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Home > Membership > The Voice - October 2025 - Tishrei/Cheshvan 5786

The Voice - October 2025 - 5786

Services this Month

Celebrate Yom Kippur With Us
October 1 and 2
 
 
We look forward to seeing you! Click here for more information!
Bring Them Home Now & Shir Ami Speaker Commemorating 10/7/23

Shir Ami  |  October 7  |  7:30pm - 9:30pm 

 
In collaboration with Bring Them Home Now Austin, Congregation Shir Ami is hosting LTC (res.) Shai Schul. He will share his story from October 7th, 2023 titled "Military Medicine: Courage and Leadership during war." He will speak and show some pictures followed by a moderated Q&A session.
 
Mr. Schul is coming to Cedar Park for one day only to share his story and help us to remember together, reflecting on the 2nd anniversary of October 7, 2023. Rabbi Reice would like to invite everyone who attends to decompress in the sukkah afterwards and join us for Kiddush and a light bite to honor the second day of Sukkot. Click here to register!
 
About the speaker:
 
Mr. Shai Schul is an Israeli leader in the field of Health Administration. He is the Deputy to the Director General and Head of Planning and Organization Directorate in Assuta Hospitals, which is the largest private hospital chain in Israel.
 
Mr. Schul is also a LTC (res.), with an outstanding military service record of over 28 years in the IDF Medical Corps. Schul and was the Head of Operational Branch of the IDF Medical Corps and the commander of the Medical Services unit and he served all over the country including the Golan Heights, the Jordan Valley, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Gaza strip. LTC (res.) Schul is also the Chief of Operations of the IDF field hospital and an expert in humanitarian aid. He took part in humanitarian missions all over the world including: Kosovo (1999) Nepal (2015) Turkey (2016, 2023) and more.
 
Oct 7th caught LTC (res.) Schul at Yerevan, Armenia while extending an helping hand in a humanitarian mission treating hundreds of wounded people after a massive explosion tore through a fuel depot. Only 3 hours after the beginning of the attack in Gaza, he was already on his way back to Israel.
 
Upon arrival to Ben Gurion airport, he was called back to a military service in the IDF Medical Corps and he was (and still) involved in saving soldiers' lives on the battlefield, blood donation services, forensic medicine, and more.
 
LTC Schul has BA in Logistics & Economy and a MA in Health Administration.  
 
Shai is 50 years old, married and a father of three.
Shabbat Services
Friday | October 10 | 7:00 pm
 

Join us for joyful Shabbat services led by Rabbi Rebecca Reice.
Oneg in the Sukkah after Services
Friday | October 10 | 7:00 pm
 

If you can contribute something for Oneg in the Sukkah after Services we would really appreciate it! Please contact administrator@shir-ami.com.
Torah Study
Saturday, October 11  |  10:30pm
 

Torah Study will be held in the Board Room. Members click here to register!
Save the Date for Shir Ami Proneg!
Friday | November 7 | 6:30 pm
 
 
Members and Non-members are invited to gather before services for refreshments. Get into the Shabbat spirit during this special time for families to connect with each other in a meaningful and fun way.
Save the Date! November Shabbat Services
Friday, November 7  |  Services 7:00pm
 

Join us for joyful Shabbat services led by Rabbi Reice.

Upcoming Events

Rabbi Reice's Office Hours
 
Office Hours
6 Oct 2025 (14 Tishrei) 1 – 5pm
9 Oct 2025 (17 Tishrei) 3 – 5pm
16 Oct 2025 (24 Tishrei) 12 – 6pm
20 Oct 2025 (28 Tishrei) 1:30 – 5pm
22 Oct 2025 (30 Tishrei) 2 – 4:30pm
27 Oct 2025 (5 Cheshvan) 4 – 6pm
29 Oct 2025 (7 Cheshvan) 1 – 5pm
 
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 Rabbi Reice (rreice@shir-ami.com), to schedule an appointment in advance.
 
Upcoming Days Off
3 Oct 2025 (11 Tishri) - comp for 9/11
17 Oct 2025 (25 Tishri) - comp for 9/15
23 Oct 2025 (1 Cheshvan) - comp for 9/19
24 Oct 2025 (2 Cheshvan) - comp for 9/25
28 Oct 2025 (6 Cheshvan) - comp for 9/26
30 Oct 2025 (8 Cheshvan) - comp for 10/6
 
Upcoming Office Closings
1 Oct 2025 (9 Tishrei) Office Closed - Kol Nidrei/Erev Yom Kippur
2 Oct 2025 (10 Tishrei) Office Closed - Yom Kippur
7 Oct 2025 (15 Tishrei) Office Closed - Sukkot I
8 Oct 2025 (16 Tishrei) Office Closed - Sukkot II
13 Oct 2025 (21 Tishrei) Office Closed - Hoshanah Rabbah/Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day
14 Oct 2025 (22 Tishrei) Office Closed - Sukkot VIII/Shmini Atzeret
15 Oct 2025 (23 Tishrei) Office Closed - Simchat Torah
Celebrating Birthdays and Anniversaries in October
 

Happy Anniversary:
10/6    Joanna and Bruce Bitner
10/13    Mary Whitlock and Craig Kurtz
 
Happy Birthday:
10/2    Findley Wright
10/2    Huxley Wright
10/6    Barbara Baum
10/16    Glen Fine
10/16    Chuck Cohn
10/21    Laura Soos
10/25    Amy Schorr
10/29    Hannah Cohn
JFS Food Pantry Thank You
 
 
Thank you to everyone who donated food during the holidays. The JFS food pantry sent this photo and sends their thanks!
Women's Mah Jongg
If you are interested in learning or playing, contact 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
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Book: The Liar by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen
 
 
 
Elle Magazine Best Book of the Year about "lying and the lure of fame." (Joan Siber, National Book Critics Circle and PEN/Faulkner award winner) The Liar reveals how one mistake can have a thousand consequences.

Nofar is an average teenage girl -- so average, in fact, that she's almost invisible. Serving customers ice cream all summer long, she is desperate for some kind of escape. One afternoon, a terrible lie slips  out. And suddenly everyone wants to talk to her: the press, her schoolmates, and even the boy upstairs. He is the only one who knows the truth, and he is demanding a price for his silence. 
 
Then Nofar meets Raymonde, an elderly immigrant woman whose best friend has just died. Raymonde keeps her friend alive the only way she knows how, by inhabiting her stories. But soon, Raymonde's lies take on a life of their own. Written with propulsive energy, dark humor, and deep insight, The Liar reveals the far-reaching consequences of even our smallest choices, and explores the hidden corners of human nature to reveal the liar, and the truth-teller, in all of us.
 
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
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
 

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.
 
Alison Austin, Mona Bailey, Bill Bitner, LeRoy Bitner, Phyllis Byrd, Pamela Caulder-Fine, Carlos Cisneros, Glen Fine, Leora Forstein, Janet Friedman, Linda Friedman, Ingrid Gabriel, Lynn Gelber, Yehudit Leah bat Gitel, Carol Goldmark, Joyce Heil, Elgin Koons, Teme Levbarg, Rabbi Mark Levin, Linda Lewis, John Liberty, Geri Meyers, Linda Mickelson, Kay Moore, Dominae Petrosini, Tobey Ramirez, Emory Plum Schlanger, James Smallwood, Yehudah Zev ben Shaindle Leah, Cindy Tarsi (Chasye Chana bat Laya Raizel v’Avraham Yitzchak HaLevi), Jim Tarsi, Esther Thomas, Marsha Weiss, Larry Whitlock, Laura Wildeman, Carole Wood, Dale Wood, Dominic Wood, Bonnie Zimmer
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

Project Heroes
Shalom Austin  |  Saturday, October 4  | 8pm 
 
 
It is hard to believe that the second anniversary of the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023 will be here soon. We want to make sure you know about our community-wide commemorative concert and performance on Saturday, October 4 at 8:00 PM by the Israeli group Project Heroes - The Jewish Heroism Experience For Humanity The program highlights the heroes of that tragic day, and it powerfully combines storytelling and music. Some of you may recall seeing the group perform at the International Lion of Judah Conference in Atlanta this past January. 
 
In addition to inviting all of you to attend, we would love your help! Please encourage your friends to join as well. We have attached the graphics above. 
We would like to have a large crowd, and our hope is to bring American and Israeli Austinites together for this important memorial program. 
Please note that registration is required by October 3 at 12pm. Sign up here!
Hadassah for Kid's Club!
Address provided upon RSVP  |  Sunday, October 5  | 9:30 - 11:00am 
 
 
Join Kid's Club of Hadassah for a fun morning of Sukkot-themed activities, including crafts, music, and stories. The program is designed specifically for the whole family with children ages 2 to 6.

This program is made possible due to a generous grant from Shalom Austin. Click here to register!

Surviving Hamas Tunnels
 

UT Austin  |  Sunday, October 5  | 3:00pm (Doors open at 2:00) 

 
Bring Them Home Now & Shir Ami Speaker Commemorating 10/7/23

Shir Ami  |  October 7  |  7:30pm - 9:30pm 

 
In collaboration with Bring Them Home Now Austin, Congregation Shir Ami is hosting LTC (res.) Shai Schul. He will share his story from October 7th, 2023 titled "Military Medicine: Courage and Leadership during war." He will speak and show some pictures followed by a moderated Q&A session.
 
Mr. Schul is coming to Cedar Park for one day only to share his story and help us to remember together, reflecting on the 2nd anniversary of October 7, 2023. Rabbi Reice would like to invite everyone who attends to decompress in the sukkah afterwards and join us for Kiddush and a light bite to honor the second day of Sukkot. Click here to register!
 
About the speaker:
 
Mr. Shai Schul is an Israeli leader in the field of Health Administration. He is the Deputy to the Director General and Head of Planning and Organization Directorate in Assuta Hospitals, which is the largest private hospital chain in Israel.
 
Mr. Schul is also a LTC (res.), with an outstanding military service record of over 28 years in the IDF Medical Corps. Schul and was the Head of Operational Branch of the IDF Medical Corps and the commander of the Medical Services unit and he served all over the country including the Golan Heights, the Jordan Valley, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Gaza strip. LTC (res.) Schul is also the Chief of Operations of the IDF field hospital and an expert in humanitarian aid. He took part in humanitarian missions all over the world including: Kosovo (1999) Nepal (2015) Turkey (2016, 2023) and more.
 
Oct 7th caught LTC (res.) Schul at Yerevan, Armenia while extending an helping hand in a humanitarian mission treating hundreds of wounded people after a massive explosion tore through a fuel depot. Only 3 hours after the beginning of the attack in Gaza, he was already on his way back to Israel.
 
Upon arrival to Ben Gurion airport, he was called back to a military service in the IDF Medical Corps and he was (and still) involved in saving soldiers' lives on the battlefield, blood donation services, forensic medicine, and more.
 
LTC Schul has BA in Logistics & Economy and a MA in Health Administration.  
 
Shai is 50 years old, married and a father of three.
Game Night For Peace
Austin  |  October 19  | 2 - 6pm 
 
 
Join us for Game Night for Peace presented by the Lubetzky Family Foundation on Sunday, October 19, from 2-6 PM in Austin, Texas.
 
This exciting community event brings together high school juniors, seniors, and college freshmen from Austin, Houston, and San Antonio for an evening of learning, connection, and fun. We’re thrilled to share that Daniel Lubetzky, entrepreneur and founder of KIND Snacks, will be joining us for this special event. High schoolers will also hear directly from college students about what it’s like to be Jewish on campus and how to navigate that experience — plus enjoy a few special surprises along the way.
 
This isn’t your average game night. Alongside games and prizes (yes, you could win a Turtlebox Ranger!), you’ll walk away with real tools to:
  • Combat antisemitism on college campuses
  • Understand the Israeli/Palestinian conflict more deeply
  • Build the confidence to lead proudly as a Jewish teen and young adult
     
    Transportation Details (Buses will be provided based on adequate registration.)
        From Houston: Bus departs at 11:00 AM and returns around 9:00 PM
        From San Antonio: Bus departs at 12:00 PM and returns around 8:00 PM
     
    Don’t miss this chance to have fun, connect with peers, and gain the confidence to stand firm as a Jewish leader in college.
     
    We hope to see you there!
Click Here to Register!
An Evening with the Builders of the Middle East
Shalom Austin  |  October 21  |  7 - 8:30pm 
 
Join us for a compelling discussion featuring leaders of Builders of the Middle East — a diverse group of activists, storytellers, and digital creators working to reshape how the world sees the region and one another.
Through personal stories and strategic online engagement, these changemakers are using social media to challenge divisive narratives and promote coexistence, empathy, and shared humanity. You’ll hear how they navigate complex political and cultural landscapes, build bridges across identities, and influence public perception — especially among younger audiences.
This is a unique opportunity to engage with voices that are reimagining the future of the Middle East through dialogue, creativity, and connection.
Wise Aging
Shalom Austin  |  Bi-weekly on Thursday  | 10am 
 
 
RAISE
October - May
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shalom Austin is looking for volunteers and participants for the RAISE program. Click here for more information.
Mega Challah Bake
November 12 |  6:00pm  |  Chabad South Austin, 5670 Oak Blvd
 
 
The annual Mega Challah Bake with Chabads of the Greater Austin area is coming up! Join us for an extraordinary evening as hundreds of Jewish women and girls from across Greater Austin come together in unity. This is more than just baking- it's a powerful experience of amazing energy, socializing and meaning. You’ll mix, knead, and braid your own challah while being uplifted by music, stories, and the collective spirit of women gathering with intention and heart. We would love for you to join us! Whether you come with friends or on your own, you will feel comfortable and included. Make history with us at this unique experience!
Event details:
Date: Sunday, Nov 2
Location: Chabad South Austin, 5670 Oak Blvd (Outdoors)
Time: 6:00pm (program starts at 6:30pm)
(Ok. I hear your thoughts. WOW THATS SOUTH! 
YES it is!!! This year, Chabad of South Austin will be hosting the Challah bake, and G-d Willing another Chabad will host next year! Come see what Chabad of South Austin is about!)
Also, the take home gift is so so awesome, come just for that!
RSVP today: ChallahATX.com.

Challah Bake FAQ:
When is the program?
Sunday, Nov 2, 6:00pm
How long is the program?
Doors open: 6:00pm
Program: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Who is invited?
All Jewish women and girls, pre-Bat Mitzvah (age 11) and up.
Where is the program being held?
Outdoors at the Chabad of South Austin 5670 Oak Blvd
What's the ticket price?
• $30 Early Bird Tickets until Oct 27, 11:59pm;
• $40 Regular Tickets
Be a Table Captain!
Gather up to ten friends to sit with you at your table and tell them to write your name in their registration.

 

Jewish Business Owners: Get Listed!
 
 
Hebrew Free Loan of Austin is building a Community Business Directory to showcase and support Jewish-owned and Jewish-adjacent businesses. Add your business today using this simple intake form: https://hebrewfreeloanofaustin.org/business-directory-intake-form/. Together, we can strengthen Jewish Austin!  
Hadassah Happy Hour
October 9, 2025  |  5:30PM  | 
 
 
Please join us for our monthly happy hour at a wine bar in the Northwest Hills. We'll get to know one another over drinks and grow sisterly bonds through our shared passions.
 
Join us each month!
Thursday, October 9
Thursday, November 13
Thursday, December 11
 
Click here to register! Questions? Contact Sarah Swernofsky at sarahswernofsky@gmail.com
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

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.
Mon, October 13 2025 21 Tishrei 5786