May 2009 - Temple Emanu-El

SisterhoodHappenings6So, you’re Jewish? Do a mitzvah! What is a mitzvah? We all arefamiliar with the word mitzvah and how important it is to Judaism.But lately, we, as members of Temple Emanu-El’s Sisterhood, havebeen thinking about how Sisterhood women can take a moreconsistent role in performing mitzvot. Opportunities for doingmitzvot appear all around us all the time, within our own families,community, country and even the world.A mitzvah is one of the Torah’s 613 Divine Commandments; agood deed or religious precept. The word mitzvah stems from theroot tzavta, attachment, the mitzvah creating a bond between G-dwho commands and man who performs it. Our Sisterhood has beenin touch with a wonderful Jewish organization, “Shalom Bayit”(Ending Domestic Violence in Jewish Homes). They have broadsupport around the Bay Area from many Jewish organizations andsynagogues. At first, our reaction was similar to many who said, “Butthat issue is not a problem here in the Jewish Community!” ShalomBayit’s research and experience since 1992 say otherwise: almost20% of Jewish women may experience emotional or physicalviolence in their relationships.Sisterhood recently co-sponsored a workshop for teens and parentsat Emanu-El and donated money to the organization. Rabbi Magathas recently joined Shalom Bayit’s Rabbinic Advisory Council.Shalom Bayit’s Rachel Marder is working with our Sisterhood VP ofeducation, planning a mother-daughter series of meetings andworkshops on “What makes a strong Jewish woman?” We lookforward to working with them and supporting this worthyorganization in as many ways as we can.If you want to know more, visit www.shalom-bayit.org or call510.451.8874. There are brochures on the Shalom Table.Other mitzvot by Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood:Every year Sisterhood donates to the Jewish Blind Institute, WorldUnion and “YES” fund with Women of Reform Judaism, and ofcourse all temple programs. We always help with MitzvahDay. This Mitzvah Day we held bake sale and the proceeds went toMazon. Mitzvah opportunities galore exist! Let’s take part!Calendar events:Sisterhood meeting May 14 6:00pm in the cottageRosh Chodesh May 27 at the home of Lorie and Shari KaplanSave the date:June 28 - All Sisterhood Day at Emanu-ElDo you have any questions or suggestions for programs? Emailsisterhood@templesanjose.org.Rosh ChodeshWednesday, May 277:00pmThis month we celebrateand discuss Sivan andShavuot, and focus on ourancestor, Ruth.We always have awonderful evening. Noshesare included. In a small,friendly group, we meet atthe home of Lorie & ShariKaplan. This holiday istruly a sacred time justfor women.Please RSVP by Sunday,May 24 to Lorie & Shari,408.267.4563.Rosh Chodesh, festival of the New Moon, is an ancient tradition forwomen going back to biblical times. We mark this holiday with ritual,music, meditation and prayer. Each time we meet there is adiscussion about the Hebrew month. Also, we reinforce our Jewishidentity and deepen our spirituality.FOR YOUR SPECIAL SIMCHASisterhood’s Catering Menu for Oneg ShabbatAssorted cookie trays (24 – 36 pieces) $30Brownies (24 - 36 pcs) $30Cake trays (24-36 pieces) $30Cupcake cake (24 cupcakes decoratedlike a cake – Mazel Tov) $36Fancy cookie trays (24 – 36 pieces) $36Mandelbroight/rugeluch/etc $36Dried fruit and nut tray $36Fresh Vegetable trays $36Cheese and cracker trays $36Hummus and Pita trays $36Fresh Fruit trays $36Tortilla Chips and Salsa $30Layered Bean Dip with Tortilla Chips $36M&M or Jelly Belly bowls (3 bowls) $10Includes plating, set-up, serving platters, decaf coffee, tea, punchbowl filled with cold drink, coffee cups, spoons and table cloths.Does not include:Plates, utensils, paper and plastic ware, tablecloths (except on Buffet,beverage, paper cups, centerpieces, etc.) If you would like to takehome left-overs, please bring containers.We do a professional job, and our staff donates their time, earningdonor credit. Therefore, all profits from your event help fund themany projects of the Sisterhood that support our Templecommunity. References available on request.Please contact Anita for information: anitajmed@yahoo.com.