In This Issue:

1. MESSAGE FROM THE MOTAS PRESIDENT / OCT 10 MEETING
2. UPCOMING IN OCTOBER: CHANUKAH BOUTIQUE
3. HONORING OUR VETERANS IN NOVEMBER: SHABBAT 11/12 / DINNER 11/14
4. THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO BUILT THE SUKKAH
5. SHARE YOUR SIMCHAS
6. MOTAS “JEWISH CHRISTMAS” PLANNING
7. SEPTEMBER MEETING MINUTES
8. ISRAEL POLITICAL UPDATE FROM MRJ – OCT 10
9. IN CLOSING

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Editor’s Note: Sorry for the delay this week. We were still gathering information about October and November activities.

1. MESSAGE FROM THE MOTAS PRESIDENT / OCT 10 MEETING

A note to the constituency – Our October 10th meeting will take place at the normal time, 8:45 in the chapel.  We are looking forward to ‘getting back to normal’ and this will be the first meeting onsite this year, save for the Sukkah raising which was a rounding success.  Please be aware that due to Covid, we will NOT be serving our usual scrambled eggs and lox but we will have Bagels & Cream cheese, Coffee, cookies and oranges and any other prepackaged goodies that Roger can muster up.

We are working on a program for the meeting but it is quite hush hush at the moment and the details are still coming together.   As for upcoming activities, the Sisterhood is organizing the annual Hanukkah Boutique to be held on Halloween and MoTAS has been requested to provide and serve lunch during the activity.  Having spoken with Aaron, we are still not quite clear with the masking/vaccine requirements that the city/county of LA is working to require so be prepared for a bit uncertainty as we get closer to the date.

A couple of other items to note; we are postponing the annual MoTAS Poker tournament, originally scheduled for October 17th,  we are not canceling it.  We would very much like to have it but again there are many restrictions and ‘hoops’ we have to jump through to make it a reality.  Worst case it may not happen until sometime in the spring.  We are also organizing this year’s honoring of our vets to take place at Erev Shabbat services on November 12th.  More on that to follow.

I could go on and on but that’s enough for now.  Come to the meeting and you can get your earful.

 See you on the 10th.

Larry

2. UPCOMING IN OCTOBER: CHANUKAH BOUTIQUE

The annual Sisterhood Holiday Boutique is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, October 31 from 10am to 3pm. Typically, the Men of TAS helps with the food service. The current plan is that we will be picking up individually wrapped sandwiches and condiments, and providing bagged chips, canned or bottled drinks.

We will need people to help pickup (and possibly pre-package) the food. We will need folks to sell and deliver the food. We will need folks to help clean up. If you will be able to help us at this event, you can sign up at https://volunteersignup.org/7LXLR.

3. HONORING OUR VETERANS IN NOVEMBER: SHABBAT 11/12 / DINNER 11/14

MoTAS is planning two events to honor our veterans.

First, on Friday, November 12, Rabbi Becky and MoTAS are planning a shabbat service to honor our temple veterans. The evening service will recognize all temple veterans who have served our country. In the coming weeks we will be providing a form for you to register as a veteran for this service.

Second, on Sunday evening November 14, MoTAS would like to treat all temple service personnel, male or female, who RSVP (up to 50 people) and show up to dinner as a way to thank them for their service. We would also like to hear your story as a Jewish service person. Details on the dinner, location, appoximate cost, and a sign-up sheet will be forthcoming.

4. THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO BUILT THE SUKKAH

Thank you to those who participated for a very successful Sukkah raising.  It goes without saying that without your support MoTAS would not be as successful in any venture we undertake. 

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5. SHARE YOUR SIMCHAS

If you have a Simcha you want to share, click here for the link to submit your Simcha. Submissions will be due no later than the last day of the month prior to the month of publication. We are now taking October submissions to be listed in November 2021. For more details or questions contact Bob Levine. If you are interested in making a donation to TAS in honor of your Simcha, click here. A donation is not required to submit your Simcha.

6. MOTAS “JEWISH CHRISTMAS” PLANNING

Planning is beginning for the MoTAS “Jewish Christmas”, which is basically when MoTAS members and their families get together on December 25 for Chinese Food. There’s a good possibility this year that, due to COVID restrictions, people may not want to dine INSIDE at a restaurant. One option would be to order Chinese Take Out, and get together at someone’s house and eat in the back yard (weather permitting). If you would be willing to provide your backyard for this space (understanding that, depending on weather, we might have to go inside), please drop a note to me at faigin@cahighways.org. You would be able to establish restrictions, such as a maximum number of people and whether vaccinations/negative tests are required.

7. SEPTEMBER MEETING MINUTES

Date: Sunday, September 19, 2021. Outdoors at the temple as our first non-remote meeting in 18 months. Coffee and bagels were served by Kathy Pullman.

Presiding: President Larry Pfefer

Members Present: Larry Pfefer (President), Hal Bass (Secretary), Steve Berlin, Les Birken, Buddy Bregman, Daniel Faigin, Scott Gore (VP), Brian Hatkoff, Larry Hoffman, Ian Kroop, Ed Lapporte (VP), Bob Levin, Bob Levine, Roger Lowe (Treasurer), Joel Lowell, Barry Mann, Howard Miller (Past President), Chuck Mondrus, Mark Moskowitz, Jeff Neiman, Russ Rapoport, Mike Rayfield, Todd Reznik, Bill Shapiro, Will Simpson, Bernie Singer, Alan Stepakoff, Mike Thornhill, Ken Winters, Scott Yollis

Guests: Erin Faigin, Aaron Lapporte, Kathy Pullman, Roseanna Sculler, Robert Simpson

Installation of Officers: Rabbi Becky acknowledged and expressed appreciation to the 2020-21 retiring officers: Howard Miller, president; Larry Pfefer and Russ Rapoport, vice presidents; Roger Lowe, treasurer; Hal Bass secretary; Daniel Faigin, immediate past president.

Rabbi Becky then swore in new officers for 2021-22: Larry Pfefer, president; Scott Gore and Ed Lapporte, vice presidents; Roger Lowe, treasurer; Hal Bass, secretary; Howard Miller, immediate past president.

President’s Report:

Larry read thank-you notes from two campership recipients: Naomi and Tova Samansky.

Larry announced that the lower floor of the school buildings has been leased to a preschool. The private high school that had leased the upper floor classrooms had to pull out due to lack of enrollment. However, Brian Hatkoff said he had a good prospect for assuming the unexpired lease.

Mark Moskowitz suggested that MoTAS consider sponsoring publication of a temple membership directory in hard copy. Hal Bass noted that the membership directory is available online and can be accessed via username and password. Larry will ask that instructions for perusing the online directory be periodically included in the Wednesday and Friday emails sent to all temple members.

If you have a Simcha you’d like to share, click here for the link to submit your Simcha. Submissions are due no later than the last day of the month prior to the month of publication. We are now taking submissions for listing in October. For further details contact Bob Levine. If you’re interested in making a donation to TAS in honor of your Simcha, click here. However, donations are not required to submit a Simcha.

Electrical assistance needed for temple projects can be provided by Scott Gore, Roger Lowe, Joel Lowell, Alan Stepakoff and Scott Yollis.

Treasurer’s Report as of 09/19/21, Submitted by Roger Lowe:

• (see emal)

Adjournment and Next MoTAS Meeting: The next meeting will be held Sunday, October 10, 2021, at 9:00 am. Following adjournment, a team of MoTAS Sukkah builders headed by construction maven Mike Rayfield assembled and decorated the Sukkah.

Respectfully submitted,

Hal Bass/Secretary

8. ISRAEL POLITICAL UPDATE FROM MRJ – OCT 10 (NEW DATE)

The MRJ webinar has been rescheduled! This one will present an update on the situation in Israel from Rabbi Gilad Kariv, a member in the 24th Knesset, is a member of the 36th Israel government and Chair of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee and the 1st Reform Rabbi elected to the Knesset.

The webinar is now scheduled for October 10, 2021 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. Click here to register.

IN CLOSING

As always, remember that the Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom is *your* organization. Keep up to date on our activities at http://www.tasnorthridge-motas.org/ and participate. Sign up for our action alert list at http://tinyurl.com/motas-action-alert. We want to serve all the men of Temple Ahavat Shalom and welcome new participants from the TAS membership. Join our Facebook group and “follow” our website. Come be part of the Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom!

In This Issue:

1. SU JAN 10: MOTAS JANUARY MEETING – RABBI BECKY
2. TH DEC 31: SHARE YOUR SIMCHAS FOR JANUARY
3. FR DEC 25: CHRISTMAKKAH MOTAS UPDATE
4. FR JAN 22: 2021 MOTAS SHABBAT SERVICE
5. TU FEB 02: SUPER BOWL SQUARES NOW AVAILABLE
6. DECEMBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES
7. IN CLOSING

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1. SU JAN 10: MOTAS JANUARY MEETING – RABBI BECKY

We have finalized planss with Rabbi Becky to speak at our January 10th meeting.  Rabbi Becky will be giving us a half year update.  She will talk about her experience in getting to know the temple and its members, what she has learned and where she would like to see for TAS in the future. As always, the business meeting will start at 9am with Virtual Lox and Bagels (meaning we’ll show you pictures of them), and our speaker will start between 945am and 10am. Zoom information will be published next week.

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2. TH DEC 31: SHARE YOUR SIMCHAS FOR JANUARY

If you have a Simcha you want to share, click here for the link to submit your Simcha. Submissions will be due no later than the last day of the month prior to the month of publication. We are now taking December submissions to be listed on January 13, 2021. For more details or questions contact Bob Levine. If you are interested in making a donation to TAS in honor of your Simcha, click here. A donation is not required to submit your Simcha.

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3. FR DEC 25: CHRISTMAKKAH MOTAS UPDATE

The Christmakkah event started many years ago when Christmas was on a Friday night. We wanted to coordinate going out for Chinese food after the service, and wanted to avoid the long lines at the Chinese restaurant. So we devised a plan where we would make reservations and order ahead with a fixed menu. Easier for us, as we have a reservation. Easier for the restaurant, as they don’t have to take orders or deal with multiple checks and credit cards. The dinner continued for many years, with MoTAS attempting to coordinate an afternoon movie so we could accidentally “meet” at the theatre.

This year, that hasn’t worked out. We’re attending services virtually. We’re watching our movie virtually. And if we get Chinese food, it will be takeout (and the restaurants will still likely be slammed). Attempting to coordinate anything wouldn’t work, because of all the different deliveries.

So, instead, we offer a little advice:

1. Order ahead. Chinese leftovers are as good as “day of”, and you avoid the crush. Order tonight (Wed 12/23) or tomorrow night (Thu 12/24). Reheat on Christmas. Enjoy. But support your local restaurants — they really need the business these days. Here are some links for locations MoTAS has used in the past: (a) Mandarin King (Devonshire/Balboa); (b) Golden Hunan (Reseda/Devonshire); (c) Chis Chinese (Reseda/Devonshire, closed Christmas Day); (d) Hot Wok (Reseda/Nordhoff); (e) A&W Seafood (Reseda/Chase)
2. Do something different. MoTAS received a call from Cafe Graikos in Porter Ranch that they would be open on Christmas Day after 4pm. So if Greek Food is your Christmas tradition, they are a possibility. We’ll be doing a dining out with them in the future.

For those that are interested, we can Zoom for a Social Schmooze after services and or during your dinner (~7:30pm). If you are interested, please email Howard at hmiller12@socal.rr.com and Larry at lpfefer@tasnorthridge.org. 

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4. FR JAN 22: 2021 MOTAS SHABBAT SERVICE

As you are aware, every year MoTAS has an opportunity to lead the congregation in prayer.  We also give the temple our unofficial “State of MoTAS” address, and announce our Man of the Year.  In past years, interested men were able to participate in the service, by reading sections in English, prayers in Hebrew, singing in our “choir,” or making brief reflections on their experiences with MoTAS.This year we’ll be virtual so the structure is still being worked out, but we hope to have something similar.

This year, our service will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021, 6:30 PM, via Zoom

Please contact Bob Levine, at tasboblevine@gmail.com if you are able to join in, and what you would like to do.  If you are unable/unwilling/not available, please let Bob know as well.

More information regarding what you would be doing will be sent out as soon as the service is put together. (Return to Top)

5. TU FEB 02: SUPER BOWL SQUARES NOW AVAILABLE

The Monday Night Football season is nearly, and now is the time to buy a Superbowl Square. The cost is only $25 per square, and you can help Temple Ahavat Shalom while potentially rewarding yourself. The price is the same as last year, although on-line registrations now have a small handling fee from TicketLeap that we used to absorb — this allows reduces the cost to MoTAS and allows us to do more for TAS. Payouts are the same: $230 for each quarter, and $460 for the final score. A full board of 91 squares pays out $1150 to players, and $1125 to MoTAS. You can find the rules of the game, register and pay online, or find a form that you can print and mail in, at http://squares.tasnorthridge-motas.org/. Squares must be purchased by the Tuesday before the Super Bowl.

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6. DECEMBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES

Date: Sunday, December 13, 2020 via Zoom due to social isolation related to the pandemic

Presiding: President Howard Miller

Members Present: Howard Miller (President), Hal Bass (Secretary), Les Birken, Yale Doberne, Daniel Faigin (Past President), Ken Feldman, Brian Hatkoff, Larry Hoffman, Al Lapides, Bob Levine, Roger Lowe (Treasurer), Joel Lowell, Barry Mann, Chuck Mondrus, Larry Pfefer (VP), Russ Rapoport (VP), Bernie Singer, Alan Stepakoff, Sandy Stern, Mike Thornhill, Ken Wolf, Scott Yollis
Guests: Walt Agajanian, Phyllis Bass, Cheryl Hatkoff, Gloria Katcher, Laurie Mondrus, Sheila Reback

President’s Report:

Howard began the meeting by asking members about their favorite Hanukkah gift.

Howard read a note from Rabbi Becky thanking MoTAS for our gift to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund in honor of her participation at the November 13 Veterans’ Shabbat. Rabbi Becky added that she looked forward to partnering with MoTAS on other occasions, as well.

Howard thanked Janet Rice for last month’s presentation on plans to address veterans’ homelessness

The Sisterhood Hanukkah Boutique this year is a virtual event thru December 31.

MoTAS had planned to sponsor a station at the Hanukkah drive-by on Friday, December 11. The drive-by had to be canceled due to pandemic restrictions.

Howard requested that members contact him with ideas for MoTAS projects or educational presentations.

Howard invited MoTAS members and their families to attend the 5 pm Shabbat service on December 25, and said that he and Larry Pfefer are looking into holding a “Christmakkah” Zoom movie night. Anyone interested in participating should call one of them.

There was a short discussion about coordinating meals with a single Chinese restaurant, but it became clear that everyone had their own favorite Chinese restaurant.

Bob Levine will publish simchas in the temple’s Wednesday and Friday eblasts. Email your simchas to Bob at tasboblevine@gmail.com. December 31 is this month’s deadline for publication on January 9.

Brian Hatkoff reminded members that Men of Reform Judaism is presenting a webinar on December 21 featuring Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center in Washington, D.C.

Bob Levine said that Super Bowl Sunday Sports Squares will shortly be available at $25 per entry.

The MoTAS Annual Appeal begins January 1.

The annual MoTAS Shabbat will take place January 22. Those who wish to participate in the service should contact Bob Levine at tasboblevine@gmail.com.

There will be no Tu B’Shevat Seder in 2021.

Howard is making plans for a video presentation to honor Les Birken, MoTAS Man of the Year.

Treasurer’s Report, as of 12/09/20:

Income: $50 (early donation to 2021 MoTAS Annual Appeal)

Expenses:

• $500 to MRJ (MoTAS annual commitment)
• $180 to Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund in recognition of Rabbi Becky’s support of the November 13 Veterans’ Shabbat (donation was approved by a vote of MoTAS members at the November 15 general meeting)

Sports Squares Distributions:

• Exit sign lighting upgrades not covered by DWP: $1,500 (funds not yet allocated)

Sports Squares:

Prior Years Sports Squares Balance: $5,645

2020-21 Football Squares:

• Income $4,828; Winners paid out <$1,550>; Winnings donated back to temple $50; Net $3,328

Total Sports Squares Funds Available for Distribution: $8,973 ($5,645+$3,328)

Educational Presentation: Dr. Hal Bass presented a PowerPoint entitled, “The Armenian Genocide: Prelude to The Holocaust.” He discussed the long history of Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire and the Armenian Genocide that began on April 24, 1915 and lasted until 1923. During this period, the Ottoman Empire had been defeated in WW1 and replaced by a republic under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Up to 1.5 million Armenians perished, along with an estimated 1 million Greeks and Assyrians. Thousands of others were forced to flee to other countries, including the U.S. and Canada. To this day, Turkey refuses to acknowledge its responsibility for the Armenian Genocide. 

The first Armenian Republic in northeast Turkey and the Russian Caucasus survived only two years (1918-20). A smaller, second republic was established in Soviet Armenia in 1920 and lasted until collapse of the USSR in 1991. The third Armenian republic, within the same borders, gained its independence in 1991.

Adolf Hitler’s “final solution” was modeled, in part, on the Armenian Genocide. Shortly before the onset of WW2 in September 1939, Hitler asked, “Who speaks today of the extermination of the Armenians?”
The final segment of the presentation dealt with the recent war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, whose population is predominantly Christian Armenian but which lies within Muslim Azerbaijan. The Armenians had hoped to wrest N-K–which Armenia refers to as Artsakh–from Azerbaijan and fold it into Armenia. However, Armenia, in early November, was forced to call for a ceasefire following unsustainable losses to the superior Azeri forces, whose arsenal included Israeli and Turkish drones. (Israel and Azerbaijan have close trade and diplomatic ties.) Armed Russian peacekeepers are now maintaining the ceasefire.

Howard commented that the presentation was very interesting and well appreciated by the group.

Adjournment and Next MoTAS Meeting: The next meeting will be held by Zoom, Sunday, January 10, 2021, at 9:00 am.

Respectfully submitted,

Hal Bass/Secretary

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IN CLOSING

As always, remember that the Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom is *your* organization. Keep up to date on our activities at http://www.tasnorthridge-motas.org/ and participate. Sign up for our action alert list at http://tinyurl.com/motas-action-alert. We want to serve all the men of Temple Ahavat Shalom and welcome new participants from the TAS membership. Join our Facebook group and “follow” our website. Come be part of the Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom!

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In This Issue:

1. DECEMBER 13 MOTAS MEETING: The Armenian Genocide: Prelude to The Holocaust
2. MRJ SEMINAR: THE ELECTION: A JEWISH PERSPECTIVE — DEC 21
3. Gifts from the Heart
4. CHRISTMAKKAH MOTAS EVENT:  Friday December 25
5. 2021 MOTAS SHABBAT SERVICE: FRIDAY JANUARY 22
6. IN CLOSING

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1. DECEMBER 13 MOTAS MEETING: The Armenian Genocide: Prelude to The Holocaust.

At our December meeting program, Dr. Hal Bass will present a review of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-23 and Hitler’s comment on the eve of World War II, “Who speaks today of the extermination of the Armenians?”  Hal will also take note of the recent Armenian-Azeri war over Nagorno-Karabakh, in which Israeli-made drones sold to its ally Azerbaijan played a major role in Armenia’s defeat. Our meeting begins at 9am via the Zoom instructions below and those interested in attending the meeting program can join on the same Zoom call at 9:45am (promptly).

Join Zoom Meeting:
Contact Howard at hmiller12@socal.rr.com for Meeting Information

Meeting ID: xxx xxxx xxxx
Passcode: ******

Dial by your location if connecting via cell phone:
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose and Los Angeles)

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2. MRJ SEMINAR: THE ELECTION: A JEWISH PERSPECTIVE — DEC 21

You are invited to join the Men of Reform Judaism on December 21, 2020 at 5pm Pacific for a very unique and insightful examination of the election results: “The Election: A Jewish Perspective“. Our speaker will be Rabbi David Saperstein, and he will be talking about the effects of our relationship with Israel, and our relationship with other denominations.

For 40 years, Rabbi Saperstein directed the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, representing the Reform Jewish Movement, the largest segment of American Jewry, to the U.S. Congress and Administration and currently serves as its Director Emeritus. Designated by Newsweek Magazine as the most influential rabbi in America and by the Washington Post as the “quintessential religious lobbyist on Capitol Hill,” for over two years (2015-2017), Rabbi Saperstein served as the U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, carrying out his responsibilities as the country’s chief diplomat on religious freedom issues. Also, an attorney, he taught seminars on Church–State law and on Jewish Law for 35 years at Georgetown University Law Center. In 2019-2020, Rabbi Saperstein served as the President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, the international arm of the Reform Jewish Movement.

The meeting will be held over Zoom, and you MUST register in advance. To register, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Yoj4_U5oRta8glIPeVjkPQ .

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3. Gifts from the Heart

The Gifts from the Heart donation drive is now in progress until Thursday December 10th. Please buy or donate new unwrapped gifts for infants thru teen. Please see the flyer in the Temple eBlast or contact Sarah Londer at: Sarublon@aol.com.

For Amazon Gifts from a wishlist, delivered directly to Barry and Sarah Barry Londer, visit https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2C6B09G36QZL5?ref=cm_sw_em_r_wl_an_nBDiMmn9lwr8I

We are accepting calendars and Christmas cards, but no wrapping paper. Contact Sarah to arrange delivery items other than those purchased through Amazon.

Thank you for caring and for your generosity,

Sarah Londer,
TAS Social Action

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4. CHRISTMAKKAH MOTAS EVENT:  Friday December 25

Our MoTAS Christmas Night tradition has been to meet for Chinese after going to a movie.  Well, neither of those are going to happen this year.  However, we can still get together for something different via Zoom.  Shabbat services for that Friday will be held at 5pm.  For those that are interested, we can Zoom a special movie at 7:30 and discuss it or just pass stories after the movie.  If you are interested, please email Howard at hmiller12@socal.rr.com and Larry at lpfefer@tasnorthridge.org.  Let us know if you would like to view a comedy, action, or drama, or recommend a specific movie for that night (as long as it exists in the Pfefer archives).

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5. 2021 MOTAS SHABBAT SERVICE: FRIDAY JANUARY 22

Our annual MoTAS Shabbat service will be held on January 22.  More details will follow in future MoTAS Weeklies.  Who will be our 2021 Man of the Year?!. (Return to Top)

IN CLOSING

As always, remember that the Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom is *your* organization. Keep up to date on our activities at http://www.tasnorthridge-motas.org/ and participate. Sign up for our action alert list at http://tinyurl.com/motas-action-alert. We want to serve all the men of Temple Ahavat Shalom and welcome new participants from the TAS membership. Join our Facebook group and “follow” our website. Come be part of the Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom!

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In This Issue:

1. November 13: MoTAS Men’s Shabbat Honoring our Veterans
2. November 15 Meeting Program – The Homeless Crisis for Military Veterans in Los Angeles
3. OCTOBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES
4. IN CLOSING

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1. November 13: MoTAS Men’s Shabbat Honoring our Veterans

Rabbi Becky and MoTAS (Roger Lowe, Hal Bass and Bob Levine) are planning a shabbat service to honor our temple veterans. The evening service will recognize all temple veterans who have served our country.  If you are a current TAS members (or immediate family) who is a veteran (active duty, National Guard, Reserves) please complete the form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScI5U43LJBlMskyHJ7QvjkMutrTZ_i5UmhvpKBUwtF3zWQp2A/viewform. We need to know the veteran’s highest rank, branch of service, years served, and whether they plan to attend services Nov 13.  MOTAS looks forward to honoring our veterans. (Return to Top)

2. November 15 Meeting Program – The Homeless Crisis for Military Veterans in Los Angeles

Janet Rice (of TAS), Western Region Managing Director for The Kraddock Group and member of the TAS Board of Trustees, will describe the ongoing homelessness crisis experienced by many military veterans in Los Angeles and current plans to improve the situation.  The plight of many veterans is quite sad in America and locally, as many cannot afford housing, medical care, or find jobs.  Janet is working on a project that will help alleviate this situation for many such veterans in the Los Angeles area.

Join Zoom Meeting: Contact Howard for Zoom meeting information (Return to Top)

3. OCTOBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES

Date: Sunday, October 11, 2020 via Zoom due to social isolation related to the pandemic

Presiding: President Howard Miller

Members Present: Howard Miller (President), Hal Bass (Secretary), Steve Berlin, Bill Bigelson, Les Birken, Joe Blachman, Bob Brostoff, Ian Carson, Mike Doner, Daniel Faigin (Past President), Ken Feldman, David Goldstein, Scott Gore, Brian Hatkoff, Fred Kimmel, Al Lapides, Ed Lapporte, Bob Levine, Roger Lowe (Treasurer), Joel Lowell, Fabian Malinovitz, Barry Mann, William Moalem, Chuck Mondrus, Mark Moskowitz, Jeff Neiman, Larry Pfefer (VP), Russ Rapoport (VP), Bill Shapiro, Wil Simpson, Bernie Singer, Benn Tenn, Mike Thornhill, Les Wieder, Ken Wolf

Guests: Joel Berman, Phyllis Bigelson, Mel Birken, Andrew Chait, John Clark, Karen Davis, Harrison Gore, Jacob Gore, Cheryl Hatkoff, Anita Hoch, Jim Jackman, Helene Kimmel, Fran Lapides, Debby Lieber, Andy Mann, Laraine Miller, Kathy Pullman, Sheila Reback, Andrea Rosenthal, Karen Schnee, Barbara Shapiro, Tammy Singer, Cindy Tenn, Laurel Wolf

President’s Report:

Howard began the meeting by asking MoTAS members to tell about any new hobbies they’ve pursued during the pandemic.

Current temple membership and religious school attendance are close to falling within budget.

The lease of our school building to an outside high school began October 1. Brian Hatkoff took the lead in finding the tenant and arranging the lease. Howard congratulated Brian on being named 2020 Realtor of the Year by the San Fernando Valley Association of Realtors and its over 10,000 members.

On Sunday, October 18, at 2 pm, Sisterhood will present a discussion of ballot propositions led by Fran Lapides, who has long been active with the League of Women Voters.

The Sisterhood Hanukkah Boutique this year will be a virtual event from November 1 thru December 31.

Howard is hopeful that MoTAS can arrange an online poker tournament in the spring.

Howard requested that members contact him with ideas for additional initiatives.

Howard introduced Ben Tenn, who encouraged MoTAS members and their spouses to complete an online questionnaire about TAS membership prepared by students from CSUN’s David Nazarian College of Business and Economics. 

A Shabbat service to honor veterans (active duty, reserves, National Guard) will take place on November 13. Hal Bass, Bob Levine and Roger Lowe are handling the arrangements. Hal noted that an online form prepared by Aaron Solomon for veterans to identify themselves is available in the blast email sent to temple members on Friday, October 9. Hal will also ask Rabbi Becky, Cantor Ken and Aaron about playing a YouTube video with a medley of patriotic songs representing each branch of the military.

Treasurer’s Report, as of 10/07/20:

Annual MoTAS Obligation to the Temple: $5,000

Income: $180 early MoTAS annual donation

Expenses:

Sukkah Luminary Oneg Shabbat: $120

Sports Squares Distributions:

Exit sign lighting upgrades not covered by DWP: $1,500 (funds not yet allocated)

WiFi upgrade: $5,000 ($2,000 WiFi cabling, $1,200 circuit breaker purchase & installation, $1,800 additional TAS support)

Sports Squares:

Prior Years Sports Squares funds: $5,995

2020-21 Football Squares:

Income: $4,728

Winners paid out: <$350>

Net: $4,378

Total Sports Squares Funds Available for Distribution: $10,373 ($5,995+$4,378)

New Business:

Educational Presentation: Scott Gore is an MIT graduate and TAS member who moved to Southern California with his wife, Andrea Rosenthal, and their two sons in 2017 after 30+ years at Raytheon in Massachusetts. Scott is now at JPL, where he is the electronic parts supervisor for NASA’s journey to Mars.

Scott explained that Mars is the most accessible planet, has an atmosphere and may still hold water. As such, it may contain microscopic life. He traced the history of the orbiters, one of which still functions after 19 years. Among the rovers, Curiosity is 9 years along and the rover Insight landed in 2018. ExoMars, developed in Europe, has been delayed until 2022. Perseverance was launched on July 30 and is on a 7-month journey to Mars.

The various rovers analyze the Martian atmosphere, measure temperature, record seismic activity and obtain soil samples. Scott also touched upon current and future missions to other planets and moons within the solar system.

Attendance was excellent for Scott’s talk, which was followed by many good questions.

Adjournment and Next MoTAS Meeting: The next meeting will be held by Zoom on Sunday, November 15, 2020, at 9:00 am. Our guest speaker will be TAS Board of Trustees member Janet Himler Rice, who will discuss veterans’ homelessness.

Respectfully submitted,
Hal Bass/Secretary (Return to Top)

IN CLOSING

As always, remember that the Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom is *your* organization. Keep up to date on our activities at http://www.tasnorthridge-motas.org/ and participate. Sign up for our action alert list at http://tinyurl.com/motas-action-alert. We want to serve all the men of Temple Ahavat Shalom and welcome new participants from the TAS membership. Join our Facebook group and “follow” our website. Come be part of the Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom!

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In This Issue:

1. A NOTE FROM HOWARD
2. OCTOBER MONTHLY MEETING: MISSIONS TO MARS on OCT 11
3. Sukkah Building UPDATE
4. OCTOBER 18 (SUNDAY): 2PM – REVIEW OF THE 2020 ELECTION BALLOT MEASURES
5. SEPTEMBER MEETING MINUTES
6. IN CLOSING

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1. A NOTE FROM HOWARD

To my friends in The Men of TAS and our temple,

Every year we celebrate our Jewish and secular new year’s holidays with gratitude for the past year and hopes and dreams for a happy and healthy coming year.  This Rosh Hashana is no different but it is completely unique.  While it has been very difficult for many, we finish the last year knowing that our friends and family have successfully met the challenges life has brought us.  One of the things that have made it easier has been the online gatherings we have enjoyed together through MoTAS and temple activities.  Whether we like to Zoom or not, we enjoy seeing the faces of our friends.  The coming year may bring more of the same, at least for a while, but we can look forward to our frequent comradery via our interaction online.  We know that we are there for each other and there are so many we call our friends who wish us well.  I hope that the coming year is good to you and your families and that it is not too long before we can enjoy each other’s company together again. La Shana Tova!

Howard Miller
President, The Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom

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2. OCTOBER MONTHLY MEETING: MISSIONS TO MARS on OCT 11

Starting at 9:00 am, our October meeting will be very special as we are in for a real treat. TAS’s own space scientist from Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Scott Gore, will be presenting a talk on the mission to Mars, including the Perseverance Rover and the Mars Helicopter. Scott’s presentation will be held at 9:45 sharp so that anyone interested in one of the nation’s most visible space programs can participate at that time.

Scott’s career has been in electrical, electro-mechanical, and electronic parts. His work was mostly in radar, missile, and communications systems until he came to JPL in 2017, when he started applying his  experience to space components.

Since starting at JPL, a big part of his work has been on the Mars 2020 program, which recently resulted in the launch of the Perseverance Rover which is now on its way to Mars. He will talk about the flight – distance, speed, duration, and where Perseverance is going on Mars. He will also talk about the Perseverance Rover, the instruments on it, and the science goals for the mission. If there is time, he will talk about some of the challenges for robotic exploration of the solar system, and future missions planned.

Join Zoom Meeting:
Contact Howard for URL

Meeting ID: xxx xxxx xxxx (if needed)
Passcode: ******

Dial by your location if connecting via cell phone:
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose and Los Angeles)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York).

Perseverance Rover with Mars Helicopter

Europa mission visualization

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3. Sukkah Building UPDATE

MoTAS offered to build the Sukkah this year, even with masks and gloves. However, we could not get the necessary permits without adding air conditioning, air scrubbers, water fountains and Covid19 inspection stations. We were willing to try but it was pointed out that the Torah explicitly forbids the use of electrical power. After all, Moses never stayed in the same place long enough to pay his water and power bills.

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4. OCTOBER 18 (SUNDAY): 2PM – REVIEW OF THE 2020 ELECTION BALLOT MEASURES

At 2pm on Sunday October 18, TAS Sisterhood and our Social Action Committee will be hosting our own Fran Lapides, a representative of The League of Women Voters.  Fran will be describing the 2020 General Election propositions and ballot measures we are all going nuts trying to figure out on our own.  Information for participation via Zoom will soon be provided in the TAS weekly publication.

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5. SEPTEMBER MEETING MINUTES

Date: Sunday, September 13, 2020 Via Zoom Due to Social Isolation Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Presiding: President Howard Miller

Members Present: Howard Miller (President), Hal Bass (Secretary), Les Birken, Yale Doberne, Daniel Faigin (Past President), Ken Feldman, Scott Gore, Brian Hatkoff, Fred Kimmel, Al Lapides, Ed Lapporte, Bob Levine, Roger Lowe (Treasurer), Joel Lowell, Fabian Malinovitz, Barry Mann, William Moalem, Chuck Mondrus, Mark Moskowitz, Jeff Neiman, Larry Pfefer (VP), Russ Rapoport (VP), Mike Rayfield, Bill Shapiro, Bernie Singer, Sandy Stern, Mike Thornhill, Les Wieder, Ken Wolf, Terry Zonnis

Guests: Mel Birken, Gloria Katcher, Helene Kimmel, Fran Lapides, Ellen Lowe, Andy Mann, Laraine Miller, Elaine Pfefferman, Sheila Reback, Tammy Singer, Sandy Zonnis

President’s Report:

Howard began the meeting by asking those present to guess who belonged to a secret clue that MoTAS members submitted to him about themselves.

Current temple membership of 233 reflects a loss of 10% from the previous year, whereas many congregations, Howard said, are down 25%.

MoTAS has provided $10,800 in direct support for temple needs.

Howard expressed appreciation to Barry Mann for the Dining Does Good program.

Larry Pfefer announced that TAS is connected to broadband throughout the sanctuary and school buildings, including the alarm system. Broadband is also available to first responders. The next step is to livestream Shabbat and other religious services via WiFi.

MoTAS donated $1,350 from the Pride Campaign towards a beautification project to landscape the area in front of the school office. Howard thanked Dr. William Moalem for designing this project and completing it.

The TAS custodial crew will build the sukkah this year.

For our October 11 meeting, MoTAS will extend an invitation to the entire congregation, as well as to our Hebrew and Religious School students, to attend Scott Gore’s presentation about the Mars project.

Bob Levine encouraged MoTAS members and guests to purchase football squares so we can reach our goal of 100 squares sold.

Treasurer’s Report, as of 09/11/20:

Income: $0 to date in fiscal year that began July 1

Expenses:

• Sisterhood New Year honey jars: $72
• Pancake breakfast kits: $89

Sports Squares Distributions:

• Exit sign lighting upgrades not covered by DWP: $1,500 (funds not yet allocated)
• WiFi upgrade: $5,000

Sports Squares:

Prior Years Sports Squares funds: $5,995

2020-21 Football Squares:

• Income: $1,188
• Held in PayPal account for possible refunds: $608
• Winners paid out: $0

Total Sports Squares Funds Available for Distribution: $7,183 ($5,995+S1,188)

New Business:

2020-21 Budget: The budget was prepared by Howard and MoTAS treasurer Roger Lowe. This is a conservative document with a planned likely deficit due to a potential for reduced income and the fact that MoTAS must plan for various activities to take place even though it is possible, if not likely, that they will be canceled as a result of the virus. It was agreed that the point of our MoTAS savings is to assist the group in difficult times like these. Daniel Faigin moved that the budget be accepted; Bob Levine seconded the motion; and it carried unanimously.

November 13 Shabbat Service to Honor Veterans: Hal Bass, Bob Levine and Roger Lowe have been in touch with Rabbi Becky about a Shabbat service to honor TAS members who have served in the military on active duty or in the reserves or National Guard. Hal will contact Aaron Solomon after Yom Kippur to send out a request via temple messaging asking TAS members to identify themselves as veterans. The information sought will be name, branch of service, years of service, highest rank attained, names of immediate family members (parents, siblings, children, grandparents) who also might have served, and to indicate whether the veteran plans to attend the November 13 service.

Educational Presentation: Dr. William Moalem shared his experience while living in Shanghai during the war years. His paternal grandparents were from the British Protectorate of Aden and his maternal grandparents from Russia. (The name Moalem means scholar or teacher in Arabic.)

William’s parents met in Shanghai and married there. Because William’s older sister held a British passport and William was a U.S. citizen–he was born in San Francisco, after which his mom returned to Shanghai to join William’s dad in business—the family was placed in a Japanese internment camp for American and British subjects following the outbreak of war on December 7, 1941.

William described the harsh conditions under which his family was forced to live while confined to the Shanghai camp, the PTSD from which he suffered, his early school years in Hong Kong, and his family’s eventual resettlement in San Francisco.

This was a riveting presentation, which was well-received and which generated a number of excellent questions from the audience of MoTAS members and guests.

Adjournment and Next MoTAS Meeting: The next meeting will be held by Zoom on Sunday, October 11, 2020, at 9:00 am. Our guest speaker will be JPL scientist and TAS member, Scott Gore, who will discuss the mission to Mars.

Respectfully submitted,

Hal Bass/Secretary

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IN CLOSING

As always, remember that the Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom is *your* organization. Keep up to date on our activities at http://www.tasnorthridge-motas.org/ and participate. Sign up for our action alert list at http://tinyurl.com/motas-action-alert. We want to serve all the men of Temple Ahavat Shalom and welcome new participants from the TAS membership. Join our Facebook group and “follow” our website. Come be part of the Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom!

(Return to Top)

In This Issue:

1. September Monthly Meeting – First Meeting of 2020-21 – SEPT 13
2. IT’S FOOTBALL SQUARES SEASON AGAIN
3. SUPPORT/JOIN TAS SMALL INTEREST GROUPS
   
4. MRJ SPEAKER: Akiva Tor on SUN SEP 13
5. First Day Of Religious School Pancake Breakfast Update
6. Sukkah Building UPDATE
7. OCTOBER MONTHLY MEETING: MISSIONS TO MARS on OCT 11
8. IN CLOSING

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1. September Monthly Meeting – First Meeting of 2020-21 – SEPT 13

Our first meeting of the 2020-2021 programming year will be Sunday, September 13 at 9am. For our meeting introductions, please email Howard (hmiller12@socal.rr.com) with a secret clue about yourself, something most people don’t know about you.  It may be a specific talent, an experience, someone you met, etc. Howard will read it and the group will try and guess who you are.  If it is juicy, we promise not to pass it on.

Join Zoom Meeting
Contact Howard at hmiller12@socal.rr.com for meeting information

Meeting ID: xxx xxxx xxxx
Passcode: xxxxxx

In our post-meeting program, William Moalem will talk about growing up in China, life in a Japanese concentration camp during WWII (1942-1945), how he was liberated and what life was like afterward.

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2. IT’S FOOTBALL SQUARES SEASON AGAIN

Please join MoTAS in our very popular fun-raiser, now in its 9th year.  It is a very important program, which raises funds for temple projects that are not able to be done because of budget limitations.  Much of the money is used primarily for education projects.

You don’t need to know anything about football, or even like football.  It’s all about helping TAS. For one entry, you participate in the entire 16-game season!

The rules are the same as last year, except that 1) if a Monday game is canceled or rescheduled, a game from Sunday will be used instead, and 2) if the season is shortened, adjustments to payouts and refunds will be determined at that time.  The entry fee remains $50 per square. If you wish to pay by check, please mail it directly to:

Roger Lowe
10659 Desplain Place
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(Mark “Football Squares” on the envelope.)

Please also send an email to Bob with your name(s) and # of squares you wish, so he can place you on the grid board (limit 2 per individual or 4 for couple). For more information and to sign up, go to squares.tasnorthridge-motas.org or email Bob Levine, tasboblevine@gmail.com

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3. SUPPORT/JOIN TAS SMALL INTEREST GROUPS

New Interest Groups are being developed for TAS Members. During our restrictions due to COVID -19, groups are encouraged to get creative with using Zoom to discuss, share, view, and talk more about your topics. Safe in person distancing is allowed per area guidelines. Down the road when more direct contact is allowed, your groups will be able to expand ways of getting together. Groups will determine their own schedule and facilitate personal Zoom accounts. Please contact Laraine Miller at tzlady@socal.rr.com to sign up and receive more information. Ideas for a group with a focus area not suggested are welcome for consideration.

• Gardening: Some of us are avid gardeners, both vegetable and ornamental. Some of us need a little more help. This group could also involve photography, “safe trips” to Gardens, like the Huntington, LA Arboretum, Descanso Gardens, areas in the Valley and City. Compare notes, articles on gardening, tips and trips. Help may also be needed to maintain our TAS Garden.
• Jews Celebrating Together: Creating Community & Finding Joy in Jewish Holidays.
• The Business World: Discuss the News of the Day, Big & Small Business, the Who’s Who in Business, Mergers, Acquisitions, Investments and more!
• Sports as a Window into US History & Society: Women’s & Men’s Professional Sports, Negro League Baseball, Anti-Semitism in Sports, Olympic Highlights, Sports Gambling & Cheating, Dangers Inherent with Sports and more!
• Sporting Book Club: Select sports themed books and engage in discussion.
• Pirke Avot: Studying the Wisdom of our Jewish Sages. (Our Clergy will assist with start -up).
• The First Act: For families with Toddlers through High School Children: Parenting Styles, Raising Menschs, How to Stay Sane. (Our Clergy will assist with start- up).
• The Second Act: The Kids Have Moved Out or Maybe Moved Back Home, Now What? Finding Meaning and Purpose. (Our Clergy will assist with start- up).
• The Third Act: Wise Aging & Living Fully in Your Senior Years. (Our Clergy will assist with start- up).
• Bubbies & Zaydes: The Joys & Challenges of Grandparenting in today’s world.
• In Pursuit of Music: Share and discuss music of the Divas, Crooners, Blues, Jazz and Other Genres, Male Groups, Female Groups and Favorite Singles.
• Trivial Pursuit: A group just to schmooze and enjoy each other’s company.
• The Curious Eaters (from a Safe Distance): Virtual and Eventual Dining Experiences! Share favorite places to dine, local and far away. Share photos, YouTubes from around the world and personal food stories.
• Break A Leg: Virtual and Eventual Live Theater Performances! Select a performance to view independently and arrange time for talking points. One play, several Jews, a multitude of opinions and perspectives!
• Explore Jewish History Through Historical Fiction Book Club: Select books to read and engage in group discussion
• Jewish Cooking Around the World: Share recipes, discuss ingredients and unique ways to cook different foods.
• Hiking/Walking: Grab your mask, hat and water, and within safe distancing walk with a few friends in neighborhoods or public access trails.
• Movie Club: Select movies to watch independently and meet online or in safe distance to discuss the characters, the plot, the ending, the cinematography, the actors and directors.
• Photography Club: Virtually share your photos and discuss the location, the reason for the photo, the techniques and camera used to take the photos. Safely meet at locations to take photos and enjoy the experience.
• Current Events: Pick a date, read the headlines, and engage in the talk of a town, state, country, and world.
• Travel Bug: Select a travel destination, share its history, its highlights, share photos and stories. Relive your favorite places and inspire others.

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4. MRJ SPEAKER: Akiva Tor on SUN SEP 13

Listen to Akiva Tor’s interview with Media Line about a fiery Christian Orthodox ritual uninterrupted for ‘at least the last couple of centuries: the “Holy Fire” ceremony on April 18 at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City. The Media Line interview explores the annual ritual – and how it has been changed by Coronavirus. Akiva Tor is the head of the Bureau of World Jewish Affairs and World Religions of the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

After listening to the interview, join MRJ as we host him for a conversation on Sunday, September 13th at 1 p.m. ET. Register today.

Akiva Tor is the Head of Bureau for World Jewish Affairs and World Religions at the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Previously he served as Consul General of Israel for the Pacific Northwest, Director of the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, Deputy Director for Palestinian Affairs in the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and as World Jewish Affairs Adviser to the President of Israel in which capacity he began the organization of the World Jewish Forum, an initiative for creating a pan-Jewish strategy for stemming assimilation and decline in Jewish life.

Akiva is a graduate of the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, and holds an MA degree from Hebrew University in Jewish political thought and a BA from Columbia University in general philosophy. He has written and lectured on Jewish values in the foreign policy of Israel and on ethical considerations in international relations. He served as a paratrooper in the Israel Defense Forces and as an infantry captain in the IDF reserves. He is interested in running, mountain biking and ascending high places. Akiva is married to Naomi, a community social worker. Their home town is Beit Shemesh, near Jerusalem, and they have four children – Yonah, Zohar, Yehudah and Roni.

Read his blog pieces in the Times of Israel, including “Building a Bridge Over Troubled Waters.” You can also read his piece, “Pope Francis in Israel.”

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5. First Day Of Religious School Pancake Breakfast Update

MoTAS will not be holding our annual free pancake breakfast. We were ready to flip 300 hotcakes but, since there will be no opening day of school this year, we would have been left with a ten foot stack of pure carbs.  Instead, MoTAS will be contributing a family pancake breakfast package to religious school families via Rabbi Becky’s Rosh Hashana gift bags to members.  It will include a note of best wishes to our students. (Return to Top)

6. Sukkah Building UPDATE

MoTAS offered to build the Sukkah this year, even with masks and gloves. However, we could not get the necessary permits without adding air conditioning, air scrubbers, water fountains and Covid19 inspection stations. We were willing to try but it was pointed out that the Torah explicitly forbids the use of electrical power. After all, Moses never stayed in the same place long enough to pay his water and power bills. (Return to Top)

7. OCTOBER MONTHLY MEETING: MISSIONS TO MARS on OCT 11

Our October meeting will be very special as we are in for a real treat. TAS’s own space scientist from Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Scott Gore, will be presenting a talk on the mission to Mars, including the Perseverance Rover and the Mars Helicopter. Scott’s presentation will be held at 9:45 sharp so that anyone interested one of the most visible space programs can participate at that time.

Scott’s career has been in electrical, electro-mechanical, and electronic parts. His work was mostly in radar, missile, and communications systems until he came to JPL in 2017, when he started applying his  experience to space components.

Since starting at JPL, a big part of his work has been on the Mars 2020 program, which recently resulted in the launch of the Perseverance Rover which is now on its way to Mars. He will talk about the flight – distance, speed, duration, and where Perseverance is going on Mars. He will also talk about the Perseverance Rover, the instruments on it, and the science goals for the mission. If there is time, he will talk about some of the challenges for robotic exploration of the solar system, and future missions planned.

Zoom info will be provided after the High Holidays.

Perseverance Rover with Mars Helicopter

Europa mission visualization

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IN CLOSING

As always, remember that the Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom is *your* organization. Keep up to date on our activities at http://www.tasnorthridge-motas.org/ and participate. Sign up for our action alert list at http://tinyurl.com/motas-action-alert. We want to serve all the men of Temple Ahavat Shalom and welcome new participants from the TAS membership. Join our Facebook group and “follow” our website. Come be part of the Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom!

(Return to Top)

In This Issue:

1. Drivers Needed to Deliver High Holiday Gift Bags to TAS Members ~ SEPT 1
2. IT’S FOOTBALL SQUARES SEASON AGAIN
3. September Monthly Meeting – First Meeting of 2020-21 – SEPT 13
4. First Day Of Religious School Pancake Breakfast Update
5. Sukkah Building UPDATE
6. MRJ SPEAKER: Akiva Tor on SUN SEP 13 – Despite a Pandemic, the Holy Fire Will Burn
7. IN CLOSING

Continue reading →

In This Issue:

1. MoTAS TRIVIA CONTEST /  Get Together, Sunday July 19
2. Monthly TAS Poker Game – Calling all Poker Players
3. Help Us Spread the News about Rabbi Becky
4. IN CLOSING

Note: As we enter into the Summer months, the MoTAS Weekly make take the occasional week off if there are no new items for the week. As always, you can find the weekly posted on our website at www.tasnorthridge-motas.org.

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1. MoTAS TRIVIA CONTEST / Get Together, Sunday July 19

Our guys like to see each other and catch up.  While we don’t have our monthly meetings during summer, we are planning a morning Zoom on Sunday July 19 at 9am.  Just for fun, we will hold a short trivia contest.  If you would like to participate, use the following link to meet up with us on Zoom:

Topic: MoTAS July Get-together
Time: Jul 19, 2020 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting: Contact Howard Miller at hmiller12@socal.rr.com for meeting information.

Please have pen and paper ready!

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2. Monthly TAS Poker Game – Calling all Poker Players

If you like to play in a monthly game of poker and help out the temple, MoTAS is putting together a safe monthly online game of No Limit Hold-em.  A monthly tournament is a fun way to increase your skills at poker and make a bit of mullah.  Games would be played at 7:30 on the first Tuesday of each month.  The $20 buy-in would be handled by MoTAS.  MoTAS would take 15% of the stakes for our temple fundraising and the rest would be split 60% and 25% by the top two players.  Tournaments will take about 90 minutes.  If you (yes, men and women) have an interest, contact Howard Miller at hmiller12@socal.rr.com. 

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3. Help Us Spread the News about Rabbi Becky

Now that Rabbi Becky has started at TAS, we need to let our community know about the changes at TAS. This is not the TAS of yore: all of what might have inhibited folks in prior years is in the past. We have a new Rabbi, a new Cantor, and most importantly: a new spirit and a stronger family. We need to let our communities know: not only the local North Valley of Chatsworth, Northridge, North Hills, and Granada Hills. We need to let the folks in all directions nearby know: the Southern portion of the valley (Reseda, Woodland Hills, Van Nuys, Encino, etc.), the communities to the East (Arleta, Sylmar, San Fernando), Simi Valley to the West, and, to the North, the southern portions of Santa Clarita and Stevenson Ranch.

The best way to do this is to invite someone to sample our Friday night service. They can do this via Zoom, or that can join via Facebook Live via the Temple’s Facebook page. You’ll get the Zoom information in your weekly temple mailing that you can share. You can also recommend that folks contact the Temple office for information.

We also want you to go beyond asking local friends and family to meet her and our temple. First, you can spread the word on those social media sites you use. Spread the message on Facebook about our service. Look at the Temple’s Facebook page for information to share. Second, you can  introduce Rabbi Becky to your neighborhood using nextdoor.com . If you already have an account, you are ready.  If you need to register / create a new free account, click here:  https://help.nextdoor.com/s/article/How-to-join-Nextdoor?language=en_US. Once you have your account:

1. Go to your account on nextdoor.com
2. Select “General” under “Neighborhood”
3. Post a story about Rabbi Becky

We also encourage you to go write a rewiew of the Temple on Yelp. Jews across the Valley look to Yelp for reviews and recommendations for all sorts of products, services, restaurants and even which temple to join. If you were asked to recommend TAS, what good things would you say? Now is a particularly good time to write your review, with Rabbi Becky joining us and Cantor Ken continuing to make our musical moments magic. In case you wish to share your opinion and add a review on the TAS Yelp page, it is simple and easy:

1. Go to   http://www.yelp.com
2. In “Find” type “Temple Ahavat Shalom” and in “Near” type  “Northridge”
3. Then click on “Temple Ahavat Shalom”
4. Then click on “Write a Review”
5. Select Your Rating of   *    (5 stars is best!)
6. In your own words write a review / answer the question “Would do you love about being a member Temple Ahavat Shalom?”

Here are some suggestions for things to mention in your post or review:

• Temple Ahavat Shalom is a 54 year old warm and welcoming Jewish Reform Congregation in Northridge.
• Mention how long you have been a member.
• Join us for a dynamic Shabbat service with our new rabbi, Rebecca Hoffman, and provide the date and time.
• Invite people to come check us out.
• For more information on our Zoom service or attending via Facebook Live, call Ben Tenn at (818) 360-2258 or contact Aaron Solomon at (818) 360-2258.

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IN CLOSING

As always, remember that the Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom is *your* organization. Keep up to date on our activities at http://www.tasnorthridge-motas.org/ and participate. Sign up for our action alert list at http://tinyurl.com/motas-action-alert. We want to serve all the men of Temple Ahavat Shalom and welcome new participants from the TAS membership. Join our Facebook group and “follow” our website. Come be part of the Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom!

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In This Issue:

1. SUNDAY, APRIL 19: SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
2. MOTAS SUGGESTIONS FOR RESTAURANT TAKE-OUT
3. YELLOW CANDLE UPDATE
4. ONGOING: OUR ANNUAL APPEAL FOR MOTAS AND TAS PRIDE
5. IN CLOSING

Apologies for the delay in this week’s weekly. Passover preparation combined with light news. Chag Sameach to all, and may all stay well and healthy.

Continue reading →