Winter Bulleting 2025
Winter/Spring 2025
President’s Message:
I have a confession to make: I never much liked Chanukah (at least not as an adult). It is perhaps the most militaristic and nationalistic holiday in the Jewish calendar. The Book of Maccabees is so violent — including violence directed by the Maccabees at assimilated Jews — that the Rabbis decided to exclude it from the Tanakh. And the miracle of the oil is not originally even in there! It is the most minor of Jewish holidays, yet it looms large culturally in what feels like an attempt to not leave Jewish kids out of the commercialized aspects of Christmas.
Rafi, however, loves Chanukah. He loves the candles, the blessings, the songs, the dreidels, and especially the gelt. And as I grow as a father and a Jew, I am learning to appreciate it more and more. So what if the miracle of the oil is not part of the original story? It is a wonderful story that, in my opinion, provides a much more beautiful and well-rounded tale than the original. So what if the Chanukah songs and pajamas take inspiration from those of our Christian neighbors? They give us a sense of joy and, more importantly, of Jewish identity and belonging in a small, tight-knit community. And they give us one of my favorite Temple Sholom rituals of the year — when we gather together as a community, bringing our menorahs to Temple, to light them and sing together.
I did not grow up in the Reform movement. But perhaps no holiday has taught me the importance of Reform Judaism’s commitment to struggling with our faith, committing to our ethics, and evolving to meet the changing needs of our moment more than Chanukah.
This is also why I am so thrilled with many of the changes that Rabbi Jennie has led us on, with the support and coordination of so many of you, in this season. Our adult study is evolving to include new activities, from trivia nights to movie screenings. Our Sunday School has incorporated pre-school activities for the youngest members of our congregation. And our little-Temple-that-could continues as a fixture in the Galesburg community, the Midwest, and, thanks to our participation in Makom – The Center for Small Town Jewish Life, increasingly, nationally as well.
I hope we will all continue to grow, learn, and evolve in the coming months. Please send your feedback about what’s working and what’s not, as well as what you’d like to see that we’re not currently doing or could do better. Together, we will continue evolving as a Temple and community.
Jonah Rubin, Temple President
Rabbi’s Message
I wear a lot of hats. You probably do too. I bring this up because you may notice that I tend to tackle my Temple Sholom responsibilities in fits and starts. Many of you know that sometimes I respond to emails almost immediately. Sometimes. . . it could take a week or more. (I am really sorry about that).
The fact that I have a skewed timeline does not mean in any way, shape, or form, that our congregation isn’t one of my top priorities. Of course it is! YOU are the reason I became a rabbi in the first place!
What it does mean is that my schedule can vary a lot, week to week. Usually, I complete the majority of my Temple responsibilities on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. These are the best days to reach out if you have a question, concern, or anything else you would like to discuss. I do my best to make sure that time sensitive issues are handled promptly. And I will always make time for you.
If you do need me, please make sure that you use my rabbi email address: templesholomrabbi@gmail.com . I only get notifications for this email address on my phone and computer. I tend to respond much faster when you email me here. You can also text me at (309) 539- 4066. With the exception of Shabbat, I try to respond within 24 hours.
I want you to know how important you all are to me. I am honored to serve as your rabbi. I simply ask you for your patience as I navigate all of my responsibilities. Thank you.
Rabbi Jennifer Bunde
Service Schedule:
Services are hybrid, for Zoom Access, please email: TempleSholomGalesburg@gmail.com
Date | Leader | Oneg | Tech | Shamash | Holiday/Notes |
1/31 | West | Gold | Lyon | ||
2/1 | Jewish Trivia Night | ||||
2/7 | Rabbi Bunde | West | D. Bunde | M. Lyon | |
2/14 | Karlin/Raley-Karlin | Rubin | J. Bunde | Tu B’Shevat 2/13 | |
2/21 | Jacobs | Cohn/Eberhardt | Amor | ||
2/28 | Gold | H. Lyon | Lyon | ||
3/7 | Rabbi Bunde | Karlin / Raley-Karlin | D. Bunde | Schulz | |
3/14 | Rubin | Lyon | J. Bunde | Purim | |
3/21 | D. Bunde | Schulz & Rericha | Amor | ||
3/28 | Amor | Satisky | Lyon | ||
4/4 | Rabbi Bunde | Jacobs | D. Bunde | Raley-Karlin | |
4/6 | Mah Jong Night (7p) | ||||
4/11 | Lyon | Gold | J. Bunde | ||
4/12 | Temple Seder | First Night of Passover | |||
4/18 | Schulz | Cohn / Eberhardt | Amor | ||
4/25 | West | Rubin | Lyon | ||
5/2 | Karlin / Raley-Karlin | Trapedo Sims | D. Bunde | ||
5/9 | Jacobs | West | J. Bunde | ||
5/16 | Gold | Schulz | Amor | ||
5/23 | Rabbi Bunde | H. Lyon | Lyon | Gold | |
5/25 | Adult Study (2 p) | Jewish Short Story Discussion | |||
5/30 | D. Bunde | Karlin / Raley-Karlin | D. Bude | ||
6/6 | Rubin | Satisky | J. Bunde |
Leaders can find the names to read before the kaddish on our Google Drive
Oneg responsibilities include: providing the food for the oneg, setting it out in the social hall, and cleaning up afterwards. (Beverages are kept in stock at the temple.) If you cannot attend services the evening you are assigned for the oneg, please switch with someone for another night, rather than just dropping off the food ahead of time. Thanks!
Need to switch?
If you cannot lead the service or provide the oneg, please find someone to switch with. Inform David Bunde of the switch.
Temple Highlights
Sunday School expanded to include bi-monthly programming for the youngest members of the congregation. Rabbi Jennie led Havdalah- and Hanukkah-themed programs for the preschoolers.
The Sunday School completed a mitzvah project, a workday at Libby’s Corner Community Orchard. We planted, laid mulch, and picked up sticks.
Mary Howell gave a talk about uncovering the story of her father’s life as a spy for the US Army during World War II.
We recently installed the Donor/Honor Scroll from our recent Capital Campaign, framed and hung on the wall just on the left as you enter the Temple. Please stop for a few minutes the next time you’re at the Temple, to appreciate the long list of donors to the campaign and the people whom they have honored through their gifts.
Members of the congregation went to Peoria to see “A Real Pain”, a movie about two cousins on a Jewish heritage tour of Poland.
We had fun at our Hanukkah Party/Game Night, with games, food, and laughter.
Todah Rabah
Thanks to Yana Fayman for cleaning all the Temple’s silver for the High Holidays.
FISH thanks the congregation for the donation we made through the High Holidays Hunger Project. We gave them a total of $277.
Thanks to Shawn Greathouse for coming up with the idea of a Games Night as part of our Hanukkah celebration!
Member News
A note from long-time former members, Arlene and Steven West, who now live near Columbus, OH: It’s been a very long time since we left Galesburg (25 years), but our fond memories and the friends we made while living there will last a lifetime–so thankful for Facebook and emails to keep our friendships going. Columbus has been good to us. Living close to our kids and just two hours from Cleveland has been great. With everyone getting older, especially our family in Cleveland, we needed to be here. Our grandson Hank had his Bar Mitzvah last March. Now that he is a “man”, their temple asked him to be one of the Madrichim, so he helps out in a second grade Sunday School. He loves it!! Other than that, everyone else is doing well, gainfully employed and getting older. Where does time go?? A Happy and Healthy New Year to everyone at Temple Sholom. Take care!!
From Faye & Chuck Schulz: On September 9, 2024, our son, Ben Schulz, married Yuhee Kim in Seoul, South Korea.
For those of you who knew Vivien and Al Halpern, former members of the Temple, here’s a link to Vivien’s obituary online.
Names for the Mi Shebeirach list:
If you have a name you would like to add to the Mi Shebeirach list for healing, send a note to Gabe, chair of the Hesed Committee. We will keep saying the name each week, until we know there’s no longer a special need for this person. We will still ask for names at each service; this is just an additional way to add a name to the list.
Save the Date:
The Temple Passover Seder will be on Sat, Apr 12 More details to come!
2025 / 5785 Festival Schedule
(Note: festivals begin the previous night)
Tu B’Shvat | Feb 13 |
Purim | Mar 14 |
Pesach | Apr 13-20 |
Yom Hashoah | Apr 24 |
Shavuot | June 2 |
Access to Brookside Cemetery:
For security reasons, car access to Brookside Cemetery is controlled by having a locked gate at the entrance To gain access or if you have any questions, please contact one of the cemetery trustees: Bob Bondi, David Amor, and Jeremy Karlin.
Scholarship funding available for Jewish camps: a $200 scholarship per child per year to families sending children to Jewish camps. A maximum of $1,000 will be budgeted yearly. Apply to the Temple Treasurer by January 15.
The Hesed Committee
Once a year we put a reminder in the bulletin about the Temple’s Hesed Committee. If you know of someone who might need assistance, or if you could use some help yourself, contact Gabe Raley-Karlin, who will follow up from there. Examples of the kinds of help we can provide:
- Dinner meals for a period of time when someone is ill, or for a family where a new baby has been born.
- Rides to services for those who can’t drive.
- Visits to someone who is ill or in a nursing home.
- Participation in daily services during shiva, and providing food at the home.
- Welcoming newcomers to the community.
Donation Record:
- In memory of Barry Stein, Jan West and FamilyIn honor of Faye and Chuck Schulz’s AnniversaryJan West and Family
- For the continuation of Temple Sholom, Marjorie and Steve Cooper
- In memory of Khaya Taymanova, The Fayman family
- In memory of Jacquelynn Murphy Simpson, Jeannie Duncan and John Thompson
- In honor of the High Holidays, James Whitehill
- In memory of Yeva Fayanova, The Fayman family
- In memory of Michael Fayman, The Fayman family
Don’t see your name? If you have made a donation but do not see your name on this list and/or have not received an acknowledgement by mail, please let Nancy Eberhardt know. Sorry in advance for any slip ups!
Making a donation to Temple Sholom? If you would like to make a donation to Temple Sholom, please send your check to: Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501, identifying the nature of the gift (e.g., in memory of, in honor of, or for the speed recovery of a particular person). Maury will notify Nancy Eberhardt, who takes care of correspondence concerning such gifts (e.g., notifying the family of the deceased that a gift has been made in memory of that person).
Give to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
The Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund was established by the Temple Sholom Board in 2024, at the time that Rabbi Jennie Bunde was engaged as our rabbi. A regular part of most congregations that have ongoing clergy, this fund is intended to provide Rabbi Jennie with the means to provide tzedakah on behalf of the congregation to individuals and charitable organizations in times of need, both in the congregation and in the larger community. It can also be used to help the rabbi with professional expenses, books and other materials used to further her professional development. The Temple does make a contribution to the Fund each year, but the hope and expectation is that gifts from congregants and friends of Temple Sholom will also help to build the fund.
If you are planning a gift to Temple Sholom, please consider making it to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund. It could be in memory of a loved one, an expression of thanks for a life milestone, or any other reason, even just to support the fund. Checks should be made out to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund (NOT to Rabbi Jennie personally) and sent to Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501.
Happy Tree of Life Donations
Donations may be made in recognition of a variety of events, for example: in honor of a happy occasion (anniversary, birth, bar/bat mitzvah, birthday, etc.), or in honor of an individual or family. Donations may be made by an individual or a group, and may be made at three levels: a leaf ($200), an acorn ($500), and a stone ($1,000). A leaf can be engraved with four lines of text with 20 characters in each line, plus a brief fifth line (often a date). Acorns and stones are larger than leaves and can accommodate more text.
Sample wordings can be found by looking on the Happy Tree of Life. If you want to make a donation, you can send your gift, along with specification of wording, to Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501
Memorial Plaques: If you would like to purchase a memorial plaque ($250), send your donation and desired wording to Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501. You will find samples of what to include on the plaque by looking at ones already on the memorial board.
Gift Shop
Gift shop offerings have been pared back to candles (Shabbat, memorial, Hanukkah) and mezuzot. The easiest times to access the case are Friday evenings before or after services. For access at another time, contact Faye Schulz, 335-7192.
Summer 2025 Temple Bulletin
July 4, 2025 by templesholomgalesburg • Uncategorized Tags: Bulletins, Temple Bulletin •
SUMMER 2025
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
My childhood rabbi used to lament that so many people would come to Temple only during the High Holidays. If you are going to come to Temple only once a year, he would say, you should have more fun than that! You should come for Passover or Sukkot.
So it was with great delight that I saw the Temple so packed with people – some who are there every Friday night and so who are there only once or twice a year – for our Passover seder, singing, celebrating, praying, and eating together. It drove home to me that our Temple is so much more than just a place of worship. It is a community in every sense of the word.
Over the past few months, our Temple has come to life through all kinds of activities, new and old. From our traditional weekly services, including one in Macomb, to our ongoing Sunday School; to new initiatives like Mahjong night and trivia night; and from facing difficult questions about the way we handle conflict to the care we show for each other in big and small ways, we have demonstrated together what it means to build a caring and kind Jewish community in central Illinois.
All of this serves as a reminder of how lucky we are to count on each other. It is a reminder of the many skills and competencies we bring to the table and the ways we support each other through the challenging times and the fun ones. With all these new activities, I am optimistic about the future of our community and hope you will continue to actively participate in our vibrant community.
Jonah
RABBI’S MESSAGE:
When I was thinking about what to write for the bulletin, the words of Psalm 96 came to mind: “Sing to Adonai a new song.” The wonderful part of this time of year is there is so much new all around us. New flowers, new buds on the trees, new plants growing in our gardens. Even though this is a time where we’ve traditionally had less activity at the Temple, the newness is still there. And I just want to take a moment to say how excited I am that there are so many wonderful and new things happening at the synagogue. From the formation of our new Community Connections Committee that is planning all kinds of activities, to celebrating a Shabbat in Macomb, I can feel the energy growing in our synagogue.
In March I was invited to join the Worship and Practice committee of the CCAR. This committee’s purpose is to explore and discuss best practices for prayer and ritual. We are currently working on revising and updating the Mishkan T’Filah siddur for Friday night. I am hoping that I can share this with you soon. The committee is also finalizing a new pamphlet for Tashlich on Rosh Hashanah. and I’m very excited to be a part of that and to share that newness with you as well. Additionally, in mid-June, I will be heading to Maine for the Center for Small Town Jewish Life conference. I can’t wait to study there with my leadership cohort, and to bring what I learn back to you (if you’re curious, you can see a schedule of events at https://jewishlife.colby.edu/maine-conference-for-jewish-life/).
Summer, for many of us, is a time of travel and seeking out new experiences. With that in mind, I wish you, in the words of the traveler’s prayer, “blessing in our every handiwork, and peace, kindness, and mercy in the eyes of all who see us.” I wish you all safe travels, and in your explorations may you find excitement and energy and inspiration to bring new songs back to us.
Have a wonderful summer,
Rabbi Jennie (she/her)
SERVICE SCHEDULE
Leaders can find the names to read before the kaddish at this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xMM-lmqx1dqbAQEX1m7rzEPUUGFWPlHQ/
Oneg responsibilities include: providing the food for the oneg, setting it out in the social hall, and cleaning up afterwards. (Beverages are kept in stock at the temple.) If you cannot attend services the evening you are assigned for the oneg, please switch with someone for another night, rather than just dropping off the food ahead of time. Thanks!
Need to switch?
If you cannot lead the service or provide the oneg, please find someone to switch with. Inform David Bunde of the switch.
TEMPLE HIGHLIGHTS
In late January, members of the Temple volunteered to welcome students to Lombard Middle School. (This is a weekly “High Five” activity at the school, with different groups greeting students each week.). It was a rainy Friday, but the smiles were bright!
We held the first (annual?) Temple Sholom trivia night. Congratulations to Team Unreliables for their victory. It seemed as though everyone had a great time. We raised more than $150 for FISH Food Pantry of Galesburg! Thank you to all who participated!
A group of us gathered at the Temple to watch the Holocaust Remembrance Day Online Concert.
We have had two Mah Jongg nights at the Temple, where we started to learn a very complicated game!
We held one of our rabbi services in Macomb on the campus of Western Illinois University. It was a good change of scenery and less of a drive for nearby members. We appreciate the drive that many congregants make to join us for services in Galesburg! Thanks to Dean Alexander for reserving the space to host the service.
As part of our Purim celebration, we made Purim baskets with hamantaschen and other goodies to spread the joy of the holiday!
The Jewish United Fund published an article about our own Rabbi Bunde and her participation in the Makom program through the Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College. We were flattered by the attention, but they didn’t get everything right; don’t worry, Jennie’s parents are still alive and well! See the article at https://www.juf.org/Mag/tmpl-article.aspx?id=455114
PRACTICING HEBREW PRAYERS
Faye is offering to help members of the congregation practice reciting the Hebrew prayers that are usually included in the Shabbat service. You can meet in person or on Zoom. If interested, please contact her.
MAZEL TOV
Mazel tov to Shawn Greathouse on graduation from his program in Informational Technology, May 15, 2025.
Sammy Malecha will be graduating from Arcadia Charter high school on June 6th, 2025. Sammy is the son of Nancy (West) and Matt Malecha. He is the grandson of Jan West. Jan and Uncle Guy will be travelling up to Northfield, MN to celebrate with the Malecha family. Mazel Tov!
Leanne Sims received tenure and promotion! She is now the Daniel J. Logan Associate Professor of Peace and Justice and Chair. As a member of the European Forum of Restorative Justice’s working group on Imprisonment, she will participate in the “Restorative Justice Responses to Harm in Institutions” in San Sebastián/Donostia (Basque Country Spain) this summer. The event will explore the topic of organizational / institutional harm and the potential of restorative justice as a generative response. She was also invited by renowned scholar and Templeton Prize recipient Dr. Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela to be affiliated with the Centre for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest at Stellenbosch University, South Africa during her sabbatical in Spring `26. She will conduct research at AVReQ and do work in the prisons. (https://avreq.sun.ac.za/about/) Mazel tov to Leanne on her promotion and for these professional opportunities.
Jim and Hattie Jacobs report that their granddaughter, Hollan Mae Wright, received her Master’s degree and will be a school psychologist for Knox-Warren Special Education. Mazel tov!
TODAH RABAH
Thanks to Kelly Fisk of Fisk Design Group for her talented and generous help on the design of the Donor/Honor Scroll for the Temple’s capital campaign. The framed results will soon be visible in the entry hall at the Temple.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS/NEW TO AREA
We’ve had several new members join out congregation. Here are brief introductions. This is a new addition to the bulletin, but I think a good one. Welcome to them all!
Robert and Jovi Geraci have moved to Galesburg as part of the Knox faculty after spending 19 years in New York. They met during their PhD work at UC – Santa Barbara and have two children: Zion and Dorian. Zion is a college graduate, living and working in upstate NY. Dorian transferred to Knox, where he majors in Environmental Studies with minors in English Lit and Musicology. Along with her academic work, Jovi has a successful design business creating knitting patterns (Hook Mountain Handmade). Robert is less useful to the world, but he enjoys hiking, kayaking, tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, and videogames. Robert and Jovi have a dog named Poppy, who is awfully sweet to everyone, except all the people who don’t live in their house (but she’s learning to appreciate them also).
Elianna Sigman and Sam Kline have just joined the synagogue. Sam is a data engineer and analyst who has lived in the area all his life. He’s a voracious reader and lifelong learner, currently focusing his studies for fun on aerospace engineering, and working towards his dream of building and flying his own planes. He also enjoys video games, martial arts, and teaches West Coast Swing Dancing. Elianna is new to the area. She works as a personal growth and relationship coach, helping individuals achieve their personal goals and running workshops for couples. She enjoys Renaissance festivals, cooking, geocaching, and photography, and is an enthusiastic volunteer and volunteer organizer (and already on a synagogue committee.) Together, Sam and Elianna run a bi-monthly boardgame night in Macomb, go hiking, and spend too much time spoiling their 12-year-old cat. They are excited to be a part of this community and look forward to meeting everyone.
Another new attendee to our services is Charles Cunningham, a Presbyterian pastor, whose orientation would be described as progressive. Various life experiences have brought him to this place in time. In 1970, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania (not Penn State). He taught school in south Philly for a year and then off to Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He left early and entered the field of landscape managing. He ended up at Knox College in 1979, tending to all things green and white. He coached football as an assistant coach with Harley, Tim, Joe and John. In 1986, he went off for another adventure—swine management—and became a hog man for his brother-in-law. Finally, he went back to seminary in Chicago at McCormick Theological Seminary, finishing up in 1990. He has been an ordained minister since then and is currently preaching twice a week in Pekin IL. Impressionist painters are his joy and delight.
NAMES FOR THE MI SHEBEIRACH LIST
If you have a name you would like to add to the Mi Shebeirach list for healing, send a note to the Hesed Committee chair Gabe or Rabbi Jennie. You can also edit the list directly on our Google Drive. We will keep saying the name each week, until we know there’s no longer a special need for this person. We will still ask for names at each service; this is just an additional way to add a name to the list.
SAVE THE DATE!
The Temple Annual Meeting will be on
July 13, 2025 at 4pm
(at the Temple)
Zack Bunde’s Bar Mitzvah
Saturday, October 18 at 10 a.m.
NEWS AND LINKS OF INTEREST
Knox College published this lovely profile of Mike Lawrence, son of Temple Sholom founders Mark and Gladys Lawrence: https://www.knox.edu/profiles/mike-lawrence-64
Our own Hannah Lyon was interviewed by radio station WGIL about getting a grant to upgrade equipment at Cornucopia: https://www.wgil.com/episode/cornucopia-galesburgs-grocery-treasure-gets-a-boost/
ACCESS TO BROOKSIDE CEMETERY
For security reasons, car access to Brookside Cemetery is controlled by having a locked gate at the entrance, but you can always walk in through the smaller gate to the side. Please make sure the gate is closed after you exit, with the padlock re-locked. For the lock combination or any additional questions, please contact one of the cemetery trustees: Bob Bondi, David Amor, and Jeremy Karlin.
Proposals invited for use of the Chai Fund: In 2014, Temple Sholom received a gift of $10,188 from the Chai Foundation. We have drawn on these funds for several projects, using about one-third of the funding. The Temple Board welcomes proposals to use the fund; guidelines below. If you have an idea, you might want to start by discussing it with a board member. Proposals can be sent to our president, Jonah Rubin.
Mission Statement for use of the Chai Fund: Temple Sholom will use the money from the CHAI gift on initiatives that will invigorate the Temple community. The Temple will give each initiative up to $500. The funds may be used for (but not limited to):
When requesting for funds from the CHAI grant, Temple Sholom members should state how the supported project will realize the mission of invigorating the Temple community.
DONATION RECORD
For improvements to the kitchen
Jan West and Guy West
To support students attending the annual seder
Bob Bondi
Mary Howell
Jan West
In memory of Alexander Faynov
The Fayman Family
Don’t see your name? If you have made a donation but do not see your name on this list and/or have not received an acknowledgement by mail, please let Nancy Eberhardt know. Sorry in advance for any slip ups!
Making a donation to Temple Sholom? If you would like to make a donation to Temple Sholom, please send your check to: Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501, identifying the nature of the gift (e.g., in memory of, in honor of, or for the speed recovery of a particular person). Maury will notify Nancy Eberhardt, who takes care of correspondence concerning such gifts (e.g., notifying the family of the deceased that a gift has been made in memory of that person).
Give to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
The Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund was established by the Temple Sholom Board in 2024, at the time that Rabbi Jennie Bunde was engaged as our rabbi. A regular part of most congregations that have ongoing clergy, this fund is intended to provide Rabbi Jennie with the means to provide tzedakah on behalf of the congregation to individuals and charitable organizations in times of need, both in the congregation and in the larger community. It can also be used to help the rabbi with professional expenses, books and other materials used to further her professional development. The Temple contributes to the Fund each year, but the hope and expectation is that gifts from congregants and friends of Temple Sholom will also help to build the fund.
If you are planning a gift to Temple Sholom, please consider making it to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund. It could be in memory of a loved one, an expression of thanks for a life milestone, or any other reason, even just to support the fund. Checks should be made out to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund (NOT to Rabbi Jennie personally) and sent to Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501.
Happy Tree of Life Donations
Donations may be made in recognition of a variety of events, for example: in honor of a happy occasion (anniversary, birth, bar/bat mitzvah, birthday, etc.), or in honor of an individual or family. Donations may be made by an individual or a group at three levels: a leaf ($200), an acorn ($500), and a stone ($1,000). A leaf can be engraved with four lines of text with 20 characters in each line, plus a brief fifth line (often a date). Acorns and stones are larger than leaves and can accommodate more text. Sample wordings can be found by looking on the Happy Tree of Life. If you want to make a donation, you can send your gift, along with specification of wording, to Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501
Memorial Plaques: If you would like to purchase a memorial plaque ($250), send your donation and desired wording to Maury Lyon, Treasurer, Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 501, Galesburg, IL 61402-0501. You will find samples of what to include on the plaque by looking at ones already on the memorial board.
Gift Shop
Gift shop offerings have been pared back to candles (Shabbat, memorial, Hanukkah) and mezuzot. The easiest times to access the case are Friday evenings before or after services. For access at another time, contact Faye Schulz, 335-7192.