Sign In Forgot Password
Home > Membership > The Voice - March 2025 - Adar/Nisan 5785

The Voice - March 2025 - Adar/Nisan 5785

Services this Month

Shabbat Morning Services and Bat Mitzvah
Saturday  |  March 1  |  10:00 am
 
 
We come together as the Stefanowicz family and Congregation Shir Ami celebrate the simcha of Skylar Stefanowicz being called to the Torah as Bat Mitzvah. Please join us on this special occasion as this Religious School student passes from childhood to adulthood in our Jewish tradition, and as our Shir Ami family honors this momentous event!
 
Rabbi Reice will lead this special ceremony, along with our regular Saturday morning Shabbat Torah Service. Please click here to register!
Shabbat Services
Friday  |  March 7  | 7:00 pm
 
 
Join us for Shabbat services led by Rabbi Reice! In addition to other celebrations, our member, James Smallwood, will also be called to the bimah for a ceremony of welcome as he completed the rituals required for his formal conversion in late February and is now a full ritual member of the Jewish people.
Shir Ami Hamantaschen Contest
March 7  |  After Services
 
 
 
 
Do you have a fantastic hamantaschen recipe? Do you have a new spin on an old favorite? Be classic be creative! After services in March we will have a contest to find the best hamantaschen in the land. Start thinking about what you want to bring, only homemade items are eligible for the contest! Bring a recipe or list of ingredients to share. More details to come.
 
Save the Date! April Shabbat Services and Budget Meeting
Friday, April 4  |  Services 7:00pm
 
 
Addressing the Reality and Anxiety of Antisemitism. A Shir Ami Caring Circle Shabbat
The Shir Ami Caring Circle will host a speaker at the April 4 Shabbat. Jackie Nirenberg, the Regional Director for the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) for Central Texas, will speak about the general state of antisemitism, the latest statistics, and findings from ADL's recent study on communicating about antisemitism to non-Jewish audiences. Her presentation will be part of our Shabbat Services.
 
There will be a Budget meeting for all Shir Ami members before services on the 4th. More details to come.

Upcoming Events

Rabbi Reice Office Hours
 
March Office Hours
3 Mar 2025 (3 Adar) 1 – 4pm 💻 & 👫
5 Mar 2025 (5 Adar) 2 – 5pm 💻 & 👫
12 Mar 2025 (12 Adar) 11am – 5pm 💻 & 👫
18 Mar 2025 (18 Adar) 12 – 6pm 💻 & 👫
 
Upcoming Days Off
4 Mar 2025 (4 Adar) - comp for 2/18
6 Mar 2025 (6 Adar) - comp for 2/24
10 Mar 2025 (10 Adar) - comp for 3/3
14 Mar 2025 (14 Adar) - comp for 3/7
17 Mar 2025 (17 Adar) - comp for 3/11
21 Mar 2025 (21 Adar) - comp for 3/13
27 Mar 2025 (27 Adar)
28 Mar 2025 (28 Adar)
31 Mar 2025 (2 Nisan)
3 Apr 2025 (5 Nisan)
 
March Conference Days (limited availability by email and phone)
23 Mar 2025 (23 Adar) CCAR
24 Mar 2025 (24 Adar) CCAR
25 Mar 2025 (25 Adar) CCAR
26 Mar 2025 (26 Adar) CCAR
 
During Office hours, Rabbi Reice will be answering the phone, answering emails, and meeting with those folks 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, Cindy Tarsi, 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 March

Happy Anniversary:
3/24    Linda and Ron Weiss
 
Happy Birthday:
3/01        Asher Lazarus
3/03        John Potter
3/06        Leo Dashefsky
3/06        Rosanne Levbarg
3/08        Amy Clift
3/11        Pamela Caulder-Fine
3/16        Navya Roos Kirkpatrick
3/16        Ron Kopita
3/22        John Rigney
3/23        Stephen Thomas
3/24        Aaron Roos Kirkpatrick
3/25        Esther Thomas
3/26        Hettie Schultz
3/28        David Dashefsky
3/29        Mark Wilson
3/30        Sara Wilgoren
3/30        Claire Bitner
Board of Trustees Monthly Meeting
Sunday  |  March 9  |  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, Cindy Tarsi.
Women's Mah Jongg
If you are interested in learning or playing, contact Maxine or Leslie
 
 
The women in our group meet once or twice a month to play Mah Jongg, kibbitz, nosh and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Our members volunteer to host these afternoon games at their homes. Members who would like to make a donation at the end of each game may do so. At the end of the year the group makes a donation to Shir Ami and chooses another worthy Jewish charity.
Happy Bookers Book Club
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2024
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Book: The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening by Ari Shapiro
 
 
 
About the Book
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER “ …  a witty, poignant book that captures Ari Shapiro’s love for the unusual, his pursuit of the unexpected, and his delight at connection against the odds.”—Ronan Farrow, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist and New York Times-bestselling author
 
From the beloved host of NPR's All Things Considered, a stirring memoir-in-essays---and a love letter to journalism. Ari Shapiro takes us around the globe, revealing the stories behind narratives that are sometimes heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking, but always poignant … traveling on Air Force One with President Obama … following the path of Syrian refugees fleeing war … and all the time learning from people fighting for social justice at home and abroad. Ari Shapiro keeps seeking ways to help people listen to one another; to find connection and commonality with those who may seem different; to remind us that, before religion, or nationality, or politics, we are all human. The Best Strangers in the World is a testament to one journalist’s passion for Considering All Things—and sharing what he finds with the rest of us.
 
About the Author
 
About Happy Bookers
The Happy Bookers book club is open to Shir Ami members. Interested prospective members should contact the Shir Ami Membership Committee.
 
2025 SCHEDULE
1/18: A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell
2/22: the little liar by Mitch Albom
3/22: The Best Strangers in the World by Ari Shapiro
4/19: Three Floors Up by Eshkol Nevo
5/17: The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
6/21: The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict
7/19: City Boy by Herman Wouk
8/23: West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
9/20: Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth by Noa Tishby
10/25: The Liar by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen
11/22: The Morning After the Revolution by Nellie Bowles
12/20: When Angels Left the Old Country by Sasha Lamb
1/2026: Here All Along by Sarah Hurwitz
 
World Zionist Congress Elections - VOTE!
Voting runs from March 10 - May 4, 2025
 
Join the Reform Movement in Voting for the Vote Reform Slate (option #3) in this election. Rabbi Reice will speak more about this opportunity on March 7.
ARE YOU READY TO VOTE?! Details to help get you ready are available at: https://www.vote4reform.org
 

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.
 
Bill Bitner, Ralph Burdett, Rene Castiglione, Pamela Caulder-Fine, Ron Christopher, Asher Clift-Reaves, Glen Fine, Leora Forstein, Janet Friedman, Linda Friedman, Lynn Gelber, Carol Goldmark, Juliet Clare Grabish, Gail Lary, Peter Lary, Rabbi Mark Levin, William Lenz, Eric Maginniss, Nikki Maza, Geri Meyers, Dorie Mickelson, Carol Moon, Kay Moore, Dominae Petrosini, Emory Plum Schlanger, Harriet Schorr, Skylar Stefanowicz, Trystan Stefanowicz, Cindy Tarsi (Chasye Chana bat Laya Raizel v’Avraham Yitzchak HaLevi), Jim Tarsi, Esther Thomas, Laura Wildeman, Carole Wood, Dominic Wood, Bonnie Zimmer
Second Seder:  Registration is open!
Last day to register is April 6th!
Sunday  |  April 13  |  5:30pm
 
 

Volunteers needed for Second Seder!
Our planning committee will meet: March 10, March 24, March 31, and April 7 over Zoom at 6:30 pm.  We will plan the logistics of hosting the Seder, including preparing food, setup, and cleanup. We are also looking for help making side dishes and desserts.
 
Please check the Shir Ami calendar for the zoom link to our meetings or email Dottie at macdje@gmail.com,
 
Thank you!
Dottie Elliott
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 Shir Ami members volunteer in this group to 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, sending cards, 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 more active Caring Circle volunteer, please contact Sara Goodman at CaringCircle@Shir-Ami.com. All are welcome!

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.
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.

Community News

Secure Community Network Launches Recurring Seasonal 10-Minute Weather Safety Webinar Series
 
The Secure Community Network (SCN), the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America, today announced a new, recurring series of weather-related preparedness webinars aimed at helping Jewish institutions and community members proactively prepare for seasonal weather events. The series kicks off with two comprehensive spring weather safety webinars, available immediately for community members to view at their convenience.
 
The first two webinars, "10-Minute Weather Safety Series: Spring Weather" and “10-Minute Weather Safety Series — Hurricanes and Floods,” provide critical information on recognizing and responding to severe weather events including tornadoes, thunderstorms, hurricanes, flash floods, and riverine flooding. Viewers will learn important safety strategies such as understanding weather alerts, emergency preparedness best practices, and how to protect themselves and their communities effectively during spring weather emergencies.
 
"The goal of this webinar series is to empower Jewish communities to employ timely, actionable preparedness steps to protect their institutions and homes against seasonal weather-related incidents," said Secure Community Network National Director & CEO Michael Masters. "As we have seen recently across the country — from wildfires in the Carolinas and California to hurricanes across the South — weather-related incidents can be rapid, unexpected, devastating crises that put lives in danger and turn communities upside down. Taking a proactive approach to safety significantly mitigates risks and protects communities from the worst in moments of crisis.”
 
Community members and organizations will have the opportunity to engage in a question-and-answer session with SCN’s Emergency Preparedness Program Director Murray Snow on 02 April. As part of SCN’s best-practice, all-hazards approach to safety, security, and resiliency, these live question-and-answer sessions will follow each seasonal webinar offering.
 
SCN urges all community institutions and members to participate in this educational initiative and enhance their preparedness for seasonal weather-related challenges. To access the webinar and register for the upcoming Q&A session, click here or visit SecureCommunityNetwork.Org.
Jewish Exchange Student Looking for a Host Family
 
 
Jennifer McCollough is the Regional Director at Greenheart International  

742 N. LaSalle Dr., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60654  
(614) 284-9859 
She is looking for a volunteer host family for a 14-year-old girl from France (she'll be 15 when she arrives in Aug) named Elya.
 
Elya is Jewish and will attend services with her host family. She enjoys riding horses, reading and cooking. She does not eat pork or seafood for religious reasons.
 
Would you happen to know anyone who could host her?
 
Elya says, "I am a 14 year old girl. I have 2 siblings, they are twins, and they are my best friends. I love animals, I have a dog and a horse and I used to have an hamster. I love traveling and I hope that when I am older I'll be able to travel a lot. My favorite book is It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. I am funny and friendly and persistent. I am sociable and always happy to meet new people."
 
If you would like to host Elya or know anyone who might be a good fit please communicate with Jennifer directly or pass on Jennifer's contact information, above.
An invitation to our Texas Jewish community for LGBTQ+ rights
 
We wanted to reach out and invite you to be involved in Keshet and SOJOURN’s on-the-ground efforts during the Texas legislative session. Together, we can send a message that Texas Jews stand UP for LGBTQ+ rights!
The 2025 Texas legislative session is already well underway, and we’re gathering a group of Jewish community members in our state who are committed and ready to take action on behalf of our LGBTQ+ siblings. Together, we will:
We hope to see as many members of your community as possible at these two events!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. We’re grateful to be in this fight with you!
 
Shabbat Shalom and Solidarity,
Rachel Gollay (Keshet) & Rose Kantorczyk (SOJOURN)
Speaker Opportunity
 
 
Austin Jewish Film Festival March Film: A Photographic Memory
 
Our March offering is the film A Photographic Memory, which will be screened on Sunday, March 30 at 4:00 p.m. Filmmaker Rachel Seed will be in attendance for a live Q & A following the film. 
 
Synopsis: Sheila Turner Seed was an award-winning New York City-based journalist in the 1970s who interviewed such photography luminaries as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Gordon Parks, Cecil Beaton, and Lisette Model. When she passed away suddenly and tragically, she left behind an infant daughter, Rachel. More than 30 years later, Rachel has herself become a filmmaker, photographer, and writer. A Photographic Memory marks a moving attempt to navigate grief and nostalgia as Rachel deep-dives into Shelia’s archives, much of which had been forgotten.
 
WHY WE LIKE THIS FILM: Brought to our attention by Phil Spertus, who knew Sheila Turner Seed, this film is a beautifully made and touching story of her daughter, Rachel trying to understand and connect with the mother she never got to know. Rachel is expected to travel to Austin for a post screening Q&A.
 
For tickets and further details, visit austinjff.org/events/aphotographicmemory. There is a $2 discount for tickets purchased through the website, bringing the cost to $13 for a ticket.
Yom Hashoah Speaker at the Georgetown Public Library
April 27  |  3-5pm
 
 
This presentation, tailored for all ages, shares a message that is both timeless and urgent in today’s world. Attendance is free!
 
Shalom Austin Adult Jewish Learning kicks off on Monday, March 10
 
 
Michal Ilai, Shalom Austin Senior Israel Educator, will be leading a four-part series on Conversations & Connections Around Jewish Peoplehood. We’ll explore topics such as:
 
    Identifying as diaspora Jews as part of Am Israel (People of Israel)
    The centrality of Israel in the Jewish story
    The role of Hebrew in connecting Jews
    From disaster relief to high fashion: Israel’s many contributions to the world
 
Classes take place on March 10, 17, 24 & 31 from 7-8:30 PM at the Dell JCC.
To learn more and to register, please visit shalomaustin.org/adultjewishlearning.
AJL is open to individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Partner Programs and Seminars:
 
International K-12 Educators Seminar: The International Educators’ Seminar in June 2025 offers a unique opportunity for K-12 educators to learn, experience, and gain insights into the educational system in Israel. This highly subsidized seminar provides a platform to explore enriching, meaningful, and long-lasting global connections. To receive info, please email P2G WG Academia and Education Coordinator, Shiri Ehrlich.
 
 
My Jewish Kitchen: Closely following the celebration of TuBishvat, Idan Ishach Erez, Western Galilean dried fruit factory owner will be the featured presenter. Her business survived not only the pandemic but the factory itself was recently hit by rockets during the war. She will share her trials of the war and her love for the fruit of the region. Click here to register.
 
Other Programs and Opportunities:
 
Information Session: College Students Seminar in Israel: “Cultural Diversity and Complexity of the Western Galilee” Info session: Sunday, March 9, 12 PM CST | 1 PM EST | 7 PM HU | 8 PM IL  Sign up to learn more about this seminar for students and professors from the US and Budapest scheduled for Winter 2025-26. Contact Academia and Education Coordinator, Shiri Ehrlich for more info.
   
Mishloach Manot for IDF Soldiers:  Send mishloach manot (gifts of food) to IDF soldiers through Western Galilee Now.  Deadline: March 1. Click here to purchase.
 
Routes2Roots: Hungarian Heritage Exploration - For those of Hungarian heritage in our P2G WG communities who are interested in pursuing this free-of-charge family research, contact Noemi Nemeth, P2G Budapest Coordinator.
 
Medical Students Externship at the Galilee Medical Center: The P2G Medical Committee announces an immersive month-long experience for medical students to get a close-up look at Israel’s health system, its rigorous medical standards and quality medical care, the diverse culture of northern Israel, and more. During the Externship, students will have the opportunity to take part in rounds, participate in ward activities, attend lectures and receive informal instruction at the Galilee Medical Center (GMC). The medical center will work with each student to tailor the dates of the externship to the  student’s availability as well as their learning objectives. For more information, contact P2G Assistant Director Avital Ben Dror.
 
 
Chesed Circle is returning in the Spring!
 
Chesed (kindness) Circle is a five-class learning series for preschoolers (ages 3-5) and their caregivers rooted in Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), a core tenet of Judaism. Each class offers participants meaningful learning and hands-on opportunities centered on acts of chesed (kindness) toward each other and our world. Classes take place on Sunday mornings at the Dell JCC. Only one registration is needed per family (siblings welcome). There is a discounted rate for returning families.
Register here!
New Programs from Jewish Family Services
Classes are ongoing, click fliers for more information
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
 
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
For more information and to register to receive the link, please contact Emma Howitt, LPC-S, LCDC at emma.howitt@shalomaustin.org.
https://hebrewfreeloanofaustin.org/Interest Free Loans for Camp
 
We all know the importance that a Jewish Summer Camp experience can have on the formulation of a child’s Jewish identity. I wanted to share with you the news that Hebrew Free Loan of Austin is providing no interest loans of up to $2500 to families seeking assistance in sending children or grandchildren to Jewish Summer Camp.  In addition, HFLA is not requiring a guarantor for such loans.  Paid back over the course of the year, this can a be an easy way for families to essentially save for camp all year long.

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? Loans can be made available within a week or even same day in emergencies! Contact info@hfla.org or visit https://hebrewfreeloanofaustin.org.
Wed, April 30 2025 2 Iyar 5785