!

TREE OF LIFECONGREGATION

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

“KOL T.O.L.” -- THE “VOICE OF THE TREE OF LIFE”MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

MARCH 2014 / ADAR I - ADAR II 5774

MARCH WORSHIP SERVICES

INSIDE THIS ISSUEPurim! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 2From the Rabbi! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 3Religious School News ! ! ! ! ! 4-5Youth News! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 6WRJ, Brotherhood, Green Team! ! ! 7Adult Education, The Big Nosh™! ! ! ! 8The Big Nosh™ Preorder Form!! ! ! ! 9Passover! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 10Member News ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 11Community News!! ! ! ! ! ! ! 12Yahrzeits! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 13Contributions !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 14Calendar! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 15

Fri., March 77:00 p.m.! Shabbat Evening Bar Mitzvah Service ! ! of William Cason! ! Torah: Vayikra, Lev. 1:1 – 5:26

Fri., March 14! Shabbat Zachor!6:45 p.m.! KIDZ Shabbat7:30 p.m.! Shabbat Eve Service*! ! Torah: Tzav, Lev. 6:1 – 8:36

Sat., March 15! Purim Eve at Beth Shalom Synagogue6:45 p.m.! Purim Service, Megillah Reading & Shpiel8:30 p.m.! Masquerade Ball

Fri., March 216:30 p.m.! Potluck Shabbat Dinner7:30 p.m.! Shabbat Eve Service* led by

Kitah Gimmel (3rd level Hebrew class)! ! Torah: Shemini, Lev. 9:1 – 11:47

Sat., March 2210:00 a.m.! Shabbat Morning Service & Torah Study

Fri., March 287:30 p.m.! Shabbat Eve Service! ! Torah: Tazria, Lev. 12:1 – 13:59

Fri., April 46:30 p.m.! Potluck Shabbat Dinner7:30 p.m.! Shabbat Eve Service* led by

Kitah Bet (2nd level Hebrew class)! ! Torah: Metzora, Lev. 14:1 – 15:33

* Childcare is available for services. Please contact Risa to RSVP.

CELEBRATE with us at Beth Shalom Synagogue

on Saturday, March 15 at 6:45 p.m. with the words of the Megillah,

a great Purim Shpiel, and delicious hamentaschen;

and on March 16 at a joyous carnival at Tree of Life with Beth Shalom Synagogue,

complete with entertainment, great food, fun games, and friends and family

from your community!

See page 2 for details.

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Join Tree of Life & Beth Shalom Religious Schools as we celebrate the Purim holiday together at TOL!

Sunday, March 1610:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (lunch provided)

Please come in costume—a simple mask will doWe’ll parade, make Hamantaschen

& say to Haman, “Boo!”There will be skits & laughs & music & more -

crafts, face painting & games galore!Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to JFS to give to

those in need in our area.For more information, contact TOL or BSS.

The Purim Cast of Characters & Basic Purim Vocabulary Adar : 12th month on the Hebrew calendar - Purim is on the 14th day of AdarAchashverosh : King of Persia, Esther’s husband, sometimes identified with Xerxes I, 486-465 BCEEsther/Hadassah : The heroine of our story, known as Hadassah in Hebrew, the all-around beautiful Jewish queen betrothed to Achashverosh who risked her own life in order to plead for her peopleHaman : Achashverosh’s evil advisor who plotted to exterminate the Jews (we say boo, hiss and shake our graggers during the Megillah reading when we hear his name).Hamantashen, Oznei Haman (Hebrew) : Pastries, originally called Mohn Taschen “poppy seed pockets,” reminiscent of Haman’s pockets, his hat or his earsMasechot : Masks and full costumes are very popular during Purim time (since disguise and mistaken identity are a big part of the story)Megillat Esther : The scroll or Book of Esther - written around 330 BCE, one of the five Megillot, along with Ruth, Song of Songs, Lamentations, and Ecclesiastes. Read on Purim, it contains the story of the deliverance of the Jews of Persia from the anti-Semitic Haman and his followers.Mishloach Manot : AKA “Shaloch Mones” in Yiddish; the custom of sending gifts to family, friends, and the needy to celebrate the joy of the Jewish people’s survival Mordechai : Esther’s cousin who uncovered plots against King Achashverosh and against the Persian Jews. He persuaded Esther to intercede with the king on behalf of the Jews.Pur : “Lots” in Hebrew. Haman cast lots – Purim – to determine the day and month to destroy the Jews. The 14th of Adar was switched from a day of potential grief to one of great rejoicing.Purim Spiel : A Purim play, custom of having a Purim satire, spoof, retelling of the story, began at least 500 years agoRa’ashan: AKA Grogger in Yiddish, a noisemaker, used to blot out the name of Haman during the Megillah readingShabbat Zachor : Sabbath of Remembrance, Shabbat preceding Purim. Deuteronomy 25:17-19 is read in addition to regular Torah reading. We are urged to remember Amalek who was an ancestor of evil Haman.Shushan : Capital of Persia in the Book of EstherVashti : King Achashverosh’s wife before Esther. She was expelled for not dancing in front of his friends and for defying him.Zeresh : Haman’s wife

These are joint events hosted by Tree of Life Congregation & Beth Shalom Synagogue.

Celebrate PURIMMarch 15-16, 2014

PURIM RECIPE FOR HAMENTASCHEN (Yields 2 dozen)Ingredients

• 1 (18.25 ounce) package moist yellow cake mix• 1 cup all-purpose flour• 2 eggs• 2 tablespoons water• 1 cup fruit preserves, any flavor

Directions1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease cookie sheets. 2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix and flour. Stir in the eggs and water to form a stiff dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 3 inch round circles and place 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Place a teaspoon of filling into the center of each cookie and pinch the sides to form three corners. Moisten with water if necessary. 3. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheets before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

“Megillah Around the Clock”with our friends down the block!

Meet at B.S.S. - come in Purim dress!

The 15th of Marchis the big date,starting at 6:45.Don’t be late!

A short service first,then the megillah and shpiel,

a masquerade ball,yummy hors d'oeuvres as a meal.

Tree of Life & Beth Shalom Celebrate Purim!Saturday, March 15

6:45 p.m. ! Service7:00 p.m. !Megillah, Shpiel & Costume Parade8:15 p.m.! Havdallah8:30 p.m. ! Music & Dancing; Hors D’oeuvres,

! ! Hamantashen & Open Bar

at Beth Shalom Synagogue5827 N. Trenholm Road

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PURIM: The GOOD, the BAD, and the...FUN!by Rabbi Daniel M. Sherman

Finally, the month of Adar II is here – which means that the holiday of Purim is on its way. After fall and winter holidays that felt too “early” (remember Rosh HaShanah right after Labor Day and Chanukah beginning before Thanksgiving?), our leap year has kicked in, and we have added an entire 13th month to the calendar – that’s why Adar II follows Adar I this year on the Jewish calendar. Purim is on the 14th day of Adar II, which this year falls on Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16. So let’s be happy and get ready for Purim!

THE GOODPurim is our merriest day of the year. There are many fun traditions. Most importantly we read Megillat Esther (the

Scroll of Esther) and retell the story of Queen Esther, Mordechai, King Ahasuerus, Queen Vashti, and, of course, evil Haman. It is the story of our people’s survival and of how Esther and Mordechai saved us from Haman’s plot to destroy us. It is a great story – not only because it has a happy ending with our survival and the defeat, once again, of our foes, but also because it is a story of courage and the human capacity to change history. The emphasis is on our own actions and taking our fate in our hands – we don’t simply wait for a miracle from God. In fact, God’s name is not even mentioned in the book of Esther. Mordechai challenges Esther, saying: “What are you going to do for our people? Because you have to do something. Our fate rests with you. You, Esther, can change the world!” And so she responds and comes to the rescue. And we are commanded to retell the story every year and to make Purim a festive holiday.

And so we celebrate, dress up, wear masks, make lots of noise, play games, sing songs, eat hamentashen, and give gifts and tzedakah. Purim is, thus, a holiday for Jews of all ages, and it is one we should all look forward to and enjoy.

THE BADWhile Purim is one of our happiest holidays, it does have a serious side, as well. We are reminded of the

underlying theme of anti-Semitism. The Sabbath before Purim is known as SHABBAT ZACHOR – the Sabbath of Remembrance. Traditionally we remember Amalek, an ancestor of Haman, and a list of our people’s foes. Haman is seen as the prototype of the enemy of the Jews. He was mad at Mordechai for not bowing down before him, but he decided to take his revenge on all of Morechai’s people, the Jews of the kingdom. And so he explained to King Ahasuerus: “There is a certain people, scattered and dispersed among the other peoples in all the provinces of your realm, whose laws are different from those of any other people and who do not obey the king’s laws; and it is not in Your Majesty’s interest to tolerate them!” (Esther 3:8). This same argument has been used against us throughout our history: from the time of Pharaoh in Egypt to modern times, too.

However, despite all the “Hamans” and all the plots to destroy us, we are still here today. AM YISRAEL CHAI – the people of Israel continues to live. We not only have survived, but also have endured and thrived and grown stronger. And, God-willing, we will continue to thrive and celebrate many more Purims for a long, long time still to come.

THE FUNSo let’s celebrate! This year we will continue to celebrate Purim with joint festivities with Beth Shalom

Synagogue. We will begin Saturday evening, March 15 at Beth Shalom. Our short Purim Service will begin at 6:45 p.m., followed by the reading of the Megillah and a “rockin’” sing-along Purimshpiel you won’t want to miss. It will be fun for the whole family. Afterwards, at 8:30 p.m., the whole community will join together for a Masquerade Ball there at Beth Shalom. We encourage everyone to come in costume and come ready to have some fun.

On Sunday, March 16, we will continue our celebration with our annual Purim Carnival here at Temple from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Regular Religious School classes begin at 9:00 a.m., and the students from Beth Shalom will come and join us for the festivities. Please come in your favorite costume. We are also asking everyone to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the JFS food bank.

Be happy – it’s Adar II! And Happy Purim! Chag Sameach!

FROM THE RABBI

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FROM THE EDUCATION DIRECTOR

In Judaism there is a saying, “Who is wise? It is one who considers the consequences” (Talmud, Tamid 32a). Now granted, it isn’t always fun to have to think about all of our actions and their effects. This would take away from the joyous spontaneity of eating practically anything over 75 calories – which I was doing quite often during February’s forced stay-at-home “inclement weather” events. However, as adults, we often find ourselves in situations where we are compelled to impart to a “younger generation” the need to take responsibility, to think ahead, and understand how our actions today will affect our world tomorrow. Interestingly enough, it has often been the younger generation imparting to us “older folk” these directives when it comes to

environmental issues. At TOL, our children are exposed to, and enthusiastically comply with, the efforts that go into sustaining and maintaining a “Green Congregation.” Spearheaded by Carolyn Hudson and members of her Green Team, we not only recycle bottle caps, paper, batteries, cell phones, and a myriad of other potential pollutants at Temple, but also filter all of our storm water in our award-winning rain garden, use energy-efficient lighting, use environmentally-friendly cleaning products, compost yard waste, and much, much more. A very important aspect of Jewish Life is Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. Tree of Life’s Green Team helps our congregation care for the world by making our facility and grounds more environmentally friendly and by educating and encouraging our members to live greener lives. Collectively we can say, “Todah Rabah (thank you)” to the Green Team for helping us find ways right here at Temple to combat the consequences of not caring the way we should have in the past about our environment.

Now some folks—especially those that are “living in the moment”—may say, “Consequences, shmoncequences…” As a Jewish people, it often seems that we approach a sometimes painful past (consequences of others’ inexcusable actions) by making light of disastrous events that have befallen us with humor. Let’s take, for example, the holiday of Purim. As it looms closer on the calendar, I can’t seem to get the lyrics of “Oh Today We’ll Merry, Merry Be” out of my head:

“Oh once there was a wicked, wicked man, and Haman was his name, sir. He tried to murder (in school we say banish) all the Jews, Though, they were not to blame, sir. Oh today we’ll merry, merry be (3x)….and nosh some Hamentaschen.”

Talk about eating because of a stressful situation! You see, it’s not just us girls eating out of a pint of ice cream to squash our reactions to stressors; it’s an entire religion and people. Could it be that the first record of “binge eating” might have been on…. hamentaschen? And yet, is there any other way to react at times to potential doom, if not with humor and some brevity? It’s hard to worry about every bug you step on, every carbon emission, every French fry you eat, or every can of Diet Coke you forget to place in the recycling bin. We know the consequences of pollution, saturated fats, and even dictators—it is 2014 for goodness sake—but we also know the need to keep life in perspective, and for that we have only to look at the Jewish people for instruction.

In many ways we do provide a shining light unto other nations, “Or le Goyim.” Understanding our past and the psychology of others helps us to cope, with not only what we know has happened, but also what may happen in the future. Our past, our Torah, and our subsequent history, joined with our ability to keep life in perspective, are wonderful guiding mechanisms that have buttressed our traditions, our faith, and our culture for generations. As a Jewish people, our coping talents are amazing, and it is a skill set that permits us to deal with any consequences that cross our path, both positive and negative, and has probably contributed to our survival as a people in the past and for generations to come.

There is a joke that circulates on the internet and eventually makes its way to my inbox from time to time:Summary of Most Jewish Holidays: 1. They tried to kill us. 2. We won. 3. Let's eat.

Some of you may chuckle; some of you may cringe. I would like to think of the above more as an observation than a joke, and a healthy one at that. Life is tough; it doesn’t matter what century you live in. If we are not worrying about a current situation, then we are worrying about a future one. So, let’s take the advice of all those borscht belt email-savvy comedians and…let’s eat, nosh, and be happy! The Temple is celebrating an amazing Chag Purim this year on Saturday, March 15, beginning at 6:45 p.m. with a JOINT TOL-BSS celebration at Beth Shalom Synagogue! The evening is complete with a Megillah reading, Purim Shpiel, heavy appetizers, adult and children’s beverages, and music to rock to for all ages. On Sunday, March 16 we will frolic at Tree of Life at our annual Purim Carnival with families from Beth Shalom Synagogue, sing familiar Purim favorites with Marvelous Marvin Beinstock, rock to the sounds of The Four Fathers, dine on delicious food prepared by our very own Brotherhood, and of course devour the now famous stress-reducer known as…Hamentaschen. Please join us!

DEALING WITH THE CONSEQUENCESby Risa Strauss

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WE SHINE BECAUSE OF ALL WE DO TOGETHER!

Adult Education, Religious School, Shabbat, Holidays,

Sisterhood, Brotherhood, Temple Youth, Life Cycle Happenings & So Much More! Meet at the Tree ~ It’s the Place to BE!

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL NEWS

Important Education and Religious School Dates3/02: Religious School, 9:00 a.m.; Tree Tumbler Purim, 10:30 a.m.; Light the Way Concert with Meira Warshauer at Tree of Life

to Benefit the Columbia Family Shelter, 3:30 p.m.3/06: Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Sandy Marcus, 12:00 noon– 1:00 p.m.; Mama Doni Concert at JCC, 6:00 p.m. dinner &

6:30 p.m. concert3/07: Bar Mitzvah Service of Will Cason, 7:00 p.m. – Mazal Tov to the Cason Family!3/09: Religious School, 9:00 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults with Bagel Breakfast: “The Alphabet Soup of the Jewish Community”

with Columbia Jewish Federation Director Barry Abels, 9:15 a.m.3/14: KIDZ Shabbat, 6:45 p.m.; Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. with childcare at 7:15 p.m.3/15: “Megillah Around the Clock” with Beth Shalom Synagogue at BSS, 6:45 p.m.3/16: Religious School, 9:00 a.m.; Purim Carnival with Beth Shalom Synagogue at TOL, 10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.3/20: Sisterhood Program: “Sisters Gone Mad” at the Mad Platter, 7:00 p.m.3/21: Shabbat Potluck Dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Kitah Gimel Class Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m.; NFTY All-Carolina Shabbaton

(Grades 7-12), speak with Abby Magaro for more info3/22: Shabbat Morning Service & Torah Study, 10:00 a.m.3/23: Religious School, 9:00 a.m.3/30: Religious School, 9:00 a.m.4/04: Shabbat Potluck Dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Kitah Bet Class Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m.4/06: Religious School, 9:00 a.m.; Tree Tumbler Passover & Religious School Model Passover Seder, 10:30 a.m.Introduction to Hebrew with Risa, every Wednesday in March at 6:00 p.m.Beyond Beginners Hebrew with Risa, every Tuesday in March at 6:00 p.m.Intro to Judaism with Rabbi Sherman, March 5 and 19 at 7:00 p.m.How to Get Even More Out of Shabbat Services with Rabbi Sherman, March 5 at 8:05 p.m.

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YOUTH NEWS

PINAT IVRIT: A MONTHLY CORNER OF HEBREW

WILLIAM RILEY CASON

Will is the son of Dana and Chris Cason and the older brother of Nate. Will has lived in Columbia for his entire life. He is a seventh-grade student at The Learning Collaborative (TLC) program at Dent Middle School. Will is on the Carolina Aquatics swim team and plays the cello in the Dent Middle School orchestra. He also enjoys playing with his dog, Scooter, and playing video games. For his Mitzvah Project, Will is collecting food and money for the Harvest Hope Food Bank.

WITH GREAT PRIDE WE INVITE YOU

TO JOIN US IN CELEBRATION

AS OUR SON

William Riley Cason

IS CALLED TO THE TORAH AS A BAR MITZVAH

FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 AT 7:00 P.M.

TREE OF LIFE CONGREGATION

Tikkun Olam, תיקן עולם: A phrase that we use often here at Temple, means to improve/repair the world. Root-wise, the word Tikkun is derived from the Hebrew verb “letaken לתקן”, meaning to fix, improve, or repair, with the root letters being Tav -ת, Kuf -ק, and Nun-נ. The verb is used often in everyday life - “Tikkun Tzmigim” (tire repair), “Tikkun Shaon” (watch repair) - and has no special meaning. However, when joined with the word Olam עולם, meaning world, it takes on much more meaning and relevance.

The phrase Tikkun Olam is not mentioned in the Torah and actually appears for the first time in the Mishnah (the interpretation of Jewish Law codified around 200 CE). In the Mishnah it is used in a contextual way, explaining that we are obligated to do things not because it says so in Jewish Law, but in order to “Repair the World.”

The phrase “Letaken Olam” can be found incorporated into the expanded version of our Aleinu prayer: לתקן עולם במלכות שדי - Letaken Olam, beMalchut Shaddai,” meaning “…and the improvement of the world will come from God’s unfailing rule.”

So, often at Temple, when we talk about tikkun, we approach it from not only a personal but also a community standpoint. If we are striving to “repair the world,” it is also important to make sure that perhaps we ourselves are in “good repair” - health wise, as well as character wise. This will put us in a better position to make the world a better place for us all!

Baruch ata Adonai, Elohaynoo Melech haOlam, She Natan Lanoo Hizdamnoot Letaken et Ha Olam!ברוך אתה יי אלוהינו מלך העולם שנתן לנו הזדמנות לתקן את העולם

Blessed are You Adonai, Sovereign of the World, Who Has Given Us the Opportunity to Repair Our World

CoFTYThe Frozen Chosen ~ Friday, March 21

Join us for our annual Shabbaton - Lock-In!

Come and enjoy a pasta dinner, followed by mixers and Shabbat services. The lock-in is open to all 7th through 12th graders. We will be participating in social action programs, glow-in-the-dark basketball, and scavenger hunts; watching Frozen; and enjoying an ice cream bar! Cost is $18 per person! Pick-up is Saturday, March 22 at 10:00 a.m. after a bagel breakfast.

Support Religious School’s Annual Fundraiser:Miss Chocolate/Bartons Passover Candy Sale!

Use an order form or order online: www.misschocolate.com ~ School Code: 704479

Now through March 2, 2014

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WRJ / SISTERHOOD NEWS

BROTHERHOOD REPORTTodah Rabah to all the Brotherhood members who helped cook and serve food for Religious School’s Camp Day & Pizza Lunch last month!

The TOL WRJ Book Club focuses on books with a Jewish or Israeli theme. We meet at 7:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of every other month:

March 13: The Other Half of my Soul by Bahia Abrams, meeting at Mediterranean Tea Room

Our May meeting will be to discuss The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak, with a possible movie screening. Additional information TBA.There is no charge to attend and no registration – just show up! New members are encouraged. All are welcome. Questions? Contact Amanda Hamilton or Ilene King.

Green Team Expansion & Kudos greenteam@tolsc.org

GREEN TEAM UPDATE

!

The Green Team has expanded to have two captains to handle our projects. David Potter and Carolyn Hudson will work together to ensure that we have the best environmental program possible.

Thanks go to David and Ellen Potter for donating and planting several plants in our rain garden and for doing additional maintenance. Also, thanks go to Trish Sargent for donating more plants that David planted.

Additionally, thanks go to Risa Strauss for joining the Potters and Alice Kasakoff Adams at the Green Congregations Stop and Go Green meeting held January 30. Our rain garden display and information about our Green Team was on display for the attendees, who represented many Midlands congregations. We really appreciate Risa’s participation.

We will participate in The Big Nosh™ again, and the popular Carolina Clear Watershed exhibit will return as well.

To learn more about the Green Team, please visit http://www.tolsc.org/about-us/associations/green-team

Remember to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

“Sisters Gone Mad” at the Mad Platter!Thursday, March 20

7:00 p.m.

Choose from Passover and Judaica pieces to paint.Light refreshments & wine will be served.

$6 per person, plus price of art piece.All women of TOL welcome; adults only, please.

Please RSVP to Ellen Humphries for planning purposes.

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Beyond Beginners Hebrew with Risa StraussTuesdays, 6:00 - 6:55 p.m.Continuing March 4, 11 & 18

Intro to Hebrew with Risa StraussWednesdays, 6:00 - 6:55 p.m.Continuing March 5, 12 & 19

Introduction to Judaism with Rabbi ShermanWednesdays, 7:00 - 7:55 p.m.Continuing March 5 & 19

How to Get Even More Out of Shabbat Services with Rabbi ShermanWednesdays, 8:05 - 9:00 p.m.Continuing March 5

Call the Temple Office for more information.

WINTER 5774 / 2014 ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES

CONTINUE IN MARCH!

SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ADULTSAll are welcome to attend these free once-a-month

adult education sessions.

We meet at 9:15 a.m. in the TOL Library. A bagel breakfast is provided.

March 9“The Alphabet Soup of the Jewish Community”

with Barry Abels, Executive Director of the CJF & CJCC

Please RSVP to Risa for planning purposes.

LUNCH & LEARNLunch & Learn at TOLon Thursday, March 612:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.

Come learn with Rabbi Marcus about“DELIVERANCE Jewish Style: Esther, the Maccabees, Moses”

We’ll provide coffee, drinks & something sweet.Bring a bagged lunch if you want to eat!

Please RSVP to Risa for planning purposes.

Fifth Annual Jewish Food & Cultural FestivalThis year’s BIG NOSH™ will take place Sunday, May 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Volunteers NeededThe Big Nosh™ food committee needs your help making stuffed cabbage and other noshes. No experience needed! Contact Bill Sims at billsims61@gmail.com.

Pre-Orders Now AcceptedPre-orders are now being accepted! See page 9 for details.

Sponsorship Opportunities AvailableBecome a sponsor of The Big Nosh™with a tax-deductible donation:Friend:! ! $25-$249! Platinum: ! $1000Silver:! ! $250! ! Presenting:! $1500Gold:! ! $500See www.bignosh.org for details.

Stay Updated with the Latest Info!Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/bignosh.org), follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/bignoshsc), and/or bookmark www.bignosh.org to get the latest updates about our fifth annual festival!

SPECIAL HOLOCAUST SECTION TO APPEAR IN STATE NEWSPAPERWe here on the Columbia Holocaust Education

Commission (CHEC) continue to be excited and hard at work on the upcoming Holocaust insert supplement that will appear in The State Newspaper in April 2014.

Our fundraising efforts for this project are also continuing. We have received grants from South Carolina Council of Holocaust, Columbia Holocaust Education Council, the Anita and Jerry Zucker Foundation, and the Columbia Federation. We have also received donations from many members of the Columbia Jewish community. We continue to seek additional support for the project.

This is an exciting time as we partner with The State. If you would like to contribute to the Holocaust Supplement, please make the checks payable to Columbia Holocaust Education Commission and send to the CJCC. Indicate that this money is for the Holocaust supplement. Please submit your donations to the CJCC by March 15th in order to have your name printed in the supplement. It is our responsibility to educate ourselves and our neighbors, the Columbia Community, and the state of South Carolina about the Holocaust. We need to show that WE WILL NOT FORGET! Look for the inaugural edition in April 2014.

JFSJC

CCRC

JFNA

GA

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PRE-ORDER MENU 2014

10% DISCOUNT ON ORDERS

PLACED IN FEBRUARY

Sponsored and cooked with love by Tree of Life Congregation

Item Price Qty. Total Whitefish Salad (pound) $13.00 Quart of Bubbe’s Chicken Soup with Matzah Balls $10.00 Quart of Rabbi Marcus’ Special Cabbage & Beef Soup $9.00 Stuffed Cabbage (package of 4) $10.00 Noodle Kugel (9x9 pan) $15.00 Beef Brisket (pound) $15.00 Kosher style Corned Beef (pound) $15.00 Kosher style Pastrami (pound) $15.00 Chopped Liver (pound) $12.00 Knish (each) $4.00 Rugelach (dozen) $12.00 Challah $6.00 Ed’s famous Apple Strudel (whole) $14.00 Total

All Items will be packaged refrigerated. Please return this order form with payment (cash or exact cash) by Friday, April 25.

Mail or Deliver: Tree of Life Congregation

6719 NorthTrenholm Road Columbia, SC 29206

Fax order form to 803-787-0309 Email order form to info@tolsc.org (do not send questions to this address)

Express Pre-Festival Pickup Orders with quick onsite, 10-minute parking will be available from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. on the day of the festival (May 4, 2014). We recommend you avoid the crowds and pick up your orders early! Pre-Orders can be picked up during festival hours, but there will be no onsite parking. Name: ______________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ____________ Email: _________________________ Check #: ________ (please make check payable to Tree of Life Congregation)

Looking for a sandwich or a blue plate special? Take-out containers will be available at the festival all day! For more information visit our website at wwww.bignosh.org or call 803-787-2182.

Visit us at www.bignosh.org.

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SCRIP / BUCKS BACKThey’re going fast! We now have a limited supply of Target, iTunes, Starbucks, Whole Foods, and Bed,

Bath & Beyond cards in the Temple Office for immediate purchase! You may buy cards during business hours ONLY. Payment must be made at time of purchase with check or cash (EXACT change only). Now you can earn bucks back for TOL in between orders. Remember that you can also earn bucks back in between orders through ScripNow! and reloads, which may be purchased online at www.shopwithscrip.com.

Thank you to everyone who supported our Temple by ordering Scrip cards in the month of February! Our March order is due Sunday, March 9.

If you are new to the program, visit www.tolsc.org/scrip to learn more about Temple’s easiest fundraiser. Have questions or need assistance? Feel free to contact me.

Let’s see how much we can raise in 2014!Amy Scully803-497-3319 / ascully.59@gmail.com

Tree of Life Congregational Seder(Second Night of Passover)Tuesday, April 15, 6:00 p.m.

Celebrate Passover with your TOL community! This is a family event, led by Rabbi Sherman, for all ages. The meal consists of all the traditional Seder courses and foods. Your reservation and payment must be received by the TOL Office no later than April 8. Sorry, we cannot guarantee dinners after April 8 for those without reservations. Make your reservation by returning the form below with payment (checks payable to Tree of Life Congregation) to the Temple Office.

If you would like to participate but are unable to pay the full price please contact Rabbi Sherman.

Name(s) _________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____ I am available to help with setup. ! ! ! Phone/Email _______________________________________

_____ # Adults: TOL members ($25/person)! ! ! _____ # Children: ages 5-12 ($10/child)

_____ # Adults: non-members ($40/person)! ! ! _____ # Children: under age 5 (no charge)

_____ TOL Immediate Family Maximum $75 (indicate # of people) _____ # College Students & Military ($18/person)

$_____ Additional Donation to help sponsor the Seder ! Total amount enclosed $__________ Check # __________

Sunday, April 6! ! ! Religious School Model SederMonday, April 14! ! First Night of PassoverTuesday, April 15! ! TOL Congregational Seder (2nd night)Thursday, April 17! ! WRJ Women’s SederFriday, April 18! ! ! Shabbat Chol HaMoeid Pesach (Sabbath during Passover)Sunday, April 20! ! Last Night of Passover ServiceMonday, April 21! ! Last (7th) Day of Passover

PASSOVER 5774April 14-21, 2014

11

Mazel Tov to:Ellie Feuerstein & family, on her becoming a Bat Mitzvah

on January 18Harrison Moses & family, on his becoming a Bar Mitzvah

on February 8Refuah Shleima

Get well wishes to TOL members recently hospitalized or at home recovering: Jordan McGee, Nancy Reeves, Rob Scully, and Bethany Sorenson.

Condolences to:Sandy & Rick Mendel & family, on the loss of her father,

Joseph Lipsitz

Honor RollWe salute and thank our wonderful volunteers!

Office – Ann Gaton, Joan TuckerReligious School Office – Joan Tucker Hospital Patient List – Sandy HertzGreen Team / Recycling – Carolyn Hudson,

David PotterOneg Shabbat Coordination – Laura Becker,

Annette Goldstein

Andrew RoperAbe WandersmanAileen SunshineRobert FeinsteinSam HelmanIlene KingCraig BarkanVladimir PlotkinWill CasonJeff SilverWyatt TuckerAllan AckermanEd HertzSheila King

March 1March 1March 2March 3March 4March 4March 5March 6March 7March 8March 8March 10March 10March 10

Laura BeckerElliot EchlovBeverly KaplanDavid WileEden PicowShawn YoungstedtPam CrawfordAndrew CherneyAlan ReynerDaniela FriedmanDebbie RitterElaine CypresStacy DutySelma Dickman

March 11March 12March 12March 13March 14March 14March 16March 18March 18March 19March 19March 20March 21March 22

Jerry EmanuelBrett AltschulLory BellinoAndrew GreenbergFaye MillerDavid SchwartzBelinda GergelSharon WeissmanSamantha MarcusCheryl NailEleanor BornsteinNancy CartiffGrady Tucker

March 22March 23March 23March 25March 25March 25March 27March 27March 28March 30March 31March 31March 31

Marilyn & Michael Ehmke Pamela & Dennis CohenJocelyn & Bob Burg Joanne Jan Barkan Sandy & Rick MendelMelissa & Timothy VanceCarolyn & Alan ConwayLeah & Paul Cherney

March 6March 8March 16March 18March 18March 20March 22March 26

MEMBER NEWS

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

MARCH ANNIVERSARIESMarch 7 – ! Donna Magaro !March 14 – ! Cheri AlexanderMarch 21 – ! Dana CasonMarch 28 – ! Ilene King

WRJ SHABBAT SERVICE REPS

Please share your good news with your TOL family!

Submit info for our Mazel Tov section to newsletter@tolsc.org

or by calling the Temple Office.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

A concert series to beneFIt the homelessLight the Way

purchase tickets at lightthewaysc.comTickets: $20 regular admission, $10 student tickets

tree of life congregation - 6719 n. trenholm rd.

to benefit columbia family shelterjanet hopkins, Jennifer Parker-Harley, Dusan Vukajlovic, Charles Fugo, meira warshauer, Jack Burkheimer

Performances by

The Light the Way concert series is a creative way for professional local musicians to come [VNL[OLY�[V�ILULÄ[�HU�\UKLYZLY]LK�WVW\SH[PVU�PU�V\Y�JVTT\UP[`�·�[OL�OVTLSLZZ�

Spirals of Light:Music of meira Warshauer

March 2, 2014 @ 3:30 PmAlso Kelsey Kish, Daniel Rabinovich, Marina Alexandra

Sponsors: Tree Of Life Congregation, Beth Shalom Synagogue, Cultural Arts Committee of the Katie and Irwin Kahn Jewish Community Center

JCC 12TH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 201410:30 AM REGISTRATION

12:30 PM SHOTGUN STARTMEMBERS CLUB AT WILDEWOOD

Player registration and sponsorship commitment forms must be received by March 15 to ensure signs are made for sponsors and/or to hold your spot as a player. Forms may be picked up at the JCC and returned to the attention of Melanie. See www.jcccolumbia.org for further details.

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February 7Lauren & Andrew Woldorf & family, in honor of

Harrison Moses becoming a Bar MitzvahDan, Lory & Rebecca Bellino, in memory of Barry LeveyBessie Garber, in memory of Paul GarberYelizavetov & Talap Khasiyetova, in memory of Mira VolynetsMarlene Korash, in memory of Eugene KorashErnie, Donna, Mark & Abby Magaro, in memory of

Mac DavidsonIgor and Irina Volynets, in memory of Mira VolynetsFebruary 14Emanuel Farber, in memory of Henrietta Schleider FarberBelle S. Fields, in memory of Ethel Ann SerbinJudith Kalb & Alexander Ogden, in memory of Bella KalbRabbi Sanford & Ruth Marcus, in memory of

Henrietta Schleider FarberArline Polinsky, in memory of Gertrude Segal FurmanHarriet Posner, in memory of Mabel MannDavid & Ellen Potter, in memory of Sandra GaffneyJan, Philip, Zack & Erin Savitz, in memory of Sam SavitzJennifer & Steve Savitz, in memory of Sam SavitzJenny & Bradford Smith, in memory of Sam SavitzAileen Sunshine, in memory of Marc SunshineAlice & Steve Terner, in memory of Isadore Jack HoffmanJudith & Frederick Thibault, in memory of Hilda K. FischmanMorton Winter, in memory of Nellie Winter.February 21Steven, Naomi and Samuel Grosby, in memory of

Herbert GrosbyRabbi Sanford Marcus & Ruth Marcus, in memory of

Dr. Harold SchleiderJeff, Peggy & Dan Miller, in memory of Florence B. SnyderMarvin Milman, in memory of Nancy Bedford MilmanHarriet Posner, in memory of Kate PosnerFelix & Sarra Rabinovich, in memory of Yakov VolfsonRob, Amy & Matthew Scully, in memory of Kate PosnerFebruary 28Laura Becker, in memory of David BeckerElaine A. Cypres, in memory of Mildred AuerbachDaniela Friedman & Mike Dojc, in memory of

Doreen FriedmanAlan M. Jolles, in memory of Howard JoulesHoward & Karyn Sheftman, in memory of Rena SheftmanMorton Winter, in memory of Wolfe Winter

BIMAH FLOWERSFriday, March 7 - Nathan Blatt*, Edward Davidson, Julius Feinstein, Shirley Levine, Morris Rauch*, Ben Stein*, Mariya Volfson, Gary Gomberg*, Beatrice Kapilian, Gertrude Pall, Adam LaQincy McKnight, Harold Beisin, Rhonda Brandon, Nathan Brenner, Sadie F. Horn*, Richard C. Shivley, Philip Winter*, Cecile Wolff*, Golda Rothberg Belove*, Eve Dobkin, Benjamin Radin, Rachele A. Rothfeder*!

Friday, March 14 - Terri Hertz*, Paul Snyder, Julius J. Teskey*, Manya "Minnie" Cohen, Alan H. Leader, Hanna Pearlstine*, Rebecca Rogol Winter*, Joseph H. Bloom*, Sidney Conway*, Maurice Marcus, David Milman, Martin Needles, Grier Park, Renee Rollins, Mary M. Rothstein*, Charlotte Steingold, Abraham Isaac Trager*, Frank J. Boxt, Rose L. Cohen*, William S. Reyner*, Elizabeth Auerbach Wilken*Friday, March 21 - Jennie Ginsberg*, Andrea Gerstle, Elaine Gomberg*, Ann Trachamofsky Leader, James Masur*, Michael Sigel, Reuben Brody, Marian D. Fleischman*, Hannah Frayda, Sara Garbuz, Arline Wander*, Charles Ralph Daniel*, Nettie Hagenbuch, Cela Miller, Myron Wander*, Geraldine Kreiselman, Shep Pearlstine*, Jesse Weiner*, Ida C. Fidelholtz*, Fritzie Alene Mann*, Irving Schwartz, Nancy Love Weiss*, Edward Furman*, Goldie Hoffman*, Josiah MorseFriday, March 28 - Freda Benowitz, Anna Gordon, Dr. Samuel Birch*, Jerry Brandon, Julia Krantz, Arthur Ginsberg*, Nettie Weisberg, Elic Hyman, Samuel Lewis Rifkin*, Ralph J. Friedman*, Gorman A. Garber, Bessye D. Kantor*, Julius E. Love*, Samuel A. Specter*, David L. Slone, Susan Markel Starr*, Lillian Ravdin Zeller

*name memorialized by a plaque in the sanctuary

YAHRZEITS

ONEG SHABBAT HOSTS

Note: If you are unable to bake or purchase Oneg Shabbat refreshments you may donate $20.00. Homemade goods are always preferable. Checks need to be sent to the temple office two weeks prior to your Oneg Shabbat date. Thank you!

March 7, 2014 - Chair: Jeff Silver, Dana and Chris Cason, Alan & Victoria Carr, David & Jill Carr, Nancy Cartiff, Richard & Robin Chapman, Paul & Leah Cherney, Matt ChislingMarch 14, 2014 - Chair: Todd Weiss, Rebecca & Michael Coffman, Dennis & Pamela Cohen, Albert Cohen, Jr., Keven & Laney Cohen, Ruth Cohen, Raymond CohenMarch 21, 2014 - Chair: Joy Parks, Todd Jacobs, Richard & Myrna Cohen, Steven & Helga Cohen, Rick & Debbie Cohn, Alan & Carolyn Conway, Mark & Pamela Crawford, Greg & Beth CrawfordMarch 28, 2014 - Chair: Debbie Greenhouse, David & Erika Cutler, Elaine Cypres, Sanford Daniel, Fred & Doris Davidson, Carla Davis, Ann Diamond

Did you know that over 14 million peoplein America are going hungry?

 

Starting March 1st through April 30th, there will be a community-wide challenge to fight hunger. Through the Feinstein Foundation, JFS will be eligible for matching funds for every dollar and every food item donated to the Jewish Family Service Food Pantry. Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 16.

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General FundSusan & Alan Brill, in memory of Michael GlantzSusan & Alan Brill, in memory of Joseph LipsitzSusan & Alan Brill, in memory of Chris MagaroSusan & Alan Brill, in memory of Susan NeiderSusan & Alan Brill, in honor of Howie WeissIna & Jack Gottlieb, in memory of Joseph LipsitzNed & Julie Strauss, in memory of Chris Magaro Ned & Julie Strauss, thinking of Rob ScullyMichael Wolff & family, in memory of Elsie Wolff

Rabbi Sherman’s Discretionary FundBarbara RastMichael Wolff & family, in memory of Elsie WolffReligious School Neil Cartiff Memorial FundNancy Cartiff, thinking of Jordan McGeeNancy Cartiff, thinking of Rob Scully

Youth Activities FundMyrna & Richard Cohen, thinking of Rob ScullyEllen Humphries, in memory of Michael GlantzRob & Amy Scully, in honor of Harrison Moses becoming

a Bar MitzvahRob & Amy Scully, in honor of Hannah Rapport’s

engagement to Jackson PriceRob & Amy Scully, in appreciation of Rabbi ShermanSisterhood Courtesy Fund Jeannie Rubin, in memory of Michael Glantz

We gratefully acknowledge the following thoughtful donations:

CONTRIBUTIONS

General Funds ($5 minimum donation unless otherwise noted)• Building Fund ($10 minimum)• Choir Fund• Foyer Leaf Fund ($72/leaf) – to purchase &

inscribe a leaf• General Fund• High Holy Day / Passover Fund – to help cover

holiday operating expenses• Library Fund – to help provide books &

resources for TOL library.• Memorial Board & Plaque Fund ($500/plaque)

– to purchase a yahrzeit plaque for the sanctuary memorial boards.

• Neil Cartiff Religious School Memorial Fund – to support teacher and leadership training

• Prayer Book Fund ($30 minimum) – to purchase a Shabbat prayer book

• Rabbi’s Discretionary fund – to render emergency assistance to individuals, promote Jewish causes, and to open opportunities for Jewish learning and spiritual development.

• Religious School Fund – to help cover regular operating expenses & educational resources of the Religious School.

• Sukkah Plaza Brick Fund ($54/4x8; $90/8x8) – to purchase & inscribe a brick in our Sukkah Plaza

• Youth Activities Fund – to provide financial aid for helping our students participate in Israel programs, URJ summer camps, and NFTY regional events.

Sisterhood Funds ($5 minimum donation)• Reyner Convention Fund – to send Sisterhood

members to conventions.• Courtesy Fund – to help beautify the Temple.• Evelyn & Dan Daniel Leadership Development

Fund – to send youth to leadership camp (formerly known as the TYG Fund)

Endowment Funds ($25 minimum donation) • General Endowment Fund• Jeanette Birch Endowment Fund – for grounds

beautification.• Diane Brown Sobel Endowment Fund – helps

purchase items for the Religious School.• Marian D. Fleischman Endowment Fund –

helps fund TOL programming.• Ralph & Sarah Levine Endowment Fund – for

capital improvements to our building.• Sylvia & Sam Savitz Music Enrichment

Endowment Fund• Jonathan Train Youth Group Endowment Fund

TOL FUND DIRECTORYPlease consider making a tax-deductible donation to your favorite TOL General, Sisterhood, or Endowment fund.

Donations make wonderful gifts!

SHABBAT MUSIC

SUKKAH PLAZA BRICKS

Please help support our Music Program at TOLHere at the Tree of Life, music is such an important part of

our worship experience. We are so fortunate to have our very talented music director, Sharon Witherell, leading our music for services. To preserve and enhance our music program, please consider donating to the TOL Choir Fund. For a contribution of $136 you can sponsor the music for a Shabbat Evening Service.

All contributions of $36 or more will be acknowledged in our Shabbat service handout. Donations may be made in memory of a loved one to mark a yahrzeit, in honor of someone special or a special life-cycle moment, or simply in appreciation.

For more information or to answer any questions, please contact Rabbi Sherman or the TOL Office. All contributions are greatly appreciated and will be listed in the TOL monthly newsletter. Thank you for your generosity and support.

A Sukkah Plaza brick is a great way to commemorate a life event. Please consider purchasing an engraved brick to be installed in our Sukkah Plaza walkway. Some events you may want to commemorate include baby namings, consecration, B’nei Mitzvah, confirmation, weddings, anniversaries, and the blessed memory of loved ones. Bricks may be ordered by filling out a form found in the Temple Office or through the Temple website at www.tolsc.org/donate.

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MARCH 2014SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

2

9:00 a.m.Religious School

10:30 a.m.Tree Tumblers

Purim

3:30 p.m.Light the Way

Concert

3 4

6:00 p.m.Beyond Beginners

Hebrew

5

6:00 p.m.Intro to Hebrew

7:00 p.m.Intro to Judaism

8:05 p.m.Prayerbook Class

6

12:00 noonLunch & Learn

with Rabbi Marcus

6:30 p.m.Mama Doni Concert

at the JCC

7

7:00 p.m.Shabbat Evening

Bar Mitzvah Service of Will Cason

8

99:00 a.m.

Religious School

9:15 a.m.Sunday School

for Adults

10 11

6:00 p.m.Beyond Beginners

Hebrew

6:00 p.m.Executive Committee

7:00 p.m.Board of Directors

12

6:00 p.m.Intro to Hebrew

13 14

6:45 p.m.KIDZ Shabbat

7:30 p.m.Shabbat Service

15PURIM EVE

6:45 p.m.“Megillah Around

the Clock”Purim Service,

Megillah Reading & Shpiel at BSS

8:30 p.m.Masquerade Ball

at BSS

16

9:00 a.m.Religious School

10:30 a.m.Purim Carnival

17 18

6:00 p.m.Beyond Beginners

Hebrew

19

6:00 p.m.Intro to Hebrew

7:00 p.m.Intro to Judaism

20

7:00 p.m.Sisterhood Program:

Sisters Gone Madat the Mad Platter

21

6:30 p.m.Potluck

Shabbat Dinner

7:30 p.m.Shabbat Service

led by Kitah Gimel

CoFTY Shabbaton

22

10:00 a.m.Shabbat

Morning Service& Torah Study

23

9:00 a.m.Religious School

30

9:00 a.m.Religious School

24

31

25

6:45 p.m.Sisterhood Board

26 27 28

7:30 p.m.Shabbat Service

29

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TREE OF LIFE CONGREGATIONEstablished 1896

6719 North Trenholm Road * Columbia, SC 29206Office: (803) 787-2182 * Fax (803) 787-0309

Website: www.tolsc.orgEmail: info@tolsc.org

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pmFriday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

RABBI Daniel M. Shermanrabbisherman@tolsc.orgRABBI EMERITUS Sanford T. Marcus, D.D.Risa Strauss, RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DIRECTORrisa@tolsc.org

OFFICERSPresident! Rick CohnFirst Vice President! Alan BrillSecond Vice President! Paul WestfallSecretary! Lisa HelferTreasurer! Joy ParksImmediate Past President! Steve SavitzBOARD MEMBERSLaney Cohen! ! ! Bruce MillerRichard Cohen! ! ! Arline PolinskyJessica Elfenbein! ! Amy ScullyEric Feuerstein! ! ! Jeff SeligBruce Greenberg! ! Jeff SilverDebbie Greenhouse ! ! Julie StraussDonna Magaro ! ! ! G. Todd WeissLIFETIME BOARD MEMBERSBernard Fleischman, Jr.! Howard WeissStephen Savitz

COMMITTEE CHAIRSEndowment! Ned StraussFinance! Howard Weiss!House & Grounds! G. Todd WeissMembership ! Annette GoldsteinReligious School Board! Yuliana IskhakovRitual! Richard CohenAFFILIATESBrotherhood President! David CarrSisterhood Presidents! Amanda HamiltonCOFTY President! Elena CarrTEMPLE STAFFOffice Manager! Ann GillespieCustodian! Demitris GilmoreTEMPLE MUSICIANSMusic Director! Sharon WitherellDirector Emeritus! Jackie McNeil

Tree of Life Congregation6719 North Trenholm RoadColumbia, SC 29206