2008 Picnic & Drumming Circle

Chairperson: Anne Goldberg

Here are links to photos Elyn Zerfas and Bob Heaton Heaton took.

The heartbeat of TAO was felt by all

We hosted our 2nd Annual July 4th Picnic and Drumming at the Ken Fisher's magnificent Ft. Lauderdale beachside home.  Some 100 members and guests gathered, enjoyed the pool, patio and ocean followed by a stunning, delicious and overflowing bounty of kosher and vegetarian food.

As wonderful as the afternoon was, it is the drumming and Service that will be talked about for years. Led masterfully by Rabbi Marc, we were taken on a mind/body/spirit journey that first asked us to tap into the rhythm of our thumping heartbeats.  Then, with the wonderful talent of Bob Offer's drumming, we were guided into increasing levels of "letting go" and ultimately into a frenzy of spiritual expansion and expression.  Bob put it well when he said, "The drumming was so intense, after it was over I felt like having a cigarette!" Rabbi Marc parlayed the energy of the drumming into a simple and sweet Shabbat Service that expressed the soul of our community.  It's what makes us so magnetic.

There was candle lighting, music and singing.  Oh, the singing!  I'd like to think that God listened a little more closely to our Shema last night because He/She noticed the passionate, honest holiness and love with which it was sung.

As his final gift of the evening, inspired by Rabbi Marcia Prager, Rabbi Marc treated us to the words of the Declaration of Independence set to traditional prayer rhythm and phrasing.  It was strangely prayerful and political at the same time.  Together As One, we were captivated.

Though the weather ultimately did not cooperate, it did not damper a spirit.  We were in a beautiful, multi-level home with a pool table and ping pong for our teens and tweens and plenty of room to move about, hug and laugh.  Thank you again Ken for your generosity and kind heart.  There are no words to express our gratitude for what you do for TAO.

In the thanks department...

A HUGE THANK YOU to Gail Rogers, who coordinated the raffle and the fantastic signs which were noticed by all.  Your extraordinary effort and contribution played a huge part in the success of the event-plus it was a pleasure to work with you!  Richard Kramer cooked his heart out for us.  Richard, it's good to have you back.  Bob Heaton, where would we be without you?  Your music is an integral part of who we are.

Once again, our collective love and thanks.  And thank you to all the helpers, from the "decorators" who set the stage with the balloons and "chatchkes" to the background music, cleanup crews, chair movers and registration desk staffers and everything else not mentioned... Rhonda Hey, Carol & Les Himmel, Heidi List, Sandy King, Donna Levine, Rivka Maidan, Bob Offer, Karen Rosenberg and her friend Mike, Shirley Shelpman, Helen Skinner, Hindi Stegman, Arnie Welber and Myrna Wolf.

A big "Rabbi Phil" hug to you all!

Thanks to auction donors

Sponsors

Extra special thanks to Sandy King and Fleur & Bob Heaton for their generous sponsorship, which helped underwrite this great day.  And of course, no event would happen without the hard work and dedication of Dee and Renee in the office. You guys rock!

As I pack the decorations...

I am already looking forward to July 4th 2009.  I hope to see you there... with your family and friends!

2007 Picnic & Drumming Circle

Chairpeople: Jenae Rubin & Myrna Wolf

Photos

101 people registered, and the rain kept only 9 people away! Ken Fisher generously donated the use of his beautiful oceanfront home.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  What an amazing time we had.

After dinner, the auction, raffle and drumming circle, we watched fireworks.  From the north was the Ft. Lauderdale by the Sea display, and from the south was the Las Olas show.  When one ended, we enjoyed the other.  Hindy's earlier-in-the-day meditation session with the intention of providing a clear and beautiful night worked!

Here's a link to photos Bob Heaton took.  Here's a link to 50 more photos Anne Goldberg and Ken Fisher took.

Drumming

Wow!  What energy.  What excitement.  What fun!!!!  Bob Offer, Myrna Wolf and Bob Singer took turns leading drumming sets.  Steve Kramer set up an target="_blank" amazing gong.  We listened and drummed to Jean Matieu, an Ivory Coast native, who shared his musical talents with us.  We brought djembes, congas, bongos, bodhrans, tambourines, claves, guiros, shakers and other percussion instruments.  What an awesome time!

Auction & Raffle

Thanks to Jenae, Anne Goldberg, Heidi List, and Florence Ross, we had an amazing auction of instruments.  Nanette Notestein of www.CreateTheKingdom.com donated a gorgeous Prosperity Bowl and five Remembrance Amulets.  Thank you.

We raffled two tickets to Laffing Matterz' hilarious dinner show, a $120 value, which Cathy Williamson won.  Myrna's grandchildren Sarah and Jonathan and Anne's son Robbie helped sell the raffle tickets.  They also helped set up.  Thanks go everywhere!  It takes a village.

Sponsors

Ethelind Weiner, Pierre Donyegro and Jay Wertheim were partial sponsors for this wonderful event.  May you be blessed with the gifts you give others.

Volunteers

In addition to those already mentioned, Hindy Zeifman helped in every aspect of the venue.  We are blessed to have her energy and willingness with us.  Anne Goldberg, Sandy King and Heidi List got to the event three hours early to set up and decorate.  Sue G, Fleur Heaton, Carole Kaye, Joan Rosenwasser, Shirley Shelpman, Stephanie, Rochelle Tichler and Elyn Zerfas called all TAO members to encourage registration.  That, coupled with the email marketing campaign worked wonderfully.

Celebration

In addition, a Carvel ice cream cake helped us celebrate Rabbi Shoni and Rabbi Phil's anniversary.  You can tell by the picture, Rabbi Phil was enjoying the celebration!!!

Food

We're Jewish... We have to talk about food!!!  Special thanks to Buca di Beppo, Ben's NY Kosher Deli, TooJay's and Howard's Market for donating delicious food.  Please visit their websites... and their businesses.  Let them know we really appreciate them.

Renee Greene baked the most delicious salmon.  Anne Goldberg made her signature roasted vegetables (there were none left of this either!)  Hannah Lipton, a friend of Phyllis Cohen, made homemade stuffed cabbage.  Rivka Maiden ran all over town soliciting the food donations, and boy did we feast!!!

     

A million times thank you to those who helped.  You make it possible for us to chair an event like this.  May you (and anyone who has mistakenly been omitted here) be blessed with the same love and gestures you give to others.