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Pardes Levavot

Pardes Levavot, “Orchard of Hearts,” was formed in the spirit of creating conscious holy community. Our name expresses the spiritual blossoming of each individual heart within an inspiring and nurturing orchard.

For information on our congregation please call (303) 530-4422 and leave a message or send email to info@pardeslevavot.org. To join our congregation, please print a copy of our membership form, fill it out, and send it to our Synagogue.


Pardes Levavot gratefully acknowledges Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado for their support of our Circle of Family Education program. Thank you!

December 11, 2006

AT PARDES LEVAVOT
PARDES CALENDAR

SPECIAL MEMBER NEEDS/OFFERINGS
  • Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plan
  • Chanukah Donation Request
AROUND TOWN AND BEYOND
  • Boulder JCC Events, January 2007
  • At the Boulder JCC and Around Town.week of 12/10/06 - 12/1606
  • Stepping Stones, December 2006
  • ADL, December 2006
  • Jewish Family Service, December 2006
  • Walking the Path with the Baal Shem Tov
  • Community Menorah Lighting
  • JFS Blood Drive
  • JFS Para-Chaplain Training
  • JCF Young Jewish Women 21-45 Scholarship Fund
PRAYERS


AT PARDES LEVAVOT

Thank You!

Thank you to Myra Tuckerman for providing our Oneg last Friday and for helping to create our sacred space.

Thank you to Matthew Joyce, Jim Wright and Scott Starsky - our Adopt-A-Road cleanup crew.  We got half of the road cleaned!

Events This Week

Chanting and Meditation

Wednesday, December 13, 7-9pm.
www.pardeslevavot.org/announcements/chant.html

Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Chanukah Party

Well over 100 members and friends have RSVPd for our Shabbat Chanukah dinner and celebration!  We are full to capacity.  We look forward to celebrating with all who are coming, and wish the rest of you a Happy Chanukah!

2007 Community Council Elections

Elections for our 2007 Community Council are fast approaching.  First we need nominees.  It is easy to just skip over this paragraph and and say "I don't have time" or "I don't have the skill".  But please stop for a moment and consider.  Is this community important to you?  Do you want Pardes Levavot to survive and thrive?  If you would like to serve your fellow Hearts, please let us know by writing to info@pardeslevavot.org. If you would like to nominate someone else, encourage them.  All nominees must be in place by this Friday, December 15 2006.  A number of candidates have already stepped forward.  We will have a community election meeting on Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 3pm and the voting will begin then.  Thank you.

Events Coming Up

Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations!

Anna Yulsman Bat Mitzvah - Saturday, January 13 (MLK weekend)
Ari Saponar Bar Mitzvah - Saturday, January 27

Getting Involved

Helping Ari and Shirly

Your prayers are asked for Ari Saponar (Shirly Pugatzky's son), who broke his femur yesterday while skiing. Ari returned from surgery at Children's Hospital in Denver last Shabbat. There are many ways that we can all help Shirly and Ari during his recovery at home.  Please contact info@pardeslevavot.org if you can help.  We especially need people to prepare meals and bring them over, and to come and visit.

Host an Oneg

Dear Hearts,

Please honor the memory of a yarhzeit, a birthday or an anniversary by hosting an Oneg Shabbat or Kiddush. Recently I hosted an Oneg in memory of my mother. She has been dead for 16 years. By honoring my Mother Etta in this way she feels more alive to me. It is as if I have asked her to join the Congregation with me. Please sign up by contacting info@pardeslevavot.org or calling Myra at 303-952-9652. If there are financial concerns contact me. Also feel free to give a donation to our Oneg fund. We need one or more volunteers every week!

Blessings,
Myra Tuckerman
303-952-9652
mtuckerman@gmail.com

From the Shepherd of the Hills Bulletin

Have you noticed our front doors? Don Wuebker has spent many hours refinishing them. Please thank him for his great work.

Tikkun Olam: Repairing The World

Energy efficient bulbs through COEJL

Order Compact Flourescent Bulbs on Line at a Discount
 
Now you can benefit from the discounts secured by COEJL (Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life) through their "Light among the Nations" campaign on line at home, with no hassle.

COEJL has created a universal portal where anyone can log-in and tap into the discounts secured by the campaign and make their CFL purchase count as part of the national Jewish effort.

A wide assortment of long-lasting, environmentally sound CFLs is available at fantastic prices…on top of all the money you will save on your utility bills.

Here’s how:
  1. Go to www.bulbs.com
  2. Click on "your account"
  3. Type in info@coejl.org for the email and COEJL for the password.
  4. Shop away, knowing that each cent goes to a better environment. 
Have your credit card ready and consider CFLs as wonderful Chanukah gifts for friends and relatives.

First Freedom First

We are involved in a new project that embraces America’s First Freedom, the freedom for and the freedom from religion.  The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees freedom for religion and freedom from religion—a twinned liberty often called “America’s First Freedom.” This unique provision, considered by many historians to be “our nation’s greatest contribution to the rest of the world,” has proven to be the best possible friend of both religious and non-religious people.  The corollary of religious freedom, institutional separation of church and state, has spared our nation the kind of religion-based conflicts that have ravaged so many other governments around the world.

Now, in the most religiously pluralistic nation in the world, our First Freedom is under siege.  While some religious people seek to advance their sectarian agendas through government, some government officials seek to advance their political ideologies through institutions of religion.
www.pardeslevavot.org/announcements/church-and-state.html

Selling Violence

What's Wal-Mart promoting this holiday season? The religious right's extreme ideology.

Just in time for Christmas, the religious right has released a violent video game in which born-again Christians aim to convert or kill those who don't adhere to their extreme ideology - including Muslims, Jews, and Catholics. The video game, "Left Behind: Eternal Forces," is based on the apocalyptic "Left Behind" novels - written and promoted by religious right leader Tim LaHaye. Despite the violent, intolerant message being marketed to children, Wal-Mart, the nation's #1 video game seller, is selling the "Left Behind: Eternal Forces" video game - just in time for the holidays!

Take action now and urge Wal-Mart to stop selling religious violence this holiday season. Click here: http://ga3.org/campaign/tell_wal_mart/

"Left Behind: Eternal Forces" takes place in New York City, shortly after the rapture. Gamers are charged with creating Christian militias who roam the streets of New York City, looking to convert non-believers and killing those who they are unable to draw to their side. In fact, after particularly bloody battles, players must use prayer to recharge their "soul points" that have been diminished by the killing.

Most disturbing is the game's apparent attempt at religious indoctrination - aimed at children and focused on violent, divisive, and hateful scenarios.

The game has outraged progressive and conservative Christians alike, and despite the religious right's typical opposition to violent video games, "Left Behind: Eternal Forces" has not generated any criticism from this group and in fact gained a gleaming review from a Focus on the Family affiliated website
this week.

While the religious right apparently has no problem pushing the product this holiday season, America's #1 video game seller should know better.

Click here and urge Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott to stop selling our kids religious violence: http://ga3.org/campaign/tell_wal_mart/

Also, be sure to head to the DefCon Blog to learn more about the game:
http://ga3.org/ct/k1Mby8n1-zEV/

Sincerely,
Clark, Jessica, and the rest of the DefCon team.

P.S. Click here to read DefCon's feature on Tim LaHaye and the end times theology: http://ga3.org/ct/k7Mby8n1-zU1/

Flatirons Habitat for Humanity

With the Holidays approaching, Flatirons Habitat for Humanity is looking for some of the holiday spirit with donations of  tools and volunteer time. Groundbreaking of our new homes is fast approaching and we are in need of some new tools. Our Wish List includes Ryobi Cordless Drill toolkit, utility knives, Stanley 20 oz anti-vibe hammer, wheelbarrows, 18 volt battery packs and chargers, chainsaws, and much more. All items can be purchased at your local Lowe's or Home Depot. If you are interested in giving a gift that keeps giving, please call our office today for more details at 303-447-3787 ext. 30.

PARDES CALENDAR

December 2006

13, Wednesday - Chant and Meditation, 7-9pm

15, Friday - Kabbalat Shabbat Service, dinner and Chanukah Party, 5:30pm

17, Sunday - Community Meeting for Council Elections, 3pm

20, Wednesday - Chant and Meditation, 7-9pm

22, Friday - Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 7-9pm

27, Wednesday - Chant and Meditation, 7-9pm

30, Saturday - Celebrate Shabbat with Family and Friends!


SPECIAL MEMBER NEEDS/OFFERINGS

Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plan

Dear Friends,

Wednesday November 15th marks the beginning of Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plan open enrollment.  The Medicare Part D open enrollment period is only six weeks long, ending December 31st.

If you, your friends, or relatives living in Colorado desire to enroll or change plans, then the time to act is now, before the last minute. Last year the vast majority of headaches happened when plan members tried to fill prescriptions at the pharmacy before the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid could process their paperwork.  Again, if you are thinking of enrolling in Part D please don’t wait until the end of December to act.

Medicare products are one of the lines of insurance that I specialize in.  I would be happy to help you discover which plan makes the most sense for you.  If you would like my help please send me an e-mail at joelrosenblum@comcast.net or give me a call at 720-298-3516.

Sincerely,
Joel Rosenblum

Chanukah Donation Request

Greetings, as many of you know I am volunteering and working for Hospice Care Center and Hospice Care and Share Thrift Shop. We at the thrift shop are asking for you to please consider donating any Chanukah items to the Hospice Care and Share Thrift Shop located at 5290 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO. The phone number is 303-604-5353 and you may ask for me or feel free to bring them in between 10:00- 5:30 any day but Sunday and tell someone  these are items to be used for the Chanukah display. Suggestions of items include the following:
candles
cards
books
menorahs
dreidles
games
gift wrap 
Thank you very much!
Ed Kletzky


AROUND TOWN AND BEYOND

Boulder JCC Events, January 2007

www.pardeslevavot.org/announcements/JCC-2006_12_09.html

At the Boulder JCC and Around Town.week of 12/10/06 - 12/16/06

www.pardeslevavot.org/announcements/BJCC-2006_12_09.html

Stepping Stones, December 2006

www.pardeslevavot.org/announcements/stst-2006_12_04.html

ADL, December 2006

www.pardeslevavot.org/announcements/adl-2006_12_04.html

Jewish Family Service, December 2006

www.pardeslevavot.org/announcements/JFS-2006_12_07.html

Walking the Path with the Baal Shem Tov

Winter Shabbaton with Rabbi Ruth Gan Kagan

Over the past few years I have developed a deep connection to the Baal Shem Tov and his teachings. I found in them profound guidance to the spiritual quest of the modern seeker. These oral teachings, brought to us through the lenses of different students, are gems of wisdom and surprises. I would like to invite you to this Shabbaton to share with me this adventure of walking the path with a timeless Master.

You may sign up for the full experience (highly recommended) or join us for an individual session. The Shabbaton will be led in a way that each segment is both freestanding while being part of a whole experience. It is suited for all levels of learning. The Shabbaton includes a light third meal of 'herring and shnapps'.

When: Shabbat Vayechi (Chazak), Friday-Saturday 5-6 January, 2007
Session I: Friday 9-10:30 PM
Session II: Saturday 3:45-5:30 PM (5:30 Havdalah)
Session III: Saturday 6-8 PM

Where: Congregation Bonai Shalom, 1527 Cherryvale Road, Boulder, 80303.

Sliding Scale Tuition:
Full Shabbaton – $54 - $90
Each Session - $18 -$36
Scholarships are also available.

For more information or to register call:
Congregation Bonai Shalom (303) 442-6605
For questions you may also e-mail reb Ruth at ruthgan@netvision.net.il

Send checks to Congregation Bonai Shalom, 1527 Cherryvale Road, Boulder, 80303. Please mark your checks “Besht Shabbaton”.

Rabbi Ruth Gan Kagan is from Jerusalem. She teaches classes and workshops on prayer, on creating an intimate relationship with the Divine, and on connecting to God through joy. Reb Ruth, who spent two years in Boulder in 2001-2003, is happy to be back to share these teachings.

Community Menorah Lighting

Please Join Governor-Elect Bill Ritter, Mayor John Hickenlooper, the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Allied Jewish Federation at the Community Menorah Lighting.
When: Friday, December 15, 2006
Time: 1:30pm Menorah Lighting, 2:00pm Reception
Where: Federation Building, 300 S. Dahlia St., outside (Reception will be inside the building, room C/D)*
Information: Please call 303.316.6432.
Chag Sameach!

JFS Blood Drive

Thursday, December 28 at 10:00-10:40 AM & 12:00-3:30 PM
www.pardeslevavot.org/announcements/jfs-blood-drive.html

JFS Para-Chaplain Training

Jewish Family Service (JFS) will hold its 2007 Bikur Cholim (visiting the sick) para-chaplain training on January 7, 17 and 23 in Denver.
www.pardeslevavot.org/announcements/JFS-para-chaplain.html

JCF Young Jewish Women 21-45 Scholarship Fund

The deadline for applications has been extended to December 15, 2006.
www.pardeslevavot.org/announcements/jcf-fenner-scholarship.html
 

PRAYERS

Each newsletter contains names of people in our community, or friends of our community, who need prayers for healing, support, et cetera. Please send names in Hebrew and/or English, with other details as desired, to info@pardesleavavot.org.

Ari Saponar
Dr. Howard Goldstein
Will Kohler
Shirley Elaine Garfinkle
Alter Shoresh ben Zion v'Shoshana
HaRav Devorah Rut bat Tamar (Rabbi Deborah Ruth Bronstein)
Rut bat Miriam
Lior bat Esther Masha
Dov Baer Ben Yehuda ha Kohen v'Devorah
David Sapper
Jackie Lewis
John Silverman
Leslie Weidner
Mimi Ito
 


For information about Pardes Levavot or our events please visit our website at www.pardeslevavot.org or write info@pardeslevavot.org. To contact Rabbis Nadya and Victor Gross write rabbis@pardeslevavot.org. If you would like to post something on our Pardes Levavot mailing lists, or if you have questions about our mailings, lists, communications, etc., contact info@pardeslevavot.org.


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