Congregation Tikkun v’Or (Ithaca Reform Temple) is a vibrant congregation that strives for a warm personal bond among its members, creative experiential education for the children, and a dynamic program for adults. We welcome those from diverse backgrounds, interfaith families, LGBTQ+ folks, people who are newly discovering Jewish connections, as well as those with a wide range of Jewish experiences.
Our core values are best expressed by three words:
View of Cayuga Lake from Congregation Tikkun v’Or
A message for this moment, from Rabbi Shifrah Tobacman, October 11, 2023
Opportunities for singing, learning and conversations at TVO this weekend:
MUSICAL SHABBAT, Friday October 13, 7:30 pm
Led by Lauren Korfine, Jenny Lavine, and Miranda Phillips
TORAH STUDY Saturday, October 14, 11 am – 12 pm with Rabbi Lenore Bohm – in person at TVO
For many, the first few chapters of Genesis constitute the most beautiful, meaningful and extraordinary of all Torah stories. Beresheet describes creation as orderly, purposeful and self-renewing. The Genesis account challenges us to consider our relationship to God, each other, all living creatures and the earth. There is just so much to discuss! Join us as we begin the cycle again. No Torah study experience necessary!
CONTINUING CHALLENGES OF MODERN JEWISH FEMINISM
Sunday, October 15 and October 22, 3-5 pm in person at TVO and on ZOOM
Faith Rogow will be leading a conversation on “The Continuing Challenges of Modern Jewish Feminism: Balancing Continuity, Authenticity, and Legacies.”
Over the last fifty years, modern feminism has challenged Jews and Judaism in diverse, and sometimes contradictory ways. The effects have been alternatively disruptive and healing, creative and rigid. In some places the changes have been so profound that what was once deemed radical is now just seen as normal, especially by young people who have never known anything other than a feminist Judaism.
In our first session, we’ll go back to the turn of the twentieth century and trace movements through to the present as we explore specific historical examples of Jewish feminists in the U.S. who pushed the boundaries of Jewish life. We’ll also take some time to make the historical picture even richer by inviting those who witnessed (or led) feminist changes to share our own stories.
In our second session, we’ll use Jewish feminist history as a framework to explore issues we confront today about authenticity and how far we can push boundaries before they stretch so far that something completely different emerges. How do we balance the desire to teach the next generation how to live in our Jewish community and also have them be comfortable when they encounter Jewish communities that have not shared our journey? Are some things sacrosanct and beyond change? What does changing something like liturgy or even Torah, feel like? No predetermined answers here – just a chance to explore these questions together.
HIGH HOLIDAYS: As a follow up to our Isaiah Challenge, here is a list of organizations in Tompkins County that aid immigrants.
TVO MEMBERS
Have you joined the TVO listserve yet? Listserv membership is available to Tikkun v’Or members; their spouses/partners; and teenage children with parental permission. You will receive confirmation e-mail(s) when the moderator gives you listserv membership. To join send an e-mail to: listserv-moderator@tikkunvor.
TIKKUN V'OR SERVICES, MEETINGS, PROGRAMS, and CLASSES
Many programs are currently hybrid (in-person and online), unless otherwise listed. Join us on Zoom for Tuesday morning contemplative services and conversations. Shabbat evening or morning services and other programs are usually both in person and online. Contact info@tikkunvor.org to be added to the list to get links.
In addition to High Holiday services, Rabbi Shifrah usually leads services twice a month, including the following upcoming dates:
Saturday, Sept 9, 7:30 pm Selichot
Friday, Sept 29, 7:30 pm Shabbat / Sukkot
Saturday Oct 7, 10 am Simchat Torah
Friday, Oct 20, 7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat (welcoming Shabbat)
Saturday, Nov 4, 10 am Shabbat morning
Jewish Learning Experiences
Registration for JLE grades K-7 for the 2023-2024 school year is now available! It this is your first year registering, please contact info@tikkunvor.org JLE students in Bet-Zayin (2nd-7th grade ) meet on Sunday mornings, with vav/zayin (6th and 7th grade) also meeting on Wednesday afternoons. Students in gan (kindergarten) and kitah alef (first grade),
and their caregivers, meet monthly for Family JLE. Younger children and their families are invited to join in Family Jam programs throughout the year. The full guide to JLE for 2023-2024 is here.
Tuition Assistance is available, with thanks to a grant from IAUJC.
Quick links
Land Acknowlegement
We acknowledge that Tikkun v’Or / Ithaca Reform Temple is located on the unceded ancestral territory of the Gayogo̱hó:nǫ (Gayocohono) (Cayuga) Nation and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. We recognize the painful history of Gayogo̱hó:nǫ dispossession, and honor the ongoing connection of Gayogo̱hó:nǫ people, past and present, to these lands and waters.
We bring forward the Jewish principles of teshuva (facing the harms and taking responsibility for the past), tikkun olam (repair) and tzedek (acting for justice). We ask ourselves how we might contribute to justice and healing for Gayogo̱hó:nǫ. We seek to understand our place in history and the responsibility to educate ourselves and our children about how to live in good relation to the earth and with our neighbors.
