In This Issue:

1. BATTER UP FOR THE PANCAKE BREAKFAST – SUN SEP 11
2. FOOTBALL SQUARES SALES IN THE FINAL INNINGS
3. SUKKAH BUILDING AND MEMBERSHIP LUNCH – SAVE THE DATE – SUN OCT 9
4. BAT MITZVAH AT 100 – SAT AUG 27
5. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO LEAD ACTIVITIES
6. MRJ/NCJW WEBINAR: REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS 9/22 5PM PACIFIC
7. TAS MUSICIANS SMALL GROUP NEEDS PLAYERS
8. SHARE YOUR SIMCHAS
9. IN CLOSING

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From the Editor: The goal of the Weekly is to get MoTAS members the information they need on upcoming activities, and then get out of the way. If you have any information on MoTAS activities you need to get out to the membership, please contact the Weekly Editor at cybermaven@tasnorthridge-motas.org.

Continue reading →

In This Issue:

1. FOOTBALL SQUARES SALES NOW OPEN
2. MRJ/NCJW WEBINAR: REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS 9/22 5PM PACIFIC
3. SHARE YOUR SIMCHAS
4. IN CLOSING

Continue reading →

In This Issue:

1. WELCOME TO 2021-2022
2. SUKKAH BUILDING – SAVE THE DATE – SUN SEP 19
3. MEET OUR OFFICERS: SCOTT GORE
4. SHARE YOUR SIMCHAS
5. IN CLOSING

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Continue reading →

In This Issue:

1. A FINAL NOTE OF THANKS
2. SUKKAH BUILDING – SAVE THE DATE – SUN SEP 19
3. SHARE YOUR SIMCHAS
4. PAYING MOTAS VIA ZELLE
5. IN CLOSING

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Note: During the summer, the Weekly may skip the occasional week as things are quieter.

1. A FINAL NOTE OF THANKS

First of all, I hope this note is finding you and your families in good health. I also want to wish each of you a very healthy and happy coming High Holidays.

I have planned on writing this note for some time once my third year as President ended.  I will admit that I put off writing it for a while but something has come up that reminded me it was time to send it out.  Many of you may have noted the passing of Leland “Lee” Baum. We have not seen Lee for a few years; even pre-COVID he was becoming more frail and had stopped driving.  Lee might have been considered the epitome of a Man of TAS.  He belonged to our group for its friendship, honest conversations, comradery and our dedication to TAS.  He attended our meetings regularly. Whenever there was an event, Lee would be there to help out.  Never a leader but always a quiet example of a gentleman. Lee was remembered last Sunday at a memorial service at TAS.

As I reflect on the last three years, I realize how much enjoyment I have had being a part of MoTAS and with being associated with such a fine group of friends.  My leadership team of Larry Pfefer, Russ Rapoport, Roger Lowe, Hal Bass, past president Daniel Faigin and my counselors Bob Levine and Brian Hatkoff helped make MoTAS a well-oiled machine. I thank them for their assistance and friendship.  Our incoming president, Larry, is well prepared to take the helm and continue our success.  I know that our incoming Vice Presidents, Scott Gore and Edward Lapporte, will be ready to help out and bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm.  Join me in wishing all of them the best of luck in the coming year!

2020-21 was a very different year for The Men of TAS.  We were only been able to meet online and could not carry out many of the activities for which we are normally depended upon.  We missed our Shabbabaque, building the Sukkah, helping Sisterhood with their boutique, holding our annual poker tournament fundraiser, etc.  Even so, our monthly meeting attendance has shown the continued comradery of our bunch.  We have met every financial obligation to the temple and our religious school communities.

I am most proud that MoTAS used a portion of our Sports Squares proceeds to benefit a dozen families who lost work due to the pandemic and were in dire financial need.  If helping members in need is not helping TAS, I don’t know what else would be.  I do know that, based on the publication of our efforts, a number of other families independently followed suit to support those families. In addition, MoTAS paid for the complete provision and integration of the Temple’s new WiFi system.  I did have to promise Rabbi Becky that you guys would limit your checking of Dodger scores during Shabbat services. MoTAS also paid for part of the painting of the Social Hall kitchen. Thanks to all of you for helping make our Sports Squares and annual appeal successful.  And especially, thanks to Bob Levine and our Gridmaven, Kathy Pullman, for administrating our Sports Squares program.

A special thanks also to Daniel Faigin, our Master of Publicity and digital media.  He does so much behind the scenes to benefit our group and our activities.

Lastly, I would like to thank our major benefactors who have been strong champions of MoTAS. The Krowne, Miles, Friedman, Handler, Silverstein, Kantor, Lucks and Hilecher families have been significant MoTAS contributors for 20 years to ensure our big fundraising activities are successful. And just as importantly, thanks to all the active members of MOTAS who personally donate to our fundraising events.

Wishing all of you the best,

Howard Miller
Past President
The Men of TAS

2.  SUKKAH BUILDING – SAVE THE DATE – SUN SEP 19

JEWISH MEN WITH TOOLS (MoTAS) are tentatively scheduled to build our temple Sukkah on Sunday September 19 at 9am, after a brief status update. This easy job can be completed in about an hour. Please come with gloves, Allen wrenches, and friends. Please let Howard (president@tasnorthridge-motas.org) know if YOU can shop for chicken wire and phone ties. AND, as Valley Crest is not offering palm fronds, please let us know if you know where we can get them. If YOU have a truck available to pick up the palm fronds, we would appreciate that also. We will have bagels and drinks. Please let us know if you can be there to help out!

3. 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 July submissions to be listed in August 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.

4.  PAYING MOTAS VIA ZELLE

Did you know you can pay MoTAS via EFT. If your bank is connected to Zelle (or you have the Zelle) app, you can add MoTAS to your list of Zelle recipients: Name of Business: Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom, Email: treasurer@tasnorthridge-motas.org . If you aren’t connected to Zelle, you can go to https://www.zellepay.com/get-started and see if your bank or credit union is on the list; if not, you can still connect via the Zelle app (download at https://www.zellepay.com/go/zelle ).

Note that you can also pay MoTAS via Venmo to the same email address treasurer@tasnorthridge-motas.org . Just make sure to indicate the payment is person to person, not for goods or services, so that we don’t incur a fee. Paypal is more likely to charge a fee; however, if you do a person to person transfer to onlinesales@tasnorthridge-motas.org from a bank account, there isn’t a fee. If you indicate it is for goods or services, or if you use a credit card, there is a fee.

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. MOTAS MONTHLY MEETING – SUN JUN 13: HOWARD’S LAST MEETING & JEWISH BASEBALL
2. SHARE YOUR SIMCHAS
3. MRJ PROGRAM: THE FIRST 100 DAYS THROUGH A JEWISH LENS – JUN 21
4. MAN OF THE YEAR PRESENTATION FOR HAL BASS
5. IN CLOSING

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1. MOTAS MONTHLY MEETING – SUN JUN 13: HOWARD’S LAST MEETING & JEWISH BASEBALL

Join us for the last meeting of the 2020-21 year this Sunday, June 13. The business portion of the meeting starts at 9:00am. Anyone who would like to join for just the program should get on our Zoom call by 9:45.

The topic for the meeting program will be “Jewish Players in Major League Baseball”.  If you thought Sandy Koufax was the only professional Jewish baseball player you will be very surprised.  Our Presenter will be Rabbi Rebeccah Yussman, daughter of renown L.A. Dodger fans Les and Mel Birken. 

Meeting details:

• Link: Contact Howard for Meeting Details

We are all hoping that this will be our last required Zoom meeting.  Next Fall in Jerusalem, or at least the TAS Activity Center.  Once again, congratulations to our new officers who will be leading our fine group starting in July:

•  President: Larry Pfefer
• Vice President: Scott Gore
• Vice President: Ed Lapporte
• Treasurer:  Roger Lowe
• Secretary: Hal Bass

2.  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 June submissions to be listed in July 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.

3.  MRJ PROGRAM: THE FIRST 100 DAYS THROUGH A JEWISH LENS – JUN 21

The first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration is now history. In the United States, no one talked that much about the importance of a president’s first 100 days—until Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in 1933. He took swift action to calm the nation’s crippling financial panic (cue the Emergency Banking Act and the “fireside chats” that became Roosevelt’s signature) and began rolling out the programs that made up his New Deal, including 15 major pieces of legislation in the first 100 days. John F. Kennedy ordered the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion 87 days into his presidency. At a time when the U.S. and USSR were locked in the Cold War, JFK’s first 100 days also saw the Soviets launch the first human into space. On Day 1, Ronald Reagan started off with a bang, announcing the release of U.S. diplomats being held hostage in Iran. Sixty-nine days into his administration, he survived an assassination attempt. Barack Obama — who like FDR took office during a severe financial crisis—was able to get Congress to sign a $787 million stimulus package, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, on his 29th day in office.

This virtual talk will explore the First 100 Days (Give Or Take) of the Biden – Harris Administration as seen through a Jewish lens. The speaker, Rabbi David Saperstein, is the Director Emeritus of 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. Between 2015 and 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. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and Center for Jewish Civilization and as a Distinguished Fellow at the PM Glynn Center at the Australian Catholic University.

The talk will be Monday, June 21, 2021 at 5pm Pacific. To register, click here.

4. MAN OF THE YEAR PRESENTATION FOR HAL BASS

MoTAS held its first get-together in 15 months on Sunday June 6 in order to honor Dr. Hal Bass as our 2021 Man of the Year.  Howard Miller presented Hal a plaque from the Western Region Men of Reform Judaism.  Hal was recognized for his years of service as Secretary to MoTAS, for the many interesting presentations he has made for our monthly programs, for organizing the memorable Veterans Shabbat Service last November, and for continually being among the first to offer help in organizing and executing many of our activities.  A note from last year’s MOY awardee, Les Birken, was read by Larry Pfefer.  Brian Hatkoff, current President of the MRJ Western Region, and incoming Vice President of the national board of MRJ, also provided congratulations from the umbrella organization.  Congratulations once again to Hal!

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. ** LAST CHANCE ** CARD FOR CANTOR KEN
2. ** LAST CHANCE ** SUPPORT THE MOTAS APPEAL
3. MAN OF THE YEAR PRESENTATION FOR HAL BASS – SUN JUN 4
4. SHARE YOUR SIMCHAS FOR JUNE
5. MRJ PROGRAM: THE FIRST 100 DAYS THROUGH A JEWISH LENS – JUN 21
6. MAY 2021 MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES
7. IN CLOSING

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1. **LAST CHANCE ** CARD FOR CANTOR KEN

As you have read in the Temple eBlast, a farewell service for Cantor Ken will be held on Friday, May 28 at 7:00PM.

MoTAS has set up a virtual card for the Cantor. We encourage all MoTAS members to sign it and leave a short note (and if you share it with others in the congregation, that’s OK, as the card will show up as being from MoTAS and Friends). It will be delivered to the Cantor just before the service via email at 630pm, and he will be able to enjoy it for a year, and download a PDF of the card. To sign the card, click here or visit https://tinyurl.com/cantorken .

2. **LAST CHANCE ** SUPPORT THE MOTAS APPEAL

By now, you have received your MoTAS Appeal Letter. You’ve read about all MoTAS has done to support TAS over the past year, and how the COVID environment has limited our fund raising options. You know that our appeal is even more important this year for us to do what we do. Luckily, it is easy to support MoTAS. Just visit our support webpage: http://support.tasnorthridge-motas.org/. There you can read the appeal letter, make your donation online, or download a form to mail with your check to Roger. Without all of our usual activities, MoTAS needs your support even more to be able to support the temple and its needs during these extraordinary times. MoTAS does not charge dues to its members; we depend on your donations to be able to do what we do.

Note: The MoTAS Appeal formally runs until May 31, 2021. If you haven’t contributed yet, and want to be counted for this year, the clock is tick, tick, ticking.

Just visit http://support.tasnorthridge-motas.org/ to donate.

3. MAN OF THE YEAR PRESENTATION FOR HAL BASS – SUN JUN 4

MoTAS members and their guests are welcome to share the presentation of a commemorative plaque to our 2021 Man of the Year, Dr. Hal Bass, on Sunday June 6 at 4pm.  The presentation will take place in the back yard of Howard Miller at 9656 Geyser Ave in Northridge.  Please be sure to let Howard know that you will be attending this 30 minute event via email at hmiller12@socal.rr.com.

4.  SHARE YOUR SIMCHAS FOR JUNE

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 May submissions to be listed in June 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.

5.  MRJ PROGRAM: THE FIRST 100 DAYS THROUGH A JEWISH LENS – JUN 21

The first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration is now history. In the United States, no one talked that much about the importance of a president’s first 100 days—until Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in 1933. He took swift action to calm the nation’s crippling financial panic (cue the Emergency Banking Act and the “fireside chats” that became Roosevelt’s signature) and began rolling out the programs that made up his New Deal, including 15 major pieces of legislation in the first 100 days. John F. Kennedy ordered the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion 87 days into his presidency. At a time when the U.S. and USSR were locked in the Cold War, JFK’s first 100 days also saw the Soviets launch the first human into space. On Day 1, Ronald Reagan started off with a bang, announcing the release of U.S. diplomats being held hostage in Iran. Sixty-nine days into his administration, he survived an assassination attempt. Barack Obama — who like FDR took office during a severe financial crisis—was able to get Congress to sign a $787 million stimulus package, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, on his 29th day in office.

This virtual talk will explore the First 100 Days (Give Or Take) of the Biden – Harris Administration as seen through a Jewish lens. The speaker, Rabbi David Saperstein, is the Director Emeritus of 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. Between 2015 and 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. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and Center for Jewish Civilization and as a Distinguished Fellow at the PM Glynn Center at the Australian Catholic University.

The talk will be Monday, June 21, 2021 at 5pm Pacific. To register, click here.

6. MAY 2021 MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES

Date: Sunday, May 16, 2021 via Zoom due to the pandemic

Presiding: President Howard Miller

Members Present: Howard Miller (President), Hal Bass (Secretary), Les Birken, Daniel Faigin (Past President), Ken Feldman, Scott Gore, Brian Hatkoff, Al Lapides, Ed Lapporte, Bob Levine, Roger Lowe (Treasurer), Joel Lowell, Barry Mann, Chuck Mondrus, Jeff Neiman, Larry Pfefer (VP), Russ Rapoport (VP), Mike Rayfield, Bill Shapiro, Bernie Singer, Mike Thornhill, Aaron Weissman, Scott Yollis

Guests: Cheryl Hatkoff, Terri Jonisch, Debby Weissman

President’s Report:

Howard began the meeting by asking members what changes in their lives they anticipate as we move beyond the Covid restrictions.

Howard congratulated Brian Hatkoff on his election as first VP of Men of Reform Judaism for 2021-23.

On Wednesday, May 19, from 3-4:15 pm Pacific time, the Alzheimer’s Association and MRJ are sponsoring an online program about the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease hosted by Temple Beth El of Hollywood, FL. For further information and to register for this free event via Zoom, go to: https://templebethelhollywood.org/brotherhood.

Daniel Faigin is inviting MoTAS members, spouses and friends to add a message to Cantor Ken on the digital appreciation card he has created:  https://www.groupgreeting.com/sign/b69c760f1228323 or tinyurl.com/cantorken. Cantor Ken will be honored at a combination outdoor and Zoom Shabbat service May 28.

The security access control project is to be completed by next week, and kitchen repainting will be finished May 19.

2020-21 Sports Squares supported the temple’s WiFi upgrade ($5,000), William Rosen’s Eagle Scout project in which he planted decorative tree boxes near the parking lot ($350), kitchen repainting ($1,500) and camperships ($450).

Regarding Sports Squares, Bob Levine said planning is underway for the 2021-22 football season, with an announcement anticipated next month.

The MoTAS Annual Appeal is ahead of its fundraising goal for 2021 ($6,920 to date vs. $3,600 projected and $5,200 last year).

TAS Campus Pride has raised $931 vs. $600 projected. The Beautification Subcommittee is looking into using the funds to improve the area in front of the office windows and planter area outside the main doors.

Bob Levine publishes simchas in the temple’s Wednesday and Friday eblasts. Email your simchas to Bob at tasboblevine@gmail.com. May 31 is this month’s deadline for publication on June 2.

An online poker tournament may take place, with a minimum top prize of $500. Anticipated income would be $3,600 as compared to $5,000 with a live tournament.

Howard will honor MoTAS Man of the Year Hal Bass on Sunday, June 6, at 4 pm. Refreshments will be served. The ceremony will take place at Howard & Laraine’s home. Let Howard know by email if you plan to attend.

Treasurer’s Report Submitted by Roger Lowe, as of 05/15/21:

• (Financial information included in emailed version)

New Business:

Election of Officers: No additional nominations were submitted following last month’s Nominating Committee report by Bob Levine and Mike Thornhill. Therefore, Bob Levine moved, and Russ Rapoport seconded, a motion to elect the following by acclamation: Larry Pfefer, president; Scott Gore and Ed Lapporte, vice presidents; Roger Lowe, treasurer; Hal Bass, secretary. The new slate of officers will begin serving their one-year terms July 1, 2021.

Educational Presentations by Debby Weissman and Joel Lowell:

Following retirement last year after 30 years as a nursing executive at Kaiser Permanente, Debby donned an N95 mask, helmet, and gloves to join the L.A. County Department of Health as a COVID-19 outbreak investigator. Her activities took her to CSUN, where she administered Covid vaccine, and then to people experiencing homelessness or domestic violence. She shared stories about the challenges she faced, especially among the homeless, many of whom prefer to remain out of shelters, and the victims of domestic violence.

This obviously has been a rewarding experience for Debby and is an example of the outreach by members of our TAS Caring Community.

Joel Lowell is an elected board member of the Northridge West Neighborhood Council. There are 99 neighborhood councils in Los Angeles, established by an amendment to the city charter in 1999, which created the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment. Councils range in size from 7 to 35 elected members, all of whom are volunteers and, at each council’s discretion, serve for 2 or 4 years.

Council District 12 has 8 neighborhood councils (NCs). Local NCs, which often collaborate with nearby NCs on specific issues, advise on traffic, parking, land use, parks, homelessness, public safety, and transportation. One of the projects Joel’s NC undertook was the planting of topiaries in the Tampa Ave. median.

At the end of his talk, Joel took several questions, the answers to which demonstrated a wide-ranging fund of knowledge on Joel’s part.

Adjournment and Next MoTAS Meeting: The next meeting will be held by Zoom, Sunday, June 13, 2021, at 9:00 am.

Respectfully submitted,
Hal Bass/Secretary

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. MAY 16 MEMBERSHIP MEETING – DEBBY WEISSMAN AND JOEL LOWELL
2. NOMINATED OFFICERS FOR 2021-2022
3. HELP US DO WHAT WE DO: SUPPORT THE MOTAS APPEAL
4. SHARE YOUR SIMCHAS FOR JUNE
5. MRJ PROGRAM: 10 WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S – MAY 19
6. IN CLOSING

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1. MAY 16 MEMBERSHIP MEETING – DEBBY WEISSMAN AND JOEL LOWELL

Join MoTAS on Sunday, May 16 for our MoTAS Monthly Meeting. We’ve shifted the meeting a week later due to Mother’s Day. At the meeting, our program will spotlight two of TAS’ own special people who are giving back to their community. 

Debby Weissman, long time TAS member and member of the 2020-21 TAS Board of Trustees, will speak on her interesting post-retirement work-life helping our local community in areas with unique challenges.  Debby is a Los Angeles County COVID-19 Outbreak Investigator working with PEH, aka People Experiencing Homelessness.  If that is not enough, Debby also provides vaccines at the COVID facility at CSUN and assesses people for adverse reactions.  She will talk about the unique challenges and observations she has experienced at both positions. 

Joel Lowell, also a member of TAS and a past president of MoTAS, will talk about his experience on the Northridge West Neighborhood Council.  He will cover the purpose of the council, some its current challenges, and what he would like to see the Council involved in in the future.

Additionally, at our meeting, we’ll be voting on our slate of officers for the 2021-2022 programming year.

Here’s the link to the meeting:

Join our MoTAS May 16 monthly  Zoom meeting.  Our program will start at about 9:45.

• Contact Howard at hmiller12@socal.rr.com for the meeting link.

2. NOMINATED OFFICERS FOR 2021-2022

The MoTAS Nominating Committee presented the following slate of potential officers at the April meeting:

• President: Larry Pfefer
• Vice Presidents: Scott Gore, Ed Lapporte
• Secretary: Hal Bass
• Treasurer: Roger Lowe

We will be voting on this slate at the May meeting. Please attend and show your support for these fine men as they move MoTAS forward.

3. HELP US DO WHAT WE DO: SUPPORT THE MOTAS APPEAL

By now, you have received your MoTAS Appeal Letter. You’ve read about all MoTAS has done to support TAS over the past year, and how the COVID environment has limited our fund raising options. You know that our appeal is even more important this year for us to do what we do. Luckily, it is easy to support MoTAS. Just visit our support webpage: http://support.tasnorthridge-motas.org/. There you can read the appeal letter, make your donation online, or download a form to mail with your check to Roger. Without all of our usual activities, MoTAS needs your support even more to be able to support the temple and its needs during these extraordinary times. MoTAS does not charge dues to its members; we depend on your donations to be able to do what we do.

Just visit http://support.tasnorthridge-motas.org/ to donate.

4.  SHARE YOUR SIMCHAS FOR JUNE

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 May submissions to be listed in June 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.

5.  MRJ PROGRAM: 10 WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S – MAY 19

Join Temple Beth El of Hollywood Brotherhood for a virtual program on the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s and other dementias cause memory, thinking and behavior problems that interfere with daily living. Join us to learn how to recognize common signs of the disease; how to approach someone about memory concerns; the importance of early detection and benefits of a diagnosis; possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process, and Alzheimer’s Association resources.

The program will be held Wednesday May 19 at 3:00 PM Pacific (6:00 PM Eastern). Click here to register.

Hosted by Temple Beth El Brotherhood, Hollywood FL.

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. HOLD THE DATE – MAY 16 MEMBERSHIP MEETING
2. NOMINATED OFFICERS FOR 2021-2022
3. HELP US DO WHAT WE DO: SUPPORT THE MOTAS APPEAL
4. SHARE YOUR SIMCHAS FOR MAY
5. APRIL MEETING MINUTES
6. IN CLOSING

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1. HOLD THE DATE – MAY 16 MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Join MoTAS on Sunday, May 16 for our MoTAS Monthly Meeting. We’ve shifted the meeting a week later due to Mother’s Day. The topic is still to be announced.

Additionally, at our meeting, we’ll be voting on our slate of officers for the 2021-2022 programming year.

2. NOMINATED OFFICERS FOR 2021-2022

The MoTAS Nominating Committee presented the following slate of potential officers at the April meeting:

• President: Larry Pfefer
• Vice Presidents: Scott Gore, Ed Lapporte
• Secretary: Hal Bass
• Treasurer: Roger Lowe

We will be voting on this slate at the May meeting. Please attend and show your support for these fine men as they move MoTAS forward.

3. HELP US DO WHAT WE DO: SUPPORT THE MOTAS APPEAL

By now, you have received your MoTAS Appeal Letter. You’ve read about all MoTAS has done to support TAS over the past year, and how the COVID environment has limited our fund raising options. You know that our appeal is even more important this year for us to do what we do. Luckily, it is easy to support MoTAS. Just visit our support webpage: http://support.tasnorthridge-motas.org/. There you can read the appeal letter, make your donation online, or download a form to mail with your check to Roger. Without all of our usual activities, MoTAS needs your support even more to be able to support the temple and its needs during these extraordinary times. MoTAS does not charge dues to its members; we depend on your donations to be able to do what we do.

Just visit http://support.tasnorthridge-motas.org/ to donate.

4.  SHARE YOUR SIMCHAS FOR MAY

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 April submissions to be listed in May 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.

5. APRIL MEETING MINUTES

Date: Sunday, April 11, 2021 via Zoom due 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, Scott Gore, Brian Hatkoff, Larry Hoffman, Al Lapides, Ed Lapporte, Bob Levine, Roger Lowe (Treasurer), Joel Lowell, Fabian Malinovitz, Barry Mann, Chuck Mondrus, Mark Moskowitz, Jeff Neiman, Larry Pfefer (VP), Russ Rapoport (VP), Bill Shapiro, Bernie Singer, Sandy Stern, Mike Thornhill, Ken Wolf, Scott Yollis

Guests: Ellen Lowe, Elaine Pfefferman, Kathy Pullman, Judy Stehr

President’s Report:

Howard began the meeting by asking members what family or temple event was most impactful over the years.

2020-21 Sports Squares supported the temple’s WiFi upgrade ($5,000) and William Rosen’s Eagle Scout project in which he planted decorative tree boxes near the parking lot ($350).

The Annual Appeal is ahead of its fundraising goal ($6,740 vs. $3,600 projected). It is hoped that 100% of active MoTAS members will participate.

TAS Campus Pride has raised $931 vs. $600 projected. David Silverman and the Beautification Committee are looking into using the funds to spruce up and improve the area in front of the office windows and planter area outside the main doors.

Howard announced that Joel Lowell is a candidate for the Northridge West Neighborhood Council, and asked Joel to describe the council’s responsibilities and goals.

Bob Levine publishes simchas in the temple’s Wednesday and Friday eblasts. Email your simchas to Bob at tasboblevine@gmail.com. April 30 is this month’s deadline for publication on May 5.

The playground on the temple grounds can be reserved for one family at a time.

The Board of Trustees has adopted dietary rules for temple members and caterers, which include avoidance of pork products and shellfish and require separate dishes for meat and dairy products at temple functions. However, individuals can still make their own cheeseburgers, for example, and add butter or sour cream to bread or potatoes when meat is served. Our kitchen is not kosher, and groups meeting outside the temple (e.g., havurot) are not required to apply these rules.

An online poker tournament may take place in June, with a minimum top prize of $500. Anticipated income would be $3,600 as compared to $5,000 with a live tournament.

The Annual Gala will be held Saturday, May 15. Our 2021 honorees are members of the Caring Community. Arlene Stone chairs the planning committee, and Mark Gottesman is arranging the entertainment. MoTAS has contributed $1,000 toward advertising and $250 for special activities in conjunction with the Gala.

High Holy Day plans currently anticipate virtual services. If we were to hold live services in the future, Larry Pfefer said they could also be broadcast using strategically placed cameras.

Nominating Committee Report: Bob Levine and Mike Thornhill introduced the slate of officers for 2021-22. Nominees are Larry Pfefer, president; Scott Gore and Ed Lapporte, vice presidents; Roger Lowe, treasurer; Hal Bass, secretary. Voting will take place at the May 16 general meeting. Anyone else interested in running should contact Bob or Mike.

Treasurer’s Report, as of 04/08/21:

Income:

• Annual Appeal $6,740; TAS Campus Pride $931; Fees <$112>; Two miscellaneous donations $54; Net $7,613
• Yom HaShoah candles (including 2 payments from 2020) $1,393; Expenses (postage, supplies, credit card fees) <$956>; Net $437

Expenses: $0

Sports Squares:

• Prior Years Sports Squares Balance: $5,145
• 2020-21 Football Squares:
  • Income $4,828; Winners <$1,925>; Donated winnings $125; Net $3,028
• 2021 Super Bowl
  • Income $2,275; Winners <$1,150>; Donated winnings $100; Net $1,225
• 2021 March Madness:
  • Income $3,276; Winners <$1,632>; Net $1,644
• Total Sports Squares Funds Available for Distribution: $11,042 ($5,145+$3,028+$1,225+$1,644)

New Business:

Motion to Contribute $1,500 from Sports Squares to Sisterhood for Kitchen and Closet Repainting and Floor Repair: Howard introduced the motion and Chuck Mondrus seconded. In the discussion, Howard explained that the Sisterhood has budgeted $4,500 and the vendor will charge $5,380 for painting, while floor repair will be extra. The motion carried.

Educational Presentation by Laraine Miller: Time Travel – Been There, Undone That; Looking Ahead, Selfish Motives?

Laraine’s talk stimulated a lively discussion about the time-space continuum and time travel. She began her presentation by showing a YouTube video about the possibility of building a time machine. The video was made by an emeritus professor of theoretical physics at the University of Connecticut, Ron Mallett.

Laraine then reviewed concepts advanced by different religious traditions, with particular emphasis on what the Talmud, rabbis and various Jewish sages have had to say.

Many of those in attendance shared their own views about reliving the past or gazing into the future. Laraine’s presentation was greatly appreciated for the time, effort and thought she put into it.

Adjournment and Next MoTAS Meeting: The next meeting will be held by Zoom, Sunday, May 16, 2021, at 9:00 am.

Respectfully submitted,
Hal Bass/Secretary

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 MAR 14 MONTHLY MEETING: MY LIFE IN DOD DESIGN
2. NCAA SQUARES: REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 30
3. HELP US DO WHAT WE DO: SUPPORT THE MOTAS APPEAL
4. THU, MAR 11: BEN TENN: ZOOM TO COMMUNE: WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE? WHO DO THEY THINK WE ARE?
5. TUE, MAR 23: MRJ – FROM CHARLOTTESVILLE TO CAPITOL HILL
6. SUN, MAR 28: TBH BROTHERHOOD SEDER
7. THU, APR 8: YOM HASHOAH (YELLOW CANDLES)
8. SUN, APR 11: MOTAS MONTHLY MEETING
9. SHARE YOUR SIMCHAS FOR APRIL
10. IN CLOSING

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Continue reading →

In This Issue:

1. SU MAR 14 MONTHLY MEETING: MY LIFE IN DOD DESIGN
2. NCAA SQUARES TIME
3. HELP US DO WHAT WE DO: SUPPORT THE MOTAS APPEAL
4. SHARE YOUR SIMCHAS FOR APRIL
5. THU, APR 8: YOM HASHOAH (YELLOW CANDLES)
6. MOTAS SEDER SURVEY: RESULTS
7. SUN, APR 11: MOTAS MONTHLY MEETING
8. FEBRUARY MEETING MINUTES
9. IN CLOSING

Continue reading →