Bulletins

Winter Bulleting 2025

March 16, 2025 by • Tags: , •

Temple Sholom Bulletin Logo

Winter/Spring 2025

President’s Message:

I have a confession to make: I never much liked Chanukah (at least not as an adult). It is perhaps the most militaristic and nationalistic holiday in the Jewish calendar. The Book of Maccabees is so violent — including violence directed by the Maccabees at assimilated Jews — that the Rabbis decided to exclude it from the Tanakh. And the miracle of the oil is not originally even in there! It is the most minor of Jewish holidays, yet it looms large culturally in what feels like an attempt to not leave Jewish kids out of the commercialized aspects of Christmas.

Rafi, however, loves Chanukah. He loves the candles, the blessings, the songs, the dreidels, and especially the gelt. And as I grow as a father and a Jew, I am learning to appreciate it more and more. So what if the miracle of the oil is not part of the original story? It is a wonderful story that, in my opinion, provides a much more beautiful and well-rounded tale than the original. So what if the Chanukah songs and pajamas take inspiration from those of our Christian neighbors? They give us a sense of joy and, more importantly, of Jewish identity and belonging in a small, tight-knit community. And they give us one of my favorite Temple Sholom rituals of the year — when we gather together as a community, bringing our menorahs to Temple, to light them and sing together.

I did not grow up in the Reform movement. But perhaps no holiday has taught me the importance of Reform Judaism’s commitment to struggling with our faith, committing to our ethics, and evolving to meet the changing needs of our moment more than Chanukah.

This is also why I am so thrilled with many of the changes that Rabbi Jennie has led us on, with the support and coordination of so many of you, in this season. Our adult study is evolving to include new activities, from trivia nights to movie screenings. Our Sunday School has incorporated pre-school activities for the youngest members of our congregation. And our little-Temple-that-could continues as a fixture in the Galesburg community, the Midwest, and, thanks to our participation in Makom – The Center for Small Town Jewish Life, increasingly, nationally as well.

I hope we will all continue to grow, learn, and evolve in the coming months. Please send your feedback about what’s working and what’s not, as well as what you’d like to see that we’re not currently doing or could do better. Together, we will continue evolving as a Temple and community.

Jonah Rubin, Temple President

 

Rabbi’s Message

I wear a lot of hats. You probably do too. I bring this up because you may notice that I tend to tackle my Temple Sholom responsibilities in fits and starts. Many of you know that sometimes I respond to emails almost immediately. Sometimes. . . it could take a week or more. (I am really sorry about that).

The fact that I have a skewed timeline does not mean in any way, shape, or form, that our congregation isn’t one of my top priorities. Of course it is! YOU are the reason I became a rabbi in the first place!

What it does mean is that my schedule can vary a lot, week to week. Usually, I complete the majority of my Temple responsibilities on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. These are the best days to reach out if you have a question, concern, or anything else you would like to discuss. I do my best to make sure that time sensitive issues are handled promptly. And I will always make time for you.

If you do need me, please make sure that you use my rabbi email address: templesholomrabbi@gmail.com . I only get notifications for this email address on my phone and computer. I tend to respond much faster when you email me here. You can also text me at (309) 539- 4066. With the exception of Shabbat, I try to respond within 24 hours.

I want you to know how important you all are to me. I am honored to serve as your rabbi. I simply ask you for your patience as I navigate all of my responsibilities. Thank you.

Rabbi Jennifer Bunde

Service Schedule:

Services are hybrid, for Zoom Access, please email: TempleSholomGalesburg@gmail.com

Date Leader Oneg Tech Shamash Holiday/Notes
1/31 West Gold Lyon
2/1 Jewish Trivia Night
2/7 Rabbi Bunde West D. Bunde M. Lyon
2/14 Karlin/Raley-Karlin Rubin J. Bunde Tu B’Shevat 2/13
2/21 Jacobs Cohn/Eberhardt Amor
2/28 Gold H. Lyon Lyon
3/7 Rabbi Bunde Karlin / Raley-Karlin D. Bunde Schulz
3/14 Rubin Lyon J. Bunde Purim
3/21 D. Bunde Schulz & Rericha Amor
3/28 Amor Satisky Lyon
4/4 Rabbi Bunde Jacobs D. Bunde Raley-Karlin
4/6 Mah Jong Night (7p)
4/11 Lyon Gold J. Bunde
4/12 Temple Seder First Night of Passover
4/18 Schulz Cohn / Eberhardt Amor
4/25 West Rubin Lyon
5/2 Karlin / Raley-Karlin Trapedo Sims D. Bunde
5/9 Jacobs West J. Bunde
5/16 Gold Schulz Amor
5/23 Rabbi Bunde H. Lyon Lyon Gold
5/25 Adult Study (2 p) Jewish Short Story Discussion
5/30 D. Bunde Karlin / Raley-Karlin D. Bude
6/6 Rubin Satisky J. Bunde

Leaders can find the names to read before the kaddish on our Google Drive

Oneg responsibilities include: providing the food for the oneg, setting it out in the social hall, and cleaning up afterwards. (Beverages are kept in stock at the temple.) If you cannot attend services the evening you are assigned for the oneg, please switch with someone for another night, rather than just dropping off the food ahead of time. Thanks!

Need to switch?
If you cannot lead the service or provide the oneg, please find someone to switch with. Inform David Bunde of the switch.

Temple Highlights

Sunday School expanded to include bi-monthly programming for the youngest members of the congregation. Rabbi Jennie led Havdalah- and Hanukkah-themed programs for the preschoolers.

The Sunday School completed a mitzvah project, a workday at Libby’s Corner Community Orchard. We planted, laid mulch, and picked up sticks.

Mary Howell gave a talk about uncovering the story of her father’s life as a spy for the US Army during World War II.

Donor / Honor ScrollWe recently installed the Donor/Honor Scroll from our recent Capital Campaign, framed and hung on the wall just on the left as you enter the Temple. Please stop for a few minutes the next time you’re at the Temple, to appreciate the long list of donors to the campaign and the people whom they have honored through their gifts.

Members of the congregation went to Peoria to see “A Real Pain”, a movie about two cousins on a Jewish heritage tour of Poland.

We had fun at our Hanukkah Party/Game Night, with games, food, and laughter.

Picture from our Hanukah Party

 

Todah Rabah

Thanks to Yana Fayman for cleaning all the Temple’s silver for the High Holidays.

FISH thanks the congregation for the donation we made through the High Holidays Hunger Project. We gave them a total of $277.

Thanks to Shawn Greathouse for coming up with the idea of a Games Night as part of our Hanukkah celebration!

 

Member News

A note from long-time former members, Arlene and Steven West, who now live near Columbus, OH: It’s been a very long time since we left Galesburg (25 years), but our fond memories and the friends we made while living there will last a lifetime–so thankful for Facebook and emails to keep our friendships going. Columbus has been good to us. Living close to our kids and just two hours from Cleveland has been great. With everyone getting older, especially our family in Cleveland, we needed to be here. Our grandson Hank had his Bar Mitzvah last March. Now that he is a “man”, their temple asked him to be one of the Madrichim, so he helps out in a second grade Sunday School. He loves it!! Other than that, everyone else is doing well, gainfully employed and getting older. Where does time go?? A Happy and Healthy New Year to everyone at Temple Sholom. Take care!!

From Faye & Chuck Schulz: On September 9, 2024, our son, Ben Schulz, married Yuhee Kim in Seoul, South Korea.

For those of you who knew Vivien and Al Halpern, former members of the Temple, here’s a link to Vivien’s obituary online.

 

Names for the Mi Shebeirach list:

If you have a name you would like to add to the Mi Shebeirach list for healing, send a note to Gabe, chair of the Hesed Committee. We will keep saying the name each week, until we know there’s no longer a special need for this person. We will still ask for names at each service; this is just an additional way to add a name to the list.

Save the Date:

The Temple Passover Seder will be on Sat, Apr 12 More details to come!

2025 / 5785 Festival Schedule
(Note: festivals begin the previous night)

Tu B’Shvat Feb 13
Purim Mar 14
Pesach Apr 13-20
Yom Hashoah Apr 24
Shavuot June 2

Access to Brookside Cemetery:

For security reasons, car access to Brookside Cemetery is controlled by having a locked gate at the entrance To gain access or if you have any questions, please contact one of the cemetery trustees: Bob Bondi, David Amor, and Jeremy Karlin.

Scholarship funding available for Jewish camps: a $200 scholarship per child per year to families sending children to Jewish camps. A maximum of $1,000 will be budgeted yearly. Apply to the Temple Treasurer by January 15.

The Hesed Committee

Once a year we put a reminder in the bulletin about the Temple’s Hesed Committee. If you know of someone who might need assistance, or if you could use some help yourself, contact Gabe Raley-Karlin, who will follow up from there. Examples of the kinds of help we can provide:

  • Dinner meals for a period of time when someone is ill, or for a family where a new baby has been born.
  • Rides to services for those who can’t drive.
  • Visits to someone who is ill or in a nursing home.
  • Participation in daily services during shiva, and providing food at the home.
  • Welcoming newcomers to the community.

Donation Record:

  • In memory of Barry Stein, Jan West and FamilyIn honor of Faye and Chuck Schulz’s AnniversaryJan West and Family
  • For the continuation of Temple Sholom, Marjorie and Steve Cooper
  • In memory of Khaya Taymanova, The Fayman family
  • In memory of Jacquelynn Murphy Simpson, Jeannie Duncan and John Thompson
  • In honor of the High Holidays, James Whitehill
  • In memory of Yeva Fayanova, The Fayman family
  • In memory of Michael Fayman, The Fayman family

Don’t see your name? If you have made a donation but do not see your name on this list and/or have not received an acknowledgement by mail, please let Nancy Eberhardt know. Sorry in advance for any slip ups!

Making a donation to Temple Sholom? If you would like to make a donation to Temple Sholom, please send your check to: Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501, identifying the nature of the gift (e.g., in memory of, in honor of, or for the speed recovery of a particular person). Maury will notify Nancy Eberhardt, who takes care of correspondence concerning such gifts (e.g., notifying the family of the deceased that a gift has been made in memory of that person).

Give to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

The Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund was established by the Temple Sholom Board in 2024, at the time that Rabbi Jennie Bunde was engaged as our rabbi. A regular part of most congregations that have ongoing clergy, this fund is intended to provide Rabbi Jennie with the means to provide tzedakah on behalf of the congregation to individuals and charitable organizations in times of need, both in the congregation and in the larger community. It can also be used to help the rabbi with professional expenses, books and other materials used to further her professional development. The Temple does make a contribution to the Fund each year, but the hope and expectation is that gifts from congregants and friends of Temple Sholom will also help to build the fund.

If you are planning a gift to Temple Sholom, please consider making it to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund. It could be in memory of a loved one, an expression of thanks for a life milestone, or any other reason, even just to support the fund. Checks should be made out to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund (NOT to Rabbi Jennie personally) and sent to Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501.

Happy Tree of Life Donations

Donations may be made in recognition of a variety of events, for example: in honor of a happy occasion (anniversary, birth, bar/bat mitzvah, birthday, etc.), or in honor of an individual or family. Donations may be made by an individual or a group, and may be made at three levels: a leaf ($200), an acorn ($500), and a stone ($1,000). A leaf can be engraved with four lines of text with 20 characters in each line, plus a brief fifth line (often a date). Acorns and stones are larger than leaves and can accommodate more text.

Sample wordings can be found by looking on the Happy Tree of Life. If you want to make a donation, you can send your gift, along with specification of wording, to Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501

Memorial Plaques: If you would like to purchase a memorial plaque ($250), send your donation and desired wording to Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501. You will find samples of what to include on the plaque by looking at ones already on the memorial board.

Gift Shop

Gift shop offerings have been pared back to candles (Shabbat, memorial, Hanukkah) and mezuzot. The easiest times to access the case are Friday evenings before or after services. For access at another time, contact Faye Schulz, 335-7192.

Fall 2024 Buletin

September 15, 2024 by • Tags: , •

Temple Sholom Bulletin Logo

Fall 2024

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

I’m so honored to have been chosen by you at the Annual Meeting to be the next president of Temple Sholom. The confidence you are placing in me is humbling.

I have a tough act to follow! If you see Faye in the coming weeks, please thank her for her incredible service. During her tenure as president, the Temple oversaw an unprecedented fundraising campaign to secure our future, the hiring of our first local Rabbi in years, the continued vibrancy of our Sunday school (which rivals that of larger congregations in Peoria and the Quad Cities), and the continued vibrancy of our Jewish community.

Of course, none of these accomplishments happened alone. Those of you who spearheaded, organized, or even just supported these initiatives are all part of this success. I hope you will extend the same level of generosity (and perhaps an extra measure of grace) to me, as I step into the roll.

As we approach Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on where our Temple is, both to appreciate its successes and on where you’d like to see it go in the future. If you’d like to get involved in planning any of the Holidays or get more involved in any aspect of the Temple, please get in touch! There’s always more to do!

I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with all of you and, together, continuing the legacy of our Temple and community.

L’Shanah Tova (Happy New Year!)

Jonah

 

RABBI’S MESSAGE:

The book of Ecclesiastes is one of our lesser-read books of the Tanakh, though most of us are familiar with the words from Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, verse 1: “A season is set for everything, a time for every experience under heaven.” But the verse that speaks to me today is from chapter 1, verse 9: “Only that shall happen which has happened, only that occur which has occurred; There is nothing new beneath the sun!”

Strange quote for me to reference, I know.  But to me, it feels as though we are living in “unprecedented” times. And I have been noticing an almost universal feeling of uncertainty in the world.  What a challenge as we move into the High Holiday season!

Ecclesiastes helps me to remember that we, all of us, are the descendants of those who overcame “unprecedented” times throughout history. We have been through times of great change before and come out on the other side.  Case in point: 70 years ago, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel sent a telegram to President Kennedy saying, “the hour calls for moral grandeur and spiritual audacity.”

I won’t go so far to say that the world today is history repeating itself, but we are all looking at the current state of affairs through the lens of our understanding of the past.  The uncertainty we feel was felt by our ancestors as well.  The changes they saw in their lifetimes were but steps in humanity’s journey to perfect tikkun olam, of healing the world.

And so, as we move into the Days of Awe, I invite you to take a moment to remember the duality that imbues our lives.  We are always modulating between states of constancy and change.  The words in our machzorim, our High Holiday prayerbooks, don’t change from year to year, but we do.

How we respond to the ancient texts evolves as our life experiences accumulate. The world has gone through periods of great change before. And change is never easy, but I believe that humanity has the potential to keep improving.  We don’t know what the future holds, but we do know that humanity has gone through times of great turmoil before and come out the other side to a kinder and more gentle world.

I am wishing you all a shana tova, a good and sweet new year.  May blessings, love, and joy surround you.

Gmar Hatimah Tovah

Rabbi Jennie (she/her)

 

NAMES FOR THE MI SHEBEIRACH LIST

If you have a name you would like to add to the Mi Shebeirach list for healing, send a note to Gabe, chair of the Hesed Committee, by either email or text message. We will keep saying the name each week, until we know there’s no longer a special need for this person. We will still ask for names at each service; this is just an additional way to add a name to the list.

ACCESS TO BROOKSIDE CEMETERY

For security reasons, car access to Brookside Cemetery is controlled by having a locked gate at the entrance, but you can always walk in through the smaller gate to the side. Make a note of the lock combination so that you have it when you go to visit the cemetery. Please make sure the gate is closed after you exit, with the padlock re-locked. If you have any questions, please contact one of the cemetery trustees: Bob Bondi, David Amor, and Jeremy Karlin.

HIGH HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 5785/2024

All services and study sessions will be hybrid offerings, both in person and on the Temple’s Zoom site.  If you will be attending services remotely and would like a High Holiday prayer book, contact Faye.

Selichot Service

Saturday, September 28th, led by Guy West                                          8:00 p.m.

Erev Rosh Hashanah

Wednesday, October 2nd                                                                     7:30 p.m.

First Day of Rosh Hashanah

Thursday, October 3rd

Morning Service                                                                        10:00 a.m.

Tashlich and kids’ Shofar activity at Picnic Point                           1:30 p.m.

Shabbat Shuvah

Friday, October 4th, led by Jeremy Karlin and Gabe Raley-Karlin           7:30 p.m.

Reverse Tashlich* at Lake Storey (meet at the Pavilion)

Sunday, October 6th                                                                          11:00 a.m.

Kever Avot – Memorial Service at Brookside Cemetery, led by Jeremy Karlin

Sunday, October 6th                                                                            3:00 p.m

Kol Nidre

Friday, October 11th                                                                            7:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur

Saturday, October 12th

Morning service                                                                         10:00 a.m.

 Study Session                                                                          about 12:15

Break                                                                                      about 1:15-2:30

Lay-led service, led by Maury Lyon                                              2:30

Afternoon service (Minchah)                                                        3:00

Yizkor (memorial service)                                                            4:00

Children’s activity                                                                        5:00

Ne’ilah and Havdalah                                                      following children’s activity

Motzi to break the fast                                    about 6:00 p.m., following the end of services

                                                                              

*Reverse tashlich–Join environmentally conscious Jewish communities around the world in reversing the tradition of Tashlich. Remove human ‘sins’ (marine debris) from the water in a collaborative waterfront cleanup. It would be helpful for participants to bring trash bags and garden gloves.

 

Names to be added to our memorial list?  If you would like to add to the list of names read aloud during our Yom Kippur Yizkor service, please contact Maury Lyon.

 

SERVICE SCHEDULE

Services are hybrid, for Zoom access please contact the Temple.  

Date Leader Oneg Tech Holiday / Notes
9/6 Schulz Satisky Lyon
9/13 Rabbi Bunde Lyon D. Bunde
9/14 Adult study: Kol Nidre and Demon Bowls, 7pm
9/20 Gold Karlin/Raley-Karlin Amor
9/28 West H. Lyon J. Bunde Selichot, 8pm on Sat
10/2 Rabbi Bunde TBA D. Bunde Erev Rosh Hashanah
10/3 Rabbi Bunde — J. Bunde Rosh Hashanah, 10am
10/4 Karlin/Raley-Karlin West Amor Shabbat Shuvah
10/6 Karlin — — Kever Avot, 3pm at Brookside
10/11 Rabbi Bunde — D. Bunde Kol Nidre
10/12 Rabbi Bunde TBA J. Bunde Yom Kippur, 10am
10/18 Rubin Rubin Lyon 7pm start, Succot
10/25 Doug and David Bunde Schulz J. Bunde Simchat Torah
11/1 Rabbi Bunde Satisky Amor
11/8 Satisky/Schulz Bunde D. Bunde
11/10 Adult study: Movie screening about small-town Jewish life and potluck, 7pm
11/15 Amor Jacobs Lyon
11/19 Adult study: Interfaith panel discussion at Monmouth College, time TBA
11/22 West Gold J. Bunde
11/24 Adult study: TALK FOR A CHANGE, 2pm
11/29 Jacobs Cohn/Eberhardt D. Bunde
12/6 Rabbi Bunde Rubin Lyon
12/13 Schulz West J. Bunde
12/15 Adult study: Journeys into Judaism: Key Jewish Moments, 7pm
12/20 Gold Karlin/Raley-Karlin Amor
12/27 Lyon Schulz D. Bunde 12/25: 1st night Hanukkah
1/3/25 Karlin/Raley-Karlin Lyon Lyon
1/10 Rabbi Bunde H. Lyon J. Bunde
1/17 Rubin Bunde D. Bunde
1/24 Amor Jacobs Amor

 

Leaders can find the names to read before the kaddish at our Google Drive.

Oneg responsibilities include: providing the food for the oneg, setting it out in the social hall, and cleaning up afterwards.  (Beverages are kept in stock at the temple.)  If you cannot attend services the evening you are assigned for the oneg, please switch with someone for another night, rather than just dropping off the food ahead of time.  Thanks!

Need to switch?

If you cannot lead the service or provide the oneg, please find someone to switch with.  Inform David Bunde of the switch.

 

Information on adult study events

Saturday, September 14th, 7pm: Kol Nidre and Demon Bowls.   Beginning with Havdalah, we will spend this study session exploring the legal and magical roots of Kol Nidre.  For those interested, we will be creating demon bowls after the text study.  Please let Rabbi Jennie know in advance if you are staying for the demon bowl craft, to ensure she has enough supplies.

Saturday, October 12th, around 12:15 (after Yom Kippur morning services).  Text study on the 13 Divine Attributes of Mercy, as explained in the 16th century work, The Palm Tree of Deborah.

Sunday, November 10th, 7pm: Movie screening about small town Jewish Life. Exact film TBD. Potluck during screening and discussion afterwards.

Tuesday, November 19th, 11am: Interfaith panel discussion at Monmouth College. Details TBD.

Sunday, November 24th, 2pm: TALK FOR A CHANGE.  This is a URJ initiative aimed atbringing communities together to have open conversations, even around difficult topics. Using URJ discussion topics, we will create a culture of constructive, respectful dialogue and engage others with curiosity, even when we have different points of view.

Sunday, December 15th, 7pm: Journeys into Judaism: Key Jewish Moments.  Building on last year’s story sharing event, we invite members of the Temple Sholom community to share times in their lives that defined their identity as a Jewish person.  Please bring a dessert to share.

Exact times and locations for each event will be shared via email.

Details of each event can be found at: https://templesholomgalesburg.org/2024/08/30/adult-education-events-fall-2024/

 

TODAH RABAH

Many thanks to the people who volunteered to clean our Torah scrolls! In order to take advantage of the expertise of sofer Neil Yerman, who was here for two days to supervise us, we worked intensely for several hours each day. The work was hard but satisfying, and having many hands at work meant that we could complete the cleaning of both scrolls. Thanks to these folks, both members and friends of our community, who volunteered on one or both days: David Amor, Rabbi Jennie Bunde, Danielle Fatkin, Yana Fayman, Penny Gold, Deb Katchen, Hannah Lyon, Susan Lyon, Gabe Raley-Karlin, Michal Ran-Rubin, Jonah Rubin, Faye Schulz, Troy Treash.

Thank you to Faye Schulz, Richard Gurevich, and Maury Lyon for cleaning up the parking lot.

 

WELCOME

From the Rericha Family: Baby Tobias was born on August 8 at 12:44 pm. Weighing 7lb 11oz and measuring at 19 inches. We both are doing really well and look forward to Tobias and James meeting each other soon!

We’d also say a special “thank you!” to all the members who sent well wishes and baby presents to us in anticipation of Tobias’ arrival. I have sent out some thank you notes, so hopefully everyone gets their letters soon. We are so thankful for all the love and support everyone has given us!

James also starts his official year of preschool in the middle of August! He is so excited to go back to school.

 

FAREWELL

Sherry Wintory, wife of Mike Wintory, former treasurer of the Temple, died in April. Here is the obituary from the Register-Mail: https://www.galesburg.com/obituaries/pils0875925

ONLINE RESOURCE

From Veronica Aristeguieta: Creative Judaism is a YouTuber who does short videos sharing Talmudic interpretations of each parshah focusing on the silly and absurd things in Talmud.

https://youtube.com/@creativejudaism?si=gDFoEr1Gpj0TLRIB

 

2024/5785 Festival Schedule

(Note: festival begins at sunset on these days)

Rosh Hashanah                         Oct 2

Yom Kippur                             Oct 11

Sukkot                                      Oct 16

Simchat Torah                          Oct 24

Hanukkah                                 Dec 25 – Jan 2

(last night is Jan 1)

Web site with dates of Jewish holidays:          

http://www.hebcal.com

 

 

Interested in Joining the Temple as a Member?

Temple Sholom welcomes all to attend services (including the High Holidays) and other events without formal membership.  But of course, we would also be delighted to have you as a member. As an inclusive Temple, our membership ranks are open to all, we do not have any minimum membership dues, and no member will be turned away due to lack of ability to pay. For those who are able, we ask members to contribute 1% – 1.5% of their household’s gross annual income. Rather than making inquiries about members’ income, we prefer that you make the judgment yourself. As a congregation we are committed to welcoming all who wish to join our community, regardless of financial means, so if a contribution in this range would be a hardship to you, just contribute what you can. To submit an annual contribution, one sends a check (made out to Temple Sholom and marked “annual contribution”) to our treasurer at: Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501. Some members pay in full early in the fall; others prefer to pay in monthly or quarterly installments.

 

Temple Officers and Board Members, voted in at the Annual Meeting, July 14, 2024

Jonah Rubin, President (2026)

Gabrielle Raley-Karlin, Vice-President (2026)

Nancy Eberhardt, Secretary (2025)

Maury Lyon, Treasurer (2026)

David Amor (2025)

Bob Bondi (2025)

Jeremy Karlin (2025)

Susan Lyon (2025)

Kevin Satisky (2025)

Shawn Greathouse (2026)

Jim Jacobs (2026)

Hannah Lyon (2026)

Faye Schulz (2026)

Guy West (2026)

Jan West (honorary)

Rabbi Jennie Bunde, ex officio (2025)

 

DONATION RECORD

In memory of Jeremy Gold Amor

David Amor and Penny Gold

In honor of Avram Lyon and Doreen Okang’s wedding

David Amor and Penny Gold

Don’t see your name?  If you have made a donation but do not see your name on this list and/or have not received an acknowledgement by mail, please let Nancy Eberhardt know. Sorry in advance for any slip ups!

Making a donation to Temple Sholom?  If you would like to make a donation to Temple Sholom, please send your check to: Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-050, identifying the nature of the gift (e.g., in memory of, in honor of, or for the speed recovery of a particular person). Maury will notify Nancy Eberhardt, who takes care of correspondence concerning such gifts (e.g., notifying the family of the deceased that a gift has been made in memory of that person).

Happy Tree of Life Donations

Donations may be made in recognition of a variety of events, for example: in honor of a happy occasion (anniversary, birth, bar/bat mitzvah, birthday, etc.), or in honor of an individual or family. Donations may be made by an individual or a group, and may be made at three levels:  a leaf ($200), an acorn ($500), and a stone ($1,000). A leaf can be engraved with four lines of text with 20 characters in each line, plus a brief fifth line (often a date). Acorns and stones are larger than leaves and can accommodate more text.  Sample wordings can be found by looking on the Happy Tree of Life. If you want to make a donation, you can send your gift, along with specification of wording, to Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501

Memorial Plaques:  If you would like to purchase a memorial plaque ($250), send your donation and desired wording to Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501. You will find samples of what to include on the plaque by looking at ones already on the memorial board.

 Gift Shop

Gift shop offerings have been pared back to candles (Shabbat, memorial, Hanukkah) and mezuzot.  The easiest times to access the case are Friday evenings before or after services.  For access at another time, contact Faye Schulz.

 

Summer 2024 Bulletin

June 15, 2024 by • Tags: , •

Temple Sholom Bulletin Logo

Summer 2024

 

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

I would like all of you to think of your contributions to Temple Sholom.  Our community is strong and that strength comes from all of you.   Each of us contributes in our own way.

Some teach, lead services,

Bring food, send money,

          Some clean, rake leaves

Make calls, give consolation.

Some make music, others listen,

Some send reminders, others monitor our funds,

As a group we share our stories, pray together and

Plan together to keep ourselves safe and our Temple lovely.

We have built a garden,

We have improved our security,

We took care of our building

We have raised money for our Temple’s future.

My term as president of Temple Sholom will end at the Annual Meeting – now scheduled for August 4th at 3:00 p.m.

I hope that you can attend to plan together.  Thank you for all that you do.

Peace,

Faye

RABBI’S MESSAGE:

Last month, I attended a Zoom meeting, hosted by the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), entitled, “Talk for a Change.”  While the title mentioned talking, in truth, it was all about listening.

The motivation behind this “Talk for a Change” webinar was to get the Jewish world talking and listening to Jews who hold differing opinions, ahead of the 39th World Zionist Congress (WZC), which will be taking place in the fall of 2025.  The WZC is the international “parliament of the Jewish people.”  Jews in the US and around the world vote on a slate that will represent the Diaspora’s voice in Israel.  During the 2020 WZC, voters made their voices heard on issues ranging from aliyah (immigration to Israel) to education, inclusion, and antisemitism.  We know some big issues will be brought up at the upcoming Congress.

I strongly believe the Jewish world is at a crossroads.  As I am writing this, the war in Israel and Gaza has been going on for more than 8 months.  And, as with so many aspects of modern living, it is getting harder and harder to talk about it with others who don’t share our views.  Most Jews hold strong opinions with regard to Israel and have passionate views on what they believe to be the best course of action.

Which brings me back to “Talk for a Change.”  Even as we disagree, we must keep talking.   When discussing hot button issues, try to create a safe space to learn, grow, and foster understanding. The goal of dialogue is not to persuade someone to adopt a particular point of view. Nor is the intent to leave with definitive answers, but instead to open conversations that lead to understanding and respect.  As the WZC gears up for its next meeting, we can only hope and pray that our delegates will listen as much as they talk.

Temple Sholom is a sacred space for community and prayer.  We have no political or socio-ideological litmus tests for membership.  And our membership is becoming more and more diverse.  As we move forward, let us always remember that Temple Sholom needs to be a home for all people with a pintele yid, a Jewish spark, who wish to engage with G-d.  And may we never forget the opening phrase of the watchword of our faith, Shema Yisrael – listen, Israel!

Have a wonderful summer,

Rabbi Jennie (she/her)

 

SERVICE SCHEDULE

 

Date Leader Oneg Tech
5/31 Lyon Karlin/Raley-Karlin Lyon
6/7 Rubin Lyon D. Bunde
6/14 No services    
6/21 Karlin/Raley-Karlin Schulz Lyon
6/28 No services    
7/5 Satisky-Schulz Rubin J. Bunde
7/12 No services    
7/19 Amor Bunde Amor
7/26 No services    
8/2 West Jacobs D. Bunde
8/9 No services    
8/16 D. Bunde Gold Lyon
8/23 No services    
8/30 Jacobs Cohn/Eberhardt J. Bunde
9/6 Schulz Satisky Amor

 

After this, we’ll be back on the services-every-week schedule.

Leaders can find the names to read before the kaddish at this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Fa_BBSgYnbvWeRPBZbdVySmF4XWS7pkq/.

 

Oneg responsibilities include: providing the food for the oneg, setting it out in the social hall, and cleaning up afterwards.  (Beverages are kept in stock at the temple.)  If you cannot attend services the evening you are assigned for the oneg, please switch with someone for another night, rather than just dropping off the food ahead of time.  Thanks!

Need to switch?

If you cannot lead the service or provide the oneg, please find someone to switch with.  Inform David Bunde  of the switch.

 

NOTES FROM THE CONGREGATION

Mazel Tov to Katarina Rericha for becoming a certified lactation specialist.

Mazel Tov to Rabbi Jennie Bunde, who was formally elected to the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), the Reform rabbinic professional organization.

Thanks from Rabbi Dickman for the condolence note people sent her after the death of her mother: “I really appreciated the note from so many people in the congregation.  That was a real comfort.”

NAMES FOR THE MI SHEBEIRACH LIST

If you have a name you would like to add to the Mi Shebeirach list for healing, send a note to Gabe, chair of the Hesed Committee, by either email or text message. We will keep saying the name each week, until we know there’s no longer a special need for this person. We will still ask for names at each service; this is just an additional way to add a name to the list.

 

SAVE THE DATE!

 The Temple Annual Meeting will be on

August 4th at 3:00 p.m.

(at the Temple)

 

ACCESS TO BROOKSIDE CEMETERY

For security reasons, car access to Brookside Cemetery is controlled by having a locked gate at the entrance, but you can always walk in through the smaller gate to the side. Make a note of the lock combination (0311) so that you have it when you go to visit the cemetery. Please make sure the gate is closed after you exit, with the padlock re-locked. If you have any questions, please contact one of the cemetery trustees: Bob Bondi, David Amor, and Jeremy Karlin.

 

Proposals invited for use of the Chai Fund: In 2014, Temple Sholom received a gift of $10,188 from the Chai Foundation. We have drawn on these funds for several projects, using about one-third of the funding. The Temple Board welcomes proposals to use the fund; guidelines below. If you have an idea, you might want to start by discussing it with a board member. Proposals can be sent to our president, Faye Schulz.

Mission Statement for use of the Chai Fund: Temple Sholom will use the money from the CHAI gift on initiatives that will invigorate the Temple community. The Temple will give each initiative up to $500. The funds may be used for (but not limited to):

  • scholarships for skills/leadership development
  • care of the Temple Sholom building and grounds
  • programs that bring the Temple community together and support our presence in Galesburg (and surrounding communities)
  • tzedakah projects that engage the members of the congregation
  • the purchase of religious objects/books, and technological additions and upgrades.

When requesting for funds from the CHAI grant, Temple Sholom members should state how the supported project will realize the mission of invigorating the Temple community.

 

DONATION RECORD

As thanks for the opportunity to observe a yahrzeit

Jolie and Herman Hersh

In memory of Burrel Yale Wainer and Kathryn Leibowitz

Hilary Donnelly and Tamara Wainer

In support of Temple Sholom

Avram Lyon and Doreen Orange

In memory of Michael Fayman

The Fayman Family

As thanks for welcoming them on Rosh Hashanah

            Elen Oneal

In memory of Carol Grodjesk

Alan and Janette Janssen                                               James and Karen Tucker

Alexis-North Henderson Ambulance Service                  David and Marie Volkers

Traci Margolis                                                              Charles and Celinda Vestal

Robert and Susan Carsoon                                             Rebecca Laqsh

Wanda Cook                                                                 Hattie and Jim Jacobs

North Henderson Fire Department                                  Madeline Wood

Beverly Devlin                                                             Jan and Guy West

Mary and Gregory Herrman                                           Susan and Maury Lyon

Faye and Chuck Schulz                                                 Penny Gold and David Amor

Dawn VanDell                                                              Rick and Donna Winbigler

L.A. Cavanaugh                                                            Ruth Seidel

Illinois Association of Retired Firefighters Galesburg Chapter

 

In honor of Jan West’s 80th birthday

Craig and Marcia Johnson                                             Terri and Douglas Moore

Maury and Susan Lyon                                                  Judy and Robert Boynton

Adam Vitale                                                                 Roger and Melissa Williamson

The Bunde Family                                                        Hattie and Jim Jacobs

Mrs. Erika Turner                                                         Andrea Vitale

Mrs. Leigh Helsel                                                         Faye and Chuck Schulz

William Phillipsen                                                        Judy Sidell

Gayle Stewart                                                               Richard and Carole Bondi

Kathy and David Sparks                                                Yanna and Sam Fayman

Joyce Coffman                                                              Troy and Walter Treash

Margaret Weybright                                                      James and Suellen Purlee

Jane and Bill Boydstun                                                  Pamela Robinson

Dave and Mary Malecha                                                Sarah Koons

Betsy and Melody Rapmund & Family                           David Amor and Penny Gold

Rodney and Trisa Eiker                                                 Jerry and Julie Krueger

In memory of Alexander Faynov

The Fayman Family

 Don’t see your name?  If you have made a donation but do not see your name on this list and/or have not received an acknowledgement by mail, please let Nancy Eberhardt know. Sorry in advance for any slip ups!

 

Making a donation to Temple Sholom?  If you would like to make a donation to Temple Sholom, please send your check to: Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-050, identifying the nature of the gift (e.g., in memory of, in honor of, or for the speed recovery of a particular person). Maury will notify Nancy Eberhardt, who takes care of correspondence concerning such gifts (e.g., notifying the family of the deceased that a gift has been made in memory of that person).

 

Happy Tree of Life Donations

Donations may be made in recognition of a variety of events, for example: in honor of a happy occasion (anniversary, birth, bar/bat mitzvah, birthday, etc.), or in honor of an individual or family. Donations may be made by an individual or a group, and may be made at three levels:  a leaf ($200), an acorn ($500), and a stone ($1,000). A leaf can be engraved with four lines of text with 20 characters in each line, plus a brief fifth line (often a date). Acorns and stones are larger than leaves and can accommodate more text.  Sample wordings can be found by looking on the Happy Tree of Life. If you want to make a donation, you can send your gift, along with specification of wording, to Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501

 

Memorial Plaques:  If you would like to purchase a memorial plaque ($250), send your donation and desired wording to Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501. You will find samples of what to include on the plaque by looking at ones already on the memorial board.

 

Gift Shop

Gift shop offerings have been pared back to candles (Shabbat, memorial, Hanukkah) and mezuzot.  The easiest times to access the case are Friday evenings before or after services.  For access at another time, contact Faye Schulz, 335-7192.

 

Winter 2024 Temple Bulletin

January 8, 2024 by • Tags: , •

Temple Sholom Bulletin Logo

Winter/Spring 2024
Temple Sholom
Monroe & North Streets
P.O. Box 501
Galesburg, IL 60402-0501

 

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

Thinking about forgiveness

Although it is not time for the High Holidays and the season of making amends, it is never inappropriate to take time for introspection.

At Temple Sholom we are a small community and a family.  Like many families, we have our interpersonal conflicts, varying priorities and communication issues.  We support each other.  And, we annoy each other.  We say nice things and we say things that we wish that we hadn’t.

For myself, I know that I’ve had some regrets about comments I’ve made, decisions I’ve made and times when I should have said something or times when I “should have kept my mouth shut”.

There have been times that I have apologized…but perhaps that’s not enough.  When a 5 year old child says, “I’m sorry” we often take the opportunity to talk about a more appropriate behavior.

So, when I, as an adult apologize, perhaps I should extend that apology and ask to talk to the person who I have hurt (or might have offended).  Then I would learn more about that person and expand our relationship.

Sometimes we don’t know that we have hurt someone’s feelings.  In our congregation/family, we may have hurt someone by not valuing their opinion or not noticing their feelings about an issue.  Sometimes the hurt has been so great that the person has left the congregation.

I hope to do better in monitoring myself, communicating and helping everyone to feel like they are valued in our community.  I encourage all of you to be careful with your words and to take time to enjoy the diversity of our congregation.

And when you sense that your feelings have been hurt or your priorities dismissed as unimportant, take the opportunity to try to have a conversation with your “brother” or “sister”.

Over the years, I have been part of several healing conversations and have learned quite a bit.

Our Temple Sholom community is important to all of us in different ways.  Let’s continue to nurture it and to enjoy our varied contributions to our caring and careful congregation.

 

RABBI’S MESSAGE:

I am writing this as I am flying home from the Union for Reform Judaism’s 150th Anniversary Celebration in Washington, D.C. It was a celebration of the Reform Movement, highlighting its history and the changes it has experienced over the last century and a half.  But of course, the situation in Israel cast a long and dark shadow over the event.  The events going on half a world away were very close to everyone’s minds and hearts.

The theme of the conference was Reconnect, Rejoice, and Recommit, and what I noticed is that everyone was going out of their way to be welcoming and kind.  While Israel and the war in Gaza were near constant themes of every talk, service, and presentation, there was a lot that wasn’t said too.  While the war was on everyone’s mind, the way it would come up in small group discussions or in casual conversations was very open ended. “What has the response been at your college?”  “How has your synagogue responded?”   It was as if the 700+ people at the event knew that holding us all together as a k’hal, as a community, would take nuance.  We would need to hold many ideas and opinions.  I felt as though the goal of the organizers was that they wanted everyone to feel like they belonged.  And I think it worked. Complete strangers were generous dinner companions, everyone was greeted with a smile, and one person even switched her seat so I would have someone close by.  I felt part of something bigger than myself, just like I do at Temple Sholom.

Just like at the URJ 150, we, as Temple Sholom, hold the full spectrum of views with regard to Israel.  But we are still a community.  A congregation who loves one another and cares for one another.  We each hold a piece of the puzzle that makes Temple Sholom whole.  And just as at the URJ 150 celebration, the topic of Israel is bound to come up in conversations at the synagogue.   I’d like to leave you with some advice I learned from a talk at the conference on how to have hard conversations.  The session leaders leaned heavily on The One America Movement, which is an organization who partners with faith communities to confront what they call “toxic polarization.”  The session leaders explained that the point of dialogue is not to change someone’s mind, but to learn.  And they noted that you don’t have to engage in hard conversations if you’re not ready. They recommended asking yourself if you are ready to hear other perspectives with an open curiosity.  If the answer is no, it’s okay to postpone.

I don’t think the international spotlight on Israel and Gaza is going away any time soon.  The topic of Israel is bound to come up.  But we are a community held together by values central to the URJ. Learning.  Justice. Belonging.  Shared Humanity.  (see more here: https://urj.org/what-we-believe/urj-values-vision-mission).  May the Temple always be a place where you know that you belong, and may we always see the shared humanity in each other.

With love,

Rabbi Jennie

 

SERVICE SCHEDULE

 Services are hybrid, with Zoom access here. For the link and password, please email TempleSholomGalesburg@gmail.com 

Date Leader Oneg Tech Shamash Holiday/Notes
1/5/24 Rabbi Bunde Rubin D. Bunde Lyon
1/12 Schulz Bunde J. Bunde
1/19 Jacobs Lyon Amor Tu Bishvat (1/25)
1/26 Karlin/Raley-Karlin Cohn/Eberhardt Lyon
2/2 Gold Karlin/Raley-Karlin J. Bunde
2/9 Rabbi Bunde Schulz D. Bunde Schulz
2/16 West West Lyon
2/23 Lyon Rubin J. Bunde
3/2 Rabbi Bunde Gold J. Bunde Lyon Saturday morning
3/8 D. Bunde Jacobs D. Bunde
3/15 Karlin/Raley-Karlin Gurevich Lyon
3/22 Rubin H. Lyon D. Bunde 6:30 start; Purim (3/24)
3/29 Gold Bunde J. Bunde
4/5 Satisky-Schulz Satisky Lyon
4/12 Rabbi Bunde Lyon D. Bunde Gold
4/19 West Cohn/Eberhardt J. Bunde
4/26 Jacobs Schulz Lyon Passover (1st night is 4/22)
5/3 D. Bunde Rubin J. Bunde Yom Hashoah (5/6)
5/11 Rabbi Bunde Gold D. Bunde Schulz Saturday morning
5/17 Amor West Lyon
5/24 Schulz Jacobs Amor Lag B’Omer (5/26)
5/31 Lyon Karlin/Raley-Karlin J. Bunde
6/7 Rubin Lyon D. Bunde

 

Oneg responsibilities include: providing the food for the oneg, setting it out in the social hall, and cleaning up afterwards.  (Beverages are kept in stock at the temple.)  If you cannot attend services the evening you are assigned for the oneg, please switch with someone for another night, rather than just dropping off the food ahead of time.  Thanks!

Need to switch?

If you cannot lead the service or provide the oneg, please find someone to switch with.  Inform David Bunde  of the switch.

 

TEMPLE NEWS

Changes in Ritual roles (from Penny Gold, outgoing Ritual Chair):

In December 2022, I agreed to take on the role of Ritual Chair for one final year. One of my goals for the year was to find ways to lessen the responsibilities of the Ritual Chair position, looking to make the duties lighter for the next person. In the summer, we instituted a new system of having a point-person for each holiday, and that has worked very well. The following people have taken on this responsibility:

  • Guy West (Leil Selichot)
  • Jeremy Karlin (Kever Avot)
  • Maury Lyon (Rosh Hashanah)
  • Penny Gold (Yom Kippur)
  • David Bunde (Sukkot and Shabbat)
  • Rabbi Bunde (Simchat Torah)
  • Shawn Greathouse (Hanukkah)
  • Susan Lyon (Tu B’Shevat)
  • Jonah Rubin & Michal Ran-Rubin (Purim)
  • Faye Schulz (Passover)

Many, many thanks to all who have taken on this role! They are not only relieving the Ritual Chair of many duties, but are also bringing new ideas to our observances–a great benefit to the congregation.

Later this fall, the Ritual Committee (in consultation with the Board), found a way to further share the responsibilities of the Chair. Here are the two further changes:

  • The Ritual Chair will still be the person with oversight of ritual matters, consulting with the Ritual Committee and the Rabbi, reporting to the Board, seeking feedback from the congregation when needed. But a new position of Assistant to the Chair of the Ritual Committee will take over the small administrative tasks, mostly reminders of one sort or another.
  • The role of coordinating b’nai mitzvah, which was previously done by the Ritual Chair, will now be done be a separate person, the B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator.

The Ritual Chair, the Assistant to the Chair, the Rabbi, the Point-Persons, the B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator, and the Ritual Committee will now make up a kind of “ritual team” for the congregation.

Do get in touch with the new Ritual Chair if you have any suggestions about the new arrangements.

And thank you for all your help and support over the many years I have served as Ritual Chair!

 

Ritual Committee Appointments (From Faye Schulz, Temple President)

Many thanks to Penny for breaking down all the duties and making sure that the new positions would not be overwhelming. Thanks as well to those who have taken on new responsibilities.  The following people have been appointed to the Ritual Committee:

  • Susan Lyon, Ritual Chair
  • Jonah Rubin, Assistant to the Ritual Chair
  • Faye Schulz, B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator

Members of the Ritual Committee are now: Susan Lyon (Chair), David Amor, Rabbi Jennie Bunde, Penny Gold, Gabe Raley-Karlin, Jonah Rubin, and Faye Schulz.

 

Chicken Noodle Soup for Blessings in a Backpack

Blessings in a Backpack, which provides weekend meals for local elementary school students facing food insecurity, is collecting easy-open cans of chicken noodle soup.  Their goal is to collect a total of 8,000 cans through the Temple and other local faith organizations.  If you can contribute, please bring cans of soup to the Temple (on the stage) or the Kleine Center for Community Service on the Knox College campus (in Alumni Hall at 52 West South Street, Room 201) by January 15th.

 

MAZEL TOV

MAZEL TOV! to Jan West, who will be celebrating her 80th birthday on March 13th, 2024.  She was born in Rice Lake, WI and now lives at Lake Rice in Galesburg.  She moved to Galesburg in 1967 and has been a member of the Temple Sholom family ever since.  She served as the treasurer for National Council of Jewish Women for many years and was active in selling and distributing our calendar to many local businesses.  She was also very active in the annual Temple rummage sale.  Two of her children had their B’nai Mitzvahs at the Temple.  She still remembers being the “new kid” at the Temple, even though now she is one of the “old guard.”

 

FAREWELL

Stephen Sotavento is switching to a different temple that is closer to his new home. He passes on the message “I thank Temple Shalom and the community that you are”.

 

NAMES FOR THE MI SHEBEIRACH LIST

If you have a name you would like to add to the Mi Shebeirach list for healing, send a note to Gabe, chair of the Hesed Committee. We will keep saying the name each week, until we know there’s no longer a special need for this person. We will still ask for names at each service; this is just an additional way to add a name to the list.

 

SAVE THE DATE!

 The Temple Passover Seder will be on Monday, April 22nd.  More details to come!

 

BLAST FROM THE PAST

Here is a picture of the Purim play in 2017.  Can you tell who everyone is?  (Their character or the people themselves…)

NEWS AND LINKS OF INTEREST

Religious School mitzvah project: This fall the religious school children did the first in what we hope will be a series of mitzvah projects, initiated and led by Rabbi Bunde as part of her role in the religious school. Our students study about Jewish values throughout the year, but this is a way in which we can help them put those values into practice in the community. Our project this fall was to help out in the community orchard founded by Annette and Walt McAllister on the south side of Galesburg. The fruit in the orchard will be available for free to all. Early in November, we were able to assist them by picking up all the sticks that had fallen from some large trees on the property, something they have to do before each time they mow. We also helped mulch some of the young trees. Annette and Walt were delighted to have our help, and we all had a good time working together!  Many thanks to Hannah Lyon, who made the connection for us with Walt and Annette. If you know of something else that might be a good mitzvah opportunity for the children (who range from grades 1 to 9), please let me or Rabbi Bunde know.  Penny Gold, Religious School Coordinator.

ACCESS TO BROOKSIDE CEMETERY

For security reasons, car access to Brookside Cemetery is controlled by having a locked gate at the entrance, but you can always walk in through the smaller gate to the side. Make a note of the lock combination (0311) so that you have it when you go to visit the cemetery. Please make sure the gate is closed after you exit, with the padlock re-locked. If you have any questions, please contact one of the cemetery trustees: Bob Bondi, David Amor, and Jeremy Karlin.

Scholarship funding available for Jewish camps:  a $200 scholarship per child per year to families sending children to Jewish camps. A maximum of $1,000 will be budgeted yearly. Apply to the Temple Treasurer by January 15. 

The Hesed Committee

Once a year we put a reminder in the bulletin about the Temple’s Hesed Committee. If you know of someone who might need assistance, or if you could use some help yourself, contact Penny Gold (pgold@knox.edu), who will follow up from there. Examples of the kinds of help we can provide:

  • Dinner meals for a period of time when someone is ill, or for a family where a new baby has been born.
  • Rides to services for those who can’t drive.
  • Visits to someone who is ill or in a nursing home.
  • Participation in daily services during shiva, and providing food at the home.
  • Welcoming newcomers to the community.

2024/578_ Festival Schedule

(Note: festivals begin the previous sunset)

Tu B’Shvat                   Jan 25

Purim                           Mar 24

Pesach                          Apr 23-30

Yom Hashoah               May 6

Shavuot                        June 12

 

DONATION RECORD

In support of Temple Sholom

Janis Zilinskas (two gifts)

Arlene and Steve West

 

Don’t see your name?  If you have made a donation but do not see your name on this list and/or have not received an acknowledgement by mail, please let Nancy Eberhardt know. Sorry in advance for any slip ups!

Making a donation to Temple Sholom?  If you would like to make a donation to Temple Sholom, please send your check to: Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-050, identifying the nature of the gift (e.g., in memory of, in honor of, or for the speed recovery of a particular person). Maury will notify Nancy Eberhardt, who takes care of correspondence concerning such gifts (e.g., notifying the family of the deceased that a gift has been made in memory of that person).

Happy Tree of Life Donations

Donations may be made in recognition of a variety of events, for example: in honor of a happy occasion (anniversary, birth, bar/bat mitzvah, birthday, etc.), or in honor of an individual or family. Donations may be made by an individual or a group, and may be made at three levels:  a leaf ($200), an acorn ($500), and a stone ($1,000). A leaf can be engraved with four lines of text with 20 characters in each line, plus a brief fifth line (often a date). Acorns and stones are larger than leaves and can accommodate more text.  Sample wordings can be found by looking on the Happy Tree of Life. If you want to make a donation, you can send your gift, along with specification of wording, to Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501

Memorial Plaques:  If you would like to purchase a memorial plaque ($250), send your donation and desired wording to Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501. You will find samples of what to include on the plaque by looking at ones already on the memorial board. 

Gift Shop

Gift shop offerings have been pared back to candles (Shabbat, memorial, Hanukkah) and mezuzot.  The easiest times to access the case are Friday evenings before or after services.  For access at another time, contact Faye Schulz, 335-7192.