Download pdf - Winter 2015/5775

It will probably be after the Festival of Hanukah by the time

you get this newsletter. Hanukah’s message however, is eternal. The festival commemorates the victory of the “ few against the

many, the weak against the strong, righteousness over evil, the spirit over physical might.” Greek influence had spread throughout

the land. Israel’s religion and culture would have disappeared just like those of the many nations that had come under Hellenistic rule.

The Hasmoneans were able to turn the tide and Judaism is here today, thanks to their courage and spiritual strength. Hanukah is always celebrated during the darkest days of

the year, when the days are the shortest. We light the Menorah and keep increasing its brightness from day to day to chase the darkness around us.

We could use the miracles of Hanukah again and the world could use some enlightenment.

Israel, one of the smallest countries in the world, is surrounded by enemies who wish her harm. Unable to win on the many battlefields, her enemies are

conducting a media war, recruiting other nations to place boycotts and sanctions against Israel and to even question Israel’s legitimacy among the family of nations.

The few will prevail against the many. The spirit of our people will prevail. The Hasmoneans were able to stop the Hellenization of Israel and the return

to Jewish practices. Can the trend of assimilation to the general community be stopped or at least be reduced to insure the future viability of the Jewish community.

The Europeans and the United Nations are transfixed on Israel and only on Israel. When they could and should be raising their voices and doing something against

the horrific and barbarian kidnappings and killings of children and innocent lives by Islamic militants. Most of these terrible massacres are committed by Muslims against Muslims. G-d Forbid, if Israel was ever at their mercy.

The European Court of Justice does not believe that Hamas is a terrorist organization—supposedly not enough evidence. How dark has Europe become, when

it comes to Israel’s struggle against an enemy that uses women and children as human shields? Can Israel ever allow the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on

her border, without guarantees that the new state will not be like Gaza? As long as the Palestinians continue to teach their children to hate Jews and swear Jihad against

Jews, these will not be the neighbors you want to trust.

The world could use some light. Happy Hanukah! Avram Ettedgui, Rabbi

Dear Members and Friends of Sharei Chesed,

Winter 2015

BOARD MEMBERS Rabbi Avraham Ettedgui Co-Presidents Bernie Miller

Terry Schwartz Treasurer Gregory Gittsovich Secretary Jacob Mars Immediate Past

President Sol Awend Board Members

Berek Awend Madalyn Braufman Jerry Berkowitz Bruce Cohen Dr. Martha Cohen Roz Ettedgui Dr. David Feldshon Nina Furman Aaron Geller Boris Gerber Dmitry Gringauz Judith Ingber Gail Kenton Leo Kudishevich Francelyne Lurie Jack Moskowitz Cindy Neff Gail Nord Dr. Sheldon Pinsky Irving Smith Anya Solodkina Corrine Toretsky Richard Woldorsky Shelly Zien

Page 2 Winter 2015

MESSAGE FROM THE CO-PRESIDENTS

Shalom Aleichem, everyone!!

Our year has gotten off to a great start. High Holy Days services were very well attended, and

people responded with tremendous generosity to our annual Yom Kippur appeal. Our thanks to

Cantor Mitchell Kowitz for doing a wonderful job in leading this year’s services.

We also held our first Kabbalat Shabbat of the year in November. Our thanks to our friend Niza

Schear for graciously making herself available as our guest speaker and talking about her book, “My

Pixie Dixie”. Our next Kabbalat Shabbat is scheduled for Friday night January 16th, and we hope you

will attend.

We were successful in repairing our roof before the cold weather hit. The water damage we

observed in certain areas of the building has been stopped, and we can be more confident in our

synagogue’s long-term physical integrity.

Speaking of securing the future, Sharei Chesed now offers religious school education. Our first year

got started this past September, and both teacher and students are thrilled to be a part of it. If you

are interested in enrolling your children, be sure to contact Rabbi Ettedgui for more information.

The story of Hanukkah is not mentioned anywhere in the Hebrew Bible (1st and 2nd Maccabees are

part of what is known as the ‘Apocrypha’ – those books outside of the official canon). Nonetheless,

it is without a doubt one of the most beloved holidays in the Jewish calendar. We thought it might

be nice, therefore, to share some fun facts about this holiday, courtesy of the website

‘israel21c.org’ ):

Each and every box of Hanukkah candles you buy should have at least 44 candles in

it. That’s enough for all 8 days. If you get extra in your box, consider it a bonus!!

Forget about dieting during Hanukkah (I suppose during any other Jewish holiday, for that

matter):

One potato latke – 150 calories

One sufganiya (deep-fried jelly doughnut) – 400-600 calories

Those ubiquitous chocolate coins – 220 calories apiece

The word ‘dreidel’ comes from the Yiddish word ‘drei’ (turn or spin).

We don’t light the menorah for Hanukkah – we light the ‘hanukkiyah’. The former has 7

branches, while the latter has 9.

Page 3 Winter 2015

Maimonides wrote that the mitzvah of lighting the hanukkiyah is even more important than

buying wine for Shabbat (Laws of Hanukkah, 4:13)

The first time Hanukkah was celebrated in the White House was in 1951. President Harry

Truman received a hanukkiyah as a gift from then-Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion and Israeli

Ambassador to the United States Abba Eban.

However you and yours celebrate Hanukkah, we hope that it’s a joyous celebration. And, if you’re

in need of a hanukkiyah, candles, cards, or anything else for the holiday, Sharei Chesed is operating

a gift shop during this time. Come by any Sunday morning, or call the office and let us know when

you can come over.

B’Shalom,

Bernie Miller and Terry Schwartz

Direct link to Hanukkah information:

http://www.israel21c.org/uncategorized/eight-fun-facts-about-hanukkah/

Sharei Chesed would like to thank Francelyne Lurie,

Sol Awend, and Momy and Cindy Benzaquen for the beautiful

Hanukah decorations in our sanctuary!

Page 4 Winter 2015

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS AT SHAREI CHESED

Friday, January 23, 2015 | 6:30 p.m. Friday Night Service and Shabbat Dinner

We're pleased to announce that our guest speaker will be Adam Schwartz, son of Cantor

Neil Schwartz. Adam is a University of Minnesota Graduate Student in Human Factors and

Ergonomics, Public Health, and Environmental Science. He served in the IDF as a volunteer

from 2010 to 2012 as a combat engineer and then as a psychological research assistant. He

will be speaking about his journey to the IDF and some of his experiences there. You

won't want to miss it!

You can find information about the upcoming Kabbalat Shabbat on the 'Services',

'Happenings' and 'Calendar' pages of our website: www.shareichesed.org Saturday, February 7 | Tu Bishvat Seder

Sunday, March 1 | Purim Party! 5:30 PM at Sharei Chesed.

Purim comes to remind us to look with optimism

to the future. There are four Mitzvot we can fulfill

on Purim:

Reading or Hearing the Megillah

Sending Mishloah Manot - Exchange of food

items with friends,

Give Matanot Lawevyonim - Gifts to those in

need

Have a Seudah - Enjoy a festive Purim Meal.

We invite you to join us for the Purim Celebration:

Program: Music, Masquerade Party

Prizes: For all children and for all who come in costumes

Refreshments: Hamentashen and all Purim Trimmings

Wednesday, March 4 | 7:30 pm - Purim Services

Thursday, March 5 | 8:30 am - Purim Services

Friday, April 3 | Passover begins at Sundown with the 1st Seder

Page 5 Winter 2015

NOW AVAILABLE! Did you know that you can make online contributions? How?

Go to www.shareichesed.org/donate

Rabbi Ettedgui writes a weekly D’var Torah that is sent to nearly 100 members and

friends. Would you like to be added to our list? If yes, please go to

www.shareichesed.org/sermons and click on the link at the bottom of the page.

DAILY MINYAN Join us Monday through Thursday at 5:45 PM for Mincha and Maariv and help make

the Minyan.

Come and Celebrate

Leo Wolk’s 98th Birthday

Saturday, January 10, 2015 | 19th Tevet, 5775

Services begin at 9:30 A.M

Leo’s Celebration begins at 11:15 A.M.

Kiddush/lunch follows the service.

Sharei Chesed Congregation

Hosted by...

Leo’s children

Sandra and Michael Wolk

Joyce and Alan Branfman

Grandchildren Jonathan and Benjamin

and Sharei Chesed Congregation

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Page 6 Winter 2015

OUR RECENT TRIP TO ISRAEL | BY: JERRY AND SHARON BERKOWITZ

A few years ago while planning a trip to Israel we were

approached by a very close family friend with a request that

we have her twenty year old daughter, Amy, accompany us

for her first trip outside the Country. The Pingrees are a

wonderful family and we have been privileged to know them

for many years. They are a Christian family who live in a very

remote part of Kodiak, Alaska and practice their faith in their

daily lives. We felt honored to have these friends be willing to entrust their daughter to

us in order to make her dream of traveling to Israel come true. After discussion and

two years of planning the three of us took off in October for a three week trip to

Israel. What a great time we had.

Israel is a wonderful place to renew our spiritual connection as well as enjoy the

beautiful outdoors, learn history, and of course, before dealing with Minnesota winter,

bask in the sun on the beaches of Tel Aviv and Eilat.

We toured on our own by starting in Jerusalem. We prayed at the Kotel and toured

the Kotel tunnels. After four days in Jerusalem we traveled to Nitzanim and spent

Shabbat with our orthodox cousins. When Shabbat concluded we drove to Ber Sheva

to visit more mishpucha. Then we went on to Eilat to snorkel the Red Sea and swim

with dolphins. We drove to Masada, floated in the the Dead Sea, and spent time around

the Kinneret and Golan. We enjoyed a day in Safed and saw the incredible bird

migration in the Hula Valley. We finished our circumference of Israel, hiking the Banyas,

touring Rosh Hanikra, Acco, and then back to Tel Aviv.

During our trip we paid our respects at Yad Vashem, explored the Israel Museum, and

visited the citadel and underground fighters museum in Acco. We also managed to eat

plenty of falafel, schwarma, and schnitzel and drank many cups of coffee in numerous

outdoor cafes. Amy found all of our Israel experiences connected her with her faith

and observed that the lord's presence is found all around including in the nature that is

part of Israel.

Safety is something to be considered wherever you travel. While in Israel we never felt

uncomfortable. We always felt safe and welcome and encourage everyone to try to

visit .You are guaranteed an incredible experience whether it is your first trip or one of

many trips.

SUNDAY TALLIT AND TEFFILIN BREAKFAST

Page 7 Winter 2015

KOSHER CUISINE FOR A NEW GENERATION | BY: CANTOR MITCH KOWITZ

Keeping kosher seems to be something of the past for many Jews. People

say to me that kosher foods are more expensive and keeping separate

plates and silverware is a hassle. This is something my grandparents did

and it is not for me. We are told in the Torah to teach our children the

ways of G-d. The Shema prayer says “You shall diligently teach them to

your children.”

For many, not being able to eat all foods, separating meat from milk, and

the financial cost is difficult to say the least.

While writing Kosher Cuisine For a New Generation, I wanted to focus on all the above.

All of us want food that is easy to prepare and most of all, delicious. The foods my mom

and Bubbie prepared echo in my mind. All of the holiday foods from my past hold a special

place in my heart. One phrase that I especially like is “Celebrate the Past and Embrace the

Future” So what is one to do?

Kosher Cuisine For A New Generation focuses on untraditional kosher recipes that can

stand side by side with traditional ones. People today, especially young people, like to try

ethnic and traditional foods at the same time. They also want to be able to create a few

untraditional foods as well.

My recipes are more than kosher. The dishes are easy to prepare and taste wonderful.

Chicken Marcela, Oriental salmon, broccoli and cheese quiche and Cantor’s Killer Chili

offer new opportunities for everyone to create their own traditions. So I say, serve the

brisket…serve the baked chicken…serve the chopped liver. And also so serve a spinach

salad, make oriental string beans, and top your meal off with a fresh sorbet or Bubbie’s

banana bread drizzled with chocolate sauce.

Judaism has never stood still. It is always evolving. Each generation must find their own

ways through the wilderness of their time. My own life is like the Star of David with 6

points; G=d, family, community, prayer, music and food. Each point of my star connects

with the next. It forms my life, my soul, my passion and my heart.

So never be afraid to try new things! You can still embrace the treasures of the past. This

new generation will determine the future. They will connect their own 6 points of the Star

of David. Remember, masterpieces can come from mistakes! Let’s all have fun, fun, fun in

the kitchen and around the table.

Page 8 Winter 2015

GENERAL DONATIONS Naomi & David Balto

Sharon & Jerry Berkowitz

Myra Chazin

Kathy & David Cooper

Jenny Daylis

Jan Edelstein

Linda & Rabbi Avraham

Ettedgui

Ephraim Grinberg

Gail & Greg Kenton

Deanie Lerner

Mary Lutz

Donna Morales & Matthew

Schwartz

Myla Mendyuk

Emiliya & Dmitry Pogorelsky

Gary Shapiro

Polina & Boris Shteyman

Aaron Wasserman

Helen Wolk Trust

Shelly & Steve Zien

IN HONOR & APPRECIATION

In Honor Of

Donor

Rabbi Avraham Ettedgui

Sally & Dr. Joel Feder

Esther Geller

Rose Naiman

Julie Miller’s Bat Mitzvah Linda & Rabbi Avraham

Ettedgui

Carolyn & Uri Koppel

Cindy Neff

Gail Nord

Lisa, Benjie, Shelby, & Noah

Rubin

World Shabbat

Celebration

Sima & Mark Feldman Unveiling of Fanny

Rubenstein

Esther Rubenstein Unveiling of Enta

Galperina

Irina Kigelman CAPITAL FUND Marcy & Bruce Barrick

Jane & Dmitry Gringauz

Sally & Mort Leder

Ron Margolis

Rita & Steve Paper

Aileen & Sonny Snyder

EDUCATIONAL FUND Maurice Goldstein

In Memory of Stanislav

Tamakhin

Yuliya Portnova

SPONSOR KIDDUSH

Cindy & Momy Benzaquen

In honor of their anniversary


Sally and Mort Leder

In honor of their anniversary

Mike Miller In honor of the baby naming

for his grandson, Nehemiah, son

of Kalli Miller

Corrine & Morris Toretsky In honor of Corrine’s birthday

and their anniversary

Elizabeth & Jeffrey

Toretsky

In honor of Corrine’s birthday DONATIONS FOR BIRTHDAY AND OTHER SPECIAL WISHES

In Honor Of

Donor Bev and Marvin Aaron’s

Anniversary

Corrine & Morris Toretsky Shelly and Steve Zien’s

Anniversary


Ettedgui Birth of Gavriel, son of

Sara & Russ Reininger, and

grandson of Sharon &

Jerry Berkowitz

Sue & Sol Awend

Birthday of Nella Goldis


Ettedgui Marriage of Dr. Joel &

Sally Feder

Joel and Sally Feder


Ettedgui Engagement of Leon

Moscatel & Rebecca

Maddy Braufman Birthday of Corrine

Toretsky

Shelly & Steve Zien DONATIONS FOR YOM KIPPUR Rene Aaron

Sybille Aaron

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

SEPTEMBER 1, 2014 TO DECEMBER 8, 2014

Page 9 Winter 2015

Lee & Jerry Altman

Sue & Sol Awend

Rebecca Bender

Sharon & Jerry Berkowitz

Rosalyn Bernstein

Dee Dee Bolter

Maddy Braufman

Maria & Boris Davydov

Irma Davydova

Henni & Danny Ettedgui


Ettedgui

Bonnie & Harry Farb

Sima & Mark Feldman

Steve & Laura Fine

Rene Fishman

Stella & Simon Fishman

Lyubov & Solomon Fridland

Nadezhda Gelbukh

Aaron Geller

Mary & Mark Geller

Nella Goldis

Goldstar Daycare

Louise & Boaz Granot

Rita Dulitskaya Grinberg

Jane & Dmitry Gringauz

Raisa & Lazar Gringauz

Eva Gross

Sonja Hauter & Bernie Miller

Barry Kelner

Patricia Kenton

Barbara & Howard Kirschner

Julia & Yan Kravchenko

Sally & Mort Leder

Deanie Lerner

Ryva & Anatoly Lipnik

Karin & Larry Margolis

Lyudmila Mendyuk & Vladimor

Banchik

Julie Miller & Ron Scholder

Art Nettis

Mary Novikov

Alex Perelman

Diana & Gal Peremislov

Avram Peysman

Marilyn & Dean Renstrom

Phyllis & Berle Richman

Alla & Lev Rozhanskiy

Iosif Semanduyev

Bev & Burt Shacter

Emma Shapiro

Liya Shapiro

Ida & Samuil Shkolnik

Faina Shtulman

Galina & Nakhamya

Simanduyev

Aileen & Sonny Snyder

Erik Sosunov

Alexandra & Alexender

Teplitski

Corrine & Morris Toretsky

Nesya & Aron Tsukerman

Sofiya & Yefim Tsukerman

Sue & Mark Wasserman

Nataliya & Vladimir

Zabezhinsky

Jodi Jenna ZArk

Luba Zevelev

Sofia & Moisey Zhuravel

Shelly & Steve Zien

Clarice Zuckman - z”l

BREAK THE FAST Linda & Rabbi Avraham

Ettedgui

Elena & Boris Gerber

Lyudmila & Gregory

Gittsovich

DONATIONS IN MEMORY OF Lenore Applebaum

Shirley Held


Clara Margolis

Fern Badzin

Heidi & Howard Gilbert

Truen Press

Rosalyn Bernstein & Family

Paul Wolf


Janice Wolf


Gerald Gold

Fruma Ginsburgh

Ted Papermaster

Rachel Zadaka


Ettedgui

Freda Paper


Ettedgui


Irene Golden

Thomas Paper

Richard Paper

Mickey Schoenzeit

Phyllis & Berle Richamn

Frank Wilensky

Rivia & Red Goldberg

Paula Spector

Pamela & Gary Sultany

Anita Libson

Marcy & Bruce Barrick

Allegria & Don Bouquet



Page 10 Winter 2015

Rabbi Barry Wolf

Fern & David Sanders


Rose Szneller

Freda Paper

Steve Goldfarb

Joyce Ettedgui

Don Perwein


YAHRZEIT DONATIONS Renee Aaron

Sybille Aaron

Esfir Ablyzalova

Sue & Sol Awend

ARakhil & Mikhail Bershteyn

Olene & Larry Bigelow

Maddy Braufman

Elena & Edward Budilovsky

Tatyana Estrina

Rene Fishman

Stella & Simon Fishman

Alla Furman

Nina Furman

Anatoly Galbinsky

Inna & Cary Geller

David Gerber

Elena & Boris Gerber

Galina & Shulim Gitelman

Irene Glynn

Rivia & Red Goldberg

Nella Goldis

Rita Dulitskaya Grinberg

Raisa & Lazar Gringauz

Lucy & Anatoly Haykinson

Irwin Hershkowitz

Minna Hudson

Nadia & David Kaganovich

Lilly Kamenir

Morris Kaswen

Angelika & Leonard Kats

Adela Kazaniuk

Gail & Greg Kenton

Berta & Nahum Kipnis


Cantor Mitch Kowitz

Marvin Krichmar

Lois Kulinsky

Rosie Hulse Larson & Swede

Larson

Barry Libson

Ryva & Anatoly Lipnik

Lois Liss

Alex Malamudman

Maya Malamudman

Mariya Melamud

Nataliya & Leonid Melamud

Bernie Miller

Morris Miller

Arkadiy Nadelman

Dolores Neiman

Art Nettis

Larisa Palant

Rita & Steve Paper

Alexander Perelman

Maya & Yefim Peskin

Sheldon Pinsky

Sofia & Oleg Pisarenko

Emiliya & Dmitry Pogorelsky

Shirley Politz

Lisa & Randal Prowizor

Marilyn & Dean Renstrom

Phyllis & Berle Richman

Regina Rubenstein

Cynthia & Terry Schwartz

Mariya Shafranskaya

Emma & Liya Shapiro

Daniel Snyder

Roz & Bert Strimling

Genya & Ilya Tamarkin

Sondra Tenner

Ita & Shmel Teyvel

Nesya & Aron Tsukerman

Sashra & Abram Vaynberg

Toots & Ruben Vodovoz

Norma Wilensky

Nekha & David Zelikman

Alex & Luba Zevelev

Luba Zevelev

Yelizaveta Zeveleva

Sofia & Moisey Zhuravel

Shelly & Steve Zien

Rakhil & Moisey Zilberman

MEMORIAL PLAQUES Nesya & Aron Tsukerman

REFUAH SHELEMAH Bev Aaron


Danny Ettedgui

Cindy & Momy Benzquen

Berta Kipnis & Family

Milaina & Boris Fershtman

Leo Fine


Berta Kipnis, their son and

their granddaughter

Berta & Nahum Kipnis

Jack Moskowitz


Ettedgui



Page 11 Winter 2015

OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES OF Lenore Applebaum

Steve Goldfarb

Anita Libson

Mikhail Melamud

Liza Tsivlina

Freda Paper

Mickey Schoenzeit

Rose Szneller

Rabbi Barry Woolf

Clarice Zuckman

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Mary Lutz



Snow Removal Services

from Team Benzaquen Momy and Cindy Benzaquen have always been invaluable in

making sure that the synagogue is in good shape for services,

luncheons, special events, etc. Now they would like to extend

that same kind of care to your property during the winter

months. They have recently purchased a 2-stage snow blower

and are available for snow removal services. They are able to

handle individual snow events, or if you have a need for ongoing

services throughout the winter they can setup a monthly

schedule.

For more information and to schedule your snow removal services,

contact Cindy at 952-686-8568.

Religious Class at Sharei Chesed

Page 12 Winter 2015

Sometimes fairy tales do come true...even at Sharei Chesed. Just ask and

Sally Velick and Joel Feder.

They grew up in Skokie, Illinois. Long story short Joel took Sally to the 1962 Senior Prom. Sally has a picture of her and Joel; Joel has the

same picture--and so does Joel's mom. (As an aside, Joel's mom even has an apron that Sally made for her in high school home economics, not to

mention all the memorabilia of her sons' formative years).

Another aside...Sally even remembers spending a Passover Seder with Joel's family in the spring of 1961. She got to know Joel's brothers, Mark,

Allen and Robert. Then came the blur of history and everyone went their separate ways.

Sally met Gary Velick in Chicago, got married and moved to Minneapolis.

Gary became a doctor; Sally became the mother of three. Joel became a doctor as well and specialized in podiatry; as did his father before him. Joel went into the family practice; later to include his brother, Mark. Joel got married and had three boys.

Sally got involved with Talmud Torah. She met Rabbi Ettedgui, and from the start they

became friends. She even became his secretary. Her memories are fond and she happily shares her memories of how much she enjoyed working with the Rabbi. He encouraged her and some other

10 people to perform their B'nai Mitzvot. Joel became involved in his own Jewish world in Chicago and felt the tug of spirituality. He became

involved in his synagogue, actively participating in a commendable way of Jewish life.

Sally brought Gary to the 15th Reunion; Joel and Gary met and had an amicable time. Between the picture taken at Prom and the Reunion, Sally and Joel hadn't seen one another: From the Reunion

in 1985 until 2011. Time was passing quickly.

Sally's husband became ill in the early 1980's and he died in 2005; Joel had separated from his wife. The kids were all off creating their own lives. Sally was alone; So was Joel. One day Sally was

looking on line for a book her sister Charlotte had written. While on line Sally ran across a children's book written by Joel Feder.

Could it be?! She tracked him down, and indeed it was the same Joel Feder of Skokie High School fame. They began communicating, and Sally remembers that on November 10, 2011 she invited Joel

to Minneapolis for Thanksgiving holiday. Joel agreed and came to visit.

In the meantime, Sally was a member at Sharei Chesed. You would see her at Shabbat services and holidays, usually sharing in other people's simchas. When Joel came to visit and it was time for

Shabbat morning services, she brought him to Sharei Chesed.

WHEN SALLY MET JOEL | BY: SOL AWEND

Page 13 Winter 2015

WHEN SALLY MET JOEL, CONTINUED...

Enter Rabbi Ettedgui.

With his warm and jovial manner he welcomed Joel and cheerfully joked with the couple. He saw

she was happy; he liked being with Joel. Joel, meanwhile, felt a warmth and kinship with how friendly everyone at Sharei acted towards him; how insightful and interesting Rabbi

Ettedgui's D'vrar Torah was that morning. Fast forward to Sally and Joel deciding that long distance was no way to foster a relationship. Even

though they spent a lot of "facetime"; it was no substitute for the real thing. Sally had been alone for 10 years; Joel was looking for permanency in his life.

After much discussion, Sally moved to Chicago to be with Joel. Shortly after, Joel asked for her hand

in marriage; and they wanted Rabbi Ettedgui to marry them: At Sharei Chesed, on Thanksgiving weekend, 2015.

Logistics kicked into high gear of who, what, when, where and how; all the makings of a great movie.

Cantor Mitch Kowitz had recently joined our congregation and brought with him quite a resume. He was an accomplished cantor, musician and gourmet kosher chef. He brought with him a powerful personality, and spicy zest for life.

He would cater Thanksgiving dinner! Yes! Right there at Sharei! The wedding was on! Sally's family

came, Joel's family came, friends were invited and the week-end was shaping up nicely. Even Ha-Shem cooperated and kept the weather above freezing with no snow. Following a

wonderful pre-nuptial dinner prepared by Cantor Mitch there came a wonderful guitar recital complete with song and lively repartee.

The mood had been set. Friday morning was abuzz with cheerful activity. Guests were

arriving, Mommee and Cindy set up the chupah, the Rabbi presided over the katubbah signing.

…And there were Sally and Joel. Sally was stunning; Joel

couldn't keep his eyes off of her. They were as inseparable as teenagers in love. Finally, it was time. The

sanctuary was silent. Cantor Mitch strummed and sang; rich in voice and melody. Still there was silence. Everyone watched in awe and happiness; with sunlight pouring in

from all around. Sally and Joel in reverent anticipation.

Rabbi Ettedgui, with his signature smile and soft, sure voice began the service. Bound up in friendship and love, he married them. He bestowed them with

the blessings of our ancient Jewish heritage, and gave his personal wish for them to live a long and happy life. And then he gave Joel the glass… A split second of silence and a tumult of mazel tovs!... It

really did seem like a fairy tale come true…at Sharei Chesed.

Page 14 Winter 2015

Mazel Tov to Rachel

Truskinovsky, her parents

Takako and Sasha, her

grandparents Moses and Alice

Truskinovsky, Michitaka and

Ritsuko Fukuda, Rachel’s

brother Mark, and sisters

Leah, Norimi, Aya, and the

entire family on the

celebration of Rachel’s Bat

Mitzvah!

Believe It or Not . . .

An Inspiring Romp Through the World of Religion Rabbi Gail Nord is a Former Assistant Professor of Religion, Oakton Community College

of Chicago

Coming up on January 14th at 7:00 p.m. I will launch a new class series at Sharei

Chesed exploring the world’s major religious belief systems. The series will

cover Indigenous traditions (focusing on Lakota spirituality), Hinduism, Bud-

dhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Jainism. Guest speakers representing some of the traditions

will enhance the experience, including the well-known teacher of Native American spirituality, Ed

McGaa-Eagleman.

Studying and teaching topics in religion and spirituality has long been for me a consuming passion. What, in an ultimate sense, one believes (or not) affects one’s worldview, political per-

spective, family dynamics, and sense of life’s meaning and purpose.

We live in a small world, where the religious perspectives of groups on the other side of

the globe have an impact on our daily lives. In our city are individuals of every

background imaginable. It behooves us to become familiar with the history and

foundational beliefs of these traditions. The focus of this class series will not be on the

fanatics, but on the mainstream teachings.

The goals are: (1) a fun learning experience, (2) great discussion, (3) increased

understanding, and (4) maybe even a clarification or enhancement of your own

spirituality!

NOTE: The series will run for12 weeks. I will videotape the lectures and make them

available online to paid participants if a session is missed.

Course Fee - $120 if paid in advance or at $140 at the first class session.

Register now by contacting the synagogue office at 763-545-8800 or [email protected].

Questions? [email protected]. Hope to see you there!

Winter 2015 Page 15

NEW CLASS BEING OFFERED | BY RABBI AVIGAIL NORD

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