Tiferet Bet Israel News Recent articles and news from Tiferet Bet Israel. http://www.tbibluebell.org May, 2012 Ma'aseem - The Choosing People "If all Jews looked like you I would have been in shul every Shabbat."
"You couldn't have been born Jewish because
Jewish women don't look like you."
"Why would you ever want to convert to Judaism?"

Being married to a r http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=456 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=456/ Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT May, 2012 Ma'aseem - Counting on Our Future "There is never enough time to do or say all the things that we would wish; the thing is to do as much as you can in the time that you have."
- Charles Dickens

As we are in the midst of the seven-week counting period between Passo http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=457 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=457/ Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT May, 2012 Ma'aseem TODAH RABAH

As we approach the end of the school year, let's say thanks to all the volunteers that make Hesed possible. The time, effort, support and caring that "Hesednicks" put into our community help to make TBI a synagogue of strong http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=458 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=458/ Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT May, 2012 Ma'aseem - LIfe-Long Learners TBI has been fortunate to have an adult bar/bat mitzvah class approximately every seven years. On May 27, the first day of Shavuot, we will celebrate fifteen adult b'not mitzvah who have worked for over one year to prepare for this day. We began just http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=459 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=459/ Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT May, 2012 Ma'aseem - Being Our Best "And everyone all excelled in ability and all who had great spirit came bringing to God their best."
Exodus 35:21

There is a lot of talk about School Readiness. The big question is, "Who or what needs to be ready ... and for whom? http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=460 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=460/ Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT May, 2012 Ma'aseem As another school year comes to a close, I cannot help but take a moment to thank all of you who have so graciously helped me in this year of transition. A very big thank you to Emily Cutler, our Vice President of Education, for assisting on Sundays http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=461 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=461/ Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT May, 2012 Ma'assem This month we will celebrate the holiday of Shavuot and during this holiday we honor our 10th grade class at their confirmation service. In the spirit of this special occasion, I would like to share the accomplishments of our teen community with you http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=462 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=462/ Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT May, 2012 Ma'aseem Passover is a time for reflection; wandering through the wilderness. I ponder the mission of Men's Club. Is the sole purpose to console mourners, contribute and support the synagogue, provide fellowship to congregants or pack Sunday breakfasts afte http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=463 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=463/ Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT May, 2012 Ma'aseem Hi Everyone,

For those of you who attended, we hope you had a great time at our Evening of Art in April. Thank you to Margie Kerbel and Nicole Dubrow for all of their hard work. Our evening was amazing. Watch for more of these great e http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=464 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=464/ Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT April, 2012 Ma'aseem - Season of Joy; Season of Sacrifice All of us have traumatic experiences. God willing they are not life threatening or impossible to overcome, but rather allow for growth and strength. Now having gone through chemotherapy twice in my life, I know that losing your hair is traumatic. W http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=447 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=447/ Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT April, 2012 Ma'aseem - Optimism and Realism "I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter.
- Walt Disney

I'm feeling good about things at TBI. We have a new Torah, a refurbished ark, and new Director http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=448 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=448/ Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT April, 2012 Ma'aseem TODAH RABAH

As we approach the end of the school year, let's say thanks to all the volunteers that make Hesed possible. The time, effort, support and caring that "Hesednicks" put into our community help to make TBI a synagogue of strong http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=449 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=449/ Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT April, 2012 Ma'aseem - Bring On Spring What a remarkable Music in the Sanctuary Series we had this year! I really have to admit something: each year I think to myself, "How did we manage to pull that off?" and swear to scale back for the following season. But in fact, the opposite happ http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=450 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=450/ Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT April, 2012 Ma'aseem - What's Blooming in Our Community Garden? The seeds have been planted. Watch us grow!

Kindergarten at TBI

For the school year 2012-2013, the Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Early Childhood Education Community will again have a Kindergarten class. The ECEC Kindergarten http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=451 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=451/ Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT April, 2012 Ma'aseem - Immersed in Learning; Immersed in Community Passover is almost here. Typically we plan our menu weeks in advance and begin our cleaning days ahead, but how long before that first night's seder do we plan the experience? The seder is the model of an amazing lesson plan. It incorporates multi http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=452 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=452/ Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT April, 2012 Ma'aseem - Looking Forward It is hard to believe that our year of Torah writing has come to an end. It warms my heart to think of my wonderful memories from this experience. I feel greatly nostalgic and a bit sad as it ends. On the other hand, I feel excited as I look forwa http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=453 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=453/ Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT April, 2012 Ma'aseem Passover is a time for reflection; wandering through the wilderness. I ponder the mission of Men's Club. Is the sole purpose to console mourners, contribute and support the synagogue, provide fellowship to congregants or pack Sunday breakfasts afte http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=454 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=454/ Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT April, 2012 Ma'aseem Hi Everyone,

We hope you are having a lot of fun with the new activities Women's League has been having in the past months. Thank you to our activity chairpeople and those who volunteered to help with our events. In last month's Ma'ase http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=455 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=455/ Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT March, 2012 Ma'aseem - Bringing A New Torah to Life For those of you who know me, you won't be shocked when I tell you that the first day the Steve Jobs biography came out it was downloaded to my iPad -- and then I had a hard time putting it down! I felt so connected to the many references to the Bay http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=438 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=438/ Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT March, 2012 Ma'aseem ""Clarity of mind means clarity of passion, too; this is why a great and clear mind loves ardently and sees distinctly what it loves."
- Blaise Pascal

What do you see as you drive up to TBI, turn into the parking lot, and park yo http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=439 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=439/ Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT March, 2012 Ma'aseem HELP: KEEPING IT COMING

It's been a while since the last Hesed letter. No excuse! First off, I just want to let our community know that Hesed is here for you. 'For what?' you ask.

Support! We're here for support, shou http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=440 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=440/ Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT March, 2012 Ma'aseem - Joyful "Noises" Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.
Psalm 100: 1-2

This has been an extraordinary year for us with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of writing our http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=441 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=441/ Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT March, 2012 Ma'aseem - Creating Shalom Bayit WHILE RESPONDING TO WAR AND SUPERHERO PLAY
Or -- Where Have All the Hamantashen Gone?

This month we celebrate Purim. The Megillah of Esther speaks of persecution and heroism. Some major themes of the story include bullying and m http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=442 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=442/ Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT March, 2012 Ma'aseem - Immersed in Learning; Immersed in Community Eleven years ago, out of the blue, a synagogue where I had previously taught contacted me. Their Director of Education was leaving and they asked me whether I would consider taking over the role the coming year. There were any number of complicatio http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=443 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=443/ Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT March, 2012 Ma'aseem - OPERA STAR-TURNED-CANTOR AT TBI TACKLES BRAHMS, BERNSTEIN ... Montgomery News; Wednesday, January 4, 2012
By Dan Sostek, Ticket Intern

Every Friday night and Saturday morning at the Tiferet Bet Israel (TBI) synagogue, a sonorous, mellifluous voice resonates in its sanctuary. The source of thi http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=444 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=444/ Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT March, 2012 Ma'aseem Already this year, we've had several speakers, sponsored joint brunches, Religious School and Community programming, and built the Sukkah. Coming attractions include breakfast speakers including Cantor Shammash and round table discussions with the R http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=445 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=445/ Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT March, 2012 Ma'aseem Hi Everyone,

We hope everyone will have a wonderful Purim and that each of you is able to celebrate the holiday in whatever way you can. Perhaps you sent a Mishloach Manot bag to a friend or family member, joined us at Vashti's Banquet http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=446 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=446/ Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT February, 2012 Ma'aseem - Bible Study for the "Roads" Scholar Since I wrote last month about a billboard I saw in California, this month I thought it would be fun to write about a billboard I saw in Massachusetts, on the way to visit my in-laws. Just outside of Springfield (Jewish geography factoid: the city http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=430 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=430/ Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT February, 2012 Ma'aseem Seek first to understand, then to be understood.
-- Stephen R. Covey

I had a very different vision of what "listening days" would be about when the idea first came up. I thought I would open the 5 separate meetings with a few ope http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=431 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=431/ Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT February, 2012 Ma'aseem - And the Study of Torah is the Foundation of All One of my "little secrets" is that some of my favorite parts of our liturgy--in terms of content which allows me to deepen kavannah, my intention--are the passages we recite to ourselves before we even begin our formal service with the morning prayer http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=432 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=432/ Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT February, 2012 Ma'aseem - Hug a Tree Once when Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook was walking in the fields, lost in deep thought, the young student with him inadvertently plucked a leaf off a branch. Rabbi Kook was visibly shaken by the act, and turning to his companion he said gently, "Believe http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=433 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=433/ Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT February, 2012 Ma'aseem - A Vision of the Future It is unbelievable that the school year is already waning. Although I officially started working at TBI only a month ago, already it has been a wonderful experience getting better acquainted with our amazing faculty and incredible students. And, even http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=434 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=434/ Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT February, 2012 Ma'aseem I am thrilled that on February 11, 2012 Music in the Sanctuary will welcome Shira Kline and Shir La La back to TBI! Shir La La last performed at TBI in 2008 and received rave reviews from our community. Shira Kline is a New York City based performe http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=435 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=435/ Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT February, 2012 Ma'aseem It's a busy time writing this during Hanukkah for Tu B'Shevat and spring break. Already this year, we've had several speakers, sponsored joint brunches, Religious School and Community programming, and built the Sukkah. Coming attractions include br http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=436 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=436/ Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT February, 2012 Ma'aseem We hope everyone is having an amazing 2012.

To begin, thank you to Jeanette Berstein and all of the volunteers for giftwrapping during the holiday season at King of Prussia Mall. We appreciate your time and commitment to this valuable f http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=437 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=437/ Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT January, 2012 Ma'aseem - Jew Deserve a Break Today I rarely find myself writing a column about McDonalds but it is a new year so I thought I would give it a shot. Recently, when my wife and I were in California, we saw a huge billboard with a picture of a Big Mac on it. The Big Mac was divided in h http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=422 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=422/ Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT January, 2012 Ma'aseem When one door of happiness closes, another opens,but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.
- Helen Keller

During my term on the North Penn (NP) School Board, the superinte http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=423 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=423/ Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT January, 2012 Ma'aseem As mentioned in last month's Hesed article, there has been a strong response and effort from the TBI community, helping the Hesed committee. Hesed is a "we" committee. It has been brought to my attention that not all synagogues have such a group. http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=424 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=424/ Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT January, 2012 Ma'aseem It is such a pleasure to have the opportunity to create diverse musical programming for our Music in the Sanctuary concert series each year. It gives me the chance to hear so many interesting musicians as I look toward what might be exciting to brin http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=425 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=425/ Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT January, 2012 Ma'aseem - Real Live Torah ". . . the great stories of the past are great because they bespeak that which is timeless."
Torah Talk, Y. Chubara, M. Feinberg, R. Rotenberg

We tell stories to children for many reasons -- to entertain them, to engender a love of http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=426 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=426/ Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT January, 2012 Ma'aseem Dear TBI Families,

I wanted to say a big "thank you" to all of you who were able to drop by on Tuesday, December 20 to have coffee with me. Your thoughts and insights regarding the future of the Religious School and High School have giv http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=427 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=427/ Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT January, 2012 Ma'aseem Happy new year TBI! Our 2012 begins with one of my favorite programs of the year- Pajama Shabbat. On Friday, January 6 at 6:00 p.m, please note this special time, we will gather for First Friday Family Shabbat services in Pajamas! This year Pajama http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=428 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=428/ Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT January, 2012 Ma'aseem We hope everyone had a wonderful Hanukkah.

It was wonderful seeing so many of you at our Kristallnacht Memorial Program in which sales of the Holocaust Survivor Cookbook supported a soup kitchen in Israel as well as our own Religious http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=429 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=429/ Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT December, 2011 Ma'aseem - Thank You, Thank You, Thank You Just as a torch is not diminished though it lights a thousand
candles, [a person] who gives to a good cause will not lose.
- Midrash: Exodus Rabbah 89:4

I have noticed at this time of year that the majority of commercial g http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=414 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=414/ Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT December, 2011 Ma'aseem - With All Your Heart, All Your Soul, All Your Strength (1) "...In the end we are not measured by what we have, but what we give to one another."
- Julie Salamon, Rambam's Ladder

We are an amazing community. In the weeks following Hurricane Irene, Rabbi Kalev sent only two email messages http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=415 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=415/ Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT December, 2011 Ma'aseem First of all, we wish you all a happy Hanukkah and a healthy and happy 2012!

We are having a continual drive through January and February, collecting winter clothing and blankets in good condition. Please drop off your donations in the http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=416 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=416/ Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT December, 2011 Ma'aseem - Musical Treats For You December is our freylikh month, our joyous month of Hanukkah; and with the celebration of the Festival of Lights we have two wonderful community musical events coming our way which I would like to share with you: Latke-Kicking Klezmer on Sunday, Dec http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=417 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=417/ Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT December, 2011 Ma'aseem - Curriculum Happens Fortunate is the generation in which the elders listen to the youth.
-- Rosh Hashanah 25b

Curriculum is what happens when you least expect it! It is well documented that children learn best when the lessons are based on their int http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=418 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=418/ Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT December, 2011 Ma'aseem It is hard to believe that it is already December. I hope you and your families are staying warm and looking forward to a beautiful Hanukkah! Please start your Hanukkah festivities by joining us for our first Music in the Sanctuary concert of the 2 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=420 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=420/ Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT December, 2011 Ma'aseem Women's League helps TBI in many ways. We provide programming for TBI women in all stages of their lives -- including but not limited to, singles, young mothers, religious school parents, "empty-nesters", and retirees. In addition to our own program http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=421 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=421/ Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT November, 2011 Ma'aseem - Judeo - Digitization As many of you know, I absolutely love technology, especially when it comes to all things Apple. Over the last few months I have been so excited to hear about ancient traditions within our faith that have gone digital. Of course we can't replace th http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=407 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=407/ Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT November, 2011 Ma'aseem - Just One Small Thing "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind."
- Astronaut Neil Armstrong

The Weitz family wrote their letter in the new Torah this evening and with the help of Rabbi Druin we fulfilled our 613th Mitzvah, our oblig http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=408 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=408/ Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT November, 2011 Ma'aseem - Be Thankful; Live Longer When I adopted my rescue dog Lenny, we attended many weeks of training classes to learn basic commands and teach him to behave like a mensch (three years later, we are still working on this). In training class, the trainer will ask you, "Is he food-m http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=409 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=409/ Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT November, 2011 Ma'aseem - Hineni: Here I Am God said to Moses, Go up to the top of the mountain, and be there.
- Exodus 24:12

This newsletter is being written just before the High Holy Days, the Days of Awe, a time of deep introspection. This newsletter is being read after http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=410 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=410/ Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT November, 2011 Ma'aseem We shared a wonderful October at TBI. We prayed together throughout the High Holy Days, ate together in the Sukkah, and danced together on Simchat Torah. We were thoroughly entertained and moved by the incredible Trial of Abraham. Our pets even jo http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=412 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=412/ Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT November, 2011 Ma'aseem Greetings from Women's League

The fall holidays are now over and it is time for the activities to begin. Our Sukkot dinner was quite a success. Thank you to Myra Goldman, Boni Silverman and their committee for a beautiful dinner.
http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=413 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=413/ Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT October, 2011 Ma'aseem - Promise Yourself a Jewish Future As I shared with you over the High Holy Days, it is time to celebrate and lead a renaissance of Judaism here at TBI. Our Board and professional staff have made a commitment to this process. I invite you to do the same.

Here are five pl http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=398 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=398/ Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT October, 2011 Ma'aseem - My New Year's Resolution: Let's Connect Plans are worthless - but planning is everything.
- Dwight David Eisenhower

As I write this article it is the end of August. The earth moved last Tuesday, the wind blew at gusts of 80 mph last Saturday, and 20 inches of rain fell http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=399 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=399/ Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT October, 2011 Ma'aseem Shalom, fellow congregants! I hope it was an enjoyable summer for all, and that we have a happy, healthy new year ahead.

The past year, especially the past few months, have really tested us a s a people. We have endured earthquakes, ts http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=400 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=400/ Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT October, 2011 Ma'aseem - Know Before Whom You Stand This past August, we enjoyed our third Shabbat at the Shore in Margate, NJ. My absolute favorite way to spend Shabbat is in nature: to be able to come such a magnificent outdoor space and spend Shabbat in the rhythms of the day is unparalleled. The http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=401 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=401/ Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT October, 2011 Ma'aseem - Making Space for God in Children's Lives "The root of religion is the question what to do with awe, wonder and amazement. Religion begins with a consciousness that something is asked of us."
- Abraham Joshua Heschel1

In this season of reflection and renewal of spirit, w http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=402 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=402/ Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT October, 2011 Ma'aseem I hope you have all been enjoying early fall. As the summer draws to a close I look forward to the hustle and bustle of the new school year. It has been wonderful reconnecting with you and your families over the past few weeks after a long and hope http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=404 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=404/ Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT October, 2011 Ma'aseem Tiferet Bet Israel Men's Club 2011- 2012

Officers
President: Ed Cohen
Office of First Vice-President: Ben Simkin
Office of Second Vice-President: Bernard Allmayer
Office of Secretary: Stan Ershler
O http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=405 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=405/ Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT October, 2011 Ma'aseem GREETINGS FROM WOMEN'S LEAGUE
Thank you so much to our many fall holiday volunteers. Many of our Women's League members have taken part in and will take part in providing our TBI family and friends with fall holiday services. For Rosh Hashana http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=406 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=406/ Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT September, 2011 Ma'aseem - Jewish Math This season of holidays has the power to reinvigorate your Judaism. As a rabbi I wish I had the ability to capture and "bottle up" the energy, excitement, and connection our congregation feels during the beginning of the New Year, and keep it going http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=389 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=389/ Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT September, 2011 Ma'aseem - Let's Talk The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.
- Albert Schweitzer

The Weitz family joined TBI about ten years ago, probably for the same reasons many of you did. Geography http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=390 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=390/ Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT September, 2011 Ma'aseem - Hesed Is Here for You HESED IS HERE FOR YOU

We all need help at one time or another, but never more than when we are ill, or have lost a loved one.
TBI'S VISIT THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND COMMITTEE (BIKUR HOLIM) will call and visit the sick as well as includ http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=391 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=391/ Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT September, 2011 Ma'aseem - Sing to Adonai a New Song I am not sure where I got this quotation--whether I read it, someone sent it to me, or whether I saw it one someone's kitchen magnet and scribbled it down--but I try to remember it daily: "God respects me when I work, but He loves me when I sing." http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=392 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=392/ Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT September, 2011 Ma'aseem - Doin' What Comes Naturally "If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it."
David Sobel, Beyond Ecophobia

The last few newsletters have addressed the vital importance of childre http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=393 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=393/ Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT September, 2011 Ma'aseem I hope this issue of Ma'aseem finds you well rested after a long and relaxing summer. I am so excited to share another year with you and your families - and it is certainly shaping up to be a phenomenal year! I would like to share with you a few of http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=395 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=395/ Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT September, 2011 Ma'aseem Tiferet Bet Israel Men's Club 2011- 2012

Officers
President: Ed Cohen
Office of First Vice-President: Ben Simkin
Office of Second Vice-President: Bernard Allmayer
Office of Secretary: Stan Ershler
O http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=396 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=396/ Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT September, 2011 Ma'aseem Welcome back to all. We hope you had a nice summer.

To begin, thank you so much to all of the beautiful women and men who helped to make the rummage sale so terrific this year. We had one of the best sales ever. Despite the endless http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=397 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=397/ Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT June, 2011 Ma'aseem - L'Chaim - To Life Our Jewish tradition views a cemetery in a variety of ways. For some, it is a Beit K'varot, a House of Graves, a description as accurate as it is barren. For some it is a Beit Almin, a House of Worlds. Our ancestors used this name to express a p http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=378 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=378/ Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT June, 2011 Ma'aseem - Farewell But Not Goodbye Less than two years ago I wrote my first President's Page for the Ma'aseem. Now I'm writing my last! It's been an exciting two years for me and I have many people I'd like to thank for helping me.

First I'd like to thank my Executive Co http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=379 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=379/ Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT June, 2011 Ma'aseem - Passing the Torch; Keeping the Flame Now that my two years of service as Chairperson of the Hesed Committee are about to come to an end, this will be my last column in Ma'aseem. What a stupendous time this has been for me! I want to thank all of TBI's Hesedniks for giving me the oppor http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=380 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=380/ Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT June, 2011 Ma'aseem Continuing with our discussions with interfaith couples, we met with another TBI couple. They feel very comfortable at TBI and were positive about having more programs for interfaith couples and families. The husband is a practicing Christian and the http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=381 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=381/ Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT June, 2011 Ma'aseem - Be Still And Know That You Are As I sit to write this article, Pesach ended one week ago, we began the journey to Shavuot and three new things happened in my schedule last week. I began teaching a meditation class, the Adult B'not Mitzvah class began, and the Adult Choir began reh http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=382 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=382/ Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT June, 2011 Ma'aseem - Recognizing the Miracles All Around Us The Talmud advises that to sing to God and not see God's world is a contradiction!

Children have a strong connection to the natural world. Yet today's children spend less time outdoors in free, unstructured time. Today's children are n http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=383 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=383/ Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT June, 2011 Ma'aseem The 2010-2011 programming year brought a range of stellar programming to TBI. From our exceptional Scholar-In-Residence weekend with Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, to our enlightening Shabbaton with Rabbi Steven Greenberg, to our inspiring First Friday Fam http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=385 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=385/ Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT June, 2011 Ma'aseem It is hard to believe that my two year term as President of the TBI Men's Club has gone by so fast and soon Ed Cohen will be taking over the reins as President. Although we have accomplished many things over this time, I feel that there is still muc http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=386 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=386/ Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT June, 2011 Ma'aseem In May...

The Women's League for Conservative Judaism Mid-Atlantic Region Conference was held on May 1 and was truly amazing. This year's theme was Kehillah Kedoshah, Celebrating Community Women to Women. We would like to give a specia http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=387 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=387/ Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT May, 2011 Ma'aseem - Torah: Are You Feeling It? Sometimes the questions we ask lead to a greater understanding of an important situation. Recently I heard someone say, "Why would I want to write a letter in the Torah?" As a rabbi I live in "Judaism-ville" twenty-four hours a day, seven days a we http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=370 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=370/ Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT May, 2011 Ma'aseem As I'm writing this page I still have almost three weeks to get ready for Passover. There have been many exciting happenings at TBI while I'm trying to prepare. On March 6 we had the amazing opening ceremonies for our Mitzvah 613 Torah project, inc http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=371 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=371/ Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT May, 2011 Ma'aseem - It Takes a Kehillah This month, Hesed features a very important member of its committee, the TBI community. Think about it, without the many folks who comprise TBI, Hesed would not be in existence.

Just as an FYI, Hesedniks come in all types and shapes. http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=372 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=372/ Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT May, 2011 Ma'aseem Pondering what to write about for this article, we felt that over the years we had exhausted own our experiences for topics as an interfaith couple and family. Seeking another's story, we approached a willing interfaith couple at TBI to talk about th http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=373 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=373/ Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT May, 2011 Ma'aseem - Be Still and Know That You Are We are in the period of the Omer, counting the seven weeks between Pesach and Shavuot, which comes on Tuesday evening, June 7, June 8 and 9. Last month I wrote about the Omer period in the context of meditation and transformation. Every Jewish holi http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=374 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=374/ Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT May, 2011 Ma'aseem - Who ARE These Children? ...and what do they want from us, anyway?

By the preschool age, children are well on their way to being able to answer that first question about themselves. The major development of identity starts at birth (and some say before birth), http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=375 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=375/ Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT May, 2011 Ma'aseem Happy Spring Everyone,

What a great year we have had in 2010/2011.

Now that the year of activities is about to end, we would like to thank everyone for all of their hard work.

So many TBI women and men were invo http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=377 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=377/ Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT April, 2011 Ma'aseem - Even before the Omer: Counting Our Blessings For our ancestors, moving from winter to spring was a time of blessing. To have survived another harsh winter where often disease and death were rampant, they would take time during the holiday of Passover to truly express their gratitude. As we mov http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=361 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=361/ Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT April, 2011 Ma'aseem - There's Price and There's Value A recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer asked the question "What is a [congregation]'s economic worth to the community it serves?" A Penn professor and a national research group, Partners for Sacred Places, took up that question and attempted t http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=362 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=362/ Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT April, 2011 Ma'aseem - Torah U'Mitzvot I just cannot help but shep naches (kvell)1 from TBI's latest undertaking, the writing of a Torah. How great is that? How many Jews come across a chance to write Torah during their lifetime? Every day in our prayers, we acknowledge and are gratefu http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=363 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=363/ Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT April, 2011 Ma'aseem Many Jewish and Christian interfaith couples stress over the conflicting religious holidays, particularly those that overlap on the calendar. Passover and Easter are a perfect example. With these particular holidays, the traditions are aligned to som http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=364 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=364/ Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT April, 2011 Ma'aseem - Music & Mediatation We have just concluded the fourth season of the Music in the Sanctuary series, and what an incredible season it was. I want to thank our Program Director, Hilary Yohlin, as well as our Music Committee, Joseph Bender, Marc Bernstein, Sylvia Brodsky, http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=365 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=365/ Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT April, 2011 Ma'aseem - Ready? Or Not? The 3 R's of Readiness: Relationships - Respect -- Responsibility

Each of the ancient Israelites, when given the chance to leave Egypt and taste freedom, had to decide if he or she were ready: ready to take the risks of journeying into http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=366 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=366/ Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT April, 2011 Ma'aseem As you know, WL supports the Torah Fund. Many of us wear beautiful pins to show that we support the Torah Fund. Did you ever wonder what Torah Fund is about?

Anna Trachtenberg answers this question:

How fortunate we are on http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=368 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=368/ Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT April, 2011 Ma'aseem Yom Ha'Shoah Yellow Candles

For those who do not know the original concept, the Yellow Candle is one Holocaust observance among the many that exist.  But the FJMC Yellow CandlesTM provided by TBI Men's Club are different.  Th http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=369 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=369/ Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT March, 2011 Ma'aseem for Purim - "Parshat Splashim" It has always been my dream to be the Rabbi of a synagogue that has a mikvah. When I was ordained I went to the mikvah, when I got married I went to the mikvah, and now I have the honor of assisting individuals through their conversion culminating i http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=353 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=353/ Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT March, 2011 Ma'aseem for Purim - "Power- Walk LIke an Egyptian" One of the opportunities we've been trying to develop is expanded use of our facilities to bring in more revenue. Currently there is a school that rents space from us on Sunday afternoons, and some of our members, and non-members, rent our rooms to http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=354 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=354/ Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT March, 2011 Ma'aseem for Purim - "Encore for...Tefillin" As a result of last month's article and the World Wide Wrap on February 13, many women at TBI have been approaching me to discuss tefillin -- it is very exciting! Nancy Hite's account of her experience at minyan laying tefillin moved many of you. Th http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=355 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=355/ Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT March, 2011 Ma'aseem for Purim - "Texts for Tots" It often seems that there is TMI coming from the Early Childhood Education Community. However some information is 2G2B4G. Therefore in keeping with the need to use time efficiently, and to take care of our environment by using less paper, we will b http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=356 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=356/ Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT March, 2011 Ma'aseem for Purim It's finally March
The best month of the year
The snow's almost melted
The warmer sun finally brings cheer!
I'd like to take a minute to review
What TBI has in store for you...

Friday March 4 at 6:00 p.m. http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=358 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=358/ Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT March, 2011 Ma'aseem Community! It has been said many times that being a part of the "holy community" at TBI is a special kind of belonging that cannot be replicated by membership in a sports league, card group, or annual vacation outing. Case in point is the recent pa http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=359 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=359/ Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT March, 2011 Ma'aseem Hi Everyone,
For those of you who were not able to attend Women's League Shabbat in January, we would like to share Margie's speech with you....

Shabbat Shalom.

Cindy and I would like to welcome everyone to another Wom http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=360 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=360/ Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT February, 2011 Ma'aseem - Planting Trees for Life The Book of Judges states, "Ki ha'adam, etz ha'sadeh -- man is like a tree of the field." I never understood that statement until I planted a tree in the land of Israel. As a child I would go to Israel often to visit family. On almost every trip, we http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=343 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=343/ Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT February, 2011 Ma'aseem "The purpose of this organization (hereinafter referred to as the "Congregation") is to provide for the spiritual, cultural and recreational welfare of its members; to promote the welfare of the Jewish Community of Central Montgomery County and vicin http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=344 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=344/ Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT February, 2011 Ma'aseem - Hesed: A Way of Life Last year, this page introduced the entire Hesed Committee to our TBI community. This year, we dig a little deeper, below the surface, by introducing from time to time individual Hesedniks.

To launch this endeavor, please meet Paula and http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=345 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=345/ Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT February, 2011 Ma'aseem As we sit in the dead of winter, contemplating where we might go to escape cabin fever, undoubtedly the topic of dinner out often comes up. Should we go for burgers or deli? An interesting aspect of our interfaith relationship is around what else, f http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=346 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=346/ Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT February, 2011 Ma'aseem - Spotlight on Tefillin The connections we have to various Jewish rituals can be very personal, intense and sometimes nostalgic. Sometimes we do not even know exactly why we are drawn to certain rituals above others; they seem to have an archetypal or ancient hold on us, a http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=347 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=347/ Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT February, 2011 Ma'aseem - Practice Makes Perfect Practice makes perfect, and it certainly makes life easier when we need to accomplish something. Young children, especially, find comfort in repetition. Living with young children, we all know that routines often work for such things as getting ou http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=348 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=348/ Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT February, 2011 Ma'aseem From our First Friday Family Shabbat led by TBIUSYers and the TBI Junior Choir, to our outstanding shabbaton with guest lecturer Rabbi Steven Greenberg- what an amazing and uplifting January our community shared.

We begin the month of http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=350 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=350/ Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT February, 2011 Ma'aseem Several years ago during our Men's Club's World Wide Wrap program a young man and his father came to the morning service. The young man, about a year short of his Bar Mitzvah, carefully donned his tefillin and recited the shacharit prayers while his http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=351 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=351/ Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT February, 2011 Ma'aseem Hi Everyone,

As mentioned in the January Ma'aseem, six of our Women's League members attended Women's League Convention. Some of our participants would like to share their feelings about their experience:

This was an amazin http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=352 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=352/ Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT TBI Bylaws http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=341 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=341/ Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Babysitting Registration Form http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=342 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=342/ Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT January, 2011 Ma'aseem As winter sets in, we find ourselves reflecting back on 2010 and highlighting some interesting and potentially important critical observations. Although most people consider the interfaith couples as nice people, we cannot dismiss or wish away the p http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=335 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=335/ Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT January, 2011 Ma'aseem - Spotlight On Tutors Ase l'cha rav, uk'neh l'cha chaver.
Find for yourself a teacher, and acquire a friend.
-Pirkei Avot 1:6

There are so many things that go on at TBI which are hardly visible, or visible to only a small sector of our community. http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=336 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=336/ Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT January, 2011 Ma'aseem - Look Back, Look Ahead, Look Within "Life is a gift, and if we agree to accept it, we must contribute in return. When we fail to contribute, we fail to adequately answer why we are here."
Albert Einstein

Calendars measure time in different ways: 2011; 5771; the new http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=337 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=337/ Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT January, 2011 Ma'aseem Happy New Year TBI! What's better in the cold months of January than hunkering down and enjoying a good movie or TV program with a hot cup of coffee or hot cocoa and a big bowl of popcorn? In my opinion, NOTHING! This January kicks off our third a http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=339 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=339/ Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT January, 2011 Ma'aseem We wish all of you a very happy and healthy new year.

December was a pretty quiet month for Women's League. On December 12, we joined Men's Club in sponsoring a morning with Rabbi Kalev at which time the documentary, "Trembling before http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=340 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=340/ Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT January, 2011 Ma'aseem - All Israel is Responsible, Each for the Other In the almost eight years I have been a rabbi there are quite a few moments that I have experienced that make me so proud to be a Conservative Jew. One the of the great highlights of my rabbinate was being a part of the discussion as to whether or n http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=320 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=320/ Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT January, 2011 Ma'aseem - It's No Sin To Be Poor ... but it's no great honor, either.
- Sholom Aleichem

I read an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer recently that informed me of a profession that I didn't know existed -- consultants who advise celebrities on where to direct the http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=322 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=322/ Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT January, 2011 Ma'aseem - Mitzvah Mania and Other Projects So it is January, 2011 -- Happy 'Other' New Year to all!

Has it snowed yet and have we all survived it magnificently?



Writing articles for Ma'aseem a whole month before their publication is like spending a few hou http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=323 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=323/ Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT January, 2011 Ma'aseem - Tribal Talk For as long as I can remember, we (the Jews) have referred to each other as a "member of the tribe". What is a tribe? It's a group of people, usually somehow related by blood, belief, or some other form of communal connection.


http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=324 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=324/ Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT December, 2010 Ma'aseem - Finding the Miracle Together It is said that parents are the "high priests" of informal Jewish family education and their homes are the "temples" for a wealth of learning experiences. With proper planning and a bit of time, Hanukkah is the perfect opportunity to create wonderfu http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=304 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=304/ Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT December, 2010 Ma'aseem - Caught in the Web - In a Good Way Being president of our congregation has given me the opportunity to participate in discussions with other synagogue presidents and subscribe to other helpful services. Most of this is possible because of the Internet. I'm not sure when all of this http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=305 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=305/ Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT December, 2010 Ma'aseem - More Than a Committee, a way of life One day, in my Melton1 class on Ethics of Jewish Living, the instructor opened the discussion with the question to each of the students, "How are you like Elohim2?" How's that for an attention grabber? The undercurrent of small chit chat ceased imm http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=306 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=306/ Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT December, 2010 Ma'aseem - Homegrown Miracles Hanukkah is about miracles. I want to tell you about one that sits right in our TBI home. When I arrived at TBI in 2007, we had about 12 kids in the Junior Choir. They came to rehearsals on Sundays, rain or shine, and loved to sing. We worked on son http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=307 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=307/ Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT December, 2010 Ma'aseem - Think Like a Kid The world exists only because of the breath of young students at school.

Pirkei Avot, Shabbat 119b



The focus of this statement -- breath--implies life, something living. The image this brings to mind is that of l http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=308 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=308/ Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT December, 2010 Ma'aseem Hope everyone has had a great Thanksgiving holiday! Here are some quick announcements of upcoming dates to hold.

Sunday December 12
After 9:30 a.m. minyan please join the TBI Men's Club during breakfast in our first "ARK" Program http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=310 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=310/ Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT December, 2010 Ma'aseem Women's League is off and running. We had a wonderful turn out for our first Mah Jongg morning on October 31. Those who attended and those who wish they could have attended are very anxious to take part in regular games. If you would like to join http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=311 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=311/ Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT November, 2010 Ma'aseem - Thankful For You (and You, and You) This is the month to give thanks and here at TBI there is no shortage of people who consistently inspire my gratitude for our community. Let me share with you a moment last month where I truly said "thank God" for creating such caring, loving indivi http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=295 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=295/ Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT November, 2010 Ma'aseem - A Season of Thanks The holidays were "early" this year; so as I write this, during Sukkot, I reflect on the very positive feedback that I have received. Everyone that I heard from thought that services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur were the best ever: Rabbi Kalev's http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=296 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=296/ Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT November, 2010 Ma'aseem - How Generous? Please see box below for a glossary of the Yiddish and Hebrew words in this article.

My mother, z"l, recounted a folktale that circulated in her Litvisheh* shtetl*, about the man whose job it was to knock on people's doors periodically a http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=297 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=297/ Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT November, 2010 Ma'aseem Well, we made it! The High Holy Days are behind us for another year. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are important, nostalgic, stressful, tiring, and necessary. As we are immersed in the reminiscence of fall in the Northeast, we thought it appropriate t http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=298 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=298/ Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT November, 2010 Ma'aseem - Havdalah: The Case for Ritual With daylight hours diminishing by minutes each day at this time of year, it's apparent that winter is soon upon us in full force. The winter solstice is one of my favorite times of year, as I'm assured that daylight will now be increasing bit by bit http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=299 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=299/ Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT November, 2010 Ma'aseem - Gratefulness: True Soul Food The truth of being human is gratitude; its secret is appreciation. . .
It is gratefulness which makes the soul great.
-- Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

What does being human mean? What is the soul that is made great by gratefu http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=300 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=300/ Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT November, 2010 Ma'aseem October was a wonderful month at TBI. The month kicked off on October 2 with a new idea for First Friday Family Shabbat. Candy Shabbat was a huge success! Families enjoyed a warm family service with Rabbi Kalev and Cantor Shammash which concluded http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=302 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=302/ Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT November, 2010 Ma'aseem The fall holidays are now over and it is time for the activities to begin. Our Joint Men's Club/Women's League Brunch was quite a success. Lieutenant Amit Shuker gave an informative presentation on the missions of the IDF. Thanks to Jamie Greenspa http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=303 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=303/ Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT October 2010 Ma'aseem - What's Your Jewish "Hook"? I am always intrigued by the members of the Chabad community who feel it is their duty to stand on the street corner and have Jews wrap tefillin with them. If you have been to certain parts of New York City or in the Old City of Jerusalem, you may k http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=275 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=275/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT September 2010 Ma'aseem - Aspire to Ascend As we are about to celebrate our third High Holy Days together, I feel blessed to be the leader of such an incredible community. So many of you kindly inquire during the year as to how I am doing and are a bit shocked to hear that I love my incredib http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=276 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=276/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT October 2010 Ma'aseem - Signs of the Times I was excited to see the new sign outside TBI lit up with the words SHABBAT SHALOM on it in late August. This sign is one of many significant improvements made over the summer. In his book The Spirituality of Welcoming: How to Tranform Your Congrega http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=277 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=277/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT October 2010 Ma'aseem - Looking Ahead to a Great 5771 Baruch Ha'Shem for a good 5770. Hesed hopes most sincerely that all TBI'niks, and indeed kol am Israel, have been inscribed for a wonderful, prosperous, peaceful, healthy year and will be blessed with kol tov in 5771.

Once again, our co http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=278 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=278/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT October 2010 Ma'aseem - Thoughts on Raising Children in an Interfaith Family Thoughts on Raising Children
in an Interfaith Family
Re-printed from the April 2007 TBI Messenger

What to do about the children?...THE big question. As an interfaith couple, before signing on to marriage many years ago, we g http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=279 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=279/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT October 2010 Ma'aseem - Join the Yad Squad Etz chayim hi lamachazikim ba, v'tomcheha m'ushar
D'racheha darchei noam, v'chol n'tivoteha shalom.

It is a tree of life to those who grasp it, and all who uphold it are blessed.
Its ways are pleasantness, and all its paths a http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=280 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=280/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT October 2010 Ma'aseem - How Preschool Changes the Brain Early Childhood Education has been shown to have powerful and long-lasting effects on the human brain. In a new paper1, Flavio Cunha, an economist from the University of Pennsylvania, and James Heckman, a Nobel Laureate at the University of Chicago http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=281 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=281/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT October 2010 Ma'aseem I hope you have all been enjoying early fall- I love the excitement of the first weeks of school, the breeze that finally cools off the humidity of August, the sense of spirituality that floods TBI throughout the High Holy Days, football season!
http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=283 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=283/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT October 2010 Ma'aseem Join us October 17 for our first WL/MC joint brunch when Amit Shuker, a Lieutenant (Res.) in the Israeli Special Forces will discuss the geopolitical situation in Israel and terrorism.

Federation of Jewish Men's Club has an interesting http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=284 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=284/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT October 2010 M'aseem For many years now, many of our Women's League members have taken part in providing our TBI family and friends with fall holiday services. Many TBI members are not aware of the work that our beautiful ladies are doing. Those involved want no recog http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=285 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=285/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT September 2010 Ma'aseem - Halleluyah: The Cycle Begins Again It's hard to believe that summer is almost over and as soon as we get past Labor Day weekend (which includes Selichot services on Saturday night) our High Holy Days will be here! Here are a few of the many reasons for anticipating this season:
http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=286 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=286/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT September 2010 - Restored, Refreshed, Ready to Take on a New Year! A line of a song remembered from childhood, chanted and danced to the beat of a horah, goes something like this: "Kvar harashnu v'gam zaranu, aval od lo katsarnu!" (We have already plowed and also planted, but not yet harvested.). Well, we vacatione http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=287 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=287/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT September 2010 Ma'aseem This past June, we were shocked to hear that our neighbor's thirty-year-old son had passed away in his sleep. He was a great kid and the pride of his parents, family and community. The immediate question you ask yourself when a friend passes is what http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=288 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=288/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT September 2010 Ma'aseem- U'netaneh Tokef Kedushat Hayom: And Let Us Tell How Holy Is This Day The Mishna describes the first day of the month of Tishrei -- Rosh Hashanah - as the day when humanity is judged. My favorite part of the High Holy Day liturgy, hands down, is the U'netaneh tokef section of the Musaf service. Its theme of judgment http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=289 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=289/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT September 2010 Ma'aseem - Time is Now! Space is Here! The World is Me! Such is the world of the young child.

Our sages tell us to study Torah lishma ("for its own sake"). So it is with children. "A paradox of parenting is that if we love our children for their own sake rather than for their achievements, i http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=290 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=290/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT September 2010 Ma'aseem Another summer has come and gone. I hope your summers were as relaxing and fulfilling as mine was! Shanah tovah to you and your families and welcome back to an exciting year of programming at TBI.

As I write this article, TBI's second a http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=292 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=292/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT September 2010 Ma'aseem It is hard to believe a full year has gone by so quickly. By the time you read this it will be the High Holidays and Men's Club at TBI will be in full swing with activities. This past year the Men's Club at TBI was busy with several major undertaki http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=293 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=293/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT September 2010 Ma'aseem GREETINGS FROM WOMEN'S LEAGUE

It is with great pleasure and pride that I write this article today. Margie and I, and a very committed enthusiastic board were installed on July 11. Our fun and work began immediately with meetings and of http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=294 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=294/ Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT June, 2010 Ma'aseem - Loving Kindness, Now... The famous 19th century Rabbi, Yisroel Salanter, the father of the Mussar Movement1, said, "Too often religious people are concerned about their own bodies and other people's souls. In truth, we should be concerned about our own souls and other peopl http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=268 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=268/ Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT June, 2010 Ma'aseem - Find Your Place at TBI Almost a year ago I was elected to a two-year term as President of Tiferet Bet Israel. It has been a busy and exciting year with many opportunities. I have been fortunate to have the support of a great Executive Board, General Board, committees, cle http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=269 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=269/ Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT June, 2010 - Ma'aseem "If you stage it, they will come!" And stage it we did, with much elbow grease and heaps of enthusiasm.

This springtime's Mitzvah Mania revolved primarily around projects for the school children, who came out en masse to show their comm http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=270 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=270/ Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT June, 2010 Ma'aseem - Prayer This month's interview is the third in a series on the topic of prayer. I am grateful to the interviewee, who wishes to remain anonymous, for the feelings and experiences shared herein. For some of us, the ability to pray comes easily on a regular ba http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=271 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=271/ Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT June, 2010 Ma'aseem - Learning To Do God's Work "No one is lonely when doing a mitzvah; for a mitzvah is where God and man meet."
--Abraham Joshua Heschel

The above quote, displayed on the door to Cantor Shammash's office, refers to the partnership that is affirmed each time one http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=272 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=272/ Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT June, 2010 - Ma'aseem 2009-2010 year brought a range of stellar programming to TBI. From our exceptional adult education class series, to exciting family programs like First Friday Shabbatot, Wondergy, and Storahtelling, to the crown jewel of this year's programming, the http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=273 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=273/ Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT June, 2010 Ma'aseem May was a busy and productive month for Women's League.

Our annual Ladies' Night Out was a tremendous success. We welcomed Harvard professor and author Elisa New as our guest speaker. Dr. New spoke about her recent book Jacob's Cane, w http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=274 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=274/ Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT May, 2010 Ma'aseem - You Don't Have To Be Big To Be Great Over the past school year, Cantor Shammash and I have been blessed to have so many wonderful interactions with our early childhood students and faculty. For those of you whose children are past this age and may not get a chance to see that aspect of http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=260 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=260/ Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT May, 2010 Ma'aseem - Their Memories Are A Blessing Sunday, May 2 will be a very special day at TBI -- an ambulance dedication in the morning and the Noa/Mira reception, concert and dinner in the evening. If you read this before May 2 and you haven't purchased concert tickets yet, please be sure to j http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=261 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=261/ Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT May, 2010 Ma'aseem New Projects

Hesed is announcing the need for volunteers to help with driving congregants to various medically-related appointments. Although requests for driving services are infrequent, a large pool will assure infrequent calls for an http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=262 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=262/ Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT May, 2010 Ma'aseem - Prayer Art Skaroff has been a member of TBI (and its predecessor, Norristown Jewish Community Center), with his wife Debra and their daughters Sarah and Rebecca, since 1980. He was on the Board of Directors for many years, has served on the ritual committee http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=263 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=263/ Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT May 2010 Ma'aseem - Tell Me That Story Again... There are some stories that are told and retold. As I am writing this we are preparing to retell one famous story that we hear every year. The intriguing thing about the story of Passover, as told in the Haggadah, is that it is set up to be heard b http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=264 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=264/ Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT May 2010 Ma'aseem It finally happened: spring has truly sprung and May 2 is here! TBI presents Noa with Mira Awad. This year's Music in the Sanctuary highlight concert will officially begin at 5:30 p.m. with the Patron and Sponsor cocktail hour and will conclude wi http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=266 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=266/ Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT May 2010 Ma'aseem Greetings from Women's League!

We anxiously await our annual Ladies' Night Out, scheduled for Wednesday, May 5. We are delighted to welcome author Elisa New as our guest speaker. Dr. New, a cousin of congregant Carol Silver, will speak http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=267 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=267/ Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT April, 2010 Ma'aseem - Learning & Remembering Over the past few months, our synagogue has been blessed with incredible learning opportunities. From deep text study and practical tools to enhance Jewish practice, to the music of our tradition, there has been something for everyone. In March, a http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=251 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=251/ Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT April, 2010 Ma'aseem - This Joint is Jumpin' I'm writing this at the end of February (30 days until Passover!) right after attending our spectacular Purim services. The Sanctuary was overflowing, children and adults were excited, and a creative program engaged everyone. I felt very proud to be http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=252 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=252/ Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT April, 2010 Ma'aseem - A Jew at Auschwitz Cantor Shammash and her mother Estelle participated in Cantor's Assembly mission to Poland and Israel during the summer of 2009. In a previous issue of Ma'aseem Cantor shared highlights of the visit. In anticipation of Yom Hashoah, we asked her to http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=253 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=253/ Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT April, 2010 Ma'aseem HESED AT WORK

From kissing away a child's tears caused by a scraped knee, to sending a crutch to Haiti, to plunking down the cash for building a university hospital, every day we are involved in acts of hesed and tzedakah in our own way http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=254 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=254/ Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT April, 2010 Ma'aseem As an interfaith couple, we always seem to come up with situations we are not sure about. So as a change of pace we thought why not ask you what questions you have about Interfaith topics, Judaism topics, customs, synagogue etiquette, etc, etc. We h http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=255 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=255/ Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT April, 2010 Ma'aseem - Beyond the Classroom Many of the previous newsletters have spoken of the alignment of our daily curriculum with the PA Department of Education Early Learning Standards. Standards give us a yardstick against which to check the children's progress toward desired learning http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=256 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=256/ Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT April, 2010 Ma'aseem Yom HaShoah Yellow CandleTM Program
NEVER AGAIN!
"The Holocaust was the most evil crime ever committed."
Historian Stephen Ambrose
NEVER AGAIN!
"To this day, there are those who insist that the Holocaust neve http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=258 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=258/ Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT April, 2010 Ma'aseem Welcome to spring!

As we go to press, we are looking forward to Pesach and spending time with friends and family. March was an active month for Women's League. Our Passover candy sale fundraiser was a great success. Thanks to Jeanette http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=259 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=259/ Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT March, 2010 Ma'aseem - Wise or Simple, Wicked or Innocent I look back on parts of my childhood and think to myself, "oy vey." There were moments, especially during my thirteenth year of life, when I was quite a terror. (No, you may not ask my Mom for specific stories.) As many of you know, this was especi http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=241 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=241/ Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT March, 2010 Ma'aseem From 1996 until the middle of 1999 I worked as the technical coordinator on a large-scale Year 2000 conversion project for the company where I worked for nearly 20 years before retiring in 2007. Most of the data my company used contained dates and t http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=242 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=242/ Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT March, 2010 Ma'aseem Special Appeal for Cold Weather Clothing

It's cold outside. This has been an especially cold winter and thank God most of us at TBI enjoy the comforts of a warm home, food on the table, and clothing that keeps the chill away. But not eve http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=243 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=243/ Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT March, 2010 Ma'aseem In preparation for the Passover, we decided to reflect on our trip to Poland and Israel in that light. If you have been following along on our journey in the last few articles, we were about to leave Jerusalem.

You have a choice, if your http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=244 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=244/ Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT March, 2010 Ma'aseem - Prayer & Praying This month's article is the first part in a four-part series on prayer. I spend a significant amount of time leading prayer, preparing prayer, praying, and discussing prayer with others. I am fascinated with how people pray, why people pray, and espe http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=245 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=245/ Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT March, 2010 Ma'aseem - The Power of Questions I don't have all the answers, but I am beginning to ask the right questions.
(author unknown)

Our tradition puts great value on questions. We are encouraged to ask questions. The image of scholars actively seeking meanings to rev http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=246 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=246/ Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT March, 2010 Ma'aseem We are thrilled to welcome Deanna Neil, Storahtelling Maven extraordinaire, to TBI for our March 5 First Friday Family Shabbat. Founded by Amichai Lau-Lavie in 1999, Storahtelling has flourished from a small group of storytellers charged with the re http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=248 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=248/ Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT March, 2010 Ma'aseem Please join TBI Men's Club for our annual Men's Club Shabbat on March 13 and 14 and celebrate the hard, dedicated work of the George Stickeler Man of the Year and Morris Cohen Religious Award recipients. We will be naming the winners shortly and pla http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=249 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=249/ Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT March, 2010 Ma'aseem Thankfully, spring is in the air!

At our recent Women's League Shabbat, Jill Kornfeld was presented with the Mary Weiss Award. In recognition of this achievement, Women's League members have purchased a Tree of Life in Jill's honor. Ji http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=250 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=250/ Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT February, 2010 Ma'aseem - The Virtue of Virtual Our movement, the one in which I grew up, has always used the phrase "tradition and change" as its guiding light. I love the fact that our branch of Judaism tries to uphold the wisdom of those who came before us but also recognizes that our modern w http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=231 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=231/ Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT February, 2010 Ma'aseem - From Hamantashen, Crumbs of Wisdom For several years I've had a reputation for being able to tell you, at any given time, how many days until Passover begins. My method is pretty simple since I can do basic math in my head: January has 31 days, February has 28, March has 31, so with P http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=232 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=232/ Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT February, 2010 Ma'aseem Meet TBI's Hesed Committee



The current Hesed Committee has been operational now for several months, and in this very short time, its ranks have grown and its accomplishments have been many: fundraising for and delivery of Th http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=233 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=233/ Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT February, 2010 Ma'aseem In last month's article about our trip to Poland and Israel, we were exploring Jerusalem. The week of traveling in Israel was packed with sights, sounds, tastes and history and religion. We won't even try to capture everything that we experienced in http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=234 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=234/ Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT February, 2010 Ma'aseem - Don't Miss out on Mysticism I would say I have been a "dabbler" in Kabbalah study over the last decade. While it is the current "in thing" on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and in many yoga circles, to truly study and understand Kabbalah is yet another story. After reading h http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=235 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=235/ Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT February, 2010 Ma'aseem - It Should in Early Childhood (with apologies to Dr. Seuss) Early Childhood -- yes it should.
It should, in Early Childhood . . .

How should a child spend his day?
Would you say that it's JUST play?

A school that truly is first rate
Should be a place to educate, http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=236 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=236/ Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT February, 2010 Ma'aseem Happy PURIM everyone! I am writing to you this month both as Program Director and USY Advisor as this month's big program is the annual USY Purim Carnival. TBI USY is already hard at work planning our Purim festivities. Carnival games will include http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=238 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=238/ Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT February, 2010 Ma'aseem As the year comes to an end we look back on a great year with TBI Men's Club. We are delighted with the new, terrific members who have become an active part of Sunday Minyan and breakfast, and those who have donated significant time, energy and money http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=239 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=239/ Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT February, 2010 Ma'aseem As we go to press, we are anxiously planning Women's League Shabbat. We extend our appreciation in advance to Abbey Sasson and Carin Style for co-chairing the event and to everyone who participated in the service. Thanks to Boni Silverman and Myra http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=240 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=240/ Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT January, 2010 Ma'aseem I once heard one of my colleagues recount the following interaction he had with one of his congregants: The congregant commented, "I am not religious... I don't know the prayers... I'd feel hypocritical... I am not sure what I believe... so, how can http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=222 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=222/ Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT January, 2010 Ma'aseem After Hanukkah ends and we are in the month of Tevet, I remember my parents, with my mother's fifth yahrzeit on 11 Tevet and my father's thirty-third yahrzeit on 21 Tevet. Imagine how upset I would be if I went to TBI to recite Mourner's Kaddish but http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=223 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=223/ Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT January, 2010 Ma'aseem In last month's article about our trip to Poland and Israel, we accompanied the Cantors on the flight from Krakow to Tel Aviv. In the airport we parted company and took a limo to Jerusalem. We got our first peek at the countryside and quickly noticed http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=224 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=224/ Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT January, 2010 Ma'aseem: The Art of Song Friends,

Our third Music in the Sanctuary series begins this month! We have three incredible concerts to offer you this winter and spring:

I'll kick off with a vocal recital, joined by pianist Don St. Pierre, on Sunday, Jan http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=225 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=225/ Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT January, 2010 Ma'aseem: Our Learning Community There is power in community. Human beings function best in community. Community gives us comfort, acknowledgement, encouragement, identity and responsibilities. Our first community is our family. Beyond that there are many communities, intentiona http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=226 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=226/ Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT January, 2010 Ma'aseem Happy New Year TBI! I am so thrilled to kick off our 2010 Israel programming later this month. We have some dynamite events planned for you and your families. On Friday, January 29 Reuven Spero will join the TBI community as scholar-in-residence. http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=228 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=228/ Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT January, 2010 Ma'aseem TBI MEN'S CLUB PARTICIPATES IN
WORLD WIDE WRAP X

The Tenth Annual World Wide Wrap is almost here! On February 7, 2010 (the event always takes Place on Super Bowl Sunday) thousands of Conservative Jews will gather in synagogues all http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=229 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=229/ Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT January, 2010 Ma'aseem As usual, December was a busy month . Our knitting group "It's a Knitzvah" met for the second time this year on December 13 to knit caps for Israeli soldiers. Shelly Pasquale joined the group, and along with Gail Zelikovsky and Marilyn Gross, shared http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=230 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=230/ Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT December, 2009 Ma'aseem It seems as though this time of year brings out many nostalgic memories. Whether tastes, smells, rituals or family heirlooms, there always seems to be something around us that reminds us of years past or special moments with family and friends. Dec http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=211 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=211/ Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT December, 2009 Ma'aseem I'm writing this page at the end of October, a month before you'll read it. The last of the fall holidays, Simchat Torah, was three weeks ago, but my family's sukkah is still up. We try to make sure it's down by Thanksgiving or, at the latest, Hanu http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=212 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=212/ Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT December, 2009 Ma'aseem - Mitzvah Mania 2009 MITZVAH MANIA 2009



Our "Mitzvah Mania Day Goodie-Baking" on Sunday November 1 was a fulfilling, inspiring, motivating and very important day. A group of us, both adults and children, met at TBI early Sunday morning, mixed an http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=213 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=213/ Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT December, 2009 Ma'aseem In last month's article about our trip to Poland and Israel, we were nearly completing our Cantor's Assembly tour of Poland. But looking back at the previous articles we realized that as important as the Holocaust and historical sites were in this pl http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=214 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=214/ Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT December, 2009 Ma'aseem: Expecting a Miracle I really looked forward to lighting Hanukkah candles when I was a kid. It was the magical part of the holiday for me, standing in front of the candles, building upon light each day until we got to that fully lit moment on the eighth night. Presents http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=215 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=215/ Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT December, 2009: How are You Smart? A human being mints many coins from the same mold, and they are all identical. But the holy one, blessed by God, strikes us all from the mold of the first human and each one of us is different.
Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5

Let other peop http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=216 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=216/ Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT December, 2009 Ma'aseem December will be an extremely fun month at TBI! I cannot wait to meet Ken Fink and the team from Wondergy on December 4. Wondergy exploded in 2002 when Ken Fink and Rebecca Machalow, 2 science students at Columbia University, came together to share http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=218 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=218/ Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT December, 2009 Ma'aseem The "Taste of TBI" in the Sukkah was a success with over 75 people attending and enjoying some great food, wine, music and community. The Israeli wines that were sampled are still available for sale. See Ben Simkin or Mike Radel for more informatio http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=219 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=219/ Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT December, 2009 Ma'aseem Happy Hanukkah from Women's League!

November was a busy month. Our knitting group "It's a Knitzvah" met at the beginning of the month and knitted caps for Israeli soldiers. Thank you to Gail Zelikovsky for sharing her expertise with our http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=220 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=220/ Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT December, 2009 Ma'aseem - More than a Committee, a Way of Life Still in the spirit of reflection and taking stock, when I received the call for chairing Hesed and accepted as a knee jerk reaction, I found myself thinking later, "Why me? Why now?" In the true Jewish tradition, in my head I answered, "Why not m http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=221 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=221/ Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT November, 2009 Ma'aseem For over sixty years, the Women's League Torah Fund campaign has been raising money throughout the country. As the mission states, "Every woman has the opportunity to participate in preserving, promoting and perpetuating Conservative/Masorti Judaism http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=201 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=201/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT November, 2009 Ma'aseem I spoke about some of these topics on the high holy days and am repeating them in this column. During the holiday season I find myself thinking of my parents, of blessed memory. I grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, as some of you know; I'm always i http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=202 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=202/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT November, 2009 Ma'aseem Hesed: More than a Committee, a Way of Life For many years, Hesed - the concept and the committee - has flourished at TBI through strong leadership and loving help of dozens (perhaps hundreds) of individuals. I doubt there is anyone in our community whose life has not been touched by Hesed. http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=203 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=203/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT November, 2009 Ma'aseem In last month's article about our trip to Poland and Israel, we were arriving in Krakow. See the previous two articles to get on board with the tour.

We found Krakow to be a comfortable, walking city. Big public squares in the European t http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=204 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=204/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT November, 2009 Ma'aseem: A Conversation with our Musicians This month I would like to highlight our Friday night musicians, who give a huge amount of their time, energy and spirit to making Kabbalat Shabbat very special at TBI.

Aaron Simon has been a lifelong member of TBI. Music has been part o http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=205 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=205/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT November, 2009 Ma'aseem - Out of the Classroom Thinking "Human subtlety will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple, or more direct than does Nature, because in her inventions, nothing is lacking and nothing is superfluous."
- Leonardo da Vinci

Children have a strong conn http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=206 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=206/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT November, 2009 Ma'aseem I am extremely proud to report that LFAC (Let's Find A Cure)-TeamTBI has already exceeded its $5,000 fundraising goal for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light the Night walk! On September 26 TBIers braved the rainy weather and participated in t http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=208 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=208/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT November, 2009 Ma'aseem First, I would like to thank the members of Men's Club who helped set up the chairs for the High Holidays. This year we were assisted by an army of volunteers from the Boy Scotts from Troop 622 at St. Titus. This made the job much easier. Thanks, http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=209 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=209/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT November, 2009 Ma'aseem It's hard to believe that it's already November! Women's League has had a very busy autumn.

On October 7, Women's League hosted a delicious lunch in the sukkah for our Senior Adults Group; on October 10, we provided a Kiddush luncheon f http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=210 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=210/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT September, 2009 Ma'aseem In just a few weeks we will once again come together as a community to celebrate the New Year of 5770. While I know that for many of you the High Holy Days can be quite daunting, I hope that you will take advantage of our pre-High Holy Day class led http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=182 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=182/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT October, 2009 Ma'aseem Having recently finished the High Holy Days of 5770, it is my prayer and hope that many of you were able to reflect on your relationship with God. Upon arriving to TBI last year, it struck me that many of you who attend services regularly each week http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=183 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=183/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT October, 2009 Ma'aseem As the High Holy Days began this year, our TBI building celebrated its 20th anniversary. I remember vividly how glad we all were that the holidays were "late" that first year, since we needed all the time we could have to get the building ready. As http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=184 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=184/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT September, 2009 Ma'aseem As the new TBI President, I would like to introduce myself. My family joined the Norristown Jewish Community Center -- Tiferes Israel -- in August 1982, when our sons were 2, 4, 7 and almost 9 and I was still an at-home Mom. We had belonged to anoth http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=185 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=185/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT September, 2009 Ma'aseem As you receive this issue of our synagogue newsletter you will feel a hint of fall in the air and know that Rosh Hashanah will soon be upon us. New beginnings and new opportunities are available every year though the work of our Hesed committee to m http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=186 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=186/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT October, 2009 Ma'aseem When we left you last month we promised a series of articles about our reflections from our trip with the Cantor's Assembly Conference for 2009 in Poland and our first-timers' tour of Israel. The Cantor's conference was titled, "Poland to Israel, A J http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=187 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=187/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT September, 2009 Ma'aseem Israel is a unique place in the world. Three major religions converge at this tiny spot on our planet. The study of history and religion are passions of Tim, in particular biblical history and WWII history. No where else could be more appropriate for http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=188 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=188/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT October, 2009 Ma'aseem Sukkot is a very underrated holiday. I think many of us tend to feel that we've done a lot of hard work over Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, especially with the fasting and the al chet litany (recounting of sins), and that we've had enough holiday tim http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=189 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=189/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT September, 2009 Ma'aseem Here comes Rosh Hashanah, again! It always seems to creep up on us, no matter how aware we are of it. We have the month of Elul to prepare, yet unless we consciously attune ourselves to the Jewish calendar, it can be but a blip on our personal radar http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=190 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=190/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT October, 2009 Ma'aseem - Thinking Outside the (Sand)box "Leftover parts are proof that you made it better."

- Anonymous quote on a T-shirt



Some of the world's wisdom is found on T-shirts. These words, displayed by a young engineering student, reminded me of the value http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=191 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=191/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT September, 2009 Ma'aseem - How I Spent My Summer Vacation Much have I learned from my teachers:
even more from my colleagues;
most of all from my students.
- Taanit 7a

For many of us in the Early Childhood Education Community (EC)2, this summer was very much about learning a http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=192 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=192/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT October, 2009 Ma'aseem I hope you have all been enjoying early fall. I love the excitement of the first weeks of school, the breeze that finally cools off the humidity of August, the sense of spirituality that floods TBI throughout the High Holy Days. And what better way http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=195 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=195/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT September, 2009 Ma'aseem Shanah Tovah! After a long, refreshing, and quiet summer it is wonderful to feel TBI buzzing with the excitement on the cusp of a new year!

Over the summer TBI families and friends were treated to a concert by the Alaska Children's Choi http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=196 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=196/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT October, 2009 Ma'aseem First I would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy, safe, joyful and peaceful New Year: L'Shanah Tovah Tikatevu. This year Men's Club was responsible for setting up the sanctuary chairs for the High Holidays, saving TBI about $750. I want to than http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=197 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=197/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT September, 2009 Ma'aseem Just getting started...!
When my family and I joined TBI over 17 years ago, I never would have thought that I'd get to be the President of TBI Men's Club. After raising two daughters in the TBI community with my wife Wendy and participating in http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=198 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=198/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT October, 2009 Ma'aseem Women's League wishes everyone a sweet and joyous New Year.
A special thank you to Helen Feldscher for coordinating the high holiday bimah flowers and to Lynn Alexander for compiling the New Year Greetings booklet. Thanks also to Boni Silverma http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=199 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=199/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT September, 2009 Ma'aseem Greetings from Women's League!
As always, our rummage sale was a tremendous success. In these times of economic hardship, we are proud to have provided the opportunity for our extended community to purchase clothing, toys, and household items http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=200 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=200/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT June, 2009 Ma'aseem I can't believe that I am about to celebrate my first anniversary here at TBI. It seems like yesterday that Selilah and I moved our family to Blue Bell. I feel so blessed to be the leader of such a special community and truly treasure all the frien http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=173 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=173/ Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT June, 2009 Ma'aseem In a few short weeks, our terms as Co-Presidents will be over. TBI has been through many changes and challenges during this time, and we have many people to thank for their support during the past two years. First and foremost, we need to thank our http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=174 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=174/ Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT June, 2009 Ma'aseem Keeping it light for the summer, here is an interesting article we found about interfaith and, you guessed it, baseball. The old timers usually think of Sandy Koufax, but things have changed in 40 years. The article appears on the InterfaithFamily.co http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=175 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=175/ Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT June, 2009 Ma'aseem You probably have heard by now that TBI is "twinning" with Kehillat Netzach Israel, a Conservative synagogue in Ashkelon, Israel. There are various exciting projects we are taking on as a community in which to get to know our new friends better, of http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=176 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=176/ Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT June, 2009 Ma'aseem - Reflections In order to know where you are going, it is important to know where you've been.

What's in a name?
For the last year it may have seemed that we don't know who we are. A variety of names has been used to refer to what has always http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=177 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=177/ Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT June, 2009 Ma'aseem Kehillat Netzach Israel was struggling to survive attack after attack as bombs fell on Ashkelon throughout the Hanukkah season last winter. Many mornings I arrived at TBI and found an email from our contact at the Kehillah, Terri Davis, describing t http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=179 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=179/ Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT June, 2009 - Ma'aseem As we go to press, we are eagerly preparing for Ladies' Night Out, scheduled for May 20. Many thanks to our chairperson Ceil Cable, and to her supportive and enthusiastic committee. As always, we know that everyone will really enjoy the chance to ha http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=180 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=180/ Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT May, 2009 Ma'aseem After spending a lot of time discussing the many questions of the Passover seder I have to admit that I have continued to contemplate the question, "How can one generation teach the next about the complex relationship between freedom and responsibili http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=165 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=165/ Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT May, 2009 Ma'aseem One of the challenges we face as a congregation is to continually identify, recruit, mentor, train and support leaders. We are not alone in this--every organization needs leaders. Googling "leadership" yields 256,000,000 hits, an indication of how http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=166 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=166/ Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT May, 2009 Ma'aseem Dealing with the death of a family member, relative or close friend is almost always very difficult. Last December, Tim's father passed away after a long illness. The memories of Doreen's father 's passing about four and half years ago are still ling http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=167 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=167/ Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT May, 2009 Ma'aseem If I had a nickel for every time someone has said to me over the course of my life, "You have such a talent! Oh, to be born with such a talent..." Yes, it is true that I have a talent for music, an inclination for it (just as I decidedly do not have http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=168 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=168/ Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT May, 2009 Ma'aseem - How to Grow a Mensch "Train your child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)



The short term goal of discipline may be to control behavior, but the ultimate goal is more far reaching, and i http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=169 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=169/ Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT May, 2009 Ma'aseem Spring has FINALLY sprung! The birds are singing and the flowers are blooming here at TBI! It is hard to believe that it is already time to begin planning our 2009-2010 programming calendar. As the process of brainstorming and creating new ideas b http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=171 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=171/ Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT May 2009 Ma'aseem On behalf of Women's League, we extend our heartfelt mazel tov to Rabbi Kalev on his installation. We are delighted to welcome him and his family to our community.

We were thrilled to participate in Rabbi Kalev's installation by sponsor http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=172 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=172/ Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT January, 2009 Messenger There is no question that we all begin the new, secular year of 2009 with much anticipation and wonder for the world's future. From the inauguration of a new President, the upcoming Israeli election, continued unrest in Israel and the world, and a p http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=136 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=136/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT January 2009 Messenger - Gems Revealed One of the privileges we experience as leaders of the congregation is to learn how many people work tirelessly to keep the many facets of our congregation running smoothly. Many committees are regularly mentioned in the Messenger, or are prominent http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=137 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=137/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT January 2009 Messenger - What's A Cantor For? This is a partial re-print of an article that appeared in the Winter 2008-09 publication of Kolot, the magazine of the Conservative?Masorti Movement, by Hazzan Henry Rosenblum, Dean of the HL Miller Cantorial School at the Jewish Theological Seminar http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=138 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=138/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT January, 2009 Messenger - Home Away from Home There is a children's song that starts:

Wherever you go, there's always someone Jewish.

You're never alone when you say you're a Jew.

So when you're not home and you're somewhere kind of newish

The od http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=139 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=139/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT January, 2009 Messenger I hope you and your families are enjoying the start of a happy and healthy 2009!

Synaplex
December was a particularly special month here at TBI. The 2008-2009 Synaplex series kicked off on December 12 with a concert from Shira Kle http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=141 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=141/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT January, 2009 Messenger We hope that everyone had fun celebrating the Festival of Lights! Fran enjoyed her first Hanukkah as a grandmother, while Amy stressed over finding 16 "perfect" presents for her two children.

We would like to thank Sue Feller, Boni Silv http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=142 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=142/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT February, 2009 Ma-aseem The question I have been asked the most over the past few months -- besides "How are you?" -- has definitely been about my faith in God. People have wondered, and so have I, how God could allow my body to be invaded by cancer for a second time. As http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=143 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=143/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT February, 2009 Ma'aseem - Music Comes In Many Flavors Haverim,

Our Music in the Sanctuary series is off to a wonderful start! We had two of our five concerts last month, a string quartet of students from the Curtis Institute of Music on January 11, playing Haydn, Mozart and Dvorak quartets, http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=144 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=144/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT February, 2009 - Ma'aseem - To Maintain and to Build As Rabbi Kalev said in his column in last month's Messenger, TBI is standing at the brink of a "new age." Our educational, religious and social programming is rich, with a menu of options that reflects a diverse but passionate congregational family. http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=145 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=145/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT February, 2009 Ma'aseem - Purim and Intermarriage Purim and Intermarriage

We hope you'll enjoy this article by Rabbi Gila Rayzel Raphael, reprinted from Issue 179 (August 1, 2006) of www.interfaithfamily.com.

The emphasis in the story of Purim, the Jewish holiday which fall http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=146 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=146/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT February, 2009 Ma'aseem - Early Childhood Marketplace: Parents as Consumers This is the time of year that parents of young children are looking at preschools or early childhood education programs for next year.

Sadly, consumers often put more time in looking at options related to choosing a car, than in choosing http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=147 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=147/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT February, 2009 Ma'aseem Happy February! Our February Synaplex with Danny Maseng is just around the corner. After our Chinese dinner at 6:00 p.m., Danny will join us at 7:00 on Friday, February 6 for Kabbalat Shabbat services. He will join Rabbi Kalev and Cantor Shammash http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=149 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=149/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT February, 2009 Ma'aseem Happy February!

Women's League continues to support our TBI community in so many ways. As in the past, we provided small tokens of appreciation to our wonderful TBI staff at Hanukah. This year, in furtherance of TBI's fundraising effort http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=150 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=150/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT March, 2009 Ma'aseem I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed working at TBI over the past 7 months and I feel so blessed to be a part of such an outstanding professional team. Each of us loves what we do and we put our entire soul into helping create a vibrant synagog http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=151 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=151/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT March, 2009 Ma'aseem Our community has much to look forward to in the coming weeks. We hope you will join us for the Megillah Reading on March 9. Then we will all be preparing for Passover, with the first seder occurring on April 8. Immediately after Passover, we will http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=152 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=152/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT March, 2009 Ma'aseem As an interfaith family, probably the most consistent, significant religious family tradition has been our celebration of Passover. Our adult children always look forward to this event with the haggadahs, the Kosher wine and symbolic foods, and the f http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=153 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=153/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT March, 2009 Ma'aseem - The 3 R's of School Readiness Relationships, Respect, Responsibility

In a recent announcement, Arne Duncan, President Obama's Secretary of Education, prioritized early childhood programs as "Job One" in the new administration's education agenda.

Years ag http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=154 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=154/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT March, 2009 Ma'aseem As this article goes to press, it is cold and snowy - we anxiously await the first day of spring! As usual, it has been a busy time for Women's League.

On February 22 , Women's League and Mens' Club co-sponsored a joint brunch. Cantor http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=156 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=156/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT April, 2009 Ma'aseem It is incredible that my favorite holiday is here, Passover. Each religion has a defining story and ours is most definitely that of the Exodus from Egypt. God's love and devotion to our people is shown through our redemption from Egypt and subseque http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=157 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=157/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT April, 2009 Ma'aseem Second Avenue...Molly Picon...Abraham Goldfaden...Sholom Secunda...these names and places used to be household friends to our parents and grandparents, and could we say that our children would recognize any of them? Imagine...

In its hey http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=158 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=158/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT April, 2009 Ma'aseem For the past 18 months, our Etz Chaim campaign committee has been working hard to substantially increase our endowment funds to help achieve long term financial stability for TBI. We are now entering the final 100 days of the campaign which will end http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=159 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=159/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT April, 2009 Ma'aseem We found an article by Jane Cohen, reprinted from www.InterfaithFamily.com that seems very appropriate for ideas on celebrating Passover. Some excerpts from the article follow. We encourage you to go to the website and read the whole article, includi http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=160 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=160/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT April, 2009 Ma'aseem - Why is this job different from all other jobs? "When we become parents, whether intentionally or by happenstance, our whole life is immediately different, although it may take some time to realize just how much. Being a parent compounds stress by orders of magnitude. It makes us vulnerable in way http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=161 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=161/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT April, 2009 Ma'aseem March flew quickly by beginning with our wonderful Purim Carnival! Thanks to our TBI USYers and Hebrew High schoolers the carnival was filled with colors, creativity, and pure Purim fun! We bounced in King Ahashuerus and Queen Esther's castle, took http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=163 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=163/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT April, 2009 Ma'aseem Happy Spring! So far, it has been a fantastic year.

March was a busy month for Women's League. We want to thank everyone who made our Mishloach Manot basket fundraiser a tremendous success. Special thanks to Boni Silverman, Lynn Alexa http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=164 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=164/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT December 2008 Messenger After the Jewish people had dwelled in the land of Israel for more than 1,000 years, the Seleucid Greeks occupied the land and outlawed Jewish religious practices. Their defeat by the Maccabees, a local band of Jewish warriors, is commemorated at Han http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=130 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=130/ Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT December 2008 Messenger Coming Together

The following is an edited version of our Kol Nidre speech:

As we come together tonight like Jews all over the world, we must realize that the future of TBI and the future of the Jewish people depend on our a http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=131 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=131/ Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT December 2008 Messenger Light Up Your Life

Haverim,

Who doesn't love Hanukkah? It's such an easy holiday to love: low-stress, candle-filled, oil-laden...and the presents! Hanukkah is "win-win," in that there is little we have to give of ourselves o http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=132 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=132/ Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT December 2009 Messenger E pluribus unum: Out of many, one.

I am writing this four days before Election Day. By the time you read it, we will all know the outcome. The interpretation of the above phrase is pivotal to how we view "being American," and was even http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=134 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=134/ Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT December 2008 Messenger I truly cannot believe that we are already well into December! What an extremely fast 2008!

CROC FEVER HAS HIT TBI! Inspired by Marci Blum and driven by Cantor Shammash and Rabbi Kalev's extreme enthusiasm for their crocs and jibbitz, http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=135 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=135/ Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT November Rabbi Kalev I recently heard a television show character comment that religion is like a buffet table -- you take what you want and leave the rest. In a sense, this interesting analogy supports the theory that everyone makes religion suitable for their own need http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=121 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=121/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT November Presidents' Message As the holiday season ends, the regular weekly Shabbat Torah reading cycle begins again at TBI. Beginnings are a very powerful time. One place to learn about beginnings is in the first parasha of the Torah- Bereshit.

When the Torah des http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=122 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=122/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT November Interfaith Matters Interfaith "Inreach"
I met with the preschool parents along with Rabbi Kalev, Jane Greenberg, Susan Kasper, and Eileen Kupersmith for the Preschool Coffee and Conversation event on Wednesday, September 17. We had many parents attend and heard http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=123 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=123/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT November Cantor's Corner Haverim,

Have you called TBI recently and been put "on hold"? What did you hear? Our new and improved phone system now allows us the feature of programming "hold music" for your listening pleasure. No more silence on the airwaves as you http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=124 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=124/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT November 2008 Am HaSefer traditionally refers to the Jewish people and our relation to the Torah, and subsequently to the Mishnah, the Talmud, and other sacred books. Books and learning have always been important in our tradition. The importance of books is app http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=125 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=125/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT November 2008 October was a very special month here at TBI. We were honored to celebrate the 80th birthdays of Elie Weisel and Dr. Shammash between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. We enjoyed a month of holidays and celebration, culminating in an exciting tour of T http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=127 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=127/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT November 2008 October was a very busy month for TBI and for Women's League.

Our Women's League Greeting book was distributed at services. We appreciate all the work that Lynn Alexander put into this project. Thanks, Lynn!

As in the pa http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=128 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=128/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT November 2008 Mitzvah Mania is here! Since the year 2000, Hesed has been coordinating one or two Mitzvah Days each year. These special days are opportunities for our entire TBI community to come together to create meaningful projects for a wide variety of recipi http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=129 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=129/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT September 2008 Rabbi Kalev Every four years, I anxiously await the Summer Olympics. As one who absolutely loves sports and competition, there is no better happening than the grand stage of the Olympics. This year, the Olympics were played out in China amidst much controversy http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=105 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=105/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT October 2008 Rabbi Kalev Whenever I have had the privilege of studying with and assisting an individual through the conversion process, the most difficult aspect of this journey seems to be the "loss" of Christmas. So often the convert expresses incredible memories of bring http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=106 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=106/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT September 2008 Presidents Message As we welcome Rabbi Joshua Kalev to TBI, we look forward to a bright and exciting future for our synagogue. We are fortunate to have a team of talented and dedicated professionals in place, including Rabbi Kalev, Cantor Elizabeth Shammash, Executive http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=107 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=107/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT October 2008 Presidents Message Over fifty years ago, Abraham Joshua Heschel, in his book The Sabbath, emphasized the importance of Shabbat to modern life. Rabbi Heschel described Shabbat as a "palace in time" whose architecture is built through acts of prayer, study, joyous meals http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=108 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=108/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT September 2008 by Rabbi Charles Simon

It has become clear to the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs' Keruv lay and rabbinic think tanks and training programs that there is a pressing need for strategies for parents with adult children who choose to inter http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=109 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=109/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT September 2008 Dear Friends:

L'Shana tovah tikatevu! May you and your families be inscribed for a year of health and success. I look forward to celebrating the new year with you later this month.

Summer was busy here at TBI! We have been http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=110 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=110/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT September 2008 The Talmud advises that one should pray only in a room with windows. To sing to God and not see God's world is a contradiction!

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch suddenly announced to his students that he was going to Switzerland to climb in http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=111 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=111/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT September 2008 Shalom! My name is Hilary Yohlin and I have joined the staff at TBI as your new Program Director, USY Advisor, and seventh grade teacher! As I begin to balance my different roles at TBI, I am deeply grateful for the open arms with which I have been http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=112 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=112/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT September 2008 We are delighted to be serving as Women's League co-presidents. Many thanks to those who made our installation such a memorable occasion -- including Cecelia Cable, Jill Kornfeld, Myra Goldman, Boni Silverman and our immediate past presidents Lynn http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=113 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=113/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT September 2008 Happy September! Welcome to a season of new beginnings, new schools, new friends, new members, relationships, goals, commitments, etc. But of course, a special welcome to our Rabbi Joshua Kalev, his wife Rabbi Selilah and their big eyed smiley daug http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=114 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=114/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT October 2008 Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are a time for forgiving, being forgiven, making new resolve, and shedding negative feelings. Use the holiday theme of evaluating one's life and actions to look at how your own family operates. This is a good time to ta http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=115 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=115/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT October 2008 Haverim,

I hope you have had an uplifting, fresh start to the New Year and are looking toward a meaningful Yom Kippur. I look forward to spending this month celebrating the start of 5769 with you.

It is a wonderful coinciden http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=116 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=116/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT October 2008 The Lord said to Moses, "Carve out two tablets of stone . . . I will inscribe on the tablets the commandments. . . "
-- Deuteronomy 10:2

Even God doesn't do things alone.

Perhaps it is the American frontier mentality t http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=117 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=117/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT October 2008 Shanah Tovah! What an exciting beginning of a new year! TBI is buzzing with activity and, as Program Director, I am having a blast at the center of it all!

Our summer drew to a close with an uplifting concert by the Israel Scouts Frien http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=118 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=118/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT October 2008 Shanah Tovah! What an exciting beginning of a new year! TBI is buzzing with activity and, as Program Director, I am having a blast at the center of it all!

Our summer drew to a close with an uplifting concert by the Israel Scouts Frien http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=119 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=119/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT October 2008 Best wishes to our community for a happy and healthy New Year!

We hope that everyone enjoyed our New Year's Greetings. Thanks to Lynn Alexander for all her hard work in putting the booklet together.

September was a busy mo http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=120 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=120/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT June 2008, Rabbi Kamens There is an old rabbinic adage that "all beginnings are hard"! I tend to believe that both "beginnings" and "endings" are hard.

Rhoda and I are entering our last month as part of this wonderful TBI family with a measure of sadness. You http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=93 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=93/ Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT June 2008, Rabbi Kalev As I write this message, Selilah, Noa, and I are in the midst of preparations for our impending move to Blue Bell. While surrounded by boxes, tape, and bubble-wrap, we feel an excitement beyond which words cannot express as we prepare to join all of http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=94 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=94/ Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT June 2008 As summer begins, we are ending a year of many transitions. Cantor Shammash has now been with us for a year and will provide continuity for us in the coming months. She has developed close relationships with many of us, and we are especially grat http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=95 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=95/ Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT June 2008 Haverim,

We made it through the desert, through the long stretch of counting the omer, and here we are ready to receive Torah! Shavuot begins on Sunday night, June 8 with our confirmation class leading ma'ariv, followed by some study to http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=96 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=96/ Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT June 2008 There is a tradition in academia of giving a "Last Lecture" toward the end of one's career. The purpose of this "Last Lecture" is to provide academics the opportunity to discuss their career as a journey and to describe for colleagues and students w http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=97 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=97/ Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT June 2008 Last month we sent specific thanks, as we often have done, to "some of the very capable women who keep our Sisterhood going and thriving." This month our thanks go to the women who made May special at TBI--to Risa Altman for facilitating another stim http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=98 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=98/ Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT June 2008 It is with mixed emotions that I write to you to let you know that I have decided not to renew my contract with TBI for the coming year.

This past year has been wonderful; and I have enjoyed working with all of you to plan great progra http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=99 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=99/ Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT May 2008 As we welcome springtime and celebrate Passover, we are also beginning a new chapter in the history of our sacred community. Joshua Kalev will be our new rabbi starting July 1.

Rabbi Kalev has served as the rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom i http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=84 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=84/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT May 2008 COUNT ONLY HAPPY HOURS

The last box of Pesach dishes has been put away, the last box of Pesach macaroons has been eaten, but to hold on to the spirit and mood of Yom Tov we are in the midst of the counting of the Omer. This is our way, http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=85 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=85/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT May 2008 SOULMATE MUSIC

Dear Friends,

Am Yisrael Chai! Israel's 60th birthday, Yom HaAtzma'ut, finally arrives on May 8, the third day of Iyar. We have been celebrating this milestone community-wide for a few months now, and last mon http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=86 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=86/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT May 2008 Join us for the last Synaplex of the year which celebrates Israel's 60th birthday. We will have a fun filled night with Aztilut: Concerts for Peace, a Jewish/Arab Cultural bridging project, Israeli children's entertainment, a giant jigsaw puzzle map http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=87 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=87/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT May 2008 Love, Protect, Nurture, Guide, Teach ... MOTHER

God could not be everywhere, so (s)he created mothers.
-- Jewish Proverb

Every day is a time to appreciate mothers. Mothering is manifested in many ways. The words abo http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=88 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=88/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT May 2008 Thanks are due to some of the very capable women who keep our Sisterhood going and thriving:

Thanks to our Mishloach Manot team, Boni Silverman and Lynn Alexander, with help from Myra Goldman, for organizing the purchasing, ordering and http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=90 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=90/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT May 2008 An Intermarriage Bibliography

We hope these books on intermarriage will be a helpful resource.

Cowan, Paul with Cowan, Rachel. Mixed Blessings: Overcoming the Stumbling Blocks in an Interfaith Marriage. Penguin Books, Inc., http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=91 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=91/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT April 2008 Again last month we shared some more of our experiences as an interfaith couple from the perspective of our adult children. As previously explained, we discussed their religious upbringing during our annual Christmas get-together. Thus far we have co http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=92 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=92/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT March 2008 DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

"There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among all the provinces of your kingdom and their laws are different from those of every people." (Esther 3:8) So begins Haman"s calumny of the Jewish people http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=68 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=68/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT March 2008 C'EST TROPE!*

The B'nai Mitzvah students work diligently (and complain maybe just a little) at mastering two trope (cantillation) systems: those for the chanting of Torah and Haftarah. They always ask me a good question when we begin stu http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=69 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=69/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT March 2008 It is hard to believe that we are over halfway through our first year as co-presidents. We began the year hoping to find ways to make TBI a more welcoming community, and many of you have been active in this endeavor. The Membership and Ritual Commi http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=70 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=70/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT March 2008 Last month we shared some of our experiences as an interfaith couple from the perspective of our adult children. As previously explained, we discussed their religious upbringing during our annual Christmas get together. We asked nine questions and o http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=71 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=71/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT March 2008 Creating Shalom Bayit*
While Responding to War and Superhero Play

Or -- Where Have All the Hamantashen Gone?

This month we celebrate Purim. The Megillah of Esther speaks of persecution and heroism. Some major themes http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=72 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=72/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT March 2008 It's Adar! Our month begins with Hamantaschen baking on Sunday morning, March 2. Mishloach Manot packages will be assembled during this first week of March--please call Lynn Alexander or Boni Silverman if you can help. We will distribute bags at TBI http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=74 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=74/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT March 2008 Time Marches on! And welcome to spring, finally, the season of renewal and re-birth. But come to think of it, isn't every day that we wake up a chance to renew, to start over, re-commit to one another or even our traditions? An opportunity to rej http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=75 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=75/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT March 2008 Shabbat Across America
"Shabbat Across America" is an unparalleled display of unity and Ahavat Yisrael, created in the hope of making certain that every North American Jew will have the opportunity to celebrate Shabbat!

Imagine an http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=76 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=76/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT April 2008 YOU MUST TELL YOUR CHILD

A number of years ago, my wife Rhoda wrote about the Shabbat candles that "they create memories even as they burn".

In this context, we approach Pesach this month and every year with a special emphas http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=77 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=77/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT April 2008 JAMMIN' AT TIFERET BET ISRAEL

This month is packed with events! I want to highlight a few of the musical events as we look toward Pesach and Yom Ha'atzma'ut, celebrating Israel's 60th birthday:

Have you ever watched Edie Har http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=78 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=78/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT April 2008 At the High Holidays, we challenged everyone to think about ways to make a stronger connection to Judaism and TBI by increasing religious observance in ways that are uniquely meaningful to each of us. The idea of being observant can be intimidating, http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=79 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=79/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT April 2008 Oh The Places You'll Go!

This phrase, the title of a book by Dr. Seuss, conjures up excitement and adventure, as well as fear and insecurity. Last month, at just about the same time as we celebrated Dr.Seuss' birthday, the children in http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=80 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=80/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT April 2008 I love spring: flowers, the green grass and all the holidays! April brings us Passover. The name "Passover" refers to the fact that God "passed over" the houses of the Jews when he was slaying the firstborn of Egypt. In Hebrew, it is known as Pesa http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=82 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=82/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT April 2008 It is April, it is spring, it is Nisan. Our Women's League Seder on March 30 marks the beginning of this season for many of us. Thank you to coordinators Amy Spitofsky, Amy Sauber and Shelley Menkowitz, to Cantor Shammash, to the Women's League kitch http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=83 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=83/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT February Messenger 2008 In previous columns we have discussed our experiences as an interfaith couple. We have shared some of the difficult decisions that we struggled with early on in our marriage and those over the years. In reflecting upon what to share in this column, w http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=67 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=67/ Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT February 2008 MITZVAH MODELS



There is a great deal of news out there about the "role models" who are held up for our children and us to respect. These include athletes who disappoint with anti-social behavior; politicians who stretch the http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=60 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=60/ Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT February 2008 Winter at TBI is a quieter time in terms of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, but a very active time in the life of our congregation. We hope that you have all met Rabbi Sylvan Kamens. He has jumped right in with an active schedule of services, meetings, class http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=61 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=61/ Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT February 2008 WHY SHABBAT?

Haverim,

If you have been at Friday night services, you've noticed that we've been singing a piyyut called Yedid Nefesh, composed in the 16th century by Kabbalist Rabbi Eleazar Azikri. It begins "Yedid nefesh, a http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=62 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=62/ Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT February 2008 We are pleased to reprint these remarks by Fran Held, chairperson of the Rabbi Farewell Weekend honoring the Ackerman family. Fran gave this talk of Friday evening, December 14, following a lovely family-style Shabbat dinner attended by over 500 peo http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=63 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=63/ Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT February 2008 AT HOME IN A JEWISH WORLD

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

In Israel, the almond trees are just beginning to bloom; the new fruit is beginning to form, signaling the beginning of http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=64 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=64/ Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT February 2008 Hi everyone!

I hope you have all had the opportunity to meet Rabbi Kamens. If not, you should check out his adult education class meeting on Mondays at 9:30 a.m. For those of you who have been asking for adult ed in the evening, March http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=66 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=66/ Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT January 2008 "Tu B'Shevat Higia, Hag Ha'ilanot!...."
I would like to extend a warm welcome to Rabbi Sylvan and Rhoda Kamens, who join the TBI community this month--B'RUCHIM HABA'IM! I know that the entire extended TBI family joins me in embracing you and http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=53 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=53/ Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT January 2008 As we enter the new secular year, our focus at TBI is on welcoming.

Please come to Shabbat services and take the opportunity to welcome Rabbi Sylvan Kamens, our new full time interim rabbi. He is an experienced pulpit rabbi who has spen http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=54 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=54/ Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT January 2008 The Gift of Time . . . Too Valuable to Give Up

One who is descended from you often teaches you.
-- The Talmud

The Preschool ended the calendar year with a flurry of activities.

The first part of the year h http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=55 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=55/ Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT January 2008 Our first Synaplex with Rabbi Elana Zaiman was enjoyed by all who attended. Children played with the Little Gym and the Spinning Leaves entertained us during our Oneg Shabbat. A big thank you to Marsha Gayl and Barbara Miller, our Synaplex chairs, http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=57 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=57/ Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT January 2008 First and foremost, I would like to offer a warm Men's Club welcome to Rabbi Sylvan and Mrs. Rhoda Kamens as they begin their stay here at TBI. An Interim Rabbi position is by no means a simple task, or just biding time. The rabbi must immediately http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=58 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=58/ Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT January 2008 January may be cold outside, as it should be, but it is warm inside TBI--especially at the January Women's League events:

Book Club meets on Sunday, January 6 at 10:15 a.m. to discuss Outwitting History by Aaron Lansky, this year's One B http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=59 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=59/ Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article December 2007 This month we say good-bye to Rabbi Ackerman as our full time rabbi. He has been our spiritual leader and friend for 15 years, and has inspired, supported, and taught us in so many ways. For many of our children, he has been their rabbi for their http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=44 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=44/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article December 2007 This is the talk given by Hesed Co-Chair Fran Held as the speaker at the 25th Anniversary of the Home Delivered Meals Program of the Mitzvah Food Pantry on November 1, 2007. In response to requests by volunteers, Fran's talk is reprinted here.
http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=45 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=45/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article December 2007 On Sunday afternoon, October 28, 2007 the Tiferet Bet Israel community honored me with a beautiful installation ceremony and reception, formalizing my appointment as your cantor. I am touched by your presence and loving support on that special occas http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=46 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=46/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article December 2007 The Jewish people, ever since David slew Goliath, have never considered youth as a barrier to leadership."
John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Today's Preschoolers will shape our future!
One of the goals of early childhood education is http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=48 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=48/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article December 2007 In America today, interfaith marriages, interfaith families and Jewish children growing up in interfaith homes is a common reality. As the December holidays approach, how do American interfaith families who are raising their children as Jews balanc http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=49 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=49/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article, December 2007 Greetings from the Men of the TBI Men's Club. We're all around you, having a positive impact in your life. I hope you enjoyed the History of Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs on page 20 of the November Messenger. For fun, see page 22 of this issue http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=50 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=50/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article December 2007 November was a busy month with our first Rosh Hodesh meeting -- thank you to our chairs Barabara Katzman and Karen Shapiro and to Naomi Shapiro for her presentation on "Mothers and Daughters in the Torah and What We Can Learn From Them". Thank you t http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=51 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=51/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article November 2007 Haverim,

I love to travel, and one thing I always try to do is visit a local synagogue. I have been to shul in London, Prague, Rome, Florence, Venice, Istanbul, Tsfat and Athens, among other places. No matter where I am in the world, kno http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=36 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=36/ Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article November 2007 We hope you were all able to join us for the installation of Cantor Shamash at the end of October. It was a fabulous event for our community. In November, we welcomed Cantor Walters back, sharing the bimah with Rabbi Ackerman in his role as cantor http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=37 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=37/ Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger November 2007 Fall is such a wonderful holiday season for Jewish families. Jewish holidays seem to be planned with young children in mind. We know that children learn best when their hearts, hands and minds are engaged. Jewish holidays have so much that is conc http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=38 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=38/ Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger Article November 2007 NESS and TBI: Important Partners for Change

Developing an Educational Vision
When I was growing up as a kid in Detroit in the 1960's my Jewish identity was being forged by a strong family background of Jewish philanthropy, a love http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=39 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=39/ Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger November 2007 Shalom! My name is Marlyn Gelb and I am very excited to be joining the staff of TBI as your new program director. My background includes an MSW and Certificate in Jewish Communal Service from Yeshiva University and a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies f http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=40 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=40/ Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger November 2007 Greetings from the men of the TBI Men's Club. We are here, everywhere you look. And everywhere you look, we have had an impact in your lives. From building the Sukkah, to taking down barriers to communication; from distributing Shabbat Kiddush wi http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=41 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=41/ Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Messenger November 2007 High Holiday snacks for our children, flowers to beautify the synagogue during the Holidays, Onegs for Sukkot and Simchat Torah, lunch preceding the Sukkah Hop, Simchat Torah candied apples, Book Club, Sunday brunch with Men's Club, greeting congrega http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=42 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=42/ Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Early Learning Standards and Jewish Values -- Play as the Child's Work The Preschool at TBI has been in session for a month. Based on the 9 Key Learning Areas of the PA Early Learning Standards, our program is similar to other high quality secular preschools, with an additional focus on Judaism. The Jewish component http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=28 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=28/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT From the President Okay. You may now take a deep breath, hold for a moment, and let it out slowly. Do it again. And now reflect on the peace of mind that you and your family are on the other side of the High Holidays! As the summer drew to a close, and the holiday http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=29 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=29/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Presidents' Message October 2007 As the fall holidays end, we can look back at several milestones in our life as a congregation. We welcomed Cantor Shammash and were inspired by her davening at Rosh Hoshana and Yom Kippur. We experienced our last High Holiday services with our bel http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=31 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=31/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT From the Hesed Committee TBI Messenger, October 2007

Have you ever known someone who was struggling with illness? Maybe one of your parents was sick? Or perhaps a grandparent or even a sibling? If you have gone through life and never known anyone who becam http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=16 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=16/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT From the Women's League Co-Presidents TBI Messenger, October 2007

Women's League had a busy summer--we held a successful rummage sale, paid for improvements to the outside step at the kitchen door, served a congregational Shabbat lunch, bought new benches for the TBI lob http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=17 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=17/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT From the Education Director TBI Messenger, October 2007

We're Underway with a Great New School Year

As you read this we will be about 3 weeks into our new Religious School year at TBI. And although I addressed some of the new and continuing eleme http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=18 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=18/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT TBI Messenger Haverim,

We Jews have been praying our hearts out for a really long time. Imagine if we just spoke our prayers, rather than chanting and singing them, how absolutely dull that would become! I think we might have gotten tired a long tim http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=24 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=24/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Preschool Education Committee Co-Chairs: Margie Kerbel and Sheila Kowit

The mission of the Preschool Committee is to be a voice and an advocate for all of the members our Preschool family. With the direction and input of the Preschool Committee, the Preschool D http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=25 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=25/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Camp TBI Camp TBI is the summer session of our preschool with registration for 4 or 8 weeks (other time periods by special arrangement). We welcome campers from 2 to 5 years of age. It's a great opportunity for your child to get acclimated to our staff and http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=26 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=26/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT TBI Messenger "Many things we need can wait, the child cannot. Now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made, his mind is being developed. To him we cannot say tomorrow. His name is Today."

Gabriela Mistral

No http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=27 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=27/ Sun, 16 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT From the Education Director TBI Messenger, September 2007

Sukkot: When Nothing Turns into Something

As we begin the start of a new year in our Jewish lives, I am going to skip past the "usual" topics of the High Holy Days and Teshuvah and go dir http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=19 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=19/ Sun, 16 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT TBI Messenger Haverim,

First things first, I would like to thank you all so much for such a warm welcome to Tiferet Bet Israel! I feel so delighted to be a part of this vibrant community, and I have been overwhelmed by your gestures of welcome and http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=23 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=23/ Sun, 16 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT Presidents' Message September 2007
As the new TBI Co-Presidents, we would like to introduce ourselves. - Jane Greenberg

I converted to Judaism in 1981 before marrying Mark. We joined Beth Israel in Lansdale and sent our two children, David and Ju http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=30 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=30/ Sun, 16 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT Presidents' Message February 2007

We hope you enjoyed all the events in January as much as we did. From the Cantor's Shalom concert which delighted all who attended, to the Synaplex event on the 27th and the Affair Fair on the 28th, we experienced some varied and fun programming http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=10 http://www.tbibluebell.org/article.aspx?id=10/ Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT