Purim! - Shir Tikvah

From our Senior Rabbi...Why I am a Reform JewWhen I was growing up, we had what I thoughtwas an “regular” Jewish family: My father grewup on Minneapolis’ Northside and attendedMikre Kodesh, an Orthodox synagogue; my mother’sfamily belonged to Temple of Aaron, a Conservativecongregation in St. Paul.When they got married, how did they resolve the dilemmaof which synagogue to join and where to live? They movedto the “new frontier” Northern suburbs, sent my brotherand me to the Sabes Jewish Community Center for preschool,and joined Temple Israel, a Reform synagogue!Once upon a time, it seemed denomination—Orthodox,Conservative, Reform (there was no Reconstructionistor Jewish Renewal communities in the Twin Cities in the1970s, to my knowledge)—mattered. The lines betweenthe denominations seemed “brightly” drawn andmovement affiliation “mattered” in ways both explicit andunarticulated.Today, we’re living in a moment of denominational fluxand an increasing number of Jews no longer affiliating witha particular movement and defining themselves as “justJewish.”While the boundaries have opened and the lines may seemto blur a bit between the Jewish denominations, I remain aproud and committed Reform Jew. Why?Reform Judaism values both Jewishtradition and modernity. Our richJewish past informs our decisions,our theology, and our ritual life, asdoes scientific development, rationaldiscourse, and new modes of thinkingand expression.Reform Judaism expresses an absolutecommitment to human dignity and equality, from theordination of women to the full inclusion of GLBT Jews,from reaching to interfaith families to exploring who is onthe margins of Jewish life and how we bring them into thecenter.Our commitment to Abraham and Sarah’s tent of radicalhospitality is robust!Reform Judaism takes seriously God’s call to us asindividuals and to us as a people. We believe that lifehas ultimate meaning, and our great spiritual task is tocultivate the life of the soul and the healing of our planet.For 150 years, Reform Judaism has stood at the intersectionof spirituality and justice, giving prophetic voice to themost vulnerable in our world, demanding that we create asociety that reflects the best of our human community.What makes you proud to be a Reform Jew? I look forwardto hearing your answers.L’shalom,From our Director of Lifelong Learning...Last April, then-president JaneNewman called for the creation ofa Lifelong Learning Taskforce todevelop a vision for Shir Tikvah. Overseveral months, we reflected on ourown experiences, learned about ShirTikvah’s history, read articles, studiedthe work of other congregations, hadconversations with members, andimagined the voices of many differentmember profiles in our community.We then used those ideas during aretreat to draft a statement, asked thecongregation and various stakeholdersfor feedback, and edited andstrengthened the statement to arrive ata final vision.With the hard work of a dedicatedgroup of congregational leaders,after hundreds of Post-Its, dozens ofcomments, hoursof meetings,and countlessconversations, theLifelong LearningTaskforce’s “Visionfor LifelongLearning wasapproved by theBoard at the meeting on February 2.Shir Tikvah will be a welcoming,sacred Jewish community of learnersof every age, ability, perspective, andbackground. Learners will engagein holy conversations about Torah;concepts of God, Judaism, Israel; andrelevant issues of today’s world in alltheir exhilarating, challenging, andprofound forms. We will encounterinnovative and flexible learning modelsin rhythm with Jewish holidays, lifecycle events and Shabbat. Our learningwill cultivate Jewish identity, buildcommunity, and inspire us to live inharmony with our Jewish ethics.The taskforce now moves into phasetwo, working to shape a lifelonglearning program that reflects thevision statement. This includes “lowhangingfruit” (enhancing our existingmodels) and pilot models (newprograms and learning opportunities).In the next few months, the taskforcewill be offering opportunities for inputand feedback to plan for the future oflifelong learning at Shir Tikvah.2

Civil Society director to speak on human trafficking“Each child, if sold for sex repeatedly,can earn a trafficker $400,000 peryear,” states attorney Linda Miller, theexecutive director of Civil Society, aTwin Cities organization that providescomprehensive services to victims ofhuman trafficking.“Women have been sexually exploitedby sex traffickers as many as 40 timesa day,” Miller says. “These violationshappen right here in Minnesota—in thepicture-perfect Twin Cities—every day,and not just in shabby neighborhoods,either.”“What the market will bear, theunscrupulous will provide,” saysMiller, our speaker during services onMarch 9, which is co-sponsored by ShirTikvah’s Social Justice Committee.Miller founded Civil Society in 1996. Itprovides legal support and systemicchangeadvocacy for the state’s diversecommunities. Most of its resourcesfocus on helping victims of humantrafficking.Her organization works with otheragencies to provide medical and14,500–17,500Number of women from foreign countriesbrought to the U.S. each year for trafficking,according to the federal governmentdental services,English as a SecondLanguage (ESL)education, vocationand psychologicalcounseling, casemanagement,food, shelter,transportation, andLinda Millerlegal services.Human trafficking is the fastestgrowing criminal activity in the world.According to Shir Tikvah Social JusticeCommittee Chair Linda Alter Capell,“The term ‘sexual slavery’ is a moreaccurate term for this activity, whichvictimizes so many vulnerable people.”According to the federal government,there are between 14,500 and 17,500women from foreign countries broughtto the U.S. each year for trafficking.“We want people to realize that theyare seeing these trafficked women” outon the street and in public places, saysMiller. “The customers are all aroundus. Sex traffickers are all around us;some are professionals, doctors, andlawyers.”Ms. Miller, who has been an attorneyfor over 30 years, writes and speaksnationally and internationally. Shereceived the Honorable WarrenE. Burger Distinguished AlumniAward in 2008 for the highest valuesand ethical standards in serving thecommunity.Caring and Accessibility at Shir TikvahThe Caring Community Committee helps congregants strengthen their connection to Shir Tikvah and to each other.We work Yad B’Yad (Hebrew for “hand in hand”) to help meet the needs of our congregants and to offer ongoing support.If you have had an illness, wouldlike a visitor, need a ride toservices, or would like to join achavurah, go to http://shirtikvah.net/content/caring-communitycommitteeon the Shir Tikvahwebsite.You can find information onassistance or accommodationsat Shir Tikvah, or by calling theoffice at (612) 822-1440.The requests of congregantsare always kept confidential.3

From our Music DirectorThe interfaith choir (members from Shir Tikvah, Bet Shalom, First Covenant Church, and the Twin Cities Community GospelChoir) led Shir Tikvah in song on February 3.The Shir Tikvah Shabbat Shirah Service raisedthe roof this year. With standing room onlyand people seated in the balcony and OnegHall, 70 musicians led the congregation in prayer onFebruary 3.We sang liturgy of the Friday evening service, mostlyin Gospel style. From the first chords of Hinei MahTov to the Mozambiquan hymm, Nzamuranza, thecongregation joined in with the liturgy from thePsalms, Prophets, and Deuteronomy.The interfaith choir, comprised of choir members fromShir Tikvah, Bet Shalom, First Covenant Church, andthe Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir, sang inWendy GoldbergHebrew, English, and the languageindigenous to Mozambique.These group also sang at Bet Shalomand at First Covenant Church.Thanks to funds from the HarrisMusic Fund, we were able to partnerwith Robert Robinson, who arrangedsome of the music and led themusicians.Thank you to all who helped make this servicewelcoming to the multitude of guests who came to ShirTikvah, many for the first time, and who helped createthe warm atmosphere for all.March Lifelong Learning CalendarReligious SchoolMarch 4 Religious School 9:30-11:30 a.m.4 “Just Vote NO — MN Jewish CommunityUnited to Defeat the Marriage Amendment”2:00-5:00 p.m. at Adath JeshurunCongregation in Minnetonka; our 7 th - and 8 th -grade and Confirmation classes will attend7 Erev Purim (Wednesday)9 4 th Grade Dinner 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Shir Tikvah11 Religious School; Mishpacha in sessionSTIFTY Purim Carnival, 11:30 a.m.18 Religious School24 Pre-B’nei Mitzvah Shabbat Programs, ShabbatHaMakor: 5 th -graders and parents at 9:30 a.m.25 Religious SchoolHebrew SchoolMarch 7 Family Purim Celebration 5:00-7:00 p.m.14 Hebrew School 4:30-6:30 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m.21 Hebrew School 4:30-6:30 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m.28 Hebrew School 4:30-6:30 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m.Adult EducationMarch 2 Torah Study Group meets 12:15-1:30 p.m.Radical Amazement Class Shabbat Dinner6:00-8:00 p.m.4 Radical Amazement: A Vibrant Judaism ofHeart, Mind & Soul 9:45-11:15 a.m. (last class)5 Monday Night Adult Learning: BeginningPrayerbook Hebrew 6:30-7:45 p.m. ; AdultB’nei Mitzvah Seminar 6:30-8:00 p.m.12 Monday night Adult Learning14 Rabbi Sharon Brous visit; see page 619 Monday Night Adult Learning26 Monday Night Adult Learning4

DeLeT: The Davening Leadership TeamDeLeT is an initiative for those thinking aboutShir Tikvah prayer life to evaluate and reflecton services in order to impact our prayerexperiences. Those invited to be in DeLeT are our musicleaders, tzofim (scouts), T’fillah Committee members, andminyan attendees. DeLeT is open to anyone who wouldlike to join.Over the course of the year, we’re attending regularFriday and Saturday services, as well as special servicesthat include Shabbat Live! and b’nei mitzvah. We’re alsoexperimenting with English/Hebrew Torah readings,special Torah blessings, services in the round, and otherformats.Our third of five DeLeT sessions focused on ShabbatLive! Many of us ate dinner with the musicians andtheir families before services, attended them, and then18 of us engaged in reflection after services, focusing onhow Shabbat Live creates a holy space for prayer, usesmusic as the primary mode for prayer, and is childfriendly.The next DeLeT service is scheduled for Friday, March30, at 8:00 p.m. and will be led by several music leaders.You are welcome to attend services and join in thereflection time both before and after. Contact me atwendy@shirtikvah.net for more information.Wendy Goldberg“I felt as though [the Jan. 20 Shabbat Live!] was aspiritual service that had a rhythm —not just a raucoussing-along for those who’d gone to URJ camps.”“The worshipful feeling...radiated in thesanctuary during song, speaking, and momentsof gathered quiet.”uGayle R. Zoffer:DeLet members expressed a sense ofthe accessibility of the night’s service;it seemed that no matter wherecongregants’ hearts and energiesmight have been, the beautifulwelcoming of Shabbat was warmlyshared throughout the Shir Tikvahcommunity.David and I had attended ShabbatLive! two times approximately a yearago. The first time, I was in joyousmood and had a good time singing,although I found the amplification abit loud for my taste.The second time, I had had a difficultweek, and the volume of the musicand the lack of any pause for muchreflection or silence was actuallyunpleasant. We made a decision notto come to services during ShabbatLive.As a new music leader participatingin DeLeT, I attended Shabbat Live! aswell as the post-service conversationon January 20 as part of mycommitment to learning about thefull range of services we are offering.Honestly, while I approached theevening with some trepidation, it wasa wholly different experience for me.First of all, the volume was muchreduced. I appreciated the rangeof musicians seated on the bimah,each featured at different times, andI felt as though this was a spiritualservice that had a rhythm—not just araucous sing-along for those who’dgone to URJ camps.I appreciated Rabbi Latz’sintroductions to various prayers andthe way in which various melodieswere repeated multiple times toenhance the spiritual experience.I will need to try it a few moretimes to see if what I experiencedin January is the rule, not theexception. But I no longer feel likeit’s a service that meets the needs of asubpopulation of Shir Tikvah, but notmine.uCarolyn Belle:On Friday night, January 20,after our moving Shabbat Live!service, the DeLet group met toreflect. Music leaders, clergy, andcongregants discussed what workedwell in the service, and might befurthered in future Shabbat services,and what might be added todevelop an even richer Erev Shabbatobservance.The group noted the worshipfulfeeling that radiated in the sanctuaryduring song, speaking, andmoments of gathered quiet. Duringthe discussion, we noted that it wasimpossible to fully discern howmuch of the beauty derived fromthe joy shared in the many blessings,and which portion of that beautyfollowed from the caring dedicationof the music leaders and clergy.The next Shabbat Live! is scheduledfor April 20. Please join us.Shir Tikvah25th AnniversaryMemorial Day Weekend May 24-26, 2013 Mark your calendar!5

Help organize aservice projectOnce again Shir Tikvah had thelargest group of participants in thecommunity-wide service projectthat served meals to seniors onChristmas day. This year, morethan 40 members participated and,unfortunately, the project neededto turn people away because of thelarge turnout.The project is an opportunity forindividuals and families to cometogether and participate in tikkunolam.Due to the amount of interest thatShir Tikvah members have in thiswork, we are in the process oflooking for our own activity to doeach year.If you would like to help organizethis please contact Jill Madsen atjmadsen@sabesjcc.org.Family conversationsworkshop April 22A workshop on issues relatedto aging adults will be held onSunday, April 22, from 1:30–3:30p.m. It will offer ways to:• Discuss housing, medical andhealth concerns, transportation,communications, conflict, andmore• Organize, structure, andfacilitate a positive familymeeting• Gather support and help forloved ones• Make plans for the future“Family Conversations” issponsored by the CaringCommunity and facilitated by ShirTikvah member Rich Kessler.For more information, you cancontact him at (952) 884-1128 orrichkessler@comcast.net.B’nai Mitzvah in MarchEllis Tomlinson and his family invite you to joinhim in celebrating as he becomes a bar mitzvah onMarch 17. He will be called to the Torah to readP’kudei, Exodus 39:11-21.Ellis is in the 7th grade at Lake CountryMontessori in Minneapolis. He enjoys reading,writing, basketball, and design. Ellis loves to actand he just played Lord Montague in his schoolplay, “Romeo and Juliet.”Because of his love of animals, Ellis will be givingtzedakah to the World Wildlife Fund.We are grateful to Stephanie Fink and Wendy Goldberg for their tutelageand support, and offer many thanks to Rabbi Latz and Rabbi Simon fortheir guidance.Ellis will be participating in Friday night services on March 16 at 6.30 p.m.Three upcoming speakers at Shir TikvahLinda Miller, executive director of Civil Society, willspeak on Friday March 9 at 8:00 p.m. This organizationis a leader for the U. S. Department of Health andHuman Services’ Rescue and Restore Campaign, whichcreated the National Human Trafficking Resource Centerto connect victims of trafficking to Non-GovernmentOrganizations (NGOs) that can help victims in localareas. Read more on p. 8.Rabbi Sharon Brous, founder and spiritual leader ofIKAR, which was named one of “North America’s MostInnovative Jewish Nonprofits” for the sixth year in arow, and is touted as one of America’s 50 most influentialrabbis by Newsweek, will speak on Wednesday, March 14at 7:00 P.M.Rabbi Brous’ lecture, “Authenticity, Creativity, and MoralCourage: Essential Ingredients for Vibrant Community,”is in memory of Lou Wiener and his commitment tocreative Jewish leadership and innovation. It is free andopen to the public.Joe Soss will be speaking on “Seeing Ourselves inthe Story: Racial Injustice and the Radical Potential ofPassover” at the sixth annual Robert N. SchlesingerMemorial Lecture on Saturday, April 7, at 10:30 A.M.He is a professor and the Cowles Chair for the Studyof Public Service at the University of Minnesota. Sossis a co- author of the new book, Disciplining the Poor:Joe SossNeoliberal Paternalism and the Persistent Power of Race,which traces the major changes and continuities in welfare provision andpoverty governance in the United States over the past 40 years, and theracial, political, and economic factors in creating these policies.All are welcome.Ellis TomlinsonLinda MillerRabbi Sharon Brous6

Reflections: Holy Community at URJ BiennialFrom the moment I arrivedat the hotel in suburbanWashington, D.C., to attendthe URJ Biennial I knew I was infor a special experience. The entirehotel became a sea of excited voices,smiling faces, joyous reunions ofold friends, extravagant hugs, andmore than a few wide-eyed, excitedexpressions.Outside of Israel I have never beenin a place with so many Jews.The URJ reports that 6,000 peopleattended the Biennial, whichfeatured learning sessions coveringa huge range of topics, plenaryspeakers, musicians representingthe hit-list in contemporary Jewishmusic, and profoundly movingprayer services. And then there wasPresident Obama.This is what made the Biennial sospecial:President Obamateaching TorahThere was palpable excitementin the days leading up to thepresident’s address. People waitedpatiently in line for hours in orderto pass through security, and it wasdefinitely worth it.The president, speaking on Fridayafternoon, began by wishing usShabbat shalom. He framed hisremarks using the week’s Torahportion.He repeated the refrain “Hineni,here I am,” as he painted a vision ofhow Americans can work togetherto keep alive our country’s promise.It felt like there was a momentarymind-lock between PresidentObama’s vision, leadership, andnefesh, and the values of 6,000Reform Jews.Jane Binder, Chris Bargeron and Rabbi Michael Latz at the URJ Biennial inWashington, D.C.8Summary information about the URJ Biennial can befound at http://urjbiennial.zerista.com.Rabbi Rick Jacobs’ VisionThis Biennial marked a transitionin URJ leadership. Rabbi Eric Yoffiewas recognized for his considerableachievements during his 16 years aspresident.At the closing plenary, incomingPresident Rabbi Rick Jacobs laidout his agenda for the URJ, whichincludes 1) catalyzing congregationalchange, 2) engaging youth, and 3)extending the circle of responsibilityfor re-forming and nurturing avibrant Reform movement.Rabbi Jacobs cited the trends ofdisengaged young adults and agrowing individualism, whichpull Jews out of congregationallife. These issues, he said, must beunderstood so the movement cantransform to meet our needs andthrive.Kehilla KadoshWe quickly formed a large, cohesiveholy community. We davened insmall groups focused on specificstyles of prayer.And we assembled into acongregation—thousands strong—to hear Torah and connect throughcommunal prayer and a Shabbatdinner shared with old and newfriends.We sang, and sang, and sang. Wewere one people comprising diverseindividuals. At the end of theweekend, I heard one man call out“Goodbye, you beautiful Jews!”Chris Bargeron“The URJ reports that 6,000 people attended the Biennial, which featured learningsessions...plenary speakers...musicians.... And then there was President Obama.”7

From our President...Our Visioning Shabbat was a hugesuccess with more than 150 congregantsparticipating in activities and discussionsdesigned to help us think about the future of ShirTikvah.With the help of our facilitators, Emily and DickAxelrod, we embraced our past, evaluated thepresent, and dreamed of our future. The levelof participation exceeded our expectations and demonstrates howmuch we love and care about our congregation and our community.Several themes and values emerged from our time together, all ofwhich require more in-depth discussion and creative thinking sothat we can create and refine our Synagogue’s vision. Those themesincluded:• Worship/Spirituality/Music• Connections/Building Community• Communications/Transparency• Lay Leadership (board members/volunteers/committee chairs, etc.)• Building/Accessibility/Financial Needs• Social Justice• EducationIn the coming weeks, the Board and the Executive Committee willstrategize about next steps. We will be scheduling open meetingsand forums where we can look at these themes in more depth.We hope all congregants—those who were able to be part of theVisioning Shabbat and those who were not—will participate in thisprocess.Watch your e-news and the Shir Tikvah website for meeting datesand times so you can be a part of our creation of Shir Tikvah’svision for the future. If you have any questions, or wish to providefeedback from the weekend or about this process, please email yourcomments to president@shirtikvah.net.From Our Board…Rabbi Latz opened the meeting with ad’var Torah focused on the power of prayerand the parallels between prayer andconversation with others.Rabbi Simon presented the LifelongLearning Vision Statement (see p.2) andJane Binder shared that the congregationwill honor Rabbi Latz and Michael Simonon June 1 with an aufruf in recognition oftheir wedding later in June.John Humleker stated that our cash flowhas improved significantly since we lastmet. He discussed a summary of ourinvestment history during the last fouryears. A discussion followed about sociallyresponsible investing options. Boardmembers interested in learning more areencouraged to attend the next FinanceCommittee meeting.On Saturday, September 8, Shir Tikvahwill be hosting S’lichot observance inpartnership with other congregations.We will be working with Harvest MoonBackyard Farmers to create a vegetablegarden on the east side of the buildingbeginning in the spring. Produce from thegarden will be donated to The AlivenessProject. We are exploring ways to involvethe congregation in this program. Furtherdetails will be available soon.Jim L. Miller reported that we have fournew member households. The Boardcongratulated Rabbi Simon on her awardfrom Sha’arim, an organization servingchildren with special needs, for her workand connection with them.Please save the date for the B’nei MitzvahSaturday, June 2 ndof Chris Bargeron, Joan Bilinkoff Corbett, Marian Eisner, Amy Bromberg Funk, Rich Kessler,Susan Rosenthal Kraus and Sarah Malakoff, the Adult B’nei Mitzvah Class of 5772/2012,at Shir Tikvah Congregation in Minneapolis, Minnesota.8

Tzedakah Shir Tikvah is appreciative of all tzedakah given to the congregation. We will notify any people or organizations of contributions made in theirhonor. Contributions can be sent to the congregation office. Funds include: Shir Tikvah Fund, Rabbi Latz Discretionary Fund, Rabbi Simon Discretionary Fund, Rabbi OffnerLegacy Fund for Youth, Adult Scholarship Fund, Building Fund, Flower Fund, Library Fund, Harris Music Fund, Prayerbook Fund, Relief Fund, Social Justice Fund, Special NeedsEducation Fund, Torah Fund. Note: Donations made through January 31 are reflected below. Donations received February 1–29 will appear in the April Kol Tikvah.Shir TikvahWinogradDavid Harris Music FundRefuah Shlema to…Barbra Wiener & Catharine Reid,in memory of Jeff KanerAlan & Jo Paymar, in honor ofEli Haddorff’s bar mitzvahRay & Ginny Levi, in memory ofDorothy FreschlBunny WolfeBarbra Wiener & Catharine Reid,in memory of Joan BinderBarbra Wiener & Catharine Reid, inappreciation of Rabbi Latz and staffMicki & Burt Danovsky, in honor ofthe 55th anniversary of Mert & BeaSuckermanMicki & Burt Danovsky, in memory ofCookie Montgomery’s husband, PeterAsher Weisberg, in honor of Rabbi LatzMartha & Stuart Schmitz, in memory ofJoan BinderWendy Horowitz & Julian Bowers,in memory of Peter Montgomeryand the love he and Cookie sharedWendy Horowitz & Julian Bowers,in memory of Bitsy WinogradKaty & Ralph Campbell, in appreciationThe Walthour Family, in appreciationof Rabbi Latz, Rabbi Simon, and ShirTikvahIna and Larry Gravitz, in loving memoryof Abraham Feur, grandfather of InaGravitzJim and Rochelle Landy, in appreciationof Rabbi Latz and Wendy Goldbergfor their support and caring offered tothe members of Landy-Israel FamilyAmy Funk, in memory of Rabbi Simon’saunt, Chris GossEllen Wersan, in memory of Joan Binderand in memory of Lou WienerJane Binder and Larry Silber, in memoryof Peter MontgomeryMert & Bea Suckerman, in appreciationof Rabbi LatzShep Harris & Beckie Skelton, inappreciation of Rabbi Latz andin memory of Bitsy WinogradKathleen Langston, in memory ofLinda SternFrom the estate of Joan Calof, in honorof her JewishnessRobert & Leslie Goodale, in memory ofBitsy WinogradIna & Larry Gravitz, in loving memoryof Edith Gravitz (mother of Larry),Sydney Gravitz (father of Larry), andRose Feur (grandmother of Ina)Michael Bahr, in memory of MargaretBahr and Donald WalkerGail Freedman & Reuben Lubka, inmemory of Rabbi Simon’s aunt,Chris Goss, and in memory of BitsyKathryn Klibanoff and Jeremy Pierotti, inmemory of Koren Beck Tomlinson’sfather, in memory of Peter Montgomery,and in memory of Bitsy WinogradKathryn Klibanoff and Jeremy Pierotti, inhonor of Eli Haddorff’s becoming abar mitzvahKara Pacala, in memory of Bitsy WinogradHeather Musil, in memory of BitsyWingoradJoBeth Ranfranz, on behalf of GeneralMills Consumer Insights, in memoryof Bitsy WinogradJane Binder & Larry Silber, in memory ofBitsy WinogradJenni Kahn, in honor of Jane Newman’shealthRabbi Latz Discretionary FundHilary MetzAudrey Applesies, with profoundgratitude to Rabbi Latz and RabbiSimonJoan Corbett, in memory of Joan CalofTerry & Sam D. Roth Philanthropic FundTasya and Robert Kelen, in memory ofthe passing of Bitsy WinogradCarol & Joe Pomerantz, in appreciationof Rabbi Latz and the wonderful ShirTikvah congregation, and in honorof the Pomerantz Family on Carabecoming a bat mitzvahSocial Justice FundEllen Kennedy, in honor of Dr. SteveMiles’ new appointmentEllen Kennedy, in memory of PeterMontgomeryEllen Kennedy, in memory of Jeff KanerRabbi Offner Legacy Fundfor YouthJane Binder and Larry Silber, in memoryof Rabbi Simon’s aunt, Chris GossWendy Horowitz & Julian Bowers, inmemory of Rabbi Simon’s aunt, ChrisGossMorrie Hartman & Michael Bahr,in memory of Rabbi Simon’s aunt,Chris GossAndy & Linda Bindman, in memory ofChris GossJoan Corbett, in memory of Joan CalofBarbara & Werner Egli, in memory ofDebbie Friedman’s first yahrzeitYouth Connections FundSherry Harris, in honor of Shep Harris’election as mayor of Golden ValleySpecial Needs Education FundNatalie & Leonard Dworsky, in honor ofPriscilla Dworsky’s bat mitzvahCondolencesCookie Montgomery, on the death ofher husband, PeterAudrey Appelsies & Tim Lensmire, andEllen & John Walthour, on the deathof Audrey and Ellen’s mother, BitsyWinogradJoshua, Joseph, and Daniel Stern on thedeath of their mother, Linda SternKoren Beck Tomlinson and MarkTomlinson, on the death of Koren’sfather, Steven BeckEd and Gretchen Weinstein, on thedeath of Ed’s dad, NeilJessica Schroeter, on the death of herbrother-in-law, Dr. David CoffeyMazal Tov to…David Harris, the executive director ofRimon, which was named one of thenation’s 50 most innovative Jewishnonprofits in the 2011-2012 Slingshot,a guide to the most creative andeffective organizations and leadersRabbi Simon, who was honored byShaarim: Gateways to Learningfor her work to support inclusionprogramming for students at ShirTikvah with special needsTodah Rabah to…Michael Rosen and David Raskas, fortheir exemplary chopping skills in thekitchenSadie Funk, for being the consummaterock starShana Crawford, Emily Lahyani, Sammieand Maddie Danovsky, for theirbehind-the-scenes help with VisioningShabbatA happy anniversary to…5th anniversaryDavid & Sylvia PogoffJames Nicholson & Lynn RubensteinNicholson20th anniversaryKim & Noah Swiler25th anniversaryDavid & Sandra WalkBarbara & Stephen GreenhalghWelcome New MembersSusan & Doug BernsteinMaya & Leah8383 College TrailInver Grove Heights, MN 55076Mindy Hoenie (Mike)Megan, Drew & Ali1409 Pennsylvania Ave NGolden Valley MN 55427Dan & Lisa IsraelIsaac & Susannah2708 Hampshire Ave SSt Louis Park, MN 55426Jacquie Reil5616 Thomas Ave. SouthMinneapolis, MN 55410John & Joanne Gordon4505 Browndale AvenueEdina, MN 55424Please makea donationto Shir Tikvah.givemn.razoo.com/story/Shir-Tikvah-Congregation9

TORAH PORTIONSKi TisaMarch 10Exodus 30:11-34:35Vayakhel/PekudeiMarch 17Exodus 35:1-40:38VayikraMarch 24Leviticus 1:1-5:26TzavMarch 31Leviticus 6:1-8:36a publication of Shir Tikvah,a progressive Reform congregation1360 West Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55419-1199(612) 822-1440 | offices@shirtikvah.net | www.shirtikvah.netShir Tikvah welcomes and supports children and adults with disabilities. We try to make our programs andservices accessible to all within the limits of our resources. If you need accommodation or assistance in orderto participate in our programs, services or activities, please contact the Shir Tikvah office at (612) 822-1440.Board OfficersPresident Jane BinderPast President Jane NewmanVice President & Communications Secretary Luke WeisbergTreasurer Andrea RubensteinRecording Secretary Wendy HorowitzBoard MembersLinda Alter, Lillie Benowitz, Andy Bindman, Martha Brand, Alex Dashe,Paula Forman, Morrie Hartman, Jennifer Kahn, Kathryn Klibanoff, JackieKrammer, Wayne Kuklinski, Jennifer Lewin, Jim L. Miller, Lisa Powell,Jonah RothsteinCommittee ChairsDevelopment Committee Luke WeisbergFinance & Administration Andrea RubensteinLibrary Ginny HeinrichMembership Jeff Danovsky and Jim L. MillerSocial Justice Linda Alter Capell, David SnyderT’filah Alex DasheCaring Community (Yad b’Yad) Chris Bargeron, Verna LindYouth Connections Barry EpsteinKol Tikvah Editors Lisa Pogoff and Jeff ZuckermanDesigner Sarah MalakoffNEXT SUBMISSION DEADLINEThe third of the month preceding publicationSenior RabbiRabbi Michael Adam Latzrabbilatz@shirtikvah.netDirector of Lifelong LearningRabbi Melissa B. Simonrabbisimon@shirtikvah.netExecutive DirectorJohn Humlekerjohn@shirtikvah.netMusic DirectorWendy Goldbergwendy@shirtikvah.netClergy AssistantJackie Fitzcollinsjackie@shirtikvah.netOffice ManagerSara Lahyanisara@shirtikvah.netSTiFTY and JYG AdvisorAmira Cohenstifty@shirtikvah.netFounding Rabbi EmeritaRabbi Stacy K. Offnera progressive Reform congregation serving the Twin Cities1360 West Minnehaha ParkwayMinneapolis, MN 55419-1199Change Service RequestedSnow Days In the event that school or another program iscanceled, it will be announced on the office voicemail, (612) 822-1440,and on the website, at least one hour prior. If there is a generalcity-wide closing of events, Shir Tikvah will also cancel events.