There is no such thing as inner peace.

There is only nervousness or death.

Any attempt to prove otherwise constitutes unacceptable behavior.

(Fran Lebowitz)

The Havurat Olam Shmoozeletter

February 07, 2005 - 28 Shevat 5765

Volume II, Issue 5

Friday Night Services

and our Oy Vey Variety Show at the Oneg...

February 18, 2005 [please note this month's location and time]

Forget soothing saunas, a nice manicure, or a dinner out. Our solution for the midwinter blahs is easy on your pocketbook and far more effective medicine for your soul

We have a friendly Friday night service planned for everyone, with some nice and easy melodies, an accessible Torah reading (gather around our table; we like to show her off!), and our own Olamites playing a starring role at our oneg. Did you hear the one about the rabbi from Chelm? If you didn't, our kids will tell it to you in our brief but silly Oy Vey Variety Show. If you missed last month's Olamite skit, "The Knights Who Say 'Nu'" please try to catch the kids this time around. They are a good reminder of an important fact of Jewish life: meshuggeh is fun.

Members of McGill Baptist Church will be attending our service, so we do ask everyone to keep our guests in mind. (Help them find the page, would you?).

We will meet at the centrally located and fully accessible McGill Baptist Church in Concord, which is situated just a short distance from the Poplar Tent exit on Highway 85. From points south of Poplar Tent, just take Exit 52 (Poplar Tent). Turn right off the exit. McGill Baptist Church is slightly more than one mile ahead on your left-hand side, on the corner of George W. Liles Parkway and Poplar Tent Road. From points north, take I-85 south, exit at 52 (Poplar Tent Road), turn left off exit. McGill Baptist Church is slightly more than one mile ahead on your left-hand side.

And if you are coming from inside Concord, just get on Poplar Tent Road and drive toward I-85.  Look for George W. Liles Parkway, and the church on the corner, okay?

Please arrive by 6:45 p.m.  Services begin at 7:00 p.m. and last about one hour.  Non-members will be asked to contribute to our rental costs with a $10 per adult donation.

Event:	Friday Night Service and Oneg
Date:	February 18, 2005
Time:	7:00 p.m. (arrive by 6:45)
Location:	McGill Baptist Church 5300 Poplar Tent Rd., Concord NC 28027-9757  >map< > RSVP <

Eat Sweets and Shmooze

- A Social Unassociated with any Particular Holiday -

So many new people have shown up lately to services and holiday get-togethers that we decided to get ourselves acquainted at a Get Yourself Acquainted Social. Havurat Olam's president, Brian Cutler, and spouse Karin Cutler have graciously offered their home for an adult social. There's only one condition: those who show must bring dessert!

You can bring chips or tacos, but we admit we like sugar. Chocolate of all kinds is always welcome, as are cookies, cakes, pies, and puddings.

Please remember that this event is for Havurat Olam's adult population only (we know that all of our elders are really young at heart, so you are Still Allowed to be Silly, never fear).

Announcements and Inquiries

Thinking Ahead: A Havurah Home of Our Own and a Sunday School

Havurat Olam's Board of Directors are continuing their investigation for space we can call our own. We hope to open a Sunday School next September for pre-school age children and up, and possibly even dot our summer with some Jewish Day Camps.

If you have any suggestions for space, please let us know. We would need about 1,000 square feet and would prefer a handicapped-accessible facility. Just reply to this email with any ideas, suggestions, or comments.

Membership Report

We are over Chai!! Nineteen families/couples/singles have joined Havurat Olam. Please consider joining our great experiment: developing an open-minded and welcoming Jewish congregation - the very first in Cabarrus County. You can help us reach our goals with your support - and they include offering regular services, marking all major holidays with parties and special events, continuing our Chicken Soup Committee, engaging in social action and community work, and introducing our children to the vibrant and wonderful culture we are heirs to.

Membership information and form.

You can also contact our membership coordinator, Danielle Levin, for more information.

For those of you who paid bi-yearly, the second half of our fiscal year has begun, so please send your second payment to: Havurat Olam, 570 Wilhelm Place NE, Concord NC 28025-2530.

Torah Fund

Our Torah Fund has begun receiving donations.  Thanks to those who have responded so far! Please send any donations to our business address at 570 Wilhelm Place NE, Concord NC 28025-2530.