Category Archives: 5777

REFORM JUDAISM IN ISRAEL:LATEST UPDATES

Dear friends,

As we enter the new week, we continue in our struggle for equality at the Kotel and in conversion services. We began this week on motzei Shabbat, Saturday night, with a Havdallah service and rally by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem. We, together with our partners from the Conservative Movement, were joined by around 2,000 people who came to say – enough is enough! The rally was also joined by leading figures in Israeli society, including Sali Maridor, former embassador to the United States, General (Res.) Noam Tibon, author Yokhi Brandes, Tehilla Nachson and others, who came to speak out in favor of religious freedom and against the government’s disrespect of hundreds of thousands of Jews who refuse to be led by the ultra-Orthodox authority.

Rabbi Gilad Kariv, President and CEO of the IMPJ, was the concluding speaker. In his remarks, he stated: “We, together with our many partners in Israel and around the world, entered into this embarrassing and dangerous lack of governmental leadership – our voices loud and varied, yet announcing in one chorus: no more! No more blind hatred! No more hypocrisy! No more redundancy! No more signing of agreements, only to then turn them into empty promises! No more being rewarded for despicable acts! No more speaking about unity on the one hand and acting divisively on the other! No more making one statement in English in Washington and a completely opposite one in the government offices in Jerusalem. No more!”

We invite you to continue following us on Facebook and on our website, where you will find a detailed explanation of this past week’s events, a prayer for unity in Israel, by Rabbi Yehoyada Amir, chairperson of MARAM – Reform Rabbinic Council in Israel, the full text of the speech made by Rabbi Gilad Kariv at the rally, a video from the rally, and more.

We will keep you posted over the coming week as developments unfold. We want to take this opportunity to thank you again for your continued support during these trying times. Even as we face backlash in Israel, your support helps remind us that indeed, kol Yisrael arevim zeh l’zeh, all the people of Israel are responsible for one another.

Reform Judaism in Israel
13 King David Street
Jerusalem,
Jerusalem 9410125 Israel

YAHRZEITS — JULY, 2017, TAMMUZ–AV, 5777

RAM’S HORN POLICY FOR LISTING YAHRZEIT MEMORIALS:!
Yahrzeit memorials are listed by consecutive Gregorian month, date, and year, if known, or at the beginning of the list for one calendar year following the date of passing.

Compiled by Aitz Chaim over many years, this list is maintained by the Ram’s Horn. Please send any corrections or additions to editor@aitzchaim.com
May the source of peace send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.

Name of
Deceased
English Date of Passing Hebrew Date of Passing Deceased Relationship to
Congregant
Lydia (Leah) Bailey Mar 31, 2017 3 Nissan, 5777 Mother of Karen (Chaya) Semple
Irving Langsam Jul 3, 1991 21 Tammuz, 5751 Father of Helen Cherry
Alvin Magalnick Jul 3, 2010 21 Tammuz, 5770 Brother of Elliot Magalnick
Gregory Scott Merriman Jul 10, 2007 24 Tamuz, 5767 Father of Laura Merriman
Natalee Holly Kelman Jul 10, 2013 3 Av, 5773 Daughter of Evelyn Kelman
Beverly Espelin Jul 12, 2007 26 Tammuz, 5767 Mother of Dawn Schandelson
Hilda Schandelson Jul 17, 1962 15 Tammuz, 5722 Mother of Arnold Schandelson
Rachel Foxman July 18, 2014 20 Tamuz, 5774 Sister of Marty Foxman
Miriam Fischer Jul 20, 1953 8 Av, 5713 Mother of Robert Fischer
Maurice Jacoby Jul 27, 1976 29 Tammuz, 5736

ONE WALL, ONE PEOPLE: PRAYER FOR ISRAEL AND RALLY REMINDER FROM THE ISRAEL MOVEMENT FOR REFORM AND PROGRESSIVE JUDAISM (IMPJ)

Dear friends,
This past Sunday, the Israeli government turned their backs against liberal and progressive Jews in Israel and world-wide by annulling the Kotel agreement and passing an initial ultra-Orthodox Conversion bill.

This Motzei Shabbat, we will all meet in front of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s home in Jerusalem to say
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
NO LONGER will we stand to be treated as second-class Jews in our national homeland!
NO LONGER will we let the government drag its feet and play around with our right to pray at the holiest site for the Jewish people!
NO LONGER will we allow a small group of extreme ultra-Orthodox rabbis to decide who is and who is not a Jew!
Join us, together with the Masorti (Conservative) Movement, speak up and make your voices heard!
We will meet this Saturday night, July 1, at 9:30 PM (1:30 PM MDT) at 1 Balfour Street in Jerusalem
For those who cannot join us in person, the Havdallah service and rally will be live-streamed on our Facebook page.

As we prepare to welcome Shabbat, we wanted to share with you a prayer by Rabbi Yehoyada Amir, Chair of MARAM – Israel Reform Rabbinic Council, in light of recent days’ events.

We also take this opportunity to remind you that we will be meeting this coming Saturday night, July 1 at 9:30 PM (1:30 P.M. MdT) by the Prime Minister’s residence to conduct Havdallah and rally against the government’s recent actions.

Protector, Rock and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel, which marks the dawning of hope for our redemption. Shield it beneath Your steadfast love and spread over it the shelter of Your peace. May a spark of Your spirit inspire the actions of its President, Prime Minister, officials, judges and advisors that they may follow the path of righteousness, liberty and freedom.

Return wisdom into the hearts of the leaders of Israel, so they will strengthen the bonds of the Jewish people in all of its dwellings, and increase equality, open-heartedness and wisdom in our land. Give us the strength to rid ourselves of injustice which weaken the walls of Jerusalem and keep women and men away from praying in its midst. Release the fetters of wickedness and open a passageway for those wishing to bring into the house of Israel converts coveting goodness and calling upon God in all of their hearts. And may the words of our Prophets be fulfilled in our time: “For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples” (Isaiah 56; 7).

Strengthen the hands of those who build and protect our Holy Land and grant them salvation and life. Grant peace to this land and everlasting joy to its inhabitants.

Be near to all the people of Israel throughout the lands of their dispersion. Plant within their hearts the love of Zion, and may those of our people who are so inspired, come to Jerusalem, Your city, which bears Your name. Spread Your spirit over all the inhabitants of our land. Uproot hatred, jealousy, and evil. Plant in our hearts love and peoplehood, peace and friendship. And speedily fulfill the vision of Your prophet: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor will they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2; 4).

For Hebrew and transliteration, go to our web site.

Shabbat Shalom!

The Israel Movement for Reform AND Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) is the umbrella organization of all the Reform communities and institutions in Israel.
We seek to integrate Jewish tradition with the realities of modern life, and believe in the right of each individual to shape their own Jewish way of life through a process of study and reflection. The Reform movement emphasizes the commandments concerning relations between humans, religious tolerance, and full equality between women and men in the synagogue and in all walks of life.

THE KOTEL CRISIS

Israel’s Western Wall crisis: Why Jews are fighting with each other over the Jewish holy site, explained

THE SOURCE OF EVERYTHING JEWISH RETIREMENT SALE

http://www.JEWISHSOURCE.com

The Source for Everything JewishTM

HAMAKOR JUDAICA, INC. 6333 Gross Point Rd • NILES, IL 60714

(847)966-4040 • (847)966-4033 FAX

June, 2017

Dear Loyal Customer and Friend,

A Huge Retirement Sale at http://www.JEWISHSOURCE.com has begun to liquidate every single item of merchandise on our website, including but not limited to Art, Silver, Tallitot, Kiddush Cups, Mezuzot, Chanukkah and Passover Items, Tzedakah Boxes, Cookbooks, Books and Ceremonial Objects-for Shabbat and Holidays, plus much more. See our website http://www.JEWISHSOURCE.com for details.

All of our merchandise must be sold! Throughout the liquidation, we will be offering additional discounts on remaining inventory. WE WILL BE NOTIFYING YOU OF THESE ADDITIONAL REDUCED PRICES THROUGH EMAIL.

– If you are currently receiving emails from jewishsource.com, watch your inbox daily.

– If you are not receiving emails, sign up at http://www.JEWISHSOURCE.com/CatReq.asp to be notified of the latest price reductions. (If you had previously “unsubscribed,” a link will be provided to reactivate.)

Shop early for the best selection. Quantities are very limited and are selling fast at these amazing prices. Gift certificates with valid expiration dates will be honored through August 15, 2017.

It has truly been a source of pride and joy for us and our staff to serve you, our loyal customer, with your Judaica needs. After 45 years of serving the Jewish community through our catalogs and website, this sale is initiated only after careful consideration. It is our way of thanking you for your patronage, while at the same time helping to accomplish our goal of retiring in Israel.

Sincerely, and/ ao-vn& Stratum, Owners

PS: We would appreciate your spreading the word to family and friends.

service@jewishsource.com http://www.jewishsource.com

SAVE THEIR STORIES KICKSTARTER UPDATE: ALL OR NOTHING

We’re halfway through our Kickstarter campaign to Save Their Stories: cataloging and publishing online more than 200 diaries of Holocaust victims and survivors. I’ve seen your heartfelt comments, tweets, and posts about our project, and I’m so inspired by the outpouring of support we’ve received already—so far over 3,396 people have come together to make sure these important accounts of the Holocaust are brought to the public. But this is all or nothing—if we don’t meet our goal, we don’t get any funding at all. And there are just two weeks left!

I’m excited to share that at 2 p.m. ET today, I will be giving a live video presentation about this project that you can watch from the Kickstarter Project Page
I’ll also be answering your questions about the project and our work. Be sure to let your friends know—getting the word out is critical to meeting our goal! We can only do this together. Please back this project today with whatever amount you can chip in—every pledge makes a difference. Plus, when you support the project, you can choose from rewards exclusive to this Kickstarter, like a Save Their Stories t-shirt, tote bag, poster, limited-edition watercolor print painted by Holocaust survivor Simon Jeruchim, behind-the-scenes experiences, and so much more.

Check out the Kickstarter Project Page for more details about the meaningful difference you’ll make—and the rewards available exclusively to project backers. Some of these have run out already, so don’t delay!

I hope you’ll join us and help Save Their Stories today.
Sincerely,
Kyra Schuster
Curator, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

P.S. If you’ve already backed this project, thank you! Help us reach our goal by sharing the project with family and friends on Facebook and Twitter.
Image: A watercolor made by Holocaust survivor Simon Jeruchim depicting a road in France near the home of his rescuer. US Holocaust Memorial Museum, courtesy of Simon Jeruchim

UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM
100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW,
Washington, DC 20024-2126
202.488.0400

Submitted by Meriam Nagel

YAHRZEITS — TAMMUZ, 5777

RAM’S HORN POLICY FOR LISTING YAHRZEIT MEMORIALS:!
Yahrzeit memorials are listed by consecutive Hebrew month, date, and year, if known, or at the beginning of the list for one calendar year following the date of passing.

Compiled by Aitz Chaim over many years, this list is maintained by the Ram’s Horn. Please send any corrections or additions to editor@aitzchaim.com
May the source of peace send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.

Name of
Deceased
Hebrew Date of Passing Deceased Relationship to
Congregant
Lydia (Leah) Bailey 3 Nisan, 5777 Mother of Karen (Chaya) Semple
Lillian Nagel 2 Tammuz, 5759 Aunt of Meriam Nagel
Morris Goldberg 5 Tammuz, 5715 Grandfather of Jerry Weissman and Robert Fineman
Hilda Schandelson 15 Tammuz, 5722 Mother of Arnold Schandelson
Rachel Foxman 20 Tamuz, 5774 Sister of Marty Foxman
Irving Langsam 21 Tammuz, 5751 Father of Helen Cherry
Alvin Magalnick 21 Tammuz, 5770 Brother of Elliot Magalnick
Gregory Scott Merriman 24 Tamuz, 5767 Father of Laura Merriman
Beverly Espelin 26 Tammuz, 5767 Mother of Dawn Schandelson
Maurice Jacoby 29 Tammuz, 5736

VIOLINS OF HOPE

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/restoring-hope-by-repairing-violins-of-the-holocaust/

GREAT FALLS INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION MINUTES FOR JUNE, 2017

Those present:
Pastor Ray Larson, Benefis Healthcare
Stephen Boyd, GF Hebrew Association
Udo Wozney, Bethel Lutheran Church
Jim McCormick, Rescue Mission
Cherrie Kelly, Opportunities Inc.
Dusti Zimmer, Center for Mental Health
Shane Etzwiler, GF Chamber of Comerce
David Colpepper, Foothills Cummunity Christian School
Gringer King, Family Connections MT
Rick Allison, Big Sky Baptist Church
Dave Strand, Big Sky Baptist Church
Tamy Lacey, GF Public Schools
Lee Barrows, New City Church

Focus: Great Falls Chamber of Commerce and Foothills Community Christian School

Pastor ray opened with a reading from Deuteronomy and a prayer.

Shane – GF Chamber of Commerce – The Chamber is all about business, creating a great environment where businesses can thrive. There are many employment
issues in Great Falls, one of which is workforce. About a third of employable people in this city are not working.
An apprenticeship program in Great Falls gives a $750 tax credit to all businesses who hire through the program every year up to five years if the employee
stays.

Also, there is a program that helps adjust military who are getting ready to retire, for 180 days the military will pay the salaries; completely free to
the employer.

The Ad Banquet gave eight scholarships to students last year. Graduation Matters, because the kids’ future and the future of Great Falls matters.

The military is planning to upgrade the missiles on all three bases starting in 2023. If the companies tell us what kind of jobs they need in six years,
the Chamber can relate the information to graduating students now to so that Great Falls has many eligible employees in 2023.

Tami – GF School District – ESA (Every Student Succeeds) replaces NCLB (No Child Left Behind) because the program wasn’t succeeding. The purpose is to
ensure Montana Schools are achieving Federal Standards. ESA provides more flexibility, allows for more local control. Great Falls gets Federal dollars
to help At-Risk students. There is accountability, they have to account for every dollar spent. The long-term goal is still the same, 100% student proficiency.
“Adulting” is something they are looking at, whether it’s a class or some kind of course to teach kids how to be an adult, show up for meetings, be on
time, make phone calls, reach goals, etc. This message isn’t being taught at home anymore, but is vital to student’s ultimate success.
Many of the most challenging schools are on Reservations where extreme poverty and lack of work opportunities prevail.

David – Foothills Christian School – David has been involved in Christian schools for 34 years. The goal and purpose of the school is to provide Christ-centered
education to Christian families. They try to establish good biblical moral foundations with which to build on.
The English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge who wrote The Rime of The Ancient Mariner was involved in a discussion about religion. The other person believed
that children should not be given formal religious education of any kind. They would then be free to select their own religion when they were old
enough to decide. Coleridge did not bother to debate the point, but invited the man to see his rather neglected garden. “Do you call this a garden?” asked
the visitor. “There are nothing but weeds here.” “Well, you see,” said Coleridge, “I did not wish to infringe on the liberty of the garden in any way. I
was just giving the garden a chance to express itself and choose its own production.”

They emphasize exceptional academics, service to others, and strong moral character. In Great Falls, there is a common goal that our children deserve the
very best education. They are accredited by Advanced Ed and the Association of Christian Schools International. They feel they have succeeded if they create
responsible church members. Not isolating them from the world, but providing a “greenhouse” of sorts to give them a better start.

Pastor Ray adjourned the meeting. Next one is July 27th at 12pm.

Submitted by Stephen Boyd

This World Refugee Day, make sure the world never forgets.

It’s been just one week since we launched our first-ever Kickstarter, and I have wonderful news to share with you: 2,720 people have pledged to Save Their Stories. It’s a strong start—but to share over 200 Holocaust diaries in the Museum’s collection with the world and make them accessible, we still need your help.

In the years leading up to and during World War II, the world turned a blind eye to the fate of refugees who were fleeing unimaginable circumstances such as forced labor and starvation at the hands of Nazis and their collaborators. Never again can any of us turn a blind eye.

Today, on World Refugee Day, help share the stories of people who survived the Holocaust as refugees.

Visit our Kickstarter Project Page to bring these stories to light and help the world learn from these first-hand accounts.
At every level of support, you will receive meaningful, inspiring rewards you won’t find anywhere else.

If we reach our goal, you’ll not only help us catalog hundreds of personal accounts and make them searchable on our website, we will also translate and publish online three diaries in their entirety. One was written by Hans Vogel who, at the age of seven, escaped from Germany to France with his parents and elder brother. They initially settled in Paris, but in May 1940, just 24 hours before the invading German forces reached their city, the Vogel family fled south. They traveled among a stream of other refugees, mostly by foot, as the Luftwaffe fired at them from the sky. Hans kept an extraordinary diary of their flight, including photos and hand-drawn and colored maps tracing the family’s journey.

Help share his story by becoming a Kickstarter backer. Your support is instrumental to making one-of-a-kind diaries like his available to the public for the very first time. Plus with your pledge, you can choose from special rewards, exclusive to this Kickstarter project—rewards such as “Save Their Stories” tote bag, limited-edition watercolor prints from Holocaust survivor Simon Jeruchim, a “Save Their Stories” journal, exclusive behind-the-scenes tours at the Museum, and much more.

But even more so, you’ll be helping the world learn from and remember the individual experiences of Holocaust victims and survivors: their hopes and fears, their courage in the face of unspeakable terror, their suffering and resilience.

Check out the Save Their Stories Kickstarter Project Page now to see how your support is essential to preserving the stories of survivors for the whole world to see. And if you’ve already made your pledge, thank you again for your support! Please help us one more time by spreading the word about this project on Facebook and Twitter to family and friends today, in honor of World Refugee Day.

My Brother’s Diary

Help Us Save Their Stories

Save Their Stories

Thank you again for building this momentum and for your dedication to Save Their Stories.
Sincerely,
Dana Weinstein
Director, New Audience Engagement
US Holocaust Memorial Museum

UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM
100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW
Washington, DC 20024-2126
202.488.0400

Contributed by Meriam Nagel