CONGREGATION P’NAI TIKVAH

(Formerly Valley Outreach Synagogue)

Kol Kiruv

November 2013 Cheshvan/Kislev Vol. 20—No. 6

Table of Contents

Cover Page

Rabbi’s Message

Cantor’s Notes

President’s Message

Women’s Rosh Chodesh

Jewlicious Learning

MiShebeirach

Doorways—14th Chesvan, 5773

Holocaust Rail Car Exhibition

Wiesenthal—JRTN

Ahavas Torah Celebration ...

Reconstructionists In Israel

Global Day of Jewish Learning

Meals in Motion

Israel’s Holocaust memorial …

Updates & Fundraising

Nid’vei Leiv—From the Heart

Birthdays & New Members

Kidz Korner

Yahrzeits CPT Bookworms 5774

Grandma Sadie Getting Married

Tikkun Olam report

Calendar at a Glance

Clergy and Staff

Rabbi: Yocheved Mintz

Cantor: Marla Goldberg

Accompanist: Timothy Cooper

Newsletter: D’vorah Turrentine,

Educator: Rabbi Mintz

Bookkeeper: Lynn Pisetzner

Office Administrator: ‘D’vorah Turrentine

pnaitikvahlv@aol.com

www.pnaitikvahlv.com

CPT on the Web:

www.facebook.com/

pnaitikvahlv

www.twitter.com/

pnaitikvahlv

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“THANKSGIVVUKAH “5744/2013

November at Congregation P’nai Tikvah is filled with more

than turkey stuffing! Activities and opportunities for pray-

ing, learning, and working with one another are evident as we

look forward to Chanukah coinciding with Thanksgiving this

month….in a once-in-our lifetime cosmic occurrence.

We’ll enjoy Shabbat Services on the 1st and 15th, and Torah

Study on the 2nd and 16th; celebrate as Rabbi Mintz is hon-

ored as Woman of the Year at the Heart of Hadassah Gala on

November 2nd (be sure to get your tickets...you don’t want to

miss either the Mintz Band of Brothers or Cindy Fox’s son,

Hal Savar and his band), and help make our up-coming

“Grandma Sadie’s Getting Married….Again!” (January 26)

be a rollicking success.

We’ll extend the Chanukah fun and celebrate , Friday even-

ing, December 6th, wth a “LatkePalooza” evening and joyous

welcome for that Shabbat.

Interested in learning Hebrew? Learning how

to chant from the Torah? Increasing your

knowledge on the history, ethics, philosophy,

and practice of Judaism? CPT has opportuni-

ties for helping us all live life to the fullest. Do

contact Rabbi Mintz and expand your horizons.

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Congregation P’nai Tikvah will worship on Shabbat, November 1st &

15th at Kraft-Sussman Chapel, in the Bank of Nevada Business Park at

3975 S. Durango, Suite 104, in Las Vegas. Kabbalat Shabbat and

Maariv services will begin at 7:30 PM.

Torah Study will take place at 10:00 AM on November 2nd & 16th at

Rabbi Mintz’s home. A bagels and lox brunch is served. Please RSVP

by calling the administrative office at (702) 436-4900 or by emailing

gkmintz@aol.com.

Message from the Rabbi

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Dear Chevreh:

“Thanksgivvukah” is upon us…..a once in a lifetime uniquely American Jewish experience! Not

since 1888 and not for another 79,043 years will American Jews celebrate Chanukah and Thanks-

giving at the same time. The calendar curiosity has spawned mini-industries of turkey-shaped me-

norahs (www.menurkey.com) and clever tee-shirts, sure to be collectibles, celebrating Thanks-

givvukah 2013, with a turkey astride a Channukiah announcing “8 Days of Light, Liberty, & Lat-

kes” (www.moderntribe.com). Autumn color candles, greeting cards of all kinds, and song paro-

dies abound.

The blatant consumerism, notwithstanding, this is a unique opportunity to infuse both holidays

with fun, creativity, and, most important, lasting meaning. Both holidays reflect a victory of free-

doms reclaimed; both holidays speak of conquering incredible challenges; and there are miracu-

lous aspects to both….yet there are deeper theological implications to both that we all-too-often

gloss over in the heat of our turkey/pumpkin pie or latke/soufganiyot fressing frenzies. And both

implications can be found in the very titles of the holidays.

Thanksgiving is, at its core, a day set aside, not for football games and gluttony, but for family,

friends and sincere contemplation of gratitude, i.e., the giving of thanks. Chanukah is more than

dreidle-spinning and gift exchanging; it is a remembrance of right over might (the Maccabees/

Hasmoneans defeating the Syrian Greeks) and rededicating the reclaimed Temple, i.e., chanukat

ha-bayit. The miracle of the oil is a rabbinic focus, but nonetheless important, as that is why we

light the Chanukah Menorah (the Channukiah) for eight days and refer to Chanukah as Chag Ha-

Urim, the Festival of Lights.

“Not by might and not by power,” the psalmists proclaimed, “but by Spirit alone….shall we all

live in peace.”

And the thanksgiving offered on Thanksgiving is to the One who brought our pilgrim patriarchs

through that first treacherous winter; the prayers of praise offered on Chanukah is to the One who

performed miracles for us at that time in those days.

It is our mazel that the Jewish calendar has not yet been modified, such that Thanksgiving and

Chanukah will coincide this year. So enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime happening, but remember that

behind the revelry are reasons for prayer, praise, gratitude, and resolve.

Happy Thanksgivukah!

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Cantor’s Notes:

There is a wonderful tradition we do at every Shabbat we share together, we dance. Most of the time it is

during Ivdu Et HaShem B’simcha and Miriam’s Song. Recently, I was excited to see several people

standing up to dance at L’cha Dodi. This is another place where in many congregations dancing is done.

Each week our wonderful Rabbi tells of how the sages of Safed went out to the fields on Friday nights,

dressed in white, to greet the Shabbat Bride. I can imagine those people out in the fields, arms stretched

out, dancing in joy as the Shabbat came singing, “Come my beloved, come to meet the bride.”

I have attended many synagogues and services where dancing during the L’cha Dodi was the minhag, the

tradition. One of the first I went to was during my first year as a cantorial student in Jerusalem. Every

few weeks we went, with our teacher, Cantor Eli Schliefer, to attend various Shabbat services in the city.

He wanted us to experience many styles of Judaism. We attended services in Ashkenazic and Sephardic

communities ranging from reform to orthodox. I remember the congregation we ‘danced’ to L’cha Dodi

was a very orthodox one. Dancing during L’cha Dodi was a big part of the Kabbalat Shabbat. Because it

was very orthodox, the men in our class got to dance. The women did not. There was a woman’s balco-

ny at this small synagogue. It had a lattice work divider from the floor to the wall that had holes in it so

small that it might have well have been closed up completely for all we could see. The balcony itself was

about 3 feet wide, with two rows of chairs. It was dark, musty, and just plain claustrophobic being up

there. When it came time for the L’cha Dodi the men got up to dance for about a half and hour (my male

classmates said it was a lot of fun) while those of us of the other gender tried to look down through the

small holes to observe. It was not so fun for us.

More recently, while attending my Davvenin Leadership Training this summer, we also danced to L’cha

Dodi. Those leading the service that night had the idea to have a chuppah held at the doors to our syna-

gogue for the Shabbat Bride to walk through as we faced the doors. I was one of the people who were

asked to hold the chuppah. As we welcomed the bride, people in the room began do dance around.

Eventually we moved the chuppah to the middle of the room, as people continued to dance. Our service

leaders were very amused as the congregation ‘took over’ and continued to dance much longer than was

originally planned. It was a very joyous time. We danced, sang, and truly felt as if the Joy of Shabbat

was completely with us.

There is another tradition done with L’cha Dodi in congregations that sing all nine verses. About halfway

through, the melody is changed. Oh, and there are over 2000 known melodies for the text in many musi-

cal styles from jazz to a waltz.

So, next time, when we sing this great poem get up, dance, and truly welcome the joy of Shabbat, and the

Bride.

L’Shalom,

Cantor Marla Goldberg

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Message from the President:

Dear Fellow CPT Congregants:

Building a viable spiritual community. As your Board President, this, I feel, is my primary mission. In an age where surveys are tell-

ing us that too many Jewish people are not active religious participants, our Congregation, P’nai Tikvah, is “bucking the trend!”

In the past three months, our numbers have grown. While still intimate and welcoming, we are reaching the point that we need to

come early to Shabbat Services in order to choose where we want to sit (or as we call it in Vegas, we have “a full house”). At Torah

study, extra tables and chairs are needed as the interest in participating with the Rabbi in a very old tradition of studying the Torah is

growing faster every month. Our membership numbers are increasing, thanks to the dedicated work from our Membership Committee

and to our Congregation for introducing their friends to our little Shul.

And our financial picture is improving. We want to thank all who have completed their pledges to the Congregation and to those who

are on track to complete their pledges. Your financial support is vital to our goal to build a sustainable spiritual community. Our Kol

Nidrei pledges, our donations from the heart, have shown that our members and the worshipers who attended our High Holiday ser-

vices DO CARE about their Judaism.

Now where do we go from here, as our journey is not nearly finished? We continue to offer learning opportunities, social events, and

joyful services, and we inch towards fiscal viability, little by little. Our MAJOR fundraiser, “Grandma Sadie Getting Married…

Again?” is fast approaching-- save the date, January 26, 2014. As I discussed with the Board, this fundraiser and its success depends

upon the commitment of every Board member and every member of our Congregation. From an $ 18.00 donation for a greeting in the

Wedding Program (a.k.a., the ad book) to helping us find individuals and companies to donate gifts for our silent auction to finding

sponsors and advertisers, each one of us can participate in some way to help us raise the necessary funds so that we can achieve our

goal to assure the viability of our sweet spiritual community.

Right now, we are offering early purchase of tickets as we know we will have a sell-out crowd. If you have not purchased tickets,

please contact Doris at 869-2700. We even have a payment plan for those members who want to pay for their tickets over the next

few months.

We need volunteers to help us with the auction and with the ad book- feel free to contact me either by email, bholland@hlrealty.com

or by cell at 702-493-5450. As we approach the final month, we will need members to act as official guests, from the registration

table to helping with the many last minute details of a wedding.

To paraphrase from Pirkei Avot, Rabbi Tarfon said, “the day is short and the work is great…and the reward is much…” With your

continued support, we will continue to “buck the trend” that our Jewish Light is burning very bright (with 8 more lights coming

soon!).

Shalom,

Barbara Holland

Board President

For details regarding current CPT fundraisers or suggestions for future fundraising opportunities, please contact Dale Gardner cabinutsky@aol.com

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Women’s Rosh Chodesh Group

Thanks to Jane Kusel for hosting last month’s

welcome to Cheshvan. Twelve wonderful wom-

en shared their stories as we focused on

“Dreams and Destiny” as our theme for the get-

together. It was an extraordinary evening!

We will welcome the month of Kislev on Sun-

day, November 10, at 7:00 pm, at the home of

Linda Kauffman. Our theme will be

“Chanukah Kitsch,” an opportunity to get su-

per-creative as we approach Thanksgivukah!

Because we will be doing a special project, we’ll

absolutely need your RSVP to Linda at orte-

ga.ortegakauffman1@gmail.com or call her at

702-449-2579.

Our November meeting will be November 10th

at Linda Kauffman’s. Hostesses and homes are

still needed for the following Sunday evenings

at 7 pm,: December 8, January 5, February 2,

April 6, May 4 , and June 1st. Contact Nancey

Kasse to schedule to host: naftala

Mitzvah Envelopes:

Mitzvah envelopes are given out at services with

the hope that they will be filled

out and returned with a donation

for the congregation. Honoring or

remembering loved ones, giving

tzedakah for a MiShebeirach,

simply being thankful for meaning-

ful services, and any other reason

you can think of helps the congregation’s sustaina-

bility and funds future

JEWLICIOUS LEARNING

The Jewlicious Learners are deep into

their studies and are eagerly anticipat-

ing Chanukah. Our learners are using

chevrutah techniques to study togeth-

er, learning from each other to polish

their skills. Working with Cantor Marla,

the youngsters are also preparing some

fun musical offerings for Chanukah.

MayLee and Danica are in Unit 3 of

their Hebrew text, applying their pre-

reading skills to decoding words and

phrases and learning how to print and

Sabrina and Samantha are in learning

the Birkat HaMazon (grace after

meals) prayers, identifying root letters,

and beginning to apply their recognition

skills to translating for meaning.

Reaining classes will take place on Mon-

day afternoons at the Rabbi’s home,

from 4:15 to 6:00, on November 4, 18,

and 25; (No class on Veterans’ Day, No-

vember 11). Continuing on December 2,

9, and 16; (Winter Break ), then Janu-

ary 6, 13, and 27; February 3, 10, and

24; March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; April 7, and

28; May 5, 12,19 and June 2. Registra-

tion continues to be open, but classes

have begun.

DECIDE TO FORGIVE

Decide to forgive

For resentment is negative

Resentment s poisonous

Resentment diminishes and devolurs the self

Be the first to forgive, to smile and to take the first step

And you will see happiness bloom

On the face of your human brother or sister.

Be always the first

Do not wait for others to forgive

For by forgiving you become the master of fate

The fashioner of life

A doer of miracles

To forgive is the highest,

Most beautiful form of love.

In return you will receive

Untold peace and happiness

And here is the program for

Achieving a truly forgiving heart

SUNDAY: Forgive yourself

MONDAY: Forgive your family

TUESDAY: Forgive your friends and associates

WEDNESDAY: Forgive across economic lines within your own nation

THURSDAY: Forgive across cultural lines with your own nation

FRIDAY: Forgive across political lines with your own na-tion

SATURDAY: Forgive other nations

Only the brave know how to forgive, a coward never for-gives

It is not in his nature

Submitted by Phyllis Zuckerman

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Mi Shebeirach/”Get Well” Wishes to…

Marie Ackerman Marjorie Lieberman D’vorah Turrentine Edith Rome Gary Paykel Elliot Bender Paul Bodner Olivia Bender Gittel bat Libba Heika Libba Heika bat Sima Wendy Linker Maya Granat Craig Goodrich Richard Wulff Corey Goldman Phyllis Zuckerman Tiffany Freud Andy Holland Marlene Silveman Rosemarie Chapman Olivia Bender Connie Rivchum Scott Dykstra Anne Altman Barry Goodwin Arlene Cohen Paul Goldstein Seth Horowitz Arleen Gibson Richard Steinberg Rebbetzin Yael Goldblatt Scott Simon HaRav Chaaim ben Ruth Bob Mirisch Marlene Marcus Helene Bernstein Adam Granat Bernie Gehring Jay Berger

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Doorways by Naftalah Chava Ariel

14th of Chesvan, 5774

I have discovered in my short time as being a member of the tribe that Jewish rituals are a doorway.

Take Chanukah for example. On the surface it seems delicate, almost fragile. Light a small candle for eight

nights, say some blessings and eat some latkes. A wonderful family celebration, with food, games and presents.

There is even a story of a miracle, with sanctified oil that burns for eight days even though there was only enough

to burn for one.

But the doorway…

***

Walking through this doorway I discover our past. I meet a woman named Chana. She tells me a story of how

each one of her seven sons was martyred because they refused to deny Torah and God. She tells me how the king,

Antiochus, continues to inflict his dominance over each of her sons, trying to get them to turn from their Jewish

identity. As each son passes, the next is more resolved to hold Torah to their heart.

Weeping, as I walk from Chana, I find Judith. She tells me she is from Bethulia and her name means “Jewish

woman”. She tells me her tale. How she knew the Greek army was making their way to Jerusalem. How she

prayed as she looked for a way to defend her people, her tents, her Jewish way of life from the onslaught of the

Greek army. She describes how she became inspired to dress in her finest and approach the Greek general Holo-

fernes, with her famous salty goat cheese and undiluted wine. In one fell swoop, she weakens the approaching

Greek army with the defeat of their general.

Next I meet Mattathias, a Hasmonen kohen/priest from Jerusalem. He tells me how he did not want to fight. How

he fled Jerusalem to Modiin. He tells me about how he understands that his only way to survive will be to give up

Judaism. He realized then that he would have to stand up and fight for his right to be Jewish and the right of the

future Jews to come, so they could approach God as free people. Then his son joins the story by telling about

how he continued the rebellion., leading his brothers and the ragtag group of believers. Judah Maccabee is one of

the ways he is known today.

I see men standing on the corner playing a game. They have a toy called a dreidel, but as I hear them speak, I hear

words of Torah. The game is merely a ruse to keep them safe while they study Torah. As a soldier approaches

they jeer and tease each other. I hear “Gimmel” and realize they are talking about the last man’s turn and how

they lost it all. The Greek soldier moves past.

The sages discuss ritual observance in the academy, how the Chanukiah should be across from the mezuzah and

no higher than thirty feet from the ground. The candles should be filled from left to right but lit from right to left

as an argument ensues between the House of Hillel and the House of Shammai., as to whether the Hannukiah

should start with one candle or with all eight. The House of Hillel, once again, takes the majority opinion.

More sounds within this doorway about the defiling of the Temple, dedicating it to Greek gods, impure rituals

performed on the altar. Another discussion of the removal of privacy, the sanctity of our tents destroyed as the

houses of Jews were not allowed to have doors. More talk of the Greek defiling of the Temple, with sacrifices

made to Greek gods to prove there was no need for Jews to have a Jewish relationship with God. Someone speaks

of the Hellenized Jews and Chassidic Jews. Another woman calls out her story. She calls out how she spoke of

her brothers as cowards as they would do nothing to stop the required defilement of her person by a Greek soldier

on her wedding night.

Before I leave the doorway I hear that the 36 candles lit during Chanukah represent the hidden tzaddikim in the

world.

So much information packed into eight thin candles, sold for $1.00 a box. A ritual so easy, all members of the

family can participate. All members of the family can claim the right to their freedom to be a Jew. This simple

act of lighting candles over these eight nights is the doorway to acts of bravery and the light that emanates from

each one of us as we reach out and declare our freedom to seek God. It is this spark that allows us to bring light to

the dark and gives us an opportunity to share in the creation of our freedom. It sings to the angels our desire to

live as Jews in the World, even when we are the only ones to proclaim it for ourselves.

Flames to bring together God and humanity

to bring freedom for all Jews

from those who believe literally

to those who believe metaphorically

and

all those in-between.

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Submitted by Phyllistan 15

UPDATES and Fundraising Opportunities

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On’gai Shabbat— Time to Sign up!

We still have a few openings left for those of you who want to celebrate a simcha or commemorate the memory of a loved one by sponsoring an Oneg Shabbat. And for you foodies who want to get your Bobby Flay or Gordon Ramsey on, there’s still time! Check the schedule below; an opening is your opportunity:

November 1 Sponsor—Ann Brandt Caterer—Sam Lieberman

November 15 Sponsor-Barbara and Andy Holland

Caterer - Jennifer Cohen

December 6 Sponsor– Scott Linker Caterer—CPT Committee

December 20 Sponsor & Caterer Needed

Note URL for Congregation P’nai Tikvah, as well as Facebook and Twitter Addresses

Make our web address, www.pnaitikvahlv.org , a favorite! Social networking with our shul is easier than ever! “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pnaitikvahlv and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pnaitikvahlv .

Thanks to Cindy Fox, Jon Axelrod, and Danielle Holland—CPT’s social network mavens—for keeping us current!! Anyone else wish to volunteer? Just call 436-4900 to be our new maven!

TORAH STUDY

THIS MONTH:

Rabbi Mintz will lead Torah Study for Parashat Toledot

October 5th & Parshat Va-Yishlah at the Rabbi’s home at

10:00 AM.

Please RSVP for Torah Study at gkmintz@aol.com or call

—the office at 436-4900.

Nid’vei Leiv—Contributions from the heart Paul Goldstein -Thank you Rabbi Mintz for a beautiful service Marlene Marcus Barbara Holland H. Jean Bell Gary Klein Steve Gamson Barbara and Andy Holland Ann Brandt In memory of my father Nathan Etkind Stan & Phyllis Zuckerman for being honored by Hadassah Stan & Phyllis Zuckerman for Phyllis’s recovery David Altman Sheila & Samuel Harding Terri Hirschfield Thank you to all of the people that contributed to the change jar.

TORAH FUND

PLANTING TREES IN ISRAEL

PRAYER BOOK DEDICATIONS

OR PURCHASE

For $40.00 a prayer book can either be purchased for per-

sonal use or be dedicated to the congregation “In

Memory” or “In Honor of” and a card from CPT will be

sent to the family. The prayer book plate will be placed on

the inside cover of our new Kol HaNeshamah siddur.

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November

Birthday!!

KIDZ KORNER for November

HAPPY NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Dale Gardner Jennifer Cohen Ellen Royer Zandra Bender Arthur Kunis Patsy Kart Barbara Holland Scott Citron

B’RUCHIM HaBAIM / WELCOME TO

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to Scott Citron

Dr. Frank Master

November 1 November 4 November 8 November 9 November 14 November 16 November 27 November 28

Memorial plaques are available for your consideration,

To honor the departed,

To inspire the living.

To be remembered in the hearts of those we leave

behind is,

In a sense, to live forever.

For further information, call the Synagogue office at

702-436-4900

Mitzvah donations also appreciated

YAHRZEITS

FOR NOVEMBER

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Arthur Ackerman -Remembered by Jackie Ackerman & Family Clara Axelrod -Remembered by Jon Axelrod Kate Bender -Remembered by Elliot Bender Joseph DeLee -Remembered by Michael DeLee Nathan Etkind -Remembered by Ann Brandt

Bessie Freedman -Remembered by Barbara Holland Bernice Ruby Rosin Mintz -Remembered by Maxine Blechman James Nussbaum -Remembered by Michael Nussbaum Betty Paykel -Remembered by Gary Paykel David Rauch -Remembered by Gloria Granat Harry Rose -Remembered by Stanley Rose Bernice Roshkind -Remembered by Jane Kusel Sarah Sheinberg Porath Stromberg -Remembered by Rabbi Mintz

Remembering Friends and Family: If you know of someone who can use a lit-tle cheer in their life because of illness or a death in their family-or a simcha -mazel tov celebration; the "Sunshine Lady” Phyl-lis Zuckerman would like to send a card. Please contact her at:(702)617-0585 or phyllistan@cox.net

BE A BIRD DOG??

If you refer someone to a car dealership, on behalf of CPT,

we can receive a referral fee. This is a wonderful and easy

way to do a mitzvah for CPT . More information contact

D’vorah 869-2700.

Harry Stromberg -Remembered by Rabbi Mintz Maurice Wagmeister -Remembered by Sam Wagmeister Esther Weiman -Remembered by Barbara Holland Rebecca Kaplan Nissenson Henrietta Bloch Zuckerman Philip Dinsky -Remembered by Stan & Phyllis Zuck-erman

P’nai Tikvah Book Group 5774

THE PARTICULARS WHO: All members of our Congregation P’nai Tikvah community

WHEN: January 16, 2014 @ 6:45 PM

April 17, 2014 @ 6:45 PM

July 17, 2014 @ 6:45 PM

WHERE: Home of Jane Kusel

2645 Evening Sky Drive

Henderson, NV 89052

702-407-5077 (H) kuseld@yahoo.com

WHAT/WHY: 4 evenings translated into 4 journeys of the senses

through shared dissections of the readings below.

*Limited to 12 voices-please RSVP in a timely fashion

This Year’s Remaining Selections January Book: HUSH

Eishes Chayil Gittel, a thirteen year-old girl who lives in the Chassidic community

of Borough Park, Brooklyn, learns of her best friend’s abuse by a family member. Forced to remain

silent, nuances are wrapped in blindfolded faith and Gittel’s exploration of the complex “outside”

world confounds her and the reader as the conflict between tradition and reality emerge.

April Book: TOO JEWISH Patty Friedmann

Autobiographical at its roots, this novel absorbs the reader into the heavily assimilated

New Orleans Jewish community. Bernie Cooper escapes Nazi Germany and ends up in LA only

to find himself the victim of a new prejudice against Jews-the kind that comes from other Jews.

July Book: COMING OF AGE...AGAIN Carol B. Mizrahi

Lighter fare for hot days, the humor, moxie and wisdom of four friends finds its voice around

the table of a weekly mahjongg game. Barbara, Irene, Rochelle, and Sylvia understand that their

carefully orchestrated lives are falling apart and prove that "coming of age" can happen more than

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WOMEN OF THE WALL MARK 25TH ANNIVERSARY On November 4th, it is anticipated that a record number of supporters of the Women of the Wall’s struggle for equality and human rights will gather in Jerusalem to wel-come the month of Tevet and commemorate the 25th year of their struggle.. Great strides and compromises have been made in recent months and it is hoped that the future will bring the hoped for results .

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A Report on Community Organizing Training Meera Kamegai, Tikkun Olam Committee

On October 13, 14 and 15 the Las Vegas Valley Interfaith Sponsoring Committee

(LVVISC) held training sessions at Zion Methodist Church to educate citizens for leadership

and participation in public forums, civic organizations and training of citizens to participate

in the shaping of public life. The LVVISC is the group that organized Nevadans for the

Common Good and brought in Robert Hoo as director. After introductory plenary sessions

we broke into groups of about 20 for our training. We had three different trainers, all with

many years of experience.

Session 1: The structure and meaning of power. The conventional wisdom is that power

exists in the world as it is and love exists in the world as it should be. Love is the ability to

relate to others. But power without love is brutality and love without power is sentimentali-

ty. Power is the ability to act and we aim for power with love.

Who sets the agenda: the few or the many? The few assume weakness in their followers

while the many negotiate and function through informed consent and remain engaged in the

process.

Session 2: The pressures on the individual and the family. We cannot set social goals

that do not relate to the pressures in our society and primarily in our families. The modern

family was willed into existence and it can be undone, for example, by separation. Existing

families have many economic pressures on them.

Session 3: Relationships. We have private relationships, such as our family and close

friends, and public relationships, such as those we work with or deal with in our social ac-

tion committees. Private relationships just happen passively and are unconditional. Public

relationships retain a public mask but should always be accountable, selective, open and

transparent.

Session 4: Leadership. Leaders must have followers but they must have long term com-

mitments themselves. Leaders must have “cold anger.” Our trainer looked at Moses as a

leader. He had “hot anger” when he killed the Egyptian but “cold anger” when he lead the

Jews out of Egypt. Cold anger is calculating. Leaders must have humor and have some per-

spective about themselves. They must be able to relate to others and have empathy. Lastly,

they must have curiosity and imagination. They must know how things can be different.

Plenary Session: What do we do now? We do not do community organizing. We work

with our institutions and form small group house meeting of about 10 to 15 congregants to

form relationships with them. We must find what their issues are. We must listen to their

concerns and try to organize around those first. We grow our congregations first.

Note: If you are interested in social action, please contact Nancey Kasse or Meera

Kamegai. There are many opportunities to help in community efforts to make our lives bet-

ter here and the lives of others in the area better as well. For more information or contact

numbers, call the office at 436-4900.

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Shabbat Veterans Day Thanksgivukkah

CALENDAR AT A GLANCE:

November 1 Tot Shabbat, Kabbalalt Shabbat and Maariv Service 7:30 pm at Kraft-Sussman

November 2 Torah Study-Rabbi Mintz Home 10:00am

November 2 Hadassah Gala—Honoring Rabbi Mintz

November 4 Jewlicious Learning 4:15pm

November 4 Simchat Chochmah 7:00pm

November 9 JRTN presents Weisenthal—Smith Center (see flyer)

November 10 Women’s Rosh Chodesh—Home of Linda Kauffman 7:00pm

November 11 Veterans Day—No class

November 14 CPT Board Meeting—Sam’s House 7:00pm

November 15 Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv Services 7:30pm at Kraft Sussman Chapel

November 16 Torah Study—Rabbi Mintz Home 10:00am

November 17 Global Day of Jewish Learning—Desert Torah Academy 9:30am-1:30pm

November 17 Carola de Vries Robles-Holocaust Center 3:00pm—5:00pm

November 18 Jewlicious Learning 4:15pm

November 18 Simchat Chochmah 7:00pm

November 25 Jewlicious Learning 4:15pm

November 25 Simchat Chochmah 7:00pm

November 27 Chanukah Begins at Sundown

November 28 Thanksgiving Day

December 1 Fourth Day of Chanukah

December 2 Fifth Day of Chanukah

December 2 Jewlicious Learning 4:15pm

December 2 Simchat Chochmah 7:00pm

December 6 Latke-palooza Chanukah Celebration (TBA)

Blessing for the month of Kislev:

As we celebrate Thanksgiving and the Festival of Chanukah, may we re-

member and be grateful for the freedoms we enjoy as Jews living in

America. We are doubly blessed.. Amen.

Kol Kiruv, the newsletter of Congregation P’nai Tikvah, is available on-line at www.pnaitikvahlv.org at no cost. If mailed, hard copy delivery is $36 annually. Please notify us and remit payment .