Annual Report - Adath Jeshurun Congregation

The mission of Adath Jeshurun Congregation,a member of the Conservative Movement,is to be a progressive, egalitarian andsacred community dedicated toTorah(learning and tradition),Avodah(prayer and spirituality)andGemilut Hasadim(acts of loving kindness).2

INCOMING BOARD OF TRUSTEES2012-2013Executive BoardPresident ............................................................................................................... Barbara Rubin-GreenbergAdult Learning Vice President................................................................................................ Nancy HaroldCommunications Vice President ....................................................................................... Lonny GoldsmithDevelopment & Fundraising Vice President ......................................................................... Rick SiedbandFinance Vice President ............................................................................................................... Gary BaronHuman Resources Vice President .......................................................................................... Amy NewmanJewish Life and Learning Vice President .............................................................................. Chris KelloggMembership Vice President ........................................................................................... Lauren SegelbaumPrimary Education Vice President ......................................................................................... Julie ZiessmanProperty/Catering Vice President ............................................................................................ Todd WernerSecondary Education Vice President ................................................................................... Lon RosenfieldSecretary .................................................................................................................................... Ed HoffmanImmediate Past President .................................................................................................... Mike GreensteinSecond Immediate Past President ........................................................................................ Heidi SchneiderTrusteesSally Appelbaum*Keri BaharCarol Bromer*Judy Cook*Cindy Dubansky+Paula FoxKim Gedan+Jeannie GilfixDebbie GoldenbergJudy Goldstein*Wendy GrosserScott GrossfeldMarcy Harris+Ruth Harris+Alan IngberStan KaginRaleigh Kaminsky*Esther Katz*Marc KermischDebra Krawetz+Nancy KrawetzDrea LearDarren LederfineSari Lederman+Jules Levin*Shari Levitt+Alison LondonAnn MillerBruce Nemer+Irving Nudell*Joyce Orbuch*Michael OreckMelvin Orenstein*Joe Peilte+David PinkNorman Pink*Paul Pink*Adeel Saad*David Segal*Jonathan ShaverSheila SigelEli SirotinJaye SnyderSheri SteinmanHindy Tankenoff+Scott TeplinskyEd Zeman*Past President+Standing Committee Chair or Constituent Group Chair6

OUTGOING BOARD OF TRUSTEES2011-2012Executive BoardPresident .............................................................................................................................. Mike GreensteinAdult Learning Vice President................................................................................................ Nancy HaroldCommunications Vice President ....................................................................................... Lonny GoldsmithDevelopment & Fundraising Vice President ......................................................................... Rick SiedbandFinance Vice President ........................................................................................................... Chris KelloggHuman Resources Vice President .............................................................................................. Sheila SigelJewish Life and Learning Vice President ........................................................... Barbara Rubin-GreenbergMembership Vice President ........................................................................................... Lauren SegelbaumPrimary Education Vice President ......................................................................................... Julie ZeissmanProperty/Catering Vice President ............................................................................................ Todd WernerSecondary Education Vice President ................................................................................... Lon RosenfieldSecretary .................................................................................................................................... Ed HoffmanImmediate Past-President..................................................................................................... Heidi SchneiderSecond Immediate Past President ........................................................................................... David OrbuchTrusteesSally Appelbaum*Keri BaharGary BaronCarol Bromer*Judy Cook*Cindy Dubansky+Lucy Rose FischerPaula Fox+Kim Gedan+Debra GoldenbergJudy Goldstein*Scott GrossfeldRuth Harris+Ed HoffmanAlan IngberStan KaginRaleigh Kaminsky*Marc KermischEsther Katz*Gary KibortDebra Krawetz+Drea LearDarren LederfineSari LedermanJules Levin*Allison LondonBruce Nemer+Amy NewmanIrving Nudell*Joyce Orbuch*Michael OreckLeslie OrensteinMelvin Orenstein*Joe PeilteDavid PinkNorman Pink*Paul Pink*Adeel SaadDavid Segal*Jonathan ShaverEli SirotinJaye SnyderCraig SpencerSheri SteinmanHindy Tankenoff+Scott TeplinskyDebbie WolfeEd Zeman*Past President+Standing Committee Chair or Constituent Group Chair7

ADATH PAID PROFESSIONAL STAFF MILESTONEYEARS OF SERVICE5 yearsCheryl EdbergDebby JewettCindy KatzFrieda RaverAmy SklarAmanda Yaquinto10 YearsRafina LarsenMatt MorinCathy ParmeleeGregg ParmeleeBob SimonJuanita TorresChris Yarger15 YearsScott JacobsonKaren Morin20 YearsRenee Schwach25 YearsRabbi Kravitz9

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ADMINISTRATIVEANDFINANCE COMMITTEEREPORTS15

Art & Interiors CommitteeThis committee maintains the fine art collection of Adath Jeshurun Congregation and has been expandedto include the role of consulting on interior design projects and changes. For art management, it accepts,preserves and displays creative works and objects that represent a wide range of Jewish themes andobservances. It also implements renovation, cleaning, framing and inventory of art works.The art collection has been assembled mainly from generous donors for over 75 years and includes primequality paintings, original prints, sculptures, photography, commemorative plaques and banners. All thesecomplement ceramic, silver, brass, pewter and plated ritual objects.Periodically, special exhibitions and related educational programs are presented. Early in 2012, Adathexhibited a photographic display of Machal, the international volunteers in Israel’s War ofIndependence. Also in 2012, Adath hosted the “Kabbalah” exhibition by the Jewish Women Artists’Circle. Coordinator Lucy Fischer and her artist-helpers installed this well-received exhibit, with KimTeplinsky as an aide.In 2011-12, art works from the Bnai Emet collection were surveyed, and numerous pieces and ritualobjects were selected and integrated with Adath Jeshurun’s inventory. When labeling and storage arecompleted, works will be displayed on a rotating basis.Meetings and brainstorming are ongoing this year in order to update the curved history wall near theAdult Lounge and to include a tribute to Bnai Emet in the new conception. The Art/Interiors committeeis also advising on a plan to implement a Yahrzeit monitor. An additional project is the organization ofthe art collection’s historic paperwork, to be turned over to Adath’s Archive Project.Members of the Art and Interiors Committee are: Lynn Baker-Handelman-Seigel, Michelle ZweigbaumBloom, Lucy Rose Fischer, Sunny Floum, Marsha Golob, Rani Halpern, Harriet Londer Hilecher, JoelKaplan, Betty Kohn, Lee Prohofsky, Lori Suvalsky, Marcia Wertheimer, Susan Weinstein, PhillipBahar, Kim Teplinsky, Sharon Zweigbaum. Additional members will be added as needed for anticipatedprojects.Sharon ZweigbaumChair16

CommunicationsThe Communications Group is a group of key staff personnel, the Executive Director and the VP ofCommunications. The group meets weekly to vet and edit new information prior to publishing the AdathJeshurun website, Chadashot, the Shabbat Morning handout, the Clarion and other pertinentcommunication issues. We work closely with the clergy as well as synagogue leadership and theprofessional staff to ensure that all communications accurately represent the views and interests of thecongregation.This year, the Adath Communications group made available an online directory for synagogue membersto manage their contact information and be able to look up other members without having to worryabout outdated information in a printed version. A print version of the directory was made available tocongregants who wished to have one. We’ve also done a better job at publicizing the availability of theClarion online so that congregants can opt-out of receiving the paper version.In advance of a coming redesign of the Adath website, we conducted a very well-received survey ofAdath congregants. More than 300 people responded to the survey, which will give some much-neededdirection as we prepare to overhaul the website.Lonny GoldsmithVice President17

Development and FundraisingThis past year was successful for Adath’s Development and Fundraising Committee, whose primarypurpose is to oversee and coordinate all fundraising efforts within the Synagogue. The dollars raisedhelp ensure that our educational programming is affordable, our talented staff is supported, and themany needs of our congregants are met.Please share our pride in the following successes this year:The L’Chaim Campaign raised $240,322 (89% of our goal). Thank you to Darren Lederfine,L’Chaim Campaign Chair; Scott Grossfeld, Leadership Circle Chair, and the entire committeefor their commitment. We are grateful for the efforts of all those who participated and supportedthis year’s Campaign!The Youth Department produced “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” as theirplay this year and organized the annual Purim Carnival, raising $7,469 to support ourcongregation’s youth activities. Mazal Tov to our USYers and the Youth Commission.Gan Shelanu raised $6,548 through its annual knish sales and its Matzo Brie Dinner and silentauction. Thank you to Janice and her team of parent volunteers!We published our fifth Annual Recognition of Giving booklet, which highlighted all the waysour congregants and staff give of themselves and their dollars to benefit our congregation andenrich lives. We would like to thank Arlen & Tybe Kitsis for their generous contribution makingproduction of this booklet possible.We hosted a murder mystery dinner as our annual benefit this year. Thank you to our Chairs SueOreck & Tami Segal and the entire committee for their efforts in putting on this great event.Adath’s Congregational Nurse Program continues to grow through the generous sponsorship ofJulie and Marc Kozberg.We are able to maintain our congregation's high level of adult education and Rabbi Cytron'scontinued involvement in our spiritual life through the generous sponsorship of an Anonymousdonor.We are fortunate to have a very talented staff and lay leaders committed to ensuring we have theresources to fulfill our mission and vision to maintain and strengthen Adath Jeshurun Congregation. Weare grateful for the guidance of Lauren Hoffman, Annual Giving Director.Our sincere appreciation to the 2011-12 L’Chaim solicitors: Paula Fox, Bernie Goldblatt, Scott Gordon,Jason Grais, Scott Grossfeld, Marc Kermisch, David Kohn, Brad Jolson, Darren Lederfine, BruceNemer, David Orbuch, Ellen Sue Parker, David Pink, Susan Resnick, Jason Rose, Barbara Rubin-Greenberg, Heidi Schneider, David Segal, Rick Siedband, Scott Teplinsky, Todd Werner.Thank you to the members of the Fundraising and Development Committee for their thoughtfulparticipation and commitment: David Bayer, Judy Gaviser, Jeannie Gilfix, Alan Gingold, JudyGoldstein, Scott Grossfeld, Bonnie Lazar, Laura Lipshutz, David Orbuch, Jill Orbuch, Michael Oreck,Lon Rosenfield, Barbara Rubin-Greenberg, Heidi Schneider, Rick Siedband, Craig Spencer, Jeff Usemand Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Bernie Goldblatt, Jennifer Herman Spiller, Rafina Larsen, and LaurenHoffman.Rick SiedbandChair18

FinanceThe overall purpose of the Finance Committee is to ensure our congregation’s financial well-being. Ourcommittee is committed to operating in a fiscally responsible manner, where congregational needs arebalanced against available resources. Throughout the year monthly financial statements and updatedannual forecasts are issued to staff, the Finance Committee and members of the Board of Trustees. Theinformation provided is accurate, consistent and reliable and is used to assess the financial performanceof the various programs and the congregation as a whole. The committee meets regularly in the earlymonths of our fiscal year, before the budgeting process begins, to understand the various programssupported by our budget and how they connect to our synagogue community. In early spring staffprepares budgets for the next fiscal year, and the Finance Committee begins the hard work ofcollaborating with lay leaders and staff of the various departments to reconcile the proposed budgets toavailable funds.I am pleased to report that for the ninth year in a row we are projecting to end the current year with abalanced budget. In addition, the Board has approved an approximately $3.67 million operating budgetfor the 2012-13 year. As part of the budget process, the Board approved a modest dues increase. Thebudget is very tight and balancing it involved give-and-take within the various departments to keepexpenses to a minimum, yet still be able to deliver services and support opportunities for everyone toparticipate in our community.Our congregation owes a debt of gratitude to our Finance Director, Rafina Larsen. Her hard work anddedication enable us to have accurate, reliable financial information in a timely manner, which isessential to our sound fiscal status. We are also indebted to our incredibly devoted and talented staff,which, in spite of the financial challenges they face each day, are able to provide quality services andprogramming. I also want to thank members of the Finance Committee. They worked very hard andhave all helped Adath have another successful year.Chris KelloggTreasurer19

Property and CateringThe Property Committee and staff made several key decisions this past year that will further our goals ofusing technology to help Adath achieve its mission and to show our commitment to reducing our energyusage.The addition of nearly 150 new families from Bnai Emet presented us with an opportunity to update ourYahrzeit Wall. Bnai Emet relied on four different sizes of plaques from its own design plus the designsof the three parent congregations that came together to form Bnai Emet, but none of these designs fitwithin our current Yahrzeit Wall.To accommodate this and to enable us to provide more information than can be stored on the currentbronze plaques, we will be installing an inter-active Yahrzeit Wall. In addition to the name and dates, wecan enter pictures, bios, and family information onto a page or group of pages for each person enteredinto the system. Imagine bringing a child with you when you say Kaddish for a parent and being able toaccess a lot of information during a teachable moment. The inter-activity can be turned off duringShabbat and Holidays such that a list of the week’s Yahrzeit’s scroll-up on the screen during thosetimes.The Property Committee and staff also recommended the installation of a solar panel array on the roofover the Social Hall. Due to incentives and rebates, the cost to Adath is minimal and the panels will notbe visible from the road or parking lot. Not only will these solar panels reduce our over-all energy costsbut they will show Adath’s commitment to renewable energy for the future.The Facilities staff worked many hours last summer and autumn to clean out the Bnai Emet building andmove over the items the Furnishings’ Committee and other Adath staff requested for the Adath building.These tasks were accomplished at the same time the staff was required to prepare for the High Holidaysand other events. The Property Committee wants to thank Bob Simon and his staff for their tremendousefforts in getting all of these tasks accomplished.The Catering Department was able to bring over badly needed plates, cutlery, pitchers, and other itemsfrom the Bnai Emet kitchen to replace items that have been damaged over the years. Two warming cartswere purchased to improve the Catering Department’s ability to keep heated foods hot right up until thetime they are needed. The Property Committee wants to thank Beth Mayerich and her staff for anothergreat year of feeding the congregation and the outside groups that chose to meet in our facility.Todd WernerVice President21

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EDUCATION COMMITTEEREPORTS23

Gan Shelanu Preschool - continuedThe Gan also hosted several workshops for parents—Margie Hogan, a well-known local pediatrician,discussed “The Effects of Media on Preschoolers” with preschool families; and Maxine Handelman, theUnited Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s Preschool Consultant, discussed ways to instill Jewishvalues in children.Gan Shelanu continued to be involved in a multitude of fundraisers:Beginning last summer, over 50 “balaboostas” (male and female—veterans and novices) came tomake thousands of knishes for the Adath’s annual High Holidays knish sale raising over $2,500The Gan sponsored the first ever Matzoh Brie and Pizza Dinner. Gan dads volunteered to cookthe matzoh brie and matzoh pizza and over 300 people attended this highly successful (and fun!)event!The Gan sold Hanukkah and Shabbat candles made in IsraelGan parents hosted two events at the store “Hot Mama”. Gan families and friends enjoyed anevening of shopping and schmoozing and a percentage of all profits was awarded the Gan.During Passover Break, the Gan hosted a reading event at the Wild Rumpus Bookstore in LindenHills. Kids and their parents were treated to a special Passover tale and enjoyed browsing theshelves and chasing the animals at this very special bookstore.The students and staff bid Rabbi Sadoff a very fond,poignant farewell. The Gan community will miss hisdaily “Shalom everybody” as he greeted the kids eachmorning. We are planning to form a bond with the kidsat the Gan and the students of his new congregation,Magen Avraham, in Omer..Gan Shelanu is extremely fortunate to have teachers aswell parents, grandparents, special friends and formerGan families who care so deeply about the school.CAMP MISHPACHAGan Shelanu PreK 2012 GraduatesCamp Mishpacha provided non-stop fun for our campers from June through August. With themes like“Down on the Farm”, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”, “Art-A-Whirl” and “Cooking the Jewish Way”,the kids enjoyed lots of exciting, new experiences. The children learned how to milk a cow, how tomake blintzes and knishes, and how to create “art” out of junk. The campers and counselors once againcreated a scarecrow for the annual Scarecrow Contest at the Minnesota State Fair. And—their effortswere rewarded when they won a FIRST PLACE BLUE RIBBON!Several weeks ago, a vegetable garden was installed in the Gan’s playground. The children chose thetypes of vegetables and flowers they wanted to plant in the garden. Farmer Joan, a Master Gardener,visits the garden once a week to talk to the children about gardening and help them weed and water thegarden. We have high hopes that our crops will be so plentiful that we will form our own CSA!Janice SchachtmanGan Shelanu Preschool Director27

InclusionThe mission of the Adath Jeshurun Inclusion Committee is to facilitate the accommodation andappreciation of individual differences so that all members of our synagogue community can participatetogether—in Torah study, prayer and spirituality, and acts of lovingkindness to all humanity.This year, the Inclusion Committee has been co-chaired by Paula Fox and Jeannie Gilfix, with JimSherman serving as staff liaison. For the High Holy Days 5772 we made available to our congregantslarge print machzorim in easy to handle sections, reading glasses of various powers, hearing assist units,wheelchairs and walkers, and reserved seating for those with special physical needs. In the pre-HighHoly Days booklet, the committee included a request for members to alert us of their needs in order toallow them the most satisfying experience possible.In December, the Inclusion Committee conducted a Visioning Session, facilitated by Shelly Christensen,Program Manager of the Minneapolis Jewish Community Inclusion Program for People withDisabilities. This session helped clarify goals for the future. Main areas that emerged included:1) Person centered planning, including parents in the decision making, and makingaccommodations to match abilities and needs2) Raising awareness among congregants about our vision, disability, and inclusion3) Training on inclusion for staff and various groups within the congregation4) Communication using the Clarion, Chadashot, Shabbat programs, Adath Facebook page,Adath website, etc.In February, the Inclusion Committee participated in the fourth Jewish Disabilities Awareness Month(JDAM). Activities relating to disability were offered throughout the month to groups of all ages,including Gan Pre-K, B’Yachad, Chai Speed, SMP, USY, Adult Morning Program, Etzion study group,and Tuesday study group. The culmination was Jewish Disability Awareness Shabbat on March 3.Members of the Inclusion Committee had aliyot and read Torah, and Rabbi Titcher gave a d’var Torahrelating his experiences working at Camp Ramah with a child with autism. He also described theMasorti Bar/Bat Mitzvah program for children with special needs in Israel, which sixth grade SMPstudents are supporting as a Mitzvah project. A final community-wide JDAM event was held at Adathin April, a book discussion of The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon, with Shelly Christensen asfacilitator.The Inclusion Committee has responded to suggestions and requests for accommodations by specificcongregants, and we welcome ongoing input from anyone who has a concern. We are now directing ourattention to addressing areas identified in the Visioning Session, especially training on attitudes andawareness for various synagogue groups. We would like to thank Jim Sherman for his tireless efforts inpromoting the goals of our committee and in sharing our concerns with other synagogue staff. We alsoappreciate the support we have gotten from the clergy and synagogue staff as we move forward with thework of Inclusion.Paula Fox and Jeannie GilfixCo-Chairs28

Jewish Life and LearningL’Dor Vador - Our congregation provides Jewish enrichment for every member of Adath Jeshurunacross a continuum of learning. Our educational programming supports life-long Jewish identificationand personal spiritual growth for all ages. We provide engaging, meaningful and varied educationalopportunities through multiple portals of access: formal and informal; learning and training; programsdesigned for spiritual and ethical growth; and holiday programming, all with a strong emphasis oncommunity building and leadership.Our clergy, professional staff, teachers and volunteers create a welcoming community committed toeducation and youth. From infancy through adulthood we offer a rich array of learning opportunities--preschool programming, B’Yachad and family education, Bnai mitzvah training, Shabbat teachingopportunities for teens and adults, Rosh Hodesh and Shevet Achim youth programs, USY, collegeoutreach and adult learning – something for everyone. Through our programs and classes we strive tofoster strong relationships with G-d, Torah, Israel, the Jewish Community and the world at large.Rabbi Adam Titcher has, as the Berman Family Chair in Jewish Learning, enriched our congregationwith his educational skills, leadership, creative programming and enthusiasm and depth of knowledge.Rav todot (many thanks) to Rabbi Titcher who has embraced our vision and worked to augment theeducational possibilities of SMP, Family Education, High Holiday Programming for youth and teenswhile working closely with leadership and educational staff to foster a cohesive, integrated educationalsystem. He has introduced creative programming, collaborated with our educational partners andcreated a strong Kehilla. We will miss him as our Director of Jewish Learning and welcome him as ourAssistant Rabbi. We continue to be grateful to Theresa Berman and her family for establishing thispermanent endowment – the Berman Family Chair in Jewish Learning.The Jewish Life and Learning Cabinet fosters collaboration and communication across all educationaldepartments, and with our education partners, Talmud Torah and the HMJDS. Staff and lay leadershipare responsible for the extensive educational programs that are offered throughout the year in ourcongregation as well as their participation on the Jewish Life and Learning Cabinet. Their commitment,professionalism and skill are recognized and greatly valued. We are indebted to this year’s cabinetmembers who have given so much of their time, knowledge and passion to benefit our congregation‘slearning environment:Cabinet Leadership: Barbara Rubin-Greenberg, VP Jewish Life and Learning, Rabbi AdamTitcher, Director of Jewish LearningClergy: Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Rabbi Yonatan Sadoff, Cantor Scott Buckner.Adult Learning: Nancy Harold, VP of Adult Learning; Nina Samuels, Adult Learning DirectorPrimary Education: Julie Ziessman, VP of Primary Education; Janice Schachtman, GanShelanu Director, Rabbi Adam Titcher DJL, and Stacy Kibort, Director, B‘Yachad SundaySchool, Jeannie Gilfix, Past VP of Primary Ed, Aimee Feldman, Gan Parent Association Chair.Secondary Education: Lon Rosenfield, VP of Secondary Education; Rabbi Titcher DJL, andSteve Mintz, Shabbat Morning Program Coordinator; Avi Baron, Youth Director; Shari Levittand Hindy Tankenoff, Youth Commission Co-Chairs; Randi Wolfish, Young Adult OutreachChair; Todd Werner, Past VP of Secondary Ed.29

Jewish Life and Learning – continuedConstituent Committees: Paula Fox, Inclusion Chair; Jim Sherman, Inclusion; Debra Krawetz,Keruv Chair; Chris Kellogg, VP of Finance; Lonny Goldsmith, VP Communications; AmyNewman and Tamra Segal, Synaplex Co-Chairs; Sheila Sigel, VP Human Resources; and EdZeman, Talmud Torah LiaisonMember At Large: Jeff RaisonOfficer: Mike Greenstein, PresidentRitual Recognition: Each Simchat Torah, two congregants are honored for their inspiringservice and dedication to the congregation. This year we recognized Steve Krikava, our HatanTorah, with the honor of the final aliyah in Devarim (Deuteronomy) and Jonathon London, ourHatan Bereshit, with the first aliyah in Bereshit (Genesis). They both have enriched ourcongregation by their volunteerism, commitment and leadership.Honorees:2002 Irv Nudell and Mike Greenstein2003 Dina* and Max Elkin and Ellen Sue Parker2004 Don Masler and Todd Werner2005 Bruce Nemer and Joel Green2006 Lon Rosenfield and Leslie Gotlieb2007 Matt Gilfix* and Roni Gingold2008 Carol Bromer and Sue Oreck2009 Alan Gingold and Scott Grossfield2010 Jeannie Gilfix and Sue Kane2011 Steve Krikava and Jonathon London*z”l – may their memories be for a blessing.Barbara Rubin-GreenbergVice President30

Noah’s ArkNoah's Ark had a very successful year and greatly appreciated the support of Rabbi Titcher throughoutthe year. We were also lucky to have wonderful involvement from Rabbi Sadoff, Rabbi Kravitz, CantorBuckner and Rabbis’ Associate Jim Sherman in leading the services throughout the year. Special thanksto song leader Matt Kalin, who became our regular music leader and inspired adults and children alikewith his engaging music and welcoming manner. This year's programs included Shabbat dinnersfollowed by services, Simchat Torah dinner and our annual new baby Shabbat.Noah's Ark is a wonderful opportunity for young families in the Twin Cicites to learn and celebrateJewish traditions together. While there are many "regulars" who attend our programs, there were alwaysnew families attending the service and the dinners.Ilyse Goldsmith and Natalie ZamanskyCo-chairsPrimary EducationThe Primary Education Committee oversees all of our congregation‘s educational programming forchildren from birth to 4th grade and their families. Our committee has highly dedicated members whoare able to identify key issues facing this demographic group, as well as to think outside the box andcome up with ideas for innovative and engaging programs.PRIMARY EDUCATION PROGRAMMINGWith the incredible organization and support of our volunteer event chairs, our committee sponsoredwhat have become two annual Primary Education programs this year. We also sponsored a new monthlyprogram with Adult Learning..Winter Movie NightWhat a fun way to spend a cold January evening! This event co-chaired by Nancy Getzkin and PamKermisch began with kindergarten – fourth grade families gathering as a community to participate in abeautiful Havdalah ceremony led by Rabbi Titcher. After the ceremony, families made their ownHavdalah sets to take home. Finally, pajama attired kids grabbed some snacks and cozied up withsleeping bags and pillows to watch The Lion King or Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Thanks to USY volunteersand USY alumni who watched the movies with the kids. This gave parents an opportunity to visit whilekids watched the movies!!Shalom Home Mitzvah EventA great mitzvah for all involved! This intergenerational event co-chaired by Shari Schraber and LisaAronauer brought together kindergarten – fourth grade families and Knollwood Place residents. Theafternoon started out by reading stories and getting to know each other. Then the children and residentsdecorated flower pots for the residents to keep. To wrap things up, they played everyone’s favorite game– bingo – and had some treats.31

Primary Education - continuedFocusing on the parsha for the week, each service had a theme such as crossing of the Red Sea forShabbat B’shalach and finding our holy place for Shabbat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim. Throughout the year“guest apperances” were also made by Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and Aaron (serving as the HighPreist)! Services took place in either the Chapel or the Large Muscle Room for one hour. Each servicewas followed by a kiddush in the Large Muscle Room. A special thank you to Debbie Goldenberg andSara Saferstein for promoting this service and organizing the Kiddush each month!Havaya K’tanaBeginning in January, Havaya K’Tana took a different spin on K-4 th grade education on Shabbat. FromJanuary - May, the talented Galia Daniel-Titcher, initiated Havaya K’tana: An Israel Experience. Thisseries of workshops took place 1- 2 Shabbot a month. Each session focused on a city in Israel and itsrelation to the weekly parsha. We want to thank Galia for all her help, as well as Sammi Sudit, who leda more traditional Havaya K’tana program in the fall.L'DOR VADOR PROGRAMMINGL’Dor VaDor Pesach Family ProgramIn preparation for Pesach, Tamar Fenton, Jewish Family Educator, led an intergenerational workshopto help families create special Passover memories. Children, grandparents and parents began theworkshop by sharing their favorite Seder memories or family traditions. Then we reviewed the story ofthe Exodus and participated in an interactive obstacle course about the 10 plagues. What a fun way tokick of the holiday of Passover with our families!Lag BaOmer Family ProgramThe Titchers hosted this family program in their backyard celebrating the 33rd day of the counting ofthe Omer (the Jewish tradition's counting from Passover to Shavuot). In celebration of the successfulJewish revolts led by Bar Kochba, families celebrated with the rabbi and his family by roasting corn,baking potatoes, and eating s'mores made in a bonfire. This was a lot of fun and a new experience foryoung families at Adath.HIGH HOLY DAY SERVICES FOR YOUNG FAMILIESGimel Family Services: 1 st Day of Rosh Hashanah and Yom KippurOnce again, Steve Mintz and Rabbi Sadoff provided fun High Holy Day services to a standing-roomcrowd for our young families, with lots of opportunities for children and parents to participate. We thankthem, and all the Torah readers, for their terrific work inspiring our community and bringing us togetherto start the New Year right.Spirit and Song: 2 nd Day of Rosh HashanahThis year we built upon the success of our newly revamped second day of Rosh Hashanah familyprogram called Spirit & Song. This program was created in 2010 to bring families together to sing,experience, and learn about the themes of the High Holidays in a memorable and exciting way. Over200 adults and young children participated. Led by Tamar Fenton and David Orbuch, with music byLaurie Herstig and her band, "Sweet Honey and the Apples” - Ivan Bonk (bass), Michael Raymond(drums), the Social Hall was truly rockin' with singing and dancing and a sense of community! With thehelp of all of the children, a bell band was created so that everyone provided part of the melody toL'Shanah Tovah Tikateivu. Each child also shared in the experience of extending a Shanah Tovah33

Primary Education - continuedgreeting to the world through a song using 15 different languages. Bobby Zelle engaged young and oldalike with his beautiful interactive story-telling.Following Spirit & Song, we had the highest-ever turn-out of young families for Tashlich at the lake.Spirit and Song helped to reinvigorate the second day of Rosh Hashsnah for dozens of young families.HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING FOR CHILDRENHappy Birthday World (24 months-pre-K)This wonderful program for our youngsters from 24 months to pre-K is an Adath classic, run with greatloving care by Janice Schachtman and her crew of teachers and teens. It is available during services onRosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and gives our parents the peace of mind to attend services, knowingtheir children are well cared-for, and learning a little something besides!Turning A New Leaf (K-4)This small, educational program of the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur for children inGrades K-4, allows them to explore themes of the High Holy Days using crafts and games that areholiday-appropriate. This year kids also enjoyed going on a scavenger hunt throughout the synagogue.They also had the opportunity to see a Torah unrolled and up close!Honey Bees (K-4)This interactive program on the second day of Rosh Hashanah began with baking challah in the round,traditional shape for the holiday, or any shape a child can think of! Games of Jewish Apples to Applesand “Red Light, Green Light” also kept the kids busy while their parents were in services.Jonah: A Whale of a StoryThis year Rabbi Titcher introduced a new Yom Kippur Mincha family program. With the creative helpof USYers and puppets, Rabbi Titcher performed his own version of the story of the prophet Jonah andhis trial with God. This was highly attended and no tomatoes were thrown!Julie ZiessmanVice President34

Secondary EducationThe Secondary Education Committee is an advisory committee charged with overseeing the educationof our children from 5 th -12 th grade. Since this education doesn’t occur in a vacuum, the range of thecommittee is enormous. It includes communicating with parents, working with SMP professional andvolunteer staff, and listening to our kids. It’s been a wonderful year, full of change.Sara Bernstein and Sue Freeman led the committee’s work on revising the Bnai Mitzvah Manual tomake sure parents knew in advance what to expect and when; and whom to call with concerns. We willupdate the manual again over the summer, and hope to get it onto the website soon.Rabbi Titcher, our new (and departing) Director of Jewish Life and Learning, inherited a strong SMPprogram which he strengthened by adding Holy Community Time, Learners’ Minyan, a combined 5 th -6 thgrade Kallah, and a month-long program for Jewish Disability Awareness month that sensitized us topeople with special needs. It culminated with a Tzedaka project. Special thanks to all of our SMP Staff:Avi Baron, Jason Bass, Harlan Brand, Brian Cook, Roz Ettedgui, Jeannie Gilfix, Leslie Gotlieb, MikeGreenstein, Risa Kessler, Drea Lear, Sheri Lear, Ed Levine, Don Masler, Steve Mintz, Lon Rosenfield,Joy Sandler, Elisabeth Wells, Todd Werner, Eddie Winthrop and Noam Zakada, and to all of our teenvolunteers who make our program a “dugma” for the nation.In the Bold Statements of Adath’s Educational Vision Statement is the charge to “foster a sense ofbelonging and spiritual fulfillment among our teens.” For many, this is certainly accomplished in theirrole as tutors. This year, we strengthened our tutoring program to develop our teens’ skills and to deepentheir understanding of Torah. Rabbi Titcher introduced the Kol Nidre Youth Service for 7 th -12 th gradersto enrich their High Holiday experience. We will continue our efforts to find new ways to answer theBold Statement’s call.Although the Youth Commission reports to Secondary Education, it functions as a separate body, andsubmits its own final report. Here I’d like to offer special thanks to all our Rosh Hodesh (“It’s a Girls’Thing”) group leaders: Jenna Budda, Samantha Gordon, Niza Schear, Andrea Golden, Danielle Livon-Bemel and Kim Gelperin, and to Steven Kane, who led the first Shevet Achim boys’ group at Adath,one of a few pilot programs in the country. Next year, Eddie Winthrop will lead the new group of 8 thgrade boys, and Allie Greenstein will lead the new group of 7 th grade girls. If you have a child this age,you will be hearing more about these programs over the next few months.Heartfelt thanks to Avi Baron, who stepped in as interim Youth Director, and held everything togetherexpertly. We all look forward to great programming from our incoming Youth Activities Director SivyaLeventhal.Todah Rabah to the members of our committee for their time and serious thinking about how we canbest renew and sustain a vibrant learning community.To Rabbi Titcher: Thank you for stepping into a tremendously complicated role as Director of JewishLearning with a quiet confidence and expert touch. We wish you continued success as our newAssistant Rabbi, and Rabbi Aaron Weininger, our new Berman Family Chair of Jewish Learning.Lon RosenfieldVice President35

65 Plus Senior ProgrammingAdath 65-plus Senior Programming is directed to active seniors 65 and over, men and women, couplesand singles. A dual challenge for senior adult programming at Adath is to keep older adults engaged asthey age, and at the same time to draw in new and younger older adult participants. We are makingmodest gains in both directions. At some point the congregation may want to start a new Hazak group,which is the senior program model from United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism.In October 2011 senior adults enjoyed an all-day Fall Get-Away featuring Lori Sturdevant, editorialwriter and columnist for the Star Tribune. This annual event took place at Mount Olivet Retreat Centerin Farmington, Minnesota. The group also enjoyed a session on achieving financial security with SteveLear, Israeli dance with Shira Schwartz, an art project with Lucy Rose Fischer and Nila Hilton, sharingmemories with Jeanne Bearmon, comedy with Bill Aberman, singing with Jerry Siegel, andconversation with Rabbi Kravitz. Attendance was high, including new and younger participants.Funding from the Silverman and Karasov Funds in the Adath Foundation helped to keep the retreataffordable, and a generous private donation made possible the use of a chartered bus at no extra charge.Adath‘s 65 Plus Senior Programming also includes the Etzion Study Group which meets monthly fromSeptember through May for interesting and lively discussions on issues that relate to our individual andcommunal lives, plus relaxed socializing with friends. The discussions center on current books, essaysand articles that have Jewish themes or interests, and are led by Rabbis’ Associate Jim Sherman. Severalnew participants joined this group in the past year, and more would be welcome in the coming term.Adath 65-plus Senior Programming activities are open to all Adath members and to the community.Adath’s Outreach Caring Community: Yad Sima Tova has a transportation program that makes itpossible for Adath members who need assistance to receive a ride to these events. A call to ourtransportation phone number, 952.215.3937, will secure a ride upon request.If you have new ideas for programs that could be adapted to our 65-plus Senior Programming, pleasecontact me at ninas@adath.net, or through the synagogue office, 952.545.2424. Your input would beappreciated.Nina SamuelsStaff Liaison36

SynaplexSynaplex held three wonderful Shabbatot this year. Beginning with generations, then changingrelationships and finally looking at some of the passions of our congregants, we involved and challengedmany of our members.To kick us off, several female members of the Lear family co-chaired “Synaplex CelebratesGenerations!”. Kimmy Lear facilitated a fascinating morning of workshops which had us define thedifferent generations and then look at some of the Jewish experiences which define us today. We alsohad a terrific young adult leader’s panel looking at the Jewish Community of the Future. The Ken andSally Appelbaum Keruv Fund of the Adath Jeshurun Foundation provided financial support for thisweekend. Our co-chairs were Kimmy, Reva, Sandy and Sheri Lear.In March we welcomed Dr. David Kraemer, the Director of the Library at the Jewish TheologicalSeminary, as Adath's Numero Steinfeldt Scholar, with support from the Numero-Steinfeldt Fund of theAdath Foundation. "Synaplex Explores Our Changing Relationships" was our theme. Dr. Kraemerhelped us to understand how Jewish families have changed and adapted to traditions through thegenerations and how we have changed in our relationship with God. In addition, we had two interactivesessions to understand social media's impact on relationships as well as how we all relate differently.This Synaplex was co-chaired by Jill, Steve and Lois Kozberg.Our final Synaplex in April was "Passions in the City: Synaplex Celebrates Local Jewish Talent". Wehad many congregants share their passions for what they do including designing jewelry, realisticportrayals of botanical subjects, jazz music, writing, cooking and yoga as well as viewing a fabulous artexhibit created by the Jewish Women Artists' Circle. Diane Baumwald and Fran Meier were the cochairs.This Synaplex was supported by the Burton and Marty Abramson Fund of the Adath Foundation.As part of many of our Synaplex Shabbatot, Rabbi Barry Cytron led enlightening discussions, usually onthe theme of the Synaplex. We also had a "mind, body, soul" session which incorporated meditation,yoga stretching as well as Torah. And of course our coffeehouse was available with fair trade coffee,snacks and conversation.Synaplex weekend activities were promoted through the Clarion, Chadashot, the synagogue website aswell as Facebook.We are extremely grateful to every person who contributed to the success of Synaplex this year. Thebenefit of active participation by Adath members was evident to everyone who enjoyed the weekends, aswas the sense of community experienced by volunteers. People gave generously of themselves. Theydid so across all ages, groups, and interests, coming together in the synagogue on Shabbat to strengthenour Adath community. We are also grateful for the support of the Congregation, the Adath Foundationand other individual donors and funds.If you are interested in being part of next year's Synaplex programs, please contactjill.orbuch@gmail.com. Your suggestions and active participation are welcome.Amy Newman and Tami SegalCo-chairs37

Young Adult Outreach ProgramThe Young Adult Outreach program (YAOP) is aimed at strengthening the connection our young adultshave to the Adath Jeshurun. Participation in the YAOP is open to those between the ages of 18 - 24. Thisyear, we had 60 young adults registered in the program. Four times a year packages are sent to theparticipants: on the High Holidays, Hanukkah, Purim and Passover. The packages typically containholiday themed items and foodstuffs, such as apple and honey foodstuffs on the High Holidays andhamentashen on Purim.In addition to being sent the holiday packages, the young adults also receive special holiday messagesfrom the Rabbi. The YAO continues to flourish with the support provided by many parent volunteers.Thank you to all those wonderful volunteers who helped package this year’s holiday boxes and to ourhamentashen bakers. Your efforts are very much appreciated by our young adults!Randi WolfishChair38

Youth DepartmentThe Adath Jeshurun youth department integrates youth involvement throughoutUSY (United Synagogue Youth), Kadima, Maccabees, Rosh Hodesh, ShevetAchim, and SMP (Shabbat Morning Program). This year was a year of seamlesstransition as we now welcome Sivya Leventhal into the position of Youth ActivitiesDirector after a few months of having an interim youth director.As Jewish youth grow up at Adath, they are welcomed into fun programming with Maccabees whilebeing educated on Hebrew and Torah Studies at SMP. Kadima events and activities continue to instillJewish values and foster creativity in conjunction with the Shabbat Morning Program.Rosh Hodesh: “It’s a Girl Thing!” begins in 7 th grade and Shevet Achim – the equivalent program forboys, starts in 8 th grade. Rosh Hodesh and Shevet Achim are grade-based programs that follow anational curriculum created by Moving Traditions that builds self-esteem, leadership skills, and anindividual Jewish identity.As teens transition into USY, they take advantage of leadership opportunities that allow them to planand execute programs for their peers, lead discussion groups, and improve their skills as a leader. USYteaches self-reliance, creativity, innovation, and Judaism as teens meet and befriend each other fromacross our community and across our region – EMTZA, which spans the Midwest.This year, we put on a wonderful musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat - withmore than 40 USYers and Kadimaniks involved in the cast and crew, represented Adath at EMTZA’sKinnus with more than 50 USYers, attended Winter Shabbaton, welcomed 8 th graders to EMTZA atKadima Kinnus, voted for the new regional board at Spring Kallah, and elected the new chapter board atour own CMT (Chapter Membership Training). Adath USY’s duck themed basketball team made it farin the playoffs of J.O.S.L. (Jewish Organized Sports League). We put on an extremely successful PurimCarnival with over 600 people in attendance and more than 75 volunteers.Several USY executive board members cleaned and organized the Youth Lounge during their winterbreak. It helped develop ownership in the Youth Lounge and created a more functional space forprogramming and learning.The Youth Department relies on the support of the entire congregation and greater community incollaboration with all the programs and activities. It’s this support that allows us to keep providing ourteens with meaningful programs throughout their Jewish growing years. It was another incredible yearand we look forward to even greater accomplishments this next season!Avi BaronInterim Youth DirectorLeonard & Clara Savitt Youth Director Chair39

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STANDING AND AD HOCCOMMITTEEREPORTS41

20s/30s KvutzahAdath 20's 30's is a group of young couples and singles in their twenties and thirties. Our goal is to getto know people in the Twin Cities Jewish Community by getting together for fun social events andspiritual experiences within a Jewish setting. Here’s a list of our fun-filled activities from this past year:Hot & Smoky Lag B'Omer Bonfire Party with Fire Jugglers - June, 2011Walked together at the Twin Cities 64th Yom Ha’atzmaut Solidarity WalkSex and Relationships in Our Time - Havdalah, wine, appetizers and conversation with Dr. Kraemerabout relationships in our generations, sexuality and what Jewish sources have to say about today’strends.Israeli Wine Tasting - Tasted nine Israeli wines and learned how to wine taste like the prosCirque Du Purim - A marvelous costume party for the 20s and 30s Jewish Community. Circus Acts,Comedy by Laura Thorne & Joy Veh and music by DJ swee2thDrum Circle - Rented drums and hired a drum teacher. Had a fun and unforgettable night ofdrumming, chanting and kirtanSweet Hanukkah Party at Cindy Reich and Rabbi Harold Kravitz’s homePinstripes Event - Drinks, Bocce ball and HavdalahPurple Shabbat Sukkot Dinner in the Purple Sukkah at Rabbi Sadoff's houseShabbat Dinner with Ari Kelman at Rabbi Sadoff’s houseShabbat Picnic at Fish LakeLawn Bowling at Brit's PubBeth Grossman Golden Rule Art Exhibit / Wine & Cheese EventLag B’Omer Bonfire Party - May, 2012Veronica & Wesley GagneliusCo-chairs42

Archives CommitteeThe Torah tells us, “l’ma’an tiz’k’ru” – so that you shall remember.In 2002 the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest (JHSUM) founders Nathanand Teresa Berman created an endowment for the JHSUM collections housed in theAndersen Library on the campus of the University of Minnesota. These archives werenamed for them as a permanent memorial to their vision.This past year we formed a committee to organize and catalogue 127 years of archival materialdocumenting the history of the Adath Jeshurun Congregation, Minnesota’s oldest conservativecongregation.We are currently in the process of collecting information, photographs, recordings and historicdocuments, etc. that will be available to scholars and future generations to preserve our history datingback to 1884. In order to accomplish this task, Jennifer Spiller and Katherine Tane (JHSUM) haveapplied for a grant from the State of Minnesota to hire an archivist who will process the collections andprepare them to be housed in the Berman Archives at the University of Minnesota.We are also very excited about adding the history of Bnai Emet to this project. Over 40 archival boxesof material from Bnai Emet have been sent to the U of M vaults.If you have material that you believe would be important to this collection, or would like to work on thisproject, please contact Carolyn Abramson at baubiec@comcast.net or Norman Pink atdorthnorm@aol.com.Carolyn Abramson and Norman PinkCo-chairs43

CemeteryIt is said that the first obligation of a Jewish community is to establish a cemetery. The cemetery ofAdath Jeshurun Congregation is the Adath Chesed Shel Emes Cemetery. It is located at 3750Winnetka Avenue North in Crystal.Our Cemetery is continuing to implement its beautification and expansion project. We have created newareas for family estates, as well as adding new areas with pre-set foundations for long-term stability.The landscape beautification is an ongoing project.Our Cemetery has two important events during the year: the spring event is the MemorialDay/Holocaust Remembrance service and the fall event is the Kever Avot service. The Committee hasto thank Hersh Berman for his efforts in making sure that these programs are relevant and timely. Kolhakavod to Hersh for all he does for the cemetery.Our cemetery is a community resource, providing for the burial needs for all who require our service.We honor our name, Chesed Shel Emes, by never turning away any Jew who asks for our service.We are always available to discuss the tradition of honoring our loved ones, the selection of a finalresting place and for the opportunity to support our Cemetery to enable us to continue our work forAdath Jeshurun Congregation and the entire Jewish community. Please feel free to contact any memberof the committee or our superintendent, Michael Morris at 612-998-0077.Joe PeilteChair44

Adath‘s nationally-recognized, award-winning Chevra Kavod haMet (Society to Honor the Deceased)was founded over 35 years ago by congregants who wanted to help other congregants. The Chevra hassince become an integral part of the continuum of congregational life.The Chevra provides comfort and support to bereaved families, while honoring the deceased byproviding a traditional Jewish funeral for any Adath member upon request. Chevra funerals are simple,dignified, and provided at a modest cost. Volunteers contribute their time and talents to administrativetasks, education, outreach, or ritual participation, whatever is comfortable for them.In the last year the Chevra Kavod haMet has been honored to serve an increasing number of familieswho experienced the loss of an Adath congregant in their family, growing from 33% of families last yearto 55% so far in 2012. The families we serve consistently praise the Chevra for being present and forproviding support and loving care at a time when it was needed the most.We encourage you to learn more about the Chevra Kavod haMet through the Adath website, Chevrabrochures in the brochure racks and ―The Plain Pine Box, a documentary about the Chevra and itswork is available in the Adath library in DVD and book formats. Join the hundreds of Adath memberswho provide meaningful emotional and spiritual consolation to those who have experienced a loss.For more information, for presentations to your committee, group or Chavura, or to volunteer, pleasecontact Cindy Dubansky at 612.866.2297, cld7214@gmail.com, or Bruce Nemer at 612.701.7089.Cindy Dubansky and Bruce NemerRoshei Administration45

Congregational Nurse ProgramWorking closely with the clergy as an extension of their pastoral work, the AdathCongregational Nurse can talk with you about your health concerns, assess your needs, actas a liaison to community and synagogue resources and act as a health educator and ahealth advocate. This vital program continues to grow through the generous sponsorship ofJulie and Marc Kozberg.Adath’s Congregational Nurse position started in July 2007, growing out of Adath’s Outreach CaringCommunity: Yad Sima Tova, in collaboration with the JFCS/NORC (Nurturing Our Retired Citizens)program. Since 2010, the program has been generously sponsored by Marc and Julie Kozberg, forwhich the congregation is most grateful. To date, our Congregational Nurse has received 199 referralsand continues to have regular contact with 45 individuals.Adath’s Congregational Nurse, Debby Jewett, is a long-time member of Adath, is a Registered Nurse,and is certified as a Faith Community Nurse. She works closely with the clergy as an extension of theirpastoral work, the program liaison staff person, Jim Sherman, and the Congregational Nurse Committee.The Adath Congregational Nurse visits Adath members and families in their homes and other settings, inaddition to “visits” through extended phone conversations. Through these means she offers support andguidance during recovery from illness or when facing long-term health issues. She assesses the needs ofindividuals and families and makes referrals to community agencies such as JFCS, Adath’s OutreachCaring Community: Yad Sima Tova and to Adath clergy when appropriate.The great majority of individuals in the Congregational Nurse caseload are over age 65, and most ofthose are 75 or older. The nurse has been significantly involved with congregants and their families whoare in hospice care, or dealing with serious illness or isolation. She may be the only personal connectionof homebound congregants to the synagogue other than those times when volunteers deliver holidaypackages. Her work with congregants and families assists the clergy in reaching significantly morecongregants in a timely way than would be possible otherwise. This service is available to allcongregants and their families at no cost to the congregant. She is available by phone, email or inperson. The program brochure is available in Adath kiosks and appears on the Adath website in the“Community” section.The Congregational Nurse has attended care conferences with family members, provided spiritualsupport through prayer and song, provided guidance on care options and referrals to communityresources. She works particularly closely with institutions within the Jewish community such asJFCS/NORC, Twin Cities Jewish Healing Program, the Sholom Alliance (including Sholom Home Westand East, Roitenberg Assisted Living, Knollwood Place, Sholom Home Care and Hospice). She hasfrequently served as a resource to Adath staff members regarding health issues within their families.Your Congregational Nurse is often asked by the Twin Cities Faith Community Nurse Network andother organizations to speak on the Jewish perspective of Faith Community Nursing. In doing so, sherepresents Adath to the broader Jewish and general communities. She is currently the longest servingsynagogue nurse in the Twin Cities.Concerned congregants may contact the nurse on behalf of themselves or others. To leave a private,confidential message for our Nurse call 952-215-3936 or send an e-mail to nurse@adath.net.Cindy DubanskyChair46

Director of Jewish Learning Search CommitteesIn January of 2011, a Search Committee was formed to identify a successor to Rabbi/Cantor LilyKaufman who was the first to hold the Berman Family Chair in Jewish Learning at Adath Jeshurun. Thecommittee interviewed rabbis, cantors and professional Jewish educators and hosted several candidatesfor Shabbat weekend visits where the congregation had the opportunity to meet the candidates and hearthem teach in several settings at the synagogue. In May of 2011, newly-ordained Rabbi Adam Titcher ofthe Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles was hired as our new Director of JewishLearning. He joined us, along with his wife Galia and daughter Ofek at Adath in July of 2011.In the fall of 2011, Associate Rabbi Yonaton Sadoff announced that he would be leaving Adath tobecome the Rabbi of Adath’s sister congregation, Magen Avraham in Omer, Israel. Rabbi Sadoff hadbeen with Adath as Assistant and then Associate Rabbi for three years. At the beginning of 2012, RabbiAdam Titcher interviewed for this position and was unanimously supported by the Board to succeedRabbi Sadoff upon his move to Israel.In January of 2012, a Search Committee was formed to identify a new Director of Jewish Learning. Thecommittee interviewed 9 rabbinical students in New York from both the Jewish Theological Seminaryand the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. Three of these students were invited to Minneapolis tospend Shabbat weekends at Adath where the congregation had the opportunity to meet the candidatesand hear them teach in several settings at the synagogue. In April of 2012, Rabbi Aaron Weininger ofNew York was offered and accepted the position of Assistant Rabbi, Berman Family Chair in JewishLearning. Rabbi Weininger was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary in May of 2012 and willbe starting in his new role at Adath in July of 2012.DIRECTOR OF JEWISH LEARNING SEARCH COMMITTEE 2011Leslie Gotlieb, Co-ChairLauren KaplanJaye Snyder, Co-ChairEtta BarryMike Greenstein, PresidentJudy CookBarbara Rubin-Greenberg, VP Jewish Life & LearningJoel GreenJulie Ziessman, VP Primary EducationDebra GraysonJeannie GilfixJane LifsonAnn MillerHeidi SchneiderDebbie GoldenbergCarol BromerLon Rosenfield, VP Secondary EducationAndrea LearNancy Harold, VP Adult EducationRabbi Harold KravitzJeff RaisonDIRECTOR OF JEWISH LEARNING SEARCH COMMITTEE 2012David Orbuch, Co-ChairAnn MillerJaye Snyder, Co-ChairDebbie GoldenbergMike Greenstein, PresidentAmy NewmanBarbara Rubin-Greenberg, VP Jewish Life & LearningLon Rosenfield, VP Secondary EducationChris KellogNancy Harold, VP Adult EducationWendy GrosserJeff RaisonJonathan LondonJennifer ZacksJulie Ziessman, VP Primary EdHelene TapperKim GelperinDebbie WolfeKeri BaharRabbi Harold KravitzLeslie GotliebJaye SnyderCo-chair47

Etz Chayim - Adath's Environmental InitiativeMission Statement: To generate awareness and action in the Congregation regarding the connectionbetween Judaism and environmental stewardship.Goals1. Educate congregants regarding the Jewish tenets on environmental sustainability and stewardship.2. Inspire congregants to adopt more earth friendly practices by providing the tools to evaluate andreduce their energy consumption and waste generation.3. Evaluate and enhance Adath’s environmental sustainability and stewardship.Committee Initiatives FY 2011-20121. Continuing efforts to reduce waste generation in the synagogue: a) installing additional recyclingcontainers for paper, glass and cans around the synagogue and b) eliminating/reducing use of toxicand less environmentally friendly products.2. Continuing the Adath/Easybean/Foodshelf partnership for a fourth year to provide Adath families anopportunity to purchase farm shares from Easybean Farm as well as donate farm shares directly toSTEP Foodshelf.3. Preparing a Policy Statement with defined objectives regarding 1) Recycling; 2) Protection of WaterResources; 3) Energy Conservation; and 4) Toxicity Reduction as related to building operations.4. Sponsoring a dinner at Our Savior’s Shelter, where Etz Chayim members prepare and serve a mealat the shelter.5. Sponsoring an outdoor Adath Kabbalat Shabbat service and picnic for the fourth year in a row.Past Activities FY 2010-20111. Sponsored the Tu B'Shevat Oneg Shabbat for the congregation and the Sunday morning B’Yachadprogram.2. Continued efforts to reduce waste generation in the synagogue: 1) installed recycling containers forpaper, glass and cans around the synagogue and 2) researched the feasibility of composting organicfood and waste in the Gan and Adath kitchens.3. Continued the Adath/Easybean/ICA Foodshelf partnership for a third year to provide Adath familiesan opportunity to purchase farm shares from Easybean Farm as well as donate farm shares directly toICA Foodshelf in Minnetonka.4. Researched the feasibility of building a community garden on the Adath property. Produce will beused by the Gan and the Adath kitchen, as well as donations to local food shelves.5. Worked with other synagogues and faith-based organizations to expand environmental initiativesbeyond the Adath community. Co-sponsored the first Twin Cities Jewish EcoSummit with the JCRCand other Twin Cities Jewish organizations. Presentation topics included green technologies andproducts, energy conservation, CSAs, recycling, etc. Focus of the Summit was to bring peopletogether to share ideas and resources for greening their respective institutions.6. Sponsored a dinner at Our Savior’s Shelter, where Etz Chayim members prepared and served a mealat the shelter.Committee Members FY 2011-2012: Rabbi Yonatan Sadoff, Leslie Goldblatt, Mark Greenstein,Zehorit Heilicher, Aaron Gendler, Linda StoneCarol Sarnat and Jonathan LondonCo-chairs48

HesedThis has been an exciting year for the Hesed Committee, as we reexamined ourpriorities, put new energy into long-standing programs and engaged in some newdirections. The Hesed Committee began its efforts with the development of awork plan, which identified its priorities as hunger relief, safe and affordablehousing, and developmental success for children and their families. We alsodeveloped a plan to strengthen the Committee itself. This past year’s highlights:Hunger Relief - The Hesed Committee served as the launching ground for the MAZON: A JewishResponse to Hunger Initiative. Co-chaired by Scott Grayson and Judi Tennebaum, and with additionalleadership provided by Samuel Chu of MAZON, the Initiative began an advocacy campaign to ensureequal, reasonable access to free or reduced lunches in Minnesota schools. The Hesed Committee furthersupported hunger relief efforts by donating $1,000 each to MAZON, ICA and STEP, with Purim Pushkedonations and the generous match from Adath’s Morning Minyan group. An additional $7,000 of inkinddonations were received by STEP through Adath’s Kol Nidre food drive.The Hesed Committee proudly co-sponsored the successful, 3-part Fisher/Rose and Cooper LearningSeries that focused on Jewish/American responses to hunger. The third of the series featured aninsightful presentation by Abby Liebman, Executive Director of MAZON: A Jewish Response toHunger; at that presentation, Ms. Liebman also formally announced that Rabbi Kravitz had been electedas Chair of MAZON’s national Board of Directors!Housing - The Hesed Committee provided support to MICAH, the inter-faith group that advocates foraffordable housing in Minnesota, and to Avenues for Homeless Youth. We also provided support toLoaves and Fishes, as part of a joint program between local synagogues. Through the guidance of Boband Deb Smith, Adath participated in the Our Savior’s Shelter meal program.Children and Families Out of Poverty - The Hesed Committee sponsored the local Enough for Allcampaign, which advocates for poverty reduction strategies; Adath served as the location for theeducation and advocacy event for Enough for All on October 23, 2011. We also began a relationshipwith Limudiah, a program of NACOEJ, which will provide after-school learning support to low-incomeEthiopian Israeli children.Communications - The Hesed Committee has moved into the techno-savvy age: through the work of asubcommittee headed by Sharon Garber (and greatly assisted by Lynn Seigel, Jill Prohofsky, ShereeCurry and Gwyn Leder), we now have a website and a Facebook page! We include information aboutAdath, Hesed and other Adath committee activities, as well as information about external partners. TheCommunications Committee has also spent a lot of time and effort into reviewing a redesign of theHesed Committee’s logo.The work of the Hesed Committee cannot be done without the generous support of money, time andother resources that come from Committee members, the staff of Adath and you – the congregation ofAdath. Thanks to all of you who made the work of the Hesed Committee successful!Marcy HarrisChair49

Israel and MasortiAdath Jeshurun participated in the Israel Program Center‘s Parallel Lives program in April 2012,hosting two Israel soldiers on Shabbat, who met with our SMP students and spoke with adultcongregants after services. Adath Jeshurun also participated in the Minneapolis and St. Paul communitywideYom Ha’Aztmaut celebration with a staffed information table. Next year the Adath IsraelCommittee will be working with the Israel Center at the Minneapolis Jewish Federation to plan thecommemoration for Yom Hazikaron.Rabbi Harold Kravitz is leading an Adath Jeshurun trip to Israel on October 31 to November 11, 2012.Highlights of the trip include the Old City in Jerusalem, The Dead Sea and the Negev, Golan Heightsand Tiberias, the mystical city of Tzefat, and Tel Aviv. The trip participants will also visit Rabbi Sadoffand his congregation in Omer. Please contact Rabbi Kravitz for more information or to participate in thisamazing opportunity.In January 2012, Rabbi Yonatan Sadoff and six other congregants participated in a Masorti mission toIsrael with Conservative Movement representatives from across the United States and Canada. Togetherwith Rabbi Sadoff, Janice and Jeff Schachtman, Kim and Joel Gedan, Heidi Schneider and Joel Mintzerall represented Adath Jeshurun Congregation on the Masorti mission, and Adath Jeshurun had theprivilege of being the largest synagogue contingent on the mission. In Israel, the mission participantshad the opportunity to visit nearly a dozen new and long-established Masorti kehillot representing theConservative Movement in Israel. The Masorti delegation also had the opportunity to lobby on behalf ofreligious pluralism in Israel with Knesset members from the Likud, Kadimah, and Labor parties. Theymet personally with leadership from Masorti in Israel; the US Ambassador to Israel, Dan Shapiro; MeirDagan, the former head of Mossad; and Tzipi Livni, then leader of the Kadimah party. One of manyhighlights of the trip was being part of the first egalitarian minyan to worship at the Knesset synagogue.The mission's afternoon prayer service was lead by a female Conservative rabbi and receivedwidespread attention from the Israeli press.This year, with the tremendous financial support of members of Adath Jeshurun Congregation andothers in our community, Masorti was able to secure a $10,000 matching grant from the MinneapolisJewish Federation. The matching grant was based on new monies raised in our community to supportMasorti congregations and pluralistic religious projects in Israel.In May, Adath Jeshurun again hosted Rabbi Gil Nativ of Magen Avraham in Omer, Israel. RabbiNativ’s Masorti kehillah is Adath‘s sister congregation. Again this year, Adath congregants helped toraise over $10,000 to support Magen Avraham’s rabbinic intern program, which helps to train andsupport students learning to become Masorti rabbis at the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem. Our ties toMagen Avraham will be enhanced further because Rabbi Yonatan Sadoff will be taking over rabbinicleadership of our sister congregation in Omer. We look forward to building our ties with Israel, Masorti,and Omer through our ongoing connection to Rabbi Sadoff in the years ahead.Another national Masorti mission to Israel is scheduled for December 2-7, 2012. Participants fromAdath Jeshurun Congregation are again invited to make this inspiring journey to support and learn frompluralistic and egalitarian Masorti communities in Israel. For more information on the upcoming Masortimission, contact Heidi Schneider.Heidi SchneiderChair50

KeruvThe goal of Keruv is to “bring close” those who may feel marginalized or without aplace in the voice of our community. We encourage and facilitate communitybuilding through outreach and education.HISTORY AND BACKGROUNDThe Keruv Committee, established by the Board of Directors, held its first meeting in May 2005 for thepurpose of working toward a synagogue culture that is “m’karev” or inclusive. Since its inception,Keruv meets regularly to discuss issues related to reaching out to those who may feel “marginalized orwithout a voice” in our synagogue community.The Keruv Committee, initially brought together to consider issues of gays and lesbians within theConservative Movement and our own congregation, keeps this issue in the forefront of our activitieswhile exploring new areas to help Adath members and households feel more connected within ourcommunity.An important component of the Keruv Committee’s work consists of examining current synagoguepolicies in light of the changing population within our community and movement. Under the leadershipof Rabbi Kravitz, a major role of the Keruv Committee is examining issues and reviewing policies,serving as a study group and sounding board to Rabbi Kravitz whose responsibility is to be the MaraD’atra, the halakhic authority, for our community.The Keruv Committee is known for its spirited andlively discussions, as we delve into complicated issues related to life cycle observances and synagoguepolicy. This year the following members serve on the Keruv Committee: Sandy Baron, RebeccaBiderman, Sharon Garber, Jamie Gaviser, Nancy Harold, Andi Kibort, Abby Kirschner, Lois Kozberg,Michelle Witcoff Kuhl, Susanna Lodge, Don Masler, Neil Meyer, Rachel Orman, Jeff Sherman andDebbie Spencer.2011-2012 KERUV INITIATIVES1. Interfaith Households - This year our committee continued to discuss issues and rituals related tointerfaith households. The topics we included life cycle events such as marriage and anniversaryacknowledgements, and funerals and burial practices in our community.Progress: The Cemetery Committee and Board of Trustees adopted a policy, guided by RabbiKravitz, that will accommodate the burial of non-Jewish spouses and children of those who areJewish. The Keruv Committee continues to study these issues and offer insights to Rabbi Kravitz.2. Welcoming and Connectedness - Keruv continues to support the work towards implementing ourWelcoming and Connectedness outcomes as we greet new members from Bnai Emet and engage andbuild connections with more loosely connected members.Progress: Adath committees have greater representation from both newer members and longtimeAdath members as we carry out the Welcoming and Connectedness Outcomes. Overall, the feedbackfrom newer members has been positive.51

Keruv- continued3. Pride Festival Participation - Last year Keruv and Adath members participated in the annual PrideFestival as a partner with other synagogues and Jewish communal organizations. About fifteenAdath members marched in the parade with J-Pride, while some Adath members marched with otherorganizations. Adath hosted a table in the Ohel HaShalom, “The Tent of Peace,” in Loring Parkwhere Rabbi Kravitz worked a shift and spoke with festivalgoers.Progress: Adath will continue its participation in the Pride Festival this year, marching in theparade on Sunday, June 24, 2012 and hosting a table in the Ohel HaShalom, at which Rabbi Kravitzwill cover a shift and speak with festivalgoers.4. Defeat the Marriage Amendment Subcommittee - This past November, the Keruv Committeecreated a sub-committee chaired by Debbie Spencer, with the specific purpose of organizing effortsto defeat the upcoming marriage amendment and educating Adath members about what can be doneindividually and collectively to ensure this discriminatory ballot measure is not enshrined in theMinnesota Constitution.Progress:Adath was the site for a community-wide program titled Just Vote No Make History: Defeat theMarriage Amendment on Sunday, March 4 th, organized by Jewish Community Action and cosponsoredby other synagogues and Jewish agencies. The attendance at this event was around800 people.Several Keruv and synagogue members helped plan the March 4 th event and continue to serve onthe JCA Working Group committee to provide support to JCA in their work to defeat theNovember ballot measure.JCA Organizer Melissa Rudnick was assigned to Adath to support the Keruv Committee’s workand education efforts.The Keruv Committee made a recommendation to the Adath Board to support the MRA’s(Minnesota Rabbinical Association) position statement calling for the defeat of the marriageamendment, which the Board of Trustees unanimously supported.The Keruv Committee worked with Nina Samuels to plan a synagogue program after Shabbatmorning services on March 10 to educate members on the marriage amendment.Adath members are volunteering at phone banks at Minnesotans United for All Families, theumbrella organization in Minnesota to fight this proposed amendment.5. Same Gender Ceremonies - Beginning in the fall of 2012, the Keruv Committee plans to studyopinions of the Conservative Movement's Committee on Law and Standards about same-genderceremonies that would be consistent with the CJLS decision several years ago to permit them.For more information on the activities of the Keruv Committee, please contact committee chair, DebraKrawetz, at dkrawetz@mac.com or 612-920-5146.Debra KrawetzChair52

MAZON Hunger Initiative: MinnesotaHungry Children Can’t Learn: No Child Should Be Turned Away from Lunch at SchoolA very exciting project addressing child hunger is underway at Adath. As the April series on Hungry inAmerica made clear, hunger is a growing problem for many, many people in our communities.Supported by MAZON, a group has begun meeting to craft a solution to the problem of children whosefamilies are falling through the cracks of public school lunch programs. When parents are no longeremployed or are underemployed, they cannot afford even reduced price lunches and, in some schools,their children are turned away. In other schools, the districts provide a regular school lunch but arestruggling to get reimbursed for the costs.The MAZON Hunger Initiative: Minnesota is working to ensure that all children who attend publicschools in Minnesota receive lunch despite their financial circumstances. The project steering committeeconsists of co-chairs Scott Grayson and Judi Tennebaum as well as Rabbi Kravitz, Gabe Kravitz andMarcy Harris as a liaison to the Hesed Committee and is assisted by Samuel Chu, director of nationaladvocacy and organizing for MAZON. There are three teams: legislative strategy; data gathering; andmarketing/public relations. We will be working throughout the summer and fall to collect moreinformation, collaborate with other synagogues and build relationships with allies and legislators.Everyone is welcome. Please join us. Your participation is important, no matter how much experienceyou have or how much time you can devote.Judi Tennebaum and Scott GraysonCo-chairs53

NominatingNominations to be submitted for approval at Congregational Annual MeetingOfficers (2012-2014)PresidentImmediate Past PresidentSecond Immediate Past PresidentVice President FinanceVice President Secondary EducationVice President Human ResourcesVice President PropertyVice President CommunicationsVice President Adult LearningOfficers to Fill an Open Position (2012-2013)Vice President Jewish Life & LearningBarbara Rubin-GreenbergMike GreensteinHeidi SchneiderGary Baron (first term)Lon Rosenfield (second term)Amy Newman (first term)Todd Werner (second term)Lonny Goldsmith (second term)Nancy Harold (second term)Chris Kellogg (first term)Board Members (2012-2015)First Term: Paula Fox, Wendy Grosser, Alan Ingber, Ann Miller, Sheila SigelSecond Term: Alison London, David Pink, Eli Sirotin, Sheri SteinmanBoard Members to Fill an Open Seat (2012-2013)First Term: Nancy KrawetzCONTINUING OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERSOfficers (2011-2013)SecretaryVP Fundraising & DevelopmentVP Primary EducationVP MembershipEd Hoffman (first term)Rick Siedband (second term)Julie Zeissman (first term)Lauren Segelbaum (first term)Board Members (2010-2013)First Term: Debra Goldenberg, Darren Lederfine, Ed Zeman, Jonathan ShaverSecond Term: Keri Bahar, Stan Kagin, Scott TeplinskyBoard Members (2011-2014)First Term: Jeannie Gilfix, Marc Kermisch, Drea Lear, Michael Oreck, Jaye SnyderSecond Term: Scott GrossfeldStanding Committee Chairs: By virtue of their status as chairpersons of a Standing Committee, thefollowing are appointed to the Board: Ruth Harris (Women’s League), Bruce Nemer & Cindy Dubansky(Chevra Kavod haMet), Marcy Harris (Hesed), Hindy Tankenoff & Shari Levitt (Youth Commission),Joe Peilte (Cemetery), Kim Gedan & Sari Lederman (Yad Sima Tova), and Debbie Krawetz (Keruv).Retiring Board Members: Lucy Rose Fischer, Gary Kibort, Leslie Orenstein, Debbie Wolfe.Report submitted by the Nominating Committee: Heidi Schneider, Chair; Mike Greenstein, Wendy Grosser, RuthHarris, Carrie Lifland, Laura Lipshutz, David Pink, Barbara Rubin-Greenberg, Adeel Saad, and Craig Spencer.Additional nominations may be made by petition, signed by at least 25 members in good standing, and shall besubmitted to the Secretary of the Congregation at least 30 days prior to the election meeting.54

TAMID: Theatre, Arts, Music, Israel and DanceTAMID continued its recent tradition of partnering with other Adath departments this year. On November6th, TAMID and Women’s League collaborated to bring you the ever popular band – SAFAM. It was anevening of nostalgia and upbeat Jewish music covering several decades of hits by this prolific Boston group.No less than 10 parody tunes for Adon Olam were presented that night along with other music to make youlaugh and cry. Thanks to Women’s League, our TAMID supporters and committee volunteers who wereinstrumental in making this a very successful event.TAMID also collaborated with our education department and sponsored the creation of online Jewishmusical learning, beginning with web pages for the learning and practice of the Torah trope notes.The TAMID Committee andCantor Scott BucknerArtistic Director55

Women’s LeagueLooking back on my first year as President of the Adath Jeshurun Women’s League, Ican’t believe how quickly the year has passed and how much we have accomplished.The Adath Jeshurun Women’s League is over 200 members strong. We are singlewomen, wives, widows, mothers, daughters, grandmothers and even greatgrandmothers.We are housewives, volunteers, educators, counselors, retailers, healthcare workers andstudents. We are working, semi-retired or seeking employment. We are well versed in politics, Israeland the middle-east, Women’s League issues and yes, even local gossip. Our lifestyles differ, but ourcommon bond is that we are the Adath Jeshurun Women’s League.Our community service projects:Thanks to a generous congregation, we collected almost 200 pairs of socks for “The Yellow RibbonProject”, an organization working with needy veterans and their families.In conjunction with Community Action Partnership of Suburban Hennepin (CAPSH), Women’sLeague sponsored one of their tax clinics and several members took training to be greeters andscreeners at the clinic.We also put an organization called “Project Linus”, a group of women who make blankets, incontact with Jewish Family and Children’s Service. As a result, JFCS was the recipient of over 100blankets which were then distributed to families in need.Our fund raising projects:The Torah Fund supports the Jewish Theological Seminary, (where Rabbi Kravitz and CantorBuckner trained), the Ziegler School (Rabbi Titcher’s school), the Schecter Institute (Rabbi Sadoff’sschool), and the Seminario Rabinico in Buenos Aires. We exceeded our goal by more than $1,000.00and had a record number of benefactors (donors at $180.00).The “Tree of Life” program that supports our Gan and the USY program did very well.Our members baked over 200 dozen hamentaschen and every single hamentaschen was sold at thePurim Carnival.We co-sponsored the fall Safam Concert with TAMID. Monies raised benefit Adath programs.Our extraordinary programs:Laughter Yoga with the Beth El Women’s League.“From Gefilte Fish to Lutefisk” – our inter-faith event was held at Westwood Lutheran Church andfeatured a panel discussion with Rabbi Kravitz and Jim Sherman representing Adath and PastorsHaber and Westphal representing Westwood. More than 120 attendees enjoyed kugel, lefse androsettes, plus gained insight into the many similarities between the two religions.The Torah Fund luncheon featured Jim Berner, whose “Music Memories” entertained all of us.Women’s League Shabbat featured a cantorial student from the Jewish Theological Seminary,Franni Goodman. We were proud to provide some of the desserts for the Kiddush lunch and presentthe Bat Mitzvah with a beautiful Kiddush cup.Fashionistas attended our May luncheon/multi-generational fashion show featuring our own models.This marvelous, talented and committed group of women who make up the Adath Jeshurun Women’sLeague are dedicated to the perpetuation of Judaism in our modern world and work hard to ensure thatthis lovely synagogue will be here for our children and grandchildren and will be a constant source ofpride to our Jewish community.Ruth HarrisWomen’s League President56

Adath’s Outreach Caring Community: Yad Sima TovaWith great pride Adath’s Outreach Caring Community: Yad Sima Tova (in memory of SusanHimmelman Shapiro), provides a community approach to strengthening health and wellness andspirituality to all members of Adath Jeshurun Congregation. Over the past year, our outreach programfor members of the Adath community and their families have become stronger and expanded in scope. Itis becoming quite apparent that the needs of our members will become greater due to a longer life span.Adath's Outreach Caring Community -Yad Sima Tova has taken a giant step into the future with longrange vision by developing programs that will make a difference while reaching out to members of theAdath community and their families who need help, support and encouragement.Adath’s Outreach Caring Community: Yad Sima Tova has created the following programs that willserve the congregation well into the future:* Congregational Nurse: works as part of our team and in cooperation with the clergy. The CongregationalNurse assesses health concerns, addresses spiritual and social needs, connects individuals with thecongregation and provides community resources for support. Adath’s Congregational Program continuesto grow through the generous sponsorship of Julie and Marc Kozberg.* Meals-on-wheels: offered to individuals and their families who are in need of assistance while ill orafter returning home from the hospital or nursing home.* Transportation: volunteers provide at no cost rides for members who are unable to drive to Shabbatservices or other Adath events.* Visitor/Companion: volunteers call on congregants who are isolated from the synagogue in theirhome or transitional care facilities through personal visits or telephone contact. Janice Schactmancoordinates volunteers to delivery over 100 baskets to congregants who are home bound during the HighHolidays and Purim.* Bank and Bill Management: provide assistance to individual members by organizing their mail, bankstatements, and bill payments.* Healing Service: offers Adath families the opportunity to have a personal prayer service in theirhome, hospital, or care facility for those who are recovering from an illness. The prayers reflect thethoughts and message of healing in the Jewish tradition.*Bereavement Comfort: congregant volunteers make telephone contact with members who havesuffered a death of a family member extending a message of comfort, sympathy, and help if desired.Follow up calls and notes are made at a later date.* Minyan Calling: calls are made to congregants who have an approaching yahrzeit to encourage theirattendance at daily Minyan services. Approximately 60 members are contacted weekly with thisreminder of the date and the time that they can pay honor to their loved ones.* Spiritual and Religious Outreach: arrange for volunteers to conduct Shabbat services at KnollwoodPlace Apartments, Sholom Home West, Roitenberg Assisted Living, Jones Harrison Residence andParkshore Senior Campus. Provide a ritual- spiritual experience at Knollwood Place Apartmentsone evening a month, and annually sponsor a Purim and a Chanukah celebrations for the residents of theSholom Alliance Campus in St. Louis Park.57

Yad Sima Tova - continuedThe following are the contact people for the Yad Sima Tova ProgramsCongregational Nurse CommitteeCongregational NurseHealing ServiceMealsBereavementTransportationVisitor/CompanionYarhzeit CallingBank & Bill ManagementSpiritual / Religious OutreachJones Harrison & Park ShoresCindy DubanskyDebby JewettDon MaslerKim Gedan & Sari LedermanJulie KozbergSheryl RutzickKim GedanJim ShermanArnie BlattKim Gedan, Dona RodichJim ShermanAdath’s Outreach Caring Community: Yad Sima Tova’s mission is to use the strength of our communityto support Adath members and their families in times of need. Our volunteers have compassion and arecommitted to our work. It is their generous acts of kindness that brings a feeling of both community andJewish identity to make a better world in which we live; in the spirit of Tikkun Olam. We would like tooffer our warm thanks to the Susan Himmelman Shapiro Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation fortheir continued support and funding as well as many other donations that enable us to provide such avital link to our community, and a very special thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who havemade this program a success!Kim Gedan & Sari LedermanCo-Chairs58

Youth Activities Director Search CommitteeThis past January, our committee met to discuss the qualifications that we wanted in our next YouthActivities Director as well as begin the process of creating a Job Description and a new title for the jobposition. Over the next two months, the job description was created and the new title was decided upon.We then posted the job on Jewishjobs.com, the Clarion, the American Jewish World, National HillelOrganization, American Jewish University and the Jewish Youth Directors Association. Through themonths of March and April, we received a total of nine resumes that were local as well as national andinternational. Of those nine, we chose four of them to interview.Our committee spent the last part of April and the first part of May interviewing them and came to theresult of the hiring of our new Youth Activities Director, Sivya Leventhal. She is coming to us originallyfrom Pittsburgh but she last lived in Tulsa with her husband, Keith, who has landed in Minneapolisworking at KARE 11 as a sports reporter. We are excited for Sivya to bring new ideas and enthusiasm toour youth department. Sivya is a conservative rabbi’s daughter so she is very familiar with synagoguelife and USY!We would like to thank our wonderful committee members: Amy Ansel, Avi Baron, Sara Bernstein,Barb Fishman, Mark Freeman, Terri Gordon, Michael Greenstein, Brian Herstig, Steven Kane, LesKorsh, Shari Levitt, Lon Rosenfeld and Rabbi Adam Titcher.Etta Barry and Hindy TankenoffCo-Chairs59

Adath Jeshurun FoundationIt is once again my pleasure to share with you the news of the Adath Foundation‘slast fiscal year and celebrate the support shown towards Adath’s future. The AdathFoundation is our Synagogue‘s source of endowment funding and provides financialsupport to secure its well-being for this and future generations.The Foundation’s total assets have multiplied to more than $6 million. TheFoundation‘s makeup includes 94 endowed funds and three endowed chairs, theMAX NEWMAN FAMILY CHAIR IN RABBINICS, the LEONARD ANDCLARA SAVITT YOUTH DIRECTOR CHAIR, and the BERMAN FAMILYCHAIR IN JEWISH LEARNING, along with 69 planned gifts.As you may know, 2011 was not a stellar year in terms of market performance for the market in generaland our fund portfolio. We are well positioned to take advantage of market growth in 2012. Bydistributing a conservative 3.5% of assets (on avg.) we are trying to strike a balance of providing aconsistent income flow to our congregation while still building our asset base with additionalcontributions and portfolio growth over the long term.During 2011, the total return on the Foundation’s investment portfolio was approximately 1%, net ofmanager fees. We are fortunate that we were able to provide more than $175,035.68 to the Congregationaddressing such needs as scholarships, educational programs, outreach, and capital improvements to thesynagogue. This past year, we were blessed with actual contributions totaling $342,777.38.Please join me in thanking the Foundation board members for their service: Carolyn Abramson, MichaelBerman, Carol Bromer, Robert Ezrilov, Mark Fischer, Bradley Frank, Bernie Goldblatt, Alan Gingold,Melvin Goldfein, Michael Greenstein, Alan Grone, Christine Kellogg, Ben Kibort z”l, Rabbi HaroldKravitz, Darren Lederfine, Herman Markowitz, Charles Newman, Jeffrey Schachtman, Heidi Schneider,Rick Siedband, and Andrew Weiner. Also, we are very grateful to Jennifer Herman Spiller, ourFoundation’s Development Director.Over the next twelve months, we will be focusing our efforts on launching the Legacy Campaignwith a goal to develop resources that reduce financial barriers to Adath member’s participation incongregational activities and in the broader Jewish community.I would like to personally acknowledge the generosity of our Legacy Society members who havealready made a commitment to Adath‘s future and invite you to join us by becoming a member of theAdath Foundation’s Legacy Society in the coming year. With your commitment, we will further positionourselves as a congregation with a longstanding history and a vital future.David SegalAdath Jeshurun Foundation President60

Adath Jeshurun Foundation - continuedThe following individuals are helping secure the future of Adath by naming the Adath JeshurunFoundation as a beneficiary in their estate plans.Carolyn Abramson and FamilyMike and Sarah BadowerMinnie BergmanSandra BergmanElaine BerkowitzJudith and Michael BermanEdward H. BorkonMichael and Carol BromerAnonymousJudy and Richard Cook and FamilyMark and Lucy Rose FischerAnonymousDr. James and Judy GaviserMrs. Natalie GersteinElaine GingoldRoni and Alan GingoldLeslie and Bernie GoldblattHarold and Cynthia GoldfineAlvin and Judy GoldsteinKaryn Gruenberg GoldsteinBarbara Rubin GreenbergIda and Irving GreenfieldAnonymousSusan and Thomas KafkaRandy and Raleigh KaminskyMorton and Merle KaneHarry and Marilyn KarasovThe Christine Kellogg and Jack Leveille FamilyRuth King-SmithIda and George KleinemanRabbi Harold J. Kravitz and Cindy ReichMayer and Faye KruppJune and Neil LapidusAnonymousRaymond M. LazarSteve and Sheri LearMorton LentJules and Rose LevinMartin and Laura Lipshutz and FamilyHerman and Nancy MarkowitzRoslyn and Edward MarksAnonymousJoel Mintzer and Heidi SchneiderBobby and Bruce NemerDr. Martin and Joyce Dechter OrbuchDr. Milton and Etta Fay OrkinBarbara and Larry ParksNancy and Joseph PeilteNorman and Dorothy PinkLon Rosenfield and Barbara FriedmanGay and Jules Rosenthal and FamilyAnonymousJanice and Jeffery Schachtman and FamilyBeth Ann and Saul SegalDavid and Renee Segal and FamilyBert Bach and Miriam SegallWilliam and Ruth SeltzMrs. Tillie ShapiroRick Siedband and Carol SarnatGerald and Eileen SiegelMelissa Cohen Silberman and SheldonSilbermanAnonymousLiba and Dr. M. Thomas StillmanScott and Kim TeplinskyJoseph and Lisa ThiegsFred and Michelle WeberAndrew and Marci Weiner and FamilyAnonymousBarry Wolfish and Randi WinstonWe would like to also thank the following individuals who have made significant current unrestrictedgifts to the Adath Jeshurun Foundation General Fund:Rodney & Judith CoopermanIrving & Charlotte NudellPlease remember the Adath Foundation in your estate planning. For more information, check us outonline at www.adathfoundation.org61

Adath Jeshurun Foundation FundsAdath Women's League Fundsupports activities of the Adath Jeshurun Women's LeagueAlbert, Minnie and Sandra Bergman Fundsupports adult learning at the Adath Jeshurun CongregationArleen and Leonard Gruenberg Library Fundsupports the library’s children’s collection at Adath JeshurunCongregationArt Brand Scholarship Fundprovides scholarships to young people of the Adath JeshurunCongregation for Jewish summer campAvis Margulies Savitt and Burton Savitt Gan Shelanu Fundprovides financial aid assistance for Adath families who have childrenattending the Gan Shelanu Preschool at Adath Jeshurun CongregationBach/Segall Family Fundsupports adult education programming at Adath JeshurunCongregationBadower Family Fundsupports general education needs of Adath Jeshurun CongregationBarbara Ziman Pentelovitch Gan Shelanu Fundsupports the greatest needs in scholarship for children attending GanShelanu at Adath Jeshurun CongregationBen and Reva Kibort Scholarship Fundprovides need-based scholarships to young people of the AdathJeshurun Congregation to learn about the Holocaust by visiting theconcentration campsBen and Ruth Liman Family Fundsupports children's activities at Adath Jeshurun CongregationBender Scholarship Fundprovides scholarships to young people of the Adath JeshurunCongregationBerman Family Chair in Jewish Learningsupports the Director of Jewish Learning position at AdathJeshurun CongregationBernard and Ida Gingold Fundsupports general purposes of Adath Jeshurun CongregationBernice and Jerry Fischbein Memorial Fundsupports training and education for the Chevra Kaddisha at AdathJeshurun CongregationBertram and Charlotte Cooper Adult Education Fundsupports adult education in the CongregationBurton and Marty Abramson Fundimpacts young people at Adath Jeshurun CongregationBurton Kronick Fundsupports adult education and adult education programs at AdathJeshurun CongregationCapital Repair and Replacement Fundsupports capital improvements and long term maintenance needs ofthe synagogue buildingCharles and Elizabeth Grossman Staff Education Fundenhances and promotes staff education at the Adath JeshurunCongregationCorinne and Robert Neuman Gan Enrichment Fundsupports enrichment for the children in Adath's Gan ShelanuPreschoolDr. Milton and Etta Fay Orkin Family Fundsupports the ongoing maintenance of the history of Adath JeshurunCongregationEducation Programming Fundsupports our education staff and all education programming – frombabies and toddlers, through Gan Shelanu, Sunday School, SMP,Youth, Adults, to Seniors. This fund is also for educational material andequipmentEdythe and Burton Toles Fundsupports general purposes of Adath Jeshurun CongregationElla and Alexander Chester Fundsupports educational programming at Adath JeshurunCongregationEsther and Bennett Goldberg Access Fundenables congregants of all ages with special needs toparticipate in religious, cultural, and educational activities in thesynagogueFerne and Edward Grosmann Social Action Fundsupports social action activities at Adath JeshurunCongregationFink Life Members Fundsupports a lifetime membership to Adath JeshurunCongregationFoundation General Fundsupports general operating needs of the Synagogue and theFoundationFred and Margo Berdass Scholarship Fundprovides scholarships to young people of the Adath JeshurunCongregationGan Shelanu Programming Endowment Fundsupports programming at the Gan Shelanu PreschoolGeraldine and Herbert Fineberg Family Fundsupports enhanced Shabbat programming at Adath JeshurunCongregation, especially if it can occasionally include providingfood/desserts for the congregationGrace and Morris Besner Gan Shelanu Fundsupports the Gan Shelanu Nursery School at the Adath JeshurunCongregationGross Family Library Fundsupports expenses of the Gross Family Library62

Adath Jeshurun Foundation Funds - continuedHarold and Elaine Rubin Gan ShelanuEndowment Fundsupports the Gan Shelanu Nursery School at the Adath JeshurunCongregationHarold and Zelda Goldenberg Israel Experience Fundencourages and enables members of Adath Jeshurun Congregationand their families to study in IsraelHarry and Marilyn Karasov Family Fundsupports educational programming at Adath Jeshurun CongregationHeddy and Max Levy Ritual Fundsupports the purchase of siddurim, chumashim, as well as to repair thesefrei torahHenry and Harriet Davis Family Fundsupports the Gan Shelanu Preschool at Adath Jeshurun Congregationprimarily through the purchase of educational equipment and toysHesed Endowment Fundsupports the mission of HesedIda and Irving Greenfield Education Fundsupports educational programming at Adath Jeshurun CongregationIrving and Frances Herman Education Fundsupports any educational need of Adath young people at all age levelsfrom preschool through high schoolJerry and Sharon Zweigbaum Family Art Fundsupports the care and maintenance of the Adath JeshurunCongregation art collectionJewish Studies for a Better World Fundsupports a lecture series at Adath Jeshurun Congregation with aspecific focus on making the world a better placeJoe and Estelle Kane Family Fundsupports general education programming at Adath JeshurunCongregationJoseph L. Linoff and Hyman and Edith EdelmanScholarship Fundprovides scholarships to young people at Adath JeshurunCongregationJules and Gay Rosenthal Fund for Lifelong Learningsupports lifespan development at Adath Jeshurun CongregationKagin Family Fundsupports outreach efforts at Adath Jeshurun Congregation including thework of the Volunteer CoordinatorKaren Siegel-Jacobs Fundsupports creative activities of Jewish teenagers, such as Keren-Or, acreative art and writing forum for teensKellogg Family Fundsustains the Adath Jeshurun synagogue community by periodicallyproviding funds to support the annual L’Chaim fund drive as well asother activities that build synagogue communityKen and Sally Appelbaum Keruv Fundprovides seed money for new programming at the Adath JeshurunCongregation and supports the needs of our diverse community with aspecific focus on outreach to underserved populations63Kurt and Lee Lindau Education Fundsupports adult education programs at Adath Jeshurun CongregationL’Dor V’Dor Lumel Family Fundinspires youth by bringing Judaism alive through educationalexperiences and study in the post Bnai Mitzvah years in order to fosterlifelong learningLandscape Beautification Fundsupports the ongoing landscape beautification needs of theSynagogue’s groundsLeah and Harold Davis Family Fundsupports the educational needs of children and youth at AdathJeshurun CongregationLeon, Naomi and Phyllis Kaplan Gan Scholarship Fundprovides financial aid assistance for Adath families who have childrenattending the Gan Shelanu Preschool at Adath Jeshurun CongregationLeonard and Clara Savitt Youth Director Chairsupports the Youth Director's position at Adath JeshurunCongregationLinda Weber Hesed Fundbenefits children and families at riskMarion L. and John C. Gepner Family Fund for Youthsupports youth programming at Adath Jeshurun CongregationMax Newman Family Chair in Rabbinicssupports the Senior Rabbi's position at Adath Jeshurun CongregationMartin and Ginger Bell Jewish Enhancement Fundencourages Adath's young people to further develop and enhance theirJewish experience during the post Bnai Mitzvah yearsMartin and Bonnie Bush Family Fundsupports capital improvements and long term maintenance of the AdathJeshurun Congregation synagogue buildingMartin Miller Family Fundsupports youth programming at Adath Jeshurun CongregationMel and Beatsy Orenstein Teachers' Education Fundsupports professional development of all teachers of the AdathJeshurun CongregationMHN Fundsupports the greatest needs that exist within the SynagogueMichael Paul Family Fundsupports young families at Adath Jeshurun Congregation throughscholarships and programming that build communityMillie and Norman Stillman Garden Fundsupports the ongoing maintenance of the garden located in the maincircle of Adath Jeshurun CongregationMinnie Weisberg Memorial Fundsupports educational programming at Adath JeshurunCongregationN. Bud and Beverly Grossman Foundation Fundsupports enhancements to the N. Bud Grossman Family ChapelNorman and Dee Silver Fundsupports the greatest needs that exist within the Synagogue

Adath Jeshurun Foundation Funds - continuedNorman and Dorothy Pink Family Leadership Fundsupports leadership development at the Adath JeshurunCongregation of lay leaders and staff of all agesNumero Steinfeldt Scholar-in-Residenceenhances adult learning at the Adath Jeshurun CongregationOrbuch Family Tikkun Olam Fundsupports social justice programming, education, and advocacy foryouth at Adath Jeshurun CongregationParish Family Fundsupports the greatest needs that exist within the SynagoguePaula and Norman Fox Hesed Fundsupports Adath Jeshurun Congregation’s Hesed Committee in itsefforts in the areas of housing, hunger, and the well-being of childrenPhillips Family Foundation Fundsupports the greatest needs that exist within Adath JeshurunCongregationPhyllis and Dan Heilicher Fundsupports the greatest needs that exist within the SynagoguePrentice and Marion Shapiro Family Music Fundsupports musical programming and related materials at Adath JeshurunCongregation“Red” and Irene Goldstein Simcha Fundensures floral arrangements for Shabbat Services and High Holidaysand will assist families lacking funds for flowers for various simachot(happy occasions) carrying on the tradition of the use of flowers as anexpression of the beauty of lifeRonna and Victor Goldsteen Fundsupports inclusion and adult education for the Adath JeshurunCongregation community and the greater Minneapolis JewishcommunityRose and Jay Phillips Fundsupports adult education and adult education programs at AdathJeshurun CongregationRosella M. Lent Gan Shelanu Scholarship Fundassists young families by offering need-based scholarships to the GanShelanuRussell J. and Sylvia H. Schwartz Israel YouthScholarship Fundprovides need-based scholarships to young people of the AdathJeshurun Congregation for Israel experiencesRuthie and Elliott Gensler Memorial Fundprovides financial need-based scholarships to young people at theAdath Jeshurun Congregation for summer camp and Israel experiencesSaba and Savta Fundsupports scholarships for Israel trips, Jewish Day Schools and the GanShelanuSally Leafman Appelbaum Life Members Fundsupports a lifetime membership to Adath Jeshurun CongregationSandra and Irwin Mandel Fundsupports Bikkur Holim at Adath Jeshurun CongregationSaul Winton Fund Camp Ramah Scholarshipprovides Camp Ramah scholarships to Adath young peopleSchneider Family Tenuah Leadership Fundsupports leadership development of board members at Adath JeshurunCongregation at the regional, national, and international levelSheila and Steven Sigel Family Fundprovides financial aid assistance to families of the Gan ShelanuPreschool at Adath Jeshurun CongregationSidney and Irene Levin Family Scholarship andEducation Fundsupports education programming and providing scholarshipassistance to congregants to further their Jewish educationStephanie Sargent Gan Shelanu Scholarship Fundprovides scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition for the GanShelanu preschool and support for special projects as neededTeri and Mike Greenstein Jewish Education Fundsupports Adath’s Jewish education programmingThe Chai Fundsupports the greatest needs that exist in the SynagogueThe Scholarship Fundsupports scholarships or assistance to congregants to further theirJewish educationAnonymousenhances senior programming at the Adath Jeshurun CongregationWilliam and Ruth Seltz Youth Fundsupports youth activities at Adath Jeshurun CongregationZvi and Miriam Liberman Memorial Fundprovides need-based scholarships to young people of the AdathJeshurun Congregation to experience Israel64

BOLD STATEMENTS TO GUIDE OUR FUTUREAdopted by Adath Jeshurun Board of Trustees August 2010Welcoming Place (Hachnasat Orchim): We are a warm, welcoming congregation that promotesinclusion and participation while valuing diversity. We embrace welcoming as an important Jewishvalue and a responsibility shared by all as we support each other throughout all stages of life, and intimes of joy and times of need.Connectedness (K’sharim): Judaism is grounded in community. We will connect with one anotherthrough a rich variety of opportunities that foster smaller communities, engaged in our congregation,reflecting the commitment to our mission and values.Education (Chinuch): Education is the foundation for a committed Jewish life. We will provide alifelong continuum of quality Jewish learning opportunities to congregants of all ages, abilities andmeans through a combination of our own resources and that of our community partners.Teen Involvement (Noar): We value our teens and seek to engage them in congregational life. Wewill foster a sense of belonging and spiritual fulfillment among our teens and remove barriers to fullparticipation in everyday Jewish life. We will provide leadership and financial support, creativeprogramming, and will welcome teen input into congregational committees.Israel (Yisrael): Our commitment to the Land, the People and the State of Israel is steadfast. We willprovide and promote opportunities for congregants to experience, visit, and learn more about Israel andwill maintain a strong connection with the Masorti Movement and Magen Avraham, our sistercongregation in Omer. We will strongly advocate for pluralism and tolerance in Israel and will modelthis by being respectful of differing points of view.Shabbat (Shabbat Kodesh): We inspire our members to experience the beauty and holiness of Shabbat,respecting tradition and offering an innovative array of Shabbat experiences. We recognize thatShabbat is celebrated in the synagogue, the home and other places.Conservative Judaism (Tenuah): We model what it means to be a leading Conservative Jewishcongregation, fully engaged with our national organizations as they reshape our movement.Financial Commitment (Kemach): We will take a leadership role in developing resources that reducefinancial barriers to participation in congregational activities and in the broader Jewish community.Technology (Technologia): We are committed to utilizing and expanding current and new technologiesin order to extend our presence beyond the physical building.Mentoring (Hadracha): As congregants journey through a life dedicated to Torah, Avodah, andGemilut Hasadim, we will provide mentors to welcome newcomers and increase the congregation’soverall knowledge, skills and comfort level with their own Jewish journey.Intentional Jews (Kavanah): We are a congregation that fosters intentional Jewish living. We willhelp members grow to become active Conservative Jews living in a vibrant, spiritual, caring and ethicalcommunity.65

Save the date: May 2, 2013A Chai Celebration benefiting Adath JeshurunCelebrating 18wonderful years in ourbeautiful building.Want to help? Contactoffice@adath.net orcall 952.545.2424Watch for details atwww.adathjeshurun.org66