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Megillah, January - February 2003

Sisterhood News

Sisterhood Shabbat

Something to look forward to in 2003 will be our annual Sisterhood Shabbat, to be held on Friday and Saturday, January 10 and 11, 2003. There will be a catered Shabbat dinner Friday evening at 6:30 p.m., and a Kiddush following Saturday morning services. Services both Friday evening and Saturday morning will be led by women. This year we are happy that Shaare Tikvah will be joining us for the first time. May this be ghe beginning of many gatherings together.

Education Day

On January 12, 2003, Women's League for Conservative Judaism will be sponsoring an Education Day at Kehilat Shalom, 9915 Apple Ridge Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It promises to be a very interesting day with a discussion of "The Jews of Uganda: Our Brothers and Sisters", followed by lunch and afternoon workshops. Reservations are due by January 7, 2003. Cost for the day is $15. Please make checks payable to Seaboard Branch, WLCJ.

Cinema Nevey

Everyone who attended our last Cinema Nevey movie, "Funny Girl", had such a good time that they all said, "Let's do it again." So... we are doing it again on Saturday evening, January 25, 2003. A comedy this time to start the year with a laugh. Come and see "The Frisco Kid", and join us for refreshments afterwards. Call Theda Rosenblum for tickets.

Cooking Classes

Our Sisterhood has held three cooking classes so far this season. Each of the classes was uniquely different and yet all three classes pertained to Jewish cooking.

The first class was led by Ellen Novak. Ellen has a reputation among our members for being an excellent cook. She lived up to her reputation with her version of potato knishes, which would make a standout party pleaser.

The second class was under the direction of Andy Friedman. He gave demonstrations on variations of latkes. Since doing cooking demonstrations is part of his job, he made it seem so easy. We all enjoyed sampling the different types of latkes and listening to his hints on making them.

The most recent class was done by Pauline Levin, who showed us how to make mandel bread. We did have our doubts when the convection oven did not bake exactly like the oven at home. The outside of the loaves got brown while the inside was still undercooked. Luckily, the recipe calls for cutting the loaves into slices and then baking them again for a short time. That saved the day, and we were all able to taste the results along with a cup of tea or coffee. As usual, the visiting around the table made it a very satisfying evening.

The cooking classes have been so well received that we look forward to another class in the new year. You will be getting a flyer with all the information about the class and a suprise Greek recipe. Come and join us then.

View next cooking workshop flyer

Rosh Hodesh Women's Study Group

~Linda Rosenberg
Chairperson, Jewish Family Living

Sisterhood's Rosh Hodesh Tevet program was originally scheduled for December 5th, erev Rosh Hodesh. Unfortunately, the program was snowed out. Our program was rescheduled for December 11th and was almost "iced out". Fortunately, about fourteen women braved the cold, wet evening to be with us.

We learned about the traditions surrounding Rosh Hodesh and the reasons why it has become a woman's holiday. Our study group topic spanned the years of Hellenization (assimilation into the Greek culture) which preceded the forced Hellenization of the Jews by the Syrians, and the desecration of the Temple. The Hasmonean family started the uprising against the Syrians. Their band of rebels, led by Judah the Macabee, grew and was victorious.

As most of us know, the Temple was recovered, restored, and rededicated. The Chanukah festival was originally celebrated as a winter festival, but once the rededication of the Temple occurred, there was a valid reason to incorporate the holiday into a Jewish celebration.

We had an interesting discussion about living in a culturally diverse neighborhood and yet maintaining our Jewish identity.

We ended the evening withlatkes, applesauce, and cake, and lively "schmoozing".

We plan to schedule another Rosh Hodesh program in the Spring.

Sisterhood Cookbook

We are still taking orders for the Sisterhood Cookbook. More than 100 books have been sold, and everyone who purchased one has been thoroughly pleased by the cookbook. Call Theda Rosenblum to order your copy.

Branch Conference Retreat

The Branch Conference Retreat sponsored by Women's League will be held at the Pearlstone Conference Center in Reisterstown, Maryland, May 4 - 5, 2003, and is going to be an exciting two days of "Women: Spirit and Song". You will be receiving registration forms in the mail. You are invited to take part in this energizing event.

Seminary Trip

We are very excited about Sisterhood's planned trip to the Jewish Theological Seminary on May 20, 2003. Although the trip is filled, names are still being taken for a waiting list. Price is $115 per person, which includes limo service to and from the Seminary, tour of the campus, tour of the Hebraic library, stop at Ground Zero, and a box supper in the limo on the way home.

Deadline is Wednesday, January 22, 2003, for your $60 non-refundable deposit. The balance is due by Thursday, May 8, 2003.

Friends in New York or New Jersey who want to join us at the Seminary may do so at the cost of $45. This includes lunch, lecture, and tours. Deadline for those joining us is Monday, March 3, 2003. Send check to Theda Rosenblum.

Samples for the Homeless

Theda Rosenblum is still collecting unused, sample sizes of shampoo, lotion, soap, etc., for the homeless. Let's not forget those less fortunate than us. This is a mitzvah that is easy to perform. So, go through your closets and suitcases to look for unused samples that you brought home from your last trip. Bring them to the synagogue and drop them in the box in the lobby. You'll feel good about doing this, and the people who will be receiving your donations will certainly appreciate what you have done.

~Pauline Levin

© 2003, Nevey Shalom, The Jewish Congregation of Belair.