Temple Bulletin

Fall 2023
Temple Sholom

On behalf of the entire Temple Sholom community past, present and future, I would like to thank and honor those who have served on the Capital Campaign Committee. You have succeeded in “Securing the Legacy” and  “Shaping the Future” for our congregation.

********************************************

Penny Gold and Bob Bondi (co-chairs)

David Amor        Maury Lyon

Kevin Satisky          Terry Schubach

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

Warmest wishes for a wonderful new year in 5784.

As president, I’ve worked with our board and our dedicated committees to make our congregation a safe, spiritual and learning community. As I have grown older, I have realized that I need to spend more time on my physical and emotional well-being. Similarly, our congregation has spent more time on our security plan (see pages 4-5) and our building care (we have a new roof!).

We continue to have a vibrant Sunday School program, inspiring Shabbat services and a community that supports each other in times of joy and sorrow.

Thanks to each of you for your dedication to Temple Sholom.

L’Shana Tova,

Faye

RABBI’S MESSAGE:

The Talmud, in its tractate on Yom Kippur, we are told, “for transgressions between a person and G-d, Yom Kippur atones; however, for transgressions between a person and another, Yom Kippur does not atone until he appeases the other person.”

I’ve been thinking a lot about the sentiment.  It stresses the importance of relationships – how essential they are to us all.  On Yom Kippur we endeavor to strengthen our relationship with the Divine, however we perceive Him/Her/Them.  But we need to act to heal the relationships with those around us.

I think there’s a flip side to this.  For me, relationships aren’t just about saying you’re sorry when you’ve done wrong, but also about recognizing the good in others.

Temple Sholom exists because of the amazing commitment our community has made to the building itself and the people that call Temple Sholom home.  I am so thankful for each and every one of you who are reading this message.  You are what makes Temple Sholom so special. The synagogue runs on countless volunteer hours and everyone pitching in to do their share of the work. Part of my teshuvah this year is to do a better job thanking each of you personally for all that you do.

Also, I know I’ve made my fair share of transgressions this year – I’m doing my best to make amends for those as best I can too.

Wishing you all a sweet, happy, and healthy new year.  Ketivah vachatimah tovah, may you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.

B’shalom,

Jennie (she/her/hers)

ETHICS CODE

In July, the Temple Sholom board adopted a code of ethics as a statement of our collective values and our expectations for the behavior of community members.  The Ethics code development was encouraged by the URJ.  They provided a framework and the committee of our congregation, Faye, Jonah & Nancy, edited it to fit with our congregation’s size and needs.  Here is part of the statement from the URJ that began this process.  “The URJ has an abiding commitment to maintaining all of our sacred spaces as safe and equitable. We’re encouraging every URJ congregation to use the resources we’ve designed to create and adopt a congregational ethics code.” Please refer to the entire document at the end of this bulletin (starting on page 9).

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 Penny, 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.

HIGH HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 5784/2023

Rabbi Jennifer Bunde

Keyboard: David Amor • Vocal Soloist: Lucas Wood

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

Selichot Service

Saturday, September 9, led by Guy West                                         8:30 p.m.

Erev Rosh Hashanah

Friday, September 15th                                                                        7:30 p.m.

First Day of Rosh Hashanah

Saturday, September 16th

Morning Service                                                                        10:00 a.m.

Tashlich at Picnic Point                                                            1:30 p.m.

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

Sunday, September 17                                                                       11:00 a.m.

Kever Avot – Memorial Service at Brookside Cemetery

Sunday, September 17                                                                         3:00 p.m

Shabbat Shuvah

Friday, September 22nd                                                                       7:30 p.m.

Kol Nidre

Sunday, September 24th                                                                       7:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur

Monday, September 25th

Morning service                                                                         10:00 a.m.

Study Session                                                                          about 12:15

Break                                                                                      about 1:15-2:30

Lay-led service                                                                            2:30

Afternoon service (Minchah)                                                        3:00

Yizkor (memorial service)                                                            4:00

Children’s play                                                                            5:00

Ne’ilah and Havdalah                                                      following children’s play

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.

SERVICE SCHEDULE

Services are hybrid, with Zoom access. 

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

SECURITY FOR TEMPLE SHOLOM

If you have any questions, please contact Faye or Maury.

MAZEL TOV

Cathy Walters shares that her daughter Theresa has successfully defended her PhD, and has been hired by the University of Southern California as an Assistant Director for First-year Advising. We’re very excited for her and her family.

TODAH RABAH

Thank you to Yana Fayman for cleaning the silver at the Temple for the High Holidays.

Thank you to the people who have so generously agreed to be point-persons for a number of holidays. Their willingness to take on this responsibility provided needed relief for the ritual chair, and will infuse our ritual observance with new perspectives and ideas!

Leil Selichot: Guy West

Rosh Hashanah: Maury Lyon

Yom Kippur: Penny Gold

Sukkot: David Bunde

Simchat Torah: Rabbi Bunde

Hanukkah: Shawn Greathouse

Tu B’Shevat: Susan Lyon

Purim: Jonah Rubin & Michal Ran-Rubin

Passover: Faye Schulz

Shabbat: David Bunde

2023/5784 Festival Schedule

(Note: festival begins at sunset on these days)

Rosh Hashanah                         Sept 15

Yom Kippur                             Sept 24

Sukkot                                      Sept 29

Simchat Torah                          Oct 7

Hanukkah                                 Dec 7 – Dec 15

(last night is Dec 14)

Web site with dates of Jewish holidays:

http://www.hebcal.com/

ONLINE URJ CLASS ON “PURSUING JUSTICE”

The Union for Reform Judaism is offering an online, two-session class on “Pursuing Justice” later this fall. The sessions will cover Jewish teachings about justice as well as the Reform Movement’s tradition of social activism.  The class will be held on the evenings of October 25

and November 1.  See this link for more information:https://reformjudaism.org/learning/judaism-classes/other-adult-jewish-learning-class/pursuing-justice-union-reform-judaism-0

(Don’t worry about the listed cost–when one person in the congregation signs up, others can participate for no fee.) If you’re interested in participating in the course, contact Penny for information on how the group sign-up will work (pgold@knox.edu).

NEW BOOKS IN THE TEMPLE LIBRARY

Here’s a list of some new books in the Temple library. Links are included for those seeking more information.  If you’d like to check out one or more books, please make a note of it on the small yellow-lined pad that has been left on the table in the library.

The Mussar Torah Commentary: A Spiritual Path to Living a Meaningful and Ethical Life, edited by Rabbi Barry H. Block. This book is a collection of essays, one on each Torah portion, exploring the portion in light of one of a particular virtue, such as trust, humility, mercy, simplicity, anger, forgiveness. (The Mussar movement focused on a virtue-based ethics, rather than a rule-based ethics.)  https://www.ccarpress.org/shopping_product_detail.asp?pid=50475

Prophetic Voices: Renewing and Reimagining Haftarah, ed. Rabbi Barbara AB Symons (CCAR Press, 2023). Includes contemporary commentary on haftarot, and also suggests alternative readings from Jewish texts, biblical to contemporary. https://www.ccarpress.org/shopping_product_detail.asp?pid=50553

Stories We Pray: Insights into the Inner-Work of Jewish Worship by Joel Lurie Grishaver  (Torah Aura Productions, 2012). After a short introduction summarizing a given prayer, one or more stories (some ancient some contemporary) are told that illuminate a core meaning of the prayer. There is a chapter on almost every prayer in the siddur.  https://torahaura.com/stories-we-pray

Songs Ascending: The Book of Psalms in a New Translation with Textual and Spiritual Commentary, 2 vols. by Rabbi Richard N. Levy (CCAR Press, 2017). Contemporary, readable translations of the psalms, accompanied by textual notes as well as a short essay on “Spiritual Applications.” The Hebrew text of each psalm also provided. https://www.ccarpress.org/shopping_product_detail.asp?pid=50342

Reform Responsa for the Twenty-First Century: Sh’eilot Ut’shuvot, 2 vols., ed. Rabbi Mark Washofsky (CCAR Press, 2010). Sample topics: A “Proper” Reform Mikveh; Tattooing, B’rachah and Gender, Body Piercing, and Jewish Tradition; A Convert’s Hebrew Name; Presumption of Jewish Identity; A Sex Offender in the Synagogue; Boycotts in the Name of Social Justice; Inheritance: How Much to Leave to a Child?  https://www.ccarpress.org/shopping_product_detail.asp?pid=50224

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.

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, July 23, 2023.

Faye Schulz, President (2024)

Jonah Rubin, Vice President (2024)

Nancy Eberhardt, Secretary (2024)

Maury Lyon, Treasurer (2024)

David Amor (2025)

Bob Bondi (2025)

Jeremy Karlin (2025)

Susan Lyon (2025)

Gabe Raley-Karlin (2025)

Kevin Satisky (2025)

Guy West (2022-2024)

Carol Grodjesk, Honorary Board Member

Jan West, Honorary Board Member

Jennie Bunde, Rabbi, ex officio (2025)

DONATION RECORD

In honor of the ordination of Rabbi Jennifer Bunde

Janice and Dennis Gazer

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.

please bookmark these links

Temple Sholom website: https://templesholomgalesburg.org/

Temple Sholom Google drive:

Many documents related to the Temple are uploaded here, for example: board minutes, Guidelines for B’nai Mitzvah, historical documents, etc. 

TEMPLE SHOLOM ETHICS CODE (adopted July 9, 2023)

Part 1: Introduction

Temple Sholom is a strong, self-reliant Jewish congregation in Galesburg, Illinois, welcoming all who identify as Jewish and their families in an inclusive and accepting community. We are proud of our centuries-old Jewish presence in Galesburg and dedicated to continuing a positive, engaged Jewish presence in the larger community.  We are affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and committed to the intellectual openness, dedication to social justice, and respect for individual difference central to the Reform tradition.  We are committed to maintaining regular worship services, active Jewish learning, and passing on Jewish identity and values to our children. Our purpose is to nurture meaningful Jewish lives in keeping with the religious practices and ideals of Reform Judaism.

Together with our Statement of Values and Priorities (adopted March 7, 2018), this code of ethics sets forth the principles and expectations for adherence to standards of conduct for our clergy, congregants, staff, visitors, and guests, whether participating in a Temple Sholom activity that is in the building, online, or offsite.

Part 2: Code of Ethics

Exemplify Holiness (K’DUSHAH)

Temple Sholom welcomes all who wish to engage with our sacred community.

• We embrace everyone without regard to religious background, age, ability, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or socioeconomic status.
• We strive to make all who participate in our community feel a sense of belonging with the expectation that their ideas and concerns can be openly stated and responded to with respect.

Honesty (YOSHER)

Temple Sholom expects all who engage in our community to conduct themselves in an honest manner.

• We promote open and honest communication that allows for addressing differences constructively.
• We protect the confidentiality of privileged information, either about an individual or the synagogue, and do not disclose it without permission. For example, this includes personnel information such as employment status, compensation, and performance review, as well as personal information about an individual’s health, financial status, or family matters.
• We respect the efforts of others and do not take credit for their work.
• We recognize, respect, and protect the intellectual property rights of our synagogue and others. We obey copyright laws governing the use and distribution of published materials.

Honor (KAVOD)

Temple Sholom values acting with integrity.

• We act solely according to the synagogue’s best interest and that reflects our core values when acting on its behalf.
•  We refrain from using one’s synagogue position for personal advantage or benefit. For example, we refrain from hiring or firing, rewarding or punishing staff, members, or volunteers, and awarding or denying contracts based solely on personal considerations.
• We conduct financial matters related to synagogue involvement with complete honesty.
• We are bound by sacred obligation to uphold financial agreements made with the synagogue. If a change in personal circumstances occurs, we will inform those charged with managing synagogue finances and make appropriate arrangements.
• We conduct employment practices and related decision-making in an ethical and legal manner. We establish and enforce the appropriate policies and procedures to protect the employees of the congregation, such as fair employment policies, grievance reporting, and conflict resolution procedures.
• We foster an environment and policies that promote respect for every individual in our congregation and our community regardless of: ancestry, age, disability (mental, physical or emotional), genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, financial means, or political affiliation.

Compassion (RACHAMIM)

Temple Sholom embraces the fundamental value of performing acts of lovingkindness (g’milut chasadim).

• We treat others with respect, dignity, fairness, and compassion.
• We refrain from derogatory speech and slander, whether in person or on social media.
• We oppose bullying, including any unwanted behavior that degrades, humiliates, or oppresses another. Verbal, physical, or written bullying, whether in person or online, is never acceptable.
• We do not tolerate sexual harassment, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, physical, written, or visual conduct of a sexual nature.
• We do not tolerate acts or behaviors that exploit the vulnerability of another, take advantage of a power imbalance, compromise one’s moral integrity, or create an intimidating, offensive, abusive, or hostile environment.
• We strive to protect those who appear to be the victims of abuse or neglect, including spousal abuse, child abuse, verbal abuse, physical abuse, and other types of domestic violence.

Justice (TZEDEK):

Temple Sholom believes everyone entering our sacred space has the right to feel safe and respected, and that we are morally and ethically responsible for one another. Our methods for doing so will be detailed in the “allegations of unethical procedure” section below.

Part 3: Short version addressing allegations of unethical behavior

Temple Sholom Ethics Code will be made available to all congregants, staff, and clergy. The Code will also be published on the Temple Sholom website. The Code, and Addressing Allegations of Unethical Behavior document, will be updated as appropriate. Examples contained in the Code are not all-inclusive.

THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES DELINEATE HOW ALLEGATIONS OF UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR BASED ON THE TEMPLE SHOLOM ETHICS CODE WILL BE ADDRESSED.

• The synagogue president will also serve as the chair of the ad hoc Ethics Committee for receiving and addressing allegations of unethical behavior. The president will also select a minimum of two additional committee members drawn from members of the congregation based on the following qualities: integrity, leadership, independence, and ability to handle challenging situations. The synagogue president, if unable to serve, shall appoint a member of the Executive Committee to serve in that capacity. Members of the Ethics Committee must recuse themselves if an allegation pertains to them in any way.
• An allegation of unethical behavior, oral or in writing, should be directed to the synagogue president or rabbi. In order to initiate an Ethics Committee process, the person who received the allegation will share the information with the president. If the complaint is received verbally, the rabbi or president will be responsible for writing up a summary of the complaint as a precursor to constituting the Ethics Committee. If the allegation pertains to the president or rabbi, that person must recuse themselves.
• If an allegation of unethical behavior pertains to a member of a professional organization with its own code of ethics such as the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), American Conference of Cantors (ACC), Association of Reform Jewish Educators (ARJE), National Association for Temple Administration (NATA), or Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), the Ethics Committee will determine whether to handle the allegation or refer it to the appropriate organization.
• Where an allegation raises the possibility of imminent and substantial harm to the person(s) of concern, legal obligations will take precedence and supersede any procedures otherwise delineated by this Code. The synagogue president or rabbi may take such action as deemed appropriate.
• The Ethics Committee will decide on a process that includes information gathering, deliberation, and resolution based on the particularities of each allegation that is received. All efforts will be made to resolve matters as promptly as possible.
• Everyone involved in an Ethics Committee process is expected to comply with all Ethics Committee requests to assist in information gathering. All steps, from an initial allegation of unethical conduct to ultimate resolution, will be documented in writing by the Ethics Committee.
• Confidentiality will be maintained throughout any Ethics Committee process to the extent practicable and consistent with thorough assessment and restoration of the matter.
• All attempts will be made to protect those who make an allegation of unethical behavior from retaliation.
• Ethics Committee processes will balance the Jewish principles of judgment (din) and compassion (rachamim). All allegations will be responded to with sensitivity and compassion. Judgment will be withheld pending completion of a full evaluation. During information gathering and/or consideration of a resolution for an ethics violation, the committee shall bear in mind that, as a sacred community, healing and reconciliation are important goals to achieve.

Summer 2023
Temple Sholom
Monroe & North Streets
P.O. Box 501
Galesburg, IL 60402-0501

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

Dear Friends of Temple Sholom,

I hope this newsletter finds you in good health and high spirits as we start the summer. As the summer approaches, I know that some of you have a bit more time to explore your spiritual goals.  Others are as busy as always.  Please take some time for yourselves as you read, walk, attend Shabbat services or have a cup of tea. I’m always willing to share some time with you – let me know if you’d like to meet or talk on the phone.

I was thrilled to “attend” the ordination of Jennie Bunde.  She is now a rabbi.  I look forward to her continued support of our congregation’s needs and her inspiration to help us all.  Jennie has always brought us thought-provoking ideas, meaningful reflections and stories to connect Judaism to our everyday lives.

The security committee has made some progress.  The plantings in front of the building look great.  I’ve heard many compliments.  The windows have been covered with a protective film (from the inside) to protect us when we are in the building.  (Please remember that you should never put tape on the windows and only wash the windows with soap & water).

While it may seem early to mention, it’s never too soon to start preparing for the High Holidays. The High Holidays are a profound and sacred time for our community, and we encourage you to take the time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. As the summer unfolds, we will be sharing information about our High Holiday services, and honors and volunteer opportunities, ensuring that we come together to welcome the New Year with warmth and unity.

Remember, Temple Sholom is more than just a building. It is a vibrant and inclusive community where we celebrate our shared heritage and support one another through life’s journey. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and sharing meaningful moments together.

Please note that most of this newsletter was written by me.  However, in light of the new technology available, my ideas were supplemented by ChatGPT.

With my good wishes for a peaceful summer,

Faye

RABBI’S MESSAGE: 

After ordination, my family and I took a trip to Disneyland. And while we were at Disneyland, we met Mickey Mouse.

Now there’s two ways to think about this: We either met a (presumably very warm) human who was dressed in a costume owned by a multinational corporation, OR we met a real-life, six-foot-tall mouse.

If you choose to meet a mouse (and not the embodiment of capitalism), something pretty amazing happens: you let the magic in. And when you let the magic in, all sorts of wonderful things can happen. Disneyland is filled with people who believe in the magic. Not just employees or cast members, but everyday visitors too. Because of this, it felt like everyone was just a little bit kinder, a little bit nicer, and a little bit friendlier.  Other visitors would stop us in the street to tell us a compliment or share a joke, and we would do the same.

In a way, it reminds me of the prayer from Mishkan T’filah: Prayer cannot bring water to parched land, nor mend a broken bridge, nor rebuild a ruined city, but prayer can water an arid soul, mend a broken heart, and rebuild a weakened will.

There is no one way to experience G-d. But allowing ourselves to live in a world that includes

G-d creates space in our everyday existence for the Source of Blessing.  So too, if we allow ourselves to exist in a world where prayer works, we allow ourselves the opportunity to connect to the Divine.

David and I were given a framed quote about marriage written by Dr J Allan Peterson at our wedding’s rehearsal dinner. One of the lines in it says, “There is no love in marriage. Love is in people. And people put love in marriage.” There is no inherent holiness in Temple Sholom. It’s the wonderful people that infuse the building and the spirit of our congregation with holiness. Ours is a truly sacred space, and as your newly minted rabbi, I can’t wait to watch the magic unfold. Have a wonderful summer.

Rabbi Jennie (she/her)

SERVICE SCHEDULE

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, too, as he sends out the weekly reminders.

RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Temple Sholom is creating a new Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund to which congregants and other friends may make donations.  The Fund will be drawn on by the Rabbi to provide tzedakah to those in need, to occasionally supplement normal Temple activities (for example, the cost for a special guest speaker), and to buy books and other materials for the Temple that will help the Rabbi in her work. Also, the Temple will contribute $500 per year to the Discretionary Fund that the Rabbi can use for direct work-related expenses and $1,000 per year to be used for professional development expenses and attending professional conventions. The Rabbi will report annually to the Board on the uses of the Fund, keeping all tzedakah disbursements confidential.  Checks should be made out to Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund and may be mailed to Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402.

MAZEL TOV

• To Shawn Greathouse and Tiffany Russell on the occasion of their marriage, May 27, 2023.
• To Faye Schulz, who was awarded the Guy Vitale Award for service to the community at the United Way Awards Dinner in February.

TODAH RABAH

Todah rabah to Carol Grodjesk, who donated to the religious school a tzedakah box that she and Ken had filled with coins. The children much enjoyed counting the coins and deciding which local charities would receive the funds. Three groups tied for first place: FISH, Knox County Humane Society, and Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank.

TRANSITIONS

Stephen Sotavento wants to announce: My divorce is final. I have moved to Germantown Hills. Soon I will be having a housewarming party.

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 Penny, 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 Sholom annual meeting will be on July 23, 2023 at 4pm at the temple.  Congregants can also attend via Zoom (same link as for services).  Snacks will be provided for those attending in person.

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

From the Monmouth chapter of the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity

In memory of Ken Grodjesk

Carol Grodjesk

In memory of Mitchell, Rose and Dan Rudman, Doris Rudman and Anne Levy

Margie Cooper

Donations for the seder and to help students (and others) with the cost

Bob Bondi
Jan West
Margie Cooper

In memory of Alexander Faynov

The Fayman family

In memory of Steve Satisky

Co-workers of Kevin Satisky

 In memory of Michael Fayman

The Fayman family

In memory of Joyce Carlson

Barbara Reuter

In honor of the ordination of Rabbi Jennifer Bunde

Richard and Beth Wise

Penny Gold and David Amor

Jan West, Guy West, and Bob Bondi

Faye and Chuck Schulz

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.

• Message from President Faye Schulz
• Message from Rabbi Jennie Bunde
• Shabbat Services Schedule
• Mazel Tov and Todah Raba
• Mailbag, News, and Announcements
• Donations

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

We have accomplished a great deal in 2022.  I’d like to report on some projects and policies that have benefitted our congregation.

For our High Holiday and Friday night services, we have been able to Zoom and have services in person.  The technology has not failed us, although it has required a little boo$t to make it work more smoothly.  Thanks to all who have gotten the cameras, microphones, and computers to work.

The Campaign Committee has done a fantastic job of contacting our community from near and far.  We have surpassed our initial goals and have assured the continuity of Temple Sholom and the Brookside Cemetery.  Thank you for all your organization and dedication.

The Landscaping Committee arranged for the removal of our 70+ year old bushes and the planting of a variety of hardy, low-maintenance and beautiful plants.  I am looking forward to what the future brings.  Thanks to the planners, waterers, and mulch movers for keep the costs of this project under control.

Our religious school has prospered.  We have wonderful students, dedicated teachers, enthusiastic musicians, delicious snacks, and great activities to keep everyone involved.  Thanks to all who are active in making Sunday mornings vibrant.

For the future, we have several challenges.

We must continue to strive to meet the religious, spiritual, and emotional needs of members and friends in the area.  Throughout the pandemic, it has been difficult to stay connected.  I was thrilled that so many were able to attend the Seder, High Holiday Services, Doug’s Bar Mitzvah, and my Commemorative Bat Mitzvah.  We can inspire each other and support each other.

The Security Committee is exploring options in order to make our facility safer. We have some security by checking persons wishing to enter our building.  We have involved the Galesburg Police Department in understanding our concerns.  We are looking into cameras, window film, door locks, signs, and monitoring.  We have had two groups of experts give us recommendations.  We will be applying for a grant to help defray some of the costs.

We will continually work to make healthy and reasonable policies to face the uncertainties of the pandemic.

We have prayed together to hope for a world that will no longer have to face threats of disease, hatred, and violence.

May it be so in 2023,

Faye

RABBI’S MESSAGE:

I am writing this message on one of the first sunny and warm (at least warm-for-December-in-Central-Illinois) days we’ve had in a while. For a moment, I could forget that Winter has only just begun.  That said, I found my thoughts wandering to the part of the Amidah where we pray for “the wind to shift and the rain to fall.”  Ours is a religion of time, so deeply following the seasons that our calendar follows a 19 YEAR CYCLE so that our holidays are in step with mother nature.

But in the Talmud, the rabbis have a discussion asking why we start asking for “the rain to fall” at the beginning of the holiday of Sukkot, when rain at that moment would prohibit us from being able to fulfill the mitzvah of dwelling in the sukkah.  Rabbi Eliezer has an interesting response.  He says that by including this line, we are not asking for rain, but instead merely mentioning G-d’s ability to make the wind blow and rain fall, in its due time.

And so I would like to mention that winter can feel like a dark and bleak time.  The sun refuses to show her face for days at a time.  It’s cold.  You have to shovel snow.  But I’d also like to mention it’s a time for warm soups, hot chocolate, and board games.  A time to rest and reflect.  A time of growth as we wait for things to start growing once again.  And a time to look forward to our next holidays: Tu B’Shevat, the new year for trees, and Passover, which happens right at the beginning of Spring.

My wish is for you to be warm, healthy, and to always be open to seeing and mentioning the beautiful world around you.

בְּאַהֲבָה (with love),

Jennie (she/her)

SHABBAT SERVICES

Winter/Spring 2023

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, too, as he sends out the weekly reminders.

MAZEL TOV

To Jim Jacobs on the upcoming release of his second Young Adult novel this coming year. A date hasn’t been set for release, but it will likely be late spring or early summer 2023. The title is Growing Season. It’s a sequel to his first novel, No Ordinary Season.

To Leanne Trapedo Sims on the forthcoming publication of her book “Reckoning with Restorative Justice: Hawai’i Women’s Prison Writing” (https://www.dukeupress.edu/reckoning-with-restorative-justice).  She will also be co-teaching a course in Guadalajara, Mexico–at ITESO University– in the summer with a local feminist scholar: Gender-Based Violence Across Borders; as well as presenting on a panel with local feminist and Indigenous activists.

To David Bunde on his conversion to Judaism.

TODAH RABAH

To the awesome mulch party participants who used their arms, backs, legs, and enthusiasm to get the job done: Judy Thorn, Sam Satisky, Kevin Satisky, Faye Schulz, Hannah Lyon, Maury Lyon, John Lane, Penny Gold, Steve Cohn, David Bunde, Doug Bunde, Zack Bunde, JJ Bunde, and Darrell Bunde.

To the members of the Capital Campaign committee for their stellar work on our successful campaign: Penny Gold and Bob Bondi (co-chairs), David Amor, Maury Lyon, Kevin Satisky, and Terry Schubach.

To the members of the Landscaping group, who oversaw the design and planting of our landscaping: Hannah Lyon (chair), Penny Gold, Faye Schulz, Judy Thorn. Thanks also to these and to the additional people who took care of the watering of the plants this fall: David Amor, David Bunde, Steve Cohn, and Maury Lyon (who also set up the watering system with Hannah).

TEMPLE MAILBAG

Here are excerpts from a couple of letters the Temple received.  Faye has the originals if you want to look at the full messages.

From FISH for our High Holiday donations: “Thank you for your most generous cash and non-perishable food donation to FISH of Galesburg!  We are so very grateful for this gift, which will help provide food assistance to many in our area who struggle to feed their families.”

From Mrs. Jeffrey Louis Myers, accompanying a donation in honor of David Litvin: “David and I were GHS Class of 1967 classmates.  I think he and I first met when we were students at GHS. My husband and I visited David when he was in the nursing home in Galesburg. He remembered me from our high school years as well as from the later years when our son, Jasen Louis Clay Myers, was a student at GHS.  While David was in the nursing home, I sent him a few notes & cards.  I wish I would have been able to do more.  He was a good man and a dear friend.  He was always in my prayers.  He will be missed.”  (The envelope was decorated with inspirational quotes.)

2023/5783 Festival Schedule

(Note: festival begins the previous sunset)

• Tu B’Shvat: Feb 6
• Pesach: Apr 6-13
• Shavuot: May 26
• Purim: Mar 7 

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.

DONATION RECORD

In memory of Eugene Endicott

            Carol Grodjesk

In honor of the birth of Raphael Micah Rubin

          Nancy Eberhardt and Steve Cohn

Carol Grodjesk

          Penny Gold and David Amor

In thanks for Jennie Bunde for performing the bris for Raphael

            Jonah Rubin and Michal Ran Rubin

In memory of Khaya Taymanova

The Fayman family

In memory of Yeva Faynova

The Fayman Family

In memory of David Litvin

            Karl Johnson

Patrick and Teresa Burns

            Marjorie Tippey (nee Sults)

Barbara and Robert Weaver

Mrs. Jeffrey Louis Myers

In honor of Maury Lyon’s 70th birthday

            Sarene Rosen (Aunt Sarene)

In memory of Monica Berlin

Susan and Maury Lyon

In honor of Raphael Rubin

Susan and Maury Lyon

In honor of Doug Bunde’s bar mitvah

Susan and Maury Lyon

A general donation

Janis A. Zilinskas-Arciniegas

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.

FINAL REPORT ON THE TEMPLE SHOLOM/BROOKSIDE CEMETERY CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

We are delighted to report that our capital campaign brought in pledges totaling $314,801, which is 25% above our original goal of $250,000. Through the collaboration of the Temple and Brookside Cemetery, and the generosity of our donors, we have established the financial basis for accomplishing our campaign goals:

• to secure the legacy of previous generations by increasing endowments for the Temple Sholom Building Fund and resources for Brookside cemetery so that these essential physical foundations of our Jewish community will be maintained long into the future;
• to shape the future of the community by increasing the Temple’s general endowment fund, enabling us to think more freely about activities that will enhance the experience of people within the congregation as well as enhance the relationship of the Temple to the larger local community.

Many thanks to all who contributed to the campaign!  Our donors include not only current members of the Temple community, but people involved as far back as the 1940s and from  every decade in between–people involved as members, children, rabbis, and Knox students, as well as friends of the community (both individuals and businesses). Your gifts have contributed not only to the financial well-being of Temple Sholom and Brookside Cemetery, but to the spirit and confidence of the Jewish community of Galesburg.

You will find a list of donors and honorees at the end of the bulletin.

 Penny Gold & Bob Bondi, co-chairs of the Campaign Committee 

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.

DONOR SCROLL

Temple Sholom/Brookside Cemetery Capital Campaign, 2021-2022

• Anonymous
• Dick and Mary Lu Aft
• Dean Alexander
• David Amor & Penny Gold
• Teresa Amott & Ray Miller
• Jackie Bailleu
• Anthony Barash
• Scott Barash
• Diana Beck
• Jerry & Pam Belfor
• Kenneth Berkowitz
• Jodie Zeldes Bernstein
• Rabbi William Blank
• Aaron Bondi
• Robert Bondi
• Lawrence & Sandy Breitborde
• Timothy & Rochelle Sinn Brennan
• The Bunde Family
• Maury Cohn
• Steve Cohn & Nancy Eberhardt
• Marjorie Rudman Cooper & Steven Cooper
• Rabbi Reni Dickman & Aaron Nessel
• Dowers Roofing
• Gary Ellenberg
• Sam & Yana Fayman
• Rabbi Dena Feingold
• Mr. & Mrs. Michel Feldman
• Brenda & Stephen Fineberg
• Bruce & Denise Foote
• Tom Frankel
• Susan Glazer & Rabbi Marc J. Belgrad
• Elissa & Jonathan GoldbergBelle
• Brian & Susan Lawrence Goldstein
• Lea Greenberg
• Carol Grodjesk
• Charles & Charlotte Gruner
• Sandy Guttman
• Rabbi Rosette Haim
• David & Maxie Hecht
• Rabbi Jason & Jodi Holtz
• Hattie & Jim Jacobs
• Erica Jaffe
• Kent & Theresa Jaffe
• Jeremy Karlin & Gabrielle Raley-Karlin
• Debra & Marc Katchen
• Edward & Karen Koijane
• Jerald A. & Julie A. Krueger
• Mike and Marianne Lawrence
• David Litvin
• Ronald & Lori Litvin
• Rabbi Daveen Litwin
• Avram Lyon
• Ezra & Stephanie Lyon
• Gabriel & Alex Lyon
• Hannah Lyon
• Maury & Susan Lyon
• Glenn Mandel
• David & Nancy Meyer
• Mary & Neal Meyerson
• Kate & Mark Michelson
• Kirk Michelson & Karen Antone
• Midwest Bank
• Neil Thomas Plumbing and Heating
• Frederick Ortner
• John Planer
• James & Suellen Purlee
• Michal Ran-Rubin & Jonah Rubin
• Seamus & Maeve Reilly
• Steven Rock & Denise Elston
• Kevin Satisky & Judy Thorn
• Rachel Meyer Sauer and family
• Betty Schermer
• Connie Schimmel Shapiro
• Judy Schimmel Weil
• Mary Schimmel Bernstein
• Rabbi Ora Schnitzer
• Terry Schubach & Larry Gelb
• Charles & Faye Schulz
• Clifford & Nancy Scott-Rudnick
• Judy Sidell
• Leanne Trapedo Sims
• Dr. & Mrs. Douglas Sinn
• Barry E. Stein
• Anne & Roger Taylor
• Rabbi Gerry Walter
• Cathy Walters
• The Dusti & Julie (Rudman) Watson Family
• Marilyn Webb & John Sheedy
• Cynthia Weintraub
• Guy West
• Jan West
• James Whitehill & Jane Rodda
• Douglas Wilson
• Christine Winick
• Michael L. & Sheryl B. Wintory
• Marc Wollman
• Janis Zilinskas

HONOR SCROLL

Gifts have been made in memory or in honor of the following people

• The families who founded Temple Sholom
• The religious school teachers
• David Amor
• Jeremy Gold Amor
• Barry Barash
• Burrel Barash
• Dora Barash
• Max Barash
• Rosalyne Barash
• Aaron Berkowitz
• Honora Berkowitz
• Lee Berkowitz
• Maurice Berkowitz
• The Bondi family
• Janet Caparelli
• Joyce Carlson
• The Dorfman family
• Michael Fayman
• Alexander Faynov
• Yeva Faynova
• Dave Feldman
• Jack Feldman
• Norma Feldman
• Penny Gold
• Kenneth B. Grodjesk
• Dr. David Haim
• Fani Haim
• Esther Halpert
• Ethel Hecht
• Joseph Hecht
• Irwin Jaffe
• Sylvia Jaffe
• Tillie Kalen
• The Krueger family
• Gladys Lawrence
• Mark Lawrence
• Annie Levy
• Ben Litvin
• Dena Litvin
• Betty Lyon
• Phil Lyon
• The Louis Meyer Family
• Fanny Meyer
• Louis Meyer
• Oren Meyer
• Roy Meyer
• Lester Michell
• Pauline Michell
• Lillian Michelson
• Werner Michelson
• Helen Planer
• Joseph Planer
• Uri Ran
• Gary Rubin
• The Mitchell Rudman Family
• Dan Rudman
• Mitchell Rudman
• Rose Rudman
• Sue Rudman
• Arkadi Safrut
• Sofia Safrut
• The Schimmel family
• Fred Schubach
• Louise Schubach
• The Sidell family
• Farrol Hyman Sims, M.D.
• Milton Sinn
• Molly Sinn
• Mary M. Stein
• Khaya Taymanova
• The West family
• Allie Whitehill
• Andrew Whitehill
• Shyla Slobodkin Wollman
• Louis Zeldes
• Sophie Zeldes

FALL, 2022
Contents:

• Message from President Faye Schulz
• Message from Jennie Bunde
• High Holiday Schedule 5783 / 2022
• Shabbat Services Schedule 
• News and Events
• Mazel Tov, Toda Raba, Mi Shebeirach, and Farewells
• Save the Date
• 2022 / 5783 Festival Schedule
• Updates, Donation Info, and Links

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

A few years ago when I was flying somewhere on vacation, a family with young children got on the plane. The children were both wearing masks and I wondered, “What horrible disease do they have?” Would I wonder that today? Of course not. Wearing masks to prevent the spread of infection has become normalized. So many things have changed.

When our synagogue was built in the 1950s, we didn’t worry about strangers entering the building with a mission to murder. Now, we have to be prepared. We have made several changes that you may have noticed. The parking lot door has a key pad. In addition to unlocking the door, you need to know the code to get in the door. After you are inside, the door automatically locks behind you. We are planning to add a camera, so that we can know who wishes to enter.

We now have two “safe” rooms within the building. The storage room to the right of the stage and the rabbi’s study. Each has a strong door and a lock that you can slide.

We have taken out the bushes all around the Temple so that no one can hide in the shrubs. We and will put in more modern plantings. Changes around the Temple will be made to make us comfortable and safe. We hope that the precautions will not be intrusive to our sense of community or our space of peaceful worship.

Years ago in 1962, I had my Bas Mitzvah at Congregation Habonim on the South Side of Chicago. I led part of the service and read the Haftorah of the week. I had a record to help me learn my portion. Now, if you would like to hear a Torah or Haftorah portion, you could just search for it on YouTube and it would provide several different versions. In 1962, you had to be in the building to see me. Now, with Zoom, you might be thousands of miles away and still participate. This year, 2022, is the 60th anniversary of my Bas Mitzvah. I hope to have a Bat Mitzvah and read from the Torah on December 2, 2022. I hope you’ll join me in person or on Zoom.

In closing, I will quote one of my favorite passages from our Siddur.

“Pray as if everything depended on G-d.

Act as if everything depended on you.”

May this year be filled with good health, sweetness and joy.

Faye

RABBI’S MESSAGE:

Shalom, everyone.  I’ve been thinking a lot about how to define my role as rabbi within our congregation.  It’s still a work in progress, and something that I think will evolve over time.

For now, I thought I’d present to you some thoughts as to what I am – and what I’m not – as Temple Sholom’s rabbi.

What I’m not is an authority – this is Temple Sholom! We’re a community that rules by consensus, that works together to come up with solutions that fit everyone. I’m not here to change that. What I am is a member of the Galesburg community. And I take my civic responsibilities very seriously. That means that, as a resident of Galesburg, I vote, I’ll write letters to elected officials, and sometimes I go to public protests and rallies. My intention is not to go to these events as Temple Sholom’s rabbi. Our synagogue was not founded on politics, and because of where we’re located geographically, it is imperative for the health of Temple Sholom that we make sure our tent is as big as possible.  Also, what I am is a member of this congregation. While my family and I want to have a say in the decisions and choices that we make as a community, I’ve made a choice to not be a voting member of the board during my tenure as rabbinical student/rabbi. What I am is a teacher- I’ve been so fortunate that I’ve been able to be a full time learner for the last 5 years. I’ve loved it, and I’ve learned so much! Nothing would make me happier in being able to share that knowledge with you.

What I’m not is a therapist –  I am not trained to be a licensed professional.   I can’t provide traditional counseling.   What I am, though, is a spiritual caregiver.  I’m someone who can be a listener.  I can be with you in times of pain and times of joy.  I can help you on your spiritual journey.   I will try to reach out if I know you are going through some tough times, and I will respond if you reach out to me.

What I’m not is a disrupter – it will never be my intention to change what makes our community so wonderful. What I am is an  out-of-the-box thinker (sometimes). I do like trying new things from time to time, seeing if we can add new melodies, new or alternative prayers, and possibly new activities to our normal repertoire. Feedback for this is really important. I need to know what works and what doesn’t. I would say that about 95% of the time, I like doing things the way they’ve always been done. But for that 5% of the time, I do like to experiment. What I ask is that you keep an open mind; it may not be the way we’ve always done things, but it may have potential to be great. To keep Judaism thriving and vibrant throughout the 21st century, we need to be able to innovate and change. In order to bring in new members and keep our current members engaged, we need to have opportunities to experiment. Trying new things means that I won’t get it right a lot of the time. But the freedom to innovate lets me stretch my rabbinic muscles, and the creativity involved excites me.

So there you have it.  A brief snapshot of how I see my role as Temple Sholom’s rabbi.

And here is my invitation to you to let me know what you think.  Feel free to call/text/email.  I would love to set up a time to meet.  I can’t wait to hear what you have to say.

B’shalom,

Jennie (she/her/hers)

HIGH HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 5783/2022

Rabbi Reni Dickman ● Rabbinical Student Jennie Bunde

Keyboard: David Amor ● Vocal Soloist: Lucas Wood ● Instrumental Soloist, Julieta Mihai

All services and study sessions will be hybrid offerings, both in person and on the Temple’s Zoom. Please email us for information on how to join.

August:

Tuesday, August 30th, 7pm – Elul Study Session*

Topic: Chesed and Chutzpah

September:

Tuesday, September 6th

7pm – Elul Learning Session #1**

Topic: Various topics presented by Tri-States Small Congregations, including a short presentation by Jennie Bunde on the liturgical poem, “Ya’aleh Ve-Yavo”

Tuesday, September 13th

7pm – Elul Study Session

Topic: Love in the Torah

Saturday, September 17th

7:30pm – Selichot Service*

Topic: Sacred vestments

Wednesday, September 21st

7pm – Elul Learning Session #2**

Topic: Various topics presented by Tri-States Small Congregations, including a short meditation by Jennie Bunde on the liturgical poem, “Ki Anu Amecha”

Sunday, September 25th

7:30pm – Erev Rosh HaShana Services

Monday, September 26th

10am – Rosh HaShana Morning Services

2pm – Tashlich at Picnic Point

2:15pm – Children’s service, following tashlich

Friday, September 30th

7:30pm – Shabbat Shuva

October:

Sunday, October 2nd

1pm – Reverse Tashlich at Lake Storey

Tuesday, October 4th

7:30pm – Kol Nidre

Wednesday, October 5th

10am – Morning service

1pm – Children’s service

2pm – Afternoon service (Minchah)

3pm – Study session with rabbis

4pm – Yizkor

5:15pm – Ne’ilah and Havdalah

6pm – Break fast potluck

NOTES FOR HIGH HOLIDAYS:

*Elul Study Sessions and Selichot  will be both in person and online at Temple Sholom.  We will use our usual zoom link

**Elul Learning Sessions are ONLINE ONLY and you must register to attend. These are hosted by the Tri-State Small Jewish Congregation group. Jennie will be offering a brief teaching at one of the two sessions. Register at https://bit.ly/3SZLg3X or using the QR code to the right.

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.

SERVICE SCHEDULE

Services are hybrid, with Zoom access by contacting us. 

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, too (david.bunde@gmail.com or 309-335-7130), as he sends out the weekly reminders.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Baby Naming

The naming ceremony for baby Rubin, the congregation’s newest member is tentatively scheduled for September 18 at 12:30pm at Lake Storey.  Everyone is invited. More details to follow by email.

High Holy Day Hunger Project

Again this year, Temple Sholom will participate, along with hundreds of other Reform synagogues, in the International High Holy Day Hunger Project. We ask that people bring grocery bags filled with nonperishable goods to the stage in the social hall by Sunday, October 16th. There is also a jar for monetary donations, if you prefer. Checks can be made payable to “FISH.”

Soles4Souls

This year we will be collecting shoes to send to Sole4Souls, which is a nonprofit enterprise that creates sustainable jobs and provides relief through the distribution of shoes around the world. This is a community-wide project with a goal of collecting 5000 pairs of shoes in our area. There will be a box on the stage for you to put your shoe donations by Sunday, October 16.

Temple Sholom/Brookside Cemetery Campaign Committee

The final total of gifts/pledges/bequests to our campaign is $304,810, surpassing our original goal by 20%. We are most grateful to all our donors! A final report on the campaign will be sent to donors later this fall.

MAZEL TOV

To Michal Ran-Rubin and Jonah Rubin for the birth of their son Raphael Micah Rubin on 8/30/22.

To Elisa and Jonathan GoldbergBelle for the arrival of their second grandson to Staci GoldbergBelle and John Hamman.  Rowan Emil GoldbergBelle, born on 8/20/2022 at 6.11 pounds, was three weeks early but mother and child are doing well.

To Cornucopia Natural Foods and Deli (owned by Susan, Hannah, and Maury Lyon) for winning the “Growth” award at the annual meeting of the Independent Natural Food Retailers Association this August.

To Martin Abraham, for his appointment as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at SUNY-Brockport, beginning in mid-June.

 TODAH RABAH

Thanks to everyone who helped with the dehumidifier:  David A., David B., Steve, Maury, Jonah, Gabe, Faye, Guy, Judy, Kevin, and Hannah.To David Bunde, for taking on the role of bulletin editor for the Temple. 

MI SHEBEIRACH / PRAYERS FOR HEALING

Stephen Kidman asks that Temple Sholom keep him and his family in our thoughts. His mother-in-law Nora was recently diagnosed with first-stage dementia, on top of Bryce’s illness and amputation. This has been a particularly stressful year.

FAREWELLS

Two of our families from Macomb are moving on to new adventures.  David Braverman has moved from Macomb to New England.  Martin and Nancy Abraham have moved to upstate New York.

SAVE THE DATE!

DOUGLAS BUNDE’S BAR MITZVAH

Saturday, November 12, 10 a.m.

2022/5783 Festival Schedule

(Note: festival begins the previous sunset)

Rosh Hashanah                         September 26

Yom Kippur                             October 5

Sukkot                                      October 10

Simhat Torah                            October 18

Hanukkah                                 Dec. 19–Dec. 26

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. 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, Jeremy Karlin.

Names to be added to our memorial list?  If you have names that you would like added to the memorial list, please contact Maury Lyon, drmo1732@gmail.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 22, 2022

Faye Schulz, President

Jonah Rubin, Vice-president

Nancy Eberhardt, Secretary

Maury Lyon, Treasurer

Kevin Satisky

Penny Gold

Carol Grodjesk

Jim Jacobs

Guy West

Bob Bondi

Leanne Trapedo Sims

Jeremy Karlin and Gabe Raley-Karlin (shared position)

Jan West, Honorary Member

DONATION RECORD (June 13 – August 31)

In memory of Jeremy Gold Amor

     David Amor & Penny Gold

In memory of Lillian Michelson

Kirk and Mark Michelson

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.

please bookmark these links

Temple Sholom website: https://templesholomgalesburg.org/

Temple Sholom Google drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_mE-prG2xSfJO6mv-KIrGafORzr1qZt_

Many documents related to the Temple are uploaded here, for example: board minutes, Guidelines for B’nai Mitzvah, historical documents, etc.

E-mail address for reaching people currently active at Temple Sholom:

templesholom@googlegroups.com

Summer 2022
Temple Sholom
Monroe & North Streets
P.O. Box 501
Galesburg, IL 60402-0501

Contents:

• Message from President Faye Schulz
• Message from Rabbi Henry Jay Karp
• Shabbat & Holiday Services Schedule, Winter / Spring 2022
• Board News
• Mazel Tov, Todah Raba, and Farewell
• Save the Date
• News, Info, and Links
• Donations

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: “Searching for Awe”

Finding “awe” in one’s life is a moving, spiritual and rare experience. For me, experiencing awe has come through seeing beauty in nature, the joy of friendships & loving relationships and the personal satisfaction of success in a challenge.

At Temple Sholom, I’ve felt the “awe” of being part of something bigger than me. The first time that I challenged myself to lead a service, I was amazed. When I first held the Torah in front of the congregation, I tingled all over. When “our” children complete their B’nai Mitzvot, I am filled with joy to the point of tears. And when we worship together, there are times when the feeling of community overwhelms me.

I hope you’ve had similar experiences in your life and at Temple Sholom. You have been part of my joy and awe at Temple Sholom. Thank you for being a part of this community.

I am looking forward to hearing about your awesome experiences this summer and for years to come.

B’Shalom,
Faye

RABBI’S MESSAGE:

There has been so much going on in the world right now. War, disease, violence, death–it’s like we’ve got our own 21st century four horsemen of the apocalypse. Just a few weeks ago, another devastating and heartbreaking shooting took place at an elementary school. And now we’re being told that there could be an outbreak of monkeypox in the US. The curse of “may you live in interesting times” seems very applicable to today.

As a rabbinical student, I get emails every day from Jewish not-for-profits and social action groups. I also follow a lot of Jewish sites on social media. And whenever anything big hits the national news, I invariably will see an article that is titled, “what does Jewish tradition tell us about _______”

But here’s the rub. Jewish tradition is WAY too big for it to say just one thing.  The popular online library of Jewish texts, Sefaria, has within its library Jewish texts totalling almost 300 million words in Hebrew and translation. (As a comparison, War and Peace has about half a million words, and the entire Talmud only has about two and a half million words.)

Whatever your views on any given situation may be, the odds are that you will be able to find a text that supports your views. If you look at protest signs from the 1950’s and 60’s opposing integration, many of the posters contain verses from the Bible. But I don’t believe that finding validation to one’s opinions is the point of our texts and our faith.

Jewish tradition never says just one thing about a topic. In fact, the first yeshivot in Yavne were designed specifically to be a place of disagreement and debate without division. This is why the Talmud contains so many machlochets, arguments. Instead, in our daily liturgy, we are commanded,  laasok b’divrei Torah, to engage with words of Torah.

What makes us human is the divine spark found within each one of us. That spark that tells us to do what’s right, to be loving and kind, and to pursue tikkun olam, the healing of the world. To be human is to be b’tzelem Elohim, made in the image of G-d.

What makes us Jewish is to be Yisrael, literally one who wrestles with G-d. One who can feel both joy and frustration that our texts can say something completely beautiful and universal (ex: love your neighbor as yourself, Lev. 19:18), and something completely horrible and wrong (ex: stone the rebellious child, Deut. 21:18-21).

Our work as Am Yisrael, the People Who Wrestle With G-d, is to interact with our texts, and, I hope, find meaning and inspiration within them. May those texts instill within us the knowledge to decide what are the right actions for each of us to take in these interesting times, and may those texts imbue within us the fortitude to be strong in our convictions.

May you each feel compelled laasok b’divrei Torah, to engage yourselves with words of Torah, and know that I’m always here as you wrestle with the words of our tradition.

With the Shalom of wholeness and peace,
Jennie

SHABBAT SERVICES

Summer 2022

 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, too (david.bunde@gmail.com or 309-335-7130), as he sends out the weekly reminders.

BOARD NEWS

New COVID-19 Policy for meeting in-person at the Temple 

At its June 7th meeting, the Temple Board approved a new policy for meeting in-person at the Temple, making vaccination optional while leaving in place a requirement to wear a mask; masks can be removed while eating or drinking.

Explanation: This policy recognizes the important value that our services be accessible to as many people as possible. It’s become clear that we will be dealing with Covid for a very long time to come, so the Board felt a need to adjust our policy to a “new normal.” While vaccinations show significant benefit in limiting severe COVID-19 infections, they do not appear to be effective in limiting the spread of the virus in its present form, which can be spread by both the vaccinated and unvaccinated. At the same time, by keeping the mask requirement in place, the policy underscores the importance of protecting the health of our community, since masks protect both the wearer and other people. The Board encourages the wearing of the most effective type of mask (N-95 or KN-94); free masks will be available at the Temple. The Board also encourages all congregants to remain current with vaccinations and boosters for their own protection. The Temple will continue to have services in hybrid so that there is an online (Zoom) option for those who are unable or uncomfortable attending services in person.

This new policy remains subject to change, depending on the local circumstances.

Our Student Rabbi for 2022/23: At its March meeting, the Board approved Jennifer Bunde as the congregation’s student rabbi for 2022/23. Jennie has been serving as a rabbinic intern this past year, with the mentorship of Rabbi Karp.

Bushes: If you notice later this summer that our bushes are gone: The Temple recently had a security audit, and the Board is starting to respond to recommendations made. One of the recommendations is to remove the large bushes around the building, as they are easy to hide behind. We plan to re-landscape with plants that have a much lower profile.

Scholarship funding for Jewish camps: At its March meeting, the Board approved scholarship funding 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.

COMMITTEE NEWS

Temple Sholom/Brookside Cemetery Campaign Committee: The current total of gifts/pledges/bequests to our campaign is $302,052, well above our original goal of $250,000. We are most grateful to all our donors! The campaign will be closing on June 30 of this year, and a full report will be made available within about a month of that. (Scheduled payments on pledges already made will continue until the pledge has been fulfilled.)

MAZEL TOV

To Martin Abraham, for his appointment as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at SUNY-Brockport, beginning in mid-June.

To Jennie Bunde for her appearance on Jeopardy: https://www.galesburg.com/story/entertainment/television/2022/03/24/galesburg-il-resident-jennie-bunde-to-appear-on-jeopardy/7134307001/

To Lindsey Weintraub, who received her masters degree in Biological Sciences from Western Illinois University on May 13th and will continue her education at the University of Illinois’s College of Veterinary Medicine this fall.

To Nikki Jacobs and Nathan Inzerillo, daughter and son-in-law of Jim and Hattie Jacobs, who have created a podcast entitled THEATRE COUCH. The theme is cultural diversity in plays. You can see their discussion of “Eclipse” by the Zimbabwean-American actor and Playwright Danai Gurira at this site: https://theatrecouch.buzzsprout.com

To Hollan Wright, granddaughter of Jim and Hattie Jacobs, who graduated cum laude from Western Illinois University with a degree in psychology and has received an assistantship to continue graduate school in psychology.

To Bryn Wright, granddaughter of Jim and Hattie Jacobs, who graduated from high school, received the Lyle Snyder Scholarship, and will enter the nursing program at Carl Sandburg College.

To Eliza Karlin, daughter of Jeremy Karlin and Monica Berlin and step-daughter of Gabrielle Raley-Karlin, who graduated from Galesburg High School and will be attending Kalamazoo College in the fall.

To Nurislam Grimronov, grandson of Susan and Maury Lyon, who graduated from Culver City High School and will be attending University of California-Santa Cruz.

TODAH RABAH—MANY THANKS

from Jennie: Thank you to Penny, Faye, Maury, David B., Gabe, Dean and Adam for all of the time and hard work you have put into teaching our children this year. It is so very appreciated! The kids had a great time and learned so much. Todah rabah!

from Jennie: Thank you to everyone in the congregation for being so loving and supportive of me during my first year as rabbinic intern.  I have loved the experience, and I’m looking forward to next year!

To Maury Lyon for all the work he did making arrangements for and overseeing the replacement of the roof on the Temple.

And for the work that had to be done in connection with the roof leaking in the fall: thanks to Penny, Faye, and Maury for dumping the buckets of water, and to all those who helped move books out of and back into the library.

To Jennie Bunde for being our rabbinical intern this year. Thanks also for all the work she has done in the last two years to set up our Zoom arrangements for hybrid services and meetings, and for being our main tech person during that time.

To Faye Schulz, Maury Lyon, David Amor, Penny Gold for learning how to do the Zoom set up; they will now be taking turns (along with Jennie) to do the tech for services.

To Dean Alexander for arranging and participating in the security audit for the Temple.

FAREWELL

To Cindy and Lindsey Weintraub, who are moving to Champaign, IL. We wish you all the best in your new home!

SAVE THE DATE! 

ANNUAL MEETING: Sunday, July 10, 2022, 4:00 p.m.

DOUGLAS BUNDE’S BAR MITZVAH: Saturday, November 12, 10:00 a.m.

Summer/Fall Festival Schedule 2022 (5782/83)

(Note: festival begins the previous sunset)

Source: http://www.hebcal.com/holidays/

Tishah b’Av                        August 7

Leil Selichot                       September 17

Rosh Hashanah                   September 26

Yom Kippur                        October 5

Sukkot                                October 10

Simchat Torah                    October 18

Hannukah                           December 19

NEWS AND LINKS OF INTEREST

The Lincoln Library in Springfield currently has an exhibit on “Stories of Survival: Object, Image, Memory,” that features a silver purse that Faye Schulz’s grandmother had in Germany, along with Faye’s memories of that purse. The exhibit, which originated at the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie, will be up through January 22, 2023. Faye hopes you’ll be able to make a visit! For more information: https://presidentlincoln.illinois.gov/stories-of-survival-object-image-memory

Temple Emanuel (Davenport) and Congregation Beth Israel (Rock Island) have moved to a new shared location (Beit Shalom Jewish Community) in Davenport. The congregations remain separate, but they share a rabbi as well as physical space. For more information: https://www.jta.org/2021/11/01/united-states/4-cities-2-states-1-synagogue-campus-and-rabbi-the-jews-of-the-illinois-iowa-quad-cities-are-learning-to-share

 Mary Howell shared information about her book My Father Was The Phantom In Hitler’s SS, which she published under the name of “Elizabeth Washington.” She did not learn this about her father until after his death: that as a man enlisted in the US Army, he was trained as a spy, dropped from an airplane into Germany, and picked up by the underground. There he was trained and furnished paperwork as an SS Officer, working for Hitler until the war ended. The book can be purchased from Mary by sending $20.00 to: M. E. Howell,  P.O. Box 827, Macomb, Il 61455. The money is used to put actual copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, into schools. Mary also passed on this interesting story from World War II:  https://fbindependent.com/when-my-daddy-went-to-war-mystery-of-unexploded-shells-p11053-89.htm

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 send to our president, Kevin Satisky, kevinsatisky@gmail.com.

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.

 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, Jeremy Karlin.

DONATION RECORD (December 29, 2021 – June 12, 2022)

In memory of Joyce Carlson

Barb Reuter

In support of Temple Sholom

Sara Leblanc

For the Seder

Stephen & Bryce Kidman

For student dinners at the Seder

Dean Alexander & Family

In memory of Alexander Faynov

The Fayman Family

In memory of Ken Grodjesk

Carol Grodjesk

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.

Corrections and Additions:  If you have corrections or additions for the new edition of Temple contact list, please send them to Penny Gold.

Winter/Spring 2022
Temple Sholom

Contents:

• Message from President Faye Schulz
• Message from Rabbi Henry Jay Karp
• Message from our rabbinic intern Jennifer Bunde
• Temple Sholom to Offer “Introduction to Judaism” Course
• Shabbat & Holiday Services Schedule, Winter / Spring 2022
• Mazel Tov, Mi Shebeirach, and Todah Raba
• Temple Sholom/Brookside Cemetery Capital Campaign 
• Religious School and Hesed Committee
• News, Info, and Links
• 2022/5782 Festival Schedule
• Donations

Message from President Faye Schulz:
Are We Like Our Ancestors?

What is remembered about the past?

The ancient texts that have survived, archeological sites that have been discovered, and stories of “great” wars and natural disasters can be recalled.

Seldom are individuals remembered, and nations are sometimes forgotten. As I read Torah, I often stumble over the names of the tribes and their leaders. The violent people of the world are written in the history books. There are leaders who are remembered for the actions, words or discoveries such as Gandhi, King Solomon, Confucius, Copernicus, Michelangelo and many more. The rulers who supported amazing building projects and walled cities are remembered.  Sites like Stonehenge, the great cathedrals, the pyramids and the Great Wall of China are admired and studied.

But how about the rest of us?

I like to think of myself as part of a stream. No one notices an individual drop of water, but together with others, I can be a force. I’m part of the stream of the people of Israel and the community of Jewish people in Galesburg.

Each of us is part of our own streams related to our families, our jobs, our politics, our hobbies and our friends. We may not be remembered as individuals, but of a stream of goodness and compassion. That stream can be a powerful influence in the world.

May this be G-d’s will.

Faye Schulz

Message from Rabbi Henry Jay Karp
The Seemingly Elusive Gift of Hope

As I sat down to write this article, I knew that I wanted to speak about the gift of hope and the promise of renewal that comes with a New Year. We Jews get the benefit of celebrating both the Jewish New Year and the Secular one, doubling down on our opportunities for self-renewal! But, as is my custom, I went back into my files and pulled up the article I wrote last year at this time. That article, as I stated in it, was written on December 21^st, the day of the Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year; one day earlier than the writing of this article. Its theme centered on darkness & light and the promise of hope; the hope that the time will come when we emerge out of the darkness that enshrouds our lives–the pandemic–and return to a world of light.

It was a hard article to read as the COVID deaths in the U.S. have more than doubled (from 325,006 on December 21, 2020, to 831,943 on December 22, 2021) and worldwide deaths have more than tripled (from 1,703,576 on December 21, 2020, to 5,391,388 on December 22, 2021). It was a hard article to read as we find ourselves struggling with the Delta variant and facing the rapid spread of the highly infectious Omicron variant, as we watch hospitalizations skyrocket and hospital Intensive Care Units literally overflowing. The arrival of the light which will drive back the darkness appears to be, perhaps interminably, delayed.

We talk a lot about so many suffering from “COVID Fatigue” but I think that many of us are also suffering from “Hope Fatigue,” for all our hoping to see an end to this crisis has gone unanswered. How long can we keep hoping for something that simply refuses to materialize? It is only natural to reach a breaking point of hope.

It is at times like this that I am reminded of something that the Chafetz Chaim, one of the greatest Jewish ethicists, said. When asked how he had such an impact as a great sage and leader of the 20^th century Jewish world, he answered: “I set out to change the world, but I failed. So, I decided to scale back my efforts and only influence the Jewish community of Poland, but I failed there, too. So, I targeted the community of my hometown of Radin, but I achieved no greater success. Then I gave all my effort to changing my own family and I failed at that as well. Finally, I decided to change myself and that’s how I had such an impact on the Jewish world.”

Even during these dark times of Delta and Omicron, and what seems like a never-ending plague, when our hoping for a better world feels like a futile effort, we still can keep our hope alive if we but direct it inward, focusing on our own personal hopes for a new year of self-renewal. If we cannot make the world a better place, we can still make ourselves better people. We can start by hoping to be better and then striving to make that hope come true. If we do so honestly and sincerely, then like the Chafetz Chaim, our quest for self-improvement can be contagious, inspiring others to seek their better selves. If enough of us hope to be better people in the year ahead, and strive vigorously enough toward that goal, the cumulative effect will be that together, we will make the world a better place as well. We may not be able to eradicate COVID, but we can lead the way on how to live most fully and fulfillingly in our COVID world. If we model lives of caring and helping, in which we realize that by lifting up others, we lift ourselves to heights otherwise unattainable, we can transform our world into a place were “community” is more than a geographic description; a place where “community” means people coming together in unity to make each other’s lives as blessed as humanly possible. These are hopes worth holding onto. These are personal hopes that can change the world.

Stay Safe & Stay Healthy!

God Bless & Protect Us All!

Rabbi Henry Jay Karp

Message from our rabbinic intern Jennifer Bunde
What We Know and Don’t Know 

These last six months have been a deep learning experience for me. I have loved being the rabbinic intern for our shul. I have grown in confidence on the bimah, and I hope it has started to show. I am excited to be continuing as your student rabbi next year too. As I’ve been reflecting on my internship this year, it has brought to mind a diagram I once saw at a workshop:

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In any given situation, what we know or don’t know can fit into one of these boxes. The top two boxes are easy–they are the ones where we already have an awareness of our knowledge. But the bottom two boxes? Those are so intimidating because that’s where ignorance lies. We can only learn about what we don’t know when someone else teaches us.

Now in my fourth year of rabbinical school, I’ve studied Talmud, Torah, Hebrew, liturgy, history–and I still feel like a total beginner. So you can imagine how nervous I am at the prospect of teaching an “Introduction to Judaism” course in the coming year. But I’m excited at the same time. As hard as I have studied, there is so much that I don’t know! And that’s just the stuff that I know I don’t know. My goal for teaching an “Introduction to Judaism” class is to provide a broad introduction to members of the community (both the Temple community and people in the wider community who are interested in learning more). Some who take the class may be interested in converting, and some may just want to learn more about Judaism, and of course you all are welcome to participate too! I know that many people receiving this newsletter are from out of town, and you’re more than welcome to Zoom in to the class!

Along with everyone else, I’ll be learning about what I don’t know and what I don’t know that I don’t know. It’s a process, and the beautiful thing about Judaism, like most things in life, is that we can never know it all–not by a long shot! For more information in the class, see the notice below.

Happy (Solar) New Year, and may the joy of learning something new never fade.

Jennie Bunde

Temple Sholom to Offer “Introduction to Judaism” Course

This course, developed by the Union for Reform Judaism, is a multi-session course for adults interested in exploring Jewish life through the lens of Reform Judaism. It encourages students to explore a modern take on Jewish life, and to engage with Jewish values, celebrations, and spirituality. Questions are encouraged and multiple perspectives will be explored.

The course is open to all, including Jews who want a meaningful adult Jewish learning experience, individuals considering conversion, interfaith couples, and spiritual seekers. The program welcomes people from all backgrounds and is LGBTQ-friendly. Topics will include holidays, life cycle celebrations, core beliefs, prayer, the Bible and other sacred texts, history, antisemitism and the Holocaust, Israel, the North American Jewish experience, and the diversity of the Jewish people today.

Bi-weekly sessions will begin on January 23, 2022 and will continue for eighteen sessions; students can begin without committing to the full slate of classes. The class will be held in person at Temple Sholom (for those who provide proof of full vaccination) and students can also participate online through Zoom. There is no cost to attend the course, but students are asked to purchase the URJ textbook ($35.00). The course will be led by Jennifer Bunde, rabbinic intern at Temple Sholom, who is in her fourth year of rabbinic study at the Academy for Jewish Religion, California. For more information about the course, contact Jennie at jennifer.bunde@gmail.com or 309-335-7969. 

Welcome to those new to the area!

Several newcomers to the area just missed the deadline for the fall bulletin, so a belated welcome to:

Jonathan Lynne is Director of the School of Management and Marketing, Western Illinois University. Jonathan’s family is on the way from England to join him here.

Martin Abraham is Professor of Engineering Technology, Western Illinois University. Martin’s wife Nancy, is living in Florida.

David Braverman recently joined Western Illinois University as Vice President for Student Success and is living in Macomb. David’s wife Mindy Chang is a Professor of Communication at Western New England University and their son is a sophomore majoring in Computer Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ.

Shabbat & Holiday Services Schedule, Winter / Spring 2022

Services are hybrid, with some people present at the Temple and others attending by Zoom. Contact TempleSholomGalesburg@gmail.com for Zoom info.

Need to switch? If you cannot lead services on the date listed, please find someone to switch with. Also let David Bunde know about the switch, as he sends out the weekly reminders: david.bunde@gmail.com or 309-335-7130.

Oneg: If you would like to “host” the Oneg Shabbat, please let Faye Schulz know, fdschulz@comcast.net.  You can bring the oneg to services, or you can drop off any time some cookies, nuts or dried fruit that can be easily put out for those attending in person. All dates in January & February are available.  Thanks!

Mazel Tov

To Stephen Lee and Bryce Kidman on their marriage, November 22, 2021; Stephen is now Stephen James Kidman.

To Maury and Susan Lyon on the October 2, 2021 birth of their new grandchild, Isadora Annabelle Lyon, daughter of Gabriel and Alex Lyon.

Zack, JJ, and Darrell Bunde on their first summer OSRUI.

Mi Shebeirach

For Bryce Kidman, who will be undergoing a leg amputation on January 23, 2022.

Todah Rabah

from Jennie Bunde: Thank you to Penny, Faye, Maury, Hannah, Gabe, Jeremy, Dean, and David for all of your hard work and dedication in teaching religious school. I really appreciate all that you do! You make learning fun for all the children of Temple Sholom.

Many thanks to Jonah Rubin for all the work he has put into the new Temple website. It’s the nature of websites that they are readily adaptable to new information and needs, but that means continuing attention from the person in charge. Thank you Jonah! The addition of all the pages in support of the Capital Campaign has been an especially big job. Do take a look at the site if you haven’t already: https://templesholomgalesburg.org/

Temple Sholom/Brookside Cemetery Capital Campaign 

A full update on the campaign will be sent out in January, but here’s a brief preview: The campaign is going very well! We have recently met our original goal of $250,000, and the Board has approved raising our goal to $275,000. We are enormously grateful for the support we have received from members, former members, children (now adults) who grew up in the congregation, former rabbis, Knox students who were involved in the Temple, and other friends of the congregation.

Photos for the Website: Thanks to all those who sent photos in this summer, we have a nice array on the website. But we can use more! New photos as well as ones from your files would be most welcome. Please send to Jonah: jsrubin@knox.edu.

Religious School: Religious school will resume on Sunday, January 9th, when we’ll be joined by a new teacher, Knox sophomore Adam Gadiel. Welcome Adam!

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, who will follow up from there, pgold@knox.edu. 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.

News, Info, and Links (Please feel free to send material of interest to bulletin editor Penny Gold, pgold@knox.edu.)

Two Jewish congregations in our region (Rock Island, IL and Davenport, IA) have recently moved out of their long-time buildings into a building in Davenport that they now share, along with the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities. This article explains the move: https://www.jta.org/2021/11/01/united-states/4-cities-2-states-1-synagogue-campus-and-rabbi-the-jews-of-the-illinois-iowa-quad-cities-are-learning-to-share

from Mary Howell, an interesting story from WWII: https://fbindependent.com/when-my-daddy-went-to-war-mystery-of-unexploded-shells-p11053-89.htm

from Penny Gold: I recommend a podcast segment from Ira Glass’s This American Life. The episode is called “The Weight of Words,” and it’s the first 7 minutes that are of particular interest, where Ira talks about how he’s never understood the notion of why it matters for humans to “love God.” The experience of saying the Kaddish is part of the story. You can read a transcript at this link, but I highly recommend listening to it. I found it moving to hear parts of the Kaddish recited on NPR. https://shortcut.thisamericanlife.org/#/clipping/741?_k=wepc56

Save the Date!

Sunday, January 16, 11:00 a.m., TU BISHVAT SEDER, led by our rabbinic intern, Jennie Bunde; all members of the congregation are invited to attend. Details of how we will do the sesder will depend on the circumstances with Covid in mid-January. More information will come when we get closer to the date. In keeping with our current Covid protocols, anyone attending in person needs to be fully vaccinated.

2022/5782 Festival Schedule

(Note: festival begins the previous sunset)

Tu B’Shevat                  Monday, January 17

Purim                           Thursday, March 17

Passover                      Saturday-Saturday, April 16-23

Yom HaShoah              Thursday, April 28

Yom HaZikaron             Wednesday, May 4

Yom HaAtzma’ut           Thursday, May 5

Lag BaOmer                 Thursday, May 19

Shavuot                        Sunday, June 5

Tish’a B’av                    Sunday, August 7

Donations (September 1, 2021 to December 28, 2021)

In support of Temple Sholom

Jonathan Lynne

In memory of Khaya Taymanova

     The Fayman Family

In memory of Eugene Endicott

     Carol Grodjesk

In memory of Yeva Faynova
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.

Corrections and Additions:  If you have corrections or additions for the new edition of Temple contact list, please send them to Penny Gold, pgold@knox.edu.

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, Jeremy Karlin.