Notes from the Shul - Temple Israel in Norfolk, VA - Conservative Jewish Synagogue Open To All

Do you actually read The Notes?

We realize sometimes they are long and there is a lot of information in them. But that's because there's so much going on around Temple Israel, and our community. So please, READ YOUR NOTES, so you don't miss out on any of the great activities going on! And then participate!

Our morning minyan could use your help!

A number of our regulars are unable to attend due to illness, and some mornings we are not able to make 10 people. It's particularly important on Mondays and Thursdays when we read Torah, but there are people every day who need to say kaddish. Please look at your schedule and pick one morning a week to come to our 7:30am minyan - it's only 30 - 60 minutes and you will be doing a mitzvah by allowing people the opportunity to say kaddish for a loved one.

Ron Hurwitz

Ron Hurwitz recently passed away from pancreatic cancer. He was a lifelong member of Temple Israel. He was only 64 years old - a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.
On April 22nd, there will be a Walk for Pancreatic Cancer and a team has been formed in memory, and in honor, of Ron. Here is the link - you can donate in his memory and also join the Hurwitz team.
Let's show our support for this cause and honor Ron at the same time.

Service Times

Friday - 5:30pm at Temple Israel

Saturday - 9:30am in the sanctuary

Sunday - Morning minyan is at Congregation Beth El at 8:00am. Sunday evening services are at Temple Israel at 5:45pm
Beginning May 6th, Sunday morning services will move to Temple Israel for the summer - they will be at 8:00am.

Monday - Thursday
7:30am at Temple Israel and 5:45pm at Congregation Beth El (Evening minyan services are at Congregation Beth El for the month of April. Beginning Tuesday, May 1st, evening minyan services will be at Temple Israel for the month of May.)

If you are planning to attend minyan services to say Kaddish for a love one's yahrtzeit, would you be willing to share some memories with us? This is a new addition to our services, which has been warmly received by everyone.

Sermon Titles

Friday evening - "Everyday Holiness"

Saturday - 65? Already?

Service Leaders

Haftarah - Reuven Rohn

The congregation is invited to a kiddush luncheon in Sandler Hall following services.

For the evening of our gala, you may park across the street at the Greek Church.

Rabbi Panitz will have regular office hours on Tuesdays from 9:15am until noon.

Beit Sefer Shalom Religious school is looking for an interim part-time Education Director. If interested, please contact Barbara Rossen at 757-343-6353, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, May 13 - Treat a Mom on Mother's Day. Mother's Day at Cafe Stella's in Ghent. Stella's has reserved a section for Temple Israel, so bring you mom, grandmother or friend and show her how much you appreciate her. The Men's Club will reimburse you for your meal with your receipt.

Sunday, June 10 - A Family Outing. The Men's Club will assist the younger families of our congregation (and all those who are young at heart) by underwriting the costs associated with a bicycle tour of the Yorktown Battlefield. We plan to rent a van to transport your bicycle up to the battlefield. Our own member, Nathan Brauner, who knows that site well, will be our docent for the program. Family togetherness, healthy, fresh air fun, and a history lesson, all in one!

APRIL 28 - MAY 4

APRIL 28

Glenn Hoffman

APRIL 29

Mindy Katz
Ellen Sue Mersel

APRIL 30

Lois Cohen
Judi Goodoman
Ed Weisberg

MAY 1

Jemma Brodie
Bonnie Gordon-Rabinowitz
Judy Soldinger
Natalie Steiner

MAY 3

Ruth Ellen Gans
Fred Greene

MAY 4

Neil Friedman

MAY 3

David Banyai and Jody Mazur
David Pearline and Marilyn Suskind-Pearline

MAY 4

Joel and Sara Jo Rubin

APRIL MITZVAH OF THE MONTH

The next time you're at the synagogue, be sure to look at our Pet Memorial Board.
It's located on the stair wall as you go up to Brody Auditorium.
It's a wonderful way to remember your beloved pet.

We have a new

MITZVAH OF THE YEAR

The Salvation Army needs the community's help for their new 'Diaper Pantry'

The Salvation Army is creating a "diaper pantry" to help families with young children. Diapers are one of the most expensive items families need to purchase, so we are helping them fill their "diaper pantry" by collecting here at Temple Israel. So, the next time you're at the store, pick up a package of diapers and drop it at the synagogue office. You will be helping struggling families who are just trying to make ends meet.

As always, thank you for your generosity and kindness.

Temple Israel is now part of AmazonSmile!

If you shop at AmazonSmile, rather than Amazon, and choose Temple Israel as your charity, a portion of each sale will be donated to us by Amazon. We also now have a Wish List, so if you want to donate something to Temple Israel, you can choose from the Wish List.

By using the link below, you won't have to search for Temple Israel among almost a million other organizations. What a simple, easy way to give to your synagogue!

https://smile.amazon.com/ch/54-0563380

Kiddush luncheons

We have started something new at our kiddush luncheons on Shabbat. If you see someone with a red cup, that means they are a new member, or are visiting, so please go up to them and introduce yourself and help them feel at home.

The Men's Chevra Kaddisha is looking for volunteers.

Participating on the Chevra Kaddisha is the highest form of a mitzvah you can perform. You are the last contact the deceased has before the funeral and you are the one who ensures they have a proper Jewish burial. It is one of the most rewarding acts you will ever do. If you are interested, or have questions, please contact Larry Stein.

AS EASY AS A WALK IN THE PARK

Have you been looking for a way to boost your fitness, help strengthen your sense of community and alleviate your vitamin "N" (for nature) deficiency?

Then join us this summer! We are looking to gather at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens on a weekday morning throughout the summer for some moderate exercise and some good conversation. We will have our first outing on May 3rd.

Those of us who are members of the Botanical Gardens have the right to go as often as we wish, free of charge, and also to bring guests, so put that membership to good use and join your friends from Temple Israel for a nice walk through our beautiful gardens.

Call the synagogue office and let them know your available mornings and also if you are a member.

THE TEMPLE ISRAEL GIFT SHOP

We've just received a new shipment of some beautiful items for the Temple Israel gift shop. Do you need a gift for someone, or maybe just a treat for yourself? Come check out what your Temple Israel gift shop has to offer.

And we still have some great items in our L'Dor v'Dor Section.

We accept donations for our L'Dor v'Dor section of the gift shop all year long. Please consider any of the following items:

Menorahs
Dreidels
Torah Pointers
Seder and Matzah Plates
Tzedakah Boxes
Shabbat Candlesticks
Kiddush Cups
Challah Plates
Graggers for Purim
Jewish-themed Children's Books

If your item(s) has a special history or meaning attached to it, please write down the information and turn it into the office with your "treasure". We would love to be able to share its story!

All items donated are tax deductible.

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

For $18.00, you can plant a tree in Israel
IN HONOR of a family member, friend, group or event
OR
IN MEMORY of a family member or friend

Make your check payable to Temple Israel with a note that it is for the JNF Tree Center and who/what it is IN HONOR of or IN MEMORY of. If you go to their website, www.jnf.org/jnf-tree-planting-center, you can select a certificate/tree location. If you would like a specific certificate or location, let us know when you send in your check. We will send JNF everyone's requests.