As my first 6 months at TCP come to an end, it seems appropriate to look at them through a Jewish lens—which looks both backward and forward.

You, as a congregation, have welcomed me warmly and I am deeply appreciative. Many of you have opened your homes and hearts. I have met about one-third of our
congregation one-on-one and eagerly anticipate getting to know all of you on an individual basis. It is my belief that in order to truly serve you, I must know you: your history, your beliefs, your needs and your dreams.

Perhaps because I am a photographer’s wife, our first High Holiday season flashes before me in a series of vignettes: the children crowded around the torah as Jenny Kaufmann read the opening of Genesis; Elaine Berk reading Leviticus in the lovely Ashkenazic accent which reminded me of my childhood; Cantor Jill’s haunting rendition of Kol Nidre; Moshe Izadi’s impromptu Bar Mitzvah and the elegant, delectable tea hosted by Susan Master for Rosh Hashana. My dream for next year is to continue these wonderful traditions and add to them: perhaps having a poetry reading on Yom Kippur afternoon, teaching new people to read Torah, having the Youth
Choir and an Adult Choir singing for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Succot brings to mind the children from the Religious School tumbling over each other in the apple orchard and shaking the lulav in the succah. Such smiles and laughterlaughter—as it should be!

Spring is just around the corner and I’m looking forward to TCP and BAS enjoying each other on stage and off in our Purim play, Schmaltz, loosely based on Grease. FUN is the word!

Fun, music, learning and laughter are very much in the plans for my installation to be held on 3/31/12. Get out your dancing shoes because the Main Street Cruisers
have generously agreed to entertain! Then, of course, there’s Passover, Shavu’ot, the New York trip with BAS… God willing, it will be a very good year.

Edwin and I, Spencer, Jonathon and Annelise send you our best wishes for a New Year of good health, joy and contentment.

Sukkot

Photo Journal of past photos

Photos courtesy of Edwin Davis Photography

Sunday, 1/8 - Religious School: 9:15-12:15
Adult Hebrew Class: 11:15-12:15
Youth Choir: 12:30 - 1:30
Purim Play auditions: 1:30 - 3:00

Monday, 1/9 - Introduction to Judaism - (continued from the Fall) 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Tuesday, 1/10 - 6:00 - 8:00 - Purim Play Auditions
7:30 - TCP Board Meeting

Thursday, 1/12 -10:30 am TCP Book Club Suite Franchise, by Irene Nemerofsky

Friday, 1/13 - 6:30pm - Dairy/Vegetarian Potluck Dinner
7:30pm - Family Service
New Member Shabbat
Birthday and Anniversary Blessings

The Youth Choir will be adding their special touch to our service!
A special Oneg Shabbat is being sponsored by Richard Hai in memory of his
beloved parents Edith Braun Hai and Paul Benjamin Hai.

Sunday, 1/15 - No Religious School - (MLK Weekend)
1:00pm - The Rosh Chodesh Group will meet at Liz Cartine's home.

Wednesday, 1/18 at 10:30am the TCP/BAS Knitting Club will meet at Bernice Merbaum's home.

Friday, 1/20 - Classical Reform Shabbat Service

Saturday, January 21, 2012, 6 p.m. KLEZMER SPAGHETTI DINNER

Sunday, 1/22 - Religious School: 9:15-12:15
Adult Hebrew Class: 11:15-12:15
Youth Choir: 12:30 - 1:30

Friday, 1/27 - Cantor's Choice Shabbat Service

Sunday, 1/29 - Religious School: 9:15-12:15
No Adult Hebrew Class
No Youth Choir

1/15 at 1:00p At the request of several congregants, the Spring session of Introduction to Judaism has been postponed until April 2nd.

Classes:

Monday 7:00pm starting 10/10, Rabbi Melody will teach an Intro to Judaism class on Monday evenings at 7:00 pm at TCP beginning 10/10 -12/19. The purpose is to provide folks with only a sketchy knowledge of Judaism to acquire a more complete understanding of the history, practices, and ideas of the Jewish people. Fee for the course is $120, including text and materials. (There is no additional fee for spouses, fiancées, partners, or other family members.)

Rabbi Melody will be teaching a Basic Hebrew for Adults on Sundays, starting 10/16 at 10:45am. All welcome.

January 8th Regular Classes

January 15th No Classes

January 22nd Regular Classes

January 29th Regular Classes, no choir

Untreated alcoholism and addictions always results in death, prison or institutionalization.

The Jewish community, for the most part, falls prey to the myth that Jews are not alcoholics. In order to better understand the magnitude of this issue, a Jewish alcoholic in recovery will be our speaker at our Friday evening Shabbat Service on 9/16. Awareness is the first step towards receiving help. All are welcome.