Read our current Ruach - Congregation Emanu-El
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Read our current Ruach - Congregation Emanu-El
Ruach! November 2016 M ichael A . D avis, Rabbi ALL HANDS ON DECK -- It’s that time of year again where we all come together to pull off our biggest fundraiser of the year! N ovember Shabbat Services Friday, November 4 Shabbat Evening Family Service, 7:00 pm 11 am – 3 pm DINE IN 11 am – 6 pm TAKE OUT This year is different - we are celebrating our 50th year (!) and are bringing back a vintage recipe that we have not seen in many years. We will offer our Sour Cream Coffee Cake for sale in Uncle Manny’s Deli, along with our other delicious offerings. We will need you to fill our many roles that day. We need servers, parking lot attendants, kitchen help, last minute prep (room set-up, brisket cookers, chopped liver makers on November 12th, tomato/cucumber salad prep, etc.), Uncle Manny’s Deli workers and new this year…greeters! We need people to greet and direct people as they approach the building to make sure folks with tickets in hand get into the correct line. This will help our ticket-takers at the door concentrate on selling tickets, taking money and also make sure ticket holders get in quickly. This will also help keep the line from snaking down the hall and blocking the entrances to Uncle Manny’s Deli, Take-Out, Pre-Order, creating a fire hazard… you get the picture. Another change: Last year, we ran out of parking spaces so when you come to work on Deli Day, please park in the Smiles Orthodontics parking lot (7015 E. Central), just east of us. This will leave more space in our parking lot for customers. Unless it’s unfeasible for you to walk that far, please park next door. People to contact to volunteer: Kitchen/Servers/Gift Shop -‐ Julie Fruhauf: 316-‐733-‐7553 or 316-‐648-‐7224, email: [email protected] Parking Lot -‐ Mark Ross: 316-‐263-‐3226, email: [email protected] Uncle Manny’s Deli -‐ Ellie Shore: 316-‐295-‐4180, email: [email protected] Take-‐Out -‐ Tammy Wagner: 316-‐683-‐3383 or 316-‐617-‐5228, email: [email protected] Greeters or don’t know what to do but want to help -‐ Cyndie Ponder: 316-‐841-‐3656, email: [email protected] Front Door Ticket/Money Takers -‐ Marla Amsden: 316-‐258-‐8437, email: [email protected] Saturday, November 5 Shabbat Morning Service, 10:00 am Noach-Gen. 6:9-11:32 Friday, November 11 Shabbat Evening Service, 7:00 pm Saturday, November 12 Shabbat Morning Service, 10:00 am Lech Lecha-Gen. 12:1-17:27 Friday, November 18 Shabbat Evening Service, 7:00 pm Saturday, November 19 Shabbat Morning Service, 10:00 am Vayera-Gen. 18:1-22:24 Friday, November 25 Shabbat Evening Service, 7:00 pm Saturday, November 26 Shabbat Morning Service, 10:00 am Chaye Sarah-Gen. 23:1-25:18 I am looking forward to seeing all of you there making our 50th year the Best Year Ever! - Cyndie Ponder – Deli Day Chair 7011 E. Central, Wichita, Kansas 67206 Office: (316) 684-5148 | Email: [email protected] | w w w .emanuelict.org My Dear Friends It's a "parents problem;" a "parent's prerogative." Along with "I'm cold, so you put on a coat." Along with showing embarrassing baby photos to a prom date. Along with saying...well, just about anything, and thereby embarrassing one's offspring. If you are a parent, you will reminisce about when your children were young. It doesn't matter if they are ten years old, or twenty or thirty; you will look back and remember those children when they were babies or toddlers. And if you are an annoying parent, you will remind them of those times (and if you're especially annoying, you'll remind them in front of their friends. #secretpleasures #thefirsttimeI'veeverusedahashtag). I was being one of those annoying parents the other day, reminiscing with my oldest about when he was a fussy baby. I told him (for perhaps the hundredth time) about when he would be fussy and cranky at dinnertime. He'd be in his highchair, squirming and struggling to get out, and then IT would happen. The opening music to TNG would come on the television. For those who are not among the cognoscenti, "TNG" refers to "Star Trek: The Next Generation," the television show that first attempted to recapture the magic of the original "Star Trek" for a post-1960's television audience. As soon as the opening music came on, that baby stopped his fussing and fretting and squirming and struggling, he'd stare at the TV, and he'd bounce up and down to the music. He was dancing in his highchair. As his father, I can assure you that it was the cutest thing that had ever happened in the history of the world. What I want to share with you, however, has to do with my reminding him so recently of that dinnertime memory. You see, I took it one step further. I shared with him how, when I first heard they were going to make a "The Next Generation," I was excited. I wondered if it would do justice to my memory of the original. Most importantly, I wondered if they would correct the glaring grammatical mistake that William Shatner made in his opening monologue. In the original Star Trek, William Shatner described the mission of the Star Ship Enterprise as "...to boldly go where no man has gone before." The split infinitive used to drive my father crazy. "It's 'to go boldly!' Why, why, why would they do that?" While I reminisced about when he was a baby, I told my son how eager I had been to see how the new show would handle that opening monologue. They changed "our five-year mission" to "our continuing mission." They changed, "where no man has gone" to "where no one has gone." The split infinitive, however, remained. Oh well. No one is perfect. I hadn't lost any sleep about it. But then I said something to my son that shook my world. I told him that I remembered where I was when I saw that first episode. I told him that I remembered precisely where I was standing in our Florida home as I watched them split that infamous infinitive. And that's when he pointed out that the first episode of TNG aired in 1987 and we had moved to Florida in 1991. My memory of the event – so vivid, so clear in my mind – was totally wrong. It was wrong. But I could see it! I could feel it! I remember it so clearly! I was wrong. Why did this realization shake me so? I've been wrong before (rarely). I've forgotten things before (even more rarely). It's not like this was such an important memory; I didn't forget a child's birthday or forget to put on my seatbelt. Perhaps because the memory was so strong, so unquestionable, that finding out it was more than questionable – it was simply false – it shook my very definition of myself; the picture I had of myself standing in that spot looking in that direction was an illusion. That story was a part of who I am, a part of how I view myself. And it was wrong. In the grand scheme of things, it is really an unimportant matter, I suppose. Who cares where I was when I heard the new captain of the new Enterprise on the new Star Trek television show split the same infinitive? It only matters in that it becomes another example of things I think I know for certain about which I shouldn't be so certain. It matters because, if I can learn from it, perhaps I will realize that other things I take for certain may also be wrong. It's a lesson I/we should always try to remember. Regardless of how sure we are, regardless of how long we have known it to be true, regardless of who else shares that view, perhaps we are wrong. If we can approach disputes, disagreements, problems or even elections realizing simply that we might be wrong about this perception or that understanding, then perhaps we will be open to learning a new thing, gaining greater awareness of our life and our world as they are. Questioning our perceptions, our memories, our understanding. Not a bad lesson to learn from discussing an old TV show. - Rabbi Michael Davis In October we started a new Jewish year (5777) and, like apples and honey, I hope it started off sweet for you and continues as such. We helped celebrate the new year with an appreciation luncheon for our long-time friend and cantor, Martha Elliott. It was wonderful to thank her for the many years her voice has brought joy to our High Holiday services. But nothing lasts forever and at the Yom Kippur service, Martha let it be known that this would be her last time with us as a cantor. Martha had been slowly decreasing her professional engagements and we were so fortunate that she selected us as one of her last. As emotional and intense as Yom Kippur is, this announcement increased that intensity. We wish Martha and her family the brightest and warmest New Year. We will miss her, and we let it be known that she is like family and always welcome at Emanu-El. Remember all that food you generously donated in those brown paper bags? Well, the Youth Group delivered it to the Inter-Faith Inn. Thank you Congregation EmanuEl for your food donations and thank you Youth Group for coming together and delivering the food. Your congregation is proud of you and we all know how important that food is to those in need. Deli Day is "The" Temple fundraiser of the year for us. So much depends on how much money we raise. It really does affect our bottom line as it has a huge impact on our budget. At this point, I encourage all Temple members who are able, to volunteer for some type of Deli Day activity. We need all hands on deck. New people can sometimes offer great new ideas … if we just stop and listen. My deepest appreciation and thanks to all you volunteers for stepping up and helping. The smells from the kitchen are fantastic and overwhelm the senses with mouth-watering delight. It is wonderful to see everyone come together as a congregation to plan and support this very important fundraiser. Volunteering may seem a bit awkward at first. But as you work with your fellow volunteers, that awkwardness gives way to confidence and friendships. Volunteering during Deli Day has that effect. There is camaraderie and a feeling of accomplishment that occurs. I know, because it happens each time the Brotherhood puts up and takes down the Sukkah and it happens at Deli Day as well. At the end of the day, you renew old friendships and make new ones. You walk away with a feeling of accomplishment, warm in the knowledge that you did good for yourself and for your congregation. And everyone, please remember…we all know how very busy things can be on Deli Day. So while we are courteous to our guests, lets please be courteous to each other. We are, after all, an army of "volunteers." I thank you all in advance for your help. In other matters, the Temple Board’s first vice president has the duty to review, at least once every two years, the constitution and by-laws and make recommendations to the Board for changes, deletions, modifications, and interpretations in order to further the work of the organization. First vice-president, Joe Massimini, has completed this review. Based on the advice and recommendation of Terri Moses, leader of our ad hoc Security Team, that met this past year to upgrade our security awareness and security system, your Board recommends you approve the establishment of a Security Committee as a new standing committee. Your Board recommends an amendment to to add item k) Security Committee*. Discussion and your vote on this important amendment will occur at the Annual Meeting in January, 2017. In addition, the Board will be preparing a budget for next year, the Nominating Committee will present a slate of Board officers and Board members, and the different Temple units will prepare their annual reports, all presented at the Annual Meeting. If you attended our Kol Nidre service, you already heard "The Letter." Several members of Congregation EmanuEl and Hebrew Congregation came together to discuss the future of the Jewish community in Wichita. The purpose of reading their letter to both congregations at the same time, was to provide the community some information about their conversations. You can read their letter in this issue of the Ruach. So, the High Holy Days and Sukkot are behind us and the spirit left by these holidays continues to linger on within each of us in one fashion or another. I hope you will all become engaged in Congregation Emanu-El and take advantage of all we have to offer. It works because you care. Until next time, … Health, Happiness, and Peace … to you and yours. - Mark Ross BTW: I wish you all an enjoyable Thanksgiving. If traveling, I wish you a safe journey. --------------------------------------------------------------------*k) Security Committee, whose duty shall be to promote all manner of security, activities which contribute to maintaining situational awareness at the Temple, and interfacing with local law enforcement as required. The committee shall regularly present reports to the Temple Board of Directors. Membership in this committee shall include the Chairperson of the Security Committee, and at least three (3) additional members of the Congregation. Brunch, Text Study and Discussion November 20 -- 10:00am -- Congregation Emanu-El For the past five years, we have participated with hundreds of congregations and Jewish communities all over the world in the Global Day of Jewish Learning. This year's theme is "Under the Same Sky: The Earth is Full of Your Creations." The specific topic for our session will be "Planting for the Future." Planting is at the core of gardening and farming. It is also a fundamental metaphor for long-term planning and investment. In our session, we will examine the significance of planting in Jewish life, and the life of the Jewish community in general and in the life of our Jewish community in particular. Please join us on November 20 at 10:00 am as our community members will have the opportunity to learn together and, in doing so, create a stronger, deeper sense of togetherness, amongst ourselves and with Jews around the entire world. Our participation is an example of us coming together as one community, and our community's participation in this worldwide event is an example of the diversity and vibrancy of global Jewry working together and creating together. RSVPs to Temple office, 684-5148, requested but not required. Thank You, Martha! We have been privileged to have Martha Elliott join us for High Holy Days for the past 21 years. Her warmth, her spirit, her sweet voice have enriched our worship and helped to make the High Holy Day season truly a time of great meaning and beauty. Unfortunately, this year's services will be her last with us. We will miss her, how she touched our community, her ability to take our prayers and raise them up on eagles' wings. With gratitude for all her years with us, we wish her and her family all the best in the future. Her song will continue to echo in our hearts. May her voice continue to rise and bring with it the prayers of our People. – Rabbi Michael Davis First Friday Family Breakfast for Supper Potluck Friday, November 4th 6:00 pm Family Shabbat Service to follow at 7:00 pm The Ritual Committee will provide bagels and cream cheese. You can bring dairy breakfast casseroles, frittatas, muffins, eggs, cinnamon rolls, French toast, pancakes… whatever you can think of! Please RSVP to Joy at 684-5148 or e-mail [email protected] Sisterhood News Brotherhood News Once again, our High Holidays have come and gone. For me, this years’ service seemed especially beautiful and the words particularly meaningful. I’ve spoken to a number of people who felt the same. I don’t know whether it was the bitter sweetness of this being our cantor, Martha Elliott’s, last year or the generally unsettled feeling of the times. But thank you Martha and Rabbi Davis and Tony for making the services so special. November, the High Holydays and Sukkot are over and it is now Deli Day time with Thanksgiving and Black Friday/Cyber Monday around the corner. Sisterhood provided a delicious Break-the-Fast meal following the High Holiday services. Thank you to all of the families who provided the food and funding to make this wonderful occasion possible. We had nearly a hundred folks sitting down to enjoy a meal together. It’s a great way to start the New Year and a lovely warm and welcoming end to our Holiday services. And thanks also to the many families that contributed so generously to provide the beautiful High Holy Day flowers. Thank you Lauren Lentz for once again providing us with the Memorial Book for Yom Kippur. And thank you, as well, to everyone who donated towards it. It’s a very meaningful way for all of us to remember our dear ones and to realize that all of us suffer such losses in our lives. We hope everyone received their new Congregation Emanu-El 2016-2017 Directory. Please patronize the advertisers who generously placed ads in it. There are a number of new ones this year. Thank you to Susan Downs and Joy for updating the Directory, securing the merchant advertisers, and ushering it through production and into our hands. If you did not pick up your directory after High Holiday Services, it will be coming to you soon in the mail. Since this is the season to be thankful, I would also like to thank all of the Sisterhood members who provide treats for our onegs throughout the year. Each one of you adds your own special touch. Whether you bake your favorite cookies or head to the grocery store, you provide what you think others would like and that makes each week special and different. Thanks to all of you for adding to the sweetness of Shabbat. I’d also like to thank all of you who have shown up in the kitchen early on Sunday mornings to cook for Deli Day. By the time you read this, we will really be down to the wire. Remember to look for the order form in this Ruach and send in your order to ensure that you will be able to have your favorites. And please try to purchase as many of your tickets as you can. I sometimes give one to friends from other parts of my life in the hope that they will come and enjoy it and also bring someone with them who will then buy another ticket at the door. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather that we’ve been having. - Mallory Medvene, Sisterhood Leadership Circle Last month, the Brotherhood had their annual sukkah erection. It was completed in two parts. Part one was the building of the sukkah and took place the day after Yom Kippur. Those involved were: Bruce Gesson, Terry Powell, Aaron Lubrand, David Eichhorn, Andrew Knight, Maria Jacobia, Brent Rosenberger, Mark Ross, Peter Grant and David Leben. And as usual, we also had a hot dog dinner with chips and pop prepared by yours truly. Part two of the sukkah building took place on the Sunday of Supper in the Sukkah when the lighting, chairs and tables were put in. Those that participated were: Mark Levy, Kenny Fruhauf, Alan Grossman, Mark Ross, Andrew Knight, Maria Jacobia, Brent Rosenberger, David Eichhorn and Bruce Gesson. The Roast Committee met and we had many names submitted but there was one multi-talented person that stood out. She has run Sisterhood, has taken charge of Deli Day and whatever else she can take charge of. She has a name that is easy to say, but not to spell. That special person is Cyndie with a “Y” Ponder and lo and behold, she accepted this lowly honor. Be sure to make it a must to attend the Brotherhood Roast to roast and toast Cyndie with a “Y” Ponder. The Roast will be on Saturday evening, February 11th so mark your calendars now for a great evening of fun, food and schmoozing. With Deli Day coming up, the Brotherhood coordinates the parking, so if you need a job to do, contact Mark Ross to tell him you would like to help with the parking. Beep, beep! And, in the course of your daily routines, if you have ideas for future Brotherhood events, tell Brotherhood Co-Presidents Mark Levy or Peter Grant, or any Brotherhood Board member, your ideas. We are always looking for new ideas so we can keep the Brotherhood fresh, hip and up to date in the Wichita Jewish community. The Brotherhood Board meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm at the Temple. Any Brotherhood member is welcome at our meetings. - Peter Grant, Brotherhood Co-President Clean-‐Up Day a Sparkling Success Volunteers answered the Welcoming Team’s call to spruce up the Temple for the High Holy Days. Together we scrubbed, polished, and shlepped. Our reward? A spiffy Temple. . . and pizza for lunch. Thank you to the following workers: Sean Amore Rebecca Armstrong-Gaynor Lisa Billershaw Dominique Corbeil David Eichhorn Jennifer Moore Mark Ross Jerry Scholl Olivier Scholl Ken Shaw Cal Solomon Dan Solomon Dana Solomon Eric Wilkinson - Ellie Shore, Welcoming Committee SAVE THE DATE… Sisterhood Gift Shop BIG DELI DAY SALE! Sunday, Nov. 13th Come in and check it out on Deli Day! 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Everything will be 25%-50% off!! Any questions? Meals-On-Wheels Delivery Sunday, December 25th Congregation Emanu-‐El will once again take over the preparing, packing and delivering of Christmas Dinner for Senior Services' Meals-‐On-‐Wheels program. Contact Julie Fruhauf at [email protected] or call 316-648-7424 Deli Day Cooking Deli Day is fast approaching and the kitchen has been a busy place. The mandelbrot and 50th anniversary coffeecake are already in the freezer. The smell wafting from the kitchen on October 2nd wasn’t the most delightful, but that’s what we deal with in making cabbage casserole. The end product sure tastes good. At the helm was master cabbage casserole maker, Jerry Scholl, with Ellie Shore manning the boiler. Crying tears from chopping bags of onions were Sue Downs, Sally Wilson and Cyndie Ponder. Dominique Corbeil saved the day by bringing her juicer from home and juiced the 30 lemons—that saved so much time! Then came the chopping of 24 heads of cabbage. Sally Geisert came in time to help with the packaging too. Doris Weller, our chief dishwasher, came just in time! On October 9th, the sweetness was oozing out of the kitchen. Cyndie Ponder was making matzah toffee and on the other side of the kitchen, we were making coconut macaroons. We couldn't have done it without the help of Julie Fruhauf, Sally Geisert, Evy Gregg, Mallory Medvene, Ken Shaw, Eric Shoffner, Doris Weller, and Sue Downs, after teaching our kids all morning, stayed until the end to help. We made nine trays of matzah toffee and ten trays of macaroons, one and a half times more than last year! We will need your help on Sunday, November 6 to make about 100 loaves of apple strudel. We use it for dessert and we also sell it in Uncle Manny’s Deli. Please plan on stopping by and helping. We will also need your help on Deli Day. If you haven’t volunteered, please let us know so that we can put you to work! - Tammy Wagner Ruach! Issue 214 Published monthly by Congregation Emanu-El Wichita, Kansas Tel: (316) 684-5148 Email: [email protected] Website: emanuelict.org President: Mark Ross Rabbi: Michael A. Davis Hebrew Short Course: Performance – Hatzagah Play – Machazeh Theater – Te’atron Actor – Sachkan Actress – Sachkanit Stage – Bamah Act 1 – Ma’aseh 1 Playwright – Machazay Audience – Kahal Applause – Mechiyot kapayim Ruach! Editor: Judy Eichhorn Ruach! December Issue Deadline: November 15, 2016 Please e-mail all information to: [email protected] or send it to Congregation Emanu-El. Sunday, November 13, 2016 ✡✡ Advance Purchase Order Form -- Deadline: November 8 th th ✡✡ Hooray! It’s our 50 Anniversary! Name: _________________________ Address: __________________________ Phone number(s): ______________________ Email: ________________________ Quantity ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ Item Price th 50 Anniversary Coffee Cake! This Year Only! . . . . . . . . $10.00 please specify: with pecans ____ without pecans ____ Apple Strudel (contains walnuts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9.00 Cabbage Roll Casserole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9.00 Challah (small) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.00 Chopped Chicken Liver (½ pint) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00 Cheese Blintzes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.00 Coconut Macaroons – Plain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00 Coconut Macaroons – Dark chocolate dipped . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00 Hamantaschen – Apricot filling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.00 Hamantaschen – Strawberry filling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.00 Hamantaschen – Poppy Seed filling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.00 Hamantaschen – Variety pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.00 Mandelbrot (contains pecans) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.00 Matzoh Toffee without nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.00 Matzoh Toffee with almonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.00 Noodle Kugel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.00 Potato Knishes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9.00 Rugelach – Traditional (nuts and cinnamon) . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00 Rugelach – Chocolate chip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00 Rugelach – Variety pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00 Total $______ Complete meals, sandwiches, and soup will be available for Take-Out in Uncle Manny’s Deli Order Pickup – Sunday, November 13th, starting at 11:00 a.m. Please send this form: ü By mail to Congregation Emanu-El Deli Event, 7011 E. Central, Wichita, KS 67206 ü By email to [email protected] ü Or drop off at the Temple office (T – F, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) Thank you for supporting Congregation Em anu -El Contributions If you wish to make a contribution to one of the Temple funds, please make your check payable to: Congregation Emanu-El _______ Fund, and mail it to the Temple office. Please mark your envelope in the lower left-hand corner with the name of the fund to which your donation should be directed. B uilding Fund Library Fund (Send information to the Temple) (Sarah Feiertag – 634-2836) C aring C om m ittee Fund C em etery Endow m ent Fund Thank you to our Wichita family for your lovely messages on our 51st anniversary and Lois’ birthday. Tom and Lois Ruby (Sam Lentz – 683-3840) Rabbi's D iscretionary Fund Foundation Fund (Send information to the Temple) (Leah Barnhard – 832-0435) Flow er Fund With appreciation and gratitude to Rabbi Davis. The Family of Matthew Amsden (Send information to the Temple) Sim cha Fund G eneral Fund (Kim Gollin – 733-5640) (Send information to the Temple) W elcom ing Team Fund Donation. Sharon and Kent Olmstead (Send information to the Temple) (Send information to the Temple) Youth Fund (Send information to the Temple) UPCOMING SIMCHAGRAM CHANGES. . . More explanation will be coming in the December Ruach but here’s the gist of it – starting next month, Simcha Greetings will be listed quarterly. So the December Ruach will list 3 months of birthdays/anniversaries January, February, March; the March Ruach will list April, May and June birthdays/anniversaries; the June Ruach will list July, August and September, etc., Hopefully this will be easier for you. It’s certainly easier than Hallmark, less expensive, and your $$ benefit our kids for camperships. Just know your completed list(s) must be in my hands by the 15th of the month the lists are published. Doing a yearly list is also an option. If you want to take care of an entire year of Happy Birthdays/Anniversaries all at once, give me a call (316-648-6228) and I'll let you know how that works. – Kim Gollin - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SIMCHA GREETINGS: December Birthdays and Anniversaries ___ 1 ___ 3 ___ ___ ___ 4 ___ 5 ___ 6 ___10 ___ Doris Weller (B) Mark Ross (B) Tom Ruby (B) Mary & Marc Kaplan (A) Lynne Greenberg (B) Jerree Hicks (B) Alan & Linda Grossman (A) Rachel Feiertag (B) Cyndie Ponder (B) ___ ___ ___13 ___14 ___15 ___17 ___18 ___19 ___21 Claudia Blackburn (B) Joy Krohn (B) Don Hirschman (B) Donna Perline (B) Carol Grant (B) Daniel Solomon (B) Sandy Fitzig (B) Paula VanAndel (B) Nancy & Mark Blum (A) ___ ___22 ___23 ___25 Carol & Peter Grant (A) Jennifer Vincent (B) Kiela Ross (B) Rabbi Arthur & Claire Abrams (A) ___26 Terri Moses (B) ___29 Paula & Wayne VanAndel (A) ___ Vinnie Reed (B) ___ 31 Jan Luth (B) Your name as you wish it to appear on the Simcha Greeting: ________________ _____________________________Amount enclosed ($1.00 each) ___________ Payable to: Temple Sisterhood NEW ADDRESS Send to: Kim Gollin P.O. Box 10, Andover, KS 67002 ON THE SUNNY SIDE Marty Perline was honored at the WSU National Advisory Council for his 50 plus years of teaching at WSU. The Dean of the College of Business announced that an endowed scholarship in his name has been established for the Department of Economics. Elly and Sandy Fitzig want to wish their Congregation Emanu-El family a very Happy, Healthy, and Peaceful 5777! On October 5, they read on Facebook that one of Elly’s Trenton, NJ childhood neighbors, Harvey Melamed, whom she hadn’t seen since 1964, had to evacuate his home in Sun City Hilton Head in Bluffton, SC, in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. Harvey, Mary, and their sweet dog Archie could not find a vacancy in a hotel within four hours of their home, so they were invited to stay with the Fitzigs in Sun City Carolina Lakes, outside of Charlotte, until it was safe to return. For five days they hung out together and, despite the heavy rains, everyone had a great time. Fortunately, their homes were not damaged by the hurricane. There’s so much to be grateful for including making new and dear friends. In September, Rebecca Armstrong Gaynor and Charlie Gaynor voyaged back East to attend a bat mitzvah in Pennsylvania. They also went to a concert held in a Buddhist Temple in Manhattan given by three remarkable musicians who come together annually just for this performance. In the Cold Spring area, the Gaynors went to a remarkable auditorium. Charlie captured a large number of images, which could not compete in numbers with those taken of Mike and Liz Armstrong's newest macaw - several of which made it onto Charlie’s Renderosity site. Charlie is currently having an art show at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. Katelyn, granddaughter of Rebecca and Charlie, has doubled her dance schedule and gives impromptu performances in the living room. “May you grow up to be righteous. May you grow up to be true. May you always know the truth. And see the lights surrounding you. May you always be courageous. Stand upright and be strong. May you stay forever young.” - Bob Dylan - Sunny Levy Thank you to Sisterhood October Chairperson, Betsy Redler, and the following members for hosting an October Oneg Shabbat: October 7 Paula Van Andel October 14 Dana Solomon October 21 Sherri Alter Doris Weller Thank you to the following friends who made the High Holy Days sweeter by serving apples and honey and greeting us at the start of services: Jennifer, Chris, & Caedran Moore Pam & Kenny Fruhauf Alan, Linda, & Mathew G rossman Marla Amsden & Phyllis Weinstein Charlie Gaynor & Rebecca Armstrong-‐Gaynor Sean Amore & Ellie Shore October 28 Dear Fellow Congregant, You have no doubt heard of discussions taking place between Congregation Emanu-El and Hebrew Congregation about the future of the Jewish community in Wichita. The purpose of reading you this letter tonight, the same letter that is being read to the other congregation, is to provide the community some information about these conversations. A committee was started following a discussion by long-term members and friends of both congregations. However, so much agreement was evident that each group decided that it was necessary to approach their boards and seek official sanction to explore the details of making this dream a reality. They obtained permission of the president of each congregation; meetings have been held to facilitate further discussion. As of today, there has not been any deal made between parties. The meetings were held only in an unofficial, exploratory capacity. Though our congregations are vibrant, they are small. With the aging of members and the slow accession of new members, a major concern is that in future years there will be fewer and fewer members at both houses of worship to fulfill any Jewish mission. Both congregations have their own rich traditions and dedicated members but both entities and memberships are struggling individually. Would it be possible to build something new, special, and attractive to sustain, vitalize, and energize our entire community? The initial concept is to determine if there is a way to somewhat reduce redundant overhead expenses and services like lighting, mowing, heating, and cooling. Could any savings be used to provide more services to better sustain our community over the long term, l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation? The goal is not to change either congregation’s traditions with a “merger” of the two entities; it is to create a home in the form of a community campus to make being a Jew in Wichita easier, more interesting, more enriching, more spiritual, and more fun; to provide for all Conservative and Reform Jews; to perhaps provide a home for the Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation and other Jewish organizations, and a location for joint activities, from classes on Judaism, holding cultural events, hosting Jewish speakers, and celebrating simchas such as bar and bat mitzvahs. A home for all, where the next generation has a place and a way to feel Jewish. Together, both congregations have an exceptional community that is greater than the sum of its parts. The committee wants to point out a few items: 1) The rabbis of both congregations have been informed and are supportive. 2) The committee (unofficial name: The Friends of Congregation Emanu-El and Hebrew Congregation) has focused on general ideas around the concept of a joint campus. We reiterate, no discussion of a merger of congregations has taken place. We are far from any sort of proposal to inform you about. 3) This process will be an open dialogue. The committee guarantees that before anything is done, every member will have an opportunity to have their voice heard. Ultimately the members of each congregation will have to decide what is best for their own congregation. At some point in the future, we hope that the committee will be able to make a proposal to their respective boards. If a proposal is made, each congregation would have a meeting or meetings, following their own bylaws, to discuss this matter. 4) Our next step is to form official committees to plan details, from financials to ritual accommodation to physical plant, which takes a great deal of time. The process is not a quick one. The committee is full of people who have the incentive to make this work but at the same time know that a poor agreement or one which the community does not support, is destined for failure. We will need to take the community “temperature” as everyone will need to have a vested interest in success. 5) The committee is loosely following a process format that similar Reform and Conservative congregations used when they conducted similar discussions that resulted in a joint campus. 6) Members of the committee include Tammy Wagner, Leah Barnhard, Simon Yakubovich, David Feiertag, Dale Marcus, Lynne Greenberg, Lisa Klaskin and Ryan Bendell. All members were approved by the president of their respective congregation. 7) In order to not have rumor and scuttlebutt distract or sabotage good-faith discussions, the committee has appointed Tammy Wagner as the spokesperson for the committee. As neither president of either congregation is on the committee, if you have a specific question, suggestion, idea or complaint, please email her and the committee at [email protected]. Please share your ideas. It’s essential to this effort’s success. As many long-term members of the community know, this isn’t our first attempt at this. What’s different this time? The conditions for this seem more favorable than ever before. We know where we’re going. The relationship between the congregations has never been better. Our Wichita Jewish Community School board, made up of members from both congregations, has been a model of joint cooperation. Our membership demographics, the state of our finances, and the condition of our buildings are challenges, and our leadership and the personalities involved are motivated and committed to long-term stability. Just like in a marriage, both parties must be prepared to give and take. If one gives too much or one takes too much, the marriage is doomed. Change is always difficult, at any age, but we are exploring ways that we can make a new dream a reality while minimizing discomfort for all. We must want the other congregation to succeed, thrive and grow for the benefit of our combined future. Most of us know that the differences in our community are not as great as what we have in common. We can be a better family, sharing our rich Jewish traditions and making a new one together on a combined campus. The committee wishes all a healthy and happy New Year. Figure 1 Thanks to the Sukkah building crew… …for making Sukkot 2016 possible! Thanks to Sean Amore & Peter Grant for the photos We mourn the loss of Congregation Emanu-El member Edith Silberski Edith passed away on September 27th at the age of 86. She was preceded in death by her sons, Alan and Marc Silberski. Ever since Edith came to Wichita 14 years ago to be with family, she cherished the Jewish community here. Her Judaism was very important to her. For health reasons, she could not be as active as she would have liked, but she always appreciated the kindness of her friends and our community. Caring Committee A funeral service was held in New Jersey on October 4th for congregation member, Edith Silberski, who passed away on September 27th. Edith moved here many years ago to be close to her son, Alan, and became fast friends with fellow New Jerseyite and Temple member, Rita Funschelle. It was unfortunate that both her sons, Alan and Marc, preceded her in death. Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. - Cyndie Ponder, Caring Committee We mourn the loss of long-time Jewish community member Rose Isenberg Rose, the longest standing member of the Hebrew Congregation, passed away on October 1st at the venerable age of 104. The Congregation Emanu-El community extends its sincere condolences to her son, Mark Isenberg, and her daughter, Sandra Grunberger, both of Kansas City. Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Julius Isenberg. Save the Date… Annual Brotherhood Roast Saturday, February 11th Honoree: Professor Jerry Scholl and his Impulse Percussion Group (IPG) will take the stage at Miller Concert Hall on the WSU campus to premiere works that weave together the art of interactive light, computer technology, and cutting edge music for a single evening performance on Sunday, November 13th at 7:30 pm. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Jerry’s mission of cross-disciplinary collaboration has made the IPG well known for its advancement of music “written today.” Jerry Scholl and visual artist, Laura Scholl, (yes, a brother and sister team!) will fuse Laura’s newly created coded light weavings with Jerry’s arrangement of Eric Whitaker’s Sleep, written for marimba octet. Laura, Professor of Graphic Design and Digital Art at Newman University, is well known for her work on feature films as a computer graphics artist with a specialty in lighting and artificial intelligence. Among her film credits are the movies The Fifth Element, Harry Potter, and Oscar award-winning animated film short, The ChubbChubbs. Cyndie Ponder The Youth Group would like to thank everyone that brought food for the food drive and donated to Mazon. Your generosity is appreciated. Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation MKJF 2017 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF – “WE ARE HERE” JOEL’S COMEDY: JEWISH HUMOR REDIFINED Joel Chasnoff is not your grandfather’s comedian. Joel is clever. Hip. Daring and edgy, yet 100% clean. From his stint on the day school basketball team to his tour of duty in the Israeli Army, nothing escapes Joel’s sharp wit. Audiences across the spectrum find his humor uplifting, powerful and hilarious. Joel Chasnoff All are invited to join the MKJF and come be extraordinary with us at our 2017 Annual Campaign Kick-Off on Sunday, November 6th. The kick-off will feature the comedian who is redefining Jewish comedy, Joel Chasnoff, with "A Comedian's Take on Jewish Life in America." The event will be held at the Holiday Inn-Wichita East, 549 South Rock Rd., from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. There is NO CHARGE to attend this hysterical and touching event that includes a light afternoon buffet. All we ask is that you make your pledge to the MKJF's 2016 Annual Campaign THAT DAY. Families are welcome to attend. A special mitzvah project for kids is planned. As this is a catered event, reservations will be required. To RSVP, contact Julie at 316-686-4741 or [email protected] by Monday, October 31 (no joke)! Join us for this not to be missed, hilarious afternoon with Joel, that will have you laughing so hard, you’ll be crying! What matters to you, matters to us! “We are Here” at the Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation. He performs in North America, Europe and Israel, including comedy festivals, Israeli late-night TV, appearances on NPR, PBS ... plus more than 1,000 Jewish events. In 2010, Joel’s comedic memoir about his service in the Israeli army, The 188th Crybaby Brigade, was published. Kirkus Reviews calls the book “Horrifyingly hilarious.” The film is currently in production at Paramount. Joel co-authored the cookbook, Balaboosta, with Israeli chef, and Chopped! champion, Einat Admony. Also, Joel writes extensively about the plight of the lone soldiers, including acclaimed editorials in the Washington Post and Jewish Week. A portion of proceeds from Joel’s comedy and book sales is donated to his foundation, Project Elijah. In its 1st venture, the project sent 100 low-income, NYC schoolchildren to the circus. “Without a question the greatest Jewish comedian touring today!” -Dan Kriss, Executive Director, Jacksonville Jewish Center. CAFÉ CHEVRE MKJF’s Café Chevre Lunch and Learn presents another “Cool Jews With Cool Views” program that will feature photographer and Jewish community member, Neil Marcus, on WEDNESDAY, (note change of day) November 16th at 11:45 am. Watch the MKJF newsletters and your mailbox for more information as it gets closer. Neil Marcus - Sandy Sherry Diel, Director Wichita Jewish Community School I am writing for the November newsletter, a month where we celebrate Thanksgiving, just as Sukkot, a holiday of giving thanks, is beginning. So, no one should be surprised that I am feeling a bit thankful for some of the many blessings in my life—of course, there are my family, friends, home, coffee… but I am particularly grateful for the transformative role being Director of the Wichita Jewish Community School has had on me and my life! I love the school! Each day, I am excited, invigorated, and humbled by the task of working to educate our Wichita Jewish children. Each day, I am filled with joy to work with the WJCS students, families, teachers, and board. to another…During the course of a class, you may see the students sitting at tables and reading, then moving to the floor to hear a story, sing a song, or do a craft; then heading to the social hall to read from the Siddurim, and then moving back to the tables in their classrooms to finish a lesson. I love this noise and movement, because WJCS is a community of kids and adults who really enjoy their time learning together. Each student and teacher has his and her place as one person in a larger community of kind, caring Jews, and for this I am grateful! Let me tell you two more things I am very thankful for at WJCS, which may be overlooked at times: the noise and the messes that happen in our classes. It is no secret that our classrooms are not quiet spaces. Our children do not sit calmly behind their desks, listening (or daydreaming) silently to our learned instructors. No, if you walk down the halls on a Sunday morning when we are in session, you will hear a lot of noise! Our older kids are almost always deep in discussion and debate, asking and answering a lot of questions, tackling and exploring each topic, not always agreeing, but always sharing a bagel and a laugh. Our younger kids are playing instruments, creating crafts or engaging in discussions to reinforce what they’ve just learned, and joking as they transition from one activity Upcoming Events: Wed., November 2: Hebrew Class Sun., November 6: Hebrew & Judaic Studies Classes -- Clubs Begin Wed., November 9: Hebrew Class Sun., November 13: Hebrew and Judaic Studies Classes & PJ Library: Books, Blocks, and Bagels, “Pillows and Bedtime Shema,” 10 am – in Sue Downs’ room Wed., November 16: Hebrew Class Sun., November 20, Wed., November 23, & Sun., November 27: No School - Thanksgiving Break Wed., November 30: Hebrew Class - Jamie Smartt, WJCS Director Hadassah Hadassah has a variety of goals – one is self-education. So at 8:00 pm on Saturday evening, November 5th at Congregation Emanu-El, we offer the entire community – not just the women – an exceptional film with a facilitated film chat with Dr. Lorraine Madway. Add on a pre-film dinner option and your evening is set. Sounds good, yes? Of course yes. The 50-minute film, The Green Dumpster Mystery, tells the story of the filmmaker Tal Haim Yoffe, who finds a discarded box of old photographs in a green dumpster. This docu-detective film slowly unwinds a family history that begins in Lodz, Poland, and travels through the Siberian Gulag, a Samarkand sugar plant, an Aliya Bet illegal immigrant ship, and the battlefields of the Sinai Peninsula. This tightly-paced tour de force vividly evokes the nowextinguished lives of an anonymous - but typical Israeli family. “One of the best Israeli films of recent times. In an ostensibly light tone, which balances the serious subjects in the film - history and memory, Holocaust and bereavement - the film tells the story of the director himself who, as he rode his scooter through South Tel Aviv, found a stash of old photographs in a dumpster. In the wake of this find, he sets out on a quest to find the people in the photo. Gradually, as in a very good thriller, in which secrets are revealed with increasing dramatic and emotional force, the director sets the stage for an Israeli family saga. Yoffe succeeds in digressing from a personal story into a drama with symbolic power. This is a serious, complex and important work.” – Uri Klein, Ha’aretz Now that it’s clear you actually want to see the film, why bother with dinner? Come join us at N & J’s Café and Bakery, 5600 E. Lincoln St., at 6:30 pm where we’ll sit, chat and eat before the film. You don’t have to RSVP but it really helps to know how many we’re expecting, both at dinner and for the film, so contact Judy Eichhorn at 316-684-3050 or at [email protected]. Hope you’ll join us! - Judy Eichhorn, Hadassah Wichita Chapter President November Yahrzeits TO BE READ ON NOVEMBER 4-5, 2016 Name of Deceased Family Yahrzeit Dates Easryl Spector Ruth E. Cornett Mollie Feiertag November 4 November 5 November 5, Cheshvan 4 Joel Fromer Nancy Sue Gluck Walter Katz Celia Fine Rose Perline Burney Rae Galamba Ewald Larley Gregg Mildred Horwitz Albert Minsky Alfred Tocker Max I. Beren Florence Shore Lewis B. Solomon Kathy Kamen Boyle Zhanna Pekarsky Reta Kamen Sarah Feiertag, Rachel Feiertag, David Feiertag & Carol Werner-Feiertag Philip Gluck Keith Pickus & Deirdre O’Farrell Norman Fine Marty Perline David Arst, David Arst, Sr., Alisa Arst Adam and Jenny Gregg Charlotte Friedman, Bernie Gelman Ted Shlechter, Joyce Freedman Sue Shefman Ellie Shore Reta Kamen, Harlan Kamen, Sherri Alter November 5 November 5 November 5 November 6 November 6 November 7 November 7 November 7 November 7 November 7, Cheshvan 6 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 9 TO BE READ ON NOVEMBER 11-12, 2016 Name of Deceased Family Yahrzeit Dates Joseph Kamenesky Gertrude Schore Charles Youngheim Mary Kreisman Mel Saffier Milton Staub H. Robert Weinstein Leah Berkowitz November 11 November 11 November 11 November 13 November 14 November 14 November 15 November 17 Dee Abels Ellie Shore Les Padzensky Linda Saffier Sue Shefman Phyllis Weinstein Dee Abels TO BE READ ON NOVEMBER 18-19, 2016 Name of Deceased Family Yahrzeit Dates Morris Perline Lewie Wolkow Charlotte Staub Leo Gelman Louis L. Bennett Morton Levand Alpha Pepper Lynn Elyse Schnyder Sam Wagner Adolph Brick C. Henry Nathan William Silver Marian Papish November 18 November 19, Cheshvan 18 November 20 November 21 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22, Cheshvan 21 November 23 November 23 November 23 November 24, Cheshvan 23 Marty Perline Sue Shefman Bob Gelman Linda Saffier Mallory Medvene Toba Schnyder Scott Wagner Diane Schoendorf, Andrea Forbes David Papish TO BE READ ON NOVEMBER 25-26, 2016 Name of Deceased Family Yahrzeit Dates Tola C. Chuzy Freama Shatkhan Ysher Shatkhan Dorothy Cohen Ida Bloomfield Karole Martin William L. Rosenberg Scott Allan Fine Belle Levand Finkenstein Jean Panish Ida B. Morgenstein Henry Wallenstein Ben H. Levy T.O. Cornett Abraham Glazer November 25 November 25 November 25 November 26 November 27 November 27 November 27 November 28 November 28 November 28 November 29, Cheshvan 28 November 29 November 30, Cheshvan 29 December 1 December 1, Kislev 1 Zhanna Pekarsky, Nataliya Gofman Zhanna Pekarsky, Nataliya Gofman William Cohen Tammy Wagner Thomas Rosenberg Norman Fine Janelle Glickman Priscilla Cohen Dana Morgen Reta Kamen Rita Funschelle, Larry & Kimarie Funschelle, Wendi & Mike Dozier November 2016 Tishrei/Cheshvan 5777 Sunday Monday Tuesday 1 Wednesday 2 Thursday 3 5:30 pm WJCS Hebrew (CE) 7:30 pm CE Brotherhood Board 6 7 9:00 am Deli Day Cooking – Strudel 9:30 am WJCS Hebrew (CE) 10:35 am WJCS Judaic Studies (CE) 3:00 pm MKJF Annual Campaign Kickoff with comedian Joel Chasnoff (Holiday Inn – 549 S. Rock Rd.) Office Closed 7:30 pm CE Sisterhood Coffee Talk/ Open Board meeting 13 14 9:30 am WJCS Hebrew (CE) 10:00 am WJCS - PJ Library Books, Blocks and Bagels, “Pillows and Bedtime Shema” (CE) 10:35 am WJCS Judaic Studies (CE) 11:00 am - 3:00 pm CE Deli Day Dine-In 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Deli Day TakeOut Office Closed 20 21 No WJCS Hebrew or Judaic Studies 10:00 am CE Global Day of Jewish Learning “Planting for the Future” & Brunch Office Closed 27 28 No WJCS Hebrew or Judaic Studies Office closed 7:15 pm Hadassah Board meeting (home of Judy Eichhorn) 8 9 10 5:30 pm WJCS Hebrew (CE) Election Day 15 17 23 24 No WJCS Hebrew Thanksgiving 29 Saturday 4 5 6:00 First Friday Family Night “Breakfast for Supper” potluck dinner 7:00 pm Erev Shabbat Family Service 10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service 6:30 pm Hadassah dinner at N & J’s (5600 E. Lincoln) 8:00 pm Hadassah film and discussion “The Green Dumpster Mystery” with Dr. Lorraine Madway (CE) 11 12 7:00 pm Erev Shabbat Service 10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service Veterans Day 16 11:45 am MKJF Café Chevre with photographer Neil Marcus (location TBA) 5:30 pm WJCS Hebrew (CE) 7:30 pm CE Board 22 Friday 30 5:30 pm WJCS Hebrew (CE) 7:00 pm WJCS Board (CE) 18 19 7:00 pm Erev Shabbat Service 10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service 25 26 Office closed 7:00 pm Erev Shabbat Service 10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service