MAY 2013/5773shirtikvah.net/Resources/Documents/reduced 25thAnniversary.pdf · Shir Tikvah was born in 1988 when a small group shared a common vision: a new synagogue in the spirit

Shir Tikvah was born in 1988 when a small group shared a common vision: a new synagogue in the spirit of liberal Judaism that would welcome and encourage the participation of individuals and families of varying Jewish lifestyles. They envisioned a synagogue that was personal, welcoming and active in Torah study and social action. They wondered whether others in the community would be interested. The answer became clear a few weeks later, when more than 200 people attended the first informational meeting. From there, things moved quickly. In May, the new congregation held its first Shabbat service and by August, Rabbi Stacy K. Offner had been hired to lead the 40-household congregation. By the end of the year, the congregation had a name, Shir Tikvah (meaning Song of Hope) and a membership of 80 households. At the end of the second year, Shir Tikvah was a congregation of 120 households. Shir Tikvah moved into its current building in 1994, and now has a vibrant membership of more than 400 households. We are coming together as a community to provide a place of Jewish worship, learning and assembly, and to engage in various other activities that will promote the spiritual and educational welfare of our members. Our focus is the building of a caring, inclusive community in the spirit of liberal Judaism. We are committed to a participatory and democratic process both in congregational governance and in ritual. We welcome individuals and families of varying Jewish lifestyles. We are particularly sensitive to the need for inclusion of both traditional and nontraditional family structures, and for the development of an appropriately inclusive ritual life that enriches our Jewish experience. We are fully committed to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of gender, marital status, race, age, or sexual orientation in all aspects of congregational life. This will include, but not be limited to membership, Rabbinic and lay leadership, employment, and ritual involvement. Our personal philosophies and practices may vary widely among us. However, we are united in a common commitment to Judaism and to furthering our spiritual growth individually and communally. We desire to do this within a liberal Jewish context, and by working together, along with Rabbinic leadership, to develop meaningful Jewish worship. We recognize that study of Torah is an ongoing life-long process. Development of Jewish identity and knowledge of our traditions will begin with religious and Hebrew education programs for children and continue with appropriate programming for adults. We hope to encourage and support one another as we grow in our studies and apply the wisdom and principles of our heritage in acts of loving kindness and social responsibility.

25MAY 2013/5773

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We will never forget them......the ones who came before us ...the ones who stood at our side...the ones who strengthened Shir Tikvah by their hands and hearts...the ones who will forever be part of our story.

This 25th Anniversary edition is dedicated to all Shir Tikvah members we have loved and lost over the years.

ZECHER TZADIKIM LIVRACHA, may their memories be a blessing.

זכר צדיקיםליברכה

shirtikvah.net | 25th Anniversary

We celebrate 25 inspiring years and counting...

What a delight to look back and marvel at this groundbreaking and extraordinary community.

“The Committee for a New Reform Congregation,” as it was first known, sought to actively welcome people of varying Jewish lifestyles and to encourage the participation of all in worship, Torah study and social action.

When the congregation voted to name the synagogue Shir Tikvah (Song of Hope), few could have imagined how the concept would catch on. It is remarkable how many have joined over the years to sing this song of hope together. Now with more than 425 households, Shir Tikvah and its bedrock values of welcoming, participation, and social justice not only endure, they thrive.

Throughout these pages you will see and read memories sent in from congregants, some interesting facts, a handful of old photos gleaned from members’

scrapbooks and the archives of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest, and more recent ones by congregant and photographer Chris Geller. It would be impossible to include all of the amazing people and notable accomplishments over the past quarter century of Shir Tikvah’s life. There are too many! Nor could we properly analyze the significance of Shir Tikvah to the broader community. We will leave that job for the historians. Instead, I hope you enjoy what is enclosed—brush strokes of an inspirational congregation that continues to inspire.It has been my honor to serve the congregation as president these past two years. I look forward to celebrating this milestone and more to come. Mazal tov, Shir Tikvah!Jane Binder, President, Board of Trustees

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WELCOMING (BRUCHIM HA-BAIM) has always been part of the fabric of congregational life at Shir Tikvah. Taking our cue from Abraham and Sarah rushing to greet the strangers, we are continually seeking new and more meaningful ways to make introductions and stay connected.

“It has always been a sincere message when board members ask for a chance to meet newcomers after services at Oneg. That is an essential part of Shir Tikvah.”Myra (Cookie) Montgomery, Oneg Captain Emerita

Did You Know?Soon after they joined Shir Tikvah in 1988, Cookie Montgomery’s husband, Peter (z”l, of blessed memory), was recruited to make the first set of congregational nametags because he was a “computer guy.”

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2013 President-elect Ray Levi greets congregants at

the High Holy Days.

Shir Tikvah Friday night services would not be complete without schmoozing around the oneg table. On this Shabbat evening in February 2013, everyone had a nosh and lingered with friends old and new.

ברוכים הבאים


WELCOMING (BRUCHIM HA-BAIM) has always been part of the fabric of congregational life at Shir Tikvah. Taking our cue from Abraham and Sarah rushing to greet the strangers, we are continually seeking new and more meaningful ways to make introductions and stay connected.

“There’s always been someone here saying, ‘Shab-bat Shalom! Hello and how are you?’ And if someone doesn’t know your name, they’ll ask if you want to put on a nametag, and if you’re sitting alone they’ll ask you to sit with them. It’s so easy!” Susie McKitterick

2013 President-elect Ray Levi greets congregants at

the High Holy Days.

ברוכים הבאים

Chris Bargeron greets Verna Lind.

Shir Tikvah’s FOUNDING (B’REISHIT) brought people together as a community.

Music Director David Harris (far left) and Rabbi Stacy Offner (far right) with past Shir Tikvah presidents: Robert Rothstein, Sumner Richman, Jeremy Pierotti, Judy Hollander, Billie Wahlstrom, Jim Dinerstein (z”l), Bill Malandra, Jay Benanav, and Lisa Schlesinger.

“I have a vivid memory of discussing the mission statement with the early steering group of visionaries at the Schlesingers’ house prior to the first public meeting in March or April of 1988. I felt we were engaging in something extraordinarily important and life-changing.”Rabbi Cathy Nemiroff, Shir Tikvah President 1990-1993

Young congregants Tobias Tane and Noam

Newman share a Torah moment with Rabbi

Offner in 1994 on the occasion of Shir Tikvah’s

move from the St. Paul JCC to the new home

on 50th Street and Minnehaha Parkway.

Rabbi Stacy K. OffnerFounding Rabbi Emerita, Served 1988-2008

“What makes us proud of Shir Tikvah at 25? That’s easy. It’s the people. We were blessed at Shir Tikvah’s birth, with an extraordinary group of people who not only dreamt of a synagogue that would be inclusive and diverse and live out the Jewish dictates of justice, but we were blessed with people who made it happen. The fact is that every year of the 25 has been filled with people who continue to make that happen. So the answer at 25 is the same as it was at 20 and at 15 and at 5 and at inception. It’s the people. Mazel Tov to Shir Tikvah on its 25th Anniversary.”

Names of founding families are stitched into our Torah cover. בראשית


Rabbi Michael Adam LatzInstalled 2009

“What an awesome moment of hope! For 25 years, with bold determination and quiet fortitude, in room 107 of the St. Paul JCC, in the sanctuary of First Universalist, in classrooms of our home on Minnehaha Creek, and out on the streets, the Shir Tikvah community has gathered together in prayerful song and soulful justice work on a great spiritual quest to imbue the world with wholeness and holiness, to bring Torah to life in our generation. This anniversary is a celebration of all we have accomplished this past quarter century. It is the affirmation of our commitment to envision all that we can do together to expand the center of Jewish spiritual life, to continuously animate our souls and transform our world.”

Shir Tikvah’s FOUNDING (B’REISHIT) brought people together as a community.

Music Director David Harris (far left) and Rabbi Stacy Offner (far right) with past Shir Tikvah presidents: Robert Rothstein, Sumner Richman, Jeremy Pierotti, Judy Hollander, Billie Wahlstrom, Jim Dinerstein (z”l), Bill Malandra, Jay Benanav, and Lisa Schlesinger.

“I got a call from Bob Schlesinger (z”l) early on who said there was a group gathering to form a different kind of Jewish community. I met a really wonderful group of people and I got deeply involved with Shir Tikvah right from the start as a board member and one of the first treasurers. They were great people who were interested in creating a Jewish institution that would embrace us where our lives had developed —most of us being from other parts of the country, many of us in interfaith marriages, many gay and lesbian, many raising children, many active in progressive social causes—all of us wanting to be part of a Jewish community. It grew from that wonderful inspiration.”Laura Lipkin, Founding Member

Did You Know?Over the years, Shir Tikvah has brought together the entire congregation to envision its future. Remember Dreamstorm in 2000? Visioning Shabbat in 2012??

Rabbi Offner and Rebetzin Nancy Abramson.

בראשית

תפילהThrough PRAYER (T’FILAH) and music, we develop meaningful Jewish worship.

LAY-LED SERMONS AT ROSH HASHANAH

1988 “Restoring Justice” by Jeffrey Edelson

1989 “A Return” by Bert Black

1990 “Ordinary Days” by Rhona Leibel

1991 “Being Jewish” by Carolyn Levy

1992 “Heading Home” by Linda Crawford

1993 “Where Have You Gone, Haskell Hollander?” by Jeff Zuckerman

1994 “Pictures on a Wall” by Ellen Kennedy

1995 “Love for Your Jewish Soul” by Lucy Kanson

1996 “Staying Jewish, Progressive and Humble as We Approach the New Millenium” by Sam Kaplan

1997 “On Turning 50” by Robert N. Schlesinger

1998 “Jewish Enough” by Ed Magidson

1999 “Wait Until Next Year” by Phyllis L. Kahn “Prayer life at Shir Tikvah includes generosity and an invitation to collaborate, which

the clergy team models and practices eloquently. We are invigorating traditions and incorporating creative body/mind/spirit inter-generationally.” Sharon Jaffe

Continues p. 11

Did You Know? Several Shir Tikvah members went on to become clergy:Cantor Jill AbramsonRabbi Barbara BlockRabbi Rebecca Cottle-Epstein Cantor Sarah Lipsett-Allison Rabbi Cathy NemiroffErev Rav Polly Berg

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Misha Wahlstrom Hartmann

Above: Hannah Knazan-Lippman carrying her daughter, Aria Sol, pictured with Wendy C. Morris at a Simchat Torah service.


תפילהThrough PRAYER (T’FILAH) and music, we develop meaningful Jewish worship.

David Harris, Music and Ritual Director 1995–2010

“Music is the great connector. It attaches us to each other, to our liturgy, to the time and place in which we live. Music heightens emotions. We sing when and what we cannot speak. While words wander in search of meaning, music focuses our attention and creates unforgettable moments in time. At Shir Tikvah, we learned how to sing with each other. We built a community of song and singers. We found strength in our musical diversity, and it was a mirror for who we were. We gave each other the gift of each other’s voices, and for that moment no one in the room was a stranger.”

Above: Pianist and songwriter extraordinaire Eric Brook. Middle: Romeo Brose with Rabbi Simon. Bottom: Jonnie Jacobs-Hurtubise becomes Bar Mitzvah with mom Julie Jacobs and Rabbi Latz.

Above: Hannah Knazan-Lippman carrying her daughter, Aria Sol, pictured with Wendy C. Morris at a Simchat Torah service.

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Paula Pergament, who designed Shir Tikvah’s Torah covers, reflects on her work:

“It has been, and continues to be, my pleasure to make art for our congregation.

The Torah covers were a marvelous collaborative effort by talented

congregants. The first Torah cover [center] was designed with the theme of

the rainbow, representing the sky, and inspired by drawings of Shir Tikvah’s

Religious School children. The other two—tree and water—represent

Earth. For our High Holy Day Torah covers, the inspiration was creation and the mysterious and beautiful energy of

God, our creator. The materials I chose for these are far more fragile—silks, crystals, netting, layers of luminous materials that

must be handled with careful intention, just as we shift our intention to a place of

observation and reflection.”

Wendy GoldbergMusic Director & B’nei Mitzvah Coordinator since 2010

“Looking out into the congregation, seeing people with eyes closed, singing or humming along, tells me that music is touching people deeply and helping them access a deeply spiritual place. When the choir sings arranged music from diverse centuries and genres, it is beautiful. When congregants add spontaneous harmony to the other prayers of the service, it becomes transcendent.” Marlys Fiterman and David Harris

sing a duet at the wedding of Judy

Reisman and Jane Levin in 1998.

Jane Newman, Ian Silver, Judy Silver and

Rabbi Deborah Zecher at the installation of

Rabbi Latz in 2009.

Did You Know?In 1989 Shir Tikvah members gathered for lay-led Shabbat services at members’ homes the first Saturday of each month.

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Did You Know? Shir Tikvah’s first Torah was borrowed from Beth Jacob (later purchased in 1991). Two additional Torahs were gifted by Gary Gardner and Helen Kivnick in 2002.?

2000 “Abraham, Michael & John” by Howard Orenstein

2001 “Reflections” by Caryl G. Barnett

2002 “The Wonder of Creation” by Sumner Richman

2003 “Affirming our Connections: A Reflection on Erev Rosh HaShanah” by Michael Resnick

2004 “Hineini, Hineini, Hineinu” by Barbra Wiener

2005 “History and Hope” by Tom Cytrom-Hyson

2006 “To Be a Jew in the 21st Century” by Bruce Johnson

2007 “There is No Place Like Home” by Jay Erstling

2008 “A Passion for Life” by Alan Weinblatt

2009 “Angels?” by Mary Hartmann

2010 “What is a Good Year?” by Elaine Frankowski

2011 “Soul Justice and the Faith of Isaac” by Dave Snyder

2012 “Conversations Matter: Make Your Voice Heard” by Ann Kaner-Roth

Continued from p. 8

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Left: Eli Cooper at his Bar Mitzvah in 2008. Below: Rabbi Latz blesses Joan Corbett Blinkinoff at the Adult B’nei Mitzvah ceremony in 2012.

“My favorite moment from both of my sons’ Bar Mitzvahs is the private moment in front of the ark as a family with Rabbi Latz in quiet whispers with meaningful words. Such a powerful, intimate moment.” Jen Lewin

Our inclusive ritual life makes for joyous CELEBRATIONS (SIMCHAS) together.

BIRTHS

B’NEI MITZVAH

Left: Rabbi Offner with Ellen Dinerstein at her Bat Mitzvah in 1993. Right: Rabbi Offner blesses Sadie Funk in 1998.

שמחה


Miriam Weinstein and Amy Ollendorf stand under the chuppah at their wedding, with their daughters Rhea and Vita in 2004.

Michael Simon and Rabbi Michael Latz walk down the aisle with their daughters Noa

and Liat at their 2012 wedding in Toronto.

CONVERSIONS

Our inclusive ritual life makes for joyous CELEBRATIONS (SIMCHAS) together.

Did You Know? The B’nei Mitzvah class of 5775/2014-2015 has a record of 28 students enrolled. Shir Tikvah’s first Adult B’nei Mitzvah class was in 2000.

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WEDDINGS

In a welcoming response to increasing numbers of adults choosing to explore Judaism and the possibility of conversion, Shir Tikvah began the Derekh program in 2012 with grant support from the Union for Reform Judaism. Derekh, which means “journey,” provides social and educational support for participants new to creating a Jewish life.

“The conversion to Judaism is an exciting, challenging and spiritually awakening derekh. But it can also be a lonely journey. It’s just you and God. In the Derekh group you interact with others on their own paths to Judaism. You can share your feelings, fears and revelations. Sometimes you learn something you can use, and sometimes your sharing helps someone else.”Tony Nowicke

Above: Jane Binder and Larry Silber hang a mezuzah with baby Emily.

שמחה

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“Passion for social justice is at the root of Shir Tikvah. For 25 years, members have been involved in activities focused on tikkun olam, the repair of our world. We have marched, lobbied, organized, protested, and acted on behalf of civil rights for all. We will continue to move forward with our hearts and minds dedicated to bringing healing, justice, and peace to our world.”Barbra Wiener and Dan Higgs Matzner2013 Social Justice Committee Co-Chairs

צדקActs of loving kindness and striving for social

JUSTICE (TZEDEK) are at the heart of Shir Tikvah.

Rabbi Stacy K. Offner was the first rabbi to serve as Senate chaplain in Minnesota. Shir

Tikvah members also serving the state legislature in 1999 included, to Rabbi Offner’s

right: Sen. Allan Spear and Rep. Phyllis Kahn; back row: Sen. Deana Weiner, Rep.

Howard Orenstein, Sen. Richard Cohen and Sen. Sandra Pappas. In 2013, Sen. Pappas

serves as president of the state Senate.

Did You Know? In a 1990 Feed-a-thon, Shir Tikvah members caught fish to feed 200 homeless people and raised funds to support the Dorothy Day Center. In 2005, the congregation sponsored a Somali family resettling in the Twin Cities.

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Above: Tasya Kelen packs food at Open Arms during a Lifelong Learning event. Below: Young member Isaac Trockman stands with blankets made by Shir Tikvah members to donate to patients at Minnesota Children’s Hospital on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, an intergenerational Lifelong Learning program.

Right: In 2001, STiFTY organized Drag for Darfur, an evening of drag cabaret with dancing and a silent auction, to support the Genocide Intervention

Network. Then-STiFTY adviser Tova Sularz’s mom Laura Lipkin reflected

on the event, “I can’t think of another congregation that would take that on. It was packed. Everybody came.

A Genocide Intervention Action Group started at Shir Tikvah after that.”

SOME COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPSFareShare MNOpen UAIDS Interfaith Council of MNJewish Family and Children’s Service of MplsScience Museum Judaica ExhibitsMinneapolis Jewish FederationSt. Paul Jewish FederationSt. Paul JCCSabes JCCCentral American Dairy (labor reform)Coalition of Immokalee WorkersFeed-a-thon/Dorothy Day CenterBlood MobilesUnion for Reform JudaismMazonFeminists in FaithMetro Interfaith CouncilJewish Community ActionJCA’s Postville Immigrants’ and Workers’ RightsHabitat for HumanityAIDS WalkTwin Cities Domestic Violence Task ForceAliveness ProjectMinnesota Jewish TheatreMN Historical SocietyJewish Historical Society of the Upper MidwestAvodah b’Yachad (interfaith neighborhoods)Minneapolis Institute of ArtsRimon: Minnesota Jewish Arts CouncilMN Center for Book Arts/Women of the BookOpen ArmsBrian Coyle Center Families TogetherArea SynagoguesMikvah Association of St. PaulMinnesota Council of Churches Refugee ServicesHeadwaters FundWorld Without GenocideJewish Healing ProgramNorthside Community Reinvestment CoalitionUniversity of Minnesota

Longtime member and social activist Henry Lippman joined Shir Tikvah at the Minnesota State Capitol

in May 2013 to celebrate legalization of same-sex marriage. He advocates for many social justice causes:

anti-war, pro-environment, pro-choice, PRIDE and more.

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EXCERPTS FROM OUR VISION FOR LIFELONG LEARNING…Lifelong learners of every age…Holy conversations about Torah…Concepts of God, Judaism, Israel

“I remember 20 years ago coming to Shir Tikvah for classes in preparation for my adult B’nei Mitzvah. I was pregnant for the first sessions, and the week after Robbie’s birth, I came to class with a newborn in my arms. It was powerful chanting Torah, nursing my baby, and feeling the chain of tradition through the generations.”Caroline Schultz

Book ClubTorah StudyExploring Liberal Judaism:

God, Torah & IsraelJewish Practice & Belief

(first taught October 1989)

Jewish Feminist Theology (1991)

Birthing Rituals (1991)

Co-Existence in the Middle East (1991)

Healing our Jewish Past Workshop (1995)

Personal Self Defense & Safety (1995)

Israel at 50 (1997)Midrash: Writing

Between the Lines (1997)

Downtown Torah Study Group at Hennepin County Courthouse (1997)

Struggling to be Human During the Holocaust (1997)

The Female Hero in Jewish Folktales (1998)

Jewish Magic & Superstition (1998)

Yiddish: An Intro to the Mother Tongue (1998)

Jewish Meditation (1998)Creating Your Own

Ethical Will (1998)Yiddish Lider (1998)Jewish Genealogy (1998)Ghetto Fighters &

Partisans (1999)Practicing Judaism at

Rabbi Melissa B. SimonDirector of Lifelong Learning, Installed 2010

“To me, Shir Tikvah represents the future of Judaism— a community where everyone is welcome and valued, where we strive to make the world a better place, and where we engage in life-changing lifelong learning. I knew the second I read about Shir Tikvah that this was the community I wanted to serve as a rabbi. I have been inspired by the Shir Tikvah community, whether in quiet conversation, in communal prayer, marching together, or engaged in learning. Looking ahead, I am excited to build, innovate, and create together.”

RETREATSWhat Does it Mean to be a Jew? (1994)Where is God? (1994)The Mosaic of Jewish Identity (1996)Searching for the Spirit with our Bodies (1997)Jewish Rituals of Love and Loss (1999)Jews in a Non-Jewish World (2000)Caring for our Aging Loved Ones (2005)Shabbat Retreat (2010)Nesiya (2012)Derekh (2013)

LAY-LED AND CLERGY-LED CLASSES

Shir Tikvah added sex education to its 7th-grade curriculum in 2002. The program focuses on values, provides Jewish background (with a Shir Tikvah spin), and gives youth real answers to their questions on sexuality. The program has since expanded to add parent education, and programs for 9th-graders and STiFTY.

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Penny Schumacher, pictured here at an early consecration ceremony, was

Shir Tikvah’s first education director (1996-2005). As the lead architect of

our Sunday school and Hebrew programs, she was always most proud of

Shir Tikvah’s teenagers, who almost all stayed on after confirmation to

help as madrichim (assistants) in the classrooms.

Did You Know?

Confirmation class of 1992: Tamara Brenner, Megan Kaplan, David Snyder, Charlie Abramson, Merissa Gosman-Pappas, and Rabbi Offner.


“Shir Tikvah gave us the ability to raise our children in the Jewish faith.”Joel Knoepfler

השכלהEDUCATION (HASKALAH) at Shir Tikvah

supports learners as they grow in their studies.

Home (1999)Counting the Omer (2000)Introduction to Talmud

(2001)Jewish Practice & Belief

(2001)Soulwork Group: Israeli

Folkdance (2001)Judaism and Islam

(2002)

The Trouble Between Jewish Women & Men (2002)

Torah Yoga (2002)Beginning HebrewHebrew 2Jewish Arts & Culture

Potpourri (2003)Healing Inner Voices,

Psalms, Prayer &

Meditation (2003)Zohar: the Book of

Radiance, Book of Splendor (2005)

Lox & Learn (2005)Short Courses (2006)Responsa Class: Ethical

Controversies (2006)Funeral Home Visit

(2006)

Studio Tour of Gail Katz James & Paula Pergament (2007)

Panel on Aging (2009)Improv Acting

Workshop: Concepts of Martin Buber (2009)

On One Foot (2009)Bringing Pesach Home

(2010)

State of Israel: Guide for the Perplexed (2010)

Singing through the Siddur (2011)

Beginning Hebrew: Alef Isn’t Enough (2012)

Sights, Smells & Sounds of Passover (2013)

Saying Kaddish: Jewish Death Rituals (2013)

Judy Silver, education director from 2005 to 2010,

developed the curricula and enhanced students’

experiences with social justice projects, Israeli folk

dancing and connections with Israel. She’s pictured

with husband Ian Silver, enthusiastic music leader,

who got everyone singing — especially the kids.Confirmation class of 1992: Tamara Brenner, Megan Kaplan, David Snyder, Charlie Abramson, Merissa Gosman-Pappas, and Rabbi Offner.

Left: Barry Epstein (third from left) pictured with the 2011 consecration class, has taught Religious School for 16 years and Hebrew School for four.Barry says, “My greatest joy is to see the kids excited and connected to Judaism.”

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Shir Tikvah has explored ISRAEL (YISRAEL) on five tours—and counting.

? Did You Know? The next Israel trip is planned for June 2014.

ישראל

Above: David Kansan-Benanav celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on the 1998 Shir Tikvah trip to Israel. His father, Jay Benanav, says of the trip: “Our family from the U.S. and Israel and our Shir Tikvah family commingled as David became Bar

Mitzvah on Masada, a place that Jews all over the world look to as a symbol of strength. Knowing that it was the first Shir Tikvah Bar Mitzvah on Masada and led by our beloved Rabbi Offner made it a truly remarkable event.”


“This was the most energetic, passionate, big-hearted bunch of kids I had ever met. Their commitment to social action and inclusiveness was evident in all our activities.” Marla Eisenberg, First STiFTY advisor

“STiFTY takes youth leadership to a whole new level. Each year for the past five years, at least one STiFTY member has been elected to the Northern Regional Board. This is a testament to the strong commitment STiFTYites have for engaging synagogue youth in introspective, educational, and meaningful examinations of their Jewish identities.”Jonah Rothstein, STiFTY past president

נוערSTiFTY (Shir Tikvah Federation of Temple Youth)

YOUTH (NO’AR) group takes leadership to a new level.

Did You Know? STiFTY participates annually in “Night on the Street,” an interfaith homeless simulation and fundraiser to teach young people about the challenges of homelessness in the Twin Cities. STiFTY also sponsors an annual food drive, a latke dinner, and a children’s carnival.

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Shaving Jeff Zuckerman’s beard was a clever fundraiser. Congregants raised enough to meet the goal and watch his beard disappear.

Who knew how much Shir Tikvah members would pay to purchase a piece of the burlap curtains that used to hang in the sanctuary until 2000? This unique curtain auction was a huge success. One congregant even showed up to the Purim Ball wearing her curtain.

“I believe Shir Tikvah is evolving its approach to congregational giving. We’ve always been a generous congregation; and, we’re getting more comfortable with our giving.As a congregation wrestling with tradition and innovation, we may keep reinventing how and when (and how often!) we give. But, at our core, we are solid in our commitment to give because we appreciate all that Shir Tikvah brings to our lives. We understand that part of building a strong community includes a solid financial foundation and that is why we’ve embraced the Chazak L’Atid capital campaign. We are moving from strength to strength—looking forward to the next 25 years, and beyond.”Luke Weisberg 2013 Development Committee Chair GENEROUS HEARTS (NADIV LIBO) abound.

Did You Know? Shir Tikvah lives its mission of inclusiveness in many ways. A few examples are a “no tickets” open door policy for the High Holy Days, a “fair share” dues policy, and scholarships available for lifelong religious education classes. All are welcome.

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נדיב ליבוSimon Lewin was 4 when he found a dime in the Oneg

Hall and wanted to offer it as tzedakah to Shir Tikvah.

It became the first coin, later, in a wall-mounted

tzedakah box presented by the Lewin family.

Some Campaign SuccessesFirst capital campaign to buy building (1992)Shir L’Atid — $1.3 million (2003)Chazak L’Atid — $750,000 goal (2013)


Sanctuary upgrades over the years have included the blue paint, new blinds and carpet, the addition of the permanent ark, bimah table, new chairs, and installation of the ner tamid (eternal light).

Below: The ner tamid (eternal light) was designed by congregant Claude Riedel, working with the Sanctuary Design Committee. It was dedicated on Dec. 11, 1998.

Our SYNAGOGUE (BEIT K’NESSET) is our spiritual home.בית כנסת

Did You Know? Shir Tikvah purchased its building from the First Universalist Church in 1994. The entire congregation ceremonially marched the Torah from the St. Paul JCC to the new home on 50th Street and Minnehaha Creek.

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22 | Shir Tikvah

To all who have lovingly served our congregation in staff roles, including clergy, music directors, administrators, educators, office managers, assistants, and custodians: Many thanks!

Rabbi Sharon StiefelInterim Rabbi, 2008-09

“Serving as Shir Tikvah’s interim rabbi from 2008- 2009 was a privilege. I feltenriched by every single member with whom I had the opportunity to interact. The extraordinary staff were gracious and helped guide me. Shir Tikvah has anenduring legacy of welcoming all with open arms. During the year of transition in which I served Shir Tikvah, I learned how enriching that can be.”

Congregant Ellen Walthour, Executive

Director John Humleker, and

Administrator Dianne Nieman (Cohn).

תדה רבהCongregant participation is key to Shir Tikvah’s

success, but we wouldn’t be anywhere without our staff. TODAH RABAH!

Above: 2013 staff members Clergy Assistant Jackie Fitzcollins and Office Manager Sara Lahyani. Left:Staff party in 2000. Seated are Rabbi Offner, Rabbi’s Assistant Lindsay Rosen Litman, and Education Director Penny Schumacher. Standing are Administrator Dianne Nieman (Cohn), Music Director David Harris, STiFTY advisers Beckie Skelton and Shep Harris, Custodian (now Reverend) Michele Morgan.

Above: Custodian Armondo Vel-Villagrana.

25th Anniversary Celebration Committee: Jen Lewin, chair

25th Anniversary Communications Team:

Katy Campbell and Kathryn Klibanoff, co-chairs, with Gwendy Campbell, Bill Cooper, Sara Lahyani, Sarah Malakoff, Ruth Markowitz, and Laura Silver

With thanks to Chris Geller of Geller Images for providing his outstanding photographs, and the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest for their archived photos.

Anniversary celebration weekend: May 24–25, 2013

Shir Tikvah, a Progressive Reform Congregation1360 W Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis, MN [email protected] | 612-822-1440

Shir Tikvah appreciates the generous support of our vibrant community.givemn.razoo.com/story/Shir-Tikvah-Congregation