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Dear Friends,
It's been 10 months since the Hamas attack on October 7th, 2023. Our hearts ache as we recognize how many hostages remain in captivity. We pray for an end to the war in Israel and Gaza, and an end to the despair that has fallen upon our eternal homeland. Day by day, Israel endures moments of tragedy including, most recently, the horrific bombing of a soccer field in Majdal Shams killing twelve children by the hands of the terrorist group, Hezbollah.
Still, Israelis continue to provide hope and support to one another. Hundreds of grassroots organizations led by citizens groups have come together to help the displaced, injured, traumatized and others impacted by the war. From making sandwiches to therapeutic services, doing laundry for combat soldiers and gathering school supplies, it is inspiring to witness the resiliency of Israelis!
Here in Cleveland, a critical mitzvah has fallen to us. You can help us at Congregation Mishkan Or touch the lives of a small but mighty group of Israelis. In September, we will personally welcome eight women from Kibbutz Sufa, located squarely on the Gaza border. Kibbutz Sufa is one of the communities impacted by the October 7 attack with tragic consequences. For several days in September, they will join us here in Cleveland.
The Kibbutz Sufa community, 250 members strong, was evacuated after the attack and remains displaced. These eight women spent up to 36 hours in safe rooms – some taking turns to hold the door shut as terrorists tried to reach them. Our hearts ache for them and we extend our prayers to all who've been traumatized and placed in harm's way due to the war that has ensued.
During Shabbat worship, September 13, 2024, 6pm, our delegation of guests from Kibbutz Sufa will share stories of what happened for them on and since October 7th. One of the ways you can help Israel is to show up to worship. You can offer support, and bring your presence and love to the bonds we share with them. Hold Sept. 13 for a memorable Shabbat at Congregation Mishkan Or.
Also note: the group visiting from Kibbutz Sufa will participate beyond Sep. 13.
- During their visit from Israel, we'll provide respite for our guests during an unbearably stressful time as Israel's war with Hamas continues. But please also know they are eager to learn, share hope and mutual support with us.
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We are grateful to Women of Mishkan Or and its predecessor groups, Temple Women's Association (TWA) and Women of Fairmount Temple (WFT). They each committed financial support, along with other individual donors, to our Sholomon Adopt Israeli Families Fund, now a special fund of Congregation Mishkan Or. This fund has long provided allocations to support Israeli families responding to difficult events. As September draws near, we'll share with you more about the Sholomon Fund, and its goals.
One of our guests from Kibbutz Sufa is Ms. Noa Hubara. Noa's husband, Ido Hubara, sacrificed his life to protect Kibbutz Sufa on Oct. 7. The Times of Israel published this story about Ido Hubara z'l and his heroic efforts to protect Kibbutz Sufa. His wife Noa Hubara, who you will soon meet, here in Cleveland, created her own short video, anticipating the visit and introducing herself to us. As you will see, Noa is eager to meet, to learn about Reform Judaism, and to find fellowship, hope and mutual support as we navigate these perilous times.
L'shalom,
Yael Dadoun
Rabbi
Congregation Mishkan Or
Joshua Caruso
Rabbi
Congregation Mishkan Or
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SHABBAT WORSHIP & LEARNING
Friday, August 2
6 pm, Erev Shabbat Worship led by Rabbi Joshua Caruso & Cantor Vladimir Lapin followed by Oneg Shabbat. Enjoy beautiful Shabbat music and insight from Judaism in meeting the challenges in our modern world. Worship in person, pray with us virtually on livestream or at Congregation Mishkan Or on Facebook.
Sat., August 3: choose from two different Shabbat Torah study options held this Saturday at 9am for adults. Take time to connect. Get to know our wide-ranging clergy and fellow members by learning with them!
Rabbi Joshua Caruso will lead a 9:00 am study of the Torah portion Matot in the Book of Numbers. To learn more about Rabbi Caruso’s class, contact him here. Want to learn some of what's been on his mind? See the text of The Truth About Zionism, Shabbat remarks he shared responding to this spring's anti-Israel college campus demonstrations. You may join his class in the Hartzmark Library.
Rabbi Roger Klein will lead a 9:00 am study on the teachings of the Hebrew prophet Amos. To learn more about Rabbi Klein's class, contact him here. Want to learn some of what has been on his mind? See this link to his recent remarks on Chagall’s Moses, shared during the recent Chagall art exhibit in our museum. You may join his class in the Hartzmark Room or connect with the class via livestream at mishkanor.org
SHABBAT WITH OUR CLERGY IN CHAUTAUQUA, NY
Join Cantor Kathy Sebo & Rabbi Frank Muller of Youngstown, OH, who'll lead Shabbat worship this weekend, Aug 2-3 at Hebrew Congregation of Chautauqua! The beautiful setting of Chautauqua Institute is marvelous for Shabbat. To join others praying with Congregation Mishkan Or's Cantor Kathy Sebo, see this link to her August 2-3 Shabbat in Chautauqua schedule, or email Cantor Sebo here!
YAHRZEIT REMEMBRANCE
In the weekly Shabbat supplement given to worshipers, and prominently listed here in our weekly Mishkan Or e-message, we honor with reverence the names of cherished people who died at this time in past years and for whom perpetual yahrzeit (observance of anniversary of death) was arranged through Congregation Mishkan Or, or our legacy communities, Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple or The Temple-Tifereth Israel.
During Congregation Mishkan Or worship, if you wish for clergy to speak aloud the name(s) of a loved one(s) for whom this Shabbat is a yahrzeit, contact us in advance by Thursday at noon of each week. Directly contact Cyndi Wilson from our Congregation Mishkan Or Administrative team at cwilson@mishkanor.org, or call her at: 216-831-3233. You may also have a name read aloud for yahrtzeit or a recent death by completing a notecard outside the service. Share notecards with ushers who'll bring names to the attention of clergy before memorial prayers. Thanks for your cooperation.
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Celebrate Achievements in the Congregation Mishkan Or Newsletter and/or at Shabbat Worship
Celebrate milestones in an upcoming printed newsletter of Congregation Mishkan Or or perhaps with a blessing at Shabbat worship services! Make your namings, weddings, births, B'nai mitzvah, anniversaries, graduations and awards, a mitzvah we celebrate together! You may also acknowledge other types of achievements at Congregation Mishkan Or: Have you returned to school? Left an unfulfilling job? Adopted a pet? Stood up to a bully? Decided to retire? Began to write a memoir? Completed rehab? Had a positive medical scan? Contact Administrative Team Member Jenny Marmaros who together with clergy can help you share your mazel!
Such achievements or milestones can also be great opportunities for people to honor you by making a donation of tzedekah to our Congregation Mishkan Or annual campaign or special and endowment funds! We're grateful to you for sharing our Giving to Mishkan Or link with friends who might want to honor you, or for your gifts to honor others. Thank you!
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HAVDALAH AND PLAYDATE
Saturday, Aug. 10, 4pm
If you have children aged 0-5, come celebrate Aug 10 at 4pm for Havdalah, a brief ritual concluding each Shabbat in Judaism. Join Congregation Mishkan Or for this early childhood program and connect with other young children and their loved ones, exploring Judaism.
Our clergy will lead singing & meaningful prayer, joyful play, and Mishkan Or will provide fun snacks to enjoy. RSVP required for us to prep snacks, secure our event and share details. Contact Holly Green, Associate Director, Ganon Gil.
HAVDALAH & SONG SESSION
Saturday, Aug. 10, 6pm
Havdalah is a ritual concluding each Shabbat in Judaism. It includes the light of a twisted candle, sweet juice, and the fragrance of spices (see picture of a Havdalah set below). Cantor Vladimir Lapin & guest musicians will lead the Havdalah rituals after a joyful song session in the chapel. (Note: this 6pm song session and Havdalah follows our 4pm Havdalah for children 0-6.)
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CONGREGATION MISHKAN OR BOOK DISCUSSION - AUG 14 AT 1PM
The Hartzmark Library, an important dimension of our Congregation Mishkan Or lifelong learning program, is offering an upcoming Book Discussion!
On Wed. August 14, 1pm, we'll discuss Sacred Trash: The Lost & Found World of the Cairo Genizah, by Adina Hoffman & Peter Cole. The book describes the treasures found in the Cairo Genizah- medieval poems, wills, marriage contracts, Bibles, money orders, fiery religious tracts, fashion-conscious trousseaux lists, and much more.
This Mishkan Or lifelong learning program is held in conjunction with the Africa & Byzantium Exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art, an exhibit that includes a 15th-century ketubah from our temple Museum. To join us by zoom, contact: Jane Rothstein.
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IN SADNESS WE SHARE THE PASSING OF OUR MEMBERS:
Louise Grossman
May their memory be a blessing.
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POETRY WITH RABBI KLEIN
As part of our Mishkan Or Lifelong Learning program, our Rabbi Roger Klein will lead a Zoom discussion most Thursdays featuring poetry he loves. He invites you to share poems you love too! Discussions continue each Thursday at 4pm on Zoom. Join the poetry class! Contact Cyndi Wilson to receive a Zoom link.
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FAMILY HISTORY & GENEALOGY OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, Aug. 11, 11am–2pm, Hartzmark Library, Congregation Mishkan Or
Our Food, Celebrations & Stories!
Co-sponsored with the Jewish Genealogy Society of Cleveland, this Congregation Mishkan Or Open House at our Hartzmark Library promises to be a wonderful offering for adults & families. Resource tables, workshops, live beehive & honey samples to enjoy & touring exhibitions at Congregation Mishkan Or museum & the Maltz Museum. Congratulations to the honorary co-chairs of this event, Arnie Berger and Nate Arnold who will be saluted for their much-appreciated contributions to Cleveland Jewish history and genealogy. Want more info? Contact Librarian/ Archivist Jane Rothstein.
COMMUNITY LINKS
August 25, 11am: Join One World Day celebrating our commitment to a multicultural Cleveland engendering peace & understanding. Among performers at the Hebrew Cultural Gardens will be our Cantor Kathy Sebo (pictured below next to Cantor Vladimir Lapin).
The One World Day festival also includes a parade, food, music and public swearing-in of new U.S. citizens. To learn more about this festival held at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. contact Aviva Roland at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland
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CONGREGATION MISHKAN OR
GARDEN PARTY AND LIMMUD OPEN HOUSE
AUGUST 25, 2024
We invite all members, on Aug 25 4-6pm to come join us for food, fun & great activities. Make or meet friends at our Aug 25 garden party & activity fair! Limmud Learning families should also join us from 3-4 for an open house!
4 - 6 pm - Garden Party & Congregation Mishkan Or Activity Fair
This will be a fun-filled afternoon with activities for people of all ages outdoors in the gardens, and inside, too. This intergenerational gathering will help everyone become more familiar with Mishkan Or, the building, the pathways to involvement, and ways to connect to our community!
- Learn: Find ways to get involved. Share ideas so that Congregation Mishkan Or can help you enjoy upcoming holidays, Shabbat programs and holidays and join worship, lifelong learning, and more!
- Meet: Get to know new friends and build connections in our new congregation at a historic time!
- Enjoy: Just take it all in! We'll have fun food fare, sweet treats and uplifting music to brighten your Sunday afternoon!
Students in Pre-K through 12th grade and their families: We hope you'll plan to join us an hour before the Garden Party for a special Limmud Learning Open House!
Sunday, Aug. 25
3 - 4 pm - Limmud Learning Open House
(Students Pre-K thru 12th and loved ones!)
Meet Limmud Learning Co-directors Staci Cohen, Regina Krieger & Dina Rock. Take a tour of our learning center at Congregation Mishkan Or. Join us 3-4pm on Aug 25 before the congregation-wide garden party and activity fair. Students & loved ones who attend the Limmud Learning Open House will gain familiarity with learning activities at Congregation Mishkan Or & get better acclimated to our building at 26000 Shaker Blvd in Beachwood. Several Limmud Learning K-12 faculty will join us including Cantor Laurel Barr, coordinator of Shabbaton Limmud, held on Saturdays from 3-5pm. Learn more at our Limmud Learning Open House from Co-Directors Staci Cohen, Regina Krieger & Dina Rock. (Also, congratulate Cantor Barr on her recent appointment as spiritual leader of Temple B'nai Abraham in Elyria)
More information on all our August 25 activities coming soon!
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