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Dear members, friends and supporters,
Autumn has arrived and is as colorful as the many activities in our congregation. Two very special evenings are brought to mind when we reflect on the past month.
Our congregation took part in the annual Festival of Peace. This year’s hosts were the Islamic congregation, and the evening’s program was held in the mosque. What a wonderful experience for Jews, Moslems, and Christians alike! Each group shared the beauty of their religion through readings, dance or music. Gabriel and Miriam represented the religious school with two songs, delighting everyone with their bell-like voices.
Our congregation’s music group “Shalom” sang for the first time in their new formation. What could have been more fitting than the selection, “Shir L’ Shalom”? We thank the Islamic Congregation for being such welcoming and gracious hosts to this very special inter-religious and intercultural evening.
The 9th of November is a solemn day. We took part in the city of Hamelin’s moving memorial service, commemorating the events of that horrific day in 1938. Congregation members, city officials, church leaders, and citizens of Hamelin huddled together in the cold rain and hail. We stood at the site of our former synagogue, which will also be the site of our new synagogue, and we shivered together from the wind and memories. Quietly, we returned to our sanctuary and warmed ourselves with tea before beginning our Friday night prayers. Abraham Geiger rabbinical student Adrian Schell led services, and we recited Kaddish together for all those who perished during the Holocaust when the world closed its eyes to the evil that permeated the heart and soul of this land.
Following services we offered a concert of beautiful music. We were pleased that many Hamelin citizens accepted our invitation to join us for the evening’s musical program. Musicians Elizabeth Neimnan (soprano) and Judy Kadar (harp) performed a program of Jewish, Yiddish, and Sephardic music. The program was so varied that there was something for every musical taste. Nostalgic, fanciful, or thoughtful, the melodies touched each listener individually. The concert symbolized the continuity of Jewish life and culture.
Another clear sign of our congregation’s role in reestablishing Jewish life in our region is the positive media presence we enjoy. We are grateful for the many positive articles and the attention our congregation receives. We are always open to those who wish to learn more about us as a congregation or Judaism in general. Those who visit, out of personal interest or from the press,
find an open door, friendly members willing to share their thoughts and knowledge, and a transparent and democratically run congregational structure. We offer all who are interested an opportunity to take part in our Jewish life. It was a lovely surprise then, when the Lutheran Press asked permission to use a photo of our first Bat Mitzvah, Ina Golbereg, for their new schoolbook. We were pleased to know that our community life will help teach German youth what modern Judaism in Germany looks like.
We feel that networking within the German Reform movement is an important part of our congregational life. We were pleased to have hosted a group from our sister congregation in Braunschweig-Wolfsburg on Shabbat Vayishlach. Cooperation with other German Reform congregations strengthens our feelings of identity. We enjoyed celebrating Shabbat together and getting to know one another better at the Kiddush table over wine and challah. Hopefully, we can arrange a visit to Wolfsburg soon.
The warmth of our congregational activities brightened dark and cold November days.
Jewish December
 December is that month which makes every child’s heart beat a little bit faster. It’s Hanukka time! Our congregational Hanukka celebration will be held on Tuesday, December 4th, and we join with Rabbi Irit Shillor in lighting the first Hanukka candle.
The message of religious freedom, which the Hanukka story teaches us year after year never loses its relevance. Where would we be today had the Macabees not stood up against the Hellenistic influences of the day?
On Shabbat Hanukka we read in Zechariah, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit—said the Lord of Hosts.” The Macabees overpowered their enemies because of their spiritual strength.Hanukka is a celebration of freedom of the spirit, which can never be extinguished. When we internalize these ideals, then the latkes taste better, the jelly doughnuts are sweeter, playing dreidel is more fun, and the Hanukka gifts look brighter. Everything takes on a richer meaning as we stand before our Hanukkiot and say:
“Baruch ata Adonai Elohenu melech ha’olam kidshanu
b’mitzvotav vitzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukka”
Blessed art Thou, Lord our God, King of the Universe,
Who has commanded us to kindle the Hanukka lights.
Our congregation and our members will celebrate Hanukka each and every of the eight evenings. May the light of these candles shine not only at Hanukka. We wish everyone a very warm Chag Hanukka Sameach—Happy Hanukka! As long as the supply lasts we have Hanukkiot and Hanukka candles for sale in the office.
Congregational Informational Meeting
The congregation was invited to an informational meeting on November 12th at which architect Frank Taylor presented the new plans for our synagogue. Also present were members of our Synagogue Foundation’s Advisory Board. The Foundation was established to administer the building of the new synagogue. Architect Taylor was receptive to the many questions and suggestions. The Foundation’s board will continue to meet with him, working out the details for the building, which we hope to begin in 2008.
Integration Office
Social worker, Faina Pelts, under the auspices of her newly established integration office, has succeeded in networking our congregation with many local cultural and social organizations. Our members and the general public will benefit, as our congregation becomes even more a part of our city’s religious, social, and cultural landscape. At a recent meeting of the Office of Youth Services, Faina Pelts gave a presentation about our programs for youth and we were accepted as members of their organization.
Winter Camp
This year’s Union of Progressive Jews of Germany Winter camp will be held in beautiful Kastellaun near Hunsrück. Youngsters between the ages of 12 and 17 will spend 8 days of fun together with junior counselors and youth leaders, who have prepared many new activities. Dates are December 20th to 28th, and the cost is 200 Euros per child. Anyone interested can receive a registration form in the office. Financial assistance is available.
Sunday Café
We are very happy to report that our newest activity, “Sunday Café,” led by Polina Pelts, is a success story. Members come together for a few relaxing hours in our community center. Stories are told, songs are sung, homemade cakes and cookies are shared over steaming mugs of tea, and a fine time is had by one and all. The results are happy faces and sparking eyes, so mark you calendar and join in the fun. You’ll enjoy it.
Central Jewish Charities
We regularly receive notice of seminars and workshops offered by the Central Jewish Charities. They are too numerous to mention in our monthly newsletter, so we remind members to check the bulletin board for information.
New Year’s Party
It’s almost that time of year again. We’re planning a congregational “After New Year’s New Year’s Party” and ask those interested in organizing the evening to attend a meeting on Sunday, December 23rd, at 3:00 p.m. Many hands divide the work.
New Members
We are happy to welcome our newest member, Mr. P. Koltun. Please help make him feel welcome and a part of our “family.”
Contributions
We wish to thank all those who made contributions this past month: Mrs. U. Niedert, Mr. V. Lohmann, Dr. Ebel Rehab Clinic, Mr. V. Pesok, and the Dohme Family.
Tree of Life
Please help us to build our synagogue by ordering a “leaf” for our Tree of Life. The Tree graces our sanctuary and is the perfect way to honor someone special and help us build our synagogue. Leaves cost a minimum of $54 (triple Chai) and can be ordered on our secure server in cooperation with the ZIV Foundation who will issue a tax exempt form on request.
Thank You — Todah Rabah
We wish to thank the following for their acts of kindness:
- Rabbinical student Margaret Frisch Klein for the lovely Havdalla set
- Rimma Rubanov for her gifts of books for our congregational library
- All the wonderful people in our congregation who give their time and energy by offering classes and leading groups on a volunteer basis. We thank them for their initiative and dedication.
December Birthdays
Happy birthday to all those who share a December birthday. After services on Friday, December 21st, we will celebrate with a Birthday Kiddush.
Refuah Shlama — Get Well Wishes
We wish all our members who are ill at home or in the hospital and speedy and complete recovery. Anyone who is ill or homebound, wishing a visit should please contact Mrs. Berta Friedmann or call Faina Pelts in the office.
 December Yahrzeit — We remember:
- Rosa Kirica December 1, 2000 / 4 Kislev 5761
- Frida Dachkevich December 3, 2001 / 18 Kislev 5762
- Grigori Drabkine December 7, 2005 / 6 Kislev 5766
- Igor Fuksa December 6, 2006 / 15 Kislev 5767
- Genrikh Leimunskis December 29, 2006 / 8 Tevet 5767
May their memory be a blessing. Join us as we recite Kaddish with their families during Shabbat services. Yahrzeit candles are available in the synagogue office.
Shalom and Happy Hanukka!
We wish all our Christian friends a very Merry Christmas!
—Your Synagogue Board
Program for December 2007 • Kislev–Tevet 5768
Office hours: Mon., Wed., & Fri., 8:00 a.m.–12:00 noon; and Tues. & Thurs., 9.00 a.m.–4.00 p.m. |
| Saturday, Dec. 1 |
10:00 a.m. |
Saturday morning services and Torah study with with R. Dohme |
| Sunday, Dec. 2 |
10:00 a.m. |
Monthly Board Meeting |
| Monday, Dec. 3 |
12:00 noon
5:00 p.m. |
Introduction to Judaism in Russian with V. Pesok
Lecture: “Love thy Neighbor” with Rabbi Shillor |
| Tuesday, Dec. 4 |
1:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. |
Giyur class
B’nei Mitzvah class
Congregational Hanukka Celebration, Rabbi Irit Shillor |
| Wednesday, Dec. 5 |
10:30 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. |
Lecture: “Who will care for me? Legal ramifications” M. Souslovic, social worker
Unveiling: G. Leimunskis, Wehl Cemetery, Rabbi Irit Shillor
Society of Christians and Jews, Lecture: “Hanukka” with Rabbi Irit Shillor in the Ev. Ref. Church |
| Thursday, Dec. 6 |
3:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. |
Young and Jewish, Jr. Hameln
B’nei Mitzvah class
Hebrew for adults, S. Gaides |
| Friday, Dec. 7 |
3:00 p.m. |
Poetry Hour with J. Pelts |
| Saturday, Dec. 8 |
10:00 a.m. |
Saturday morning services and Torah study with R. Dohme |
| Tuesday, Dec. 11 |
10:30 a.m.
4:00 p.m. |
Lecture: Jewish Congregation of Hamelin with R. Dohme
Adult education for seniors in Hamelin Video Afternoon
with F. Pelts |
| Thursday, Dec. 13 |
3:30 p.m. |
Lecture: Jewish Congregation of Hameln with R. Dohme Adult education for seniors in Hamelin |
| Friday, Dec. 14 |
3:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m. |
B’nei Mitzvah class
Friday night services, Rabbinical student A. Schell |
| Saturday, Dec. 15 |
10:00 a.m. |
Saturday morning services and Torah study
with Rabbinical student A. Schell |
| Tuesday, Dec. 18 |
4:00 p.m. |
“Russian Afternoon” with M. Olvovskaja |
| Dec. 20–28 |
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UPJ Winter Machene in Kastellaun for 12–17 year olds |
| Friday, Dec. 21 |
5:00 p.m. |
Friday night services with D. Vogelhuber |
| Saturday, Dec. 22 |
10:00 a.m. |
Saturday morning services and Torah study
with D. Vogelhuber |
| Events outside the congregation |
| Wednesday, Dec. 5 |
4:00 p.m. |
Society of Christians and Jews, Lecture: “Hanukka”
with Rabbi Irit Shillor in the Ev. Ref. Church |
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