

a donation has been made
to the Rabbi Discretionary Fund
in memory of Carol Rappaport
from Sara Tepfer and Joseph Carrao
to the Building Fund
in memory of Carol Rappaport
from Eileen & Mike Lieber
to the Tribute Fund
in memory of Carol Rappaport
from Jane Parette
to the Rabbi Discretionary Fund
from the Luries of Fort Smith

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Deadline

The deadline for the newsletter is the 20th of each month, unless otherwise noted. Please e-mail items to Judith Levine.

Contact the Webmaster

These materials are not endorsed, approved, sponsored, or provided by or on behalf of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.

Temple Shalom of Northwest Arkansas

608 N. Storer Ave., Fayetteville, Arkansas P.O. Box 3723 Fayetteville, Arkansas 72702 (479) 973-2702

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