Welcome to PJTC's one-stop-shop for community news, events, Jewish resources and Torah study discussion. Simply scroll down to see what's new! Want the newest news sent to you monthly? Join our mailing list using the links to the left. Stay connected...
What can you find throughout...Read more...
Get the Sisterhood Scoop!
Sisterhood begins its 2022-23 year under amazing, dedicated and strong leadership with a fresh vision and new goals. We have an active and committed Sisterhood board and committee chairs who need your help and support to guarantee the success of Sisterhood programming. Become a dues paying member.....become connected.....become involved. Watch for announcements of activities and programming in the Flame, weekly synagogue...Read more...
Interfaith Study Group - August
Since it’s founding PJTC has been a key member of the Interfaith study group comprising PJTC, Pasadena’s All Saints Church and the Islamic Center of Southern California.
The outgoing chair, PJTC member Carol Rader-Meislin, is relocating out of state. While rotating chair responsibilities now rest with John Hyde of All Saints, the ISG is seeking to enhance the programming committee with...Read more...
In the Community
Did you know?
Pasadena has a Convalescent Aid Society which lends
out Medical Equipment for in-home use.
by Edie Taylor
Equipment is available on loan to people of all ages who live within the San Gabriel Valley and who are in need of medical equipment. There is no charge or time...Read more...
Member Recognition Corner - July
Your fellow PJTC congregants wish to recognize:
Jan Pais for handling the Oneg Shabbat on behalf of Sisterhood on July 1 (Friday). Aty Rotter for handling the Oneg Shabbat on behalf of Sisterhood on July 8 (Friday). Andrea Kelly and Louise Wannier for handling the Oneg Shabbat on behalf of Sisterhood on July 15 (Friday). The new HAZAK Planning Committee on their successful event on July 24: Carol Sofer, Ruth Kaye, Ira...Read more...
Zikhrono Livrakha, May their Memory be a Blessing
This month's parsha speaks of anger and death. The death of Miriam in...Read more...
Rosh Chodesh - July
Please join us for Rosh Chodesh Tammuz
Wednesday, July 6, 7:00 PM On Zoom
Remembering Pearl
We will be sharing stories and remembering our dear Pearl Tyree, of blessed memory. Please join us for an evening of...Read more...
Men's Club - July
As this is my initial column for the Flame as President of the Men’s Club, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Men’s Club Board for electing me as President for the next two years. I will dedicate myself to try to continue the amazing work my predecessors have accomplished to get the Men’s Club to be a relevant and thriving organization at PJTC and to continue to pursue our mission to support...Read more...
Board Report - July
During the June 28 board meeting, Budget Committee Chair Jack Singer presented the proposed budget for fiscal year 2022-23. Board president Stacey Sharp provided related background and explanation as to the expected deficit for the 2021-22 fiscal year. After lengthy discussion, the board passed the budget.
The board also passed the Ritual Committee's request to sell an extra Torah scroll owned by PJTC to the Reform Temple of...Read more...
Member Recognition Corner - July
Your fellow PJTC congregants wish to recognize:
Louise Wannier, whose children’s book Tree Spirits has won The Clara J. Johns Literary Award 2022 for “Most Creative Book.” Kristine Garroway, Rabbi Jason Mann, Bert Hayden and Jesse Duker for leading fabulous late night educational sessions at our Tikkun Leil Shavuot Program. The PJTC 20s & 30s group for preparing delicious Shavuot-themed late night...Read more...USY and Kadima News Update - July
Dear PJTC,
From our opening Movie Night for USY and Block Party for Kadima to our Purim Sleepover and closing Knott's Trip, it's been one amazing year! Don't just take it from me—take it from Far West USY Region, who awarded us with the Chapter of Excellence award again, among nine other awards for various Programs of Excellence we earned for programs such as the USY Catering and Into the Mitzvah Day. On top of...Read more...
Welcome Circle Update - July
Dear PJTC Welcome Circle Friends & Supporters:
Read more...
Social Justice Committee - July Update
Social Justice...Read more...
Board Report - May
During the board's May 23 meeting, the board approved two requests from B’nai Simcha preschool, namely, (1) a request to install temporary, portable, non-permanent shade sails; and (2) a request to approve the use of the old Weitzman computer lab to be used as a staff lounge. The board considered, but took no action, on the issue of whether the synagogue should require a minimum number of RSVPs for in-person attendance before a hybrid...Read more...
Torah Discussion Starter: June 2022
In this week's Parsha, G-d tells Moses to take a census of the entire community of the twelve tribes of Israel, counting the names of all males of at least twenty years old and able to bear arms. G-d then tells Moses and Aaron to count the Levites from one...Read more...
Men's Club - June
Hello PJTC,
Men’s Club held its annual Hy Vego Man of the Year (MOTY) Award night coupled this year with our Josh Pais Lifetime Achievement Award (LAA) on May 22, 2022. The dinner event was held at the magnificent Flying A Garage, a veritable museum of vintage vehicles, owned by PJTC and MC members Aaron and Valerie Weiss. Here’s a pre event snapshot of a portion of the venue:
Read more...
Social Justice Committee - June
The SJC webinar on Sunday, May 22 was organized before the murderous white nationalist terror attack in Buffalo, yet the stories of Lamonte McIntyre’s false conviction and the Buffalo massacre are connected. Understanding the connections in the systematic and systemic assault on people and communities of color needs to lead to action. The Social Justice Committee’s mission is to find ways...Read more...
Member Recognition - June
Your fellow PJTC congregants wish to recognize:
Maureen & Grant Gelberg, and Susan Auerbach & Bryan Langholz for hosting our opening Omer Shabbat dinners on April 29th.
Denise and Jim Schaefer for hosting a lovely Shabbat Dinner at their home on May 6th. They are such gracious hosts.
New member Carol Parker for hosting Shabbat dinner at her home on May 27th. You have jumped right into our...Read more...
Welcome Circle : April 2022
Dear PJTC Welcome Circle Friends & Supporters:
The Z. family from Afghanistan continues their adjustment to life in Pasadena with good humor and optimism. The big news this month is that, thanks to Joe Widman and Howard Landau’s orientation to American jobs and Ruth Wolman’s contact with a congregant in the business community, Mr. Z. just started a part-time job in the stockroom of a Pasadena store. Mr. Z. is almost as...Read more...
Torah Discussion Starter: May 2022
G-d describes to Moses many ethical and ritual laws aimed at helping the people of Israel live lives of holiness. He tells the people of Israel that if they follow His commandments, they will be provided with rain to feed their crops.
The laws described...Read more...
April Board Report
By: Joe Widman
During the board meeting of April 25, the board and congregation were introduced to our new communications manager, Stefanie Caliri, who succeeded Lori Skope. The board expressed appreciation for Skope's work. The board heard about a recent grant the synagogue received regarding campus security and designated Michelle Masjedi to serve as the backup agent to Beryl Strauss for purposes of administering the grant. Masjedi led...Read more...
Summer Science Day Camp is Hiring!
Summer Science Day Camp - Teachers/Assistant Needed
Gain STEM experience and have some fun this summer. 3-8 weeks of work. M-F 8am-3:30pm Full Day or Part Time shifts. Apply Today at Destination Science
Read more...
Get Involved!
Sisterhood’s Nominating Committee chaired by Judy Callahan is in the process of putting together the board slate for 2022-23. I encourage all Sisterhood members to consider taking a leadership role and discover the wonderful opportunities of serving on the Executive Committee, Board or becoming an event or program chair or co-chair. We need the support of all women in our congregation. Your involvement brings strength to our...Read more...
Torah Fund - May
We are coming to the end of our 2021-2022 Torah Fund campaign. I am happy to announce that we have already exceeded our goal of $6,500.00. Our current donations are $6,876.73.
Education is one of the most important means of transferring the wealth of tradition from one generation to the next. When it comes to Torah Fund, you are investing in the future of...Read more...
Sisterhood Shabbat - Saturday May 14
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Debby Singer Honored with Second Annual Marv Gross Social Justice Award
On behalf of the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center Sisterhood, it was my honor to nominate Debby Singer for the Marv Gross Social Justice Award and to stand on the Bimah with this year’s honoree during the Social Justice Committee Shabbat Service on April 22nd.
Debby has served as Sisterhood’s...Read more...
Congregational Engagement Corner - May
Dear PJTC Congregants,
What an incredible March and April we've had!
In early March, USY & Kadima led Shabbat services in person for the first time in two years, AND catered their own kiddush luncheon. They are now available for B'nai Mitzvah catering for a donation. Our youth were also thrilled to be able to gather for an outdoor Purim sleepover on March 20.
Purim at PJTC was bigger and better than...Read more...
Men's Club - May
by Fred Rotenberg, President
Shalom PJTC,
Men’s Club has been busy…very busy…with our end of year events. Our Nominating Committee has submitted a slate of officers and board members to be voted upon at our annual meeting in late June. All members will be receiving the proposed slate this month. Additionally, our Bylaws Committee has completed their proposed revisions to the current bylaws, highlighted by gender...Read more...
Member Recognition Corner - May
Your fellow PJTC congregants wish to recognize:
Sisterhood’s Caring Community Outreach Chair Stacy Ober for her continuing kindness, thoughtfulness and, of course, her delicious home-made Kosher chicken soup that is delivered to many congregants throughout the year.
Ruth Kaye and Judy Callahan for a beautiful Oneg following the Social Justice Committee Shabbat services. Ruth outdid herself with an unbelievable assortment of...Read more...Jewish Thought Special Contributor: Rabbi Jason Mann
In my professional career both as a physician and a spiritual care provider I have
had many experiences caring for those who are in the process of dying. It is hard to
choose one important event or moment that merits recounting among a vast array of
very moving and touching experiences that I have had in my professional life. Here is
one very remarkable encounter that I would like to share because of the...Read more...
Sisterhood's Rosh Chodesh: Nisan
Wednesday, April 6th *SPECIAL TIME* 4pm-5:30pm PST via Zoom
Alina Adams, Author of The Nesting Dolls: A Russian-Jewish Family Saga
The Nesting Dolls is the story of three generations of Soviet-Jewish women, each trying to survive and...Read more...
