Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Tikvat Israel Congregation Conservative Synagogue in Rockville, MD ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Shepherd's Table: Aug. 31](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/shepherds-table-mar-30/) - Eleven volunteers are needed on Monday, August 31, to help serve dinner at Shepherd’s Table, including setting-up beforehand and clean-up afterward. If you would like to participate in this mitzvah, click below. You’ll be asked to sign in, then go to meal service on August 31, sign up for “serve dinner” 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 - [High Holidays 5787](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/high-holidays-5787/) - Shanah Tovah! Here is everything you need to know about upcoming events, services, ticket purchasing and everything High Holiday! High Holiday Service Schedule Rosh Hashanah - Sept. 11-13 Erev Rosh Hashanah: Friday, September 11 Minchah and Ma’ariv (Social Hall & Livestream): 6:30 pmCandle Lighting: 7:05 pm Rosh Hashanah: Saturday, September 12 Services Begin (Social Hall - [High Holidays 5787 - What You Need to Know](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/high-holidays-5787-forms/) - Shanah Tovah! Chaverim,High Holidays is around the corner. Here is everything you need to know about upcoming events, ticket purchasing and everything High Holiday! High Holiday Registration To help us prepare for this year’s High Holidays, please complete and return the following forms by Sunday, August 30. If you need assistance, please contact the TI - [Women's Network Back to School Supply Drive: Jul. 27- Aug. 17](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-back-to-school-supply-drive-jul-27-aug-17/) - Tikvat Israel's Women's Network is collecting school supplies for Harmony Hills Elementary School. The school has requested boxes of tissues and disinfectant wipes. Supplies can be dropped off at Tikvat Israel. There will be a collection box in the coatroom. Donations to the Harmony Hills Elementary Back to School Supply Drive will be gratefully accepted - [Elul Beit Midrash: Aug. 26 & Sept. 2](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/elul-beit-midrash-aug-26-sept-2/) - God famously reveals Godself to our Biblical ancestors in various ways, including to Avraham as "Hashofet Kol Haaretz" - The Judge of all the Land," and to Moshe as "ahyeh asher ahyeh" - "I will be what I will be." What do these names of God teach us about God and what might it teach - [Millennials Pool Party: Aug. 15](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/millennials-pool-party-aug-15/) - Join Rabbi Israel and his wife Abbey Frank on Saturday, August 15 at 4:00 pm at the Manor Woods Swim Club (14410 Bauer Rd, Rockville, MD 20853) for a Shabbat afternoon of swimming, ice cream and refreshments for all ages! There is an indoor party room, so we will meet rain or shine. Contact Abbey Frank - [Men’s Club Speaker & Brunch Program: Aug. 16](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/mens-club-speaker-brunch-program-aug-16/) - Jonah Agus, son of Rochelle Helzner, will be our guest speaker at the next Men’s Club Brunch on Sunday, Aug. 16 at 10:00 a.m. This event is co-sponsored by the Women’s Network. Jonah recently published his thrilling new novel, Danger in Jerusalem. He’ll share insights into his writing journey and the creative process that brought - [Welcome Cantor Hinda Eisen Labovitz as Director of Community Engagement](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/welcome-cantor-hinda-eisen-labovitz-as-director-of-community-engagement/) - Tikvat Israel Congregation is delighted to welcome Cantor Hinda Eisen Labovitz as our new Director of Community Engagement. A gifted cantor, educator, and community builder, Cantor Labovitz brings more than a decade of distinguished service to our congregation and to the broader Jewish community. Cantor Labovitz received her cantorial ordination and an M.A. in Judaic - [Netivot 2026-27](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/netivot-2025-26/) - Netivot is Tikvat Israel’s religious school. We are excited to expand Netivot for the 2026-27 school year to include Kindergarten through fifth grade. We aim to develop a community of children and families with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to be active members of the Jewish community. Kindergarten through second grade students will meet at - [2026 Concert Program](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/2026-concert-program/) - Click the link, below, to view and download the program distributed at the Six13 Concert. https://www.tikvatisrael.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Concert-program-booklet-2026_converted.pdf - [SEA Change Announces Upcoming Events](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/sea-change-announces-upcoming-events/) - SEA Change Announces Next Opportunities to Participate! Click here to learn more about the latest events and opportunities for you to participate in Tikvat Israel's and community events that strive to improve social justice and equality throughout our community. - [Tish'a B'Av 5785](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tisha-bav-5783/) - [Israel Mission 11/2023 - Day 1](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/israel-mission-day1/) - After sleeping through most of the long plane ride, I arrived in Israel at 2:15 pm and by 3:00 we were on the bus to Tel Aviv to meet with the leaders of Achim v’Achayot L’Yisrael - Brothers and Sisters for Israel. The group started about a year ago as Achim L Neshek - Brothers - [Israel Mission 11/2023 Day 2](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/israel-mission-11-2023-day-2/) - Today was every bit as full, as meaningful, as sad, as hopeful and as exhausting as I thought it would be. I’m going to briefly summarize the day and put more information in the photo captions. We started the day with a briefing by US Ambassador Jack Lew at our hotel and then went to - [Israel Mission - Days 3/4](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/israel-mission-days-3-4/) - Our third day was difficult to process. Even now, four days later, it’s hard for me to write this post. The stories that people shared with us from their experiences on October 7 were too awful to hear. The destruction that we saw at Kfar Aza was too difficult for the eyes to see. It’s - [Trio Sefardi Concert: June 9](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/trio-sefardi-concert-june-9/) - Please Join Us in Honoring Our Past-President Warren Berger, at a Concert Featuring Trio Sefardi Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. - [ECC Earns Maryland State Accreditation](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ecc-earns-maryland-state-accreditation/) - Tikvat Israel ECC is thrilled to have achieved accreditation from Maryland State Department of Education for the first time. We are the only Jewish preschool in Montgomery County and one of only three Jewish schools in the state to have received this prestigious recognition. Maryland Accreditation is a process in which programs commit to continuous - [Netivot Religious School Enrollment Still Open](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/netivot-religious-school-enrollment-still-open/) - Enrollment is still open for Netivot, Tikvat Israel's K -1 religious school! - [A Note from the Rabbi Regarding Today's Events in Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/a-note-from-the-rabbi-regarding-todays-events-in-israel/) - Dear Friends,I am writing to you on Shabbat/Chag because this is an unprecedented moment, one that many are calling the worst day in Israel’s 75 year history, a history that has known too many difficult days. None compare to this. The numbers are staggering. 250 dead. 1500 injured. Dozens of civilians taken captive and being - [Sukkah Building Part I](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/sukkah-building-part-i/) - A dedicated group of volunteers, led by Alan Apter, came armed with ladders, screwdrivers and mallets to build Tikvat Israel’s back-patio sukkah on Sunday, Sept. 20. Apter’s construction helpers were Warren Berger, Jonathan Solomon, Naomi Baer, Gene Sheskin, Rod and Nancy Matheson, Harley and Eli Liebenson, Jim Perlmutter, Dan Matathias, and Freddie Pleet TI community members will complete - [Week One: Decide](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/week-one-decide/) - This week's events: Keynote Event: Jewish Tradition and Healing Who: Rabbi Simkha Weintraub, LCSW, Rabbinic Director, Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services When: 7:30 pm, Monday, May 9, 2016 Moving Our Feet: Israeli Dance Who: Award-winning Yesodot teenage dance troupe When: 6:30 pm, Yom Ha’atzmaut, Thursday, May 12, 2016 For the complete listing of - [Omer Project - Invitation](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/omer-project-invitation/) - Please join us on this journey of exploration - click here for the full schedule of workshops and opportunities. View the poem for Week One: Decide Week Two: Discern Week Three: Choose - [Week Two: Discern](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/week-two-discern/) - This week’s events: Keynote Event: Jewish Tradition and Healing Who: Rabbi Simkha Weintraub, LCSW, Rabbinic Director, Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services When: 7:30 pm, Monday, May 9, 2016 Moving Our Feet: Israeli Dance Who: Award-winning Yesodot teenage dance troupe When: 6:30 pm, Yom Ha’atzmaut, Thursday, May 12, 2016 For the complete listing of - [Week Three: Choose](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/week-three-choose/) - This week's events: Keynote Event: Jewish Tradition and Healing Who: Rabbi Simkha Weintraub, LCSW, Rabbinic Director, Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services When: 7:30 pm, Monday, May 9, 2016 Moving Our Feet: Israeli Dance Who: Award-winning Yesodot teenage dance troupe When: 6:30 pm, Yom Ha’atzmaut, Thursday, May 12, 2016 For the complete listing of - [Week Four: Hope](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/week-four-hope/) - This week’s events: Mindful Eating Who: Debbie Amster When: 7:30 pm, Tuesday, May 17, 2016 The Work of Our Hands – click here to register Who: Shirley Waxman, Bobbie Gorban, Melanie Grishman, Bonnie Korr, Shelley Goldin, and Tamah Graber When: 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Sunday, May 22 For the complete listing of events planned - [Week Five: Imagine](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/week-five-imagine/) - This week’s events: The Work of Our Hands - must be preregistered to participate Who: Shirley Waxman, Bobbie Gorban, Melanie Grishman, Bonnie Korr, Shelley Goldin, and Tamah Graber When: 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Sunday, May 22 The Rhythm of Life: A Drumming Circle Who: Dr. Josh Milner, the prayer leader at Ohev Sholom When: 7:30 - [Week Six: Courage](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/week-six-courage/) - Upcoming events: Restoring Hope: Coping with Loss Who: Dr. Stacy Lang, a licensed social worker and specialist in grief counseling When: 8:00 pm, Thursday, June 9, 2016 Join the dicussion on this quote in the spaces below, and on quotes posted for other weeks during the Omer by following these links: Week One: Decide Week Two: - [Week Seven: Pray](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/week-seven-pray/) - This week’s events: Shavuot Study When: Shavuot, Saturday, June 11, 2016 Commitment Panel Discussion Who: Omer Project participants What: Discussion about emotional and spiritual reactions to their journey through the Omer period and commitments they plan to make as a result of the Omer Project experience When: After kiddush, Shavuot, Sunday, June 12, 2016 Join - [Muslims and Jews co-habiting?](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/muslims-and-jews-co-habiting/) - Our friend and fellow congregant, Ted K, shared the following link with our listserv: A Bronx Tale What do you think? Our own synagogue has forged relationships between artists in our community with Muslim artists to bring joint projects to fruition - watch for announcments about an upcoming event. Any other ideas on how we - [The Imam and the Rabbi: Sunday, Jan. 29](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/the-imam-and-the-rabbi-sunday-jan-29/) - Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with Imam Abdullah Antepli and Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin as they tackle the complex issues of Israel, Palestine, Zionism, and the role of religion in America. “The Elephants in the Room: Israel, Palestine, Zionism, and the Role of Religion in America – Can we talk about them? We can, - [TI Women's Network Opening Event 2023-2024](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ti-womens-network-opening-event-2023-2024/) - A Celebration of Israel's 75 Years Sunday, October 221 - 3 pm in the Social Hall Join Tikvat Israel’s Women’s Network for a light lunch of Israeli foods (including a falafel bar and desserts), music, games, and an inter-generational look at life growing up as a women in Israel.Women’s Network members ~ No chargeNon-members ~ - [TI Elects New Officers and Board Members](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ti-elects-new-officers-and-board-members/) - Sally Kram and Beth Smith will assume the reins of leadership at Tikvat Israel Congregation for the next two years after fellow members elected them as co-presidents on June 25. Beginning July 1, they will be joined on the executive committee of the synagogue’s governing board until June 30, 2025, by the following officers: VP-administration - [Updates from the Religious Practices Committee](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/updates-from-the-religious-practices-committee/) - Tikvat Israel's Religious Practices Committee has approved two changes to our weekly Shabbat services to better serve the needs of our community. - [Join a TI Havurah!](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/join-a-ti-havurah/) - Are you interested in joining or forming a new havurah (friendship group)? - [Clutter Buster: Bringing Order to Your Chaos: Sunday, June 11](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/clutter-buster-bringing-order-to-your-chaos-sunday-june-11/) - Please join the Women's Network for the final installment of the "Getting Your House in Order" series. Our focus this session is helping you organize your drawers, papers, counter tops and so much more. Brenda P. Holt will provide guidance on taming the "clutter beast." In her experience as a move manager for close to - [Kabbalat Shabbat with Instruments: June 2](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/kabbalat-shabbat-with-instruments-june-2/) - There will be a KSI pre-service reception honoring outgoing Women's Network President, Janice Balin. The reception will be at 5:15 pm with services at 6 pm.Contributions to the Women's Network are always appreciated. Donations for the pre-service reception can be made through ShulCloud. Please note WN KSI honoring Janice Balin. Those wishing to contribute their - [Young Families Shabbat Dinner: Friday, June 9](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/young-families-shabbat-dinner-friday-june-9/) - Bring in Shabbat with family and friends from the Early Childhood Center and Tikvat Israel. Rabbi Israel will lead us in a child-friendly Kabbalat Shabbat service followed by dinner. This event is organized by the EFN. Cost is $18 per family. Please register by Wednesday, June 7. - [Women's Network Rosh Chodesh: Sunday, March 5](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-rosh-chodesh-sunday-march-5/) - "How do our 'insides' match our 'outsides' – and does it matter?" Sunday, March 510:30 am in the TI Library We have been conditioned to think of Purim as a fun, even zany, holiday. We don masks and costumes and have a good time. How often do we stop to think about what that good - [Kiddush in Memory of Michele Eisenberg, z''l: April 22](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/kiddush-in-memory-of-michele-eisenberg-zl-april-22/) - In memory of those who died of cancer, in hope for those who are fighting it now, in celebration of those who are survivors, and in gratefulness for the family, friends, and health professionals who care for them, join us on April 22 at a kiddush sponsored by a generous gift from our friend, Michele - [Shabbat Dinner Celebrating Israel: Friday, May 19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/shabbat-dinner-celebrating-israel-friday-may-19/) - Join us on May 19 for Shabbat Dinner, following Kabbalat Shabbat, as we celebrate Israel's 75th anniversary! Registration deadline is May 16. Register - [Rosh Chodesh Alternative Minyan Sivan - May 20](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/rosh-chodesh-alternative-minyan-sivan-may-20/) - Do you enjoy Jewish song, spirituality, and ruach, but traditional services aren’t quite your jam? Join TI's Rosh Chodesh Alternative Minyan this week! It will include new songs and traditional ones, and some time set aside for Torah discussion and introspective meditation. During singing, there will be egg-shakers, tambourines, and other percussion instruments available for - [Tikkun Leyl Shavuot: May 25, 7:30-???](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tikkun-leyl-shavuot-may-25-730/) - As we anticipate receiving the gift of Torah at Mt. Sinai on Shavuot, we engage in a night of Jewish learning and conversation. We will begin with Minchah at 7:30 pm followed by a pre-Shavuot study session with Rabbi Israel. At 8:45, we will daven the festival Ma'ariv service, make kiddush, and enjoy cheesecake. Shortly - [Netivot: TI's New Religious School!](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/netivot-tis-new-religious-school/) - Enrollment is now open for Netivot, Tikvat Israel's K-1 religious school! New for the 2023-2024 school year, Kindergarten and First grade students will meet at Tikvat Israel on Sunday mornings from 9:30-11:00 AM. Families who register by June 30, 2023 will have the $50/child deposit applied to tuition. Synagogue membership is not required. Learn more - [WN Mah Jongg Tournament - Postponed](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/wn-mah-jongg-tournament/) - The Mah Jongg Tournament has been postponed! A new date will be announced soon. Coffee & Danish available at 9:15 amTournament begins promptly at 10:00 am Lunch Provided for Regular Tournament PlayersLunch is not included for the Mini Tournament Two Tournament Options:?Two Tournament Options:? REGULAR Tournament ($50 registration fee): Six (6) 50-minute rounds (4 games - [PJ Havdalah: Saturday, Jan. 28](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/pj-havdalah-saturday-jan-28/) - Please join us on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 6:45 pm for a special Rhythm and Ruach Havdalah program with Auntie A. We will enjoy songs and prayers together as we end Shabbat and begin a new week. To coincide with PJ Havdalah, we will be collecting new pajamas and socks in the TI Lobby to - [Women's Network Virtual Travel Program: French Resistance During WWII](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-virtual-travel-program-french-resistance-during-wwii/) - You won’t have jet lag after this program! Tikvat Israel joins the Sisterhoods of Beth Zion Congregation (Montreal), Israel Center of Conservative Judaism (Queens, NY), Shaare Zion Beth El (Montreal), Temple Beth Ahm (Aberdeen, NJ), and B’nai Israel (Rockville, MD). Presented by Stephanie Paul and Karen Reb Rudel. RSVP - [Sh'ma Koleinu: Inclusive Language and the Siddur](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/shma-koleinu-inclusive-language-and-the-siddur/) - Join Rabbi Marc IsraelWednesdays, January 18 & 25February 8, 15, 228:00 pm, on Zoom, following minyan While many prayers in our siddur date back to the time of the Mishnah (200 CE), there have been subtle – and not so subtle – changes to the precise wording over the years. During these sessions, we will - [Volunteers Needed for Stepping Stones](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/volunteers-needed-for-stepping-stones/) - HELP PREPARE DINNER FOR STEPPING STONES! Wednesday, February 1, 2023Drop-off at TI: 4:30 – 4:45 p.m. TI will again be providing dinner for residents of the Stepping Stones Shelter in Rockville (Feb. 1). A total of 8 volunteers are needed. Our kid-friendly meal includes baked cornflake-coated chicken, rice pilaf, green beans and individual applesauce cups. - [Shabbat Learning This Week After Kiddush](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/shabbat-learning-this-week-after-kiddush/) - After this week's Kiddush luncheon, Cliff Fishman will lead a study session about this week’s Torah reading, the first two chapters of Parashat Sh’mot (i.e., chapters 1-2 of Exodus). We’ll begin with a brief discussion: “Did any of this really happen, or is it all a myth – and does it matter?” Then we will - [Israeli Film Festival Update](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/israeli-film-festival-update/) - There has been a change in the lineup for this year's film festival! The new schedule is as follows: Jan. 28: historical thriller “Plan A”Feb. 4: romantic comedy "Kiss Me Kosher" Doors open at 7:30 pm both evenings; viewings begin at 8 pm, followed by dessert receptions after the movies. - [A Special Message about Tikvat Israel's Capital Campaign](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/a-special-message-about-tikvat-israels-capital-campaign/) - Please click play for a special message from Rabbi Israel and Cantor Helzner about Tikvat Israel's Capital Campaign. Tikvat Israel’s building – the place where we meet, learn and pray – is in need of long overdue repair and updating. An outside civil engineer consultant provided the congregation in February 2022 with a detailed analysis - [Purim 5783](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/purim-5783/) - Bake your Hamentaschen, pick out a mask, and get your graggers spinning - it's time for Purim! Events & Services Hamentaschen Workshop: Make 'em, bake 'em, and take 'em! Sunday, Feb. 19, 1-4 pm. $5 for 1/2 dozen, $10 for a full dozen. Sign up for your timespot today!Women's Network Rosh Chodesh Program: Sunday, March - [Tikvat Israel University 2023 - Call for Instructors](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tikvat-israel-university-2023-call-for-instructors/) - Do you have something to say that you can present in 20 minutes? Join the Tikvat Israel U faculty. Tikvat Israel U will return to its in-person form on Sunday, February 26 from 9:45 AM to 1:30 PM. (Times subject to change depending on the number of instructors). Contact Sally Kram if you are interested - [Help Earthquake Victims in Turkey & Syria](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/help-earthquake-victims-in-turkey-syria/) - The devastating February 6th earthquake in Turkey and Syria has left thousands of people dead or injured and their communities reeling. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and their global network of partners are providing vital aid to those in need. Your gift to Federation’s Earthquake Relief Fund will reach them directly as they rebuild - [TI Goes To Israel Informational Meeting: February 14](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ti-goes-to-israel-informational-meeting-february-14/) - Tikvat Israel is Going To IsraelMarch 25 - April 6, 2024 Dear Friends, Like so many of you, Abbey and I were forced to postpone, reschedule, or cancel numerous travel plans during these past three years. As we began emerging from the worst days of the pandemic, a trip to Israel was among our top - [Tikvat Israel Presents: Nefesh Mountain](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tikvat-israel-presents-nefesh-mountain/) - Join Us for a Musical Celebration Featuring Nefesh Mountain & Honoring Shirley Waxman and Joel Bressler Sunday, March 197:30 pm Get Tickets Tikvat Israel is excited to announce our annual concert will feature Nefesh Mountain, a nationally-renowned Jewish bluegrass band. We will also honor Shirley Waxman and Joel Bressler for their many years of service - [Mishloach Manot Registration Closes Wednesday, Feb. 22](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/mishloach-manot-registration-closes-wednesday-feb-22/) - If you would like to send holiday cheer to your fellow community members through the Women's Network of Tikvat Israel annual mishloach manot campaign, the deadline to participate this year is 11:59 pm on Wednesday, February 22! This year, all local members of our community – congregants, ECC families, clergy, and staff – will receive - [Tikvat Israel University 2023](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tikvat-israel-university-2023/) - Tikvat Israel University is a day of learning. Congregants will give their version of “TED talks,” dynamic short presentations on a wide variety of topics of interest. The day is structured into several classes of about 45 minutes, with a short break in between each class and light snacks available in the main lobby. Welcome, - [Two Truths in One Heart, Two Peoples in One Land](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/two-truths-in-one-heart-two-peoples-in-one-land/) - Sunday, March 12, 10 am Roots is a unique network of local Palestinians and Israelis who have come to see each other as the partners we both need to make changes to end our conflict. Based on a mutual recognition of each People's connection to the Land, we are developing understanding and solidarity despite our - [Be A Sponsor for Our Annual Concert!](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/be-a-sponsor-for-our-annual-concert/) - Join us for a musical celebration featuring nationally-renowned Jewish Bluegrass band Nefesh Mountain. We will also be honoring Shirley Waxman and Joel Bressler for their contributions to our congregation and the Jewish community. There's still time to be a sponsor of the concert and help support Jewish music programs at Tikvat Israel! All sponsorship packages - [Community Seder at TI - April 6](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/community-seder-at-ti-april-6/) - Bring the whole family for TI's Community Seder on the second night of Passover! There will be songs, food, Rabbi Israel's "famous" matzah ball soup, and so many plagues you'll be saying "Dayenu!" Register - [Passover 5783: Schedule and Info](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/passover-5783-schedule-and-info/) - Visit the Passover Page for our complete guide to Passover 5783 at Tikvat Israel! You'll find links to sell your chametz, sign-up for home hospitality and guides for preparing your home for Pesach. We wish you and you family a Chag Kasher V’sameach, a joyful and meaningful Passover! Service Times Passover 5783 - [Chag Pesach Sameach!](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/chag-pesach-sameach/) - Visit the Passover page for the full schedule of services and events at TI, guides for preparing your home for Pesach, and more. As a reminder, unless noted otherwise on the schedule, all Passover services will be at TI and livestreamed. Passover 5783 - [Rosh Chodesh Alternative Minyan](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/rosh-chodesh-alternative-minyan/) - Do you enjoy Jewish song, spirituality, and ruach, but traditional services aren’t quite your jam? Join TI's Rosh Chodesh Alternative Minyan this week! It will include new songs and traditional ones, and some time set aside for Torah discussion and introspective meditation. During singing, there will be egg-shakers, tambourines, and other percussion instruments available for - [TI Bike Collection: Sunday, June 4](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ti-bike-collection-sunday-june-4/) - TI will host a collection of used bicycles in the TI parking lot on Sunday, June 4, from 10 am to 1 pm, in cooperation with Bikes for the World. Bikes are donated, both domestically and internationally, mostly to Africa, Central America and South Asia. You can read about the impact of the program at - [Cantor, in a Fitting Persona, Rocks the Hall in Concert](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/cantor-in-a-fitting-persona-rocks-the-hall-in-concert-2/) - Rochelle Helzner, backed by the five-piece Mark Novak Band, rocked the rafters of Tikvat Israel’s social hall on Sunday, Dec. 13, during a concert billed as “Rock of Ages: Jewish Music With a Contemporary Beat.” The synagogue’s annual Cantor’s Concert drew more than 200 music fans to the single-set, 16-number show. The central performer assumed - [Two Wonderful Concerts at Tikvat Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/two-wonderful-concerts-tikvat-israel/) - Tikvat Israel is thrilled to welcome nationally renowned musical artist Billy Jonas and his fellow musicians, who will delight our community with with 2 Wonderful Concerts on Sunday, March 19 - one for Children & Their Families at 4:00 pm and one for Adults at 7:30 pm. For 25 years, Billy Jonas, a singer-songwriter, - [April 2019 Annual Concert - Pey Dalid](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/april-2019-annual-concert-pey-dalid/) - 2019 concert photos Presented by Tikvat Israel and Cantor Rochelle Helzner From Sunday, April 7, 2019, at 7:00 PM Pey Dalid performed at Tikvat Israel Congregation’s annual concert present by Cantor Rochelle Helzner. The trio of brothers, Mordechai, Shlomo & Pesach Walker, has sung together for 20 years, spreading a message of unity and peace - [Hamlisch Theme Performed by Cantor in Concert Spotlighting Brill Building](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/hamlisch-theme-performed-by-cantor-in-concert-spotlighting-brill-building/) - Cantor Rochelle Helzner performed a Marvin Hamlisch composition, “’Cause I Believe in Loving,” in a virtual concert May 31 titled “Blue Suede Jews” that involved the talents of a half dozen cantors in the Washington area. There were 360 households logged on to view this concert via Zoom video conferencing.The love theme performed by the - [An Evening of Intimate Song at Rescheduled Neshama Carlebach Concert](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/an-evening-of-intimate-song-at-rescheduled-neshama-carlebach-concert/) - BY BETTY J. FISHMAN, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, TIKVAT ISRAEL BULLETIN Tikvat Israel is about to discover the energy and sparkle of Neshama Carlebach, virtually.In her hour-long show at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 13, billed by concert promoters as “an intimate evening of song,” the New York-based singer/songwriter is expected to cover a few classic songs - [Musical Act Kol B’Seder to Stage May Concert at Tikvat Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/musical-act-kol-bseder-to-stage-may-concert-at-tikvat-israel/) - Tikvat Israel will host a concert in the social hall with long-running musical recording artists Kol B’Seder at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 1. The concert, which also will be available via livestreaming, will honor the contributions of synagogue past president Jim Perlmutter. Kol B’Seder, featuring the singing/songwriting duo of Cantor Jeff Klepper and Rabbi Dan Freelander,has been - [ScholarStream Series 4 Begins Jan. 11](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/scholarstream-series-4-begins-jan-11/) - ScholarStream Series 4: The Exodus in the Jewish Tradition: Philosophy, Bible, Midrash and Art The new series begins Wednesday, January 11, at 12 PM. The first session, "The Exodus and the Struggle for Civil Rights in the Thought of Prof. A. J. Heschel," will be taught by Professor Ari Ackerman, President and Associate Professor of - [Israeli Film Festival](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/israeli-film-festival/) - Two Israeli films - “All I Can Do,” a drama, and “Plan A,” a historical thriller - will be screened at Tikvat Israel on consecutive Saturday evenings, Jan. 28 and Feb. 4, respectively. Both viewings begin at 7:45 p.m. in the sanctuary. “All I Can Do,” produced in 2022, tells the story of a young - [The Best Gift is Tzedakah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/the-best-gift-is-tzedakah/) - Let's celebrate our continuing Chanukkah miracle by giving to others! To help you give the gift of giving, the TI Tzedakah Havurah has prepared this helpful guide of local organizations you might want to support this year. Please share and discuss with your family and friends, then send donations directly to the charity of your - [Chanukkah Happenings](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/chanukkah-happenings/) - Latkes and Lights? Dreidles and Donuts? Whatever you call it, there are so many great activities coming up this month to celebrate Chanukkah that coming to all of them would take a miracle! To keep track of all these Chanukkah Happenings check out this flyer. Although it is just one page long, it lasts for - [Family Game Night: Sunday, Dec. 25](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/family-game-night-sunday-dec-25/) - Had enough Chinese food and movies? Join us from 3:30-5:30 pm for Family Game Night! Bring your favorite game to share; we'll have snacks and smiles for everyone! - [Bat Mitzvah at 100 Celebration](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/bat-mitzvah-at-100-celebration/) - This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first Bat Mitzvah held in the U.S. To celebrate this occasion, the Women’s Network is sponsoring a kiddush luncheon and program on December 24 (Shabbat Chanukkah). Please RSVP HERE by Tuesday, December 20. The event is free to attend, but replies help us determine how much food - [Focus Music Presents: Lox & Vodka and Tabla for Two](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/focus-music-presents-lox-vodka-and-tabla-for-two/) - Saturday December 10, 7:30 PM at Tikvat Israel Congregation$20 advance/$25 at the doorMore info and advance tickets at www.FocusMusic.org Lox & Vodka plays Klezmer music, Jewish soul music. that has been in existence since the Middle Ages when klezmorim (itinerant musicians) would travel from shtetl (village) to shtetl to play for Jewish weddings and other - [ScholarStream Series 3: Great Thinkers in Conservative Judaism](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/scholarstream-series-3-great-thinkers-in-conservative-judaism/) - This week we began a new series in the Conservative movement's Scholar Stream Program! This four-week series takes place on Wednesday nights at 8:30 pm. The next session, on December 7th, will focus on "Understanding God and Ourselves through the Stories of Our Tradition (Neil Gillman)," and will be presented by Rabbi Elliot Dorff. To - [Veteran Recognition Shabbat: Saturday, Nov. 12](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/veteran-recognition-shabbat-saturday-nov-12/) - On Shabbat Vayera we will honor our members who have served in the armed services of all nations. If you are a veteran and plan to attend services that day, please let Rabbi Israel know. If you would like to help sponsor this week's Kiddush in honor of our veterans please click the button below. - [Fall Into Tikvat Israel’s Extensive Programming](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/fall-into-tikvat-israels-extensive-programming/) - As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, TI’s Program Committee is planning more activities, many with a focus on Jewish holidays for the 2022-23 program year. Holiday Programming Following a joyous High Holiday season, Tikvat Israel will kick off Chanukkah with our second annual Chanukkah in the Hoods running from Dec. 18 - [Capital Campaign Aims for $600,000 in Pledges Before Purim](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/capital-campaign-aims-for-600000-in-pledges-before-purim/) - In Parsha Noah, G-d speaks to Noah and directs him to build an ark in preparation for a big flood that will destroy all life except that which is on the ark. Genesis 14-16 provide specific instructions for the Ark’s design, dimensions and building materials. Nothing is written about Ark maintenance, but it only needed - [Adult Jewish Learning with Tikvat Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/adult-jewish-learning-with-tikvat-israel/) - Dear Friends, Today we enter into month of MarCheshvan, the only month in the Hebrew calendar which has no special characteristics. This is a great time to carry the spirit of the fall holidays into the year and begin a new course of Jewish learning. There are many opportunities for you to study Jewish text - [Member Coffee Klatsch 2022](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/member-coffee-klatsch-2022/) - Tikvat Israel's Membership Committee invites the entire congregation to a Member Coffee Klatsch on Sunday, November 6 at 10:00 AM (immediately following morning minyan). Meet our newest TI members and visit with old friends while enjoying coffee, pastry, and good conversation. Children are welcome. Free to attend. RSVPs appreciated by November 2. RSVP - [Sukkot & Simchat Torah Schedule](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/sukkot-simchat-torah-schedule/) - Join us in person and online as we celebrate the Festival of Booths! If you ordered a lulav and etrog, please contact the TI office to arrange pickup. For instructions on joining any of the streamed services, please click below. Stream Services SUKKOT Sunday, October 9 6:00 pm - Sukkot Maariv (Zoom)6:22 pm - Candlelighting - [Side Trips for Yom Kippur 5783](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/side-trips-for-yom-kippur-5783/) - Side Trips are Tikvat Israel's classes delving into relevant topics during the High Holidays. No registration is required and they are open to everyone who is interested. New for this year we have a Side Trip scheduled on the evening of Kol Nidre, presented by Debby Berlyne. Below is this year's schedule: Kol Nidre Yom - [High Holidays 5783 Schedule & Information](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/high-holidays-5783/) - Chaverim, Soon the High Holiday season will be upon us. To prepare for the holidays, we begin including blasts of the shofar and a special Psalm in our daily service on Rosh Chodesh Elul. But these additions by themselves are not the actual preparation; rather, they remind us we need to begin the process of - [Many Thanks To our Generous Concert Sponsors](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/many-thanks-to-our-generous-concert-sponsors/) - Tikvat Israel's Annual Concert: Kol B'Seder and Honoring Jim Perlmutter Blue Diamond Irving Cohen Diamond Betty & Clifford Fishman Tami & Sam Gilston Paula & Marvin Kasper Maxine & James Perlmutter Ruby Gail & Alan Fields Bobbi & Larry Gorban Barbara Katz Nancy & Jonathan Solomon Emerald Martie Adelman & Marc Schneider Debby Berlyne & - [Rabbi Signs Contract](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/rabbi-signs-contract/) - Eighteen congregants gathered at Tikvat Israel at 5:30 p.m. Friday evening, May 27, 2022 to witness Rabbi Israel’s signing of an 8-year contract with Tikvat Israel. Those in attendance included contract committee members Larry Gorban, Betty Fishman and Marvin Waldman. The signing with congregation president Warren Berger was followed by a celebratory toast and light - [Annual Women's Network Washington Nationals Outing](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/annual-womens-network-washington-nationals-outing/) - In an annual outing run by the Women’s Network, 40 members of a Tikvat Israel contingent cheered on the Washington Nationals to a 9-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Fathers’ Day. The win on a comfortable day in the mid-70s, broke a week-long losing streak by the Nats. TI was recognized on the giant - [Breaking Deception........Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 11/17/17](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-weekly-update-11-10-17/) - Mitzvah Request Tikvat Israel has adopted a refugee family and is seeking gently worn winter clothes for a 3 and 6 year old boy and for girls ages 4, 8 and 10. Please contact Debbie Amster at debbieamster@comcast.net or to make arrangements to drop off donations. Torah Talk: In this week's Torah portion, we - [News From Atid Learning Center - March 24, 2020](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/news-from-atid-learning-center-march-24-2020/) - Tuesdays and Thursdays - Story and Sh'maJoin Elana Moss for story and the bedtime sh'ma with our young ones7:00 pm via Zoom Religious School Families have the opportunity to schedule individual FaceTime or VideoChat Hebrew lessons with Elana during this time. - [Voices of Song and Praise Fete Cantor Helzner‘s 36 Years](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/voices-of-song-and-praise-fete-cantor-helzners-36-years/) - Tributes from family members, friends and fellow congregants, interspersed with spirited song and dance, contributed to a fitting double chai celebration honoring Cantor Rochelle Helzner.The online event on June 6, “From the Heart,” running just short of two hours, consisted of some pre-recorded messages from co-presidents Jim Perlmutter and Warren Berger, past presidents Betty and - [Communications about COVID-19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/communications-about-covid-19/) - Updates Updated COVID-19 Statement - May 2022 ECC COVID-19 Precautions - July 2020Reopening Phase 1 and 2 - June 2020 Archives Letter From Rabbi Israel 3/18/20 - Maintaining our sense of community Letter From the Leadership 3/15/20 Letter From Rabbi Israel 3/15/20 - Prayer, Study, Entertainment and Assistance Letter From Abbey Frank 3/13/20 - Supporting - [CHANGES](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/22454-2/) - Covid and Halacha: The Next Great Evolution for Synagogues?Rabbi Israel’s Classes Held in January and February 2022 Over the course of the Covid-19 Pandemic, we were forced to make numerous changes, acting quickly to adapt to the emergency thrust upon us. Even as we deal with new variants, we trust that we will, God willing, emerge from this pandemic and - [Tikvat Israel Congregation Presents: Donald Davis Live-Streamed & Live In-Person](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tikvat-israel-congregation-presents-donald-davis-live-streamed-live-in-person/) - Master Storyteller Donald Davis ~ How They Linger: Stories of People Who Will Never be ForgottenSunday, November 21, 4:00 pm EST Donald Davis is America’s most illustrious storyteller. His stories about people who changed his life will touch your soul, restoring your faith in humanity. To order tickets for the Live In-Person event at Tikvat Israel click HERE.(Audience - [Grab a New Title in TI’s New Little Library](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/grab-a-new-title-in-tis-new-little-library/) - There’s a new structure at the driveway entrance to our synagogue where congregants and community members can pick up some new reading. Jonathan Lantner, with assistance from his father Dan, installed and stocked a Little Library in front of Tikvat Israel in mid-October.A Little Library, also known as a Little Free Library, is part of - [Women's Network Nats Outing](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-nats-outing/) - In an annual mid-summer outing arranged by the Women’s Network, about 50 Tikvat Israel members, from newborns to seniors, and friends gathered at Nats Park on Aug. 15. They watched the Washington Nationals fall just short to the Atlanta Braves, 6-5. Rebecca Salon handled the arrangements for the Women’s Network. (Photos by Neil Kram) - [B’Yachad Community Religious School](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/byachad-community-religious-school/) - Welcome to the B’Yachad Community 5782 / 2021-2022 The B’Yachad Community Religious School will bring together the kids and families of Tikvat Israel, Kol Shalom and Shaare Torah. It will also present a vision for a new way for our kids to celebrate their Judaism and Jewishness–B’Yachad, together. Being Jewish in the modern world is - [Sukkah Painting and Building](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/sukkah-painting-and-building/) - People of all ages are being sought to paint the walls of sukkah in advance of its construction. Come ready on Sunday, Aug. 1, to add your decorative designs to the canvas. Stencils, paint, and brushes will be provided in the social hall. Come ready to add your decorative designs to the canvas. The project - [TI’s Judy Davis Captures Two Olympic Medals](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tis-judy-davis-captures-two-olympic-medals/) - Judy Davis, a congregant at TI, won gold medals in both badminton and swimming in the Maryland Senior Olympics, a competition that took place in September in Rockville and Germantown. She won her medals in women’s badminton singles and in the 50-yard breast stroke. Davis has competed in the Senior Olympics for seven years. This year marked - [Our Rabbi Reporting Live from Summer Camp](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/our-rabbi-reporting-live-from-summer-camp/) - With a live backdrop of nature on his Zoom connection, Rabbi Israel participated in the June 27 congregational meeting from Palmer, Mass., where he is spending most of July as a staff member of Camp Ramah in New England.The rabbi told meeting participants that he had just completed his recertification to oversee the camp’s ropes/adventure - [Synagogue Volunteers Deliver Passover Foodstuffs to Shut-Ins](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/synagogue-volunteers-deliver-passover-foodstuffs-to-shut-ins/) - Volunteers from Tikvat Israel delivered bags of Passover foods to appreciative recipients on the Sunday prior to the holiday.The delivery volunteers from our shul were Brenda Brooks, Robbi Cohen, Roberta Cohen, Ellen and Sherman Eisner, Marsha and Art Fabel, Robin and Stan Hein, Julie Mazur, Dylan Presman and Rich Nisenson. Their efforts were organized by Moira and - [Happy With Our Portion: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 6/1/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/happy-with-our-portion-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-6-1-18/) - Shalom Families, Hope you and your family had a meaningful Memorial Day weekend. Thank you for an incredible year, it has been a delight to have your kid/s in our school and look forward to welcoming you back next fall. Exciting plans are already in the works. This Saturday is our last Junior Congregation (10:30 am) - [Sock Puppets Carry On Our Purim Tradition](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/sock-puppets-carry-on-our-purim-tradition/) - Thirteen sock puppets (several shown above) accompanied by the deft handling of sisters Rachel and Shaina Lipsy will sustain a Purim tradition on Feb. 25 at Tikvat Israel that had been managed for years by their late mother Karen Lipsy. The show commences at 6:30 p.m. and it will be available through the synagogue’s livestream. - [Community Events Attended](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/community-events/) - Tikvat Israel membership committee representatives attended two major events in Olney. These events were coordinated under the leadership of Fred Wagner and Michele Eisenberg. On Sunday, Oct. 11 Tikvat Israel members had a booth at the Olney Farmers and Artists Market. Members of Tikvat Israel, including Rabbi Benjamin Shull and his wife, Stacy Lang, attended the Olney - [Seven-Session Class on Black History Begins Jan. 18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/seven-session-class-on-black-history-begins-jan-18/) - By Jay P. Goldman, Editor, Tikvat Israel Bulletin Richard Montgomery High School teacher Jerome Price will lead a multi-week course, “Seven Chapters in African American History,” for Tikvat Israel members and others in January and February.The seven-session course, which starts on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, will examine the history and culture of the African - [Seven Chapters In African American History: How This History Course at TI Came to Be](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/seven-chapters-in-african-american-history/) - Jerome Price, the high school teacher who will lead the African American history course at Tikvat Israel in January and February, granted an exclusive online interview to the editor of the Tikvat Israel Bulletin, Jay P. Goldman. The following Q&A has been edited for clarity and length. Q. How did you and Rabbi Israel manage - [Fresh Farm Produce Delivered to Our Shul’s Lobby](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/fresh-farm-produce-delivered-to-our-shuls-lobby/) - Tikvat Israel serves as a pickup site for a community supported agriculture program that provides fresh produce through much of the year. The CSA fall season, which runs for eight weeks, commenced in early October. It ends the week before Thanksgiving. A winter season, starting in January, has deliveries every other week (a total of - [Promoting Our Cultural Diversity Through Artwork By Avy Ashery](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/promoting-our-cultural-diversity-through-artwork-by-avy-ashery/) - In these days of cultural diversity, many Jews are eager to learn about other ethnic/religious groups and their cultural expressions—music, visual arts, dance, food origins, languages, etc. But what do we know about our own heritage and culture?(Outside of bagels, that is!) Do we really know the origins of the tallit stripes, or of hamantaschen? - [Global Audience for Rabbi’s Sermons, Cantor’s Chants](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/global-audience-for-rabbis-sermons-cantors-chants/) - Tikvat Israel’s religious services on the High Holy Days carried a worldwide reach.The data collected from the synagogue’s livestreaming equipment showed 518 households logged on during Rosh Hashanah and 521 on Yom Kippur.The breakdown of participants looked like this: 295 in Montgomery County (362 overall in the D.C. area), 17 in the New York City - [The Little Sukkah That Could](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/the-little-sukkah-that-could/) - Covid-19 prevented us from building and enjoying a congregational sukkah on our back patio this year, but one intrepid Tikvat Israel ECC faculty member, Menuhah Peters, went ahead and built a sukkah on her own in front of the education wing entrance. This was actually her second sukkah -- the first one, near the parking lot, succumbed - [Atid Learning Center Update November 15, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-november-15-2016/) - Shalom Atid Families, This is a long but great article, please take a moment to read it. BY: ELLEN AND PETER ALLARD http://www.reformjudaism.org/vayeira-tots Adonai appeared to him by the terebinths of Mamre; he was sitting at the entrance of the tent as the day grew hot. Looking up, he saw three men standing - [Rahel Fraenkel: A Hero and a Role Model](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/rachel-fraenkel-hero-role-model/) - by Rabbi David L. Abramson Second day of Rosh Hashanah, Sept. 26, 2014 Read more >> - [Atid Update 5/16/19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-update-5-16-19/) - Shalom Families, Hope you have had a good week. See you Sunday for our last day of classes. 1. Closing day for all classes will be Sunday, May 19. Parents please plan on joining us for a closing assembly and special treats at 11:00 am. 3. As the weather warms, please make sure your child/ren - [Atid Weekly Update 4/12/19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-4-12-19/) - Shalom Families, T.G.I.Shabbat! Have a wonderful weekend. Thank you to everyone who helped with the park clean-up and Nourish Now snack packs last week. It was so wonderful to see our community join with Kehilat Pardes to make Montgomery County a better place for all! This Sunday we are doing a special Passover Walk. Ask - [Atid Weekly Update 5/2](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-5-2/) - Shalom Families, Happy May! Its hard to believe how quickly the year has flown by. 1. This Sunday is the ECC Truck Touch, at dismissal, please park in the high school lot and walk over to pick up your kids. Click here for details on Truck Touch; See the flyer here. 2. As the weather warms, - [Atid Weekly Update 4/25/19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-4-25-19/) - Shalom Families, Happy Passover! Hope you are having a meaningful holiday. This Sunday we will have our final music session with our song leader, Josh. He will be graduating from American University in two weeks. As the weather warms, please make sure your child/ren are wearing closed toed shoes so they can run around during - [Shofar Blowing Lessons](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/shofar-blowing-lessons/) - Sam Gilston lead the first of two workshops on how to blow a shofar. The first session held Sunday, August 23 included an explanation on the rituals and liturgy associated with blowing the shofar during Elul, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The second session is scheduled for Sunday, August 30, at 1:00 pm. Our goal, if possible, is to have someone - [Breaking Boredom: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 5/18/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/breaking-boredom-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-5-18-18/) - Shalom Families, Happy Shavuot. On Saturday night, we begin the celebration of the holiday. Learn more about Shavout here. Ask your child if they remember how many days are between the first Seder and Shavuot? (50- we have been counting on our Omer counter in the lobby since then!) No School this Sunday, May 20th. Unfortunately there - [Hasbara: Focus on Israeli Innovation (part 2)](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/hasbara-focus-israeli-innovation-part-2/) - by Harvey T. Kaplan In the May-June issue of the Tikvat Israel Bulletin, I introduced this series of columns on Hasbara with some background, explaining that we will be focusing on various aspects of Israeli innovations as we prepare to celebrate the State of Israel’s 70th anniversary next spring. In that issue, I shared some - [Excellent visiting Scholar at TI yesterday!](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/excellent-visiting-scholar-at-ti-yesterday/) - Thanks go out to Betsy Miller, the Adult Education committee, and Rabbi Howard Gorin for making this past Scholar Shabbat - "Blue Scroll or Red Scroll: Is Torah Liberal or Conservative?" led by Louis E. Newman. Professor Newman presented a thought-provoking D'var Torah during services, and then led a stimulating text-based discussion after a lovely - [Live, Loud and in Color … But from an Empty Shul](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/live-loud-and-in-color-but-from-an-empty-shul/) - By Jay P. Goldman, Tikvat Israel Bulletin Editor When Cantor Helzner stepped to the bima precisely at 10 a.m. on May 9 and offered a brief nigun, she ushered in the livestreaming era for religious services at Tikvat Israel.The morning service that day marked the first Shabbat morning service in the sanctuary since the first - [Through a Photographer’s Lens: Learning to See](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/through-a-photographers-lens-learning-to-see/) - By Larry Marc Levine We live in difficult times. Things will improve. In the meantime, people have come up with some creative ways to deal with the situation, and we are each finding new ways to feel good about ourselves. I would like to make a suggestion: Take the time to look around and see - [Prayer and Study - March 2020](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/pray-and-study-march/) - Daily Minyan 7:30 pm - Daily Ma'ariv And Community Check- InEach night (Sunday - Thursday) at 7:30 pm, we will have an on-line ma'ariv service and community check-in. During this time, we will recite the names on our yahrzeit list and provide opportunities to honor our loved ones of blessed memory, using a version of - [Document Shredding Set for June 7](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/document-shredding-set-for-june-7-in-rockville/) - Tikvat Israel Congregation in Rockville will hold a document shredding event from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 7. A commercial recycling firm will set up in the synagogue’s parking lot at 2200 Baltimore Road to handle secure shredding on site. The shredder can accommodate hanging files with metal reinforcers, as well as - [Women's Network Zoom Program Featured Shirley Waxman](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-zoom-program-featured-shirley-waxman/) - On Sunday May 17, 2020 the Women’s Network hosted a Zoom Program presented by Tikvat Israel's own renowned fiber artist Shirley Waxman. Seventeen women logged onto their computers to hear about how Shirley started a cottage industry in Israel for newly resettled Ethiopian Jews. In 1992 Shirley was asked to teach these women how to embroider atarot, - [Lag BaOmer Celebrations](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/lag-baomer-celebrations/) - Elana Moss, Education and Youth Programming Director, organized a family Zoom Conferencing Lag BaOmer celebration. Several families joined the online celebration with dinner in hand. Each attendee was provided with a s'more kit to help with the celebration. Some families made their s'mores the traditional way over a fire while others made theirs in the - [Congregants’ Artwork Off Limits, But Accessible on Museum Site](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregants-artwork-off-limits-but-accessible-on-museum-site/) - BY JAY P. GOLDMAN, TIKVAT ISRAEL BULLETIN EDITORThree Tikvat Israel artists had a chance to celebrate the opening of a multifaceted art exhibit titled “An American Story: Jewish& Muslim Perspectives,” but just a week later the show came toan abrupt and unanticipated end, another victim of the novelcoronavirus pandemic.Shirley Waxman, Larry Levine and Gale Pressman - [Congregants Stay Active in Virtual Yoga Each Week](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregants-stay-active-in-virtual-yoga-each-week/) - More than 20 Tikvat Israel members have regularly taken advantage of a virtual yoga course that’s been run by Sarah Fishman during the coronavirus epidemic. The classes meet from 4 to 5:15 p.m. on Thursdays, taking place via Zoom video conferencing software. “We start the session around 3:40 so that we can see each other’s - [Tu B'Shevat at TI](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tu-bshevat-at-ti/) - From Wikipedia: Tu Bishvat (or Tu B'Shvat) (ט"ו בשבט) is a minor Jewish holiday celebrating the New Year of the Trees. It is one of the four Rashei Shanah ("New Years") mentioned in the Mishnah. Tu Bishvat marks Rosh HaShanah La'Ilanot (ראש ×”×©× ×” ×œ××™×œ× ×•×ª ) "the New Year of the Trees". The name Tu Bishvat - [Atid Weekly Update 11/30/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-11-30-18/) - Shalom Families, I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving weekend and look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Chanukah begins on the evening of Sunday, December 2nd. Click here for the blessings. SAVE THE DATE: Latkes and Lights- Chanukah celebration on December 9, 3:45-5:15 pm-----Crafts, games, food, songs, and more! (Flier coming home on Sunday) RSVP's requested. - [Finding Gratitude: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 3/22/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/finding-gratitude-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-3-22-18-2/) - Dear Families, Happy Final Matzah Days days. See you Sunday! This Saturday is Junior Congregation (grades 3-6) 10:30 am and Kehilat Kids (grades K-2) 11:00 am, hope you can join us. Two important events to take note of: *Friday, April 27, will be a Atid Family Shabbat dinner. I hope you can join us. Here is the registration form. (BBQ Chicken, - [Using Your Most Powerful Weapon: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 4/19/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/using-your-most-powerful-weapon-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-4-19-18/) - Dear Families, A Note from Luisa: I will be travelling from April 17-25th. There will be an capable adult in my office during classes, should anything arise. If you need to get a hold of the school during the week, call the main office and leave a message and they will pass it along. During class - [Chew On This: Sacred Food Choices: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 4/13/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/16205-2/) - Dear Families, A Note from Luisa: I will be travelling from April 17-25th. There will be an capable adult in my office during classes should anything arise. If you need to get a hold of the school during the week, call the main office and leave a message and they will pass it along. On Sunday, call - [First Virtual Bar Mitzvah at TI](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/first-virtual-bar-mitzvah-at-ti/) - The public health crisis forced the cancellation of the scheduled bar mitzvah – the first of the year at Tikvat Israel in Rockville and the first to be presided over by Rabbi Marc Israel (who joined us last June) – on Saturday, March 29. But a day later, Daniel Malkin, a 7th-grader at Julius West - [Chametz vs. Schmutz: Kashering Your House for Pesach While Maintaining Your Sanity with Rabbi Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/chametz-vs-schmutz-kashering-your-house-for-pesach-while-maintaining-your-sanity-with-rabbi-israel/) - Sunday, March 29 at 4:00 pmRabbi Israel will present a few important guiding principles for ensuring your home is properly prepared for Pesach – noting especially what is necessary and what is not necessary. For example, you can kasher most counter tops without any risk of pouring boiling water on your feet! You may also find a huge savings - [Passover Prep with Rabbah Arlene Berger](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/passover-prep-with-rabbah-arlene-berger/) - Thursday, March 26 was Rosh Chodesh Nisan which means that Seders are only two weeks away. This year’s seders will be different from all previous seders due to COVID-19. Rabbah Berger will help us think creatively about how to make a meaningful seder experience, especially during this time. Class on Monday, March 30 at 11:00 - [Pirkei Avot, Daily Minyan and Community Resources](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/pirkei-avot-daily-minyan-and-community-resources/) - On Sunday, March 22, 2020 Rabbi Israel wrote: I was thinking about the great sage Hillel's famous dictum from Pirkei Avot: If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I and if not now, when? Never has this quote felt more applicable. Each of - [Congregants Deliver Passover Goods to Shut-ins](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregants-deliver-passover-goods-to-shut-ins/) - Volunteers from Tikvat Israel farmed out across the roads of Rockville and surrounding neighborhoods in Montgomery County to deliver Passover supplies to shut-ins and the needy on Sunday, April 14, as part of Project H.O.P.E. Delivering the bags of Passover staples – which included bottles of grape wine, matzah, matzah meal and horseradish – were - [An American Story: Jewish & Muslim Perspectives](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/an-american-story-jewish-muslim-perspectives/) - Three members of Tikvat Israel: Larry Marc Levine, Shirley Waxman and Gale Pressman, also members of JAMMART (Jews and Muslims Making Art Together) have their artwork in a group exhibit at the Sandy Spring Museum. The exhibit runs until May 31, 2020. An American Story: Jewish & Muslin Perspective exhibits the original JAMMART artwork plus works by - [International Jewish Recording Artist Neshama Carlebach](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/international-jewish-recording-artist-neshama-carlebach/) - March 29, 20207 PM Neshama Carlebach is an award-winning singer, songwriter and educator who has performed and taught in cities around the world. A six-time entrant in the Grammy Awards, Neshama has sold over one million records, making her one of today’s best-selling Jewish artists in the world. Neshama is currently on tour sharing her greatest hits - [Purim Activities at TI](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/purim-activities-at-ti/) - Purim to do list: Finish creating costumeAttend the Purim Puppet ProductionBring tzedakah (money)Bake or buy hamentashen Reserve your spot for the ECC and Youth Department Pizza dinner Volunteer for the Purim CarnivalOrder Mishloach Manot Go to Purim services and hear the whole MegillaAttend the Purim CarnivalHave fun!! For order forms and more information click on the image above. - [Fourth Successful TI University](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/fourth-successful-ti-university/) - Tikvat Israel's Adult Education Committee staged its fourth annual Tikvat Israel University on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020 showcasing the particular expertise and talents of its own congregants. The event consisted of four 45-minute time blocks with topical sessions offered in five learning tracks: Public Affairs, Law and History, Judaism and Israeli Affairs, How Do I - [Focus Concert: Matt Nakoa](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/focus-concert-matt-nakoa/) - Focus Music brings back Matt Nakoa to the Tikvat Israel stage on March 1 at 7:30 pm. Nakoa is an award-winning songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist. A modern troubadour, he makes his home on the highways and concert stages of America, and appears regularly with folk music icon Tom Rush. The Boston Globe says of Nakoa, “Between his - [Gathering at Catholic University of America Law School](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/gathering-at-catholic-university-of-america-law-school/) - The Catholic University of America Law School hosted a special program as part of its observance of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of German concentration camps in 1945 on February 10, 2020. The event was cosponsored by the American Bar Association, the German Federal Bar, and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in - [TI University’s 2020 Edition Set for Feb. 23](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ti-universitys-2020-edition-set-for-feb-23/) - Join the Tikvat Israel community on Feb. 23 for the fourth annual Tikvat Israel University, a morning of learning featuring the talents and knowhow of TI congregants in 45-minute portions. The event runs from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. All speakers (along with an outside lecturer from Theater J in Washington, D.C.) give brief presentations - [Focus Music Presents Jud Caswell](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/focus-music-presents-jud-caswell/) - Focus once again brings us singer/songwriter Jud Caswell. He will take the stage at Tikvat Israel on February 9, 2020 at 7:30 pm. This will be the second time Caswell performs at Tikvat Israel. Jud Caswell has a keen eye for detail. There’s a magic to the way he draws you in until you’re transported - [Five Members Elected to Tikvat Israel’s Governing Body](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/five-members-elected-to-tikvat-israels-governing-body/) - Five Tikvat Israel members were elected to the synagogue’s board of directors during a congregational meeting on Jan. 12. Each will serve a two-year term once they are officially sworn into office at Shabbat services on Jan. 18. Elected were board returnees Kelcey Klass, Judy Stern and Jay P. Goldman and newcomers Roberta Helzner and - [Lisa LeBourgeois Adds Analysis to Films](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/lisa-lebourgeois-adds-analysis-to-films/) - Lisa LeBourgeois (left, in the photos), cultural affairs officer for the Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C., shared context about Israeli society with members of Tikvat Israel Congregation in Rockville before and after the showing of the 2019 Israeli-produced film “Born in Jerusalem and Still Alive” on Saturday evening, Jan. 18. The film is one - [Atid Weekly Update 12/6/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-12-6-18/) - Shalom Families, Happy Chanukah! May the Chanukah lights bring joy and hope during the darkest days of the year. *Building Entry: Unless otherwise noted- Sundays, you may enter through the lobby. Wednesdays, please enter by the library. Hope to see many of you at Latkes and Lights- Chanukah celebration this Sunday, December 9, 3:45-5:15 pm-----Crafts, - [Atid Weekly Update 11/9/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-11-9-18/) - Shalom Families, *Sunday, November 11th No Class - Teacher Professional Day. 3rd-6th Graders- See you Wednesday. 4-6th graders, please remember your homework folder, and to complete your assignment. Today is the first day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. Attached is a calendar that suggests acts of kindness for each day of the month. I hope - [Atid Weekly Update 10/5/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-10-5-18/) - Shalom Families, Hope to see many of you at Tikvat Israel tomorrow, Saturday, October 6th as we kick off our Shabbat programming, 10:30 am is Junior Congregation (grades 3-6) and 11:00 am is Kehilat Kids (grades K-2). Both groups are teen led and have an adult adviser in attendance. -Junior Congregation helps students learn how - [Atid Weekly Update 10/18/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-10-18-18/) - Shalom Families, Our 3rd-6th grade students had our first Tefillah (prayer) session on Wednesday. I read a book called I Wonder and explained that our thoughts and relationship with God is complex and changes as we experience different things in life. Each of the students were asked finish the statements: I think that God..., I - [Atid Weekly Update: 10/25/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-10-25-18/) - Shalom Families, This coming Sunday, we look forward to having Josh, our music teacher join our classes. Kol Hakavod to all of the 4th-6th graders who did their homework this past week. Keep it up! Yesterday's assignment is due by Wednesday, October 31 (even though we do not have class). Please help them practice, call - [Atid Weekly Update 10/31/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-10-31-18/) - Shalom Families, Daylight savings time ends Saturday night, remember to "FALL BACK (an hour)." November 2-3, 2018, we are responding with our greatest show of solidarity: a continental Solidarity Shabbat with the Jewish community of Pittsburgh. Throughout Greater Washington and around the country, we will gather across denominations to pray, to mourn, and to strengthen one another. - [Atid Weekly Update 11/15/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-11-15-18/) - Shalom Families, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. No class Wednesday, November 21 or Sunday, November 25. Have a happy Thanksgiving! Have you given any of the Kislev Kindness activities a try? Maybe you can pick one to do over Thanksgiving weekend or as a night of gratitude during Chanukah. Here is a calendar that suggests - [Congregants Adopt Changes to Synagogue Bylaws](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregants-adopt-changes-to-synagogue-bylaws/) - A quorum of Tikvat Israel, at a congregational meeting on Jan. 12, ratified a streamlined set of rules governing how TI should operate. One of the most significant changes to the bylaws was this: All congregational business -- involving annual adoption of the operating budget officer and the nomination and election of officers and the - [Women’s Network Event – Beyond Chicken Soup: A Huge Success](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-event-beyond-chicken-soup-a-huge-success/) - On Sunday, January 12, a group of 30 Women's Network members met in the Social Hall and kitchen for a Healthy Eating and Cooking Program: Beyond Chicken Soup. The event was knowledgeably and warmly led by Debbie Amster, an integrative nutritionist for more than 10 years. She demonstrated how to cook Caribbean Fish Soup and - [Woman's Network in Action -Social Action](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womans-network-in-action-social-action/) - On December 30, 2019 twelve Tikvat Israel women participated in a Women’s Network’s night of service at Shepherd’s Table. Several men were also present to help with the heavy lifting tasks. Besides serving food, the TI women were involved in setting up the dinner tables with utensils, condiments and water; preparing trays of bread and - [Two Nights of Israeli Films in January](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/two-nights-of-israeli-films-in-january/) - Israel Presents 2020, two nights of contemporary Israeli cinema, will be presented at Tikvat Israel Congregation in January as follows: - “Born in Jerusalem and Still Alive” (2016), Saturday, Jan. 18, 7:45 p.m. “Born in Jerusalem and Still Alive” is a dark romantic comedy co-directed by David Ofek and Yossi Atia, who also stars in the - [Baseball in December](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/baseball-in-december/) - On Dec. 25, many Jews gather to eat Chinese food and watch a movie. At Tikvat Israel, more than 50 congregants gathered to celebrate “Baseball in December,” and instead of Chinese food, they consumed typical baseball fare -- hot dogs, popcorn and chips. The Washington Nationals sent swag – including bobblehead figurines for several star - [Board Nominees](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/board-nominees/) - Five Tikvat Israel members will stand for election to the synagogue’s board of directors during a congregational meeting at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12. Accepting formal nominations at a meeting on Dec. 15 were incumbents Kelcey Klass, Judy Stern and Jay P. Goldman and newcomers Roberta Helzner and Beth Smith. - [Congregational Meeting December 2019](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregational-meeting/) - During a congregational meeting Dec. 15 at Tikvat Israel, Rabbi Marc Israel weighed in on a some proposed updates to the synagogue’s bylaws that will revise what constitutes membership and eligibility for voting in congressional elections. Members will vote on the full revisions at a congregational meeting in the shul’s sanctuary at 10 a.m. on - [Women's Network Rings in 5780 with Tea Time](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-rings-in-5780-with-tea-time/) - On October 27 the Women's Network opened its 2019-2020 program with a High Tea. It was a huge success, with a wonderful turnout, and delicious food and tea to indulge in. The event was organized and coordinated by Beth Smith and Marlene Chait. A team of volunteers pitched in with the baking, sandwich making, serving - [Rabbi Marc Israel Installed as Tikvat Israel's Rabbi](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/rabbi-marc-israel-installed-as-tikvat-israels-rabbi/) - The installation ceremony for Rabbi Marc Israel on Sunday, Nov. 3, began with a “parade” led by Cantor Rochelle Helzner on guitar and Jerry Schuchman on clarinet. They and the congregation’s officers and members of the board of directors escorted Rabbi Israel from Tikvat Israel’s Flax Library through the school and administrative wings of the - [Congregational Meeting Dec. 15](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregational-meeting-dec-15/) - Five seats on the Tikvat Israel board of directors will be filled during congregational elections beginning with a nominations meeting at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15. The five seats are for two-year terms. Elections will take place at 10 a.m. on Jan. 12. Contact Melanie Grishman, chair of the nominations committee, at mgrish1942@icloud.com, to - [A Show of Humorous Storytelling at Tikvat Israel Nov. 10](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/a-show-of-humorous-storytelling-at-rockville-synagogue-nov-10/) - A series of top professional and amateur storytellers will command the stage at Tikvat Israel Congregation in Rockville, Md., during the 7th annual True Stories show at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10. In addition, the synagogue is hosting a storytelling workshop prior to the True Stories show on Nov. 10. The workshop, led by - [Holiday Concert at Rockville Synagogue: ‘Let There Be Light’](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/holiday-concert-at-rockville-synagogue-let-there-be-light/) - The annual concert organized by Cantor Rochelle Helzner will reunite her on the stage with the Robyn Helzner Trio, a group led by her sister, a professional entertainer. The event is set for 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at Tikvat Israel Congregation, 2200 Baltimore Road, Rockville, Md. The concert, carrying the theme “Let There - [Manna Food Drive on October 8 before Yom Kippur service](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/manna-food-drive-on-october-8-before-yom-kippur-service/) - Many attending Kol Nidre at Tikvat Israel on Tuesday, October 8 contributed food stuffs generously to support the Manna Food Center in Gaithersburg. The bags of various foods were collected inside the lobby of the synagogue prior to services. Donated food was picked up by Manna Food Center. Many thanks to those that assisted in - [Our Sukkah Was Built](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/our-sukkah-was-built/) - A dedicated group of volunteers, led by Alan Apter, came armed with ladders, screwdrivers and mallets to build Tikvat Israel’s back-patio sukkah on Sunday, October. 6. Apter’s construction helpers were Sandra Schwartz, Aaron Fineman, Harley Liebenson, Dan Matathais, Neil Kram, Jonathan Solomon, Warren Berger, Jeff Baer, Jeff Smith, Sandra (Sandy) Schwartz, Dan Bachman, and Jim - [Atid Registration Information For 2019-2020](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-registration-information-for-2019-2020/) - You can now click on this link to register for the Atid Learning Center options listed below in a letter from Rabbi Israel. Dear Families, I am excited to share with you Tikvat Israel’s plans for education and youth programming for the upcoming year. We have been working diligently throughout the summer – unfortunately, building - [Focus Music Presents Meghan Cary](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/focus-music-presents-meghan-cary/) - Critically-acclaimed artist Meghan Cary will perform at Tikvat Israel on November 24 at 7:30 pm. Meghan Cary didn’t mean to be a musician. But when her fiancé unexpectedly died, she picked up his guitar, figured out how to play it, and wrote her debut, earning her Billboard Magazine’s esteemed Critic’s Choice Award. Her latest album, SING LOUDER, debuted in - [8-Part Series Explores Jewish Values in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict  ](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/8-part-series-explores-jewish-values-in-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict/) - An eight-part seminar, “Jewish Values and Israeli-Palestinian Conflict,” will take place on Wednesday mornings at Kehilat Pardes and two evenings at Tikvat Israel starting on Oct. 30. Rabbi Uri Topolsky and Rabbi Marc Marc Israel will co-lead the series, which is free. Participants are asked to purchase the $20 text. The six Wednesday classes are - [Larry Levine’s Photo Show Features Four TI Members’ Talents](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/larry-levines-photo-show-features-four-ti-members-talents/) - Larry Marc Levine, a longtime member of Tikvat Israel, will hold a one-person photography show from Sept. 5 through Nov. 24 at the Sandy Spring Museum titled "Creativity, With a Capital WHY?" Levine will be on hand for an artist reception, open to the public, from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15. He will be - [Focus Music Presents: Scott Wolfson and Other Heroes; Meghan Cary](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/focus-music-presents-scott-wolfson-and-other-heroes-meghan-cary/) - Sunday, February 10 at 7:30 pm Focus Music brings Scott Wolfson and Other Heroes and Meghan Cary to the Tikvat Israel Stage. Scott Wolfson and Other Heroes have been lighting up stages with their high-energy brand of multifaceted Americana music since 2011. Seamlessly welding folk, blues, country, Broadway, and rock’n’roll into a smart, rootsy, compelling sound, - [Focus Music Presents Bob Sima plus Lily Neill](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/focus-music-presents-bob-sima/) - Bob Sima and Lily Neill will perform at Tikvat Israel on June 23, 2019 at 7:30 pm. Bob Sima creates music that heals and inspires. From a glimpse of a raindrop sparkling in the sunshine when the skies clear after a mid-day storm to dropping onto your knees when the whispers of a grief-stricken - [Focus Music Presents The Everly Set plus Cecilia Grace](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/focus-music-presents-everly-set-plus-cecilia-grace/) - Presenting The Everly Set: Sean Altman & Jack Skuller, acclaimed NYC-based singer-songwriters pay tribute to a pair of their rock heroes. Ex-Rockapella star Sean Altman is “tuneful and sharply witty” (LA Times) and “relentlessly clever” (Chicago Tribune), with catchy melodies, clever arrangements and lyrics that yield satiric gems (Washington Post), combining “the tunefulness of the - [Folk Music Series Present Cosy Sheridan plus Cletus Kennelly](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/folk-music-series-present-cosy-sheridan-plus-cletus-kennelly/) - Focus Music, a folk music organizer, will continue to provide delightful evenings of song at Tikvat Israel. The show on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 pm will feature Cosy Sheridan and Cletus Kennelly. Cosy Sheridan, an award-winning singer-songwriter. Her concerts are wide-ranging explorations -- love songs for adults and practical philosophy for a complicated world. - [Focus Concert: Matt Nakoa plus Heather Aubrey Lloyd](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/focus-concert-matt-nakoa-plus-heather-aubrey-lloyd/) - Matt Nakoa grew up on a small goat farm in Smyrna, NY, and began composing music as a teenager. Following a formative stint as a classical pianist, Matt won scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied alongside future Grammy winners St. Vincent and Esperanza Spaulding. After college, Matt toured with his band, - [The Boxcar Lilies with Special Guest Jim Henry Perform Sunday, May 21](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/boxcar-lilies-special-guest-jim-henry-perform-sunday-may-21/) - Box Car Lilies will perform May 21 at 7:30 pm with special guest Jim Henry on Dobro, mando, and guita. Box Car Lilies combine spine-tingling three-part harmony and exceptional songwriting, The Boxcar Lilies have made a name for themselves with their signature mix of folk, country, blues, and bluegrass-tinged Americana music. Though each member of - [Focus Music: Lox & Vodka](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/focus-music-lox-vodka/) - Members of Lox & Vodka, Greg Lupton, Don New and Caron Dale, will be performing December 9 at 7:30 pm. Lox & Vodka grew out the members' love of the music, the rich traditions, the holiday celebrations and the deep spirituality that Judaism offers. Precious memories of Friday nights with grandma and grandpa, teenage Shabbatonim - [Last Rabbi Israel Meet 'n' Greet Set for September 8](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/last-rabbi-israel-meet-n-greet-set-for-september-8/) - As we welcome Rabbi Marc Israel to lead our kehillah, the rabbi also encourages Tikvat Israel members young and older to get to know him. For that purpose, the Tikvat Israel Welcoming Committee arranged a series of four Meet 'n' Greet gatherings for members to get to know Rabbi Israel personally in a relaxed, social - [Manny Helzner's Passion for Music](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/manny-helzners-passion-for-music/) - To many Tikvat Israel members, Manny Helzner, a long-time congregant, is known as Cantor Rochelle Helzner’s father. He has joined Cantor Helzner, Robyn Helzner (his other daughter as well as a cantorial soloist) and other family members on the TI stage during past cantor’s concerts. A retired economist with 30 years of government service, Manny holds - [Focus Music Presents Gathering Time](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/focus-music-presents-gathering-time/) - FocusGathering Time will perform October 27 at 7:30 pm at Tikvat Israel, and they plan to present a concert titled “Jews Who Rock.” Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at door. Start with the 1960s folk tradition of Peter, Paul & Mary; add the vocal complexity and energy of Crosby, Stills & Nash, a dash - [Congregants Ratify $1.5M Annual Budget with Dedicated Security Funds](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregants-ratify-1-5m-annual-budget-with-dedicated-security-funds/) - Tikvat Israel members endorsed a spending plan for new fiscal year beginning July 1 that fortifies the synagogue’s building security and puts tighter control on expenses. More than 50 congregants were on hand at the congregational meeting on June 30 to support the $1.5 million budget for Tikvat Israel operations in 2019-20. The budget - [TI's New Tenant Promotes Jewish Intellectual Growth](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tis-new-tenant-promotes-jewish-intellectual-growth/) - Tikvat Israel welcomed a new tenant to first-floor office space across from the Flax Library back in December when the Foundation for Jewish Studies moved here from another Rockville location. In a recent interview, Lauren B. Strauss, the group’s director, shared insights into the organization’s unique niche and its budding relationship with our congregation. Q: - [What Past Colleagues and Congregants Are Saying About Rabbi Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/what-past-colleagues-and-congregants-are-saying-about-rabbi-israel/) - A sampling of comments about our new rabbi from those who’ve known him best over the past 14 years at his congregations in suburban Philadelphia and Chevy Chase, Md. The individuals were interviewed by Jay P. Goldman, editor of the Tikvat Israel Bulletin. Randy Goldberg, president, Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El, Wynnewood, Pa.: “Rabbi Israel is - [Second Chances and Our Omer Journey](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/second-chances-and-our-omer-journey/) - Rabbah Arlene Berger led a study session on Pesach Sheni (“Second Passover”) and counting the Omer for the Women's Network on Sunday, May 19. The 18 women in attendance learned that Pesach Sheni was designated in the Torah as a second chance to bring the Passover sacrifice, or Korban Pesach (Passover lamb offering), to the - [Five Personal Things to Know About Rabbi Marc Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/five-personal-things-to-know-about-rabbi-marc-israel/) - No. 1: He and wife Abbey Frank will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in August. The two met nearly 30 years ago in Ann Arbor, Mich., as undergraduate peer educators at orientation for the campus Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center. (“While I had an inkling from the start, it took me a bit longer - [Our Rabbi’s Distinctive Leap From Reform to Conservative](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/our-rabbis-distinctive-leap-from-reform-to-conservative/) - By Jay P. Goldman, Tikvat Israel Bulletin Editor Rabbi Marc Israel trained in the Reform movement that was his spiritual home while growing up with his family in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. He completed his rabbinic studies at Hebrew Union College, then went to work for seven years with two Washington, D.C.-based Reform Judaism organizations. He - [Q&A With Rabbi Israel About TI’s Appeal, Pulpit Politics and Moving to a Smaller Congregation](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/qa-with-rabbi-israel-about-tis-appeal-pulpit-politics-and-moving-to-a-smaller-congregation/) - Bulletin editor Jay P. Goldman conducted this interview with Rabbi Marc Israel shortly after his contract signing to join Tikvat Israel. Below, he discusses an array of subjects, including what he found most appealing about our congregation, moving from a substantially larger synagogue, politics as a pulpit topic and his feelings about Bryce Harper. The - [Hailed Widely as ‘a Mensch,’ Marc Israel Joins as Our New Rabbi](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/hailed-as-a-mensch-marc-israel-joins-our-new-rabbi/) - By Jay P. Goldman, Tikvat Israel Bulletin Editor Marc Israel has harbored the desire to one day become a senior congregational rabbi and to reconnect alongside his family as residents of the Washington, D.C., area. In one swoop, he’s now accomplished both ambitions, having been named the new spiritual leader at Tikvat Israel Congregation. Rabbi - [High-Energy Pey Dalid Dazzels Shul Audience](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/high-energy-pey-dalid-dazzels-shul-audience/) - The Walker brothers trio, performing as a rockin’ band known as Pey Dalid, delivered a high-energy, 12-song set at the synagogue’s annual social hall concert on Sunday, April 7. Arranged by Cantor Rochelle Helzner with concert planning facilitated by chair James Perlmutter, the band from New York City mixed a number of its original creations - [Atid Weekly Update 4/4/19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-4-4-19/) - Shalom Families, Happy Thursday! 1. Parents and students, I will see you all Sunday for Good Deeds Day! We will meet in the lobby at 9:00 am. Wear work clothes and closed toe shoes. 2. Sunday, April 14 we will be doing a special Passover Story Walk! 3. Spring Break- No Class Wednesday, - [Strathmore Concert features Chai Dynamics](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/strathmore-concert-features-chai-dynamics/) - Chai Dynamics a cappella group, a joint venture between Tikvat Israel and Shaare Torah in Gaithersburg, will be performing at the Strathmore Corridor Concert on May 7, 2017 at 3 p.m. The Strathmore Corridor Concert series is designed to take music from the community back into the community. The concert will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 10309 - [Join Congregants at Nats Park June 23](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/join-congregants-at-nats-park-june-23/) - Tickets now are available for the congregation’s annual outing to see the Washington Nationals in action. The TI Women’s Network has purchased a block of $30 tickets for the Nationals game versus the Atlanta Braves at 1:35 p.m. on Sunday, June 23. The seats are located in the 300 level of the stadium, a - [An extraordinary Shabbat!!](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/an-extraordinary-shabbat/) - TI was honored to host an extraordinary guest this past Shabbat - in recognition of World AIDS Day, we were honored to hear from Mr. Adamson Musonda, founder and chairman of Zambia Hope International (http://zambiahope.org). Mr. Musonda is a farmer, who lost 10 relatives to HIV/AIDS, and was left facing the prospect of caring for - [Tikvat Israel Congregation Appoints Rabbi Marc Israel as New Spiritual Leader](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tikvat-israel-congregation-appoints-rabbi-marc-israel-as-new-spiritual-leader/) - Rabbi Marc D. Israel has been named rabbi of Tikvat Israel Congregation in Rockville, concluding a four-month search. He is expected to begin in July. Since 2013, Rabbi Israel has served as the associate rabbi of Temple Beth Hillel–Beth El, a Conservative synagogue in the Philadelphia suburb of Wynnewood. Previously, he worked in Montgomery County, - [Focus Music Presents Mustard's Retreat](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/focus-music-presents-mustards-retreat/) - Mustard's Retreat will perform at Tikvat Israel on April 14, at 7:30 pm. Mustard’s Retreat formed in May 1975 in Ann Arbor, MI. Libby Glover was a bartender in the rathskeller of the old Heidelberg Restaurant. One evening a young singer came in and auditioned. The boss said to Libby “What do you think??” She - [Atid Weekly Update 3/22/19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-3-22-19/) - Shalom Families, It was wonderful seeing you for our Purim festivities this week and look forward to you joining us for the carnival on Sunday. Parents, please pick up your child/ren to attend the carnival, they will not be released to the carnival without an adult, unless otherwise arranged. See attached flier for Purim Carnival - [Atid Weekly Update 3/15/19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-3-15-19/) - Shalom Families, I hope everyone has been enjoying this beautiful weather! Have you started thinking about your costume for Purim? Purim is coming this week! See below for some fun opportunities to rock your costume. Sunday, March 17, after school we are going to pack Purim baskets for the congregation, all kids are welcome to - [Purim Glee with Puppets and Carnival](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/purim-glee-with-puppets-and-carnival/) - Tikvat Israel will celebrate Purim again in style. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening, March 20, with a family celebration that includes a Purim puppet production, songs accompanied by our own Eine Kleine Tikva band and a costume parade. The program in the social hall is expected to conclude at 7:15 p.m. Maariv and a full Megillah - [Instrumental Shabbat on May 10](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/instrumental-shabbat-on-may-10/) - The next Kabbalat Shabbat with Instruments will take place in TI’s Flax Library at 6:15 p.m. on May 10. The uplifting Shabbat evening service, held every other month during the school year, includes spirited melodies, both traditional and new, accompanied by guitar, piano, bass and percussion. The instrumental Kabbalat Shabbat programs are organized by Cantor Rochelle - [Hazak Celebrates Veterans With Stories and Songs](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/hazak-celebrates-veterans-with-stories-and-songs/) - On Thursday, February 28, Hazak conducted a unique event. Hazak Chair Toby Altman introduced Dudley Schwartz and Harvey T. Kaplan who conducted a series of discussions and sing-a-long recognizing our many Veterans, historical perspectives, and music. The program was conducted in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day at the end of World War - [Atid Weekly Update 3/7/19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-3-7-19/) - Shalom Families, Howdy everyone, hope you are having a great week. Remember to "spring" ahead on Saturday night. Sunday, March 17, after school we are going to pack Purim baskets for the congregation, all kids are welcome to join. 11:30-1:30. Can I get a few parent helpers too? Bring a dairy lunch. Please email me to - [Atid Weekly Update 2/28/19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-2-28-19/) - Shalom Families, Thank you for joining us last week for our Ha-Motzi Lechem Min Ha'aretz event. I was thrilled to have you join us and hope you had a pleasant experience. Junior Congregation (10:30 am in the library) and Kehilat Kids (11:00 am in room 12) are this Saturday, March 2nd. Mark your calendar, our - ["Kabbalat Shabbat with Instruments"](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/kabbalat-shabbat-with-instruments/) - The next Kabbalat Shabbat with Instruments will take place in TI’s Flax Library at 6:15 p.m. on March 8. A pre-service reception at 5:45 p.m. will be co-sponsored by Ellen and Sherman Eisner and by Gigi and Yossi Sohn and Lara Ballard. The uplifting Shabbat evening service includes spirited melodies ? both traditional and new ? - [Beautifying Our New Lobby](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/beautifying-our-new-lobby/) - Shirley Waxman is chairing a committee to address the decoration needs of the synagogue’s new lobby. She is planning artistic tapestries, created by congregation members, young and old. Waxman seeks individuals with interests in basting, embroidery, hand stitching, applique and/or beading. The artistic work will be assembled in Waxman’s studio. Those interested should contact Waxman - [Atid Weekly Update 2/21/19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-2-21-19/) - Shalom Families, I am thrilled to have you join us this Sunday for the Ha-Motzi Lechem Min Ha'aretz event. Please arrive promptly at 9am. -Please hang your coats in the coat closet, wash your hands and head to the Social Hall where we will get you started making dough. March 1st Atid Shabbat is cancelled. Junior Congregation - [Atid Weekly Update 2/15/19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-2-15-19/) - Shalom Families, No Religious School Sunday, February 17th. 1. Kol Hakavod to Jonathan, Mitchell, Brig, JJ, Ariella, and Daniel for participating in Youth Shabbat. 2. Please RSVP by Tuesday for the Sunday, February 24th Challah Event. I hope you will join your child/ren if not, a grandparent/ relative or close adult friend - [Atid Weekly Update 2/7/19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-2-7-19/) - Shalom Families, I look forward to seeing you on Saturday at Youth Shabbat, responses from Atid families have been a bit quiet, PLEASE JOIN US! Come by 11 am at the latest. 2/10- Sunday at 11:15 pm, Camp Moshava will be here to promote their camp and answer your questions. Please see the flyer about - [Challah Baking Workshop Rises To The Occasion](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/challah-baking-workshop-rises-to-the-occassion/) - Tikvat Israel congregant Beth Smith led a challah-baking workshop on Feb. 3 for the Women's Network. She not only shared her recipes and knowledge of bread making but showed the group of 26 women and two men several different ways to braid challah. Each participant braided their own challah to take home to bake, with - [Blake Children’s Theatre Brings Wizard of Oz to Tikvat Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/blake-childrens-theatre-brings-wizard-of-oz-to-tikvat-israel/) - On February 18 at 11 am, Blake High School Children’s Theatre (BCT) will bring the play “The Wizard of Oz” to Tikvat Israel. When a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy and her dog, Toto, are whisked away in their house to the magical land of Oz. They follow the Yellow Brick Road toward the Emerald City - [Atid Weekly Update 1/31/19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-1-31-19/) - Shalom Families, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. We will be rehearsing this Sunday for Youth Shabbat! If you haven't let us know you are coming to Youth Shabbat, please do so soon. Next Sunday at 11:15 pm, Camp Moshava will be here to promote their camp and answer your questions. Check the - ['Pour 'em for Purim' Plus Puppet Production on March 3](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/pour-em-purim-plus-puppet-production-march-3/) - Tikvat Israel's Purim festivities begin on Wednesday evening, March 4, with a family celebration including a Purim Puppet Production and costume parade from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the social hall. Then enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails at our new "Pour 'em for Purim" happy hour from 7:20 to 7:40 p.m. Maariv and a full megillah reading - [Atid Weekly Update 1/24/19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-1-24-19/) - Shalom Families, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Tefilah Update: Every other Wednesday, our 3rd-6th Graders meet for tefilah mid evening. This week we discussed the V'Ahavta. We discussed ways parents show love for their children, ways children show love for their parents, and ways we can show love for God. As a - [Atid Weekly Update 12/20/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-12-20-18/) - Shalom Families,Wishing you and your family a wonderful winter break! Wednesday classes will resume on 1/2 and Sunday classes will resume 1/6. Save the Date: Youth Shabbat is Saturday, February 9th, Game Shabbat will follow in the afternoon! *Building Entry: Unless otherwise noted- Sundays, you may enter through the lobby. Wednesdays, please enter by the library. Please remember - [Atid Weekly Update 1/18/19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-1-18-19/) - Shalom Families, Have a great long weekend, no class this Sunday, January 20th. Register Today: Youth Shabbat is Saturday, February 9th, Game Shabbat will follow in the afternoon! See the flier. *Building Entry: Construction on the lobby is complete, please drop off/pick up at main lobby doors. Please remember to send your child with tzedakah money! At the - [Atid Weekly Update 1/11/19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-1-11-19/) - Shalom Families, Hope you are doing well. I will be paying close attention to the weather forecast over the next day and if we need to cancel, I will let you know by 8 am on Sunday morning, if not before.Tomorrow is Drama on Shabbat, see the flier.Save the Date: Youth Shabbat is Saturday, February 9th, Game - [Women's Network Celebrates with Dance](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-celebrates-with-dance/) - Tikvat Israel's Women's Network met on Sunday, Jan. 6, to celebrate Rosh Chodesh Shevat (the new month of Shevat) with Israeli dancing. TI member and veteran Israeli dance instructor Shirley Waxman taught the dances. A few of the 20 participants were new to Israeli dancing, and Waxman suggested that anyone having difficulty following the steps - [Atid Weekly Update 1/4/19](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-1-4-19/) - Save the Date: Youth Shabbat is Saturday, February 9th, Game Shabbat will follow in the afternoon! *Building Entry: Unless otherwise noted- Sundays, you may enter through the lobby. Wednesdays, please enter by the library. Please remember to send your child with tzedakah money! At the end of the year the class will select and organization or - [Rabbi Discusses Trip to Africa with Hazak](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/rabbi-discusses-trip-to-africa-with-hazak/) - Rabbi Ben Shull drew a crowd for his scheduled talk at the December 20 Hazak meeting. In the shul’s Flax Library, Rabbi Shull addressed 40 attendees of a brown-bag lunch about a journey he took with his wife, Stacy Lang, to Africa. Their son Zachary, a Peace Corps volunteer, has been stationed in Zambia for almost two - [Atid Weekly Update 12/14/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-12-14-18/) - Shalom Families,I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.Pickle Palooza Participants (grades 3-8)- remember a bag lunch and $5*Building Entry: Unless otherwise noted- Sundays, you may enter through the lobby. Wednesdays, please enter by the library. Please remember to send your child with tzedakah money! At the end of the year the class will select and organization - [Holy Flames: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 12/8/17](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/holy-flames-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-12-8-17/) - Dear Families, Happy Friday! Stay warm this weekend. Here are Chanukah blessings, the first candle is lit on Tuesday, December 12. 3rd-6th Grade Parents- Please join us on Wednesday, December 13 for Chanukah candle lighting and songs, 6:00pm in lobby. You are welcome to bring your Chanukiah. Torah Talk: http://jewishjourneyproject.weebly.com/parshat-vayeshev.html (includes a video about the parsha!) As we enter the shortest days of - [Atid Learning Center Update Dec. 20, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-december-20-2016/) - Shalom Atid Families, Parents, thank you for joining us for the song and story this Sunday. A special shout out to Rabbi Shull for reading a story to our students and Cantor Helzner for singing Chanukah songs with us. Check out more Billy Jonas songs here. *Mark your calendar for the concert, March 19, - [Women's Network Membership Tea Kicks Off New Year](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-membership-tea-kicks-off-new-year/) - Tikvat Israel's Women's Network gathered Sunday, Oct. 28, in the social hall for their annual membership tea. The program featured a variety of delicious chocolate desserts, including chocolate mousse cake, cranberry white chocolate coconut orange cookies, chocolate cherry scones, and triple-chocolate biscotti, prepared by Beth Smith and a cadre of volunteers. All the attendees received - [Storytellers Show Set for Tikvat Israel in Rockville on Nov. 4](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/storytellers-show-set-for-tikvat-israel-in-rockville-on-nov-4/) - True Stories, the popular storytelling show, will return to Tikvat Israel Congregation, 2200 Baltimore Road in Rockville, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4 Tikvat Israel’s sixth annual True Stories is an afternoon of entertaining tales, from heavy drama to light humor, and everything in between. Bringing together Washington’s best professional and amateur storytellers, including - [Atid Weekly Update 10/11/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-weekly-update-10-11-18/) - Shalom Families, Now that the holidays have concluded we are busy getting into our content material for the year. Within the next week you should start to receive a weekly update from your child's teachers on the amazing things they are doing in class with your children. When the weather is nice, we like to - [Focus Music: Joe Crookston](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/focus-music-joe-crookston/) - Joe Crookston is a songwriter, guitarist, painter, fiddler, slide player, eco-village member and believer in all things possible. He will perform at Tikvat Israel October 21 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $18 in advance / $20 at the door. Joe's music swirls with themes of lightness, darkness, clocks ticking, fiddle looping, weeping willows, slide guitar bending, cynicism, hope, and the - [Sally Kram, Rod Matheson to be Feted on Simchat Torah as Our Congregation's Volunteers of the Year](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/sally-kram-rod-matheson-to-be-feted-on-simchat-torah-as-our-congregations-volunteers-of-the-year/) - In recognition of their volunteer leadership in various aspects of Tikvat Israel’s life, Sally Kram and Rodney Matheson will be honored as the 5779 Kallat Bereshit and Chattan Torah on Simchat Torah. Their recognition on the holiday, which takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 2, will include special aliyot during the Torah service as well as a luncheon in their - [Planning Retreat](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/planning-retreat/) - A half-day planning retreat on Aug. 26 involving 23 Tikvat Israel board members and professional staff developed some short-term measures to address membership recruitment and retention. The participants applied findings from a congregation-wide membership survey plus focus groups managed by Rodney Matheson during the past year. They also heard a presentation by Gil Preuss, CEO of the Jewish - [Melton 5779](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/melton-5779/) - We are offering two ten week classes on Thursday mornings from 11:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Fall Class "The Star and the Crescent: The Long Relationship of Judaism and Islam" taught by Rabbi Ben Shull Classes begin on Thursday October 4, 2018 at Tikvat Israel Congregation 2200 Baltimore Rd, Rockville MD 20851. Class will run for 10 weeks. - [Are you ready to sing and dance?](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/are-you-ready-to-sing-and-dance/) - Simchat Torah is next Tuesday, and it wraps up our fall holiday season with joy and celebration. Check out our Sukkot/Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah services guide for events leading up to the big celebration. In searching for information, I came across Jewish Pathways, a project of aish.com that says of Simchat Torah: "A mainstay of this celebration - [Mitzvah Hero Homework](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/mitzvah-hero-homework/) - So here is a summer homework assignment. As you travel about this summer, use that smart phone to take a picture of someone engaging in mitzvah work. It could be someone helping to clean up a park or someone helping someone learn to swim. Below you will find a list of Mitzvah Hero powers and - [National Women’s Group Creates Training Fund to Remember Shelly Goldin](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/national-womens-group-creates-training-fund-to-remember-shelly-goldin/) - The Women’s League for Conservative Judaism is honoring late Shelly Goldin for her many years of leadership to the national organization. The league has created the Shelly Goldin Memorial Leadership Institute Scholarship Fund, which will be used to carry on her work in supporting female Jewish volunteer leaders. She passed away on June 18. Shelly - [Manna Food Drive on September 22 before Yom Kippur service](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/manna-food-drive-on-september-22-before-yom-kippur-service/) - You can do an important mitzvah right before the Yom Kippur service starts on Tuesday, September 22. Please drop a bag of food at our collection table in the synagogue lobby before the Kol Nidre service starts. The Social Action Committee will deliver the donated food to the Manna Food Center. Manna needs the following - [Shull to Shul: Mitzvah Heroes - By Rabbi Ben Shull](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/shull-to-shul-mitzvah-heroes-by-rabbi-ben-shull/) - “Be a Mitzvah Hero.” This was my message to the students and parents at our end of year assembly for our Atid Learning Center (our religious school) on Sunday, June 2. I was referencing a term that Danny Siegel, the great Jewish educator/poet and inspiration to generations of USYers, coined several decades ago. A Mitzvah - [Test Your Heroic Powers Over the Summer - By Luisa Moss, Director of Education and Youth](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/test-your-heroic-powers-over-the-summer-by-luisa-moss-director-of-education-and-youth/) - Who are your heroes? What characteristics do you admire? Heroes inspire us. Their actions motivate our behaviors. We admire their actions and aspire to be like them. Anyone can be a hero but as Jews, we are commanded to be heroes. As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel states, “The meaning of man's life lies in his - [My Unique Study-Abroad Semester in Israel - by Micah Cowan](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/my-unique-study-abroad-semester-in-israel-by-micah-cowan/) - This past spring for me was not the traditional study-abroad experience. I’m already an “untraditional” college student, enrolled in a joint program between Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary. (Next spring, I hope to receive two bachelor of arts degrees.) I could have undertaken the typical study abroad experience by spending a semester somewhere - [Veteran Educator Appointed Executive Director of ECC](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/veteran-educator-appointed-executive-director-of-ecc/) - Sheri Brown, an early childhood educator since 1985, has been appointed as the new director of the Tikvat Israel Early Childhood Center. Brown will assume her post in May. She was the top choice of a search committee, chaired by Ellen Kaminow, to fill a vacancy that occurred in January. Brown began teaching at the - [Rabbi's Walk Photos](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/rabbis-walk-photos/) - [Excitement Growing for Rabbi’s 5K Walk on June 10](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/excitement-growing-for-rabbis-5k-walk-on-june-10/) - Rabbi Benjamin Shull’s 5K Walk in honor of Israel’s 70th anniversary is set for Sunday, June 10, with hopes for up to 200 participants, including adults and children. The walk will start at the synagogue and head along the Rock Creek Trail to Lake Frank and back for a total journey of approximately three miles. - [Basketball Season Ends as TI Softball Squad Tunes Up](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/basketball-season-ends-as-ti-softball-squad-tunes-up/) - Tikvat Israel ended its 2018 season in the Montgomery County Synagogue Basketball League by losing a close playoff game to Congregation Beth El, 65-61, in mid-March. During the regular season, TI had beaten Beth El, 66-52, with five players hitting multiple three-point baskets. The TI hoopsters finished with a 1-6 record. Coach Warren Berger said - [God's Blessing: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 5/25/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/gods-blessing-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-5-25-18/) - Shalom Families, Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Last Sunday class is June 3rd, parents, please join us at 11 am for a closing assembly. (K-2 will have their own closing assembly with parents 10:30-11 am) Torah Talk: To be Blessed by God By: Jan Katzew This week we reach a crescendo in the Torah's symphony of blessings. Moving rhythmically - [A Time to Recharge: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 5/11/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/a-time-to-recharge-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-5-11-18/) - Shalom Families, Wishing all of our mother's a special day this Sunday. Last Sunday, our classes had a fabulous last music session with Josh Hare, our music teacher. They reviewed some prayers from this past year like Shehechiyanu and learned a fun holiday song that wraps all the Jewish holidays in one fun song, written - [Atid Learning Center Weekly Update](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-weekly-update/) - Shalom Atid Families, Thank you to everyone who came out for the Ice Cream Social, a good time was had by all! A special thanks to Gary Feldman, Hillary Feldman, Meirav Shahar and Limor Dahan for helping out. In this week's Torah reading, Emor, we read, "The Eternal One spoke to Moses, saying: "Speak to the - [Gracious Hospitality-Sharing Joy With Others: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 5/3/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/gracious-hospitality-sharing-joy-with-others-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-5-3-18/) - Dear Families, Happy Lag Ba'Omer! It was so wonderful to celebrate Shabbat with you on Friday night. A special thank you to Maxine Perlmutter for her help coordinating and leading the service and skit. Thank you to everyone who showed up for Good Deed's Day! 40 volunteers collected 14 bags of trash, 13 recycling bags, 2 tires, wire fencing, a traffic cone, - [Congregants Pitch in on Good Deeds Day](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregants-pitch-in-on-good-deeds-day/) - Good Deeds Day attracted 40 participants from Tikvat Israel, including these young members (pictured on the left), to a cleanup project at nearby Rock Creek Park on April 29. They filled 14 bags of trash, 13 bags of recyclable waste, two rubber tires, a traffic cone and wire fencing. A few volunteers stumbled upon an - [Holiness Code: What is yours?: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 4/26/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/holiness-code/) - Dear Families, Bonjour, I have returned from France and look forward to seeing you this weekend! FRIDAY: Please arrive and be seated in the sanctuary by 5:55 pm. The service will be beginning promptly at 6 pm. SUNDAY*: Please arrive at 9:00 am. Registration will be in the TI parking lot. You and your family will be directed to the park entrance - [Focus Concert: Reggie Harris & Greg Greenway](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/focus-concert-reggie-harris-greg-greenway/) - National touring artists Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway have been pleasing audiences and speaking out for justice for decades, with others and with each other, and have developed a deep friendship over this time. Both have been very active with Phil Ochs Song Nights around the country and with working for racial justice, including singing - [A lesson of Dhimmitude](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/a-lesson-of-dhimmitude/) - A lesson of Dhimmitude During Tisha b'Av Rabbi Alana Suskin gave us a lesson. I have heard some lessons that were beyond my understanding, but I have never heard a lesson that was as wrong and upsetting to me as the one we heard on Tisha B'Av. The lesson consisted of three parts (I found - [Women's Network Tours "Freedom, Justice and Equality"](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-tours-freedom-justice-and-equality/) - Members of the Tikvat Israel Women's Network paid an artsy visit to the Jewish Community Center's Goldman Art Gallery in Rockville on Sunday, March 24. Eleven women gathered for a docent-led tour of the "Freedom, Justice and Equality: An Interfaith Perspective" exhibit. TI's own Shirley Waxman, along with Sabir Rahman of the exhibit staff, discussed the origin - [Congregants Deliver Passover Supplies](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregants-deliver-passover-supplies/) - Eight members of Tikvat Israel farmed out across the area on March 25 to deliver Passover supplies to 30 elderly Jews in need, enabling them to observe the holiday. TI and other shuls participated in Project HOPE 2018, which is cosponsored each year by B’nai Brith and the Jewish Social Services Agency. The two organizations raise money and buy the - [Finding Gratitude: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 3/22/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/finding-gratitude-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-3-22-18/) - Dear Families, Happy Spring Break! Classes will resume Wednesday, April 4th for 3-6th graders and Sunday, April 8 for K-2 (and 3-6th). Torah Club is cancelled this Shabbat. Here is a link to practice Mah Nishtanah at home. Torah Talk: Click here! (includes a video about the parsha!) Most of us are good at seeing flaws around us or within us. However, we may have - [Hazak's Journey to Cuba](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/hazaks-journey-to-cuba/) - Shortly after the area’s first major snowfall of 2018, Tikvat Israel’s Hazak group received a warming experience. On March 21 in the shul’s Flax Library, Steve Raucher addressed 25 attendees of a brown-bag lunch on a journey he took with his wife Helen recently to Cuba. Raucher shared his experience and photos, offered a brief overview of the history - [Making Ritual a Teaching Opportunity: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 3/15/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/making-ritual-a-teaching-opportunity-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-3-15-18/) - Dear Families, This Sunday is the final Sunday class before spring break, Wednesday will be our last class of the month. Classes will resume Wednesday, April 4th for 3-6th graders or Sunday, April 8 for K-2. Here is a link to practice Mah Nishtanah at home. Torah Talk: Click here! (includes a video about the parsha!) We all live with rituals. Whether it’s the time and place we brush our - [Science and Religion Focused Weekend](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/science-and-religion-focused-weekend/) - Tikvat Israel's Year of Science Committee brought us a full, thought-provoking weekend focused on science and religion to the congregation March 9-11. Scholar's Weekend 2018 began with a Shabbat evening service, Shabbat dinner and an interactive talk with our keynote speaker Rabbi Geoffrey Mitelman, founding director of Sinai and Synapses in New York. He discussed "How Do We Talk About Science and Religion?" with about 90 participants. On - [What Motivates You?: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 3/8/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/what-motivates-you-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-3-8-18/) - Dear Families, Thank you for joining us at the carnival last Sunday, hope everyone had a great time! SPRING AHEAD, Saturday night, change your clocks ahead one hour. We have begin practicing the Mah Nishtanah and other Passover themes and traditions. Here is a link to practice at home. In music last Sunday, Josh led the students in singing - [USY Conventions and Kadima Kallah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/usy-conventions-kadima-kallah/) - Make your plans and mark your calendars. Fall Kadima Kallah - October 28 - 30 - Capital Camps - Waynesboro, PA [pdf-embedder url="https://www.tikvatisrael.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Kadima-Kallah-2016-Flyer.pdf" title="kadima-kallah-2016-flyer"] USY Fall Convention - November 18 - 20 - Capital Retreat Center - Waynesboro, PA [pdf-embedder url="https://www.tikvatisrael.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/USY-Fall-convention-2016.pdf" title="usy-fall-convention-2016"] USY International Convention - December 25 - 29 - Dallas, TX - - [Importance of Patience: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 3/2/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/importance-patience-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-3-2-18/) - Dear Families, See you Sunday! Great to see everyone for Purim! Junior Congregation is this Saturday, 10:30 am Kehilat Kids is at 11:00 am We will begin practicing the Mah Nishtanah and other Passover themes and traditions over the coming weeks. Here is a linkto practice at home. The Tikvat Israel Purim Carnival is here! Families are invited to join - [Tikvat Israel University 2.0 Gets an A](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tikvat-israel-university-2-0-gets/) - With experts expounding on subjects ranging the intracacies of physical science to a behind-the-scenes understanding of professional theater,Tikvat University 2.0 delivered new knowledge to 75 participants on Sunday, Feb. 25. Sally Kram, chair of the TI Adult Education Committee, was the prime mover behind the second annual event. The program tapped into the talents and energy of our own congregation with all but one of the sessions handled by members - [Priestly Gold is The New Black: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 2/23/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/priestly-gold-new-black-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-2-23-18/) - Dear Families, See you Sunday! Reminder: Wednesday, February 28- 5:30 pm Pizza Dinner - 6:30 pm Purim Puppet Show - 7:20 pm Full Megillah Reading The Tikvat Israel Purim Carnival is back! Families are invited to join us Sunday, March 4 from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the social hall for games, food and prizes. This event is being organized by Tikvat Israel USY and - [Holy Spending- Cherishing Precious Treasures: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 2/16/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/holy-spending-cherishing-precious-treasures-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-2-16-18/) - Dear Families, Yasher Koach, your kids did such a lovely job on Saturday at Youth Shabbat. It was so wonderful to see so many of you there. Thank you. Enjoy the long weekend, no class Sunday. The Tikvat Israel Purim Carnival is back! Families are invited to join us Sunday, March 4 from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the social - [Artists Without Borders](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/artists-without-borders/) - Three members of Tikvat Israel: Larry Marc Levine, Shirley Waxman and Gale Pressman, also members of JAMMART (Jews and Muslims Making Art Together) will have their artwork in a group exhibit at the JCC. The following is from the JCC website: Artists Without Borders February 23 - April 8, 2018 Freedom, Justice and Equality: An Interfaith - [Jewish Museum of Maryland and Historic Synagogues Toured](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/jewish-museum-maryland-historic-synagogues-toured/) - Twenty Tikvat Israel members journeyed to Baltimore on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, to tour the Jewish Museum of Maryland and the two synagogues that flank the museum. The Jewish Museum of Maryland is America’s leading museum of regional Jewish history, culture and community. It is located in downtown Baltimore, blocks from the Inner Harbor. The landmark historic sites - [Mishpatim: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 2/9/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/mishpatim-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-2-9-18/) - Dear Families, See you tomorrow! Youth Shabbat: Saturday, February 10, 9:30 am- (please join us by 10:15 a.m. in time for the Torah service) our TI Youth will lead and participate in the congregational service. A festive Kiddush honoring our youth will follow services. Game Shabbat to follow until 3:30 p.m. " A Message from - [Tikvat Israel Creations in Gallery Exhibit](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tikvat-israel-creations-gallery-exhibit/) - Nationally noted Judaic fine arts and visual communications designs by Avrum I. Ashery can be seen in a one-man gallery exhibit at the Northern Virginia JCC , February 1 - March 11. The opening reception is on February 11 from 4:30 - 5:30 pm. Art that was presented at the White House in 1976 and - [Leadership: A Balancing Act - Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 2/2/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/leadership-balancing-act-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-2-2-18/) - Dear Families, Have you registered?: Youth Shabbat: Saturday, February 10, 9:30am- (please join us by 10:15 a.m. in time for the Torah service) our TI Youth will lead and participate in the congregational service. A festive Kiddush honoring our youth will follow services. Our K-6 students are rehearsing Eitz Chayim Hi, Oseh Shalom and Adon Olam for the service. REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED - [Brad Yoder Duo and Heather Mae to Perform](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/brad-yoder-duo-heather-mae-perform/) - Brad Yoder believes musical success should be measured in more than just the obvious ways. Acknowledged by Pittsburgh Magazine as “ruling the Pittsburgh coffeehouse scene,” Brad logs over 150 performances annually, playing colleges, cafés, churches, festivals, First Nights, and even the zoo. Along the way, Brad has sold over 7,000 copies of five self-released CDs, including - [Finding Courage to Step Forward: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 1/26/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/finding-courage-step-forward-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-1-26-18/) - Dear Families, Save the Date: Youth Shabbat: Saturday, February 10, 9:30 am- (please join us by 10:15 am in time for the Torah service) our TI Youth will lead and participate in the congregational service. A festive Kiddush honoring our youth will follow services. Our K-6 students have begun rehearsing Eitz Chayim Hi, Oseh Shalom and Adon Olam for the - [Israeli Film Draws Crowd](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/israeli-film-draws-crowd/) - More than 120 film fans turned out at Tikvat Israel Congregation in Rockville, Md., on Saturday evening, Jan. 20, to view "The Women's Balcony," a prize-winning Israeli film produced in 2016. The crowd watched the movie together and then after some nourishment and coffee from Mayorga Organic, a commercial sponsor of the event, Lisa LeBourgeois, - [It Takes Teamwork: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 1/19/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/takes-teamwork-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-1-19-18/) - Dear Families, Save the Date: Youth Shabbat: Saturday, February 10, 9:30 am- our TI Youth lead and participate in the congregational service. A festive Kiddush honoring our youth will follow services. Our students will be rehearsing over the next few weeks to prepare! Lego Mania this Sunday will be in the Social Hall from 11:30-2:00 pm. Walk-ins welcome. Torah Talk: http://jewishjourneyproject.weebly.com/parshat-bo.html (includes a - [Comfort Cases Focus of MLK Day of Service](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/comfort-cases-focus-mlk-day-service/) - One hundred people from Tikvat Israel Congregation and Twinbrook Baptist Church gathered at TI on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 15, 2018, to assemble backpacks or small duffel bags with new essential and comfort items for children and teens entering foster care. The participants filled 123 of these comfort cases with a blanket, pajamas, - [Empowering Others: Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 1/12/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/empowering-others-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-1-12-18/) - Dear Families, NO SCHOOL SUNDAY- MLK Weekend. Do join us Monday, January 15 to help pack bags for foster children, beforehand, take your kids shopping for requested donations! More Info Save the Date: Youth Shabbat: Saturday, February 10, 9:30am- our TI Youth lead and participate in the congregational service. A festive Kiddush honoring our youth will follow services. Our students will - [Creating Their Own Fiber Art](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/creating-fiber-art/) - Stacy Lang (left) and Marilyn Greenwood apply their choice of colored dyes to the silk scarves they designed during a hands-on fiber arts event sponsored by the Tikvat Israel Women’s Network on Jan. 7. The event took place at the home of artist Shirley Waxman, who provided a tour of her art studio and textile - [Congregants Approve Five to Governing Board](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregants-approve-five-governing-board/) - A quorum of Tikvat Israel members approved a slate of five members for the board of directors at a congregational meeting on Jan. 7. Approved for two-year terms were two current board members, Jay P. Goldman and Kelcey Klass, plus newcomers Steve Eiserike, Sherrie Krauser and Jeremy Schiffer. Shown in the photo are (front row) - [When to intervene - Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 1/5/18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/intervene-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-1-5-18/) - Dear Families, Welcome back. It was great to see our 3rd-6th graders on Wednesday and I look forward to seeing the rest of you on Sunday! NO SCHOOL NEXT SUNDAY- MLK Weekend (Do join us Monday, January 15 to help pack bags for foster children, beforehand, take your kids shopping for requested donations! More Info) Torah Talk: http://jewishjourneyproject.weebly.com/parshat-shmot.html (includes a video - [Year of Science Kicked Off with BBQ and Movies](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/year-science-kicked-off-bbq-movies/) - 2018 will mark the “Year of Science” at Tikvat Israel as special programing throughout the next 12 months will examine this question: How do faith and science intertwine in Judaism? To kick off the Year of Science on December 24, 2017 45 people congregated for a BBQ dinner and then another 45 people braved the cold to - [Five Expect to be Seated on TI Board in January](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/five-expect-seated-ti-board-january/) - Congregants get the chance at year’s end to refashion the membership on the synagogue’s governing board. In mid-December, a slate of five board members were recommended for two-year terms commencing in January. Among those nominated were two current board members, Jay P. Goldman and Kelcey Klass, both of whom agreed to commit another to another - [Sparing hurt feelings-Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 12/22/17](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/sparing-hurt-feelings-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-12-22-17/) - Dear Families, Winter break begins Sunday, December 24, classes resume Wednesday, January 3rd and/or Sunday, January 7th. I will be out of the office from December 25- January 1st. Have a safe and relaxing break! Torah Talk: http://jewishjourneyproject. weebly.com/parshat-vayigash. html (includes a video about the parsha!) Have you ever embarrassed someone in public whether on purpose or by mistake? I'm sure you - [Latkes and Lights Draws a Crowd](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/latkes-lights-draws-crowd/) - Several dozen Tikvat Israel members, including many youngsters, observed the sixth night of Hanukkah with songs, latkes and candle lighting at a program Dec. 17 organized by the TI Women's Network. Cantor Rochelle Helzner led the festive singing, Rabbi Ben Shull delivered a brief Hanukkah message replete with his own cartoon drawings and Eine Kline - [Learning to Look and Listen - Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 12/15/17](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/15718-2/) - Dear Families, Happy Chanukah, see you this Sunday. At 11:25 am, please join us in the lobby to light the Chanukiah. Winter break begins Sunday, December 24, classes resume Wednesday, January 3rd and/or Sunday, January 7th. Have a safe and relaxing break! PS: Mark your calendar for our Bonim/Machar (K-5) Youth Group Lego Mania Event, January 21, 11:30-2:00! Torah - [A Preview of Legislative Priorities](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/preview-legislative-priorities/) - Delegate Anne Kaiser, who chairs the Ways and Means Committee in the Maryland House of Delegates, gave three dozen members of Tikvat Israel a preview of what to expect from the state legislature during its three-month session that begins in January. Kaiser, who has been a member of the synagogue since her birth, said she - [Print all In new window Who Did Jacob Actually Wrestle? - Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 12/1/17](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/print-new-window-jacob-actually-wrestle-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-12-1-17/) - Dear Families, See you Sunday! Hope you all had a pleasant Thanksgiving weekend. Family Shabbat December 8th, 2017 Details and to sign up Mitzvah Request Tikvat Israel has adopted a refugee family and is seeking gently worn winter clothes for a 3 and 6 year old boy and for girls ages 4, 8 and 10. Please contact Debbie Amster - [The Real Housewives of Canaan! - Atid Learning Center Weekly Update 11/21/17](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/real-housewives-canaan-atid-learning-center-weekly-update-11-21-17/) - Dear Families, Wednesday, November 22- Happy Thanksgiving, no school Sunday, November 26- Happy Thanksgiving, no school Wednesday, November 29- Wednesday Classes Resume Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving echoes the Jewish value of "hakarat hatov"—“recognition of the good.” Take moments to savor the good, the blessings in your life and I encourage you to ask - [Folk Concert Dec. 3 Features Two Trios](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/folk-concert-dec-3-features-two-trios/) - Tikvat Israel will host a folk music concert on Sunday, Dec. 3 (minyan at 7 pm) titled a “Duo of Trios,” featuring the groups No Good Sister and Lulu’s Fate. The 7:30 pm show (minyan is at 7 pm) is part of the Focus concert series. In late 2012, a mom, a teacher, and a waitress - [Shabbat - Chayeh Sarah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/shabbat-chayeh-sarah/) - Dear Families, Shabbat shalom! No class Sunday, November 12th. Our teachers are attending a workshop on Israel education! See our 3rd-6th graders on Wednesday and everyone else on 11/12 if not before. Want to check out a fun interactive drama experience? Come to Drama on Shabbat next Saturday! Torah Talk: Eliezer, Abraham's loyal servant, travels to Haran to find a - [Shabbat Shalom - Vayera](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/15468-2/) - Dear Families, Shabbat shalom! Please remember to change your clocks Saturday night. Our music teacher, Josh will be with us again this Sunday. Torah Talk: This week's portion has lot of really interesting and complicated stories. Here is a very brief summary of our portion. God sends three angels disguised as men to Abraham. Abraham - [TI’s Delegates Set for USY Convention](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tis-delegates-set-usy-convention/) - Five teen members of Tikvat Israel’s United Synagogue Youth chapter are planning to participate in the Seaboard Region’s fall convention Nov. 17-19 at Capital Camps in Waynesboro, Pa. Expected attendees are Aviva, Austin, Cheryl, Aviva and Sophia. More than 200 high school students from Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Washington, D.C., will attend the annual affair. - [Shabbat Shalom - Lech Lecha](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/shabbat-shalom-lech-lecha/) - Dear Families, Shabbat shalom! Thanks to the parents who joined us last night for our parent committee meeting. Stay tuned for future meetings and ways to get involved. Our music teacher, Josh will be with us again this Sunday and again next Sunday. We are also excited to welcome Nitzan, the cousin of one or our - [Apters Honored as Synagogue Volunteers of the Year](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/apters-honored-synagogue-volunteers-year/) - In recognition of their volunteer leadership of Tikvat Israel’s spiritual and physical presence, Susan and Alan Apter were honored as the 5778 Kallat Bereshit and Chattan Torah, respectively, during Simchat Torah at the synagogue. Literally the "the bride of the beginning" and "groom of the Torah," the Kallat Bereshit and Chattan Torah honors are given each year to two deserving Tikvat Israel congregants or - [Women's Network Wakes Up and Smells the Coffee](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-wakes-smells-coffee/) - Tikvat Israel's Women's Network kicked off the year with a coffee social at Mayorga Organics in Rockville Oct. 22. Nineteen members met at Mayorga for a coffee tasting, a tour of the coffee roasting and packaging facility, and an informative discussion led by Mayorga's barista Eduardo Choza about how the coffee cherry progresses from seed to bean. The group was invited - [Shabbat Shalom - Parasha Noach](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/15401-2/) - Dear Families, Happy Friday...Thanks Goodness It's Shabbat! This week we read the well known parsha (Torah portion) about Noah and his Ark. The Torah describes Noah as someone who walks with (heet-ha-lach) God. This is the only time in the Torah that this Hebrew word is used. Since God does not have a visible shape or - [Atid Learning Center Update Jan. 17, 2017](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-jan-17-2017/) - Shalom Atid Families, As we look to this coming weekend, we have several transitions. On Friday, our nation will witness the inauguration of a new president and on Saturday, we will transition from the book of Genesis to the book of Exodus. As you speak with your children about the inauguration, here is a - [Focus Concert – Seth Glier plus Chris Monaghan](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/focus-concert-seth-glier-plus-chris-monaghan/) - Grammy nominated recording artist Seth Glier and dynamic guitarist Chris Monaghan bring their talents to the stage October 15 at 7:30 pm. Seth Glier is a seasoned singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist who averages over 150 live performances annually. He is known for his passionate live sets and powerful command of both piano and guitar. His music has also - [“True Stories” Storytelling Returns to Tikvat Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/10911-2/) - “True Stories” Storytelling show returns to Tikvat Israel for a third season. The previous two shows were extremely well received, and February’s program will again showcase some of the best storytellers in the Washington area and beyond. “True Stories,” A joint effort of Tikvat Israel and the Hopeful Communicators Toastmasters Club with support from - [Charles Dickens and Imperfect “Teshuvhah”](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/charles-dickens-imperfect-teshuvhah/) - On Saturday, September 23, 2017, Shabbat Shuva, Cliff Fishman gave the d'var torah. Several congregants asked for a copy of his d'var and we have provided it for your reading pleasure and contemplation. We have published this with Cliff's permission. Charles Dickens and Imperfect “Teshuvhah” Clifford S. Fishman[1] How many of you have seen the - [Manna Food Collection Prior to Kol Nidre](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/manna-food-collection-prior-kol-nidre/) - Please bring a bag of non-perishable food items to synagogue on Kol Nidre evening (Friday, September 29) for our annual Yom Kippur Manna Food Drive. Your bag will be collected by a volunteer as you enter the synagogue lobby prior to the service. Manna needs the following healthful foods: nut butters; canned tuna or salmon in - [Apters Receiving Honors on Simchat Torah for Extensive Volunteerism](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/apters-receiving-honors-simchat-torah-extensive-volunteerism/) - In recognition of their volunteer leadership of Tikvat Israel’s spiritual and physical presence, Susan and Alan Apter will be honored as the 5778 Kallat Bereshit and Chattan Torah, respectively, during Simchat Torah on Friday, Oct. 13, at the synagogue. Their recognition on the holiday includes special aliyot during the Torah service as well as a - [Congregants Bring Holiday Sounds to Rockville Nursing Home](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/high-holidays-service-potomac-valley/) - Tikvat Israel members Rebecca Salon, Jay P. Goldman, Sam Gilston and Jim and Maxine Perlmutter made the holidays a little sweeter for about two dozen residents at Potomac Valley Nursing and Wellness Center in Rockville. The five congregants led an annual High Holidays service on Sunday, Sept. 17, giving the residents and their family members a chance to hear the shofar and some of the traditional Rosh Hashanah and Yom - [High Holiday Piyyutim Discussed by Women's Network](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/high-holiday-piyyutim-discussed-womens-network/) - Fourteen women joined Rabbah Arlene Berger at Tikvat Israel for a Rosh Chodesh program Sunday, Sept. 10, which she called "Opening Up the High Holiday Piyyutim." The program was sponsored by the TI Women's Network chapter. In discussing the medieval liturgical poems known in Hebrew as piyyutim, Berger called upon participants to ask themselves - [Kickoff Barbeque Draws a Crowd](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/kickoff-barbeque-draws-crowd/) - Nearly 150 congregants turned out for a kickoff barbeque in the Tikvat Israel social hall on Sept. 10 that included grilled hot dogs and hamburgers (including two varieties of vegetarian burgers) and slices of watermelon and brownies plus a kitchen "yard sale,” which was part of the TI kitchen cleanout. The major attraction was a - [Shul Volunteers Help at Manna Food Center](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/shul-volunteers-help-manna-food-center-2/) - Volunteers from Tikvat Israel have taken a bi-monthly turn at Manna Food Center in Gaithersburg, most recently on Aug. 31. They organized nonperishable food in four large bins, which is the first step in the sorting process at the regional food bank. About 200 households pick up from Manna each weekday. Volunteers also fill backpacks - [Havurah Discovers Underground in Plain Sight](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/havurah-discovers-underground-plain-sight/) - Members of TI’s Outdoors Havurah explored the Underground Railroad Experience Trail and Woodlawn Museum, both located in the Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park in Sandy Spring, Md., on July 23. A self-guided tour of the trail showed the group how a slave would have engaged with natural and man-made features in an attempt to escape to - [Hasbara: Focus on Israeli Innovation (part 3)](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/hasbara-focus-israeli-innovation-part-3/) - by Harvey T. Kaplan Naomi and I spent most of July in Israel. We told everyone we were going there to see our grandson Aaron Kaplan participate in the 20th Maccabiah Games. Aaron is on the Maccabi USA Youth Soccer Team (a boys’ team ages 16-18). We had several other objectives to accomplish during the - [Hasbara: Focus on Israeli Innovation (part 1)](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/hasbara-focus-israeli-innovation-part-1/) - by Harvey T. Kaplan Some years ago, I served as one of our congregation’s representatives at the Israel Educators’ Institute (IEI) sponsored by our Federation through its Board of Jewish Education (BJE, no longer existent). I wrote a series of articles about interesting events in Israel’s history—and a few current themes, too. This is the - [Leadership Training](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/leadership-training-2/) - About 18 members of the Tikvat Israel board of directors completed on July 23 a year-long leadership development program, known as a Sulam, conducted by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. The final three-hour session included committee chairs and covered the application of congregation mission and vision and core values to the roles and responsibilities - [Capturing Our Students' Wondrous Moments](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/capturing-students-wondrous-moments/) - The other day, I woke up way before my alarm was set to go off and opened my blinds to look outside. While much of my view is focused on the building adjacent to my apartment, I looked up to the sky and I saw the most beautiful pink streaks in contrast to the early - [Ma'aseh Moments by Rabbi Shull](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/maaseh-moments-rabbi-shull/) - It’s summertime, and the livin’ is easy and God is evident everywhere! This was my essential message to our children in the ECC and in the Atid Learning Center during June. As they look forward to the outdoor activities of summer, whether hiking or swimming or traveling, I reminded them that they have a chance to - [Annual Ballgame Draws Crowd](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/annual-ballgame-draws-crowd/) - A contingent of 31 baseball fans who were part of the Tikvat Israel Women’s Network annual stadium outing watched the Washington Nationals score early and late in a 10-5 win over the Atlanta Braves on July 9. They watched from the upper deck behind home plate at Nationals Park, counted among the 35,000 spectators in - [Tallitot Photo Gallery](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tallitot/) - Tallitot, With Their Vivid Colors, Carry Personal Meaning for Our Congregants By Melissa Apter Tikvat Israel is a colorful congregation to behold on Shabbat and festival mornings, thanks to the many beautiful handmade tallitot crafted by Shirley Waxman. As part of our Shavuot celebrations, nearly 40 congregants gathered in the social hall following evening services - [Congregants Adopt $1.6M Budget for New Year](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregants-adopt-1-6m-budget-new-year/) - A quorum of congregants (36 members) approved a $1.57 million spending plan for Tikvat Israel in 2017-18 at a congregational meeting on June 28. The new budget governs operations from July 1 through next June 30. It calls for no significant changes in spending and no increase in membership dues. The largest expense - [Whitwell Visit Summarized by Rabbi Shull](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/whitwell-visit-summarized-rabbi-shull/) - Rabbi Shull wrote about the Whitwell student group’s visit to D.C. and it appears in the new issue of Kol Habirah. The Whitwell students and their teacher paid a visit to Capital Hill and visited with Congressman Jamie Raskin. You can read the article on-line (Scroll to page 11) or you can click here for a PDF - [Schooled at Tikvat Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/schooled-tikvat-israel/) - More than 50 congregants attended a morning of learning called Tikvat Israel University on Sunday, June 5. The event featured 19 speakers discussing 20 topics as varied as starting one’s own business, hosting a dinner party, five ways to cook brisket and the future of automatic cars. Guest speaker Adam Immerwahr, the artistic director of - [Melton Favorites Shared in First Year’s Final Class](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/melton-favorites-shared-first-years-final-class/) - About 15 participants in the Florence Melton School of Jewish Learning gathered for a siyum (defined below) to mark the completion of year 1 of the Melton program at Tikvat Israel on Tuesday night, June 6. Participants were asked to choose their favorite Melton text, present it to the class and explain the reason for their - [Minyan Regulars Feted Over Pasta Meal](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/minyan-regulars-feted-pasta-meal/) - Congregants who have committed to regular attendance at the synagogue’s minyanim were recognized at the 2nd annual Pasta Extravaganza on June 4 in the social hall. About 50 congregants indulged in, what event organizer Ellen Eisner called, “this delicious Jewish-Italian comfort food,” a full spread of pasta dishes, tossed salad, fresh fruit and a celebratory - [2nd Annual Tikvat Israel Pasta Extravaganza](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/2nd-annual-tikvat-israel-pasta-extravaganza/) - What: Pasta dinner to thank TI’s regular Minyanaires. Who is invited: Minyan attendees (including their families) who have made a commitment to attend minyan (morning or evening) and have been doing their part to keep TI’s minyan going. How to RSVP:Call/email the TI office by Tuesday, May 30, to let her know how many adults and - [Congressman Jamie Raskin to Hold May 8 Town Hall at TI](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congressman-jamie-raskin-hold-may-8-town-hall-ti/) - Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-District 8) will hold a one-hour town hall meeting at Tikvat Israel Congregation in Rockville at 8 p.m. on Monday, May 8. The event is open to the public. Maryland Delegate Anne Kaiser, a member of the synagogue who represents State District 14, will introduce the congressman. Raskin will give brief remarks, - [Atid Learning Center Update May 17, 2017](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-may-17-2017/) - Last Day of Atid Learning Center: SUNDAY, MAY 21 9:00 am Class (TI Parking Lot Open for drop off) 11:00 am Closing Assembly- Parents please join us! *Please park at Rockville High School parking lot Shalom Atid Families, As you may have heard, we had yummy celebration of roasting marshmallows for Lag Ba'Omer this past Sunday. - [Women's Network Annual Ballgame](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-annual-ballgame/) - Join fellow members of Tikvat Israel at the Washington Nationals ballpark this summer. You can order your tickets now for the Nationals game against the Atlanta Braves at 1:35 p.m. on Sunday, July 9. The Women’s Network has purchased a block of tickets for this annual outing of synagogue members young and old. Tickets are - [Friday Morning Torah Study](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/friday-morning-torah-study/) - Rabbi Ben Shull has been engaging congregants at Tikvat Israel in the study of Pirkei Avot on Friday mornings after minyan. It is traditional to study these writings, loosely translated as "Ethics of Our Fathers," between Passover and Shavuot. Rabbi Shull guides participants in examining the wisdom conveyed by rabbinic scholars of different generations. Regulars - [Annual Truck Touch](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/annual-truck-touch/) - Tikvat Israel’s Early Childhood Center (ECC) will host its fourth annual Truck Touch on Sunday, May 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Tikvat Israel’s parking lot. The event, co-sponsored by the ECC and the ECC Family Network, will boast a variety of large mobile vehicles for young and old to climb on and interact with including - [Raskin Addresses A Full Sanctuary](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/raskin-addresses-full-sanctuary/) - Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-8th) faced a friendly audience inside a full Tikvat Israel sanctuary on May 8. During his hour-long town hall, Raskin talked about the essential role played by the U.S. Constitution in today’s political environment of considerable upheaval. He also fielded an array of questions, many of them dealing with last week’s - [Yom HaShoah Marked by TI Members in Home of ‘Paper Clips’](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/yom-hashoah-marked-ti-members-home-paper-clips/) - Twenty-five members of Tikvat Israel and Beth Joshua Congregation traveled to Whitwell, Tenn., site of the film documentary “Paperclips,” to commemorate Yom HaShoah in late April. The trip to Whitwell offered a window into a part of the country very different than our own, affording an important dialogue and education. Upon returning from the trip, Rabbi Uri Topolosky of Beth Joshua - [Atid Learning Center Weekly Update May 3, 2017](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-weekly-update-may-3-2017/) - Shalom Atid Families, Chag Yom Haatzma'ut Sameach! Happy Israel Independence Day! Sunday, we celebrated by wearing kachol v' lavan, blue and white, the colors of the Israeli flag. At the end of the morning our classes joined together outside for a mini Israeli picnic with hummus and pita chips and blue and white marshmallows from Israel - [Life-Saving Donors](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/life-saving-donors/) - Twenty pints of blood were collected April 30 at Tikvat Israel’s annual blood drive. Among those participating in the event run by the American Red Cross were congregants Sue Meiselman and Joel Bressler. Staffing the check-in table in the shul’s social hall were Elyse Bernstein (left) and Robbi Cohen. - [Atid Learning Center Update April 28, 2017](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-april-28-2017/) - This Sunday, wear Blue and White as we celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day)! - [Atid Learning Center Update April 26, 2017](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-april-26-2017/) - Shalom Atid Families, Chodesh Tov! Happy Hebrew month of Iyar! A quick security note, we as a synagogue strive to maintain a welcoming presence and also ensure a secure facility, therefore, unless there is other synagogue programming, on Sunday mornings, the main synagogue doors will be unlocked at approximately 8:55 am until about 9:10 am - [Atid Learning Center Update April 21, 2017](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-april-21-2017/) - Shabbat Shalom Welcome Back!! Look forward to seeing you on Sunday (April 23) Mark Your Calendar Sunday, April 30, 10 a.m.- 12 noon: A Community Action Plan Meeting on Helping Refugees and Immigrants in Our Area Hear from members of our congregation and other community leaders on ways to make a difference. We need your input, feedback, and - [Omer Project Events](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/11743-2/) - The Omer Project began Sunday, May 1. Here is what is in store for the next ten days. Thursday, May 5 (Yom Hashoah), 7:30 p.m. THE JÜDISCHE KULTURBUND PROJECT: Art and the Resiliency of the Human Spirit Leader: Gail Prensky, creator and project director, Jüdische Kulturbund Project Saturday May 7, 9:30-10:15 a.m. CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER Developing tools - [A way to enter the Days of Awe](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/an-way-to-enter-the-days-of-awe/) - I am a big NPR fan, and Krista Tippet's Speaking of Faith is a favorite program of mine. It airs in the D.C. area on WAMU, but 7am on Sunday morning isn't necessarily my favorite time to listen. Thanks to the advent of podcasting, I am able to listen at my convenience, or stream it - [TI Banner To Be Displayed](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ti-banner-displayed/) - TI recently acquired a banner from QUINTER DESIGN in Brookeville. The banner will be displayed at various events outside the synagogue where TI is represented. The banner will also be displayed at the synagogue during special events. Thanks to the three couples who funded this effort: Helen and Steve Raucher, Fortuna and Steve Scheige, and Michele - [Passover Goods Transported to Needy by TI Volunteers](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/passover-goods-transported-needy-ti-volunteers/) - Tikvat Israel volunteers delivered 32 bags filled with Passover foods to members of the community needing help to observe the holiday. They took to the roads across Montgomery County on Sunday, April 2, in an annual holiday giving program run by the Jewish Social Service Agency and B’nai Brith. Moira and Leon Green serve as - [TI Members Attend Annual AIPAC Policy Conference](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ti-members-attend-annual-aipac-policy-conference/) - Tikvat Israel members are participating in AIPAC’s 2017 national policy conference in Washington, D.C. Shown, from left, inside the Washington Convention Center on the event’s second day of proceedings are Mimi Meltzer, Rabbi Ben Shull, Harvey Kaplan, Naomi Kaplan and Michael Kabik. More than 15,000 delegates attended this year’s three-day conference, with more than 275 synagogue - [Billy Jonas Band Engages and Delights](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/billy-jonas-band-engages-delights/) - The Billy Jonas Band loves to engage and delight both young and adult audiences and it did just that on March 19 at Tikvat Israel. The band used its homemade "industrial re-percussion" instruments, vocal harmonies, piano, guitar and bass to create a memorable experience for all. At the afternoon concert, Michelle Sobel, TI's ECC director, introduced the Billy Jonas - [Rooting for the Home Team](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/rooting-home-team/) - Nearly 40 members of Tikvat Israel and a few friends enjoyed all the but the final result of the Washington Nationals game against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday (Aug. 28), as part of an annual congregation outing conducted by the TI Women’s Network. Despite the mid-90s heat and humidity, they rooted in the comparative comfort - [Atid Learning Center Update March 8](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-march-8/) - Shalom Atid Families, **Important Details for Sunday, March 12** SPRING AHEAD- Change your clocks Saturday night. Class 9am, wear your costume! Purim Puppet Show at 11 am, Students will go to the Social Hall at 11 am, parents and siblings are invited to join us at that time. The puppet show will end at ~11:45 - [Purim Tzedakah and Musical Theater Balloting at TI](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/purim-tzedakah-musical-theater-balloting-ti/) - Celebrate Purim and give tzedakah. Canisters will be available for your donations at Tikvat Israel. TI’s Tzedakah Chavurah will collect contributions of all sizes during each of our Purim festivities. Canisters will be available for your donations (checks or cash). In keeping with Cantor Helzner's Broadway musical theme for Purim, the Tzedakah Chavurah will offer you the opportunity to give tzedakah and vote for your favorite show musicals. - [Atid Learning Center Update March 1, 2017](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-march-1-017/) - Shalom Atid Families, Reminder: Mishloach Manot orders are due 3/2/17 **Important Details for Sunday, March 12** Class 9 am, wear your costume! Purim Puppet Show at 11am Students will go to the Social Hall at 11 am, parents and siblings are invited to join us at that time. The puppet show will end at 11:45 - [Rosh Chodesh Adar Brings Women's Network Together](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/rosh-chodesh-adar-brings-womens-network-together/) - Eighteen Tikvat Israel congregants attended a Rosh Chodesh program on Feb. 26 at TI led by Rabbah Arlene Berger and sponsored by the Women's Network. The discussion centered around what it means to be commanded. Rabbah Berger presented a comparison of the two places that the 10 commandments appear in the Torah and pointed out - [Atid Learning Center Update Dec. 7, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-dec-7-2016/) - Shalom Atid Families, Waking from his sleep, Jacob said, "Truly, the Eternal is in this place, and I did not know it!" -Genesis 28:16 Waking up. We do it every day. Physically, that is. We go to sleep at night and awake the next morning, hopefully refreshed and ready to start a new day. Jacob woke - [Adar Rosh Chodesh Program Sponsored by TI Women’s Network](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/adar-rosh-chodesh-program-sponsored-ti-womens-network/) - Join Rabbah Arlene Berger and the women of TI from 10:30 – 11:30 am on Sunday, February 26, for a lively Rosh Chodesh discussion on “What Does It Mean to Be Commanded?” There are many examples of being commanded in our Jewish texts: The Jewish people were commanded not to kill or steal -- and - [Atid Learning Center Update – February 21, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-february-21-2016/) - Class Updates: Jerusalem (K/1) - On Sunday, we talked about parashat Tetzaveh. In the parasha, God chose Aaron and his sons to be the high preiest (Kohanim). The Kohain's job was to complete the sacrifices and take care of the Mishkan. In the parasha, God also gives directions on the special clothing the Kohanim have - [Atid Learning Center Update – February 28, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-february-28-2016/) - Class Updates: Jerusalem (K/1) - Today in class we discussed the parashat ha'shavuah Ki Tisa. In the parasha God chose Bezalel to be in Charge of building the Mishkan, and give him instructions on how to make the oil. Also in the parasha, Moses returns from the top of Mount Sinai with the 10 Commandments - [Atid Learning Center Update – March 6, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/11448-2/) - Class Updates: Jerusalem (K/1) - Today parashat hashavuah was Vayakhel. Bezalel organized the Jewish people in building the Mishkan. Each tribe donated their gold, silver and other materials to build and furnish the Mishkan. After we learned about the parash, I asked the class to build their on version of the Mishkan out of Legos. - [Atid Learning Center Update Feb. 22, 2017](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-feb-22-2017/) - Shalom Atid Families, SEE YOU SUNDAY! Remember your Mishloach Manot forms, orders are due 3/1/17 This week we read Parshat Yitro. The Israelites people receive the Ten Commandments. Before receiving the Ten Commandments, the Israelites agree to a Covenant (brit) with God. As a family: Why is this Covenant important in forming the Jewish - [Outdoor Havurah - Indoor Activity](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/outdoor-havurah-indoor-activity/) - On Sunday, February 12, the Outdoor Havurah decided on an indoor outing to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, the Air and Space Museum's Annex near Dulles Airport. The Udvar-Hazy Center is the companion facility to the Museum on the National Mall in Washington, DC. There are two huge hangars, the Boeing Aviation Hangar and the - [Conservative Movement Condemns President Trump's Executive Order on Immigration and Refugees](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/conservative-movement-condemns-president-trumps-executive-order-immigration-refugees/) - January 31, 2017 4 Shevat 5777 NEW YORK - The Conservative/Masorti movement of Judaism as represented by its constituent organizations listed below has issued the following statement regarding the executive order President Donald Trump signed on Friday barring many refugees and immigrants from entering the United States: Deeply rooted in our tradition, faith, and values, - [Men's Basketball Team For The Win](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/mens-basketball-team-win-2/) - The Tikvat Israel men’s basketball team won its first game of 2017 on Feb. 19, scoring a 72-53 victory over Temple Isaiah. The TI team, which is coached by Warren Berger (shown top left in photo), plays in the Montgomery County Synagogue Basketball League, with games scheduled on Sunday mornings in local school gyms from - [Atid Learning Center Update- March 13, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-march-13-2016/) - Class Updates: We started our day with a review of everything we have learned about so far this year during all school program days. I reminded our students that today was the last day we would be meeting as a group at TI. Next time we meet, we will be at Rock Creek Park for - [On Refugees and Immigration: A Discussion With Rabbi Shull](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/refugees-immigration-discussion-rabbi-shull/) - Rabbi Shull facilitated a well-attended discussion centered on how Tikvat Israel might respond to the current refugee crisis. Approximately 50 TI members filled the Flax Library on Feb. 19, and listened intently to Rabbi Shull's perspective and the perspectives of fellow congregants on this sensitive subject. A majority of congregants present voiced a desire to - [Atid Learning Center Update Feb. 14, 2017](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-feb-14-2017/) - Shalom Atid Families, Happy Presidents Day Weekend- NO CLASS 2/19 Thank you to all the families that joined us for Youth Shabbat this weekend and contributed to the Kiddush. Thank you to Cantor Helzner for helping prepare the students and the teachers, Rabbi Shull, Michelle Sobel and Sam Freedenberg for their support. This - [Holiday Bazaar Set Dec. 7 in Social Hall](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/holiday-bazaar-set-dec-7-social-hall/) - A Holiday Shopping Bazaar, managed by the Early Childhood Center Parent Committee, will take place from 11 a.m. through 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7 in the shul’s social hall. The bazaar will feature an array of vendors just in time for Hanukkah, selling jewelry, handbags, clothing and more. For shoppers with young children, the - [Atid Learning Center Update Feb 8, 2017](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-feb-8-2017/) - Shalom Atid Families, I look forward to seeing you on Saturday for our Youth Shabbat. This is a special once a year opportunity for children from tots to teens to help lead the service in the main sanctuary. Please have your children arrive by 10:15am. Ever wonder why we often have two challahs - [Ice Cream (and Rabbi Shull) Attract Young Families to Tikvat Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ice-cream-and-rabbi-shull-attract-young-families-to-tikvat-israel/) - On a hot and humid August afternoon, Rabbi Shull, his wife Stacy and son Micah had the pleasure of meeting about 15 families and their young children on the ECC patio and playground. The event, called an “Ice Cream So-Shull,” presented a great opportunity for the Rabbi to introduce himself to families on the eve - [Atid Learning Center Update Feb. 1, 2017](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/13621-2/) - Shalom Atid Families, Please remember to RSVP for Youth Shabbat by February 6! Junior Congregation and Minyan Yeledim are this weekend, see you there! (Details, see bottom of email.) This week I would like to linger on last week's Parsha a bit longer to explore a timely discussion. We read that God - [Filmgoers Enjoy Israel’s Finest in TI Showings](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/filmgoers-enjoy-israels-finest-ti-showings/) - Nearly 200 individuals turned out at Tikvat Israel on the last two Saturday evenings in January to view two recent prize-winning Israeli films, "Zero Motivation" and "Baba Joon." They were part of the annual Israel Presents program staged by TI’s Adult Education Committee, which is chaired by Sally Kram. Participants enjoyed Israeli-style repast prior to - [Two Saturday Nights of Israeli Cinema at TI](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/two-saturday-nights-israeli-cinema-ti/) - The best of recent Israeli cinema will be showcased during the 2017 edition of Israel Presents at Tikvat Israel Congregation on the final two Saturday nights of January. The Adult Education Committee will screen “Zero Motivation” on Jan. 21 and “Baba Joon” on Jan. 28 in the TI sanctuary. The films will be followed by - [First there was "Zero Motivation"](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/first-zero-motivation/) - More than 80 people came out on a foggy night to view and discuss the Israeli film "Zero Motivation" Saturday. The award-winning film was written and directed by Israeli-born Talya Lavie. The movie is divided into three different stories about a unit of female Israeli soldiers at a remote desert base. It is a zany, dark, and - [Clergy Installs Our New Lay Leaders](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/clergy-installs-new-lay-leaders/) - Rabbi Ben Shull and Cantor Rochelle Helzner formally installed the new officers and board members during Shabbat services on Jan. 21. On what they titled a “Shabbat of Hope,” they oversaw the installation of the following, who were elected at a congregational meeting two weeks earlier: Melanie Grishman, president; Warren Berger, vice president for - [Martin Luther King Jr. Morning of Service](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/martin-luther-king-jr-morning-service/) - More than 100 members of Twinbrook Baptist Church and Tikvat Israel created sandwiches and trays of baked lasagna and filled delivery bags with personal hygiene and household supplies for donation to community members in need during a service project held in TI’s social hall on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The church’s pastor, the Rev. - [Roundup of First Congregational Meeting of 2017](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/roundup-first-congregational-meeting-2017/) - The first congregational meeting of 2017 gave Tikvat Israel members a glimpse into the financial state of the synagogue. The Jan. 8 meeting in the sanctuary also served as the forum for the election of officers and board of directors members for the next two years. A summary of other agenda items during the half-hour - [Keeping Our Community Informed When Inclement Weather and Other Emergencies Hit](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/keeping-community-informed-inclement-weather-emergencies-hit/) - Tikvat Israel is committed to providing up-to-date information on closings, delays, postponements and cancellations due to inclement weather or other emergency situations, which can happen throughout the year. Whenever possible we will notify, by email, all members of any weather-related scheduling changes. You may also call the Tikvat Israel Weatherline at 301-762-7338, ext. 360, for recorded - [Atid Learning Center Update Jan. 10, 2017](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-jan-10-2017/) - Shalom Atid Families, In this week's Parsha, Vayechi, we read that when Jacob was 147 years old, he asked Joseph to bury him in the land of Canaan when he died. Joseph swore that he would fulfill his father's request. Later, weakened by illness, Jacob blessed Joseph and his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who had - [Congregants Elect Their Leaders for Next Two Years](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregants-elect-leaders-next-two-years/) - Members of Tikvat Israel re-elected Melanie Grishman to serve another two-year term as synagogue president and voted into office a full slate of officers and board members at a congregational meeting on Jan. 8. All will be formally installed by the clergy at Shabbat morning services on Jan. 21. They will serve until January 2019. - [Congregants Coordinate Food Pantry Help at Manna](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregants-coordinate-food-pantry-help-manna/) - Tikvat Israel members have been volunteering their time to help Manna Food Center prepare food packages for Montgomery County residents who are struggling to afford food, housing, and other basic needs. Congregants Art and Marsha Fabel launched the synagogue’s relationship with the non-profit agency several months ago and are coordinating additional volunteer help among congregants. - [Lavine Family’s Gift Spawns Quiet Zone for Tots at TI](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/lavine-familys-gift-spawns-quiet-zone-tots-ti/) - A generous donation from the Lavine family has enabled Tikvat Israel to create a family-friendly children’s corner in the rear of the sanctuary. The gift was made in memory of long-time member Irvin ("Bud") Lavine, one of the primary architects of the synagogue merger leading to Tikvat Israel’s creation two decades ago. The donation came - [Vayeshev D'var](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/vayeshev-dvar/) - Ye-yasher kocheich to Luisa Moss, Tikvat Israel's Director of Education and Youth Programming, who wrote the Commentary on this week's Torah portion, Vayeshev, for the Washington Jewish Week. You can read Luisa's dvar Torah, "Joseph's Brothers Weren't Big on Gratitude," here. - [Blake High School Religion Course Leads to Lessons at TI](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/blake-high-school-religion-course-leads-lessons-ti/) - Congregant Mary Wagner teaches a comparative religion course at Blake High School in Silver Spring. She has been teaching the class for more than 15 years, and each semester, when she reaches the Judaism unit, she brings her students on a field trip to Tikvat Israel. When they arrive, the students meet with - [Chai Dynamics Brought Hanukkah Cheer](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/chai-dynamics-brought-hanukkah-cheer/) - On Sunday, Dec. 4 Chai Dynamics performed at the Sandy Spring Museum Family Holiday Party. Chai Dynamics added some Hanukkah cheer to this multicultural community event and in doing so had a great time. The diverse audience enjoyed hearing about Hanukkah traditions and grooving along with their unique style of Jewish a cappella music. Chai - [The Best Present - Tzedakah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/best-present-tzedakah/) - Each year the Tzedakah Havurah collects donations at morning and evening minyanim and Purim and distributes these funds at the end of the fiscal year. The synagogue’s Tzedakah Havurah recently put together a list of human service and social service organizations locally and globally. In lieu of giving gifts this Chanukah consider making a donation to one of the following - [Atid Learning Center Update Dec. 14, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-dec-14-2016/) - Shalom Atid Families, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE UP TO DATE WITH ATID LC TUITION PAYMENTS! Questions, call the synagogue office. DRAMA SHABBAT- THIS SATURDAY! Children are invited to participate in Drama on Shabbat on selected dates throughout the year. Directed by congregant Jeff Smith children rehearse and perform after Shabbat services in the social - [Annapolis 101: State Government](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/annapolis-101-state-government/) - Thirty congregants stuck around after the Dec. 4 congregational meeting for a nosh and an illuminating presentation from Tikvat Israel congregant Anne Kaiser, who serves as the majority leader of the Maryland House of Delegates. Kaiser represents District 14 in Montgomery County. Kaiser, who was the subject of a lengthy profile in the March/April 2016 - [Atid Learning Center Update November 20, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-november-20-2016/) - Shalom Atid Families, As we all prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this weekend, we will be spending time with family and friends. The media will surely inundate us with the sales we need to shop at and early/late hours stores will be open for us to shop at said sales. I want to encourage you - [Jewish Book Month Celebrated](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/jewish-book-month-celebrated/) - A group of 30, including Rabbi Ben Shull, gathered in Tikvat Israel’s Flax Library to thank Elizabeth Levine Steel for her donation to the synagogue of a first edition of A Vanished World The Photographs of Roman Vishniac. The event on Sunday morning (11/20) was held to observe Jewish Book Month. The guest speaker, Judith Cohen, chief acquisitions curator - [Goals and Dreams Shared](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/goals-dreams-shared/) - On Sunday, Nov. 13 parents and congregants met with Luisa Moss, Education and Youth Programming Director, and Rabbi Ben Shull to assist each other in strengthening the education and programs for our youth. Goals and dreams for our youth were shared. Topic discussed included youth shabbat offerings and our award winning youth groups, Bonim, Machar, - [Melton School Commences](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/melton-school-commences/) - More than 20 eager participants gathered for the first session of the Florence Melton School of Jewish Learning in the Flax Library at Tikvat Israel on Tuesday night, Nov. 15. All expressed a desire to continue their Jewish learning as adults. Several had participated in Melton programs before, with good results. The majority were members - [True Stories Delightfully Delivered](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/true-stories-delightfully-delivered/) - The fourth annual “True Stories” delivered an afternoon of entertaining tales to a packed crowd of more than 125 in the Tikvat Israel social hall on Nov. 13. About 75 congregants and 50 visitors were treated to 10 of the best professional and amateur Washington, D.C.-area storytellers. More than half of the audience had been to a previous - [Atid Learning Center Update November 8, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-november-8-2016/) - Shalom Atid Families, This week we will read from Parshat Lech Lecha. In this portion we read "The Eternal One said to Abram, "Go forth from your land, your birthplace, your father's house, to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I - [The Search for TI’s Next Leaders](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/search-tis-next-leaders/) - It’s election season, and all members of Tikvat Israel are encouraged to participate in the democratic process to elect the synagogue’s next set of leaders. Up for grabs is the congregation’s presidency plus three vice presidencies, treasurer, recording secretary and financial secretary. A half dozen berths on the synagogue’s board of directors also must be - [Atid Learning Center Update November 3, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-november-3-2016/) - Shalom Atid Families, Happy November and Chodesh Tov! We are now in the month of Cheshvan. This is a busy weekend! *Remember to change your clock night Saturday, November 5th Minyan Yeledim for K-2 Grade Students 11:00am ECC Library Junior Congregation for 3-6 Grade Students 10:30am Flax Library Annex Sunday, November 6th @ 11:15 - [Women's Network: Engaging, enriching & empowering](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-engaging-enriching-empowering/) - Twenty-five Women's Network members met for a "get to know the women of TI" event hosted by long-time member Janice Balin on Sunday, Oct. 30, at her home in Rockville. In addition to sharing a delicious lunch together, the participants broke into small groups for an ice-breaker game designed to help members get to know - [Women's Network Book Club Reunited](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-book-club-reunited/) - After a break for the summer and High Holidays the Women's Network book club reunited. Tikvat Israel congregant Sara Harris led a discussion of "Washing the Dead," by DC writer Michelle Branfman, at the first gathering of 5777 of the Women's Network book club Oct. 19. The Women's Network will meet every other month. They meet next on Dec. 14 to - [Melton Course on Jewish Learning Slated at TI](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/melton-course-jewish-learning-slated-ti/) - Rabbi Benjamin Shull and Rabbi Uri Topolosky of Beth Joshua Congregation will teach the core courses of the Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning beginning Tuesday, Nov. 15, at Tikvat Israel. The first year of the two-year Melton core curriculum will be offered in 2016-17 at TI, taught back to back by the two rabbis - [Shul Hosts Monthly Grief Support](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/shul-hosts-monthly-grief-support/) - A monthly support group titled “Good Grief – A Journey Together” will be conducted by Stacy Lang at Tikvat Israel. The monthly series, which commences on Thurs., Nov. 3, is intended to serve those who are coping with loss. Topics will cover normal grief reactions, complicated grief, Jewish traditions around mourning, meditation and guided imagery - [Atid Learning Center Weekly Update Oct. 27, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-weekly-update-oct-27-2016/) - Shalom Atid Families, Whew, we are almost through the roller coaster month of Jewish holidays! I hope that you have had the opportunity to connect on a new level to your Judaism during this time, even if it is wrestling with your Judaism, that is a good thing. Judaism encourages us to struggle and uestion - [Atid Learning Center Weekly Update October 20, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-weekly-update-october-20-2016/) - Chag Sameach! First, a special thanks to all the parents who joined us on Sunday morning for the Sukkah activity, the teachers for facilitating Sukkah decoration making, and Martie Adelman for minding the fort while I was out of town. A special thank you to Louis Leibowitz for generously sponsoring the yummy treats for this - [Cantor Helzner Performs With Area Cantors](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/cantor-helzner-performs-in-cantors-assembly-concert/) - Cantor Helzner (pictured in the front row fourth from the left) performed solo and in an ensemble with members of the Cantor’s Assembly Seaboard Region in a concert at Har Shalom. The concert, entitled, “A Journey Through S’farad,” was a musical voyage in preparation for the Cantor’s Assembly summer 2016 mission to Spain. Also performing - [Atid Learning Center Weekly Update  Sept. 29, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-weekly-update-sept-29-2016/) - Shalom Atid Families! Woohoo! We had another fantastic week of learning this Sunday! It is a delight to visit our students and teachers in the classrooms and see the fun learning activities they are engaging in! 1. As long as the weather cooperates, we do go outside for a quick break mid morning, please send a sweater - [Perlmutter Pair Feted on Simchat Torah for Longtime Support](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/perlmutter-pair-feted-simchat-torah-active-support/) - Two Tikvat Israel members who have contributed for decades to the religious and cultural life of the synagogue have been selected as the 5777 Chattan Torah and Kallat Bereshit with public recognition on Simchat Torah. The husband-wife pair of Jim and Maxine Perlmutter, volunteers in major aspects of synagogue life, will be honored with special - [Sukkah Building Part I](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/sukkah-building-part/) - A dedicated group of volunteers, led by Alan Apter, came armed with ladders, screwdrivers and mallets to build Tikvat Israel’s back-patio sukkah on Sunday, Oct. 9. Apter’s construction helpers were Warren Berger, Rod Matheson, David Jenkins, Neil Kram, Jonathon Solomon, Amy and Dan Matathias, Josh Pollack, Harley Liebenson, Freddie Pleet, and Sandra Schwartz. TI community - [Surprise Acts Perform at TI Folk Show](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/surprise-acts-perform-ti-folk-show/) - Although illness prevented singer Diana Jones from performing at the Sept. 18 Focus Concert at TI, the 40 who attended received a special treat in her place. Along with performer David Glaser, four game fill-in performers, Allison Shapira, Caroline Cotter, Michael Howard, and Harris Amster, ensured an enjoyable show of folk/Americana music. Shapira - [Atid Learning Center Weekly Update Sept. 22, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-weekly-update-sept-22-2016/) - Shalom Atid Families! Welcome! I am excited to get to know each of you and hear your hopes and dreams for your child's Jewish journey and how we can work together to be partners in your child's Jewish learning. We had a fantastic first day on Sunday and look forward to seeing you next Sunday. - [TI Appoints New Director for Education and Youth](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ti-appoints-new-director-education-youth/) - A Jewish educator with work experiences at synagogues in the Washington area and California has been named director of education and youth programming at Tikvat Israel. Luisa C. Moss, a resident of Washington, D.C., joined the synagogue staff in September. In her role, she will lead the religious school for the synagogue’s school-age youth and - [Spiritual Checkup](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/spiritual-checkup/) - Rabbi Benjamin Shull was joined by 20 congregants on Monday, Sept. 19, for what he called "an annual spiritual checkup." Monday was the first of a two-part workshop on examining and treating our spiritual health. This was just in time for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The group used modern and ancient techniques to do - [Synagogue Havurah Lends Hands at A Wider Circle](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/synagogue-havurah-lends-hands-wider-circle/) - Naomi Baer is part of a 16-year-old Havurah at Tikvat Israel, where members take turns coordinating events. When it was her turn in mid-September, Baer opted for something other than the usual social or holiday-related function. Baer instead coordinated a social action project at A Wider Circle, a human services agency in Silver Spring. - [It's Time to Register for Atid Learning Center](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/time-register-atid-learning-center/) - Shalom Atid Learning Center Families! As you are enjoying your summer, it’s time to start planning for a great school year at the Atid Learning Center of Tikvat Israel. We are looking forward to having your child(ren) be a part of our exciting school. This year, in an effort to strengthen our program, we will - [Selihot Program and Service](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/selihot-program-service/) - A Joint Selihot Program and Service will be held Saturday, September 24, 2016 beginning at 8:30 pm at B’nai Shalom of Olney, 18401 Burtfield Drive, Olney, MD 20832 Featuring: Rabbi Matthew L. Berkowitz, Director of Israel Programs, JTS and Co-founder, Kol HaOt: Illuminating Jewish Life Through Art, Jerusalem (for additional information visit: www.kolhaot.com) Participating congregations: Beth Sholom (Frederick), - [Kindness Award Presented](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/kindness-award-presented/) - Congregants Marcelle and Robert Copaken established a fund in memory of their son Jeremy through the Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation. Each May the "Kindness Award" is given in memory of their beloved son Jeremy, a member of the Rockville High School Class of 1994, who died unexpectedly on Dec. 6, 2014, at the - [College Outreach Keeps in Touch With TI Students During School Year](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/college-outreach-keeps-touch-ti-students-school-year/) - Do you have children in college? If so, the Tikvat Israel College Outreach program would like to keep in touch with them during the school year. And, what better way than with a package full of food, supplies, and other goodies? Click HERE to open a flyer with more information, or feel free to contact our coordinators: Nancy Matheson - [USY Encampment & Kamp Kadima](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/usy-encampment-kamp-kadima/) - Several Tikvat Israel youth joined the Seaboard Region at Capital Camps in Waynesboro, Pa., where they spent a week with other Jewish 6th-12th graders from across Maryland, Virginia, D.C. and North Carolina. Highlights included a day trip to Hershey Park, a day-long Maccabiah (color war) with sports, wacky relays and song and banner competitions, a luau/pool party, - [TI Congregant Contributes Commentary to Washington Jewish Week](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ti-congregant-contributes-commentary-washington-jewish-week/) - Rabbah Arlene Berger, a member of Tikvat Israel Congregation, contributed a commentary on this week’s Torah portion to the Washington Jewish Week. Her dvar Torah is titled “Parshat Tazria: Words CAN Hurt You!” You can read Berger’s in the August 3, 2016 edition of the Washington Jewish Week. It also appears on her blog . Berger is - [Manna Food Drive on June 7 before Cantor’s concert](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/manna-food-drive-on-june-7-before-cantors-concert/) - You can do an important mitzvah right before the Cantor’s concert starts on Sunday, June 7. Please drop a bag of food at our collection table in the synagogue lobby. The Social Action Committee will arrange for the donated food to be delivered to the Manna Food Center. Manna needs the following healthful foods: nut butters; canned - [Hanukkah in Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/hanukkah-in-israel/) - Have you dreamed of visiting Israel? Want to experience Israel during Hanukkah? If you are interested in learning more about a congregational trip to Israel that will be led by Rabbi Shull please join us Wednesday, August 3 at 8 pm (following minyan) for more information. Some preliminary plans have been outlined (click here) for - [TI's Women's Network Plan 2016-2017 Events](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tis-womens-network-plan-2016-2017/) - Fifteen members of the Tikvat Israel Women's Network gathered Sunday, July 31, at the home of Janice Balin in Rockville for pizza and planning of next year's events. Rebecca Salon, co-president of the Sisterhood with Nancy Matheson, led the group. Among the new events discussed for next year were coloring, painting, a Shabbat dinner, and - [Roasted, Removed and Respected](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/roasted-removed-respected/) - By unanimous voice vote, Tikvat Israel congregants removed Jonathan Solomon and Rodney Matheson from further synagogue leadership during the so-called Un-Presidential Caucus, conducted June 26. It was a lighthearted affair in TI's social hall to roast the two recent co-presidents while calling attention to their accomplishments during an effective term that ended in January 2015. - [Notable Jews Buried at Arlington National Cemetery](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/notable-jews-buried-arlington-national-cemetery/) - On June 23, about 25 members of TI's Hazak group attended a presentation about notable Jews buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The presenter was Les Bergen, a former U.S. Army Reservist who is active with the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington and who leads tours at the cemetery. His program engaged the audience with - [USYers from Around North America Wheel In ](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/usyers-around-north-america-wheel/) - At 6:13 pm on Wednesday, June 22, we got a call from Abby Kerbel of the Seaboard Regional United Synagogue Youth office headquartered on the 2nd floor of Tikvat Israel. "We've got a problem and we may need your help," she said. She explained that a USY on Wheels group at a nearby hotel getting ready - [Take Me Out to a Ballgame](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/take-me-out-to-a-ballgame/) - The Women's Network is sponsoring our 3rd annual Baseball Family Outing to see the Washington Nationals play the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, August 28th at 1:35 p.m. Tickets are still only $20 each (and are in the shade). Please email Rebecca Salon directly at rsalon@verizon.net to reserve tickets. If there are others you want to sit near, please let Rebecca - [Feting and Feeding Volunteers](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/feting-feeding-volunteers/) - Rabbi Ben Shull addressed several dozen of Tikvat Israel's most dedicated volunteers during a Leadership Circle of Volunteers brunch on June 19 in the social hall. The annual event was organized by members of the governing board's executive members. Carol Chelemer stated that she wished more people knew the secret. The secret of volunteering and getting - [Board Meeting](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/board-meeting/) - Tikvat Israel’s board of directors will meet at 8 p.m. Monday (June 20) in the Flax Library with President Melanie Grishman running the meeting. The agenda includes information about the Unpresidential Caucus on June 26 and the June 30 session to announce plans for Rabbi Shull’s congregational trip to Israel in December. Also scheduled are - [Restoring Hope: Coping With Loss](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/restoring-hope-coping-loss/) - Nearly 60 congregants gathered on June 14 to hear Dr. Stacy Lang's seminar, "Restoring Hope: Coping With Loss." After describing her background in social work and grief counseling, she provided some personal insights into her own experiences in dealing with grief when she lost her best friend at the age of 18 and later at 31 when - [Roasting Rod and Jonathan](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/roasting-rod-jonathan/) - Sunday, June 26 we will be honoring Jonathan Solomon and Rodney Matheson for the great job they did serving as co-presidents of our congregation. We will celebrate their tenures with a fun-filled "Un-Presidential Caucus" where we can express our appreciation with some lighthearted roasting and toasting. Because this event will also be a fundraiser for - [Rosh Chodesh Sivan](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/rosh-chodesh-sivan/) - Twelve Tikvat Israel congregants attended a Rosh Chodesh program June 6 at TI led by Rabbah Arlene Berger and sponsored by the Women's Network. As we entered Sivan, the month we received the Torah, we were taught one of Rabbah Berger's favorite Torah stories from the Zohar commentaries on Jewish mysticism that answers the following question: - [On the Road to Mindful Eating With TI's Debbie Amster](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/road-mindful-eating-tis-debbie-amster/) - More than 30 congregants explored ways to "awaken our senses" to incorporate whole foods into their diets and make other smart eating decisions during Debbie Amster's "Mindful Eating" presentation May 17 at Tikvat Israel. The talk was part of TI’s Omer Project to heal body and soul in preparation for receiving the Torah on Shavuot. - [Drumming Circle: Beating Out a Jewish Rhythm](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/drumming-circle-beating-jewish-rhythm/) - Josh Milner, prayer leader at Ohev Shalom in Washington, led 20 Tikvat Israel congregants in a drumming circle on May 26 as part of the shul’s Omer Project. The main objective of the Omer Project is to awaken our senses, bring self-discovery, find our inner rhythm and recognize that we are interconnected as a community. The - [Congregants Elect Trio to Grow the Synagogue’s Endowment](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregants-elect-trio-grow-synagogues-endowment/) - Tikvat Israel Congregation approved the addition of three members to the board of trustees of the synagogue’s endowment, known as the Fund for the Future. At a congregational meeting June 5, longtime members Betty Fishman of Rockville, Michael Gellman of Potomac and Leonard Schuchman of Potomac joined as the newest trustees for a term of - [TI Adopts $1.7M Budget With No Dues Increases](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ti-adopts-1-7m-budget-no-dues-increases/) - Congregants at Tikvat Israel gave their unanimous approval June 5 to the synagogue’s budget plan for 2016-17, which includes no increases in membership dues or fees. The operating budget will $1.7 million for the next 12 months. Treasurer Stephen Raucher, who presented the plan at a congregational meeting,, called it a balanced budget. The budget’s - [Kaminow Picked for USY Board](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/kaminow-picked-usy-board/) - Tikvat Israel’s Matthew Kaminow has been elected to the Seaboard Region's USY executive board for 2016-17. Kaminow, 17, son of Ellen and David Kaminow of Potomac, was elected by peers to serve as vice president for religious education at USY's spring regional convention over Memorial Day weekend. The affair attracted more than 230 USY members - [Atid Learning Center Update - Sunday, May 15, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-sunday-may-15-2016/) - Next week is our last day of the school year! I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone by. Our students have grown so much since the fall and have worked very hard in classrooms and during tutoring sessions. Next week is our chance to recognize everything they have done all year long. Please - [Atid Learning Center Update - Sunday, May 8, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-sunday-may-8-2016/) - The end of the school year is almost here. Our last day of school is on Sunday, May 22, 2016 starting at 9:00 am. The last day of school is for all students (K-6) and their families. Our day will consist of a community tefillah, some learning, a gallery walk, and an end of the - [Celebrating Yom Ha'atzmaut With Teenage Israeli Dance Troupe](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/celebrating-yom-haatzmaut-teenage-israeli-dance-troupe/) - About 40 attended the Omer Project event, "Moving Our Feet: Israeli Dance," at Tikvat Israel on May 12. The dancing and movement helped participants prepare physically and spiritually to receive the gift of Torah on Shavuot as part of the synagogue's Omer Project. The teenage Israeli dance troupe Yesodot performed a range of choreographed folk dances showcasing - [Israel at 60 Lecture: Israel's Security](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/56/) - Our very own Ilan Berman gave a presentation to our congregation on Security Challenges facing Israel. If you missed it, here's your opportunity to download our own podcast, and listen to it on your own time. - [Israel @ 60 Lecture Series - Declaring the State](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/israel-60-lecture-series-podcast/) - On Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008, Micha Balf, Shaliach from the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) to Washington, DC lectured on the following topic: "Declaring the State of Israel - Visions Fulfilled and Challenges Remaining" Listen to the audio stream, or subscribe to our podcast! - [Israel @ 60 Lecture Series - Modern Hebrew](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/hebrew-language/) - On Sunday, Apr 13, 2008, Rachel Lerner, Scholar of Rabbinic Studies, lectured on: "The Development of Modern Hebrew" Listen to the audio stream online, or download the podcast! (Note: the beginning of the audio is a little noisy, but it clears up after a few seconds) - [Impressions...](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/impressions/) - Israel's celebration on the Mall- BORING. Sorry , but leave it to our Federation to take such a joy filled simcha as Israel's 60th and make it boring. Sure there was Jews for Jesus attempting to draw people in. Happy to report they looked quite lonely, and the mobile outdoor billboard promoting the Palestinian thoughts - [The Right For Women to Say Kaddish in Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/the-right-for-women-to-say-kaddish-in-israel/) - As a member or TI's Hevra Kadisha, and a strong believer in gender equality I found the following article extremely interesting. Even by Halachic Orthodox standards, the black hats of Israel are far over reaching by denying women the right to express grief and praise for their recently departed loved ones. Louise Chatlynne In the - [Happy Hanukah (Chappy Chanukah?)](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/happy-hanukah-chappy-chanukah/) - Well, in the spirit of balancing the heavy political and Torah discussions of the recent few posts, I am offering a new poll - select your favorite Chanukah song in the sidebar on the right! If I've omitted your favorite, add a comment below, and I'll add your selection to the list. Hurry, the poll - [Family Game Day](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/family-game-day/) - About 10-12 families got together, with food coordinated by Amy Matathias, and a surprise birthday cake in honor of Jacob S. We played board games, and quite a few agile young folks got twisted up on Twister. What a great way to spend a Shabbat afternoon. The only thing missing were cots or couches for - [What do Conservative Jews believe about God?](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/what-do-conservative-jews-believe-about-god/) - Cliff Fishman asks: DO Conservative Jews believe in God? What kind of God? This question was addressed a while ago on our listserv, and got a lot of interesting discussion going! It might be interesting to see whether after a few months of thought on the subject, we may have moved any closer or further - [The language of our prayer](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/the-language-of-our-prayer/) - I've been pretty to some interesting conversations, in the past few weeks, regarding the inclusion of the Imahot/Matriachs in the recitation of the Amidah. There's no question that TI is an egalitarian congregation - our fantastic cantor, Rochelle Helzner, is a woman, and many, if not most, of our lay leadership, are women. On any - [look at the moon: thoughts about Rosh Hashanah, 5768 (2007)](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/look-at-the-moon-thoughts-about-rosh-hashanah-5768-2007/) - Two times during the year I promise myself I won’t let things sneak up on me; I’ll mark my calendar; I’ll budget my time so I can get ready for what is to come. But year after year I forget and let things get in the way, and suddenly the day is here, and though - ["Goals for a Conservative Jew"](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/goals-for-a-conservative-jew/) - I subscribe to COMPACT from the USCJ, but I often don't read the mailings, because of time - however, this caught my eye. Of note, check out the asterix at the bottom as to when these words were originally aired!! We have occasionally argued about who we are as Conservative Jews, and what our mission - [Scholar's Weekend with Rabbi David Golinkin](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/scholars-weekend-with-rabbi-david-golinkin/) - We had the good fortune to learn this past Shabbat with a wonderful scholar, Rabbi David Golinkin, professor of Talmud at the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem. His theme was Jerusalem and Israel, and the conflicting perspectives that we all bring to the land and city that holds so many hopes and expectations. He began on - ["Adult Bat Mitzvah"](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/adult-bat-mitzvah/) - Under the guidance of our dear friend, Kate Jennes-Kahn, 8 of us embarked on a journey of reading, sharing, and inquiring into the basics of the Jewish tradition, and how those traditions reflect in our lives as women who come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. We each have varying levels of prior knowledge - [In the middle of the Omer...](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/in-the-middle-of-the-omer/) - We are just about in the middle of the 50-day count between Pesach and Shavuot. According to Judaism 101, The counting reminds us of the important connection between Passover and Shavu'ot: Passover freed us physically from bondage, but the giving of the Torah on Shavu'ot redeemed us spiritually from our bondage to idolatry and immorality. - [Oversized Trucks Revisit TI May 15](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/oversized-trucks-revisit-ti-may-15/) - The 3rd annual Truck Touch will take place on Sunday, May 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Tikvat Israel’s parking lot. The event, sponsored by TI's Early Childhood Center, will boast a variety of large mobile vehicles for young and old to climb on and interact with. Explore fire trucks, police cars, emergency - [The Omer Project Continues](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/omer-project-continues/) - We continue counting the Omer and we continue with our Omer Project. Tuesday, May 17, 7:30 pm MINDFUL EATING Exploring ways to incorporate more whole foods and learn easy, fast recipes that the entire family will enjoy. Leader: Debbie Amster. Sunday, May 22, 2-4 pm THE WORK OF OUR HANDS (Requires pre-registration with TI office and payment - [The Jüdische Kulturbund Project: Art and the Resiliency of the Human Spirit](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/judische-kulturbund-project-art-resiliency-human-spirit/) - Join us on Thursday, May 5 (Yom Hashoah), 7:30 p.m. when Art and the Resiliency of the Human Spirit will be explored with Gail Prensky, creator and project director, Jüdische Kulturbund Project. The Jüdische Kulturbund Project explores the dilemma that Jewish artists faced in Germany in the 1930s and early 1940s and what artists around the world face today. A - [Atid Learning Center Update – May 1, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-may-1-2016/) - It was so wonderful to see everyone back here this week after our Passover break. There are only a few more weeks left of classes until summer vacation. Please be sure to mark May 22nd on your calendars. It is our last day of school and we would love all students and their families to - [Board to Consider FY ’17 Budget Monday](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/board-consider-fy-17-budget-monday/) - Tikvat Israel’s board of directors will meet at 8 p.m. Monday (April 25) in the Flax Library to review a proposed operating budget for 2016-17. The board’s budget committee, chaired by Treasurer Steve Raucher, will provide an overview of the proposed $1.6 spending plan for FY ’17 and the process that his committee used to - [Congregants Deliver Passover Supplies to Needy Adults](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregants-deliver-passover-supplies-needy-adults/) - About a dozen members of Tikvat Israel delivered full bags of Passover food and drink supplies to those in need in Montgomery Community as part of the Jewish Social Service Agency’s annual Project Hope on Sunday (April 17). The volunteers, coordinated by Moira and Leon Green, were Muriel Asher, Bobbi Cohen, Karen Cohen, Ellen - [Atid Learning Center Update - April 17, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-april-17-2016/) - Class Updates: Jerusalem (K/1) - Today we talked about how we prepare our home for Passover. The night before the first Seder we do B'dikat Chametz. During B'dikat Chametz,we search our houses for any left over crumbs of chametz with a spoon and feather. The chametz is then put into a paper bag and burned - [A Taste of Melton: Hagaddah 201](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/taste-melton-hagaddah-201/) - Rabbi Ben Shull provided “A Taste of Melton” sample lesson on the Haggadah to nearly 30 participants April 11 at Tikvat Israel. The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, a project of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, offers adults the opportunity to acquire Jewish literacy in an “open, trans-denominational, intellectually stimulating learning environment," according to - [Spring Cleaning at the Creek](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/spring-cleaning-creek/) - The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington provided the trash bags and work gloves and Tikvat Israel lent the labor during a morning-long cleanup of Rock Creek Park near the synagogue as part of Good Deeds Day on April 10. Among those who fished trash out of the creek and along the banks were students affiliated with - [A Day of Giving](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/a-day-of-giving/) - Tikvat Israel members contributed 19 pints of blood and 39 adult and child bikes during a day of giving at the synagogue. The annual blood drive, supporting the American Red Cross, and the bike collection, conducted for Bikes for the World, were organized by members of the Social Action Committee on April 3. (Photo by - [A Pasta-rific Evening for Minyanaires](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/pasta-rific-evening-minyanaires/) - Roz and Ted Kram and the minyan subcommittee of the Religious Practices Committee sponsored a Pasta Extravaganza March 27 at Tikvat Israel to honor congregants who regularly attend minyan. More than 100 congregants gathered to enjoy three different pasta dishes, garlic bread, salad, fruit and dessert at tables covered by red-and-white checked tablecloths. The minyan subcommittee - [Focus Music Concert at TI, Apr. 10](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/focus-music-concert-at-ti-apr-10/) - FOCUS presents Joan & Joni. Joan & Joni is a tribute to Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell performed by singer/songwriters Allison Shapira and Kipyn Martin, April 10 at 7:30 pm. In a musical journey from the 60s to today, Allison and Kipyn demonstrate the effect Joan and Joni have had on their own musical development as modern - [Synagogue Board Meets March 28 with Agenda Set](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/synagogue-board-meets-march-28-agenda-set/) - Synagogue members are invited to attend the March meeting of the Tikvat Israel Board of Directors. The meeting begins at 8 p.m. in the Flax Library on Monday (March 28) with President Melanie Grishman presiding. The agenda includes the following: Capital Improvements report Report by Rabbi Shull Synagogue Trip to Israel - Barbara Ridberg - [A Saucy Evening for Minyannaires](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/saucy-evening-minyannaires/) - Roz and Ted Kram and the Religious Practices Committee's (RPC) Minyan Subcommittee are sponsoring a Pasta Extravaganza to honor those congregants who have made a commitment to attend minyan (morning or evening), and are doing their part to keep minyan going. If you are a minyannaire, then you and your family are invited to dinner - [Atid Learning Center Update - March 20, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-march-20-2016/) - Class Updates: Jerusalem (K/1) - Today in class we talked about Parashat Vayikra. The parashah tells us about how to properly conduct the sacrifecs inside the Mishkan. Each sacrifice is a burnt offering. Some offerings are of animals and other are of crops. After break, the class listened to the story of Purim. The kids - [Annual Blood Drive](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/annual-blood-drive/) - The annual Red Cross Blood Drive at Tikvat Israel will be held in the Social Hall April 3 from 10 am - 3 pm. Your blood donation can help save up to 3 lives and it only takes about an hour. To register online, go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter our sponsor code ( Tikvat Israel Rockville) or call - [Why Do We Pray?](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/why-do-we-pray/) - Ever wonder: Why we recite the prayers we say at Shabbat services and daily minyan? Who we are talking to? Why our discussion is mainly in Hebrew and Aramaic? What other people see in prayer – from fellow members of TI to Judaism’s greatest thinkers? Why we come to synagogue to pray together? Rabbi Shull - [Focus Concert: Marshall Crenshaw, plus Harris Amster](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/focus-concert-marshall-crenshaw-plus-harris-amster/) - Join us Sunday, March 13 at 7:30 pm for a concert featuring Marshall Crenshaw and Harris Amster, of Burt the Dirt. Grammy-nominated Marshall Crenshaw is a quintessential rock craftsman whose songwriting flashes subtle genius while producing classic pop songs of urban American life. His latest CD release, "The EP Collection," is a 14-track set that collects a - [Welcome Again to Rabbi Auster](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/welcome-again-to-rabbi-auster/) - Due to popular demand, Elyssa Joy Auster, a guest rabbi, again will lead a peaceful and joyful morning of Shabbat meditation and chanting at Tikvat Israel at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, in the Flax Library.Rabbi Auster will use song, meditation and Torah study to renew and uplift. This service will run concurrently with the regular sanctuary - [Season Concludes for Synagogue’s Basketballers](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/season-concludes-for-synagogues-basketballers/) - Tikvat Israel ended its regular season in the Montgomery County synagogue basketball league on Feb. 28 with a 1-6 won-loss record, an improvement over 2015. The team will enter the league playoffs as the 7th or 8th seed. Warren Berger serves as player-coach. The team’s roster consists of (back row from left) Michael Newman, Mike Micek, - [Israeli Dance Festival Features Many TI Members](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/israeli-dance-festival-features-many-ti-members/) - The annual Israeli Dance Festival DC opens at B'nai Israel Congregation in Rockville on Saturday, March 5, at 8:00 p.m. with an all-ages dance party. The festival continues on Sunday, March 6, at 3:00 p.m. at the Bullis School in Potomac. Fabulous Israeli Dance performances will be followed by dancing for all ages. This event features D.C. area dance troupes, - [Toiletries Collection](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/toiletries-collection-2/) - One of our ongoing mitzvah projects is to collect and donate toiletries. During your summer travels, please collect any unopened, unused toiletries from your hotel visits. You can drop them off in the Tikvat Israel main office. There's a box designated for this collection. All toiletries benefit the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless. Questions? - [Hazak Enjoys a Lunch with Laughter](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/hazak-enjoys-a-lunch-with-laughter/) - Three dozen members of Tikvat Israel's chapter of Hazak heard Sharon Doner-Feldman discuss types of humor with an emphasis on Jewish humor during a Feb. 25 lunch-hour presentation. She shared examples of various types, then delivered her favorite jokes. Doner-Feldman formerly served as director of the Greater Washington's first community-wide Jewish Information and Referral Service and - [True Stories Transports Listeners](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/true-stories-transports-listeners/) - The third annual "True Stories" delivered an afternoon of entertaining tales to a packed crowd of more than 200. Ten of the best professional and amateur Washington, D.C., storytellers shared award-winning true stories that transported the listeners to a different time and place. Their anecdotes had audience members laughing, tearing up and gasping in - [Blake Children's Theater a Hit at Tikvat Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/blake-childrens-theater-a-hit-at-tikvat-israel/) - Blake High School students performed "The Odyssey of Jeremy Jack" at Tikvat Israel for a crowd of 50 preschool and elementary school children and their parents and grandparents. "The Odyssey of Jeremy Jack," is Blake Children’s Theater's third show and the second to be brought to Tikvat Israel. Congregant Mary Wagner, director of Blake's 12 - [Yom Hashoa Community Observance](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/yom-hashoa-community-observance/) - A community-wide remembrance, including memorial candle lighting, Kaddish, reflection, music, poetry and memorial to the destroyed communities of Europe will be held on Sunday, May 1, at B'nai Israel Congregation, 6301 Montrose Road, Rockville, from 2 - 3:30 p.m. A keynote address will focus on "Seeking Truth & Justice - 70 Years After Nuremberg." - [Rabbis Shull and Topolsky to Lead Series on Modern Israel’s Struggles](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/11367-2/) - A three-part speaker series titled “Struggles of the Modern State of Israel: A Values Perspective” is being led by Rabbi Benjamin Shull and Rabbi Uri Topolosky of Beth Joshua Congregation. The scheduled themes are “Use of Power and Pursuit of Peace,” Feb. 29 (at TI), “A State for Israelis and A State for Jews,” March - [Congregants to Deliver a Memorable Message on Shabbat](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregants-learn-to-deliver-a-memorable-message/) - About two dozen Tikvat Israel members learned the rudiments of delivering an engaging d’var Torah during a four-session workshop led by Rabbi Benjamin Shull that ran in January and February. The rabbi’s participatory lessons, conducted in the synagogue library, covered how to inspire a Shabbat morning audience, how to draw meaning from the ambiguity of - [Governing Board Meets Feb. 22  ](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/governing-board-meets-feb-22/) - The Tikvat Israel Board of Directors will hold its monthly meeting at 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22 in the Flax Library. Congregants are welcome to attend as observers. Advance copies of the meeting agenda are available from synagogue President Melanie Grishman at MGrish7715@aol.com. - [Blake Children’s Theatre Brings Play to Tikvat Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/blake-childrens-theatre-brings-play-to-tikvat-israel/) - On February 21, Blake High School Children’s Theatre (BCT) will bring the play “The Odyssey of Jeremy Jack” to Tikvat Israel. The play is the story of Jeremy Jack, a turtle, who is dissatisfied with his life and believes that the solution will be to get free from his shell and find a new home. Along with his - [Women's Network Book Group Meets February 17](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/11280-2/) - TI Women's Network Book Group will meet in the Flax Library on Wednesday, February 17 immediate following minyan. The discussion will be about "The Broken and the Whole: Discovering Joy After Heartbreak," by Charles S. Sherman. Sherman's memoir chronicles his search for understanding and his discovery of home and joy after his young son suffers - ["Cupcakes" - a Sweet Delight](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/cupcakes-a-sweet-delight/) - Israel Presents concluded its two-night celebration of Israeli films with a showing of Eytan Fox's "Cupcakes." This comedic story of six very different friends who come together to compete in a European song competition entertained an audience of more than 125 viewers at Tikvat Israel. Friendships develop among neighbors living in the same apartment complex - [Atid Learning Center Update - February 7, 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/atid-learning-center-update-february-7-2016/) - We had a wonderful morning in our all school program. Today we focused on the subject of community. The students were split into groups, walked around the building, and wrote down things that are special to them. The groups then compared lists and we discussed why certain objects or people were written down. In the - [“Shabbat is Special” Experience & Dinner](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/shabbat-is-special-experience-dinner/) - Shabbat is Special - All Families with Young Children (age 0 - 2nd grade). This will be a lively, Shabbat-welcoming experience for young families will be held on Friday, November 13 at 5:00 pm. It will be led by Rabbi Shull & Cantor Helzner, followed by family-friendly Shabbat dinner 5:45 pm We encourage you to come - [Atid Students Learn About Sukkot](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/adit-students-learn-about-sukkot/) - Atid Learning Center students filed into the synagogue's sukkah on Sept. 27 with their freshly made artwork as adult volunteers at Tikvat Israel finished adding the s'chach, or roof, to the structure on the synagogue’s back patio. The students then listened as Rachel Denrich and Limor Dahan explained the holiday, including the significance of the etrog - [Blessing of the Animals](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/blessing-of-the-animals/) - Congregants joined parents and students from Atid Learning Center on Sunday morning to honor our pets. We read part of Parshat Bereishit, said a bracha for the small wonders of the world, and walked our animals (a live and stuffed) down an aisle. It was wonderful to see so many loved animals here! - [Synagogue’s Basketballers Capture 1st Victory of 2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/11115-2/) - The Tikvat Israel men's basketball team earned its first victory of 2016 in the Montgomery County synagogue basketball league, defeating Beth Sholom, 52 - 46, in double overtime on Sunday, Jan. 31. Leor Newman was the leading scorer and Rabbi Benjamin Shull added two buckets for TI, which has a 1-2 won-loss record with four - ["The Farewell Party" Screened Saturday](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/farewell-party-screened-saturday/) - More than 100 people attended a screening of the Israeli film "The Farewell Party" at Tikvat Israel on Jan. 30. Laughter and tears were both part of the response to this witty and touching film that explored friendship, assisted suicide and knowing when to say goodbye. After the film participants grabbed a nosh and discussed the film - [Board Sets Agenda For Meeting Feb. 1](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/board-sets-agenda-monthly-meeting-feb-1/) - The TI board of directors welcomes congregants to attend the January board meeting, which has been rescheduled until 8 p.m. on Monday (Feb. 1) because of the heavy snow this past week. Melanie Grishman will preside over the meeting. Meeting Agenda: Call to order Approval of Consent Agenda: Minutes -atttached, Rabbi's drash and report Minyan - [Pajama Havdalah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/pajama-havdalah/) - About 50 people, many in their sleepwear, gathered on Saturday, January 9 to enjoy Pajama Havdalah. The crowd sang with Cantor Helzner and learned with Rabbi Shull. The kids then used the candles, kiddish cups and besamin boxes that they made for the ceremony. The evening was capped off with Michelle Sobel reading a bedtime - [Weather Related Announcements](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/weather-related-announcements-2/) - It's that time of year... In the event of inclement weather, decisions about cancellations, delays and postponements will be made expeditiously and, first and foremost, with the safety of all the members of our community in mind. To the extent possible, updates will be communicated via Constant Contact and on our Shmooze and News online - [Inclusion Shabbat](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/inclusion-shabbat/) - Inclusion Shabbat is on January 30 this year, with guest speakers, TI members Judy Waldman and her daughter Carrie. As with every year, TI acknowledges and celebrates Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month. The mission of Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month is “to unite Jewish communities worldwide to raise awareness and champion the rights of - [Trees Planted on Behalf of Tikvat Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/trees-planted-behalf-tikvat-israel/) - Rabbi Benjamin Shull was formally installed as Tikvat Israel's Rabbi on November 1, 2015. Rabbi Shull requested that 10 percent of all sponsorship funds raised for his installation be donated to the Jewish National Fund Israel Tree Planting Center. One Garden of 100 trees and two Orchards of 10 trees each were planted in Israel - [Board Members to be Installed on Shabbat](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/board-members-to-be-installed-on-shabbat/) - Five members of Tikvat Israel who were elected in December to the synagogue’s board of directors will be formally installed by the clergy during Shabbat morning services on Jan. 16. Two of the five are board newcomers -- Michael Amster and Rabbi Alana Suskin. The other three who will serve two-year terms are incumbents who - [Delivering a Memorable Message](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/delivering-a-memorable-message/) - More than two dozen Tikvat Israel members are learning the rudiments of delivering a spellbinding D'var Torah during a four-session workshop led by Rabbi Benjamin Shull. His participatory lessons, conducted in the synagogue library, will cover how to inspire a Shabbat morning audience, how to draw meaning from the ambiguity of Torah passages, how to - [Library Committee Up and Running](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/library-y-committee-up-and-running/) - If you are a professional librarian, have worked or volunteered in a library, or even if you just love libraries, please consider joining the library committee. The committee’s goal is to move TI’s library into the 21st century and make it more user-friendly. If you are interested in joining the library committee, please email Janice - [Board Meeting Dec. 28](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/board-meeting-dec-28/) - The December meeting of the TI Board of Directors will take place at 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 28, in the Flax Library. All congregants are welcome to attend board meetings. President Melanie Grishman will preside. The agenda for board meeting is as follows: 1. Consent Agenda - Nov. Minutes 2. Capital Improvement Report - - [What an extraordinary film...](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/what-an-extraordinary-film/) - We just celebrated our annual joint Yom HaShoah service with the Silver Spring Presbyterian Church members, as at service at Tikvat Israel that included the film "The Power of Good" - a documentary of Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 children from the former Czechoslovakia in 1938-9, just before the outbreak of the war on 9/1/39 - [Cantor, in a Fitting Persona, Rocks the Hall in Concert](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/cantor-in-a-fitting-persona-rocks-the-hall-in-concert/) - Rochelle Helzner, backed by the five-piece Mark Novak Band, rocked the rafters of Tikvat Israel’s social hall on Sunday, Dec. 13, during a concert billed as “Rock of Ages: Jewish Music With a Contemporary Beat.” The synagogue’s annual Cantor’s Concert drew more than 200 music fans to the single-set, 16-number show. The central performer assumed - [Congregants Elect Five to Two-Year Board Terms](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregants-elect-five-to-two-year-board-terms/) - Members of Tikvat Israel elected five members to the synagogue’s board of directors at a congregational meeting Sunday morning, Dec. 20. Three dozen attendees approved unanimously the slate of candidates put forward by the nominations committee to serve two-year terms beginning in January. Three are incumbents who opted to extend their service to the governing - [She Plants a Seed](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/she-plans-a-seed/) - Area Sisterhood groups convened at Har Shalom in Potomac on December 16 for a Torah fund dinner, and one of the TI representatives on hand was Bobbi Gorban. She is serving as the Seaboard Region’s Torah Fund vice president. The theme for the Torah fund’s special project for 2015-17 is "She Plants a Seed for - [Members to Vote on Five Synagogue Board Positions Dec. 20](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/members-to-vote-on-five-synagogue-board-positions-dec-20/) - Members of Tikvat Israel will fill five available berths on the Tikvat Israel Board of Directors at a congregational meeting on Dec. 20. Three of the five candidates for the two-year terms beginning in January are incumbents seeking to extend their service to the governing body: Michele Eisenberg, Jay P. Goldman and Kelcey Klass. Joining - [Manna Food Supported by Concert Goers](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/manna-food-supported-concert-goers/) - Those attending the annual Cantor’s Concert at Tikvat Israel on Dec. 13 contributed food stuffs generously to support the Manna Food Center in Gaithersburg. The bags of various foods were collected inside the lobby of the synagogue prior to the concert. The food drive was conducted by the Social Action Committee. - [Manna Food Drive on December 13 before Cantor’s concert](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/manna-food-drive-on-december-13-before-cantors-concert/) - You can do an important mitzvah right before the Cantor’s concert starts on Sunday, December 13. Please drop a bag of food at our collection table in the synagogue lobby. The Social Action Committee will arranged for the donated food to be delivered to the Manna Food Center. Manna needs the following healthful foods: nut butters; canned - [Congregants to Elect Five Board Members in December](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregants-to-elect-five-board-members-in-december/) - Five berths on the Tikvat Israel Board of Directors must be filled by popular vote in December at a pair of congregational meetings. The half dozen seats on the board -- all for two-year terms beginning in January -- are held by the following incumbents: Michele Eisenberg, Jay P. Goldman, Kelcey Klass, Rob Kline - [Women's Network Book Group to Meet](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-book-group-to-meet/) - TI's Women's Network Book Group meets to discuss"The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics," by Daniel James Brown. Join us in the Library at 7:45 pm following evening minyan. Newcomers are always welcome! Mark your calendars for February 17 when we will be discussing "The - [Annual Church-Synagogue Affair: ‘A Feast for the Ears and the Eyes’](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/annual-church-synagogue-affair-a-feast-for-the-ears-and-the-eyes/) - The 11th annual Thanksgiving Sing, the joint celebration of gratitude shared by members of Tikvat Israel and the host Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, carried an added yearning this year for social justice. The 90-minute affair, full of ecumenical songs for the season, poetry, handbells, a dulcimer played by the Rev. Currie Burris and joyous songs - [Folk Music Concert at TI, Nov. 29](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/folk-music-concert-ti-nov-29/) - The next FOCUS folk music concert at Tikvat Israel is Sunday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 p.m. (after 7:00 minyan, one-half hour earlier than usual). This concert will feature Chuck Brodsky, a storyteller, songwriter, troubadour and modern day bard. With only his acoustic guitar and his voice, he’ll draw you in with genuine, down-to-earth warmth and - [Young Families Celebrated Shabbat](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/young-families-celebrated-shabbat/) - Rabbi Benjamin Shull and Cantor Rochelle Helzner led a fun, lively and meaningful Shabbat experience for families with young children at Tikvat Israel. About 50 people attended the "Shabbat is Special Experience" on Friday evening, Nov. 13. After the service, the families enjoyed a sense of community and a delicious Shabbat dinner. The dinner featured cookies - [Agenda Set for TI Board’s Nov. 23 Meeting](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/agenda-set-for-ti-boards-nov-23-meeting/) - The TI board of directors will hold its November meeting at 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 23 in the Flax Library. The agenda is as follows: Consent Agenda Rabbi Shull Israel Sign project - Avy Ashery Kiddish Connections - Louis Leibowitz Rabbi's Installation funds report Insurance report - Irv Cohen Exec. Director's - [Shabbat Guest Rabbi](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/shabbat-guest-rabbi/) - Join guest Rabbi Elyssa Joy Auster for a peaceful and joyful morning of Shabbat meditation and chanting at Tikvat Israel on Saturday, Nov. 21, in the Flax Library at 10:30 a.m. Rabbi Auster will use song, meditation and Torah study to renew and uplift. This service will run concurrently with the regular sanctuary service. Rabbi Elyssa - [Rabbi Shull Formally Installed at Tikvat Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/rabbi-shull-formally-installed-at-tikvat-israel/) - It was a joyful occasion at Tikvat Israel on Sunday (Nov. 1). In the presence of about 240 congregants and guests from the political and spiritual arenas, Rabbi Benjamin Shull was formally installed by the congregation. Opening remarks were given by Melanie Grishman, synagogue president, and the rabbi search committee was recognized for many hours - [USY/Kadima Sukkot Dinner](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/usykadima-sukkot-dinner/) - [Grishman Elected President of Synagogue](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/grishman-elected-president-synagogue-installation-set-shabbat-jan-10/) - Congregants selected Melanie Grishman, a synagogue member of 24 years, to the presidency of Tikvat Israel Congregation for the next two years. Grishman and other officers and board members who were voted into office at a congregational meeting on Dec. 14 were installed at Shabbat services on Jan. 10. All will serve until the end of - [Public Speaking Workshop Set for Future B'nai Mitzvah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/public-speaking-workshop-set-future-bnai-mitzvah/) - Parents of children who expect to have a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah in 2015 or 2016 may want to sign up their youngsters for a six-session public speaking workshop offered by Tikvat Israel’s Toastmasters club, also known as Hopeful Talkers. The workshop is designed to help these children feel more comfortable and less afraid - [Study Sessions with Rabbi Shull](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/study-sessions-with-rabbi-shull/) - Study with Rabbi Shull the classic sources of Mussar beginning with Maimonides's Hilchot De'ot from his code of Jewish law, Mishneh Torah (in Hebrew with English translation). Mussar, meaning moral conduct, instruction or discipline, will lead to Jewish character development. This study session will meet every Friday morning at 900 am, following 8:00 morning minyan. The first session - [Cantor Helzner Prepares for Cantors' Concert](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/cantor-helzner-prepares-for-cantors-concert-2/) - Members of the Cantor's Assembly Seaboard Region, including Rochelle Helzner of Tikvat Israel (fourth from left), rehearsed Thursday for their upcoming concert on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 2 pm at Har Shalom. The concert, entitled, "A Journey Through S'farad," is a musical voyage in preparation for the Cantor's Assembly summer 2016 mission to Spain. Cantors - [In Solidarity With Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/in-solidarity-with-israel/) - More than 50 members of the Tikvat Israel community gathered to show their solidarity with Israel in response to the recent wave of terrorist attacks. Congregants read the names, photos and descriptions of the victims and the loved ones they have left behind. Cantor Helzner chanted the el molei rachamim prayer for the dead, and Rabbi - [Women’s Network Holds Annual Tea Event](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-annual-tea/) - The Women's Network of Tikvat Israel met at the home of Shelly Goldin for its annual membership tea. The TI Women's Network is part of the Seaboard Region, whose mission is to engage, enrich and empower Conservative Jewish women. Seaboard Region President Julia Loeb was in attendance and spoke about the need to belong and - [Agenda Set for TI Board’s October Meeting](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/agenda-set-for-ti-boards-october-meeting/) - The synagogue’s board of directors will meet at 8 p.m. Oct. 26 in the Flax Library. Jim Perlmutter will chair the meeting for President Melanie Grishman, who is travelling abroad. Here is the meeting agenda: Welcome -- Rabbi Shull Approval of Minutes of September Board Mtg. Consent Agenda Update on Capital Improvement Task Force - [Women's Network Hosts Annual Tea](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-hosts-annual-tea/) - Women's Network will hold their annual Membership Tea at the home of Shelly Goldin, beginning at 1:00 pm on Sunday, Oct. 18. Come and learn what the group has planned for the coming year. This is a relaxed fun opportunity to make new friends, learn more about people you see all the time but have never met, and - [Folk Music Concert Oct. 18](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/folk-music-concerts-begin-oct-18/) - Tikvat Israel and FOCUS have agreed to a partnership to bring folk music concerts to Tikvat Israel and the Montgomery County community. FOCUS is a non-profit organization whose mission "is to bring folk and acoustic music to a growing audience through performance, education and participation in the musical folk art." This mission dovetails beautifully with - [Sukkah Building, Part II](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/sukkah-building-part-ii/) - Tikvat Israel’s sukkah has been completed. Day 2 of sukkah construction, led by Alan Apter and his crew, added the s'chach (roof) and lighting. The Atid religious school pupils and volunteers added the decorations. Sukkot begins Sept. 27 with several celebrations during the week – including Thursday, Oct. 1, with Pizza in The Hut sponsored by the ECC, and Oct. - [Another Successful Food Drive](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/another-successful-food-drive/) - An annual custom at Tikvat Israel during the High Holidays is the collection of non-perishable food and baking products donated by congregants for the less fortunate before the start of the Kol Nidre service at the synagogue. This year, the Social Action Committee, including members Debby Berlyne (left) and Roma Sohn, gathered about 75 shopping - [Simchat Torah Honors Granted to Rauchers for Volunteerism](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/simchat-torah-honors-granted-to-rauchers-for-volunteerism/) - Two Tikvat Israel members who have contributed for decades to the religious and cultural life of the synagogue have been selected as the 2015 Chattan Torah and Kallat Bereshit with public recognition on Simchat Torah. The husband-wife pair of Steve and Helen Raucher, volunteers in major aspects of synagogue life, will be honored with special - [Jewish School Year Opens at TI With Flourish](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/jewish-school-year-opens-at-ti-with-flourish/) - The Atid Learning is off and running. On Sept. 20, Rachel Denrich, director of education and youth programming, welcomed parents and students for the first day of the 2015-16 academic year at Tikvat Israel’s newly renamed school. (Atid, a Hebrew word, means “future.”) Kickoff activities included a bagel nosh, community tefilah, parent question and answer - [‘Zichro-Notes’ at Rosh Hashanah Service Makes the News](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/zichro-notes-at-rosh-hashanah-service-in-the-news/) - In the September 22, 2015, issue of Washington Jewish Week, feature writer Suzanne Pollak describes the Zichronot service at Tikvat Israel on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. The article explains why Post-It notes dotted the ark and cantor's lectern. Congregant Susan Urban describes this symbolic activity that Rabbi Benjamin Shull introduced at our synagogue’s services. The rabbi said the activity evokes - [Board Meeting Highlights](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/board-meeting-highlights/) - At its September meeting, the Tikvat Israel Board of Directors received a status report on the capital improvements plan underway at the synagogue, learning that roof repairs are largely complete. The board also received some encouraging indicators from the membership committee about prospective members and the committee’s plans to staff a membership table at two - [Congregants Post ‘Zichro-Notes’ at Rosh Hashanah Service](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregants-post-zichro-notes-at-rosh-hashanah-service/) - As part of the observance of the second day of Rosh Hashanah at Tikvat Israel Congregation in Rockville, Rabbi Benjamin Shull issued a charge to the congregation during the Zichronot (Remembrances) section of the service: “Think of something that you want God to ‘remember’ in the coming year.” Prior to the start of Zichronot, Rabbi - [TI Board Holds September Session](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ti-board-holds-september-session/) - TI’s Board of Directors will hold its monthly meeting at 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, in the shul’s Flax Library. The meeting agenda, prepared by President Melanie Grishman, includes: a report from Rabbi Shull treasurer's report from Steve Raucher lighting proposal report by Irv Cohen membership committee report by Michele Eisenberg executive director's - [Fall CSA Sign Up](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/fall-csa-sign-up/) - Now is the time to sign up for the fall CSA. The fall season begins the week of Oct. 5, 2015. Enjoy 8 weeks of farm fresh, locally grown, seasonal vegetables from Calvert Farm in Cecil County, MD for $250 per share. Eggs and mushrooms are also available for an additional fee. We are now - [Selichot Program](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/selichot-program/) - David Rose, ZAKA's International Director, will be at Tikvat Israel on September 5th as the speaker for our joint Selichot program with Shaare Tefila. According to its website, ZAKA is “a UN-recognized humanitarian organization that can deploy anywhere on the globe within hours…. ZAKA's mission is to rescue and recover victims following terror attacks, bombings, - [Copakens Launch Kindness Award in Son’s Memory](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/copakens-launch-kindness-award-in-sons-memory/) - Congregants Marcelle and Robert Copaken have established a fund in memory of their son Jeremy through the Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation. The fund will support the annual Jeremy Copaken Memorial Kindness Award at Rockville High School. On the foundation's website, donors can use the comment section to stipulate that the funds be directed - [Religious School Registration](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/testing-123/) - Atid Learning Center (formerly TI's Religious School) begins Sept. 20, 2015. Atid Learning Center provides supplementary Jewish education for students in grades K-6. Contact Rachel Denrich, Director of Education & Youth Programming, by email or call 301-762-7338, ext. 120, for more information. Join us at 9:00 am on opening day, Sunday, September 20. Families with - [Board Welcomes Rabbi Shull](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/board-welcomes-rabbi-shull/) - At its Monday night meeting (August 24, 2015), the Tikvat Israel Board of Directors formally welcomed Rabbi Ben Shull to his first board session. The board heard a report on the new education program, the synagogue's High Holiday plans (including a new form of family service) and a status check on roof repairs as part - [Iran Nuclear Agreement Discussed - Part 1](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/iran-nuclear-agreement-discussed-part-1/) - More than 120 people came to Tikvat Israel Aug. 20 to hear the first of two forums examining the Iran Nuclear Deal. The speakers at the first forum were Clifford May, president of the Foundation to Defend Democracies and Ilan Sztullman, head of public diplomacy at the Embassy of Israel. The moderator was Tikvat Israel's - [Synagogue Board to Meet](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/synagogue-board-to-meet/) - Tikvat Israel’s board of directors will conduct its August meeting at 8 p.m. Monday, August 24, in the Flax Library. Meeting Agenda: Rabbi's Drash Consent agenda: Minutes from June 2015 Education Program Report Treasurer's Report Capitol Improvements Project: Loan from TD Bank Work Progress Executive director's Report Committee Reports: Kitchen Education Questions? Contact Melanie Grishman, - [Shedding Light on the Iran Nuclear Agreement](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/shedding-light-on-the-iranian-nuclear-agreement/) - Mark your calendars. Come to a pair of educational events for a meaningful discussion on a crucial topic of concern to all... Shedding Light on the Iranian Nuclear Agreement [pdf-embedder url="https://www.tikvatisrael.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/August-Program.pdf"] Full page view - [Women's Network Book Group](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network-book-group/) - It's not too soon to think about the Fall and upcoming events. The first meeting of the TI Woman 's Network Book Group will be on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at 7:45 P.M. The book to be discussed is The Bridal Chair, a novel by Gloria Goldreich. This tells the story of Marc Chagall and his - [11-Year-old TI Member Makes Front-Page News With Her Charitable Work](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/11-year-old-ti-member-makes-front-page-news-charitable-work/) - Miriam Gardsbane, an 11-year-old Tikvat Israel member, was the focus of a page-one article in the June 18 Rockville edition of the Gazette. The article, titled "Rockville girl raises more than $1,000 for elephant rescue organization," describes how she sells clay models at area farmers market to raise money and awareness. Miriam organized an elephant rescue project - [USY Leader at TI Earn Competitive Research Opportunity at Israel's Technion](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/usy-leader-ti-earn-competitive-research-opportunity-israels-technion/) - Benjamin Kaminow, a co-president of the USY chapter at Tikvat Israel, has been named a recipient of a competitive Dr. Istvan Madaras SciTech Scholarships to conduct scientific research next summer at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology’s SciTech Summer Science Camp. Ben, son of TI members Ellen and David Kaminow of Potomac, is a senior at - [TI’s Charity Group Funds a Dozen Global and Local Causes](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tis-charity-group-funds-a-dozen-global-and-local-causes/) - The synagogue’s Tzedakah Havurah recently distributed more than $4,000 in charitable funds to 16 human service and social service organizations locally and globally. In his annual fiscal year accounting at the end of July to the congregation, David Gantz, chair of the Tzedakah Havurah, said Tikvat Israel collected $3,984.10 from charitable giving, the vast majority - [A Congregant’s Report on a Year in China](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/a-congregants-report-on-a-year-in-china/) - Shaina Lipsy, daughter of congregants Karen and Barry Lipsy, has written about being a Jew in China for the July 22 issue of Washington Jewish Week. Lipsy spent a year as one of only two foreigners teaching English at a boarding school in China’s rural Hunan Province. She reports that most Chinese people have little exposure to - [New Youth/Education Director Joins TI](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/new-youtheducation-director-joins-ti/) - Rachel Denrich has been hired as Tikvat Israel’s new youth and education director, beginning July 1. Rachel DenrichA Baltimore native, she is returning to Maryland after four years in California as a Jewish educator and youth programmer. In one role, she managed communications, budgeting and events for a school with more than 100 students. At - [College Outreach Reaches Out to Parents](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/college-outreach-reaches-out-to-parents/) - It is hard to believe but in a few weeks college students will be back on campus. If you have a student in college (local students too) or graduate school for the 2015-2016 academic year, let us know. TI would like to keep in touch with your student through the sending of "care packages" throughout - [Dynamic Newcomers Lead TI's Religious School in New Directions](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/dynamic-newcomers-lead-tis-religious-school-new-directions/) - TI’s Religious School welcomes a pair of new leaders, Steve Kerbel and Dan Ring. They were hired during a summer search by a panel from the TI Youth and Education Committee and synagogue board. Kerbel, a Rockville resident, has a resume full of strong Jewish education experiences, with a variety of skills and experiences in - [Longtime Tikvat Israel Member Contributes Dvar Torah Column to Washington Jewish Week](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/longtime-tikvat-israel-member-contributes-dvar-torah-column-washington-jewish-week-4/) - Washington Jewish Week editors selected longtime Tikvat Israel congregant Arlene Berger to contribute the Dvar Torah commentary for the newspaper's Jan. 9 edition. Rabbah Berger is the education director of the Chavurah at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue in the District. (Her website is theitinerantrabbit.blogspot.com.) She titled her commentary "The Murmuring Motif." It is based - [Our New Rabbi in the News](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/our-new-rabbi-in-the-news/) - Tikvat Israel's new rabbi, Benjamin Shull, appears as the subject of a profile with photo in the July 23 issue of Washington Jewish Week. In his interview with senior writer David Holzel, Rabbi Shull says Tikvat Israel captured his interest in the thoughtful questionnaire prepared for prospective candidates by the Rabbi Search Committee. The article - [Bridge Group at TI](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/bridge-players/) - Bridge players convene on the first and third Wednesday evening each month in TI’s social hall for fun and camaraderie. Bridge playing is currently on hiatus, but watch the TI calendar for the resumption of bridge play in September. - [Four Questions for Rabbi Shull ... And It's Not Even Passover](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/four-questions-for-rabbi-shull-and-its-not-even-passover/) - Bulletin editor Jay P. Goldman asked Rabbi Benjamin Shull to respond to a few questions about a month before he assumes office at Tikvat Israel. Q: What about the Tikvat Israel profile developed by our search committee sparked your interest to apply for our rabbi position? And what were your most striking impression from your - [Congregation Adopts Its Budget for Next 12 Months](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/congregation-adopts-its-budget-for-next-12-months/) - Tikvat Israel members approved a $1.64 million budget for the next 12 months at a June 28 congregational meeting. The new budget, which covers July 1 through June 30, 2016, raises to full-time status the positions of rabbi and youth/educator director. Both had been half-time positions. The budget calls for a 10 percent membership dues - [Storage Room Clean-up](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/storage-room-clean-up/) - On Sunday, June 28, Alan Apter gathered a crew of people to clean out and reorganize the storage area next to the sanctuary. The hard-working volunteers removed and sorted through many boxes and bags and removed old shelving. Then they cleaned and installed metal adjustable shelving that made better use of the space. The sorted - [Gratitude Expressed to Our Volunteers](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/gratitude-expressed-to-our-volunteers/) - About three dozen of Tikvat Israel's most active volunteers were feted at a morning brunch featuring lox, cream cheese and bagels in the social hall on June 14. President Melanie Grishman, in brief remarks, told the volunteers they were essential to everything special about the life of the synagogue. A list of volunteer opportunities at the synagogue will - [Victories Sparse for TI Softball Team](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/victories-sparse-for-ti-softball-team/) - It’s been a challenging season for the TI softball team in the Montgomery County synagogue league with just a single win, over Oseh Shalom, in 12 games this spring. Members include Stuart Lempert (player-coach), Neil Kram, Dan Matathias, Marc Schneider, Warren Berger and Seth Coburn. (The rest of the roster consists of Kehilat Shalom members.) The - [Encounters with People and Places: Our Congregational Trip to Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/encounters-people-places-congregational-trip-israel/) - By Carol Chelemer and Steve Raucher As our band of 22 prepared to travel to Israel this fall, we were constantly advised to use all of our senses to experience the country. These are some of our impressions as we reflect upon our two weeks of touring. Israel is a modern, high-tech society. We - [Take Me Out to the Ball Game](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/baseball-scoreboard/) - Tikvat Israel found its name in lights on the giant outfield scoreboard at Nationals Park on June 21 during the 4th inning of the Washington Nationals' victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on a steamy summer afternoon. Sixty members and friends of Tikvat Israel were on hand for the annual baseball outing organized by the TI - [The Great Power and Beauty of Jewish-Themed Music](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/the-great-power-and-beauty-of-music-based-on-jewish-themes/) - Cantor Rochelle Helzner joined with a violinist, clarinetist and pianist from the New Orchestra of Washington during an hour-long performance of Yiddish and classical works at the annual Tikvat Israel Cantor's Concert on June 7. The program, titled "Chai Culture," drew 300 attendees. Congregant Mary Wagner served as chair of the event, which represents the - [Shabbat Kiddush to Honor Rabbi Abramson     ](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/shabbat-kiddush-to-honor-rabbi-abramson/) - Tikvat Israel Congregation will collectively say thank you to Rabbi Abramson during a kiddush reception in his honor following Shabbat morning services on June 27. He has served as TI’s part-time rabbi for the past three years, and this will mark his final time leading Shabbat services. - [Concert Goers Deliver for the Hungry](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/concert-goers-deliver-for-the-hungry/) - Several dozen bags of food were donated by those attending the annual Cantor’s Concert at Tikvat Israel on June 7. The collection was organized by the Social Action Committee, and the food will be delivered to Manna Food Center in Gaithersburg. Joan Margolies (right) was one of the many who dropped off a bag to committee members, - [TI’s Budget Vote Set for June 28](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tis-budget-vote-set-for-june-28/) - Tikvat Israel members will be asked to approve the board of directors’ $1.64 million spending plan at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 28. The new budget supports two full-time staff positions (a full-time, permanent rabbi and a director of youth and family) and counts on the popularity of the synagogue’s early childhood program. The board - [Toiletries Collection](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/toiletries-collection/) - One of our ongoing mitzvah projects is to collect and donate toiletries. During your summer travels, please collect any unopened, unused toiletries from your hotel visits. You can drop them off in the Tikvat Israel main office. There's a box designated for this collection. All toiletries benefit the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless. Questions? - [Tuv Ha'Aretz (CSA)](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tuv-haaretz-csa/) - Beets, strawberries, mushrooms, rhubarb and lettuce were among the first offerings available to Tikvat Israel members who belong to the shul's Community Supported Agriculture program. Those not yet registered for the weekly produce pickups in the synagogue lobby each Monday afternoon can contact the farmer, Pam Stegall of the Calvert Farm in Cecil County, Md. - [Big Shul Turnout Set for Nationals Ballgame](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/big-shul-turnout-set-for-nationals-ballgame/) - More than 50 members of Tikvat Israel, their family members and friends have purchased tickets through the synagogue’s Women’s Network to see the Washington Nationals play the Pittsburgh Pirates at 1:35 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, at Nationals Park in Southeast Washington. This marks the fourth year that the Women’s Network has purchased a block - [In Memoriam - Rita Tsoy](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/in-memoriam-rita-tsoy/) - It is with great sadness that we share with the community news of a loss in our Tikvat Israel ECC family. One of our teachers, Rita Tsoy, passed away suddenly last Thursday evening. Rita was part of the Tikvat Israel community for almost 10 years. She loved the children, families and team very much and - [Ordering Tickets for Nationals Game on Father’s Day](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ordering-tickets-for-nationals-game-on-fathers-day/) - The Women’s Network has purchased a block of tickets for Tikvat Israel members, their family members and friends to see the Washington Nationals play the Pittsburgh Pirates at 1:35 p.m. on Sunday, June 21. What better way to spend Father’s Day than an afternoon at the ballpark. It’s located just one block from Metro’s Navy - [Oversized Trucks Revisit TI May 17](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/oversized-trucks-revisit-ti-for-kid-touch-may-17/) - The 2nd annual Truck Touch and Marketplace will take place on Sunday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Tikvat Israel’s parking lot. Admission is $5 per person. Kids under 2 are free. The event, co-sponsored by the ECC and the ECC Family Network (formerly the Parent Committee), will boast a variety of - [BBQ and Music Highlight Lag BaOmer Celebration](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/bbq-and-music-highlight-lag-baomer-celebration/) - Several Tikvat Israel members celebrated Lag BaOmer on Thursday, May 7, at a community-wide concert and carnival held at Berman Hebrew Academy. The event, co-sponsored by Tikvat Israel, included games geared toward preschool children, carnival games, a BBQ and a concert by the Panorama New Orleans Jazz Band. - [Hannah Smith Elected President of USY Regional Board](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/hannah-smith-elected-president-of-usy-regional-board/) - Tikvat Israel is proud to announce that Hannah Smith was elected next year's president of the USY Regional Board at the annual spring convention of Seaboard Region USY. The convention was held this weekend at the Sandy Hill Retreat Center in North East, Md. Hannah is the daughter of Ellen and Jeff Smith. In addition to holding - [Larry Levine Photo at Strathmore Art Show](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/larry-levine-photo-at-strathmore-art-show/) - One of congregant Larry Levine's photographs has been selected for the 24th annual Strathmore Artists Juried Exhibition, "What's on Your Mind?" which runs at the Mansion at Strathmore on Rockville Pike through Sunday, March 1. The exhibition includes the artwork of 56 artists. Levine's photo, "Gecko with Cacao Pulp," is on display on the upper landing - [Purim Tzedakah Given to 6 Groups](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/purim-tzedakah-given-to-6-groups/) - Tikvat Israel's Tzedakah Havurah acknowledges the congregation's generosity during the Purim celebration when $591.50 in charity was collected. The tzedakah collected during the holiday will be dispersed to the following non-profit groups: Alyn Hospital, Save A Child's Heart, Smile Train, Washington Area Fuel Fund, Rockville Emergency Assistance Program and Make A Wish. “Special thanks goes - [Peter Rabbit Visits Tikvat Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/peter-rabbit-visits-tikvat-israel/) - The accompanying photos show an engaged pre-school audience at a performance of “A Tale of Peter Rabbit” on Sunday, March 8, in the Tikvat Israel social hall. The show was performed by Blake High School Children’s Theatre and coordinated with Tikvat Israel’s ECC and religious school. Congregant Mary Wagner, who teaches an elective religion course - [New Torah Covers for a New Year](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/new-torah-covers-new-year/) - Project organizer Shirley Waxman stands alongside the four new covers that will adorn TI's Torah scrolls during the High Holidays. Waxman, a longtime fabric artist who has created dozens of congregants' colorful tallitot over the years, coordinated the embroidery of volunteers from the synagogue. The covers will be dedicated at Shabbat services on Sept. 20. More - [Simchat Torah Honors Given to Husband-Wife Tandem for Volunteer Service](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/simchat-torah-honors-given-husband-wife-tandem-volunteer-service/) - The husband-wife team of Jay P. Goldman and Rebecca S. Salon will be honored by Tikvat Israel Congregation at morning services on Simchat Torah, Oct. 17, as the 2014 “Chattan Torah” and “Kallat Bereshit.” Goldman has served as editor of the synagogue’s bi-monthly Bulletin for the past half dozen years and chaired a committee that led to the - [Our Roadside Cleanup Crew](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/roadside-cleanup-crew/) - For the past decade, Tikvat Israel's Social Action Committee has organized a twice-a-year cleanup of the section of Baltimore Road bordering Rock Creek Park near the shul. This fall's cleanup crew, donning orange vests and protective gloves supplied by the county, filled right orange bags with trash plus a discarded vehicle tire. Among this year's - [New Art Exhibits at Tikvat Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/new-art-exhibits-tikvat-israel/) - Tikvat Israel is proud to have on display beautiful and unique artwork created by TI members. In the gallery, you will find work (much of which is for sale) by Tamah Graber, Bobbi Gorban, Shirley Waxman, Susan Fullenbaum, Kate Jennes-Kahn, Shelly Goldin, Debbie Yanoff, Gail Pressman, Michele Eisenberg, Melanie Grishman and Rachel Loving. Please stop by - [Fresh From the Farm](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/fresh-farm/) - TI members, such as Harley Liebenson, will be consuming fresh produce all fall as participants in the Community Supported Agricultural program running each Monday afternoon through Nov. 24 in the lobby at the synagogue. The fall shares will feature apples, butternut squash, acorn squash, delicata squash, onions, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, radishes, daikon radishes and - [TI Teen Elected to International Leadership Berth in United Synagogue Youth](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ti-teen-elected-international-leadership-berth-united-synagogue-youth/) - The honors keep rolling in for Tikvat Israel's own Micah Cowan, who was elected on Dec. 24 by hundreds of his peers attending the annual international convention of USY in Atlanta as the 2015 International USY religion/education vice president. One month earlier, he was selected as "Mister Seaboard" at the regional USY conference in Pennsylvania. For more - [Rabbi Candidate Visitation Dates](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/rabbi-candidate-visitation-dates/) - The Tikvat Israel Rabbi Search Committee has arranged visits to Tikvat Israel from four candidates for the full-time rabbi position over the next six weeks. The four finalists will be at TI on the Shabbatot that begin March 6, March 13, March 20 and April 10. Candidates will attend Friday night services, officiate and give - [Jesters and Heaven](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/jesters-heaven/) - by Rabbi David L. Abramson Aug. 23, 2014 Read more >> - [Minyan](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/minyan-2/) - by Rabbi David L. Abramson , Tikvat Israel Congregation, First Day of Rosh Hashanah, Sept. 25, 2014 Read more >> - [Hazak Cantors Assembly Concert](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/hazak-cantors-assembly-concert/) - It may have been icy outside on Tuesday (Feb. 10), but inside an Olney synagogue an audience of Hazak members was warmed thoroughly by the beautiful voices at a Cantors Assembly Concert. Tikvat Israel Cantor Rochelle Helzner (back row, third from right) was joined by seven area cantors at this special concert at B'nai Shalom - [T'shuvah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tshuvah/) - by Rabbi David L. Abramson Erev Yom Kippur, Oct. 3, 2014 Read more >> - [Yasher Koach to Rabbi Gorin!!](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/yasher-koach-to-rabbi-gorin/) - The Adult Education committee's schedule of events for 5768 is off to a roaring start with today's Shabbat Torah discussion. Credit is due to both Rabbi Gorin, and to Cliff Fishman, who brought the idea for these discussion sessions home with him after his sabbatical in Knoxville, TN. Today, we read aloud the reading from - [Rabbi Candidate 'Meet and Greet' Weekends](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/rabbi-candidate-meet-and-greet-weekends/) - The Rabbi Search Committee at Tikvat Israel will be deciding soon on which candidates to invite to the synagogue to lead Shabbat services and to meet congregants over the course of a weekend. The committee will be scheduling the three to four visits on several of the following weekends and wanted the congregation to make note - [Synagogue's Rabbi Search Moves into Interview Gear](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/synagogues-rabbi-search-moves-interview-gear/) - Tikvat Israel’s Rabbi Search Committee is well underway in the interview stage of considering candidates for the synagogue’s full-time rabbi position. The committee has been fortunate to receive applications from across the United States. The application period remains open until early March. The 10-member Search Committee, which is chaired by Shelly Goldin, a past president of - [Toastmasters to Run Four-Week Speechcraft Workshop at TI](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/toastmasters-run-four-week-speechcraft-workshop-ti/) - Hopeful Communicators Toastmasters Club at Tikvat Israel will run a workshop on presentation skills and meeting management over four evenings this spring. The workshop runs from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on April 2, 16 and 30 and May 14 in the Flax Library at TI. Instruction and practice will cover the following topic areas: speaking - [Weather-Related Announcements](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/weather-related-announcements/) - Winter sometimes means inclement weather, resulting in postponements and cancellations. Whenever possible we will notify B'kesher subscribers of any weather-related scheduling changes. You may also call the Tikvat Israel Weatherline at 301-762-7338, ext. 360, for recorded weather-related announcements. The Tikvat Israel Early Childhood Center is using a text-by-phone notification system for the first time this winter, and if - [Molly Amster Appointed to Head Jews United for Justice Chapter](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/former-congregant-appointed-head-jews-united-justice-chapter/) - Molly Amster, daughter of Tikvat Israel congregants Michael and Debbie Amster, is now executive director of Baltimore's branch of Jews United for Justice (JUFJ), according to an article in Baltimore Jewish Times. The article also mentions TI: "She also grew up in what she described as an “egalitarian, conservative, socially progressive” synagogue, Tikvat Israel Congregation - [Forging Jewish Identity](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/forging-jewish-identity/) - Many Jews in the diaspora are concerned about their children and grandchildren sustaining Jewish identity. A while back a published study indicated that two major variables associated with maintaining Jewish identity were attendance at Jewish summer camp and visiting Israel. Although I've consistently belonged to a Jewish religious congregation throughout adulthood I hold the belief - [Kabbalat Shabbat Services with Instruments](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/kabbalat-shabbat-services-with-instruments/) - On June 20th, Cantor Helzner will again lead her popular and joyful "Kabbalat Shabbat with Instruments" at Tikvat Israel. Read what a congregant wrote of the experience: We would like to express how much we enjoyed attending the Shabbat with instruments last month. We found the music very uplifting and spiritual. It was a great - [Men's Basketballers at TI Bring Their Best on Sundays Against All Comers](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/mens-basketballers-ti-bring-best-sundays-comers/) - The basketball season opened without much early luck for the TI men’s team. Competing in the Montgomery County Synagogue League, the TI team (which includes a few players who belong to Temple Emanuel) dropped its first five games. The top TI scorer in the early season was Leor Newman, one of the team’s bigger players. - [Tikvat Israel Basketballers Snatch Win in Season Finale](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tikvat-israel-basketballers-snatch-win-season-finale/) - In the final game of the regular season, Tikvat israel beat Oseh Shalom, 60-58, on Sunday, March 2, in the Montgomery County Synagogue Basketball League. In a matchup of two teams that entered without a win in 2014, TI took the victory and advanced to the post-season playoffs against the top team. TI’s high scorers - [Teen Completes Fellowship on Standing Up for Israel Against Critics](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/teen-completes-fellowship-standing-israel-critics/) - Keeping Teens Engaged in Israel By Sarai Presman Over four Wednesdays, we examined the relationship our Jewish community has with the State of Israel, learned how to be a savvy consumer of media and information on the Middle East, developed presentation, advocacy and social media skills and learned about how to be pro-Israel on college - ['Unleavened' Performance Lineup Unleashes Joy at Our Cantor's Concert](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/unleavened-performance-lineup-unleashes-joy-cantors-concert/) - By Jay P. Goldman, TI Bulletin editor “If you missed tonight's concert, then you really blew it! People will be talking about it for a long time.” That was Co-President Jonathan Solomon’s forceful reaction in the immediate aftermath of this year’s Cantor’s Concert on March 30 at Tikvat Israel. The 90-minute program in the social - [Krams Featured in Gazette Newspaper Coverage of Seniors Life in County](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/krams-featured-gazette-newspaper-coverage-seniors-life-county/) - Congregants Roz and Ted Kram were featured in a special section of the Gazette newspaper that focused on senior citizenry in Montgomery County. The special section, appearing in the April 16 edition, was titled “Gazette Seniors." Inside the pullout section are two articles that feature the Krams -- one on page 6 (with a big - [Personalized Student Learning Program Launches This Fall at Shul](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/personalized-student-learning-program-launches-fall-shul/) - By Elissa Schwartz and Jeff Smith, co-chairs, Religious School/Youth Programming Committee Tikvat Israel, as part of its strategic planning process, is restructuring its youth programming and religious education. For more than a decade, youth education and youth programming have been managed through separate departments and separate directors within the synagogue. Additionally, the goals of the - [Seniors' Hall of Fame in Maryland Picks TI Member for Induction](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/seniors-hall-fame-maryland-picks-ti-member-induction/) - Judy Davis, long-time TI member (and flautist in many TI musical productions), has been selected for inclusion in the Maryland Senior Citizens’ Hall of Fame. Stephen M. Raucher, president of the Montgomery County Public Schools Retirees Association, was one of her two nominees. Raucher, a Class of 2013 Hall of Famer, stated in his nomination letter: - [New Torah Covers to be Dedicated for High Holidays at TI](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/new-torah-covers-dedicated-high-holidays-ti/) - You have probably noticed during High Holiday services that the Torah scroll covers used specially during the holidays are old, worn and fraying. These mantels date back many years, and they need to be replaced. To provide us with bright, new up-to-date scroll covers that will enhance our observance of the holidays, the congregation has - [Rabbi Gorin Accepts New Post at Long Island Synagogue](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/rabbi-gorin-accepts-new-post-long-island-synagogue/) - Two years after completing a 32-year tenure as the spiritual leader at Tikvat Israel Congregation, Rabbi Howard D. Gorin is returning to the pulpit. The congregation of Temple Beth-El, based in North Bellmore, N.Y., hired Rabbi Gorin on June 27 to serve as the Conservative shul’s full-time rabbi. Temple Beth-El is located along the South - [Charity Donors at TI Enable $3,600 in Allocations to Non-Profit Causes](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/charity-donors-ti-enable-3600-allocations-non-profit-causes/) - Tikvat Israel’s total tzedakah collection came to $3,449.89 during the ’14 fiscal year. According to an annual report prepared by David Gantz, chair of the Tzedakah Havurah, the contributions from the following sources: $2,837.89 from morning and evening minyanim as well as individual donations and $612 from Purim canisters. The havurah allocated $3,568, leaving $187.77 in - [Copakens' Daughter Named Overseas Ambassador by Israeli Government](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/copakens-daughter-named-overseas-ambassador-israeli-government/) - Nina Ben-Ami, daughter of longtime TI members Marcelle and Robert Copaken, has been named Israel's ambassador to Uruguay. She assumed her post at the end of July in Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital city with 1.5 million residents, accompanied by her husband Lior and their three young daughters. Prior to her latest appointment, Nina served in Israel’s - [Packed Adult Education Lineup Sure to Satisfy All Interests in 2014-15](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/packed-adult-education-lineup-sure-satisfy-interests-2014-15/) - BY SALLY KRAM, CHAIR, TI ADULT EDUCATION COMMITTEE Who says learning ends after college? Join the Adult Education Committee this year for new and exciting programming aimed at expanding the mind and extending horizons. Whether it is Jewish history, Israeli culture or family celebrations, the Adult Education Committee has it all. Here is a taste - [A Very Special Place](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/a-very-special-place/) - Several people asked me if I would blog the Kol Nidre talk I gave last night. While I suspect it doesn't work quite as well on "paper" as from the bima, but I hope it will still be worthwhile. -- Jim H. Kol Nidre talk - Jim Hendler - Oct 1, 2006 I want to - [Seven to Join Synagogue's Board of Directors at Critical Stage](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/seven-join-synagogues-board-directors-critical-stage/) - Members of Tikvat Israel will be able to fill seven seats on the synagogue’s board of directors at a congregational meeting on Sunday, Jan. 19 in the sanctuary. The following seven members were nominated by the congregation in mid-December to serve terms beginning in January 2014: Michele Eisenberg, Jay P. Goldman, Melanie Grishman, Kelcey Klass, - [Five Congregants Perform at White House in Hanukkah Show](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/five-congregants-perform-white-house-hanukkah-show/) - Five members of Congregation Tikvat Israel recently paid a visit to the corridors of power when they were part of a performance Dec. 5 by the singing troupe Zemer Chai at the White House Hanukkah Festival. The TI choir members were Manny Helzner, Leesa Shem-Tov, Sarah Fishman, Jimmy Perlmutter and Janaki Kuruppu (left to right, - [TI Teen Studies Civil Rights During Southern Sojourn](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ti-teen-studies-civil-rights-southern-sojourn/) - Editor’s Note: Shayna Solomon, daughter of Nancy and Jonathan Solomon and a first-year student at Dickinson College, was an invited participant in the Faith and Politics Institute’s Civil Rights Pilgrimage in February. What follows are excerpts of her Shabbat morning presentation to the congregation about her experience. by Shayna Solomon “Exactly a week ago at - [Tikvat's Hoopsters Reach New Heights With Four Victories](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tikvats-hoopsters-reach-new-heights-four-victories/) - The Tikvat Israel men's basketball team had its best season in years by finishing the 2013 regular season with four wins and five losses, good enough for seventh place among the 10 teams in the Montgomery County Synagogue Basketball League. Player-Coach Warren Berger, who received an extension on his coaching contract because of the court - [Passover Hospitality at TI Means Matching Seder Hosts With Guests](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/passover-hospitality-ti-means-matching-seder-hosts-guests/) - "All who are hungry, let them come and eat" is not just something we read in the Haggadah once a year. It is said Abraham and Sarah placed such great importance on welcoming others that they kept the walls of their tents open so that they could see potential guests from a long way off and ran - [TI Basketball Jumps Out to Two Early Wins in Synagogue League](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ti-basketball-jumps-two-early-wins-synagogue-league/) - The Tikvat Israel men’s basketball team has opened the 2013 season with victories in two of its first three games in the Montgomery County Synagogue Basketball League. TI is playing a nine-game Sunday morning schedule against other shuls this winter. The team lost its opening game to B’nai Shalom, but then evened its record against - [TI Teen Selected for Leadership Role on USY's International Board](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ti-teen-selected-leadership-role-usys-international-board/) - Micah Cowan was selected by United Synagogue Youth’s International Executive Board to serve a one-year term on the international board as a member of the Religion/Education Committee. In this capacity, Micah will provide oversight to religious education programming and initiate projects in various USY chapters. He is the first Tikvat Israel teen to serve on - [Judaic arts gallery at T.I.](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/judaic-arts-gallery-at-t-i/) - The following was posted to our listserv by friend and fellow congregant Avrum Ashery. He has allowed me to post it here, for a broader audience: It is very important for our T.I members to know a little known fact and also something to be proud of. In the DC metro area our modest little - [Yom Kippur Traditions...](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/yom-kippur-traditions/) - Are you ready? Kol Nidre is tomorrow night, Tuesday, Sept 25. Atonement is at hand, and we have either spent a month-plus preparing ourselves, or the night is upon us, and we must spend the next 25 hours digging deep into our souls to look for T'shuva - return or repentance. but, on a lighter - [Amidst transition in these Days of Awe](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/amidst-transition-in-these-days-of-awe/) - If you're in the neighborhood right now (10am on Sunday, Sept 23), go help out with building the communal Sukkah! Our High Holiday services began last Monday and Tuesday with our usual warmth, beauty, and welcoming atmosphere. Our interim rabbi, David Abramson, led services in partnership with our wonderful Cantor Helzner and you might have - [Wonderful Shavuot celebrations...](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/wonderful-shavuot-celebrations/) - from one of our congregants: Our Shavuot celebrations were as always inspiring and enjoyable! But I particularly wanted to wish a yasher koach to Cantor Helzner, Bonnie Cowan and Sue Meiselman, Jeff Smith and others who gave of their time to make the holiday special. We very much enjoyed the Sunday night picnic on the - [ShacharBEAT!! A joyful celebration on Shabbat!](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/shacharbeat-a-joyful-celebration-on-shabbat/) - I admit I was skeptical - I had initially heard Cantor Helzner propose her "alternative" Shacharit service, to be accompanied by a percussionist, several months ago, and I wasn't an enthusiastic supporter. Don't get me wrong - I love to sing, and I love Cantor Helzner's willingness to introduce and challenge the congregation with new - [Sharing our success!!](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/sharing-our-success/) - These came through our listserv, following the fabulous book sale held at TI last Sunday: Chaverim, The book sale was a great success, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated volunteers! We sold more than 3,000 books, enhanced the Jewish libraries of our fellow congregants and the wider Jewish community, brought many new Jewish - [Gift of Life Bone Marrow Donation Drive - Sunday, June 26th](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/gift-of-life-bone-marrow-donation-drive-sunday-june-26th/) - This past shabbat, we had the pleasure not only of a lovely Bat Mitzvah celebration, but also, a guest speaker, Bill Begal, who spoke on the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation. He sent the following note to us, and you can find links to more information, Please come to be tested as a potential donor! - [Use of Facebook by Conservative Congregations](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/use-of-facebook-by-conservative-congregations/) - The following question came across the USCJ-SPIDER listserv, which is the listserv for webmasters of UCSJ member congregations: "I was wondering how many congregations have Facebook accounts. If you have one, is it run by the congregation or by the Rabbi? If run by the congregation, does a volunteer post and monitor information or is - [Moments of joy at the shul...](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/moments-of-joy-at-the-shul/) - I had the joy, on Monday, of sharing in two life-changing moments marked beautifully by the rituals of our tradition - for me, personally, these two events bracketed my day and elevated the day in the most lovely way! At 6:45am, the morning minyan, which often doesn't reach the required 10 in attendance to read - [New poll to ponder...](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/new-poll-to-ponder/) - Today, June 21, marked the Summer Solstice, and, as this longest day of the year comes to a close, I thought I would see what folks think of this day...share your thoughts (and share your ideas for new polls you'd like to see the opinions of your TI friends and fellow congregants) [poll id="24"] - [New Directory - love it!!](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/new-directory-love-it/) - we all got our new member directories a little while ago, and today is my first time using. Yasher koach to all who had a hand in putting it together!! The type is lovely, and very readable, and it just is a pleasure to use!! I know there was some griping initially about errors, and - [Passover is almost here!](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/passover-is-almost-here/) - Are you ready? Will you be ready? We've added a poll to see where you're focusing your energy in preparation for Pesach - and encourage your comments here. How are you getting ready, and what are you thoughts as this Passover gets closer. - ["Authentic" Judaism](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/authentic-judaism/) - From the "Forward" No one has a monopoly on defining who we are... ---- The Myth of Authenticity The Polymath By Jay Michaelson The Forward January 01, 2010. American Jews of a certain class and culture have the scene engraved in their memories: Woody Allen’s Alvy Singer in “Annie Hall” at Annie’s goyish parents’ house, - [It takes a "village"](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/it-takes-a-“village”/) - It is often said that the most important thing in a Synagogue is its members, and while that is true, it's not quite the whole truth. The most important thing in a Synagogue is the "social network" that its members create. The people who are members of our congregation, and those who will join us - [Why Did Rachel Steal Laban's Household Idols?](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/why-did-rachel-steal-labans-household-idols/) - As always, Mary Meyerson led us in an interesting discussion of the Torah portion today that made me want to know more. One of the questions that produced a lot of discussion was why Rachel stole her father's household idols. Like a college student going away from home for the first time, she might have - [L'Shanah Tovah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/lshanah-tovah/) - Rosh HaShanah is just a few hours away, and I, for one, am having trouble concentrating on work. I'm succumbing to the call of Facebook, and following my TI friends and others wishing each other a sweet New Year, full of blessings and goodness. It feels particularly wonderful, this year, to celebrate Rosh HaShanah on - [New blog launched by our friend](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/new-blog-launched-by-our-friend/) - Arlene Berger, long-time friend and fellow congregant, has, for the last three years, been studying at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia. You can find her new blog, "The Intinerant Rabbi(t)", here: http://theitinerantrabbit.blogspot.com/ We have links to blogs written by several TI members, and friends - you'll find the links on the main blog page, - [Why Are We not Told to Love or Honor Our Children?](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/why-are-we-not-told-to-love-or-honor-our-children/) - In our Torah study group last weekend, led by Mary Meyerson, a very inspiring teacher, we discussed, among other things, what the distinction is between loving and honoring. We are told to love God and to honor our parents. However, we are not told to love them or to honor God. Another question that occurred - [Tuv Ha'Aretz - the goodness of the land](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tuz-haaretz-the-goodness-of-the-land/) - This past shabbat, we enjoyed a bountiful luncheon prepared by volunteer members of TI's community-supported agriculture (CSA) cooperative, called Tuv Ha'Aretz. Preparation was done under the expert direction of our own wonderful Roz Kram. The menu included grilled veggies, vegetarian chili, tabouli, salad, cormn bread, fruit salad, and much more! Our CSA includes members who - [TI's Online Life #2](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tis-online-life-2/) - Sam Freedenberg, in his comment on my last posting, mentioned that people prefer the Listserv to using the blog because it's easier to have messages land in the inbox. BUT-we have a fix for that now! I have recently implemented a subscription function on the blog. You'll find it near the login function on the - [A guide to TI's online life](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/a-guide-to-tis-online-life/) - As more of us spend more of our time in front of our computers, using Google to find answers to the widest variety of questions, we struggle at times, to find the most useful online tools to communicate effectively. At Tikvat Israel, we are in good company, struggling to figure out how to meet the - [Membership Retention: Everyone's Responsibility](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/membership-retention-everyones-responsibility/) - If you go by just the numbers, the Conservative Jewish movement in the U.S. is in trouble demographically. The National Jewish Population Survey 2000-2001 found that the number of Jewish households affiliated with a Conservative synagogue had dropped from 43 to 33 percent from 1990 to 2000, while Reform affiliations grew from 35 to 39 - [We're 2:2 for Monday Minyans since last monday!](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/were-22-for-monday-minyans-since-last-monday/) - We had more than a minyan, two weeks running, and I understand that all the minyanim were fully attended last week! Let's keep it going! I'm adding a poll about minyan attendance - share your vote! - [Too quiet around here...](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/too-quiet-around-here/) - But it definitely hasn't been quiet around Tikvat Israel - so many things going on!!!  Right now, we have Purim coming up, so I've added a poll to vote for your favorite Purim story character!! Vote early, vote often!! I am hopeful that this blog will get more active soon...watch this space!!  And, I'll - [Why do you keep kosher? (or not?)](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/why-do-you-keep-kosher-or-not/) - Here's a question from one of our members, for you to ponder, and, I hope, respond to: Did you grow up in a kosher household? If you did and are still keeping kosher, what made you continue to do so? If you didn't grow up keeping kosher, but do now, what are the top 3 - [The "Truth" of the Exodus](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/the-truth-of-the-exodus/) - On the second day of Pesach, Rabbi Gorin challenged us to consider David Wolpe's commentary on the historical truth of the Exodus story (click here to read Rabbi Wolpe's essay at Beliefnet.com). We had a pretty lively discussion with representative opinions across the spectrum from "Yes, the Exodus happened exactly as it says in the - [Jewish Literacy 101](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/jewish-literacy-101-2/) - Our newest Adult Education discussion series, Jewish Literacy 101, kicked off last week with Rabbi Moshe Faierstein giving an overview of Jewish Mysticism, from Mercavah mysticism through Lurianic Kabbalah. He will continue this discussion later this spring by continuing to follow the history of mystical practice in Judaism with the Chassidic movement. Please note that - [Shabbat at Congregation Temple Beth'El](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/shabbat-at-congregation-temple-bethel/) - Shabbat at Congregation Temple Beth'El was a fascinating and exciting experience. Their rabbi and congregation welcomed us eagerly into their sanctuary, their homes and their hearts. The services were a fascinating meld of African American culture and Jewish liturgy. Any regular at Tikvat Israel would have no difficulty recognizing the services, which followed the typical - [Trip down memory lane...](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/trip-down-memory-lane/) - (was "A blast from the past!")A current member submitted the following photo: Tell us - can you identify yourself here (right-click and select "View Image" to get a closer look)?Do you have a story about this TI (this is from the pre-merger era, so, this Beth Tikvah) event? Do you have other photos in your - [Kol Nidre Appeal 2007/5768](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/kol-nidre-appeal-20075768/) - Shabbat Shalom and L’shanah Tovah. Many of us are familiar with the PBS television series, Masterpiece Theater, and some remember Alistair Cooke, who through 22 years of hosting it became synonymous with the series. Upon Mr. Cooke’s retirement, the Pulitzer Prize winning author and NY Times columnist Russell Baker was asked to be the new - [Good bye- already?](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/good-bye-already/) - To help Janaki in her effort to get people blogging, let me, no longer as President show how easy this is -- and note that blog entries don't need to be long or complex - for example this one: A lot of people have been starting to squint at me a bit funny on Shabbats - [Vote for your favorite female Jewish Comedian!](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/vote-for-you-favorite-female-jewish-comedian/) - We had the male comedian poll up for a week longer than I'd planned, due to a very busy work week on my part. I have now uploaded the women. Let the voting begin! Many folks requested that Lily Tomlin be included in this poll - but, as far as I can tell, Lily is - [Personal Exodus](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/personal-exodus/) - Last week my youngest son became Bar Mitzvah. He read from Torah for the first time as an adult. Last week was a very difficult week for my family, but now that it’s over I have some time to reflect on it. Passover is upon us and due to a mere coincidence we left Ukraine - [Jayme's December/January Bulletin Article](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/jaymes-decemberjanuary-bulletin-article/) - Arnold M. Eisen, a former Professor of Religious Studies at Stanford University, is the new Chancellor-elect of the Jewish Theological Seminary. What kind of person is Dr. Eisen, and what is his vision for United Synagogue of Conservatism Judaism? I decided to begin answering these questions in two ways. First, I read his best known - [Tikvat Israel's First Torah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tikvat-israels-first-torah/) - Several people asked if I would put my AUgust bulletin article on line - here it is, and please, I welcome comments - JH Our Congregation's First Torah Fellow Congregants, In one of my earlier letters, I pointed out that a major part of what makes Tikvat Israel such a wonderful place is the community - [Wow, too much fun!](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/wow-too-much-fun/) - I've realized the most difficult thing about having a Presidents' blog, which is that so much happens at TI it is impossible to keep up and to acknowledge everything that needs acknowledging. One wonderful thing for me is that the Tikvat Israel Web Site crew are keeping the news coming fast enough that if I - [Sore, but proud](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/sore-but-proud/) - Congregants,As I write these words, I am sore and aching. I spent hours this morning lifting and pushing boxes full of books, computers and housewares into a big truck. Strangely, though, I truly enjoyed it, and came away more happy than before of having agreed to be co-President. This was one of those “Tikvat Israel” - [Blogging for the synagogue](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/blogging-for-the-synagogue/) - Formal communications, Bulletin articles, and the Web site are fine and good, but sometimes I have things to share that don’t need that formality, or where I want to share something earlier (like my bulletin columns before they get published, thank yous to various peoples, or especially things where I invite you to talk back - [Support our cantor](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/support-our-cantor/) - Dear Congregants- One of the reasons our Synagogue is such a special place is our wonderful Rabbi and Cantor. We’ll be looking for an appropriate opprtunity to congratulate Rabbi Gorin on his remarkable work in Nigeria, and his new role as Cover Model for the United Synagogue Review at some other time, but right now - [President’s Report March 2006 Board Meeting (from Jayme)](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/president’s-report-march-2006-board-meeting-from-jayme/) - On Sunday, March 19, 2006, I attended a meeting of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Seaboard Region presidents. Jo-Anne Tucker-Zemlak, the Interim Executive Director of the Seaboard Region, is well aware of our synagogue’s flourishing Hazak chapter and lauded Sara Harris for her work. Thank you Sarah for all that you’re doing. We discussed a - [Kadima kneads for dough](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/kadima-kneads-for-dough/) - On my way back from a meeting with Jayme and Susan Newman, I stopped in the social hall and ended up, several hours later, with my hands full of flour, cherry filling, chocolate and cookie dough. A number of our Kadimaniks and others were making hamentashen for our Purim celebration and carnival. Between rolling, filling, ## Pages - [Home](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/) - Tikvat Israel Congregation's mission is to Engage, Embrace, Inspire, and Empower our Jewish community. - [Holidays](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/spiritual-life/holidays/) - The annual cycle of Jewish holidays is a central part of life at Tikvat Israel. For the latest information on this year’s celebrations, please visit our Recent News page. For more general information, click below. All holidays begin at sundown. A brief overview of special observances and customs, and any special Torah readings, is also - [Clergy & Staff](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/welcome/clergy-and-staff/) - Rabbi Marc Israel Since June 2019, Marc Israel has been the rabbi of Tikvat Israel in Rockville, MD. He previously served as associate rabbi at Temple Beth Hillel–Beth El (Wynnewood, PA) and as educator at Ohr Kodesh Congregation (Chevy Chase, MD). Based on the Torah’s dictate to love your neighbor as yourself, Rabbi Israel - [Tikvat Israel Bulletin](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/happenings/bulletins/) - Read the Tikvat Israel Bulletin online! Click on the links to the right to download the PDF file for the issue you want to read. The files are large, so downloads may take some time, depending on your connection speed.(If you get a message that the file can’t be opened because it’s damaged, you might find - [Tisha B'Av](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tisha-bav/) - Tisha B’Av Sundown Wednesday, July 22, 2026 through Thursday, July 23, 2026. The 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av is a fast day that commemorates the destruction of the 1st Temple in 586 BCE, the 2nd Temple in 70 CE, and is also associated with the beginning of the Spanish Inquisition in 1492 and - [Netivot Religious School](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/learning/netivot-religious-school/) - Welcome! Tikvat Israel’s religious school, called Netivot, Hebrew for Pathways, aims to develop a community of children and families with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to be active members of the Jewish community. Our outstanding faculty consists of our director, Cantor Hinda Labovitz, and experienced certified teachers who have the education and passion for helping - [Connect With Us](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/happenings/connect-with-us/) - If your objective is to stay fully informed about all things Tikvat Israel, you’ll want to take advantage of the various information sources that staff and volunteers produce for members of the congregation.In addition to the bimonthly Tikvat Israel Bulletin, which remains the most comprehensive source of news and human interest stories about congregants and - [Celebrations and Events](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/simchas/) - Are you planning an upcoming event such as a wedding, bar/bat mitzvah or other event? If so, Tikvat Israel offers several locations within our building to accommodate your needs. Social Hall: With a capacity of about 200 people seated at round tables, our 5400 square feet of unobstructed space is a perfect location for either - [Live Streaming](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/spiritual-life/live-streaming/) - Online Services at Tikvat Israel: We welcome you to participate in-person or via livestreaming for Kabbalat Shabbat services each Friday at 6 pm (6:30 pm from June – August) and Shabbat mornings at 9:45 am. All services will be held in the Sanctuary, except when noted otherwise. For weekday minyans, we meet in our Chapel - [About Us](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/welcome/about-us/) - Tikvat Israel is a friendly, participatory, inclusive, and egalitarian Conservative synagogue in Rockville, Maryland, affiliated with The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Mission Tikvat Israel Congregation's mission is to engage, embrace, inspire, and empower our Jewish community. Vision Tikvat Israel Congregation is a multigenerational Jewish hub that encourages spiritual exploration and personal growth, and is - [When a Death Occurs](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/spiritual-life/life-cycle/bereavement/) - What to do when there is a death in your family Notify the synagogue at (301) 762-7338 and ask to speak to the Rabbi (ext. 115) or Executive Director (ext. 111). When a death occurs outside of regular office hours, please call the rabbi’s cell phone (202) 669-6854. Please note that if the death occurs - [SEA Change](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/get-involved/sea-change/) - Tikvat Israel is a member congregation of the SEA Change DMV Network. Click here to learn more. SEA Change = Study, Engage, Act, Change• Studying to learn more about the history, context & complexities of the inequities and social justice challenges we face,• Engaging to build relationships with congregants, other synagogues and community partners that include - [Ways to Get Involved](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/get-involved/ways-to-get-involved/) - In addition to providing many opportunities for prayer and study, Tikvat Israel offers a variety of ways to connect with other members of the community for fun, friendship and Tzedakah. One of Tikvat Israel's many strengths is the desire of our members to become involved in synagogue life. We are fortunate in being able to - [Israel Affairs](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/israel-affairs/) - NO OTHER LAND The Israeli Affairs Committee is hosting a showing of the 2024 Oscar winner for Best Documentary, “No Other Land” on March 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM. “No Other Land” depicts a friendship between two of the film’s directors--Yuval Avraham, an Israeli of Ashkenazi and Mizrahi descent, and Basel Adra, a Palestinian film - [Torah Club](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/learning/torah-club/) - Torah Club is on hiatus at the moment, due to a lack of students in the target age range, but we anticipate reactivating the club when some of our younger members grow up a little!! Under the direction of Elliot Cowan, students in grades four and up learn Torah trope with the goal of becoming - [Shabbat Services](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/spiritual-life/shabbat-services/) - Our Shabbat and Holiday Services are filled with holiness, spirit, warmth, and singing.We are fully egalitarian regarding gender and sexual orientation – we encourage everyone to participate equally. Our members often lead services, read Torah and Haftara, chant Megillah, and give Divrei Torah. We encourage and seek to provide opportunities for all who are interested - [Havurah Programs](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/get-involved/havurah-program/) - Joining a havurah (friendship group) is a great way to get to know other members of the congregation. Havurot have flourished at Tikvat Israel for many years, resulting in many lifelong friendships.The original havurah idea was developed by Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, founder of the Reconstructionist Movement. His concept was to get small Jewish groups to come - [Men's Club](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/get-involved/mens-club/) - Tikvat Israel Men’s Club The Men’s Club is a vibrant, welcoming community within our Conservative synagogue, dedicated to strengthening Jewish life through service, entertainment, and learning. Rooted in the values of tradition, camaraderie, and communal responsibility, the Men’s Club brings together men of all ages to deepen their connection to Judaism and to one another. - [Weekday Minyanim](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/spiritual-life/weekday-minyanim/) - All weekday services now meet in-person in our Chapel* and via Zoom, unless otherwise noted.For information on how access services online, please click here.The weekday minyan at TI uses Sim Shalom for Weekdays (the maroon prayerbook). If you are using Siddur Sim Shalom for Shabbat, Festivals and Weekdays (the blue/gray or small paperback prayerbook), download a one-page guide for - [Teen Group](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/get-involved/youth-programs/) - TI Teens group provides an opportunity for Jewish youth to create lasting friendships, build strong connections to the Tikvat Israel community, enjoy social time together and participate in service learning and tikkun olam (“repairing and improving the world activities throughout the year.”) Teens who participate in youth group programming develop leadership skills and strong Jewish - [2026 Annual Concert featuring SIX13](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/2026-concert/) - Featuring Six13 a cappella group in concert on Sunday, May 31, 2026. information about ticket and sponsorship opportunities is below:Six13 is a groundbreaking, six-man a cappella vocal band that is bringing an unprecedented style and energy to Jewish music, with nothing but the power of the human voice. Juxtaposing the traditional and the contemporary, Six13 is - [Full Calendar](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/happenings/full-calendar/) - [TI Millennials](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/get-involved/ti-millennials/) - [Am Yisrael Chai](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/am-yisrael-chai-2/) - Israeli Affairs | Tikvat Israel Congregation – Conservative Synagogue in Rockville, MDTikvat Israel Congregation - [Catering Partners](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/simchas/catering-partners/) - There are a number of excellent Kosher caterers serving our community. Each can provide a wide range of choices to assure that your event is memorable and affordable. Following is a list of Kosher caterers who are familiar with Tikvat Israel's facilities: Signature Caterers Contact: Justin Dekelbaum Phone: 240-290-0032 Email: catering@theshalomgroup.com Web: www.signaturecaterers.com Medina Cuisine - [Membership](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/welcome/membership/) - Become a Member of Our CommunityWelcome to Tikvat Israel Congregation where our mission is to “engage, embrace, inspire, and empower our Jewish community.” We are a multigenerational, diverse, egalitarian congregation affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Benefits of Membership? Complimentary High Holiday tickets and discounted tickets for - [Leadership](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/welcome/leadership/) - Tikvat Israel is governed by a board of directors consisting of 13 directors and 7 officers elected by the congregation at an annual meeting each June. The officer positions are:PresidentThree vice presidentsTreasurerFinancial secretaryRecording secretaryAll are elected for two-year terms of service.The board of directors generally meets once a month to oversee synagogue policies and practices. - [Committees](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/get-involved/committees/) - Adult Education Purpose: This committee plans educational courses, workshops, lectures, and other learning opportunities for our community. The courses are generally 3-6 sessions in length. The longer courses may be designed for members who are unfamiliar with traditional services and customs, or for members who are well educated and comfortable with Conservative Judaism. Single-day workshops - [A Time to Sing](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/concert2025/) - What an amazing concert we all enjoyed on May 18th! A truly uplifty celebration of our beloved Cantor Rochelle Helzner! Cantor Helzner has inspired us with her voice, enriched our Jewish lives with her warmth and grace on Shabbat and holidays, and has been a source of strength during our sorrows and simchas. As she - [About the Performers](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/concert2025/about-the-performers/) - Return to A Time to Sing Joey Weisenberg Joey Weisenberg is the founder and director of Hadar's Rising Song Institute, and is the author of Building Singing Communities and The Torah of Music, winner of a 2017 National Jewish Book Award. A devoted student and teacher of traditional Jewish melodies, Joey's courses in Jewish song - [Sponsorships](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/concert2025/sponsorships/) - The cantor’s concert serves as a major source of revenue for Tikvat Israel. We encourage you to honor Cantor Helzner’s legacy by becoming a concert sponsor and supporting the financial well-being of our congregation. There are opportunities for sponsorships at multiple levels, including a new Concert Patron tier. If you cannot attend the concert, but - [Education Opportunities](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/learning/education-opportunities/) - Tikvat Israel honors the Jewish tradition of lifelong learning by providing education opportunities for our members and community at all ages. Early Childhood Center - Provides preschool education in a high-quality, safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment. Netivot - Netivot is a religious school program held on Sunday mornings at Tikvat Israel Congregation in Rockville, Maryland. Students engage in - [Sponsor A Kiddush](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/donate/sponsor-a-kiddush/) - Thank you for your interest in sponsoring a kiddush at Tikvat Israel. Whether you are celebrating a simcha or commemorating the yahrzeit of a relative we appreciate the opportunity to join in your kiddush. Please note that all sponsors are welcome including multiple sponsors for the same kiddush. If you are interested in sponsoring a Kiddush at Tikvat Israel, - [Minyan Attendance Form](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/spiritual-life/weekday-minyanim/minyan-attendance-form/) - [Our History](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/welcome/our-history/) - Tikvat Israel, which means Hope of Israel, was formed in 1997 through the merger of Temple Israel of Silver Spring with Beth Tikva of Rockville. Temple Israel was founded in 1951, Beth Tikva in 1959. We are now housed in an expanded building on the original grounds of Beth Tikva. Today, with 280 member families, - [Flax Library Catalog](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/learning/flax-library-catalog/) - View the collection of books now available at the Herman J. Flax Library, including fiction, non-fiction, short stories, and biographies. From here, you can reserve the books you want and pick them up at your convenience. Click here to visit the library catalog. - [Upcoming Events](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/happenings/upcoming-events/) - Click below to see the latest upcoming events: What's Happening | Tikvat Israel CongregationTikvat Israel Congregation - [Trio Sefardi Concert: June 9](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/trio-sefardi-concert-june-9/) - Please Join Us in Honoring Our Past-President Warren Berger, at a Concert Featuring Trio Sefardi Tikvat Israel’s annual concert on Sunday, June 9, 2024, will feature the renowned Trio Sefardi and willhonor our past-president Warren Berger for his many years of service to our congregation.During his terms as co-president and president of Tikvat Israel, Warren - [Early Childhood Center](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/learning/early-childhood-center/) - Facebook Instagram Envelope Phone - [Weddings](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/spiritual-life/life-cycle/weddings/) - “Mitzvah Gedola lihiyot b’simcha tamid – it is a great Mitzvah to be filled with joy continually.”Mazel Tov on your upcoming simchah! This is a most exciting time for you, your family, and indeed for the Jewish community. Finding a life partner is not easy – in fact, our tradition teaches that following the creation - [Spiritual Life at Tikvat Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/spiritual-life/about-our-services/) - Our services are filled with holiness, spirit, warmth and singing. Everyone is welcome.Our community is fully egalitarian regarding gender and sexual orientation – we encourage everyone to participate equally and respect how each person prefers to idenitfy. We are committed to creating a community that values and includes all our members regardless of physical and/or - [Adult Education](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/learning/adult-education/) - The Tikvat Israel adult education program includes educational courses, lectures and movie screenings designed to enrich the cultural and spiritual lives of our congregants. Programs focus on many aspects of Jewish life. All programs are announced in the Bulletin, B'kesher, and our on-line forums. If you have ideas and energy, we’d love to have you on - [Calendar Submission Form](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/calendar-submission-form/) - Click here to submit an activity or event to be included in the calendar. - [Women's Network](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/get-involved/womens-network/) - Tikvat Israel’s Women’s Network, also known as its Sisterhood, is a vibrant and dynamic organization, serving the synagogue in a myriad of ways. As a chapter of the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism (WLCJ), Women’s Network is dedicated to engaging, enriching and empowering Jewish women; supporting them in mutual efforts to understand and perpetuate Conservative/Masorti - [Tour Our Synagogue](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/welcome/tour-our-synagogue/) - The Place Where We Gather for Worship, Learning and CommunityOur synagogue was built in 1964, and is located on Baltimore Road in Rockville, Md., next to Rockville High School and within a short walk of Rock Creek Park.A path from the synagogue adjacent to the woods allows us a scenic walk to running water for Tashlich. - [Make a Donation](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/donate/make-a-donation/) - Making a contribution is a wonderful way to honor a loved one’s memory or acknowledge a special occasion. Our synagogue is sustained by voluntary gifts and donations; your support allows us to provide more for our community by providing us with the resources to continue to meet your expectations, as well as those of the Tikvat Israel community. - [Life Cycle](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/spiritual-life/life-cycle/) - Click the links below for more information. When a Child Is Born B’nai Mitzvah Weddings Bereavement When to Call the Office Notify the office of life cycle events (births, marriages, deaths, serious illness or hospitalization) Let us know of any Jewish newcomers to your neighborhood or circle of friends who may be interested in joining - [Eruv](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/spiritual-life/eruv/) - In partnership with Kehilat Pardes in Aspen Hill, Tikvat Israel works to maintain an Eruv around the community with the help of volunteers. The Eruv is under the supervision of Rabbi Uri Topolosky, as advised by Rabbi Yaakov Love, a Dayan in Passaic, NJ. The Eruv is checked every week. Eruv Status: You can assume - [Learning](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/learning/) - [Donate](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/donate/) - [Parasha Partners](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/learning/parasha-partners/) - Connecting Our Community One Generation to the Next Parasha Partners is the name we have given our new initiative to connect members of the Tikvat Israel community through their common Bar/Bat Mitzvah portion. We hope to identify and connect, across generations, those who celebrated the same Torah parasha, whether this year, the recent past, or - [Happenings](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/happenings/) - [Spiritual Life](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/spiritual-life/) - [B'nai Mitzvah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/spiritual-life/life-cycle/bnai-mitzvah/) - Celebrating B'nai Mitzvah at Tikvat Israel The b'nai mitzvah ceremony celebrates a child's coming of age in Jewish law, meaning that one takes on the responsibilities and enjoys the privileges that come with being a Jewish adult. Traditionally, the age was tied to the onset of puberty, but was later standardized to 12+1 day for - [When a Child Is Born](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/spiritual-life/life-cycle/child-born/) - Prior to the birth of a child, ask the Rabbi for assistance in selecting a Hebrew name. Advise the office of time and place of birth and, if a boy, the time and place of the brit milah (bris). Arrangements can be made to hold the brit in the synagogue. A boy is named at - [Music](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/spiritual-life/music/) - There are many programs that fulfill the musical, educational and spiritual needs of the community. Cantor Helzner is devoted to continued learning and sharing of both traditional and contemporary Jewish music. She believes in the spiritual power of music and its ability to build community. Members of the congregation welcome the opportunity to expand their musical - [Get Involved](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/get-involved/) - [Welcome](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/welcome/) - [Contact Us](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/welcome/contact-us/) - Tikvat Israel Congregation2200 Baltimore Rd.Rockville, MD 20851Phone: 301-762-7338Fax: 301-424-4399E-mail: office@tikvatisrael.orgWebmaster: webmaster@tikvatisrael.org Early Childhood CenterPhone: 301-251-0455E-mail: TikvatisraelECC@gmail.comAdditional Resources:Inclement weather informationWeatherline at 301-762-7338, ext. 360 DirectionsTikvat Israel is located on Baltimore Road in Rockville, Md., between Twinbrook Parkway and Route 28 and next to Rockville High School. Overflow parking is available at the high school (and usually - [Kristallnacht](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/kristallnacht/) - Kristallnacht or The Night of Broken Glass was a massive, coordinated attack on Jews throughout the German Reich. It started on the night of November 9, 1938, and continued into the next day. Unfortunately, many, many Jews were not able to escape to impending Nazi terror and died during the Shoah. For many, Kristallnacht signaled - [Rabbi Marc D. Israel's 5781 High Holiday Sermons](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/rabbi-marc-d-israels-5781-high-holiday-sermons/) - Rosh Hashana 5781 Day 1 -Defining Community Rosh Hashana 5781 Day 2 - Judging Others Favorably Kol Nidre 5781 - Broken Promises Yom Kippur 5781 - Why Black Lives Matter Matters Yizkor Yom Kippur 5781 - [Photo Gallery](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/6622-2/) - [Thanks for your donation](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/thanks-for-your-donation/) - Thank you for your generous donation to our congregation! We are most grateful for your support. You will receive a notification of your donation by e-mail to the address that you specified on Paypal. If you have any questions or comments about our online donation process, please call the office at 301-762-7338. - [Holocaust Story by Emmie Vida](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/holocaust-story-emmie-vida/) - Once upon a time there was a Torah . . . It was a beautiful, proud Torah, one of nine such scrolls. They all had their proper places in a dark mahogany ark. Our Torah had been donated by a pious old woman and was written on the finest parchment in big clear letters, and ## Categories - [New Posts](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/uncategorized/) - The default category for new posts – blog entries without a category selected will show up here. - [TI President's Blog](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ti-presidents-blog/) - [Synagogue Affairs](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/synagogue-affairs/) - [Conservative Judaism](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/conservative-judaism/) - [Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/israel/) - Anything about Israel, including politics, geography, history, tourism, and the Masorti movement. - [Religious Study](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/torah-talmud-all-threads-religious/) - [Fun Stuff](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/fun-stuff/) - [Holidays](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/holidays-2/) - [News](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/news-2/) - [Sermons](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/sermons/) - Sermons or Divrei of note - [Youth & Families](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/religious-schoolyouth/) - [Women's Network](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/womens-network/) - [What's Happening](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/whats-happening/) - [Community Activities](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/community-activities/) - [Men's Club](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/mens-club/) - [SEA Change](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/sea-change/) ## Tags - [hanukah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/hanukah/) - [chanukah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/chanukah/) - [candles](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/candles/) - [winter](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/winter/) - [torah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/torah/) - [talmud](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/talmud/) - [Rabbi Gorin](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/rabbi-gorin/) - [study](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/study/) - [observance](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/observance/) - [Yom Kippur](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/yom-kippur/) - [travel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/travel/) - [moon](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/moon/) - [High Holidays](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/high-holidays/) - 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[CSA](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/csa/) - [Adult Bat Mitzvah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/adult-bat-mitzvah/) - [Festival](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/festival/) - [Holiday](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/holiday/) - [Facebook](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/facebook/) - [email](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/email/) - [art](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/art/) - [identity](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/identity/) - [Families](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/families/) - [Rosh HaShanah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/rosh-hashanah/) - [Conservative Judaism](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/conservative-judaism/) - [Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/israel/) - [neshama](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/neshama/) - [carlebach](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/carlebach/) - [cantor's concert](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/cantors-concert/) - [sukkot](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/sukkot/) - [simchat torah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/simchat-torah/) - [shemini atzeret](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/shemini-atzeret/) - [ScholarStream](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/scholarstream/) - [survey](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/survey/) - [coffee](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/coffee/) - [membership](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/membership/) - [new member](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/new-member/) - [capital campaign](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/capital-campaign/) - [program](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/program/) - [chanukkah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/chanukkah/) - [volunteer](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/volunteer/) - [veteran](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/veteran/) - [womens network](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/womens-network/) - [bat mitzvah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/bat-mitzvah/) - [kiddush](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/kiddush/) - [focus](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/focus/) - [tzedakah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/tzedakah/) - [havurah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/havurah/) - [film](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/film/) - [havdalah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/havdalah/) - [ecc](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/ecc/) - [purim](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/purim/) - [hamentaschen](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/hamentaschen/) - [Israel Trip](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/israel-trip/) - [jewish art](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/jewish-art/) - [seder](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/seder/) - [family](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/family/) - [matzah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/matzah/) - [rosh chodesh](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/rosh-chodesh/) - [shavuot](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/shavuot/) - [religious practices](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/religious-practices/) - [board](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/board/) - [election](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/election/) - [president](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/president/) - [netivot](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/netivot/) - [Islam](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/islam/) - [omer-project-2016](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/omer-project-2016/) - [#jfgwontheground](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/jfgwontheground/) - [#bringthemhome](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/bringthemhome/) - [israelmission](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/tag/israelmission/) ## Picture tag - [Atarah](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ngg_tag/atarah/) - [Tallisl Tallitot](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ngg_tag/tallisl-tallitot/) - [Tallit](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ngg_tag/tallit/) - [Tikvat Israel](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ngg_tag/tikvat-israel/) - [Shull](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ngg_tag/shull/) - [tallis](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ngg_tag/tallis/) - [tallitot](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ngg_tag/tallitot/) - [051825](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ngg_tag/051825/) - [A Time to Sing](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ngg_tag/a-time-to-sing/) - [Concert](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ngg_tag/concert/) - [Joey Weisenberg](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ngg_tag/joey-weisenberg/) - [R Helzner](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ngg_tag/r-helzner/) - [Rising Song Ensemble](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ngg_tag/rising-song-ensemble/) - [Rochelle Helzner](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ngg_tag/rochelle-helzner/) - [TI](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ngg_tag/ti/) - [retirement](https://www.tikvatisrael.org/ngg_tag/retirement/)