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Dear members, friends and supporters,
The month of February afforded us a very special evening of inter-religious dialogue.
  Our congregation in cooperation with the Society of Christians and Jews welcomed more than 30 participants to a fascinating “Bibliodrama” program. The evening’s theme was “Naomi and her daughter-in-laws, Orpa and Ruth.” Leading us through the role-play was Iris Weiss from Berlin, a specialist in Bibliodrama. The evening ended with special guest Angelika Jaeckel’s explanation of Monika Jungnitz’s exquisite hand-made quilt. The quilt, entitled “Ruth,” is part of the exhibit “Patterns of Life.” Ms. Weiss read sections from the Book of Ruth and encouraged participants to take on different roles and speak for them. Soon, the biblical figures of Naomi, Orpa, Ruth and Boaz came to life through the words of the participants. Summarizing and repeating each comment, Ms. Weiss gave the spoken comments semantic fluidity. It was interesting to hear how people of different religious and cultural backrounds presented the characters. Once more, it became apparent how different religions can compliment each other through cooperation. The workshop program ended over steaming cups of tea and cakes, friendly conversation and the desire to invite Ms. Weiss back again soon!
The congregation celebrated its 11th birthday on a particularly sunny Sunday in February.
 The festively decorated tables sagged under the weight of all the homemade delicacies members brought to share. Besides the mouth-watering aroma, the air was filled with laughter and happiness and we said to ourselves, “Well done!” President Rachel Dohme remarked, “Once upon a time in the city of Hamelin . . . no fairy tale but almost a miracle. A miracle that eleven years ago, 18 Jewish men and women had the vision to re-establish Reform Judaism in this town. Mazel Tov to us!” Our synagogue choir “Shalom,” led by choir director, Petr Chrastina, performed several pieces from their new program. Faina Pelts led our youth choir, “Shalom, Jr.” to rounding applause. Conversations were seasoned with memories and stories from our first decade, building a sound foundation for our next goal—a new synagogue for Hamelin on the old site. We thank everyone who made this birthday party and our congregation such a success. Clearly we showed how far we have come in the past eleven years and how we’ve grown and developed since 1997. May we go from strength to strength.
 Jewish March
On March 21st we will celebrate the joyous festival of Purim. Our rabbi, Irit Shillor, will lead services beginning at 4:00 p.m. We will retell the amazing story of the Jews of Susa, reading of the Megillah (Book of Esther), which Rabbi Shillor has prepared in three languages—Hebrew, German and Russian.
Dieter Vogelhuber's German class has been working hard all year in order to
 perform a theater piece entitled “Esther.” It’s sure to be a treat. Speaking of treats, Polina Pelts’ German class will bake Hamentaschen for all—a tradition they have kept since the first year of our community. Purim is such a fun holiday and we hope everyone will come in costumes. The children of our religious school also have a surprise planned. The religious school will have Schlachmones (Purim baskets) made up for the ill and homebound and as is our tradition, members will distribute them after the party. So, mark your calendars and join your friends and neighbors for this holiday celebration.
Information for Members
Our social worker, Faina Pelts will be attending a symposium on Integration of Immigrant Populations from March 10th to March 20th. Attendance at such conferences increases Ms. Pelts' ability to better assist members' needs. The synagogue office will be open as usual in her absence.
Beginning in March, congregational treasurer Dieter Vogelhuber will offer office hours on the first Wednesday morning in the month for those members who have receipts for monies spent for the community. Please call Dieter for an appointment.
 International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day takes place on Saturday, March 8th. We have a musical program planned with Mr. Ernest Gorodezski. Mr. Gorodezski will perform Russian and Jewish melodies. Everyone is welcome. The men of the community will greet each woman with a rose, and champagne and sweets will set the mood to show our appreciation to the women of our congregation. We will end the afternoon with a Havdallah ceremony.
New Members
We wish to welcome Dr. Valentin Geletneky as our newest Freundeskreis (Friends of the Jewish Congregation of Hamelin) member. Thanks to the financial support of Freundeskreis members, we are able to offer additional programming that we normally could not afford ourselves.
Contributions
We wish to thank all those who contributed to our congregational life and/or synagogue-building fund this past month: Hospice Society of Bad Pyrmont, Ms. L. Dorries, Ms. U. Niedert, Ms. C. Formell, Ms. R. Cramer, Ms. S. Demuth, Mr. G. Otto, Family Dohme, Family Schwartz, Family Zaks and Kirakosow, Ms. G. Lind, Ms. A. Bollinger, Family Thamm and Dr. V. Geletneky. May all be blessed for their generosity.
Tree of Life
Two new leaves have sprouted on our tree.
- “Mazel Tov Miriam on your 10th birthday” contributed by Dieter Vogelhuber
- “In honor of our grandson and great-grandson Elias’ birth” contributed by the Golbereg and Pelts families
Four new leaves have been ordered:
- “In memory of Albert F. Kaplan, Beloved Uncle and Mensch” and
- “In memory of Presley Arnovitz, Beloved Uncle,” both leaves were contributed by nieces and nephews Cookie, Martha, Alex and Dan
- “In memory of Uncle Al Kaplan, 1917–2008” and
- “In memory of Uncle Presley Arnovitz 1925–2008” both leaves contributed by the Dohme family
“Leaves” can be ordered on this secure server or by calling the synagogue office. Each leaf cost $54 and is a fund-raising project for our building project.
Thank You —Todah Rabah
- We wish to thank all those who help us to create such a vibrant Jewish community.
- Thank you to Ms. Martinova for an interesting program about her hometown in the FSU. Anyone with a programming idea should contact Polina Pelts, coordinator of the Sunday Senior Café.
- We wish to thank the Rubanov family for the video collection they contributed to our videothek. Members are welcome to borrow them on Wednesday and Friday mornings during library lending hours.
- We thank Ms. Bachhmatchnikova who organized the visit of the Russian vice Consulate, allowing members and Russian citizens of Hamelin to extend their passports. We appreciate the contribution the participants made for our synagogue-building fund.
 Birthdays in March
We wish all those celebrating a March birthday the very best wishes for health and happiness. After Purim night services on March 21st, we will celebrate our March birthdays together. Join the party!
Refuah Schlama — Get Well Wishes
We wish all who are confined to their homes or in the hospital a complete recovery. If anyone wishes a home visit, please call Mrs. Berta Friedmann or the synagogue office.
Condolences
Our deepest condolences to the Zaks family on the recent death of their beloved father, David Zaks, of blessed memory. The funeral was held on February 11th.
Our deepest condolences to the Dohme family on the deaths of their uncles, Albert Kaplan, of blessed memory, and Presley Arnovitz, of blessed memory.
 Yahrzeits in March
We remember: Riva Slavinska, March 18, 2005 / 18 Adar II 5765
May her memory be a blessing. Please join us at services as we recite Kaddish with family members. Yahrzeit candles are available through the synagogue office.
Shalom,
—Your synagogue board
Program for March 2008 • Adar I–Adar II 5768
Office hours: Mon., Wed.& Fri., 8:00 a.m.–12:00 noon and Tues. & Thurs., 9.00 a.m.–4.00 p.m.
Claims Conference appointments: Mon. 2:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, March 1 |
10:00 a.m.
12:00 noon |
Saturday morning services and Torah study with Rabbi Irit Shillor
Giyur Class |
| Monday, March 3 |
12:00 noon |
Introduction to Judaism in Russian with V. Pesok |
| Tuesday, March 4 |
4:00 p.m. |
Video Afternoon
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| Wednesday, March 5 |
9:00 a.m. |
Monthly Board Meeting |
| Thursday, March 6 |
3:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. |
Young and Jewish, Jr. Hameln with S. Gaides
B’nei Mitzvah class with S. Gaides
“Schalom, Jr.” with F. Pelts
Hebrew for adults with S. Gaides |
| Saturday, March 8 |
4:00 p.m. |
International Women’s Day and Havdalah service Concert: Ernest Gorodezski |
| Saturday, March 15 |
10:00 a.m. |
Saturday morning services and Torah study |
| Sunday, March 16 |
3:00 p.m. |
Sunday Senior Cafe |
| Wednesday, March 19 |
10.00 a.m. |
Hamentaschen Bakeshop |
| Thursday, March 20 |
3:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. |
Young and Jewish, Jr. Hameln with S. Gaides
B’nei Mitzvah class with S. Gaides
“Schalom, Jr.” with F. Pelts
Hebrew for adults with S. Gaides |
| Friday, March 21 |
3:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. |
B’nei Mitzvah class with Rabbi Irit Shillor
Congregational Purim Party |
| Saturday, March 22 |
10:00 a.m.
12:00 noon |
Saturday morning services and Torah study with Rabbi Irit Shillor
Giyur class |
| Tuesday, March 25 |
4:00 p.m. |
“Russian Afternoon” with M. Olvovskaja |
| Wednesday, March 26 |
10:00 a.m. |
Guest speaker: Ms. Heller “Community Networking” |
| Saturday, March 29 |
10:00 a.m. |
Saturday morning services and Torah study |
Events Outside the Congregation |
| Wednesday, March 26 |
7:30 p.m. |
Society of Christians and Jews Slide show presentation: Felix Nussbaum Lutheran Reformed Church |
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