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Dear members, friends
and supporters,
Last month our congregational life was seasoned with many interesting events. We enjoyed the Klezmer concert and taking part in the quilt exhibit “Designs of Life”, which highlighted the women of the Bible, to name just a few. The TV film People and Projects, which presented our plans to build the first Reform synagogue in post-war Germany was also a special honor. Thanks to that program, we have received additional contributions to our building fund. As always, we were delighted to have Rabbi Irit Shillor lead Shabbat services and there was hardly an empty seat with guests from the Jewish communities of Detmold and Herford.
December is a special month and ushers in one of the loviest Jewish holidays — Hanukka! Not only children love this festive holiday-we grown-ups too! The warm glow of the candles, playing with the dreidel, enjoying latkes and jelly doughnuts and of course, giving and receiving gifts. We never tire of hearing the story of the courageous Maccabees and the rededication of the second Temple so long ago. Celebrate Hanukka and join your congregation for the first candle on December 19 at 5:00 p.m.
Rabbinical Visit
Friday night services will be led by our Rabbi Shillor on December 5th. We hope to see you all there. On Wednesday, December 10th, Rabbi Shillor offers an open discussion in the community center. Join us for “Rabbi’s Table”. Rabbi Shillor is with us for the entire day and here for you.
Coffee
We want to invite members to a special afternoon in the community center. Our “coffee party” begins at 3 p.m. on Monday, December the 8th. Have a piping hot cup of coffee or tea and enjoy delicious cake while we discuss “What do I want from my congregation?” Join us with your ideas!
As a reminder, we now offer these regular groups: German classes (3 levels), yoga class, dance class, religious class for children and adults, chess, art history, video evening, and open hours for our community library.
Informational Meeting
Our State Board of Progressive Congregation’s social worker, Margaria Souslovitch, will offer an informational meeting on Monday, the 15th of December concerning changes to the health system.
Volodymr Pesok’s Class
Many of our members enjoy Mr. Pesok’s religion class every 3rd Tuesday in the month. Each lesson represents hard work and a love of Judaism. Mr. Pesok’s article in our monthly newsletter ( in Russian only) is read and enjoyed. Not only our congregants are fascinated with Mr. Pesok’s teachings….it seems the Orthodox community has “borrowed” his articles for their newsletter. We understand their interest and invite them to attend Mr. Pesok’s class in our community center. Our doors are open. Many members of the Orthodox community are long-time, regular guests at our “Russian Afternoon” lectures.
Hanukka Party with Yrij Kadnykov
Once again, we welcome rabbinical student Yrij Kadnykov to our congregation where he will lead us in our services for Hanukka. Our youngest ones, led by Inna Golbereg, will present a Hanukka play and we’ll celebrate the holiday with prayer and song, wine, jelly doughnuts and latkes and presents for the children. A special Hanukka treat will be a concert by Mrs. Gonohova. Let us know if you’re coming so catering can better plan the evening.
Todah Rabah — Thank You
We want to take this opportunity to thank our State Board of Progressive Congregations for this year’s congregational subsidy. Delegates to the membership meeting were Rachel Dohme, Polina Pelts and Matvey Dvortsis. We’ll give a full report at our annual membership meeting in February. If you can’t wait-speak with a Board Member.
We thank Ms. Anne Worst for her film about our synagogue project, shown on the second German channel ( ZDF ) on November 9th. We’ve received very positive feedback (and a few contributions!) concerning the film.
Contributions
Tree of Life — New leaves were purchased by the following people and inscribed:
- Happy Birthday Max from the Dohme family.
- In memory of Harry and Lillian Moskowitz, In memory of Ben and Gussie Moskowitz, In memory of Vera Mann Morse, and In memory of Daniel Schleifer from Mark Schwartz.
- 50th wedding anniversary — 2003 from the Kaplan Family.
Congregational Fund
- We thank the “Friends of Progressive Judaism in Israel and Europe” for their contribution. The money will help us pay our social worker’s salary for next year.
- We thank Mr. Otto for his contribution to the fund too. We still need $6,000 for Faina's position. If you are interested in helping, please contact Rachel Dohme at racheldohme@cvmx.de.
- Thanks to Mrs. Gibas for her monthly contribution.
Synagogue Building Fund
- Thanks go out to Mr. Rainer Krahl for his contribution.
December Birthdays
Happy birthday to E. Borischanskaja,G. Mendeleva, J. Schurupova, V. Vorona, I. Jevdokimova, C. Fischer, R. Dohme, M. Tretyachenko, E. Micheev and M. Brückner. A birthday Kiddush will take place at our Hanukka party.
Refuah Schlama — Get Well Wishes
Get well wishes to all those not feeling well. If you’re homebound and would enjoy a visit, let us know.
December Jahrzeits — We remember:
- Rosa Kirica — December 1, 2000/ 4.Kislev 5761/ November 29, 2003
- Frida Dachkevich — December 3, 2001/ 18.Kislev 5762/November 28, 2003
May their memory be for a blessing.
Shalom!
— Your board
Program for December 2003 / Kislev–Tevet 5764
Dec. 1 4:00 p.m. Kehille with Inna
Dec. 2 5:00 p.m. Guest lecturer: A. Medwedzki: “My Invention”
Dec. 5 4:00 p.m. Bnei Mitzvah class, Rabbi Shillor
5:00 p.m. Friday night services, Rabbi Irit Shillor
Dec. 8 3:00 p.m. Open meeting for members: “What can the congregation
do for me — What can I do for the congregation?”
Dec. 9 5:00 p.m. Film evening: Slave of Love, Russian film classic
with German subtitles, V. Fridman
Dec. 10 11:00 a.m. Rabbi’s Table, Rabbi Shillor
2:00 p.m. Bnei Mitzvah class, Rabbi Shillor
Dec. 15 10:30 a.m. Informational meeting: “Changes in the Health System”,
M. Souslovitch
4:00 p.m. Kehille with Inna
Dec. 16 10:00 a.m. Basic Judaism class in Russian, V. Pesok
Dec. 19 4:00 p.m. Bnei Mitzvah class
5:00 p.m. Hanukka services and party, Yrij Kadnykov
Dec. 20 10:00 a.m. Schacharit services, Yrij Kadnykov
Dec. 21 10:00 a.m. Seminar “Hanukka is not Jewish Christmas” in Russian,
Yrij Kadnykov
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