Temple Bulletin

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

Recently at my job, I’ve been interacting with young Jews across the country, many seeking Jewish community and support for ritual spaces they can call home. Often, these conversations understandably begin with them asking for clerical support.

Befitting the old joke, I am of two opinions of these conversations. On the one hand, I remind them that Judaism is special in the way we emphasize community over clergy. Unlike our Catholic and many Protestant brothers and sisters, there is no ritual that is dependent on ordained clergy. There is nothing that ten laypeople standing in a room cannot do that they would be able to if only they had a rabbi present.

On the other hand, we are a people who value the learned and dedicated. Our rabbis’ leadership comes from their dedication to study and to care of community. While ten people is sufficient to do any Jewish ritual, a rabbi’s leadership remains invaluable.

Fortunately, in our community I do not have to choose between these opinions. I was so grateful to see so many of you turn out for our annual meeting this summer, showing the dedication of our members to making our community thrive. And though it has been a long time coming, I am very much looking forward to the rabbinical installation this Fall, where we can celebrate the spiritual and communal leadership of Rabbi Jennie.

As we approach a new year, and a very busy season of simchas and holidays, I feel so lucky to be a part of a Temple with such strong community and such dedicated leadership, both lay and rabbinical. This Fall, we will have our High Holiday services, the fall Festivals, a bar mitzvah, the rabbinical installation, the return of Sunday school, and more opportunities to gather, celebrate, play, learn, and be in each other’s company. Please have a look at the upcoming events, stay tuned to your emails, and I look forward to seeing you at Temple!

RABBI’S MESSAGE:

The composer Claude Debussy is credited with saying, “music is the silence between the notes.” The silence between the notes.  If music did not have a pause between each tone, it would simply be one loud, discordant noise.

I find the same is true for my life.  If I forget to pause now and again, the weight of all my responsibilities, both in my work and personal life, becomes unmanageable, messy, and overwhelming.

I am reminded of this need for a pause every time I say the Shema. When David, the kids, and I used to go to family weekends at OSRUI, I remember that during the Shema, the camp leaders would extend the “sh” sound of the word “shema” to quiet all the children down. That memory has helped remind me that we need to be still in order to hear.   We have to learn the practice of silence before we can engage in listening.

The Talmud (Menachot 29a:17) rules that, “Any letter that is not encircled with blank parchment on all four of its sides, i.e., where its ink connects to the letter above it, below it, preceding it, or succeeding it, is unfit.”

As Rav Kook notes, “in other words, the white parchment around the letters is an integral part of the Torah; without it, the Torah scroll is disqualified.” The space is just as important as the words themselves.

We live in a noisy world.  And unlike our phones, computers, and tv’s, our brains don’t have an “off” switch. It can be a challenge to lean into the quiet when we are so primed for the next “ping” from our devices.

With the High Holidays approaching, consider taking some time to prepare for the focus and dedication that Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur ask of us.  If possible, give yourself some space apart from all the demands of our hectic lives.

Easier said than done, I know.  There is a Buddhist concept known as the “Monkey Mind,” and it describes that feeling of our brain never ceasing in its contemplations, jumping from one thought to the next, similar to the way a monkey jumps from tree branch to tree branch.  Instead of being present in the moment, it can feel as though your mind is flooded with uncontrollable thoughts which insist on being heard.

Sometimes when we engage in a practice of silence, we can feel the “Monkey Mind” creeping into the stillness.  If that happens, we can notice any thoughts that arise, and acknowledge them without judgement, and refocus our attention to the peace of the moment.

More than 2000 years ago, Rabbi Shimon was known to say: all my days I grew up among the sages, and I have found nothing better for a person than silence. (Pirkei Avot 1:17)

As we move into this season of pause and reflection, I hope that the Source of Life and Blessing helps all of us to calm our hearts and minds.  And may the stillness we find therein allow us to open ourselves to oneness and peace.

Shana Tova

Please join us midday on Oct. 26th (exact time TBA) for the official installation of our Temple’s Rabbi, Jennie Bunde. To help us mark this occasion, we’ll have a light lunch, honored guests, and a performance of Jewish music from around the world by the band Kol Shira.

HIGH HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 5786/2025

All services are hybrid (Contact Jonah for the Zoom). If you will attend remotely and need a High Holiday prayer book, contact Faye.

Selichot Service

Saturday, September 13th, Guy West leading                                        8:00 p.m.

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

Sunday, September 14th                                                                    10:00 a.m.

Shabbat Service

Friday, September 19th, led by Maury Lyon                                          7:30 p.m.

Children’s High Holiday activity (baking, putting out machzorim, changing torah covers)

Sunday, September 21st                                                                     10:00 a.m.

Erev Rosh Hashanah

Monday, September 22nd, led by Rabbi Bunde                                     7:30 p.m.

First Day of Rosh Hashanah

Tuesday, September 23rd, led by Rabbi Bunde

Morning Service                                                                        10:00 a.m.

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

Shabbat Shuvah

Friday, September 26th, led by David Amor                                          7:30 p.m.

Kever Avot – Memorial Service at Brookside Cemetery

Sunday, September 28th, led by Jeremy Karlin                                      3:00 p.m

Kol Nidre

Wednesday, October 1st, led by Rabbi Bunde                                        7:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur

Thursday, October 2nd

Morning service                                                                         10:00 a.m.

Study Session                                                                          about 12:15 p.m.

Break                                                                                      about 1:30 p.m.

Lay-led service                                                                            2:30 p.m.

Afternoon service (Minchah)                                                    about 3:15 p.m.

Yizkor (memorial service)                                                        about 4:00 p.m.

Children’s activity                                                                   about 5:00 p.m.

Ne’ilah and Havdalah                                                                    5:30 p.m.

Motzi to break the fast                                                             about 6:00 p.m.

*Reverse tashlich: Join environmentally-conscious Jewish communities around the world to reverse the tradition of Tashlich. Remove human ‘sins’ (marine debris) from the water in a collaborative 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.

SERVICE SCHEDULE

Services are hybrid, with Zoom. Contact Jonah for the Zoom.

Leaders can find the names to read before the kaddish at 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.

COMMITTEE NEWS

The Community Connections (aka Fun) Committee:  

A new committee was created by the Temple Board earlier this year. The committee members (Rabbi Jennie Bunde, Penny Gold (co-chair), Jim Jacobs, Hannah Lyon (co-chair), Elianna Sigman, Guy West) have worked to identify goals for the committee, and to start planning activities. The two main goals of the committee are: to foster connections with the Jewish community (broadly defined), and to foster connections between the Temple community and the larger western Illinois community. The committee made a presentation at the Annual Meeting in July and asked those at the meeting to fill out a survey indicating preferences for activities. The results were very helpful to the committee for identifying events for the upcoming year. Here is a list of what has been planned or is in the works:

Mah Jong night (done May 31, 2025)

Movie night, “Crossing Delancey” (done July 21, 2025)

Blood drive in conjunction with ImpactLife (September 29-October 12)

Movie night, (TBA early November)

Book drive to benefit the Knox County Jail/Hill Correctional Center (timing TBA)

Shabbat potluck/service in a congregant’s home (early 2026)

A second blood drive, depending on the success of the first (timed to Passover 2026)

Brookside Cemetery tour (spring 2026)

We welcome comments about these activities and also welcome suggestions of other possibilities. Please send your thoughts to the two co-chairs: Hannah Lyon and Penny Gold . And if you would like to see the results of the survey done at the annual meeting, you can find it on our Google Drive.

MAZEL TOV 

Elianna Sigman is going to have two connected photography exhibitions up for the month of September. The coffee shop Sullivan Taylor Uptown in Macomb will be showing her work “Fairytale,” a collection of landscapes from California and West Central Illinois that have a whimsical and adventurous vibe. Next door, the wine bar The Wine Sellars will be showing her connected collection “Dark Fairytale,” a set of work including nighttime photography, hot air balloons, dark carnival style portraiture, and fire photography. Please come check it out and support an artist new to our community.

There are many celebrations in the Rericha family: Katarina completed her conversion.  (Welcome to the tribe!)  Also, James started Kindergarten and Tobias turned one.

UPDATING THE MI SHEBEIRACH LIST

Following the discussion at the Annual Meeting, the Ritual Committee has decided to refresh the Mi Shebeirach list each year after the High Holidays.  Members of the congregation who wish to have a name put on the list, whether someone who was listed previously or someone new, can contact the Chair of the Ritual Committee, who will compile and maintain the list to be kept at the Temple.  Names added will remain on the list for the rest of the year.  As in the past, people will still always be invited to mention a name during services.  To add a name to the list, contact David Amor, Ritual Committee Chair.

2025/5786 Festival Schedule

(Note: festival begins at sunset on these days)

Rosh Hashanah             Sept 22

Yom Kippur                 Oct 1

Sukkot                          Oct 6

Simchat Torah              Oct 13

Hanukkah                     Dec 14 (last night is Dec 21)

Web site with dates of Jewish holidays:

http://www.hebcal.com

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. 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.

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,.

 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

Jonah Rubin, President (2026)

Gabrielle Raley-Karlin, Vice-President (2026)

Nancy Eberhardt, Secretary (2027)

Maury Lyon, Treasurer (2026)

David Amor (2027)

Bob Bondi (2027)

Susan Lyon (2027)

Kevin Satisky (2027)

Shawn Greathouse (2026)

Jim Jacobs (2026)

Hannah Lyon (2026)

Faye Schulz (2026)

Guy West (2026)

Leanne Trapedo-Sims (2027)

Jovi Geraci (2027)

Jan West (honorary)

Rabbi Jennie Bunde, ex officio (2026)

Welcome to new board members Leanne Trapedo-Sims and Jovi Geraci.  Thank you!

DONATION RECORD

In memory of Jeremy Gold Amor
Penny Gold and David Amor

In support of Temple Sholom
Avram and Doreen Lyon 

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.

SUMMER 2025

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

My childhood rabbi used to lament that so many people would come to Temple only during the High Holidays. If you are going to come to Temple only once a year, he would say, you should have more fun than that! You should come for Passover or Sukkot.

So it was with great delight that I saw the Temple so packed with people – some who are there every Friday night and so who are there only once or twice a year – for our Passover seder, singing, celebrating, praying, and eating together. It drove home to me that our Temple is so much more than just a place of worship. It is a community in every sense of the word.

Over the past few months, our Temple has come to life through all kinds of activities, new and old. From our traditional weekly services, including one in Macomb, to our ongoing Sunday School; to new initiatives like Mahjong night and trivia night; and from facing difficult questions about the way we handle conflict to the care we show for each other in big and small ways, we have demonstrated together what it means to build a caring and kind Jewish community in central Illinois.

All of this serves as a reminder of how lucky we are to count on each other. It is a reminder of the many skills and competencies we bring to the table and the ways we support each other through the challenging times and the fun ones. With all these new activities, I am optimistic about the future of our community and hope you will continue to actively participate in our vibrant community.

Jonah

RABBI’S MESSAGE:

When I was thinking about what to write for the bulletin, the words of Psalm 96 came to mind: “Sing to Adonai a new song.” The wonderful part of this time of year is there is so much new all around us. New flowers, new buds on the trees, new plants growing in our gardens. Even though this is a time where we’ve traditionally had less activity at the Temple, the newness is still there. And I just want to take a moment to say how excited I am that there are so many wonderful and new things happening at the synagogue. From the formation of our new Community Connections Committee that is planning all kinds of activities, to celebrating a Shabbat in Macomb, I can feel the energy growing in our synagogue.

In March I was invited to join the Worship and Practice committee of the CCAR.  This committee’s purpose is to explore and discuss best practices for prayer and ritual. We are currently working on revising and updating the Mishkan T’Filah siddur for Friday night.  I am hoping that I can share this with you soon. The committee is also finalizing a new pamphlet for Tashlich on Rosh Hashanah. and I’m very excited to be a part of that and to share that newness with you as well. Additionally, in mid-June, I will be heading to Maine for the Center for Small Town Jewish Life conference.  I can’t wait to study there with my leadership cohort, and to bring what I learn back to you (if you’re curious, you can see a schedule of events at https://jewishlife.colby.edu/maine-conference-for-jewish-life/).

Summer, for many of us, is a time of travel and seeking out new experiences.  With that in mind, I wish you, in the words of the traveler’s prayer, “blessing in our every handiwork, and peace, kindness, and mercy in the eyes of all who see us.” I wish you all safe travels, and in your explorations may you find excitement and energy and inspiration to bring new songs back to us.

Have a wonderful summer,

Rabbi Jennie (she/her)

SERVICE SCHEDULE

Leaders can find the names to read before the kaddish at this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xMM-lmqx1dqbAQEX1m7rzEPUUGFWPlHQ/

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

In late January, members of the Temple volunteered to welcome students to Lombard Middle School.  (This is a weekly “High Five” activity at the school, with different groups greeting students each week.). It was a rainy Friday, but the smiles were bright!

We held the first (annual?) Temple Sholom trivia night.  Congratulations to Team Unreliables for their victory.  It seemed as though everyone had a great time.  We raised more than $150 for FISH Food Pantry of Galesburg!  Thank you to all who participated!

A group of us gathered at the Temple to watch the Holocaust Remembrance Day Online Concert.

We have had two Mah Jongg nights at the Temple, where we started to learn a very complicated game!

We held one of our rabbi services in Macomb on the campus of Western Illinois University.  It was a good change of scenery and less of a drive for nearby members.  We appreciate the drive that many congregants make to join us for services in Galesburg!  Thanks to Dean Alexander for reserving the space to host the service.

As part of our Purim celebration, we made Purim baskets with hamantaschen and other goodies to spread the joy of the holiday!

The Jewish United Fund published an article about our own Rabbi Bunde and her participation in the Makom program through the Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College.  We were flattered by the attention, but they didn’t get everything right; don’t worry, Jennie’s parents are still alive and well! See the article at https://www.juf.org/Mag/tmpl-article.aspx?id=455114

PRACTICING HEBREW PRAYERS

Faye is offering to help members of the congregation practice reciting the Hebrew prayers that are usually included in the Shabbat service.  You can meet in person or on Zoom.  If interested, please contact her.

MAZEL TOV

Mazel tov to Shawn Greathouse on graduation from his program in Informational Technology, May 15, 2025.

Sammy Malecha will be graduating from Arcadia Charter high school on June 6th, 2025.  Sammy is the son of Nancy (West) and Matt Malecha.  He is the grandson of Jan West.  Jan and Uncle Guy will be travelling up to Northfield, MN to celebrate with the Malecha family.  Mazel Tov!

Leanne Sims received tenure and promotion! She is now the Daniel J. Logan Associate Professor of Peace and Justice and Chair.  As a member of the European Forum of Restorative Justice’s working group on Imprisonment, she will participate in the “Restorative Justice Responses to Harm in Institutions” in San Sebastián/Donostia (Basque Country Spain) this summer. The event will explore the topic of organizational / institutional harm and the potential of restorative justice as a generative response.  She was also invited by renowned scholar and Templeton Prize recipient Dr. Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela to be affiliated with the Centre for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest at Stellenbosch University, South Africa during her sabbatical in Spring `26. She will conduct research at AVReQ and do work in the prisons.  (https://avreq.sun.ac.za/about/) Mazel tov to Leanne on her promotion and for these professional opportunities.

Jim and Hattie Jacobs report that their granddaughter, Hollan Mae Wright, received her Master’s degree and will be a school psychologist for Knox-Warren Special Education.  Mazel tov!

TODAH RABAH

Thanks to Kelly Fisk of Fisk Design Group for her talented and generous help on the design of the Donor/Honor Scroll for the Temple’s capital campaign. The framed results will soon be visible in the entry hall at the Temple.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS/NEW TO AREA

We’ve had several new members join out congregation.  Here are brief introductions.  This is a new addition to the bulletin, but I think a good one.  Welcome to them all!

Robert and Jovi Geraci have moved to Galesburg as part of the Knox faculty after spending 19 years in New York. They met during their PhD work at UC – Santa Barbara and have two children: Zion and Dorian. Zion is a college graduate, living and working in upstate NY. Dorian transferred to Knox, where he majors in Environmental Studies with minors in English Lit and Musicology. Along with her academic work, Jovi has a successful design business creating knitting patterns (Hook Mountain Handmade). Robert is less useful to the world, but he enjoys hiking, kayaking, tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, and videogames. Robert and Jovi have a dog named Poppy, who is awfully sweet to everyone, except all the people who don’t live in their house (but she’s learning to appreciate them also).

Elianna Sigman and Sam Kline have just joined the synagogue. Sam is a data engineer and analyst who has lived in the area all his life. He’s a voracious reader and lifelong learner, currently focusing his studies for fun on aerospace engineering, and working towards his dream of building and flying his own planes. He also enjoys video games, martial arts, and teaches West Coast Swing Dancing. Elianna is new to the area. She works as a personal growth and relationship coach, helping individuals achieve their personal goals and running workshops for couples. She enjoys Renaissance festivals, cooking, geocaching, and photography, and is an enthusiastic volunteer and volunteer organizer (and already on a synagogue committee.) Together, Sam and Elianna run a bi-monthly boardgame night in Macomb, go hiking, and spend too much time spoiling their 12-year-old cat. They are excited to be a part of this community and look forward to meeting everyone.

Another new attendee to our services is Charles Cunningham, a Presbyterian pastor, whose orientation would be described as progressive. Various life experiences have brought him to this place in time. In 1970, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania (not Penn State). He taught school in south Philly for a year and then off to Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He left early and entered the field of landscape managing. He ended up at Knox College in 1979, tending to all things green and white. He coached football as an assistant coach with Harley, Tim, Joe and John. In 1986, he went off for another adventure­­—swine management—and became a hog man for his brother-in-law. Finally, he went back to seminary in Chicago at McCormick Theological Seminary, finishing up in 1990. He has been an ordained minister since then and is currently preaching twice a week in Pekin IL. Impressionist painters are his joy and delight.

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 the Hesed Committee chair Gabe or Rabbi Jennie. You can also edit the list directly on our Google Drive. 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

July 13, 2025 at 4pm

(at the Temple)

Zack Bunde’s Bar Mitzvah

Saturday, October 18 at 10 a.m.

NEWS AND LINKS OF INTEREST

Knox College published this lovely profile of Mike Lawrence, son of Temple Sholom founders Mark and Gladys Lawrence:  https://www.knox.edu/profiles/mike-lawrence-64

Our own Hannah Lyon was interviewed by radio station WGIL about getting a grant to upgrade equipment at Cornucopia: https://www.wgil.com/episode/cornucopia-galesburgs-grocery-treasure-gets-a-boost/

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. Please make sure the gate is closed after you exit, with the padlock re-locked. For the lock combination or any additional 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, Jonah Rubin.

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

For improvements to the kitchen

Jan West and Guy West

To support students attending the annual seder

Bob Bondi

Mary Howell

Jan West

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, 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 contributes 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 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

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 4^th, 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.  

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

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 4^th 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

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 80^th 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/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 

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 15^th.

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 22^nd.  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.