Services This Month
Friday Evening Shabbat Services
Friday, June 2 at 7:00 pm
Join us for joyful Shabbat evening services celebrating new members and blessing high school graduates, led by Rabbi Reice and co-led by Brady Wilgoren as he prepares to become Bar Mitzvah at Shir Ami.
Before services there will be a special potluck dinner to honor our new members, at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
Save the Date! July 7 Friday Evening Shabbat Services
Friday, July 7 at 7:00 pm
Save the date for Services on July 7th! We will be thanking outgoing Board Members and Installing the New Board.
Upcoming Events
Rabbi Reice Office Hours
June Office Hours (At Shir Ami, until otherwise noted)
6 Jun 2023 (17 Sivan) 1:30 – 6pm 💻 & 👫
7 Jun 2023 (18 Sivan) 8 – 9:30am (Zoom Only) 💻
15 Jun 2023 (26 Sivan) 1 – 4pm (Zoom Only) 💻
16 Jun 2023 (27 Sivan) 11am – 2pm (Zoom Only) 💻
20 Jun 2023 (1 Tamuz) 2 – 5:30pm (Zoom Only) 💻
21 Jun 2023 (2 Tamuz) 2 – 4:30pm (Zoom Only) 💻
26 Jun 2023 (7 Tamuz) 11:30am – 5:30pm 💻 & 👫
Days Off
1 Jun 2023 (12 Sivan)
8 Jun 2023 (19 Sivan)
9 Jun 2023 (20 Sivan)
12 Jun 2023 (23 Sivan)
14 Jun 2023 (25 Sivan)
22 Jun 2023 (3 Tamuz)
23 Jun 2023 (4 Tamuz)
29 Jun 2023 (10 Tamuz)
30 Jun 2023 (11 Tamuz)
Office Closings
19 Jun 2023 (30 Sivan) Office Closed - National Holiday
Vacation Day
13 Jun 2023 (24 Sivan)
13 Jun 2023 (24 Sivan)
During Office hours, Rabbi Reice will be answering the phone, answering emails, and meeting with those who have scheduled an appointment (in person, over the phone or a video call). Please feel free to call or email Rabbi Reice during these times. (Of course, contact her, or our President, Eloise Potter, immediately for more urgent matters.)
Please email our administrator, Rachel McEwen (administrator@shir-ami.com), to schedule an appointment in advance.
Celebrating Birthdays and Anniversaries in June
Happy Anniversary:
Sara and Rob Wilgoren, June 3
Esther & Stephen Thomas, June 14
Dr. Maddie Teller-Kook & Dr. Alan Kook, June 17
Diane Stepakof-Fay & Jason Fay, June 22
Rosanne & Mark Levbarg, June 23
Cindy & Jim Tarsi, June 24
Dianne and Dr Leslie Schlanger, June 25
Esther & Stephen Thomas, June 14
Dr. Maddie Teller-Kook & Dr. Alan Kook, June 17
Diane Stepakof-Fay & Jason Fay, June 22
Rosanne & Mark Levbarg, June 23
Cindy & Jim Tarsi, June 24
Dianne and Dr Leslie Schlanger, June 25
Happy Birthday:
Helaine Kramsky, June 5
Oliver Weisbrod, June 6
George Simmons, June 8
Dorie Mickelson, June 11
Bruce Bitner, June 12
Rabbi Rebecca Reice, June 13
Jack Dashefsky, June 13
Addie Gisser, June 16
Rachel VanScoyoc, June 18
Maxine Kaplan, June 19
Dottie Elliott, June 19
Lisa Zeevi, June 26
Paula Gentry, June 27
Oliver Weisbrod, June 6
George Simmons, June 8
Dorie Mickelson, June 11
Bruce Bitner, June 12
Rabbi Rebecca Reice, June 13
Jack Dashefsky, June 13
Addie Gisser, June 16
Rachel VanScoyoc, June 18
Maxine Kaplan, June 19
Dottie Elliott, June 19
Lisa Zeevi, June 26
Paula Gentry, June 27
Torah Study
June 10 | 10:30 am | via Zoom
Please join for our Torah Study, June 10th, 10:30 via Zoom to discuss the Passover do-over, G-d's cloud by day and fire by night show, meat demands, desert plagues, and Miriam's leprosy. Intrigue, analysis, and interpretations are welcome!
G-d speaks to Moses, describing the menorah for the Tent of Meeting. The Levites are appointed to serve as assistants under Aaron and his sons. (8:1-26)
Those who are unable to celebrate Passover during Nisan are given a time in the month of Sivan to observe a "second Passover." (9:1-14)
A cloud by day and fire by night show G-d's Presence over the Tabernacle. When the cloud lifts from the Tabernacle, the people leave Sinai, setting out on their journey, tribe by tribe. (9:15-10:36)
The Israelites complain about the lack of meat, and Moses becomes frustrated. G-d tells him to appoint a council of elders. G-d provides the people with meat and then strikes them with a very severe plague. (11:1-34)
Miriam and Aaron talk about the "Cushite woman" whom Moses has married. In addition, they complain that G-d speaks not only through Moses but also through them. Miriam is struck with leprosy, and Moses begs G-d to heal her. After her recovery, the people resume their journey. (12:1-16)
Those who are unable to celebrate Passover during Nisan are given a time in the month of Sivan to observe a "second Passover." (9:1-14)
A cloud by day and fire by night show G-d's Presence over the Tabernacle. When the cloud lifts from the Tabernacle, the people leave Sinai, setting out on their journey, tribe by tribe. (9:15-10:36)
The Israelites complain about the lack of meat, and Moses becomes frustrated. G-d tells him to appoint a council of elders. G-d provides the people with meat and then strikes them with a very severe plague. (11:1-34)
Miriam and Aaron talk about the "Cushite woman" whom Moses has married. In addition, they complain that G-d speaks not only through Moses but also through them. Miriam is struck with leprosy, and Moses begs G-d to heal her. After her recovery, the people resume their journey. (12:1-16)
Board of Trustees Monthly Meeting Sunday, June 25 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.
Shir Ami Women's Mah Jongg Tuesday, June 13 1:00-3:00pm
Mah Jongg will be hosted by Leslie Schwartz for the month of June. If you would like to play or learn how to play, please contact Leslie.
Happy Bookers Book Club
Saturday, June 24 at 10:30 am
Date: Saturday, June 24, 2023
Time: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: In-person and via Zoom
Book: Henna House by Nomi Eve
About the Book
In Yemen in 1920, a young girl's parents desperately seek a future husband for their daughter. With her parents failing health and no prospects, she lives in fear of an emissary of the local Imam, whose job it is to confiscate orphans. Adela’s situation looks dire—until she meets two cousins from faraway cities: a boy with whom she shares her most treasured secret, and a girl who introduces her to the powerful rituals of henna. Henna House is an intimate family portrait interwoven with the traditions of the Yemenite Jews and the history of the Holocaust and Israel. It is a sensuous tale of love, loss, betrayal, forgiveness—and the dyes that adorn the skin and pierce the heart.
About the Author
Nomi Eve’s first novel, The Family Orchard, was published in 2001, was a Book-of-the-Month Club main selection and was nominated for a National Jewish Book Award. Henna House is her second novel and was published in 2014. Nomi Eve has an MFA in fiction writing from Brown University and has worked as a freelance book reviewer for The Village Voice and New York Newsday. Her stories and essays have appeared in The New York Times, Glimmer Train Stories, The Voice Literary Supplement, Conjunctions, and The International Quarterly. She is the director of the Creative Writing MFA program at Drexel University and lives in Philadelphia with her family.
In Yemen in 1920, a young girl's parents desperately seek a future husband for their daughter. With her parents failing health and no prospects, she lives in fear of an emissary of the local Imam, whose job it is to confiscate orphans. Adela’s situation looks dire—until she meets two cousins from faraway cities: a boy with whom she shares her most treasured secret, and a girl who introduces her to the powerful rituals of henna. Henna House is an intimate family portrait interwoven with the traditions of the Yemenite Jews and the history of the Holocaust and Israel. It is a sensuous tale of love, loss, betrayal, forgiveness—and the dyes that adorn the skin and pierce the heart.
About the Author
Nomi Eve’s first novel, The Family Orchard, was published in 2001, was a Book-of-the-Month Club main selection and was nominated for a National Jewish Book Award. Henna House is her second novel and was published in 2014. Nomi Eve has an MFA in fiction writing from Brown University and has worked as a freelance book reviewer for The Village Voice and New York Newsday. Her stories and essays have appeared in The New York Times, Glimmer Train Stories, The Voice Literary Supplement, Conjunctions, and The International Quarterly. She is the director of the Creative Writing MFA program at Drexel University and lives in Philadelphia with her family.
Grief Support
May 4 - June 6, Tues, 7-8:30 pm
Meeting at Shir Ami, faciliatated by Rabbi Reice with a counselor from JFS. Contact adminstrator@shir-ami.com 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, Jodie Billings, Sam Billings, Bill Bitner, LeRoy Bitner, Darin Burdman, Asher Clift-Reaves, Maple Cohn, Lisa Coopersmith, Anne Ditlefsen-Smallwood, Sandra Dietz, Julie Eaton, Glen Fine, Lynn Gelber, Carol Goldmark, Juliet Clare Grabish, Yarrow Halstead, Barry Henthorn, Jo Ella Henthorn, Pam Henthorn, Tom Henthorn, Molly Jacobi, Kate Koons, Bill Kurtz, Liana Lawrence, William Lenz, Rabbi Mark Levin, Kay Moore, Skylar Stefanowicz, Trystan Stefanowicz, Cindy Tarsi (Chasye Chana bat Laya Raizel v’Avraham Yitzchak HaLevi), Jim Tarsi, Miles Ward, Julian Ward, James Whitehouse, Carole Wood, Bonnie Zimmer
Senior Day Out
In early May, five Shir Ami members got together to shop for, prepare and serve lunch at Senior Day Out, driveaseniornorthwest.org one of the programs offered by Drive A Senior Northwest. Drive a Senior matches volunteers with seniors to provide rides to critical medical appointments and grocery stores, as well as to volunteer in other ways such as handyman services or friendly visitors/callers.
During our Senior Day Out luncheon on May 11, more than 45 people were served. Thank you to our Shir Ami monetary contributors and our in-person volunteers! To get involved, contact Paula Gentry.
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?
Next Meeting June 6, 1:30pm
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
Jewish Film Festival
The San Antonio Jewish Film Festival and the Austin Jewish Film Festival are proud to co-present the 2023 Summer Series from May 28—September 3, featuring eight great new films and bonus content such as exclusive interviews with the filmmakers to keep you entertained all summer!
In honor of Israel’s 75th birthday, all films in this year’s Summer Series are Israeli, and for most of these films this will be their Texas premiere.
You may purchase tickets to individual films for $15 each (all fees included) or a Summer Series Pass to all movies for just $85 (all fees included). Another option is to buy an AJFF365 Subscription, which will give you free access to all of these movies plus all other AJFF365 events for a full twelve months.
Meketa USA
On Sunday, June 11th Meketa USA will have a special zoom presentation about the Gondar Jewish community featuring former Knesset member and Jewish Ethiopian advocate, Avraham Neguise and Gondar, Ethiopia community leader, Ambanesh Biru. The zoom will be held at 12 CDT (1pm EDT, 11 MDT, 10 PDT).
Anyone who wants to attend the presentation can send an email to meketausa@gmail.com to register.
Free JCC Membership
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Get a FREE JCC Membership With Renew Active
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The JCC is the fitness center at Shalom Austin. Renew Active and Medicare One Pass will pay for your JCC membership! The JCC has partnered with UnitedHealthcare to offer Medicare insurance-covered memberships for seniors (65+) through a program called Renew Active.
To get started, email membership@shalomaustin.org or call 512-735-8001 with your Renew Active ID and phone number. |
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, June 13 at 11 am
Via Zoom
Tuesday, June 13 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
