August, 1991

GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

Page 17

LESBIAN-GAY

OF GREATER CLEVELAND

This space has been donated to the Center by the Chronicle, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Chronicle staff or management.

by Aubrey Wertheim

Sixty-five new police officers graduated this month with gay-lesbian sensitivity training under their over-accessorized belts. Our thanks to the highly skilled Maryann Finegan volunteers who participated in the training sessions July 12 and created an even stronger workshop than the first one several months ago.

Grateful Plateful Dept.-Support for the Maryann Finegan Project from the Happy Feet Dance Collective, Keys and Leather Stallion has enabled us to purchase another thousand whistles (to be distributed this month with the help of Queer

תברר תקוה

וה

Chevrei Tikva

The Cleveland Religious and Social Organizacion for Gay and Lesbian Jews

This space has been donated to Chevrei Tikva by the Chronicle, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Chronicle staff or management.

by Paul Zeitzew

September, for Jews 'round the world is a busy time. It's the High Holidays which include Rosh Hoshana and Yom Kippur. The Jewish calendar is based on the lunar month, therefore, days begin with sundown and last until sundown the following day. Rosh Hoshana, the New Year, begins this year on Sunday evening, September 8. Yom Kippur, at sundown on Tuesday, September 17.

Orthodox and Conservative Jews celebrate Rosh Hoshana for two days; Reform, only one, (more about that in another epistle). The days between these two holidays

ys are known as "The Days of Repentance." This is a time for soul searching, resolution making, reflecting on one's past and making amends for our wrongs. On Yom Kippur the Book of Life is sealed for another year.

At Chevrei Tikva we approach the holidays in a traditional manner but have added attractions. Since many of our members and friends have no family with which to share the holidays, we have dinner at local restaurants before services on Rosh Hoshana and Yom Kippur; lunch following services on Rosh Hoshana morning and a potluck Break-the-Fast at the conclusion of Yom Kippur services (a fasting holiday). These food events are often attended by people who want to be with gay and lesbian friends and extended family to break bread.

When the synagogue was formed eight years ago, only one afternoon Yom Kippur service was held, in a private home and attended by a handful of people. The growth of attendance coincided with the growth of Chevrei Tikva. Each year more services were added until we attained a full schedule of services. A few years ago the attendance became too large for private homes and they were moved to the Unitarian Society, our current home.

In recent years we have filled the room, not only with members, but many bring their families to share these important hours. We have no professional staff, therefore, it is all done by members. Each year more and more members and friends volunteer to take part in the services. It

Nation).

Northern Ohio Coalition, Inc.-the community's own foundation-assisted the Center with gifts to enable two PRYSM members to attend the International Lesbian-Gay Health Conference in New Orleans, as well as support to the Living Room for ongoing services.

Sing Out Louise Dept.-The first Cleveland lesbian-gay talent show-all singing, all dancing, etc.-will hold auditions August 23 and 24. Call the office at 522-1999 for time and place or have your agent call.

Just Add Pearls and Spin, Dept.-The lovely new Center tee shirts are available for a paltry ten smackers at our main office (1418 West 29th): medium, large and X large (sorry no alterations on premises).

Blow, Gabriel, Blow Dept:-The safety accessory of the summer is back in stock. Please drop by the Center to pick up your Maryann Finegan whistle. And wear it whenever Out. ▼

makes for a more homey atmosphere to see and hear someone you know at the pulpit doing a reading from the prayerbook. This is a do-it-yourself synagogue year 'round, but our individual talents show up during the High Holiday season.

As mentioned above, on Yom Kippur it is proper to fast from sundown to sundown. This has led to the popular Break-the-Fast at the conclusion of Yom Kippur afternoon services. It is usually termed a "light" meal consisting of dairy dishes. The term “light” meal in Judaism is a misnomer. By the time each person brings his or her potluck contribution of blintzes, knishes, cheesecakes, bakes, cakes, tuna casseroles, pasta salads, etc., there is no such thing as a "light" meal

All services are held at the Unitarian Society in Cleveland Hts., except the afternoon Yom Kippur service and potluck following. This is held in someone's home.

But that's not all, folks! The holidays continue with Sukkot the following week and Simchat Torah a week later. Sukkot vel. In addition celebrates the harvest in Israel. to religious services, there is a Sukka (booth) set up in the backyards of homes and at synagogues. Specifications for this area are outlined in the Bible. Special fall foods are served and meals are taken outside in the Sukka.

Simchat Torah celebrates the Torah. "Simcha" means a happy event and the Torah is always a happy event in Judaism. This is when the last portion is read (the end of Deuteronomy), the scrolls are then rolled back to the beginning, "Berasheat," In the Beginning (God created...). It's a fun holiday. Kids are given apples placed atop Israeli flags and dance around the

synagogue. Adults get into the act by everyone having an opportunity to hold the Torah while they too march around the sanctuary.

So much for a capsule version of High Holidays. Other important events are taking place in August.

August 2, Rick will conduct an interesting Shabbat service with the theme of "Reflections of Non-Jews who attend Chevrei Tikva." This is of particular interest since many of our members and friends are non-Jewish or Jews by choice. Some attend, not because they have Jewish partners, but because they feel something at Chevrei Tikva that they do not feel at their own house of worship.

Also in August, what hopefully will become an annual event. a potluck barbecue will be held at one of our members' "estate" in Novelty, Ohio. Check Charlie's Calendar or call our phone machine at 9325551 for further details. ▼

Alice Paul Printers and Mail Service, Inc. 621-5280

otta Glow

Ya Gott Glow

SATURDAY

Tia

:10630 Berea Road Cleveland

2 1 6.8 3 1.7

Ohio 111

AUGUST

7th 30 PM

DAYGLO ATTIRE REQUESTED

BILLY'S

ON CLIFTON

The Newest Restaurant on Cleveland's West Side

Join Us For an Evening

of Leisure Dining

10am-12 midnight Monday-Friday 9am-12 midnight Saturday & Sunday Closed on Wednesdays

Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinners ▼ Extensive Desserts

Take out orders available

11100 Clifton Blvd. ▼ 281-7722

Great Burgers

Pastas

Sandwiches