Congregation B'nai Emunah

Celebrating the Art of Healing, the 6th annual cancer survivorship symposium, will take place at Monte Cassino School in April. This year’s theme is “A Family Journey.” Keynote speaker, Dr. Dan Shapiro Ph.D is a cancer survivor and Chair of the Humanities Department at Pennsylvania State College of Medicine. He uses his experiences “on both sides of the bed,” as a consultant for the hit television series, “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice.” Dr. Shapiro will inspire, inform and tickle the funny bones of symposium participants in his keynote address, “A Funny Thing Happened on our Way to Chemotherapy.” Call (918) 744-0123 for additional details. The public can also attend a special presentation by Dr. Shapiro at Congregation B’nai Emunah, 17th and Peoria on Friday, April 9. Shabbos in Shul begins at 6:30 pm with a festive Sabbath meal followed by a lively Shabbat Service at 7:30 pm. Immediately after the Shabbat Service, Dr. Shapiro will share his remarks at 8:15 pm in a talk entitled “House of Estrogen: Observations about Strong Women and Intimacy in the Face of Crisis.” The cost is $12.00 for dinner for adults and seating is limited. Dinner reservations may be made by calling (918) 583-2171. There is no charge to attend the service or to hear Dr. Shapiro’s remarks.

Many children at McClure Elementary School do not yet have mentors for this academic year. Please think about mentoring when you make your plans for avocational involvement. We believe that this work is essntial and holy ,and that the personal rewards are substantial for those who choose to be involved at McClure.

Our new project in furnishing housing for the homeless mentally ill is up and running. Planned as a partnership between Congregation B'nai Emunah and Metropolitan Baptist Church, the effort will bring us into an activist relationship with client residents and the mental health community. Each congregation has agreed to field a team of five committed volunteers. If you'd like more information about this service opportunity, please call Betty Lehman at 583-7121.

Please see our new link on the "Reference" page to ADL resources on religion and prayer in the public schools. This material may be helpful in the months ahead as parents struggle with Christmastime programs, religious rallys at the school flagpole, youth minister visits in the schools, etc. To access this material, scroll through the buttons to the left of this text until you come to "Reference." Click on that button. When you get to the actual page, you will see a second button that takes you to the relevant material. You can also click right here.

"The Legend of Billy Fail," written by our own Jeff Van Hanken, will make its official Tulsa debut as part of the Tulsa United Film Festival at Circle Cinema. This festival represents the continued growth of film energy and activity in our community. Please be supportive of these efforts, and check the web for an official schedule at http://tulsaunitedfest.bside.com/2009/schedule/week

If you'd like to become a part of our Elijah's Cloak sewing guild, it's never too late. Scheduled on Sunday mornings during the school year at 10:00, needleworkers of all kinds are gathering to create lap robes, shawls, or any other garments to give to those in need. Draping the shoulders of someone with a garment made with care brings a measure of healing. Join us in helping us communicate our concern and commitment.

Please open your home to Hillel students and Jewish members of the new Teach for America cohort recently arrived in Tulsa. We are hoping that many of our members will extend themselves by offering Shabbat and High Holiday hospitality.

Do you have pictures or ephemera relating to the history of the Synagogue? We'd love to have your help in building our archive in preparation for our 100th Anniversary, Please contact Betty Lehman at 583-7121 to make your contribution...and don't throw anything away before you think about the Synagogue and its history!