Services This Month
Friday Evening Shabbat Services - Celebrating Shir Ami's 21st Birthday!
Friday, February 3 at 7:00 pm
Please note:
We will no longer be streaming services via Zoom nor Facebook, also the free flipbook versions of Mishkan T’filah will not be available as of January 1, 2023.
Torah Study, Parshat Beshalach
Saturday, February 4, 10:30 am-12:00 pm
Please join us Saturday, February 4th, from 10:30am-12pm, for a spirited and educational Torah Study.
Register here to receive the Zoom meeting information.
Meeting led by David Cohen and Carole Wood to discuss Parashat Beshalach, Exodus 13:17-17:16
The Children of Israel escape across the Sea of Reeds from Pharaoh and his army, who drown when God drives back the sea. (13:17-14:31)
Moses and the Israelites sing a song praising Adonai. (15:1-21)
In the wilderness, God provides the grumbling Israelites with quails and manna. God instructs the Israelites to gather and prepare on the sixth day food needed for Shabbat. (15:22-16:36)
The people complain about the lack of water. Moses hits a rock with his rod and brings forth water. (17:1-7)
Israel defeats Amalek, Israel's eternal enemy. God vows to blot out the memory of Amalek from the world. (17:8-16)
Register if you will be attending. We hope to see you online!
Saturday Morning Shabbat Services
Saturday, February 11 at 10:00 am
Join us for a sunny Shabbat morning service with Torah reading (including the 10 Commandments), assuming a minyan is present, on February 11.
Save the Date! March Friday Evening Shabbat Services
Friday, March 3 at 7:00 pm
Save the date for Services on March 3! It's not too early to volunteer, please click here to sign up!
Upcoming Events
Rabbi Reice Office Hours
February Office Hours (At Shir Ami, until otherwise noted)
1 Feb 2023 (10 Shvat) 8 – 9am (Zoom Only) 💻
3 Feb 2023 (12 Shvat) 12 – 1pm (Zoom Only) 💻
7 Feb 2023 (16 Shvat) 1 – 4pm (Zoom Only) 💻
8 Feb 2023 (17 Shvat) 2:30 – 4:30pm 💻 & 👫
10 Feb 2023 (19 Shvat) 1 – 2pm (Zoom Only) 💻
14 Feb 2023 (23 Shvat) 9am – 2pm (Zoom Only) 💻
15 Feb 2023 (24 Shvat) 3:30 – 4:30pm 💻 & 👫
23 Feb 2023 (2 Adar) 10:30am – 4:30pm (Zoom Only) 💻
1 Mar 2023 (8 Adar) 2:30 – 4:30pm 💻 & 👫
2 Mar 2023 (9 Adar) 11am – 2pm (Zoom Only) 💻
3 Mar 2023 (10 Adar) 12 – 1pm (Zoom Only) 💻
Days Off
2 Feb 2023 (11 Shvat)
6 Feb 2023 (15 Shvat)
9 Feb 2023 (18 Shvat)
13 Feb 2023 (22 Shvat)
17 Feb 2023 (26 Shvat)
21 Feb 2023 (30 Shvat)
22 Feb 2023 (1 Adar)
27 Feb 2023 (6 Adar)
28 Feb 2023 (7 Adar)
Office Closing
20 Feb 2023 (29 Shvat) Office Closed - National Holiday
Please email Rabbi Reice (rreice@shir-ami.com), or our administrator (administrator@shir-ami.com) to schedule an appointment in advance.
Celebrating Birthdays and Anniversaries in February
Happy Anniversary:
Andrew and Sharon Cooper, February 6
Happy Birthday:
Alan Kook, February 2
Lucas Ahmed, February 3
Melanie Williams, February 4
Francesca Stewart, February 5
Rob Rose, February 11
Rose Ahmed, February 12
Ellen Blair, February 16
Dianne Schlanger, February 17
Tish Dashefsky, February 20
Rose Zimmerman, February 25
Maddie Teller-Kook, February 26
Hannah Weisbrod, February 26
Leo Dashefsky, February 29
Board of Trustees Monthly Meeting Sunday, February 19 at 10:30 am
All members are invited to attend the Board of Trustees meetings. If you would like to attend this meeting, or wish to speak at the meeting, please contact our President, Eloise Potter, at congregation@shir-ami.com.
Happy Bookers Book Club
Saturday, February 25 at 10:30 am
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2023 (Hybrid meeting)
Time: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Book: After the Last Border by Jessica Goudeau
After the Last Border is an intimate look at the lives of two refugee women and their families (Syria and Myanmar) and their hope and resilience as they fight to survive and belong in America. Having won the "golden ticket" as refugees, the families settle in Austin, Texas, a city that would show them the best and the worst of what America has to offer.
The welcoming and acceptance of immigrants and refugees has been central to America's identity for centuries--yet America has periodically turned its back at the times of greatest humanitarian need. Inserted between chapters is historical documentation of U.S. immigration and resettlement policy from 1880-2020. While this book is not specifically Jewish, the theme of immigration is. Jewish immigration is covered within each historical section.
About the Author
Jessica Goudeau’s After the Last Border was named a New York Times Best Book; World Magazine’s “Understanding the World” Book of the Year, a Library Journal “Best Social Science Book of the Year” and one of Chicago Public Library’s “Best Books of 2020.” It was a finalist for the Writer’s League of Texas Nonfiction Book Award, and the BookTube Prize.
Jessica Goudeau has been a columnist for Catapult and has written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue and many other publications. Her projects for Teen Vogue include “Ask a Syrian Girl” and “A Line Birds Cannot See,” a documentary about a young girl who crossed the border into the U.S. on her own that was distributed by The New Yorker. She has a PhD in literature from the University of Texas, and has served as a Mellon Writing Fellow and Interim Writing Center Director at Southwestern University. She teaches Creative Nonfiction at Wilkes University.
Goudeau has spent more than a decade working with refugees in Austin, Texas. A portion of the royalties from After the Last Border will be shared with “Mu Naw” and “Hasna.” “We’re so grateful to the readers who helped raise more than $5,000 for a travel fund in August 2021 to help them reunite with their families.”
The welcoming and acceptance of immigrants and refugees has been central to America's identity for centuries--yet America has periodically turned its back at the times of greatest humanitarian need. Inserted between chapters is historical documentation of U.S. immigration and resettlement policy from 1880-2020. While this book is not specifically Jewish, the theme of immigration is. Jewish immigration is covered within each historical section.
About the Author
Jessica Goudeau’s After the Last Border was named a New York Times Best Book; World Magazine’s “Understanding the World” Book of the Year, a Library Journal “Best Social Science Book of the Year” and one of Chicago Public Library’s “Best Books of 2020.” It was a finalist for the Writer’s League of Texas Nonfiction Book Award, and the BookTube Prize.
Jessica Goudeau has been a columnist for Catapult and has written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue and many other publications. Her projects for Teen Vogue include “Ask a Syrian Girl” and “A Line Birds Cannot See,” a documentary about a young girl who crossed the border into the U.S. on her own that was distributed by The New Yorker. She has a PhD in literature from the University of Texas, and has served as a Mellon Writing Fellow and Interim Writing Center Director at Southwestern University. She teaches Creative Nonfiction at Wilkes University.
Goudeau has spent more than a decade working with refugees in Austin, Texas. A portion of the royalties from After the Last Border will be shared with “Mu Naw” and “Hasna.” “We’re so grateful to the readers who helped raise more than $5,000 for a travel fund in August 2021 to help them reunite with their families.”
Grief Support
March 9 - May 18, Tues & Thurs, 7 pm
Meeting at Shir Ami, faciliatated by Rabbi Reice with a counselor from JFS. Click here to register!
Shir Ami News
Mi Shebeirach
Our Prayers for the Physical, Spiritual and Emotional Healing for those named and any others in need.
Please email Rabbi Reice at rreice@shir-ami.com to enter a name on the list or remove a name from the list.
Mona Bailey, Kay Moore, William Lenz, Darin Burdman, Greg Billings, Jodie Billings, Sam Billings, LeRoy Bitner, Kirsten Block, Lisa Coopersmith, Richard Dideriksen, Sandra Dietz, Julie Eaton, Glen Fine, Lynn Gelber, Lynda Glaspar, Carol Goldmark, Juliet Clare Grabish, Yarrow Halstead, Barry Henthorn, Jo Ella Henthorn, Pam Henthorn, Tom Henthorn, Molly Jacobi, Bill Kurtz, Liana Lawrence, Cindy Tarsi (Chasye Chana bat Laya Raizel v’Avraham Yitzchak HaLevi), Jim Tarsi, Trystan Stefanowicz, Bonnie Zimmer
Cookie Decorating Fundraiser
Thanks to everyone who supported our fundraiser! Special thanks to Craig Kurtz and Mookie Weisbrod for planning and organizing, and EXTRA special thanks to the Gisser family for hosting the event in their beautiful home.
Upcoming URJ Survey
March 6-27
Following a Board vote last year, CSA is moving forward on surveys of congregants and the Board. Each adult member will recieve an email from temple leadership containing a link to download survey materials developed by URJ (Union for Reform Judaism). The survey process is scheduled to launch on March 6 and your completed confidential survey should be returned by March 27. It is hoped that you will participate in this process that has been designed by URJ to strengthen Reform congregations.
Your individual responses will not go to the Board or the Rabbi, but rather to the professional team at URJ providing assistance with this project. They will gather completed surveys and compile results for us to consider. Your email addresses and identifying data will be safeguarded.
Should you have any questions about this, please contact Stephen Thomas.
Shir Ami and Drive a Senior Northwest – Partners in Supporting our Older Adults
Volunteer Drivers Needed
Please consider becoming a volunteer driver for the Drive a Senior Northwest program. By offering to drive someone just one or two short trips a month, you will be an unbelievable help to our many older adults still living at home in the northwest Austin/Cedar Park/Leander area. Driving an older adult is incredibly rewarding and very much appreciated. Please go online to driveaseniornorthwest.org to read about the program, then print a volunteer form, fill it out, and mail it in. Or ask Sara Goodman (sgoodman123@gmail.com) for more information about the program.
Please consider becoming a volunteer driver for the Drive a Senior Northwest program. By offering to drive someone just one or two short trips a month, you will be an unbelievable help to our many older adults still living at home in the northwest Austin/Cedar Park/Leander area. Driving an older adult is incredibly rewarding and very much appreciated. Please go online to driveaseniornorthwest.org to read about the program, then print a volunteer form, fill it out, and mail it in. Or ask Sara Goodman (sgoodman123@gmail.com) for more information about the program.
Services to Adults 60+
If you or a loved one is 60+ and needs help to stay in your/their home, Drive A Senior Northwest is here for you. Services include rides to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store, community activities, etc. as well as minor home repair, telephone reassurance, and a twice monthly senior day out. Contact Drive a Senior Northwest at driveaseniornorthwest.org or (512) 250-5021.
If you or a loved one is 60+ and needs help to stay in your/their home, Drive A Senior Northwest is here for you. Services include rides to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store, community activities, etc. as well as minor home repair, telephone reassurance, and a twice monthly senior day out. Contact Drive a Senior Northwest at driveaseniornorthwest.org or (512) 250-5021.
The Caring Circle - Care to Get Involved?
Lending a helping hand to members in times of stress is a vital part of any congregation; kind and caring volunteers in this group help provide support to other Shir Ami congregants in times of life's challenges such as illness, death, divorce, and birth. Specific activities include helping to secure a minyan for a memorial or shiva service, sending notes to members on the loss of a loved one, arranging transportation for a member to attend services or other Shir Ami events, and providing meals, visiting or calling congregants during times of illness or post-hospitalization.
If you are experiencing any of these challenges and wish to be contacted by the Caring Circle, please contact Rabbi Reice. If you wish to be a Caring Circle volunteer, please contact Sara Goodman at CaringCircle@Shir-Ami.com. All are welcome!
Community News
Sing-along, Jam-along and Havdallah
February 18th from 6-8pm at Temple Beth Shalom
Salaam Neighbors
Sunday, February 12,3:00 pm
Mueller Southwest Greenway
Mueller Southwest Greenway
Salaam Neighbors (SN) is an Austin Jews and Partners for Refugees (AJPR) program designed to assist refugees with adjusting to life in Austin. Salaam Neighbors Community Fun Days is a Shalom Austin JFS and SN initiative to offer an opportunity for SN families, especially the mothers and children, to socialize, and meet others from the community.
Register HERE to join in on the day of fun!
Questions? Contact joan.maniere@shalomaustin.org
Register HERE to join in on the day of fun!
Questions? Contact joan.maniere@shalomaustin.org
HFLA Poker Tournament
Sunday, February 26, 4:00-8:00 pm
Temple Beth Shalom
Temple Beth Shalom
Study on Antisemitism in Texas
The Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission
The comission recently submitted the first ever study on Antisemitism in Texas to the state legislature. The report demonstrates what many of you already know from your daily life — that antisemitic incidents have grown more frequent and extreme in Texas in recent years. This reflects a national and global trend as hate is able to spread more easily than ever through social media. This normalization of antisemitism also draws on centuries-old tropes about Jewish greed, control, and influence, which have taken root across ideologies and sectors of society.
They have developed eight specific recommendations for Texas to continue its national leadership in promoting awareness, improving security, and fighting back against hatred.
Jewish Family Services Caregiver Support Groups
Family Caregiver Support Group: This is an ongoing group and meets the first and third Thursday of each month. It is a safe place for family members caring for adult loved ones to discuss the stresses, challenges, and rewards of caregiving. To register, click here
Digital Mood & Mindfulness with Jewish Family Service
Tuesday, February 14 at 11 am
Via Zoom
Tuesday, February 14 at 11 am
Via Zoom
Do you feel distracted? Hurried? Preoccupied? This personal development workshop will teach mindfulness techniques that can help participants to be more present and aware in daily life. Mindfulness has the power to improve relationships, increase self-control, boost productivity and can lessen depression and anxiety.
Join Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service’s professionally-facilitated workshop to develop mindfulness skills and discuss common experiences together.
Second Tuesday of each month at 11AM
Via Zoom
Free to attend
Via Zoom
Free to attend
For more information and to register to receive the link, please contact Emma Howitt, LPC-S, LCDC at emma.howitt@shalomaustin.org.
Volunteer for Shalom Austin JFS Food Pantry
The Client Choice Shalom Austin JFS Food Pantry is always looking to engage volunteers in food drives, packing food bags, and making deliveries. Anyone interested in getting involved in any capacity, can email Joan Eisenberg Maniere at joan.maniere@shalomaustin.org.
Also, if you know of any community members who are facing food insecurity, please have them contact Joan, and she can get them enrolled into the program.
Interest Free Loans
Hebrew Free Loan of Austin provides short-term financial support for members of the Austin Jewish community through interest-free loans that springboard you to your next step in life. Could you or someone you know use a hand-up with an interest free loan? Contact info@hfla.org or visit https://hebrewfreeloanofaustin.org.
Operation Todah Texas
For more information about how to participate, please visit https://www.shir-ami.com/operationtodahtexas
Fri, April 19 2024 11 Nisan 5784
