My great-nephew (Nathan – aged 5) has been known to say “OY” when his baseball team doesn’t win, when his great-uncle Brian makes a silly joke, when his little sister stumbles as she runs across the yard. It’s kind of funny to hear a little boy saying “OY” so easily and with such confidence since we generally ascribe “OY” to the old country of our origins.
Believe it or not, “OY” goes back to the Hebrew Bible. “OY” in the Bible is an expression of anguish (much as it is for Nathan today). The prophet Jeremiah used it the most, a total of eight times.
Yiddish gives us all the resonant variations of this lament, most notably OY VEY IZ MIR (“woe to me!”) and OY GEVALT (“woe! violence!”). “He wore that? OY GEVALT!”
The word “OY” has been in steady decline in English since the 1980s. I’m surprised because I say it automatically – trained I guess from a childhood overwhelmed by parental OY VEYs. And, I can attest, sure to succeed in future generations anytime Nathan (and soon his younger sister) feel the need to express themselves.
בשלום Rabbi Susan
TBS Calendar ~ לוּחַ שָׁנָה
Check out our website to view our calendar and discover the wonderful events coming up! View the TBS Calendar
This Week’s Calendar Thurs., Oct. 30 ~ 11:00 Malamud Short Stories; 12:00 Great Thoughts Book Group Fri., Oct. 31 ~ 5:30 Shabbat Services Sat., Nov. 1 ~ 10:00 Shabbat Services Sun., Nov. 2 ~ 9:30 Religious School; 11:00 Hebrew Class; 1:00 Adult Ed with Tom Brodersen Tues., Nov. 4 ~ 9:00 TBS Men at Wildflower; 11:00 Mahjong, 1:00 Crafters
Wed., Nov. 5 ~ 9:30 Chaverim at Panera; 11:00 Mindful Movement with Laura Men
Adult Ed with Tom Brodersen: Dreams & Visions: From Torah to TodaySun., Nov. 2 at 1:00pm. Dreams and visions are an essential part in Jewish tradition. Gentle Exercise Classes (for TBS members only) at no cost. Certified trainer, senior exercise specialist, and TBS member Laura Men is offering classes in the TBS social hall starting Nov. 5. Wear comfy clothes and shoes. No need to register. Come when you like. Tuesdays 10:15-11:00 Flexibility and Balance is a standing class with chair support. Wednesdays 11:00-11:45 Mindful Movement is a seated stretching class. Thursdays 10:15-11:00 Flexibility and Balance is a standing class with chair support.
The Rabbi Sacks Global Day of Learning 2025: Tues., Nov. 11 from 1:30-2:45 at TBS. Each year, communities around the world come together on Rabbi Sacks’ yahrzeit to honor his memory through learning and reflection. We will study texts selected by the organizers of this event.
Book Discussion: Wed., Nov. 12 at 11:00 ~ The Labyrinth of Exile: A Life of Theodore Herzl by Ernst Pawel. Suggestions for our next 3 books? We meet bimonthly (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov). We read (mostly) contemporary Jewish fiction. Email Rabbi Susan with your recommendations.
Antisemitism: Let's Get Personal: Sun., Nov. 16 at 1:00pm. TBS offers the first of two programs on antisemitism in America. On Nov. 16, we invite you to share (as you wish) your personal experiences of antisemitism and how they have affected you. Our second program will address what we can do to address this issue. Facilitated by Rabbi Susan, Amber Caulkins and Ruth Littmann Ashkenazi.
MEN'S CLUB (MOB) at Bruce Goldberg's house Sun., Nov. 16th at 3:00 pm. Open to all TBS men! Join us to brainstorm events for the coming year. Snacks and drinks and pizza. RSVP to Bruce by Nov. 14. bruce.e.goldberg@aol.com or 415-341-3367.
WISE AGING CLASS Thursdays from 11:15-12:30. Dec. 4, 11, 18; Jan. 8, 15, 22. An exploration of the issues that face us we age using the book: Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience & Spirit by Rabbi Rachel Cowan and Dr. Linda ThaiAll participants (or couples) must purchase a copy of the book by the first class. Read Chapter 1 for Dec. 4. Registration (minimum of 6 people required) to Rabbi Susan.
TBS Board Meeting ~ ישיבת דירקטוריון The next Board Meeting is Wednesday, November 19 at 5pm at TBS. Board meetings are open to all members in good standing. If you would like to attend or speak at a board meeting, please contact Jessica.
New Paper Membership Directories are now available! Please contact Jessica in the office to pick one up. Suggested donation is $5.
Congregational Support ~ עֶזרָה
Mitzvah Circle ~ מצווה Contact Suzi Abramson-Johnson at 602-570-9688 to participate or to request assistance. Mitzvah circle members send Condolence and Mi Shebeirach cards, offer rides, provide meals, and more. Do what you are comfortable doing to help congregants in need.
Tikkun Olam ~ תיקון עולם
Co-Chairs Amber Caulkins and Allee Steinberg "It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it."
Next Meeting: Sun., Nov. 23 at 11:15am.
TBS Composts! Bring your compostables between Thursday at noon and 10am Saturday mornings.
Monthly: Prescott Area Shelter Services Monthly Dinner. Questions? Contact Annie Bernkrant at anniebernkrant@hotmail.com / (928) 273-5202.
THE MOB: Men of Brith Shalom Join THE MOB every Tuesday at 9am at the Wildflower to schmooze over a cup of coffee. There is no extra cost or commitment. Come check it out.
Special Prayers ~ תפילות
Kaddish ~ קדיש We are remembering the following people at Shabbat this Friday, October 31. We are observing the Yahrzeits of loved ones who have passed from October 31 - November 6. We also remember those who have left us in the last eleven months. These names have been taken from the member portion of our website. If you do not see your loved one's name (family members) and would like their name mentioned at services, please contact Jessica in the office. Charles Merwitzer, father of Bob Merwitzer Richard Brody, husband of Joanne Brody Aaron Joseph Burke, brother-in-law of Elyce and Bruce Goldberg Mark Gray, partner of Annah-Mikayla Sexton Leonard Borok, husband of Beverlee Stuart-Borok Peter Jeffers, cousin of Linda Patent Esther Basch, mother of Rachel Turet Susan Gall, mother of Shannon Silvas Sue Robyn, wife of Currie Lee Carol Gilson, mother of Dawnielle Gilson Kaye Ellen Tarnow, mother of Lauren Van Drome, grandma of Izzy Escalante Arnold “Arnie” Dolled, brother of Rolene Attias, uncle of Heather Balk Yechezkal Zalman Ben Ya’akov, father of Jeff Plotkin Libby Mills, wife of Stuart Mills, mother of Allison Stahl Barbara Fruchter, mother of Alan and Amy Fruchter Craig Russell Parry, cousin of Mitch Oppenheim Pilad Torres, daughter-in-law of Arlene Brownie Carl Shulak, partner of Sally Contour Charles Pollack, uncle of Linda Frankel Wendy Grace, cousin of Shira Hudson Diana Couch, relative of Arlene Brownie Janet Crayne, close friend of Barbara Sussman
Purchasing a Yahrzeit plaque is a beautiful way to honor and remember our loved one's who have passed. To purchase a plaque, please fill out this form and return it to the temple office. We kindly ask for $360 per Yahrzeit plaque. Yahrzeit Plaque Order Form
Healing Thoughts ~ מי שבעירך Arlene Minuskin, Cindie Abrahams, Bill Abrahams, Jack Mendez, Claudia Ackerman, Peggy McCauley, Mary Sussman, Sue Weiss, Leslie Adler, Mike Wolf, Amy Snell Kingslinger, and Rosario Maya. If you would like to add or remove your name or your family member's name from the healing list, please call or email the office at 928-708-0018 or office@brithshalom-az.org.
Donations ~ תרומות
Give Back to TBS! We are so grateful for your kindness and generous giving to Temple B'rith Shalom. Your contributions help Temple B'rith shalom to thrive and ensure a home for Jews in the Quad City area.
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