Category Archives: October
ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP RESPONDS TO TREE OF LIFE SHOOTING IN PITTSBURGH
October 27, 2018
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I write to you with a broken heart – for the lives lost, wounded, and shattered by horrific hatred and violence at Tree of Life Congregation this morning. We join our Jewish neighbors and enter into mourning for all that has been lost. In our grief, God is our comfort. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
From Pittsburgh to Portland, and around the world, Jews are living in fear. Anti-Semitism is on the rise. Public acts of hatred and bigotry against Jews are commonplace. As Christians, and particularly as Lutherans, we deplore and reject this bigotry. “We recognize in anti-Semitism a contradiction and affront to the Gospel, a violation of our hope and calling, and we pledge this church to oppose the deadly working of such bigotry, both within our own circles and in the society around us” (1994 Declaration of the ELCA to the Jewish Community).
We are reminded that hate-filled violence knows no bounds – whether a Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, a Christian church in Charleston, or a Jewish synagogue In Pittsburgh. As people of faith, we are bound together not only in our mourning, but also in our response.
Therefore, in this tender moment of grief, let us reach out to those whose hearts are most broken – our Jewish neighbors. I encourage you to contact your local synagogue, or your Jewish colleagues, friends, and family members, to share your words of care, support, love, and protection. There may be specific acts you might offer to demonstrate your care, such as when the members of Faith Lutheran Church surrounded Congregation Beth Israel of Chico, California, serving as Shomrim, or guardians, as they observed Yom Kippur following a hate crime in 2009.
Such simple acts can go a long way to demonstrate our love, as an extension of God’s love. As we seek to heal the brokenhearted, we are assured that God is near. There is no greater promise in the face of grief.
In peace,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop, ELCA
TRAGEDY AT ETZ CHAYIM, PITTSBURGH
October 28, 2018
Congregation Aitz Chaim (The Great Falls Hebrew Association) would like to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to our fellow Jews in Pittsburgh. We join you if not physically, spiritually, during this time of mourning and Shiva. As we recite the ancient words of the Kaddish, we pray that the source of comfort will comfort all those who mourn, and we send peace to all those who are bereaved.
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October 28, 2018
Dear Members and Friends of Har Shalom,
Today, our deepest condolences go to the people of Etz Chayim, Pittsburgh. I would like to invite you to attend a vigil at Har Shalom on Sunday October 28 at 4:30 pm. Let us mourn and pray for peace together.
We are reeling between anger and sorrow about the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting. My heart breaks for the families of those who lost loved ones and for the injuries of those who were wounded. I am exceedingly grateful to professional law enforcement for their dedication in the face of danger. At the same time, I am enraged that we have to suffer deadly, bigoted actions directed at our beloved Jewish people.
Although we are far from Pittsburgh, we feel the reverberations of this horrific mass shooting. Some of us are the children of Holocaust survivors. Some of us know that the Nazis killed our relatives in Eastern Europe. We remember, and it is painful. It is unspeakably despicable that innocent people are murdered because of their identity, simply because they are Jewish, especially in a house of worship, from a religious tradition that originated the concept of “sanctuary”. I will not hide in the face of anti-Semitism. We must affirm and celebrate our identity in a free society.
On the matter of security and the threat of copy-cat events, I spoke with the Missoula Police Department this morning. The officers in our zone will do extra drive–bys and will park in front of Har Shalom to fill out reports and make follow-up phone calls. I also communicated with our local police intelligence officer, who assures us that monitoring of local hate groups does not indicate any specific, immediate threat. I urge you to get in touch with me if you would like to share your concerns. Many, many thanks to all our non-Jewish friends who have called or written to express their solidarity. It means so much to us.
Meanwhile, we can do these things: (1) Please come to the vigil tomorrow, Sunday October 28 at 4:30 pm, and (2) Please work to undo the damage caused by hate-filled rhetoric and false conspiracy theories by modeling the opposite behavior, working in advocacy roles for our highest values, and voting.
Laurie Franklin
Spiritual Leader and Senior Rabbinic Intern
Har Shalom/Missoula, MT
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October 28, 2018
We never begin the day thinking we will learn of a tragedy, especially on Shabbat. However, we were confronted this morning with the news that shattered the very peace and rest we seek on this holy day.
As many of you are already aware, Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (home to several large and diverse Jewish communities) was in the middle of Shabbat morning services when they were attacked by an active shooter who was apparently driven by extreme anti-Semitic hatred.
It is easy to be blindsided, scared and even confused by this event. The United States is one of the safest nations in the world for Jews to live throughout the history of our people. This is why the actions carried out this morning are such a sobering reminder that bigotry, hatred, and intolerance continue to be evils we face as Jews along with others discriminated against for just trying to be who they are.
We join with other Jewish Communities around the United States and the world in mourning with the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh. Many of us at CBA have personal ties to Pittsburgh or the area.
Although our sympathetic prayers seem meager in the wake of the enormous weight of this tragedy, it joins into a bigger outpouring of love, warmth and solidarity from the other Jewish communities along with the greater United States Community. This wave reminds us that light and warmth will banish darkness; without exception. As opposed to letting this event close us off from our neighbors and make us suspicious of strangers – let us take the opportunity to get to know the people around our community better. We fear what we do not know.
One thing is certain. We will not let fear dictate how we worship or live our lives. Please note that we will continue as planned with our showing of “There Are Jews Here” at the Synagogue tomorrow. We hope to see you there!
With sorrow and a prayer for everlasting peace,
Jill Salsbury
President, Congregation Beth Aaron
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October 28, 2018
Dear friends,
Shabbos in Bozeman ended a short time ago and I turned my phone on to see the horrific images out of the Tree of Life – Or L’Simcha Synagogue in Pittsburgh. The Torah says that upon hearing of the untimely passing of his sons Nadav and Avihu, Aaron, Moses’ brother and High Priest, was silent. There are times where speechlessness is the sound of a deep cry, a bitter heartbreak and an unfathomable tragedy being experienced.
Please join me tomorrow at Congregation Beth Shalom, Bozeman, at 3:30 PM for a community gathering in memory of our brothers and sisters in Pittsburgh and join us this upcoming Shabbos morning November 3rd for a Shabbat Prayer for Pittsburgh as our prayers and the sermon will be dedicated to Pittsburgh and our way forward as a Jewish community.
I know that so many of you are scared, broken and angry. The words of King David must always reverberate in our minds “The guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps” and may He protect our people wherever they are and may He bring comfort to the Synagogue and greater Pittsburgh community and the families who are mourning the loss of their loved ones.
Shavua Tov,
Rabbi Chaim Bruk
Director/Spiritual Leader
Chabad Lubavitch of Montana
THE SHABBos PROJECT 2018
Join us in 2018 with more than 1 million Jews around the world celebrating one single Shabbat …
Together we will keep the Shabbat of 26/27 October 2018 from sunset to stars out.
YAHRZEITS — OCTOBER, 2018
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 may we be a comfort to all who are bereaved.
| Name of Deceased |
English Date of Passing | Hebrew Date of Passing | Deceased Relationship to Congregant |
| Dawn Schandelson | Sep 3, 2018 | 23 Elul, 5778 | Wife of Arny Schandelson, Mother of Brett and Scott Schandelson |
| Donald Goldman | May 14, 2018 | 29 Iyyar, 5778 | Father of Abbee Drew, Grandfather of Cece Drew |
| Frances Waltman | Apr 1, 2018 | 16 Nisan, 5778 | Mother of Marjorie Feldman |
| Ann Cohn | Oct 4, 1987 | 11 Tishrei, 5748 | Mother of Arlyne Reichert |
| Irving Fineman | Oct 12, 1981 | 14 Tishrei, 5742 | Father of Robert Fineman |
| Vicki Sherick Hawkesworth | Oct 12, 2013 | 9 Cheshvan, 5774 | Daughter of Jack and Diane Sherick |
| Roberto Naduris | Oct 14, 1995 | 20 Tishrei, 5756 | Husband of Susan Weissman |
| Rose Gran | Oct 14, 2014 | 20 Tishrei, 5775 | |
| Carl Kotler | Oct 15, 1993 | 30 Tishrei, 5754 | |
| Hattye Oppenhemer Meyer | Oct 16, 1968 | 24 Tishrei, 5729 | Grandmother of Diane Sherick |
| Pauline Nagel | Oct 16, 2000 | 17 Tishrei, 5761 | Mother of Meriam Nagel |
| Robert Klotzman | Oct 17, 1995 | 23 Tishrei, 5756 | |
| Alex Barrett | Oct 18, 1990 | 29 Tishrei, 5751 | Father of Nadyne Weissman |
| Marvin Langsam | Oct 27, 2013 | 23 Cheshvan, 5774 | Brother of Helen Cherry |
| Celia Ross | Oct 30, 1972 | 22 Cheshvan, 5733 | Great-grandmother of Cece Drew |
| Queenie Crombie | Oct 30, 1992 | 3 Cheshvan, 5753 | Mother of Arleen Heintzelman |
DIASPORA ISRAEL DAY: CELEBRATING JEWISH PEOPLEHOOD 7 CHESHVAN
Diaspora Israel Day
Celebrating Jewish Peoplehood
7th of Cheshvan
The Hebrew calendar is filled, as we all know, with many holidays and festivals. Yet, there is one very meaningful Jewish value which is not manifested, or celebrated in any holiday – the value of Klal Israel.
We believe that these special bonds between Jewish communities across the globe, which have been persevered against all odds and despite all differences, is a true cause for celebration.
On this coming 7th of Cheshvan – October 27th 2017 – we invite you to celebrate with us Diaspora Israel Day.
Read More About Diaspora Israel Day
AN EVENING TO REMEMBER
Amber Ikeman, cantorial singer and songwriter, will be coming to Helena the weekend of November 10th and 11th. On the 10th, she will be performing some of her original work at Free Ceramic.
In addition, Amber is offering a free concert, previously performed and well-received in Bozeman, for the Helena Jewish community and friends on Saturday, November 11th at 7pm at Touchmark on Saddle Dr., in The Forum. This performance should last approximately one hour. Please tell your friends. Desserts for a social gathering following the performance are most welcome.
“OY, MAMA!”: Classic Yiddish folk songs, show tunes, original pieces, and heartfelt stories – all an homage to the Jewish Mother’s quirks and virtues. Presented by Cantorial Soloist/Singer Songwriter Amber Ikeman. Free (donations appreciated).
“Anchored by hilarious stories about her own mother, grandmothers, and generations beyond, Amber’s music deeply touched everyone in the crowd. Both the Yiddish and English songs captured the soul of Jewish motherhood and enriched our memories of our mothers and grandmothers, laughing at their eccentricities and crying for those we have lost. Amber’s voice and guitar are technically superb, but it’s the way she uses her talents to stir our deepest feelings that will leave you wanting more.” – Rabbi Ed Stafman
Submitted by Janet Tatz
AN OPEN INVITATION FROM CONGREGATION BETH AARON
The Shabbat Project was introduced in South Africa in 2013 to quite astonishing effect. On the Shabbat over which it ran, close to 70 percent of that country’s 75,000 Jews kept Shabbat to a more full degree, most for the first time in their lives.
Perhaps more significantly, the initiative drew people together in ways never seen before.
In the aftermath, many wrote in from around the world, wanting to bring the initiative to their own cities and communities. And so, The International Shabbat Project was born.
It has already been described as “an experiment that has no precedent in modern Jewish history,” and “the most ambitious Jewish unity initiative ever undertaken.”
In October 2016, over 1,000 cities in 90 countries held events, some with as many as 10,000 attendees. It is estimated that as many as 1,000,000 Jews participated in the numerous public and private celebrations of the Shabbat.
Congregation Beth Aaron has enrolled in this year’s The Shabbat Project. In addition to our Erev Shabbat Service and Oneg Shabbat Friday, October 27 and Shabbat Torah Study/Lunch-n-Learn Saturday, October 28, please join us for these other Shabbat morning and afternoon activities.
THE SHABBAT PROJECT-BILLINGS, MT
Friday, October 27, 2017, 8 Cheshvan, 5778:
- 7:00 PM – SHIRIM UZ’MIROT/Songs and Hymns
- 7:30 PM – KABBALAT SHABBAT/Welcoming the Sabbath
- 8:45 PM – ONEG SHABBAT/Sabbath celebration
Saturday, October 28, 2017, 8 Cheshvan, 5778:
Submitted by brian Schnitzer
THE INTERNATIONAL SHABBOS/SHABBAT PROJECT, OCTOBER27-28
The Shabbat Project | 27-28 October
This week, in addition to exciting events in Rome, Tel Aviv and Warsaw, there are tributes from a nation’s president, a Chassidic rebbe and a New York
a capella band!
How are your final preparations going?
#KeepingItTogether #TheFinalCountdown
Reuvy Baby!
Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin has publicly endorsed The Shabbat Project.
Read his letter here!
It’s Official
In Zichron Yaakov, organisers are partnering with the mayor’s office to run a host of events – including a pre-event wine evening, citywide Challah Bake, Kabbalat Shabbat under the stars, Shabbat activities and workshops in schools, and a Friday night dinner for the city’s teenagers.
Click here for more.
Friends, Romans, Countrymen
Rome has clicked into gear with the “Invite your neighbours” campaign that will see friends and ‘strangers’ gathering together in homes across the city for Shabbat meals. Rome will be joined by Venice, Naples, Milan, Cosenza, Cuneo and Torino, which are all running headline events.
Poles A Part
Warsaw is paying tribute to South Africa – where The Shabbat Project was introduced in 2013 – with a communal Friday night meal comprising South African delicacies. The South African Ambassador to Poland is also expected to attend.
Rocking in Rio
In Rio de Janeiro, Jews in the neighbourhoods of Copacabana, Ipanema, Botafogo and Leblon are participating in a veritable carnival of Shabbat Project events.
Check it out here.
Shabbat Around the World
Inspire Tel Aviv (ITV) is hosting an extraordinary dinner on a rooftop overlooking the city, where it will be serving foods and celebrating cultures from around the world. ITV is also having a cholent-and-beer Shabbat lunch, a walking tour of “Tel Aviv’s hidden history”, a third meal, and a musical Havdallah!
Register here.
I’m a Jewish Mother, Do Exactly As I Say!
Tovah Feldshuh – actress, singer, playwright, and Jewish mother – says: “Come to the worldwide Challah Bake!” And you dare not disobey.
Havdallah Spice Shouldn’t Be a Problem
In Marrakesh, Morocco, a tour group of 35 people from around the world have opted to keep a full Shabbat together! That’s not all for Morocco. Shabbat Project activities are also happening in the cities of Rabat and Casablanca, where Shabbat meals are being planned.
A Jew You Should Know
Ari Koretzky has interviewed US senators, Nobel Prize winners, 9/11 survivors, hedge fund masterminds and global human rights ambassadors. In his latest “Jews you should know” podcast, he gets up close and personal with the “Good Shabbos Rabbi” himself – South Africa’s Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein, who is the founder and director of The Shabbat Project.
Check it out here.
Novaminsker Rebbe Gets On Board
People often ask, what about communities that keep Shabbat every week? If they experience this gift every week – what can they do to tap into the magic of The Shabbat Project? The Novominsker Rebbe and the Chief Rabbi of South Africa have answered this conundrum…
The Shabbat Project is an opportunity for everyone to renew their appreciation of Shabbat, even those who have kept Shabbat since birth. So families around the world are uniting to study chapter 30 of the Rambam Hilchos Shabbos on the Shabbat of The Shabbat Project, as a way to renew their appreciation of this beautiful gift!
Download the study material here.
Justin Timberlake Says: “Keep Shabbat!”
Okay, we admit – that headline was just clickbait. But to help you get over your disappointment, here’s NYC’s crack a cappella outfit, Six13, giving JT’s “Can’t stop the feeling!” a distinctly Sabbatical spin.
Here’s to keeping it together in 2017.
The Shabbat Project Team
There is still time to put your city/town/county on the list!
https://www.theshabbosproject.org/
Submitted by Brian Schnitzer
GFIA OCTOBER MEETING
October 2017
Help is Needed to Meet The Needs AT Great Falls Public Schools.
East Middle School’s greatest need is mentorship for students who have either not had a positive adult role model in their lives, or feel abandoned by
all their previous adults. They need adults who can check up on them regularly, and be a positive long-term adult presence in their lives. To volunteer,
contact Brad Barringer at 268-6503.
North Middle School’s greatest needs are Career Pathway interest volunteers and assistance paying for School lunches. The school has clubs every Thursday
such as a Daycare Club, where they become certified for child care, and a Vet Tech Club, where they learn pet care. The School brings in partners from
the community to teach them life and career skills. Skills like how to prepare and conduct themselves for a job interview. They are always looking for
new careers to add. For more info or to volunteer, contact Tara Rosipal at 268-6530.
United Way is sponsoring an effort, “Teaching 8th-graders about the workplace.” Volunteers are needed at North and East Middle Schools from 8 am to 2:45
pm on Thursday, Oct 12. People can volunteer all day or for as little as 90 minutes.
Upcoming Events-
Salvation Army: Halloween Movie Night, October 27th, 6pm
Christmas Assistance Program Application October 17th-18th
Salvation Army Church, 1000 17th Ave S. 453-0391
-YWCA: Parent Cafe (Kids welcome too), November 2, 5pm-7:30pm
YWCA 220 2nd St. N. 452-1315 –
Dandelion Foundation & Crime Stoppers: Human Trafficking Forum
October 24th, 6:30pm-8pm
Heritage Hall at Great Falls College MSU, 2100 16th Ave. S.
Submitted by Stephen Boyd
HOLOCAUST POSTERS, FRAMES, AND SHIPPING CRATES ARE STILL IN NEED OF serious REPAIR
With school starting, calls will be coming in to exhibit the Holocaust posters. They cannot go out in the deplorable condition they are currently in. We have several choices.
1. Come together at the Times Square Building and repair them. Those that are good at painting can paint. Those that are carpenters can help to restore the frames and the shipping crates.
2. Pay to have them repaired.
3. Store them somewhere, unrepaired. End of story.
4. Sell them. End of responsibility. End of story.
Maybe this should be on the board meeting agenda.