High Holy Days 5776 - B`nai Torah Congregation
Transcription
High Holy Days 5776 - B`nai Torah Congregation
FALL 2015 y High Holy Days 5776 Introducing A Family Nesting Place The Cliff & Eda Viner Community Scholars Foundation B ’ n a i To r a h C o n g r e g a t i o n P r e s e n t s : Selichot תפילת סליחות A Renewed Musical Tradition Saturday, September 5, 2015 9:00 p.m. - Main Sanctuary The stunningly beautiful Selichot prayers usher in the themes and melodies of the approaching High Holy Days. Bring your family and friends to this unforgettable and deeply meaningful spiritual experience. Join B’nai Torah’s Rabbis, Cantors, and Congregational Choir, together with a 20-piece orchestra. Conducted by Maestro Yaron Bahar. This program is free and open to the community. B’nai Torah Congregation 2 6261 SW 18th Street, Boca Raton, FL 33433 (561) 392.8566 . www.bnai-torah.org CHAI www.bnai-torah.org CLERGY & PROFESSIONAL STAFF Rabbi David Steinhardt, Senior Rabbi Rabbi David Englander, Rabbi Rabbi Rikki Arad, Executive Director Udi Spielman, Senior Cantor Boaz Davidoff, Cantor Nancy Goldstein, ECC Education Director Cathy Berkowitz, MRS Education Director Secure our Fu ure B’nai Torah Congregation Allison Sherman, Communications Director AviGail Whiting, Membership Coordinator Kol Nidre Appeal 5776 Beth Herman, Executive Assistant of Education Betsey Cooper, Receptionist Claudia Sternberg, Art Director Debbie Fried, Camp Keshet Director Elaine Siegell, Rabbi Steinhardt’s Executive Assistant Elysa Stark, Concert Coordinator Erica Gordon, ECC Administrator Francisco Valdez, Maintenance Director Geoffrey Gross, Youth Director Jacki Kary, Accounting Julie Risisky, Ritual Facilitator Lauren Berger, Program Coordinator Leesa Parker, ECC Director of Operations Loulou Amiel, Senior Staff Accountant Marc Tardarlo, Security Paul Goldstein, B’nai Mitzvah Program Director Randi Good, ECC Receptionist Robin Schwartz, Judaica Shop Chair Sam Hitner, Director of Finance Summer Faerman, Director of TLC Toni Miller, Accounting Zena Gruda, B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator 2015-2016 Congregational Officers Toby Levi* Mark Glickman* Vice President Vice President Marvin Finkelstein Vice President Scott Frank Vice President Steve Ginsburg Treasurer Seth Marmor Secretary 24 Eleven with Elysa: Interview with Eda & Cliff Viner Tomorrow’s Leaders: Featuring Lucas Spielfogel Financial Secretary Women’s League President Larry Faerman Men’s Club President Spencer Sax* Foundation President Kenneth Lipman, Esq. 22 at B’nai Torah Congregation Executive Vice President Jerry Budney Shelly Gross President Richard Birdie Stan Kutlin In This Issue 8 5776 High Holy Days Schedule 12 NEW! A Family Nesting Place Synagogue Counsel Trustees Michael Berezin Rob Kantor* Elissa Schosheim* Terry Bresnick Eric N. Klein* Rick Schuster Shula Fleischer Roger Leavy* Benita Segal Marleen Forkas* Scott Levin* Tammy Smith Bruce Grundt Julie Risisky Art Stark Marcy Kammerman Spencer Sax* Ruth Taubman* *Ner Tamid Society Member B’NAI TORAH CONGREGATION 6261 SW 18th Street, Boca Raton, FL 33433 Phone: (561) 392-8566 | Fax: (561) 362-0990 The Ruth and Edward Taubman ECC: (561) 750-9665 Mirochnick Religious School: (561) 392-8005 Youth Department: (561) 392-9600 www.bnai-torah.org Jewish Renewal Shabbat Services Join us as we explore and experience a new kind of shabbat service. Facilitated by Amy Grossblatt Pessah Twice a month, we will meet for an engaging, inspiring, interactive service during which we will strive to connect to ourselves, our community, and to God. Through the use of Jewish prayers, chanting, meditation, contemplation, music, movement and Torah study, this service will provide some sacred time for you to experience the richness of our Jewish spiritual tradition. Each service will include both individual contemplative time mixed with joyful communal time. We hope you will join us for this revolutionary new Shabbat offering. Services will be held from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. on the following dates: 2015: 2016: Oct. 10, 24 ; Nov. 7, 28 ; Dec. 5, 19 Jan. 23, 30; Feb. 6, 27; Mar. 12, 26; Apr. 16, 30; May 7, 21 For more information, please contact us at (561) 392-8566 or visit www.bnai-torah.org. 4 Our Services Friday Evening, Shabbat Services 5:45 p.m.: Mincha 6:00 p.m.: Kabbalat Shabbat, Ma’ariv Eleanorz”l & Paul Weiner Cultural Center Saturday Morning, Shabbat Services Rabbi David Steinhardt Cantor Ehud (Udi) Spielman Cantor Boaz Davidoff 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon - Main Sanctuary Havurat Shabbat A Spirited Shabbat Service for Families of All Ages Rabbi David Englander 10:00 a.m. - Eleanorz”l & Paul Weiner Cultural Center new! Jewish renewal Shabbat 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Gussie Roth Room and/or Weiner/Rosenberg Family Terrace (See left for dates) Minyan Katan (Shabbat) Grades K-5, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Glassman Chapel Shabbat Mincha/Ma’ariv/ Havdalah Glassman Chapel Weekday Shacharit Sunday, 8:45 a.m. - Glassman Chapel Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. Glassman Chapel Weekday Mincha/Ma’ariv Sunday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. Glassman Chapel CHAI www.bnai-torah.org Toby Levi President S halom, I hope you all had a good summer filled with family and friends. It is my honor to be writing to you once again as President of B’nai Torah. As you probably know, some of our Trustees completed their term on the Board. I want to personally thank them for their dedication and service. I would also like to welcome our new Board members – Michael Berezin, Shula Fleischer and Marcy Kammerman – and thank them for accepting the responsibility. It is an inspiration to serve with our Board members and like me, you should all feel very comfortable that the financial stewardship of our congregation is in such capable hands. We had another very successful year. The planning and implementation takes a village, as they say, and we have a wonderful team in place. We could not be successful without our clergy - they are the heart and soul of this shul, and we are very lucky to have them. Cantor Tisser has left to become Senior Cantor in a Chicago suburb and he will be missed at B’nai Torah. We are excited to have Cantor Boaz Davidoff here from Israel and if you were with us this summer, you know what a beautiful voice and neshama (spirit) he has. He will be in the Family Service for the High Holy Days and I promise that his davening will be a joyful blessing to you and your family. Of course, as always, Cantor Udi and Varda Spielman will be back with us in the Main Sanctuary to lift our spirits in prayer and song. Last January, we welcomed Rabbi Rikki Arad as Executive Director. Rikki has had an amazing career in development and management, and she has brought her talent and her indefatigable energy to B’nai Torah. I’m sure many of you have already met Rikki and agree she is a true asset to us. I could go into much detail about our wonderful programs and events, Cooperman Academy of Adult Jewish Learning (including Melton), our very successful Women’s League and Men’s Club and more - but hopefully as members of FALL 2015 B’nai Torah, you have already experienced so many of the worthwhile things we offer. Of course we also have our Ruth and Edward Taubman Early Childhood Center, under the direction of Nancy Goldstein, which has been re-accredited for another five years by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Do you know that we are the only accredited Jewish pre-school in South Palm Beach County? Cathy Berkowitz, Director of the Mirochnick Religious School, was recognized by the Jewish Educator’s Assembly as a Conservative Jewish Educator (CJE). Our schools are certainly “Jewels in our Crown.” The culmination of our 40/20 Campaign exceeded all expectations. We can be very proud of everyone who contributed. The fruits of this campaign are allowing us to make some much needed renovations to our Sanctuary and Weiner Cultural Center. If you are curious, and you should all be, the layouts and materials are on display in our main lobby. We will be making some renovations before these High Holy Days, but the big changes will all happen in the New Year. I hope you will all get involved. Please join us at services, at events, at cultural and educational programs, and celebrate how we are all linked together. B’nai Torah is a special place that we must preserve, grow and strengthen. We are all Trustees in some sense, and we must remember our past and all of those who came before us but also continue to build for the generations yet to come. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining; and if you are, please remember what compels us to come together for these High Holy Days and join us in the weeks and months ahead. On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, I wish you all a year of happiness, health and peace. Shanah Tovah U’Mvorach... a blessed and good year. Toby Levi 5 Rabbi David Steinhardt D ear Friends, There’s very little we do in our lives where we find success that isn’t reflected in preparation. Hours of practice on the job make us better. Intense training is necessary for success in sports. Repetition is critical for the development of skills. Such is life. Some of us may feel resentful, angry or betrayed. This is also part of life. Here, perhaps, we can begin to find direction, and the acceptance and peace that will allow us to move forward. We can find forgiveness, and we realize that we can be forgiven, and that we are capable of forgiving ourselves and forgiving others. I think of this idea as we approach the High Holy Days. I try to imagine what it must be like to sit in shul for hours on end when we haven’t been there for so long or when the language feels so unfamiliar. I compare it to an attempt to run a marathon without training. It’s seems impossible! But there are ways for us to approach the holidays - places to focus our attention and preparation to do with our minds and our hearts - that will deepen the meaning of these days we are about to enter. And, all of us are experiencing a world that faces great challenges and threats. We affirm that we will not succumb to fear or danger. Here we must keep hope alive and aspire to repair the world. We do it with faith and within a community that shares a past, and aspires for a better future. The High Holy Days are about you. They are about each one of us and the lives that we live. And, I believe, they are about improving the quality of our lives. I’d like to suggest a few ideas to think about as you approach the new year, and as you sit in synagogue on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This is a form of preparation. “There are ways for us to approach the holidays - places to focus our attention and preparation to do with our minds and our hearts - that will deepen the meaning of these days we are about to enter.” As I often say, I believe a spiritual life begins with a sense of appreciation. Feeling gratitude for life itself, for who we are, for what we have, and for what is good in our lives is so important. Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by our challenges; yet we are here and we are alive. We have a richness of blessing. This past year some of us have welcomed new life, new love, new-found health…for this, there needs to be thanks. If we prepare our hearts and minds properly, we can enter this new year with a sense of gratitude, hopefulness, inspiration and joy. That is our goal! The Yamim Noraim, these Days of Awe, provide an opportunity for all of us. We appreciate this gift. We are grateful for the synagogue and the community we have created together. A religious life also needs to be comforting. And it is here, in this place and in this community, that we can find some relief from heartache, loss and the broken pieces in our lives. See you in shul, Tobi and our family join me in wishing you all L’shanah Tovah U’mvorach… a good and blessed year! Rabbi David Steinhardt 6 CHAI www.bnai-torah.org Rabbi David Englander T here is a popular story of our tradition that is often told around the High Holy Days. It tells of a man who lost his way and found himself wandering in a forest full of wild animals. He had a bow and arrow to protect himself. As he walked through the forest, his imagination took hold of his senses and everything that he saw looked like a dangerous animal. He thus shot off his arrows repeatedly, only to discover that he was shooting only at rotting trees. He was left with only one arrow, which he resolved to save until it was absolutely needed. Though this story compares that final arrow to the sounding of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, a moment that we all anticipate and through which we hope to be awakened and inspired to a good New Year, it seems to me that the metaphor of the “last arrow” can be understood in other ways as well. In many prior generations, and in very recent ones as well, it sometimes seemed like the Jewish community, indeed the Jewish people, was down to its “last arrow.” Assimilation, destruction, and competition from other pursuits - both professional and personal - diverted many Jews from living with a deep connection to our tradition that was strong enough to be passed down. It was, as the saying goes, “tough to be a Jew.” In some parts of the world it still is, and we cannot be silent when it comes to raising concerns about any threat to any Jewish community anywhere in the world. Yet as the High Holy Days approach, we also have to make sure to not “shoot our arrows at dead trees.” There is so much that is positive and hopeful about Jewish life today. Israel is secure in its borders. We live in a country that guarantees freedom of religious expression for all, and where we have better relationships with members of other faiths than in most eras of history. In our community, rabbis from right, left, and center get along so well that south Palm Beach County is often looked to as a model for other Jewish communities where such unity is not yet a reality. FALL 2015 Lastly, we have an extraordinary synagogue – and you have made it so. From the youngest of our children to the oldest of our senior citizens, we are able to celebrate and learn, to pray and mourn, and to do so together. I look forward to seeing you over the High Holy Days and, on behalf of Stephanie and our family, I wish you a healthy, happy, meaningful, and growth-filled 5776. L’shanah Tovah Tikateivu, Rabbi David Englander The Lillian and Philip Cooperman Academy for Adult Jewish Learning Soon the full program brochure for the Cooperman Academy will be arriving in your mailboxes! There is a great year of programming planned, from individual lectures to ongoing classes. For now, mark your calendars for: Special High Holy Day themed Lunch & Learns Tuesdays, Aug 25, Sept 1 and Sept 8 @12 noon Back-to-Back Live from the 92nd Street Y Broadcasts Monday, October 19 @ 7:30 pm Dennis Ross and Ethan Bronner: The U.S. / Israel Relationship from Truman to Obama Tuesday, October 20 @ 8:15 pm 50 Years After Nostra Aetate: Catholic, Jewish, and Latino Relations in the Age of a Latino Pope Other programs include: Professor Robert Watson; special lectures in Medicine and Genealogy; a screening of A Voice Among the Silent: The Legacy of James G. McDonald; a presentation on Louis Brandeis with noted expert Professor David Dalin, in partnership with the United States Holocaust Memorial and Museum; and much, much more! For questions contact Zena Gruda at [email protected]. 7 High Holy Days Schedule 2015/5776 Selichot: Saturday, September 5, 2015 8:45 p.m. Selichot Program and Reception 9:00 p.m. Selichot Service in the Sanctuary Erev Rosh Hashanah: Sunday, September 13, 2015 5:45 p.m. Mincha/Ma’ariv - Sanctuary 6:00 p.m. Family Service - Eleanorz”l and Paul Weiner Cultural Center Rosh Hashanah: First Day - Monday, September 14, 2015 8:30 a.m. Sanctuary Service 9:00 a.m. Family Service - Eleanorz”l and Paul Weiner Cultural Center 9:00 a.m. Early Childhood Service - Educational Social Center (ESC) 6:00 p.m. Mincha/Ma’ariv - Sanctuary Rosh Hashanah: Second Day - Tuesday, September 15, 2015 8:30 a.m. Sanctuary Service 9:00 a.m. Family Service - Eleanorz”l and Paul Weiner Cultural Center 5:15 p.m. Tashlich (meet in North Lobby) 5:45 p.m. Mincha/Ma’ariv - Sanctuary Erev Yom Kippur: Tuesday, September 22, 2015 6:15 p.m. Mincha - Sanctuary 6:30 p.m. Kol Nidre - Sanctuary Family Service - Eleanorz”l and Paul Weiner Cultural Center Yom Kippur - Yizkor: Wednesday, September 23, 2015 9:00 a.m. Sanctuary Service 9:00 a.m. Early Childhood Service -Educational Social Center (ESC) 9:15 a.m. Family Service - Eleanorz”l and Paul Weiner Cultural Center 5:00 p.m. Mincha/Ne’ila - Sanctuary - All ticket holders are invited (open seating) 7:46 p.m. Break the Fast Erev Sukkot: Sunday, September 27, 2015 5:30 p.m. Mincha/Ma’ariv - Glassman Chapel Sukkot: First Day - Monday, September 28, 2015 8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Service 5:30 p.m. Mincha/Ma’ariv - Glassman Chapel Sukkot: Second Day - Tuesday, September 29, 2015 8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Service 5:45 p.m. Mincha/Ma’ariv - Eleanorz”l and Paul Weiner Cultural Center Erev Shemini Atzeret: Sunday, October 4, 2015 5:30 p.m. Mincha/Ma’ariv - Glassman Chapel Shemini Atzeret: Monday, October 5, 2015 8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Service (Yizkor) 5:30 p.m. Mincha/Ma’ariv - Glassman Chapel Erev Simchat Torah: Monday, October 5, 2015 7:00 p.m. Simchat Torah Service and Celebration with Kindergarten Consecration Simchat Torah: Tuesday, October 6, 2015 8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Service Simchat Torah luncheon sponsored by Women’s League following service 5:45 p.m. Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Ma’ariv - Eleanorz”l and Paul Weiner Cultural Center 8 CHAI www.bnai-torah.org Executive Director O ne day, I was walking through a beautiful residential neighborhood admiring the houses; each one nicer than the last. Then, I came upon what had to be the most beautiful home. The lush landscaping, colorful flowers, open balcony, and decorative bench - everything about the house was saying “come on in.” Then I noticed a large rock just in front of the house with writing on it. I was curious. When I was close enough to read what it said, I was shocked. There it was in big bold letters: “Keep Out!” Really? What a contradiction! These words just didn’t belong in this inviting setting. And it got me thinking… Do we at times work hard to create a certain image, but then contradict it with our actions? We are all guilty of this to some degree. But as one of largest conservative synagogues in the nation, we have a great responsibility. Of course we must consistently take care of our synagogue by way of beautifying, refreshing and renovating our space. After all, it is our spiritual home and we love it. In fact, we are in the midst of a remodeling project that will bring our synagogue to a whole new level of comfort and elegance. But that’s just the external part. More importantly, we as a congregation must continue to be warm and inviting. Thousands of people walk through our halls each week, and we must continue to ensure that they all feel at home. This is no small task for a synagogue of our size. Hachnasat Orchim, welcoming guests, is a core dimension to Jewish life and a collective responsibility of the entire congregation. and together, we will ensure that B’nai Torah remains the best in all aspects of synagogue life, as well as a warm, welcoming and inviting spiritual home for all. From the desk of... Rabbi Rikki Arad “Hachnasat Orchim, welcoming guests, is a core dimension to Jewish life and a collective responsibility of the entire congregation.” In the coming year, we plan to do more to bring you to the shul, and to bring the shul to you. If you are willing to open your home for a gathering, a study, or other social or ritual event, please contact me at (561) 392-8566 or [email protected]. I look forward to an extraordinary year ahead at B’nai Torah, filled with many opportunities to get to meet those I haven’t met yet, and to get to know those I have met on an even deeper level. May all of your prayers for the coming year be answered. Rabbi Rikki Arad As we approach the New Year, let’s make a resolution. Let’s commit to expanding our B’nai Torah family. Let’s leave every service or program knowing at least one more person, or family, than we did prior. Let’s open our hearts, extend our hands, and learn and grow together. By doing so, each of us will play a critical role in growing and strengthening our kehillah kedoshah, our most sacred community, FALL 2015 9 Cantor Udi Spielman D ear Friends, As we prepare for my 9th High Holy Day Season at B’nai Torah, Varda and I can’t help but reflect on what a blessing it is to be able to share the Season with this Congregation. As we rehearse the familiar melodies (nusach) of the High Holy Days, and prepare the new ones, I am overtaken with the myriad of feelings that always come along with the music and which reflect the progression of the Days of Awe. The High Holy Days interrupt our busy lives and challenge us to identify, confess and seek forgiveness for our shortcomings over the past year. It’s a nostalgic time, and also one of hope and of planning for a better tomorrow. Both Varda and I very much look forward to seeing all of you during these special days and sharing these special moments. This year we get to extend our musical traditions as we begin the Season with Selichot on September 5. As the only religious service where instruments are used in our tradition, we will once again be blessed with a 20-piece orchestra, our B’nai Torah Choir, and the musical direction of Yaron Bahar. This year, we also welcome my good friend and now colleague, Cantor Boaz Davidoff for his first season with us. Boaz will join us on the Bimah for Selichot, and I look forward to a long and fruitful collaboration. I thank our dear friend Mr. Lowell Glazer for underwriting the costs of this meaningful service. Toda! The purpose of the Selichot service is to bring community and family together, to send our prayers up as a united front. This community event is free and open to the public, and we encourage you to bring your family and friends, and share the date on your social networks, as we unite as one people. Not so long after Simchat Torah, we will be heading into our 2016 Concert Series, our 23rd year! I won’t ruin the surprise, but we have an amazing lineup for you this year, with a lot of variety. Please make sure you take your brochures home on Yom Kippur and join us with season tickets. I know you won’t want to miss any of our superb performances. 10 In addition to our five concerts, we are expanding our Theater Arts Series. Besides the presentation of two theater performances, this year will include a new offering, the first performance of the “My Life” series, where we will hear the musical life story of how an individual Chazzan came to be. I can share that Cantor Meir Finkelstein, with an amazing life story, will be our first guest. “Together they shall confess their sins and recite the order of the Selichot, and I will answer their prayers.” - Midrash All of this is made possible with the help of our Sponsors, Patrons and Friends. As always, we appreciate your enthusiasm and your unwavering support and faith in us! In addition to an amazing concert season, our sponsors and friends will be invited, as they are every year, to a traditional private thank you party and show at a sponsor’s residence. Everyone is welcome to join this unique and special group. Please consider showing your support for the series by becoming a Sponsor, Patron or Friend. Contact Art Stark, Concert Committee Chair, at (708) 502-1770 for more information. I look forward to joining you all in Shul! Cantor Udi Spielman CHAI www.bnai-torah.org Nancy Goldstein Director of The Ruth & Edward Taubman Early Childhood Center T he parsha Ki Teitzei discusses the preparations that must be made as we get ready for war. It advises us how to ready our weapons and how we should treat the soldiers and civilians in the land we invade or defend. “The future of the world is in very small hands.” Ellen Galinsky The descriptions of the rules for soldiers in many ways reminded me of how teachers and directors prepare for the onslaught at the beginning of school. Although we do not use conventional “weapons,” we do ready ourselves for a kind of “battle” with staplers, scissors, glue, paint, and boxes of tissues for the teary toddlers, as well as the apprehensive TO T SHABBAT parents. And most of all, we “arm” ourselves with unlimited patience, sensitivity, and love as we “battle” separation anxiety, lost lunches, concerned parents and welcomed phone calls to check on children. The good news is that the next Torah portion, Ki Tavo, describes the joys of entering the “land God gives you.” And that is exactly what our Early Childhood Center is … a land of promise. It is a place where children can grow physically, socially and intellectually; where they have the opportunity to develop new skills and enhance their Jewish identity; where they can raise their IQ and their EQ and fulfill their potential to become a mensch! Let us wish for a year of success and yasher koach, and pray this will be a year in which (to borrow a phrase from the sixties) we “make love, not war.” Nancy Goldstein Join us Fridays at 5:15 p.m. for an informal and interactive Shabbat Service. Children and parents will enjoy a warm Shabbat experience in a welcoming and friendly environment. Oneg following services. 2015/16: Oct. 9, Nov. 13, Dec. 11, Jan. 8, Feb. 12, Mar. 11, Apr. 8, May 13 We are excited to announce that Emily Aronoff Teck (aka Miss Emily) will be joining us again this year at The Ruth and Edward Taubman Early Childhood Center! In addition to leading our Tot Shabbat services, Emily will conduct our school’s music program. Emily focuses on engagement of young Jewish children and families through fun and meaningful educational experiences, specializing in using music, prayer and stories. She tours as a musician and professional development facilitator, and is the director of development for JewishLearningMatters.com. Miss Emily has released four albums of Jewish kid’s music and is featured in PJ Library song compilations. Emily lives in Wellington, Florida with her husband, Jason, her daughter, Talya, and their two dogs, Angel and Bubelah. FALL 2015 11 A at B’nai Torah ce S T E I N N G Pl y l i m a a [ F B’nai Torah Congregation is proud to offer a unique program for new and expecting parents in our community. With monthly sessions on various pregnancy and parenting topics, let the guidance of our experts - and the warmth of our community - support your family during this exciting time. Childbirth Education Course: A course covering everything you want to know – from nutrition, to stages of labor, to comfort measures for birth. This comprehensive course will introduce you to what you can expect from a hospital or out-of-hospital birth, possible interventions, and what options you have. (Courses begin Oct. 7, Jan. 6 & Feb. 17) Six week course, Wednesdays 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., $295 Pre-Natal Yoga: Experience relaxation and strengthening that will support you in your pregnancy and labor. (Oct. 20 - Nov. 24 & Dec. 15 - Jan. 19) Tuesdays 10:45 a.m & 7:30 p.m., $18 per class or 6 for $90 Monthly Classes: . Doulas/Breastfeeding 101 (September & March) . The Miracle First Hour (October & April) . The Fourth Trimester (November & May) . Infant Massage (December & June) . Prevent Breastfeeding Issues (January & July) . Grandparents Class (February & August) Our team of certified experts: Ellen Steiner Certified Lactation Counselor (561) 901-4943 [email protected] Jennifer Roberts Doula and Massage Therapist (561) 789-3747 [email protected] Jill A. Kay Birth Doula (561) 702-7191 [email protected] For more information and to register, please visit www.bnaitorahecc.org/NestingPlace or call (561) 750-9665 *Second Tuesday of the month 7:15 - 8:45 p.m., $36 per class 12 CHAI www.bnai-torah.org [ Oh Baby. . Are We Excited! [ With the launch of our new Family Nesting Place program, we’ve got babies on our mind. We asked our clergy and staff to submit their baby photos... Can you guess who is who? Answers on pg. 21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 The Ruth & Edward Taubman Early Childhood Center is proud to sponsor One Complimentary Childcare Class for New Parents and Parents-to-Be Tuesday, September 8 ~ 7:15 - 8:45 p.m. An introductory class discussing pregnancy, birth and beyond with local experts. For more information, please contact Erica Gordon at (561) 750-9665 or [email protected]. FALL 2015 13 Mark yo ur calen dar: M Cathy Berkowitz RS class es b the wee egin Septem k of ber 16th ! Director of The Mirochnick Religious School S halom! We are very excited for the new year at our Mirochnick Religious School! We continue to offer our differentiated learning program throughout the week, which has proven successful and allows us to be flexible for our families. Not only are we continually receiving great feedback from our families about this new-age teaching methodology, but we continue to receive recognition on a national level for our program too. This is something I am very proud of, and you all should be as well. Highlights for this year include our MRS Kick-Off Breakfast, the Sukkot Fall Harvest Fest (more information to follow), and Holiday experiential programs such as Simchat Torah Dinner and Kindergarten Consecration; Treasure Hunt for God; Mitzvah Day; Barnes and Noble Book Fair; Eco-Day; Shabbat dinners and lunches; World-Wide Wrap; Purim Carnival; Stop Hunger Now; B’nai Torah University; and much, much more. Be part of our Madrichim Program! There are volunteer opportunities and paid positions available for High School students. If you are interested, please contact me directly for more information. And, don’t forget. Tuition for 8th grade is FREE! Thanks to all the teachers and staff who continue to make MRS a leading religious school program, and of course to all the parents and congregants who support the program through their generosity, volunteerism and participation. And finally, a big special THANK YOU to the B’nai Torah Women’s League, who contributed $5,000 for this upcoming year and always works so hard to raise money to support Jewish Education and our children. Looking forward to an exciting year ahead! For more information, contact me at [email protected] or (561) 392-8005. Cathy Berkowitz Exciting opportunities for our Middle and High School students include: • Mark S. Bertuch Make a Difference Program Retreat • Monthly Learning with Rabbis and Educators: 1st Shabbat of the month - High School 3rd Shabbat of the month - Middle School (post B’nai Mitzvah) • Monthly TLC Programs Offering Community Service Hours 2nd Sunday of the month 14 CHAI www.bnai-torah.org The Eleanor & Paul Weiner Distinguished Service Award Geoff Gross Youth Director I hope you all had an a great summer. I had an awesome time serving as staff at Camp Ramah Darom, but I’m excited to kick-off an exciting year for our Youth Department! I am happy to announce to that we are starting a new group, called Chalutzim, for kids in Kindergarten and First Grade. This group will meet twice a month. The program on the second Sunday of each month will be dedicated to doing a TLC (Tzedakah, Learning and Chesed) group project and the fourth Sunday of the month will be for a social program. Chalutzim and Bonim will both be starting on Sunday, September 20th with a TLC program, and USY and Kadima will be kicking off the year with a welcome back BBQ on September 10th. I am looking forward to another great year! Last year, Eleanorz”l & Paul Weiner and family established the Eleanor & Paul Weiner Distinguished Service Award, an annual $5,000 scholarship program to help defray the costs for students who wish to participate in a Jewish education program, such as a trip to Israel, a Jewish studies program, Camp Ramah, March of the Living, etc. The recipient of this award is a deserving high school or college student, who has shown involvement in the past and desires a significant experience for the future. Stacey Taft was the first recipient of this award last year. She used her scholarship to spend a summer in Tel Aviv and intern in the finance district, through the Destination Israel Program. Geoff Gross Congratulations to the 2015-16 USY and Kadima Board Members! USY President: Hannah Wolf Religious/ Education Israeli Affairs VP: Gabriel Turmail Social Action/Tikun Olam VP: Mikayla Berkowitz Israel and Education VP: Leo Karp Kadima President: Drew Barrier 8th Grade Representative: Gabe Glassman 7th Grade Representative: Yael Hamaoui Communications VP: Jonah Smolka FALL 2015 “This summer I’ve been extremely fortunate to be interning in Israel, thanks to the Weiner family’s generous grant. During my time here, I have been working in Netanya at Signals Group, a consulting firm that works with Fortune 500 companies around the world. I have had the pleasure of living like a local in the heart of Tel Aviv, right next to the beach and port. By assimilating into the culture, I have been able to practice my Hebrew and I’ve learned a lot about the day to day lifestyle in Israel. In addition, I have had the opportunity to travel “off the beaten path” to see many sites around the country. This summer I will bring home memories that will stay with me forever.” - Stacey Taft For more information about this scholarship, or to apply, contact Cathy Berkowitz, MRS Director, at [email protected]. 15 TLC Meryl and Ron Gallatin Tzedakah, Learning & Chesed Program at B’nai Torah Congregation Summer Faerman Director of TLC I matter their age or stage in life – can make positive changes in the world. Let us focus on the idea that our capacity to change the way we live life is ongoing, and each year we can build upon it to make ourselves better. With its literal translation - “head of the year” - Rosh Hashanah starts off the fall season. And of course, our fall season is synonymous with new blossoms and new beginnings. This season is also a time of personal and spiritual introspection with our High Holy Days. As the TLC program is growing, I challenge you to get involved and make a REAL change in our community. Increase your involvement and support from last year, participate in more programs, join more committees, or even lead a committee. Make this the year that you make an even bigger difference. The power to transform ourselves is not beyond us, it is within us. t’s that time of year again! Summer is coming to an end, the hustle and bustle of the NEW school year starts, and we are getting ready for the holidays to begin. Our TLC calendar is perfectly aligned with the season, as we kick off the new year and this time of change with many opportunities for you to make a difference! Everyone – no Summer Faerman TLC Fall 2015 Calendar of Events 16 September 17 Package apple & honey granola snacks for underprivileged children at Whole Foods September 27 Join the Alzheimer’s Walk B’nai Torah team! September 20 Sandi & Barry Schwartz TLC Kids Care Kick-off with PJ Library Mitzvah Book read-a-loud & card making September 27 Package Mitzvah Muffins during the Sukkot Fall Harvest Fest September 24 Raise the Sukkah at Stratford Court with Men’s Club September 29 Social in the Sukkah Program with JARC and B’nai Torah Youth Groups October 11 Tzedakah program for Middle and High School students November 26 TLC Thanksgiving November 1 MITZVAH DAY! TLC November 20 Shabbat munch and mingle with JARC For more information, please contact Summer Faerman at [email protected]. CHAI www.bnai-torah.org Shelly Gross Larry Faerman WLBTC President Men’s Club President I always eagerly anticipate the beginning of a new year, but this year, even more so! B’nai Torah has always felt like a second home, and its members my extended family. That feeling has strengthened immensely in this past year. Being president of Women’s League has given me the opportunity to spend more time with my extended family, and I have loved getting to know so many of you. For this reason, I know that the year 5776 will be a year of deepening connections and friendships. I am looking forward to sharing the High Holy Days with my extended family, as well as welcoming all the women at our opening event on October 8th! Chag Sameach! Shelly Gross WLBTC Save the Dates: Oct. 1 - WL Picnic Dinner in Sukkah @ 5:00 p.m. Oct. 8 - Opening Event with local Judaic Artist, Loren Stein @ 7:00 p.m. Oct. 13 - First Book Club and Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan featuring Orphan Number Eight by Kim Van Alkemade Nov. 8 - Kitchen Shower to celebrate our new kitchen and honor Caroline Mizrachi, our culinary maven @ 10:00 a.m. Nov. 13th - Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh Kislev dinner following Kabbalat Shabbat Please contact Abbie Statsky-Frank at (561) 445-8709 or [email protected] for more information. Save the Dates: Sept. 6 - Jewish Heritage Day at the Marlins Park (Marlins vs. NY Mets) @ 1:00 p.m. Sept. 24 - “Raise the Sukkah” at Stratford Court Nov. 19th - Latkes & Vodkas with WL and Men’s Club @ 7:00 p.m. M en’s Club is gearing up for Fall 2015, coming off of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Club (FJMC) International’s Biennial Convention held in Miami Beach. Representing B’nai Torah were Elliot Burns, David Dweck, Rob Kantor, Mack Rosenbaum and Art Stark. The mission of FJMC, and thus of BTC Men’s Club, is not only to involve Jewish men in Jewish life, but to have an impact on all aspects of our congregation. In recognition of our initiatives toward meeting this mission, our club received the 2014 – 2015 Quality Men’s Club Award from FJMC. The FJMC Quality Club Award is given each year to member clubs who meet established criteria at the International, Regional and local levels. The executive board is hard at work preparing for our annual events as well as first-time events such as our first Car Show, which will take place on November 15. We are eagerly anticipating movie nights and our popular series “Beers and Bible (and Pizza).” Over the course of 2015-2016, we hope to build upon our relationships with Women’s League and MRS to other areas of B’nai Torah. We are always looking for new friends, new members and new ideas. To inquire about an event or for information about our club, please contact me at (561) 860-3241. Larry Faerman FALL 2015 17 Chai Members y A special thank you to our Chai Members whose continued generous support makes B’nai Torah’s outstanding programming possible. PLATINUM CHAI MEMBERS * Helene & Elliot Brody Victor Cohen Debra & Michael Coslov Meryl & Ron Gallatin Lowell Glazer Lester Hersch Mildred Levine Beatrice Mayer Carlyn & Lothar Mayer Millicent Nathan Hiromi & Robert Printz Eda & Clifford Viner Eleanorz”l and Paul Weiner GOLDEN CHAI MEMBERS * Carol Alcalay Karen & Lawrence Altschul Beverly Raphael-Altman & Joel Altman Cynthia & Richard Aronsohn Debby& William Berman Sidney Besvinick Martin Bloom Bobbi Brand Shirley Brooks Phyllis Butters Beverly & Laurence Chaplin Zesel & Bruce Chashin Jane & Alan Cornell Lisa & Mark Delevie Karl & Shirley Enselberg Kenneth Esrig Tammy & Jack Faintuch Barbara & Jeffrey Feingold Marleen Forkas Paula Frank Edith & Irwin Friedman Robin & Stuart Friedman Cheryl & Arthur Germain Nancy & Mark Gilbert Brenda & Larry Glassman Randy Steven Glassman Libby & Marvin Golberg Bea Gold Ann & Alan Goldberg Phyllis & Gerald Golden Howard & Susan Goldsmith Monica & Steven Goldstein Jan & Jeffrey Greenhawt Shelly &Larry Gross Linda & Irwin Gross Judy & Morris Gurevitch Babette & Calvin Haddad Beatriz & Harold Jacobsohn Anne & Norman Jacobson Naomi Jacobson 18 Felice & Neil Kantor Pam & Ethan Kass Joan & Mike Kaufman Rhona & Marvin Kirsner Gillian & Eric Klein Sylvia Kopkin Donna & Gerry Kramer Frances & Joseph Krause Gail & Richard Kwal Sydelle & Michael Lazar April & Roger Leavy Toby Levi Nauma Levin Carol & Morris Lewitter Madelyn & Kenneth Lipman Alan Lipson Mayra & Jay Litt Charlotte Mandelblatt Sam Mandelkerz”l Gay Mandon Debbie & Bud Menin Lisa & Robert Mintz Maruka Mirochnick Tamara & Richard Morgenstern Ester Rosenberg & Michael Ostroff Cathy & Elliott Packer Marilyn & Jack Pechter Elissa & Steven Pollack Gail & Mitchell Pollak Miriam Preminger Jewel & Allen Prince Patricia & Jack Randell Joyce & Gerald Robinson James Robinson Barbara & Jeffrey Rosenberg Lisa & Steven Rosenfeld Phyllis Rosenstock Terry & Julian Rubinstein Janice & Jeffrey Sandelman Toni Sandler Mildred Schaikowitz Norman Schlanger Alison & Andrew Schreier Marilyn & Monroe Schulder Eunice & Jay Shapiro Lizette & Dan Sheinberg Rhoda Shemin Claire & Allan Sheres Stacey & Arnie Shinder Sally Sokoloff Shirley & Allan Solomon Ethel & Dave Sommer Judy & Larry Speizman Ellyn & Harry Steinbok Marilee & Samuel Susi Abbey Tanenbaum Ruth Taubman Rose Turetsky Shari Upbin Hedy & Bryan Wasserman Carla & Bruce Weiner Myriam Weinstein Selma & Daniel Weiss Amy & Fred Weiss Gabriela Weiss Rita & Henry Wells Steven Wexner Dorothy Wizer Danielle Zerger Etta & Raymond Zimmerman Sylvia Zipper SILVER CHAI MEMBERS * Carol Alcalay Nancy & Irwin Aronson Nancy & Joshua Bailin Gloria Berger Anita & Sam Berman Carol & Bert Bez Norma & Sheldon Bodnick Leah Brochstein Suha & Louis Caplan Laura & Scott Chapman Cherie & Richard Chosid Alisa & Richard Cohen Micki & Jay Cohen Estelle & Harvey Cooperstone Suzanne & Jeffrey Deutch Norma & Jack Erdle Jerome Farber Dale & Edward Filhaber Elaine & William Fine Janet & Harvey Fine Grant Freer Heni & Henri Galel Bernice & Elias Garelick Jill Genson Mark Glickman Ruth Glickstein Judith & Henry Goldrich Sherby & George Goldstein Suzanne & David Goodis Lynn & Norbert Graber Miriam Granat Helene & Jeffrey Grantz Deborah & Sheldon Gross Myrna & David Gross Andrea & Bruce Grundt Eric Gutmann Elliot Harris & Jarrod Levy Sue Mochtak-Heller & Yaacov Heller Naomi Jacobson Mitchell Kaminsky Elaine & Gil Kanter Linda Kaplan Zerlina & Edward Kaplan Marjorie Kaye Debbie & Howard Kestenberg Pearl & Ralph Kier Sue Kirshner Lawrence Korpeck Myra & Jan Kronish Gail & Keith Kronish Carol Pessah-Lewitter & Morris Lewitter Gayle & Charles Lichtman Civi & Alan Lieberman Mayra & Jay Litt Alissa & Jay Maizes Janice & Stuart Marowitz Joan & Mark Mendel Beth & Joseph Mishkin Beth & Alan Mitchell Erika & Robert Moskovits Caryn & Skip Nashban Lila & Stewart Newman Toni Nieves Susan & Joshua Paul Murray Rehner Donna & Andrew Robins Rose Robinson Caroline & Todd Rosenberg Jerome Roth Ruth & Mark Samarel Carie & Spencer Sax Irving Schuldiner Betsy & Rick Schuster Jody & Henry Schwartz Benita Haber Segal & Bruce Segal Robert Shabot Eunice & Jay Shapiro Harriet & Bernard Shavitz Carol & Murray Shear Elaine & Gary Shore Syd Sieber Elyse Silver Irma & Sidney Sobel Gittele & Arnie Soloff Sandra & Jerry Staub Patricia Stein Linda Stewart Rhonda & Marc Strauss Phyliss & Milton Thurm Corina & Stuart Waldman Sue Gurland & Mark Wasserman Caren & Michael Weinberg Ruth Weinberger Hilary & Stanley Weiner Amanda & Jared Weiner Deborah & Roy Weisman Joan & Barry Winograd Teri Wolofsky As of 7/29/2015 CHAI www.bnai-torah.org A NEW star ON THE HOR IZON. A blend of five-star amenities, gracious residences, and inspirational services, Sinai Residences of Boca Raton is becoming the number one choice for senior living. Opening in January 2016 within the secure setting on the campus of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, our upscale community meets the demand for distinctive living while honoring your heritage and beliefs. But our community is almost sold out … so don’t miss your opportunity to reserve the most prestigious address in the area. For more information about Sinai Residences or to schedule an appointment, contact (561) 922-7156 now. INFORMATION CENTER 21090 St. Andrews Blvd., Suite 1 • Boca Raton, FL 33433-2400 • (561) 922-7156 • Fax: (561) 338-9596 www.SinaiResidences.com 700179 FALL 2015 19 a Our Pride and Joy B’nai Mitzvah Tyler Field Jordan Mann Hannah Kravec Nathaniel Bredoff Ava Schenker Zoey Chotiner Justin Koolik Gabriel Winter Bobby Ptaszek Emma Schwartz Matthew Schwartz Benjamin Bernknopf Jenna Harris Samuel Krassan Noah Rubin Tyler field October 17, 2015 Son of Heidi & Barry Field zoey chotiner November 7, 2015 Daughter of Melissa & Adam Chotiner matthew schwartz November 14, 2015 Son of Melissa & Jonathan Schwartz Jordan Mann October 17, 2015 Daughter of Susan & Steve Mann justin koolik November 7, 2015 Son of Wendy & Elliot Koolik benjamin bernknopf November 21, 2015 Son of Dolores & Mitchell Bernknopf hannah kravec October 24, 2015 Daughter of Clarissa & Alan Kravec gabriel winter November 7, 2015 Son of Randi & David Winter jenna harris December 5, 2015 Daughter of Renee & Marc Harris nathaniel bredoff October 24, 2015 Son of Penina & Shane Bredoff bobby ptaszek November 14, 2015 Son of Susan & Michael Ptaszek samuel krassan December 5, 2015 Son of Susan & Mitchell Krassan ava schenker October 31, 2015 Daughter of Debra Schenker emma schwartz November 14, 2015 Daughter of Melissa & Jonathan Schwartz noah rubin December 5, 2015 Son of Karen & Ronen Rubin 20 CHAI www.bnai-torah.org Introducing Cantor Paul Goldstein B’nai Mitzvah Director As the dog days of summer come to a close, a season of change is in the air. June, July, and August have given way to the Hebrew months of Elul and Tishrei. The Shofar has begun to be sounded at morning minyan services as we anxiously anticipate the New Year. Here at B’nai Torah, change has already happened. As the new B’nai Mitzvah Program Director at B’nai Torah Congregation, I am excited about this new season of B’nai Mitzvah students. Our latest class of boys and girls will become men and women within the coming months. Our next year’s class in our B’yachad program is already beginning their own journeys towards a deeper understanding of what it means to be Jewish adults. We are all anticipating them and their parents becoming a larger part of our Shul family for many years to come. For those of you who do not know me, I have been a B’nai Mitzvah tutor here at B’nai Torah for the past year. I’m a graduate of the H. L. Miller Cantorial School at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City. I have a Masters Degree in Sacred Music and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. My wife Cynthia, an attorney, is the Recording Secretary of Women’s League and my son Jason, a member of USY, sings in the Choir every Shabbos morning in the Main Sanctuary. Our newest program is to encourage everyone of any age, to come and read Torah at our Shabbat Morning services. If you are interested in reading Torah, please contact me at the synagogue. Or, if you are not interested, please stop by anyways and say “hi!” If your child is in Mirochnick Religious School, I will be teaching music on Sunday mornings. Please introduce yourselves and indulge me because I’m not good with names… so it may take more than one visit… unless you all decide to wear nametags! Cynthia, Jason, and I want to wish everyone in our B’nai Torah family a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year. L’Shana Tova, Cantor Paul Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services Help. Hope. Humanity. For the past one and a half years, B’nai Torah has partnered with Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS) through their Community Outreach Department, to make JFS programs and services easily accessible to B’nai Torah congregants. JFS Community Outreach Coordinator, Shlomit Karasik, LCSW, Ed.S., continues to work closely with B’nai Torah rabbis and staff to help meet the needs of the community. JFS offers an array of services for people of all ages including Food & Financial Assistance, Senior Services, Counseling & Mental Health as well as many volunteer opportunities which can be coordinated through Summer Faerman, B’nai Torah’s TLC Director. In 2013, a significant gift from the Rales Foundation allowed JFS to create the new “Center for Families & Children” which enables the agency to help more families and children struggling in our community. In addition to Community Outreach, Domestic Abuse Education & Action, Career & Employment Services, and Financial Assistance for after-school childcare, SAT/ACT prep courses, tutoring and summer camp all fall under the Center for Families & Children. If you or someone you know may need assistance with any of the above areas, please reach out to Shlomit directly at (561) 852-3333 or [email protected]. Answers from pg. 13: 1. Rabbi Rikki Arad, 2. Julie Risisky, 3. Rabbi David Englander, 4. Cantor Udi Spielman, 5. AviGail Whiting, 6. Elaine Siegell, 7. Rabbi David Steinhardt, 8. Allison Sherman, 9. Elysa Stark, 10. Claudia Sternberg, 11. Shelly Gross, 12. Zena Gruda, 13. Nancy Goldstein, 14. Sam Hitner, 15. Geoff Gross, 16. Summer Faerman, 17. Lauren Berger, 18. Larry Faerman. FALL 2015 21 11with Elysa Eleven questions in under eleven minutes! In this feature, I conduct quick interviews with our amazing clergy, staff and community leaders. These questions are meant to be light and fun, and provide a little insight into the people of B’nai Torah. In this issue, I interviewed B’nai Torah members and founders of the Eda & Cliff Viner Community Scholars Foundation, Eda and Cliff Viner. have mentors assigned to each student, as well as a licensed child psychologist and a performance coach to help these students along the way. Also, what differentiates this program is the fact that its service-based. All the students have to complete a minimum of 200 service hours throughout the four years. Q: I see that this past summer you Q: What prompted you to develop the Eda and Clifford Viner Community Scholars Foundation? A: EV: We believe in education and the power it has to change lives. There are so many deserving students out there whose parents can’t afford to give them the education they need. As a single mom for many years, I understand how difficult it can be - not only for single parents, but even for two working parents - to make ends meet. That’s why we developed this scholarship program. Q: What are you most proud of in regards to the Eda & Cliff Viner Community Scholars Foundation? A: CV: We are most proud of the fact that this will make a real difference, not just for the students who are awarded the scholarships, but also for their families and all the other people involved. It’s so much more than a scholarship program – we 22 Q: Looking back, would you have done anything different during your college career? A: EV: I would have tried to do better and get better grades. CV: I probably would have tried to do more outside of the academic realm and get involved in more of the campus life. awarded 18 students with this award. Is this number a coincidence or was it done on purpose? Q: What is one of your happiest B’nai CV: A lucky coincidence! The program is built to reward up to 25 students, but this year, because of time constraints, only 18 were identified that met the criteria. EV: I think that God is constantly sending us signs that this is a great program. Maybe this is one of those signs! first thing I think of is the Torah that Cliff dedicated on our first wedding anniversary. It’s the Torah that is used every Shabbat now and it’s so special to have that connection. Also learning with Rabbi Steinhardt has been very memorable. CV: Wow, in my 29 years at B’nai Torah there have been so many memories. My daughters’ bat mitzvahs, Rabbi Steinhardt marrying us, all the friends we have made – I have countless memories. I also have so many memories of serving on the board, and as president of the shul. I say this all the time actually – we have more memorable B’nai Torah moments in six months than most people have in a lifetime! Torah memories? A: EV: (Laughs) Yes, a total coincidence! A: EV: Oh my! There are so many! The Q: Will you personally follow the scholars’ progress through the coming year? A: EV: Yes, we are 100% committed to being actively involved in their progress in all areas. Q: How did your belief and commitment to Judaism factor in to your decision to start the foundation? A: CV: Well of course there is focus on education as a core Jewish value. And also the idea of tikkun olam and that in saving one life, it is as if you are saving the world. Q: If you could tell the whole world the same thing all at once, what would it be? A: EV: Always be true to yourself and be true to one another. CV: That greatness really does come from goodness. I was involved in creating the CHAI www.bnai-torah.org slogan for our synagogue – “From Goodness, a Congregation of Greatness.” That’s something I truly believe – that greatness comes from being and doing good. Q: What is your favorite thing to do or go when you have a moment to relax? A: EV: We like to walk and we use that time to catch up and talk. And, we do it all in Spanish! Cliff has been studying Spanish with a tutor and he has learned so much, so we use our walks to practice. Q: Who or what inspires you? A: EV and CV: That’s easy. We inspire each other. But there are many people who inspire us. Rabbi Steinhardt and the other clergy and leaders of B’nai Torah are inspiring. We have been very fortunate to come across some very inspiring people. Many from the synagogue, others from other community organizations and we’ve also met so many people through the implementation of this program who inspire us. Q: What is on your “to do” list for the future? A: EV: To continue growing this program and get even more members of the community involved. The Eda & Cliff Viner Community Scholars Foundation This past June, the 18 students of the inaugural class of recipients of the Eda and Cliff Viner Community Scholars Foundation, Inc. were awarded with a four-year scholarship to a Florida university. Each spring, at each of the seven participating high schools* in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, the program will accept applications from students who achieved at least a 3.50 unweighted GPA, performed substantial community service, and were from families that required significant financial assistance. This scholarship is a “last dollar” scholarship that covers tuition not already covered by financial aid, and will provide assistance with room and board as well as daily living expenses. Cliff & Eda Viner with Congressman Ted & Jill Deutch. Congressman Deutch was the keynote speaker at the awards ceremony for the 18 recipients and their families. “We are offering not only financial assistance,” says Cliff. “But we are also providing a comprehensive mentor program to keep students on-track, so they can graduate and then go on to fulfill the promise they’ve all shown.” “The purpose of this program is to work with the most dedicated and talented students, some of whom don’t have the financial means to fulfill their potential” says Eda. “This will not only assist students and their families, but also greatly benefit our own community.” For more information about the program, please contact Carolyn Goldman, Executive Director of the Eda & Cliff Viner Community Scholars Foundation, Inc., at (561) 544-4436 or [email protected]. Cliff & Eda Viner and Congressman Ted Deutch with the 18 inaugural scolarship recipients. FALL 2015 *The seven participating high schools are: Atlantic Community High School, Boca Raton Community High School, Donna Klein Jewish Academy, Olympic Heights Community High School, Spanish River Community High School, Weinbaum Yeshiva, and West Boca Community High School. 23 I am proud to debut a new feature in our Chai magazine, dedicated to recognizing the extraordinary work of young adults who grew up at B’nai Torah and are now paving the way for a brighter future. In this column, we will learn first-hand about their work when they share, in their own words, what inspires them and how B’nai Torah has served as an influence. One of the most important goals of a synagogue is to teach and reinforce Jewish values within our children, and what great pride there is in seeing these values not only learned, but lived. In this issue, we’ll hear from Lucas Spielfogel, son of Gary & Stacie, about the organization he helped to grow, the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition. - Rabbi David Steinhardt Tomorrow’s Leaders Growing up, B’nai Torah felt like a big family. As a kid, I looked forward to attending services and other synagogue events because they allowed me to spend time with the people I was closest to. As I got older, and especially after my Bar Mitzvah, my connection to the synagogue evolved. For one, I kept my butt in services rather than in the hallways visiting with friends. But also, I began listening more closely to Rabbi Steinhardt’s messages, and they began resonating with me – especially his constant challenge to all of us to repair the world. The Rabbi’s espousal of Tikkun Olam, and my parents’ consistent reinforcement of its tenets, helped frame how I see the world. Today, I am blessed and lucky to be in a position to answer a call that is fundamental to being Jewish. I just never imagined I would be doing it in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After graduating Yale in May 2010, I packed my bags for the Deep South to join Teach For America (TFA) in its quest to ensure educational equity. My two years teaching 7th grade Social Studies at Baker Middle School – a low-performing, high-poverty school in Baker, LA – were the most trying of my life. They were also the most formative and eye-opening. I grew up enjoying tremendous privilege, every opportunity at my fingertips. My students, on the other hand, were born into a cycle of generational poverty that they lacked the resources to interrupt. Resources. That’s what it came down to. In July 2012, I was offered an opportunity to broaden and deepen the work I began as a teacher by becoming the second executive director of a scrappy little nonprofit entering 24 its fourth year and gaining traction in the community. Founded in 2009 by TFA and Harvard alum Daniel Kahn (a mensch from the Bay Area), the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition (BRYC, like “brick) aims to identify high-achieving, under-resourced high school students in the Greater Baton Rouge area and equip them with the resources they need to get into, pay for and graduate college. When I joined BRYC, we were working with about 40 teens. I am proud to tell you that, today, as I write this, I am sitting on the campus of Tulane University in New Orleans, where our 160 ninth-through-twelfth-graders are enjoying a weeklong leadership retreat to kick off the 2015-2016 school year. Since inception, 125 students have completed BRYC, and of those, 114 currently attend or have graduated from college. That is a 91% rate of persistence. In comparison, the national average for low-income students is less than 10%. These bright minds have collectively been offered more than $8 million in scholarships and are excelling at colleges across the country including Stanford, Brown, Emory, Tulane, University of Wisconsin-Madison, NYU, LSU and many, many others. They continue to prove they can do anything – given the right resources and guidance. I am grateful to Rabbi Steinhardt, my parents, and the B’nai Torah family for inculcating in me a passion and moral imperative to be there for others, and for caring about and supporting my work from afar. I am very fortunate to be in the position I am in. If you would like to learn more about BRYC, you can visit www.thebryc.org. If you would like to get in touch with me directly, please email [email protected]. CHAI www.bnai-torah.org a Life Events in our Community Mazal Tov to: . Rabbi David & Tobi Steinhardt, and to Mindy Stein & Howard Brummer, on the upcoming wedding of their daughter, Gabrielle Steinhardt to Seth Lind Welcome New Members A big thank you to Anne and Norman Jacobson for their generosity in underwriting our Noah’s Ark Welcome Aboard Initiative again this year. The main focus of this program is to create a sense of community for our new members and help them become better acquainted at B’nai Torah Congregation. We will continue with this successful initiative which began in 2011. Joan & Barry Winograd . Cindy & Marc Levinson on the birth of a granddaughter, Ava Morgan Levinson . Vicki Novick on the birth of a granddaughter, Elle Captain Novick . Beth & Joe Mishkin on the birth of a granddaughter, Samantha Jeanne Mishkin . Laura and Mark Ruben on the birth of a grandson, Bradley Douglas Ruben . Phyllis Rosenstock on the birth of twin great grandchildren, Spencer Jax & Willa Ivy Chasin . Helene & Jeffrey Grantz on the birth of a granddaughter, Summer Rae Grantz . Tobi & Rabbi David Steinhardt on the birth of a grandson, Miles Henry Ehrlich . Rhona & Marvin Kirsner on the birth of a grandson, Judah Matthijs Baros . Barbara & Jeffrey Feingold on the birth of grandson, Miles Sebastian Criss, and to parents, Samantha & Jonathan Criss . Raye Liptzin on the engagement of her grandson, Corey Borg to Rebecca Dishner . Raye Liptzin on the engagement of her granddaughter, Jamie Borg to Brett Solomon . Joyce & Marvin Schachter on the wedding of their daughter Whitney Schachter to Michael Bagliebter Condolences to: Logan Shalmi Janet & Richard Nadler It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of our friend and colleague, Lenny Cohen, who has been part of the B’nai Torah family and manager of Executive Caterers for the past 25 years. Yardena Barzilay Neil Friedman Haley Hacker Louise & Alan Dabrow Kari Tannenbaum Liat & Eric Heller Esther Falchook & Darren Lefkowitz Sarah & Howard Schachere Faith & Adam Skolnik Dana & Lawrence Strong Michelle & Michael Roseman Esta Goldfine Ruth Levy-Franks & Edwin Franks Andrea & Yehuda Atias Toni Sandler Sonia & Irving Ginsberg Roseanne & Edward Sopher Ava Sobel Elaine Dubow Harris Ira Saunders As of 7/29/2015 . Dianne Matthew on the loss of her husband, Lenny Cohen . Louise Macks on the loss of her husband, Morton Macks . Jesse Lieberman on the loss of his father, Eugene Lieberman . Carmen Cunha on the loss of her mother, Auta da Cunha . Sheila Trossman on the loss of her partner, Bernard (Bud) Anthone . Harvey Schoenbrum on the loss of his mother, Anna Schoenbrum . Miriam Granat on the loss of her father, Aaron Bruck . Laurie Burton on the loss of her mother, Marion Frager . Barbara Gardner on the loss of her mother, Florence Shenker . Lee Bloom on the loss of her husband, Harry Bloom . Irene Perl on the loss of her sister, Dottie Myers . Keith Kronish on the loss of his mother, Cynthia Kronish . Norma Erdle on the loss of her husband, Jack Erdle . Weldon Levine on the loss of his wife, Joan Levine . Ron Gottfried on the loss of his father, Leopoldo Gottfried Mishebeirach Notice To include the name of a loved one, please contact the office by the Thursday prior to the Shabbat Service. You can also leave a voicemail 24 hours a day with Elaine Siegell at ext. 309. Please include the Hebrew name of both the ill person and his/her mother. Names are kept on the list for two weeks at a time. Ner Tamid Society B’nai Torah Foundation The prestigious Ner Tamid Society honors donors who have contributed a minimum of $100,000 to the B’nai Torah Foundation. This can be done through a gift or through a charitable trust, life insurance policy, will, IRA or pension. Donors are acknowledged on the Ner Tamid recognition wall located in the front lobby of the synagogue. Create a Jewish Legacy through our Ner Tamid Society and perpetuate Jewish life from Generation to Generation. Cynthia & Dr. Richard Aronsohn Esther* & Milton* Blank Alisa & Dr. Richard Cohen Ellen & Edward Cohen Jane & Alan Cornell Tammy & Dr. Jack Faintuch Miriam* & Henry* Fistel Shulamith Fleischer & Robert Schattner Marleen & Harold* Forkas Marcy & Bill Forster Shirlee* & Daniel* Freed Isadore* Friedman Meryl & Ron Gallatin Nancy & Mark Gilbert Mark W. Glickman Phyllis & Gerald Golden Suzanne & David Goodis Dorothy* & Milton* Gordon Linda & Alan Hurst Anne & Norman Jacobson 26 Carolyn & Robert Kantor & Family Phyllis & Samuel Kaufman Sue & Myron* Kirshner Anita* & Paul* Kivell Gillian & Eric Klein Debra & Gerald Kramer Donna & Gerald Kramer Doris B. & Saul* Kuperstock April & Roger Leavy Anne* & Fred Levi Toby & Norman Levi Courtney & Dr. Scott Levin Nauma Levin Mildred & Abner* Levine Sam Mandelker* Gay & Morris* Mandon Alissa & Dr. Jay Maizes Beatrice Cummings Mayer Maruka & Bernard* Mirochnick Millicent & Sigmund* Nathan Michael Ostroff & Family Sarah & Richard Parker & Family Marilyn & Jack Pechter Miriam & Zwi* Preminger Hiromi & Robert Printz Madeleine & Norman* Reich Barbara & Jeffrey Rosenberg The Sandelman Family Carie & Spencer Sax Mildred & Sol* Schaikowitz Elissa & Dr. Peter Schosheim Carol & Murray Shear Ruth & Edward* Taubman Jill & Cliff Viner Beate* & Henry* Voremberg Hedy & Dr. Bryan Wasserman Eleanor* & Paul Weiner Pamela & Robert Weinroth Amy & Fred Weiss Gabriela & Walter* Weiss * Of Blessed Memory CHAI www.bnai-torah.org Tributes and Contributions To B’nai Torah Congregation *April 1st - June 30th, 2015 Rob Schacter In Memory of Marilyn Isenberg Terry Jonas In Memory of Harry Bloom Toby & Norman Levi In Memory of Harry Bloom Karen Polivy In Memory of Anna Schoenbrum Annette Orenstein & Steven Polivy In Memory of Anna Schoenbrum Teddy Garber In Memory of Fred Felsen Raphael Mark In Memory of Harold “Harry” Mark Aaron Appelbaum In Memory of the Aaron Family Nancy Bailin In Honor of Andrea Levy’s Speedy Recovery Brenda & Larry Glassman In Honor of Lenny Cohen’s Speedy Recovery In Honor of Lenny Cohen’s Speedy Recovery Patricia Stein & Family Jeanette Suskin In Honor of Beatrice & Bert Dermer’s 50th Anniversary In Honor of Fred & Pearl’s 65th Anniversary Gerri & Frank Neiman David Sadick In Honor of Irwin Friedman’s 85th Birthday Howard Boris In Honor of Irwin Friedman’s 85th Birthday Linda & Bob Spiegelman In Honor of Jennifer Kurzweil’s Bat Mitzvah Aaron Appelbaum In Honor of the Appelbaum Family BT Officers & Board of Trustees In Honor of Wishing Harriet Martin a Refuah Shlema BT Officers & Board of Trustees In Honor of Wishing Erica Gordon a Refuah Shlema Bea Gold In Honor of the Birth of Samantha Mishkin Bea Gold, Ruth Weiner, Rita & Fred Cimbal In Honor of Dr. Bernard Metrick’s 99th Birthday Teddy Garber In Honor of Aliyah & Haftarah Avra & Ralph Berg In Honor of an Aliyah Irv & Ellie Pomerantz In Honor of an Aliyah Mr. & Mrs. Raphael Cohen In Honor of an Aliyah Mr. & Mrs. Raphael Cohen In Honor of an Aliyah Raphael Cohen In Honor of an Aliyah Raphael Cohen In Honor of an Aliyah Raphael Cohen In Honor of an Aliyah Raphael Cohen In Honor of an Aliyah Raphael Cohen In Honor of an Aliyah Marjorie & James Goodman In Honor of Tzedakah Carol & Steven Ginsburg In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah Alvin & Helene Levine Marjorie Peyser In Honor of Tzedakah Michael & Judith Orenstein In Honor of Tzedakah Marvin Rosett In Honor of Tzedakah Jewell & Stanley Kirwin In Honor of Tzedakah Alvin Lezell In Honor of Tzedakah Joseph Perl In Honor of Tzedakah Florence & Irwin Tanzman In Honor of Tzedakah Mr. & Mrs. Alan Greenwald In Honor of Tzedakah y Alisa and Richard Cohen Confirmation Class Fund Alisa & Richard Cohen Alisa Cohen Alisa, Richard, Joshua & Zachary Cohen Alisa & Richard Cohen Alisa, Richard, Joshua & Zachary Cohen Alisa, Richard, Joshua & Zachary Cohen Alisa & Richard Cohen Alisa & Richard Cohen Alisa Cohen Kevin & Carla Libby In Memory of Simon Portnoy In Memory of Beloved Father, Daniel Clearfield In Memory of Beloved Grandmother, Anna Schoenbrum In Memory of Harry Bloom In Honor of the Birth of Ella Brooke In Honor of Lenny Cohen’s Complete & Speedy Recovery In Honor of Mark Cohan’s Complete & Speedy Recovery In Honor of Ambassador Mark Gilbert In Honor of Shlomit Karasik’s Support for the “Parent to Parent” Group In Honor of Vivian Bergman’s Birthday Anne & Norman Jacobson Chesed Endowment Endowment Fund The Brassloff Family In Memory of William Schwartz Beatrice Cummings Mayer Pastoral Care Fund Beatrice C. Mayer In Memory of Herbert Cummings Bertuch Outreach Program Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Roth In Memory of Sidney Roth Mrs. Morton Ruderman In Honor of Tzedakah Cantor’s Programming Fund Claire & Stanley GreeneIn Memory of Minnie Grotsky Reney & Mark Smitz In Memory of Aaron Bruck Sandra Prentki In Memory of Steven Prentki Renee Loeb In Honor of an Aliyah Diane Marcovitz Adult Education Fund Cindy & Larry Birkner In Honor of Tzedakah Cindy & Larry Birkner In Honor of Tzedakah Dorothy and Milton Gordon Youth Endowment Fund Ruth Preminger In Memory of Dr. Joseph Preminger Dr. Arnold and Pearl Schosheim March of the Living Scholarship Fund Elissa & Peter Schosheim In Memory of Mordechai Katzin Elissa & Peter Schosheim In Honor of Alex Leavy’s Graduation From Law School Elissa & Peter Schosheim In Honor of Wishing Lenny Cohen a Refulah Shlema Dr. Henry & Sonja Faintuch Senior Programming Tamara & Jack Faintuch In Memory of Warren Greenspoon’s Mother Tamara & Jack Faintuch In Memory of Genia Feintuch Tamara & Jack Faintuch In Honor of Andrea Levy Goldman’s Speedy Recovery Tamara & Jack Faintuch In Honor of the Birth of Ella Brooke Jewel & Allen Prince Early Childhood Fund Barbara Feingold Jewel & Allen Prince Joanne Shulman In Memory of Eugene Moss In Memory of Janet Rosenberg Prince In Honor of Allen Prince Kabbalat Shabbat Siddur Project Hinda & Barry Feinstein In Memory of Bob Rubin Lillian and Philip Cooperman Adult Education Fund Barry Fink In Honor of Tzedakah Mager-Cohan March of the Living / Camp Ramah Youth Scholars Fund Paul Weiner In Memory of Beloved Mother, Hinda Weiner Heni Galel In Memory of Abraham Margel Floris & Murray Leipzig In Memory of Gussie Gordon & Ellen Leipzig Floris & Murray Leipzig In Memory of Herbert Schoenfeld Esther and Milton Blank Children’s Music Endowment Fund Mark Bertuch Make a Difference Fund Malcolm & Marion Robbins In Memory of Esther Blank Malcolm & Marion Robbins In Memory of Miriam Brenner Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Roth General Fund Gillian & Eric Klein Gillian & Eric Klein Sonia Saxanoff Sonia Saxanoff Sonia Saxanoff Eleanor & Paul Weiner Distinguished Service Award Patricia Stein & Family In Memory of Bob Rubin Barbara & David Stein In Memory of Edna Chosid Lila Butters In Memory of Volf Ronis Jeanette Suskin In Memory of Louis Levy Jeanette Suskin In Memory of Adrian Suskin Sheldon Bodnick In Memory of Stanley Bodnick Dale & Richard Sonenklare In Memory of Saul Schleiderer,Regina & Max Sonenklare Sylvia & Brenda Berman, Jeri Davis & Grandchildren In Memory of Fred Berman Jewel & Allen Prince, Lillian Grodin & The Prince-Cardoza Clan In Memory of Warren Katz Clifford Seresky In Memory of Leonard Kaplan Carie & Spencer Sax In Memory of Sylvia Sax Arline Kandel Nechtow In Memory of Albert Kandel Harry M. Hauptman In Memory of Regina Hauptman Rhoda Appelbaum In Memory of Beloved Mother & Brother Esther Liss In Memory of Zavel Sandler Irene & Robert Russel In Memory of Aaron Bruck Anita & Warren Klawans In Memory of Star & Aaron Bruck FALL 2015 In Honor of Tzedakah Melvin Klein Ritual Wine and Liquor Endowment Fund In Memory of Louis Miller In Memory of Albert Saxanoff In Memory of Albert Saxanoff In Memory of Rose Miller In Memory of Melvin Klein Millicent and Sigmund Nathan Library Endowment Fund B’nai Torah Library Staff In Memory of William Schwartz B’nai Torah Library Staff In Memory of Bud Anthone Sidney Besvinick In Memory of Sophie Kirk & Ruth Besvinick Rita & Fred Cimbal In Memory of William Millstein Evelyn & Joel Udell In Memory of Louis Smith Evelyn & Joel Udell In Memory of Ethel Udell Claire Lipton Zimmers In Memory of Esther Bashevkin Lipton Sue Kirshner In Memory of Harry Bloom Fridell Feibus In Memory of Harry Bloom Francine Higer In Honor of Pamela & Mark Polani’s Anniversary Melvin Young In Honor of Tzedakah 27 Mirochnick Religious School Endowment Fund Rabbi Steinhardt Discretionary Fund (cont.) Tammy & Ronald Smith In Memory of William Schwartz Laura & David Kreiger In Honor of Ari Kleiger’s Bris Scott Frank & Abbie Statsky-Frank In Honor of Ma’ot Chitim Phyllis Butters In Honor of The Birth of Sheila & Isadore Goldberg’s Great Grandson Phyllis Butters In Honor of The Birth of Gerta Gleich’s Great Grandson In Honor of The Birth of Sheila & Isadore Goldberg’s Great Grandson Harriet Kaplan Gerta Gleich In Honor of Phyllis Butters’ Grandaughter’s Masters Degree In Honor of Ruth Taubman’s Speedy Recovery Gerta Gleich In Honor of Daniel Diamond’s Speedy Recovery Gerta Gleich Gerta Gleich In Honor of Etta Schaeffer’s Misheberach In Honor of Irwin Friedman’s 85th Birthday Cynthia Weissman Bluma and Jack Goldberg In Honor of Reva and Mark Waldman In Honor of Hyla Levine’s Special Birthday Kathy & Irving Estrin In Honor of Kerry Chaplin’s Ordination Beverly Chaplin Mitchell Smith In Honor of Rabbi Steinhardt Maddie & Steve Sackel In Honor of Andy Robins’ 60th Birthday William Bagliebter In Honor of Mike & Whitney’s Wedding In Honor of Marvin, Joyce & all of the Schachters William Bagliebter Terry Katz In Honor of an Aliyah Cindy Aronsohn In Honor of Julie Risisky Gladys Saleh In Honor of Bebe Senker’s 90th Birthday Jeffrey Deutch In Honor of Baby Bryce Goldman Chiam Sabag In Honor of Rabbi Rikki Arad In Honor of Spencer Sax’s 60th Birthday Marlane Guttmann Ruth and Edward Taubman Early Childhood Center Endowment Fund Mr. & Mrs. Fred Goldstein In Memory of William Shwartz Ruth Taubman In Memory of Andrew Robbin’s Father Ruth Taubman In Honor of the Birth of Samantha Jeanne Mishkin Ruth Taubman In Honor of Lenny Cohen’s Speedy Recovery Linda Povlow In Honor of Nancy Goldstein Beverly Chaplin In Honor of Toby Levi Oxler-Farber Fund for Camp Ramah Scholarships Cherie Chosid In Memory of Marcia Steele’s Beloved Sister Susan Fishman In Memory of Sylvia Wagenberg In Memory of Pat & Gary Kaufman’s Daughter, Leah Susan Fishman Susan Fishman In Honor of the Birth of Donna & Jack Hirschfeld’s Grandchild In Honor of the Birth of Beth & Joe Mishkin’s Grandaughter, Samantha Susan Fishman Cherie & Richard Chosid In Honor of Jake’s Bar Mitzvah, Grandson of Mr. & Mrs. James Shohet y Rabbi Englander Discretionary Fund Eunice & Jay Shapiro In Memory of Irene Shapiro Cindy & Richard Aronsohn In Memory of Ira Robins Hertzel Pryzant In Memory of Bernice Pryzant Claire & Stanley Greene In Memory of David Greenberg Lisa, Lanny & Sabrina Marks In Memory of Diana Stein Marvin Steinberg In Memory of Joan, Victor, Sarah & Burton Steinberg In Memory of Esther & Harry Staszower Morris Staszower Maddi & Steve Sackel In Honor of Sophie Reis Booken’s Baby Naming Dr. Bernard Metrick In Honor of an Aliyah In Honor of the Birth of Twins Shayna & Talia Grossman Sally Sokoloff Sally Sokoloff In Honor of Lenny Cohen’s Speedy Recovery In Honor of Kerry Chaplin’s Ordination Beverly Chaplin In Honor of Dr. Bernard Metrick’s 99th Birthday & Aliyah Roger Goldwyn Rabbi Steinhardt Discretionary Fund Sylvia Kopkin Irene Tannenholtz Elaine & Bill Fine Elaine & Bill Fine Nancy & Fred Goldstein Rosalind Schwartz-Fein Sam Berman Howard Krosser Carol Pessah Lewitter Albert Lisman Gladys Saleh Lorenzo Schechterman Rabbi Bernard Spielman Jerry Budney Claire & Stanley Greene Michelle Fiorillo-Berger Joan & Jerry Fisher Iris & Harvey Schoenbrum Maddi & Steve Sackel Ruth Polivy Janice & Jeffrey Sandelman Patricia Stein Anita & Sam Berman Esther & Leonard Wolfer Sheila & Isadore Goldberg Sheila & Isadore Goldberg Iris Sandler Gerta Gleich Gerta Gleich Monica Goldstein Evenlyn & Martin Mayblum Wendie Gershman Barbara Kessler Janet Morecraft Sharon Levine Connie Greenberg Sylvia Kopkin Robert Schumer Roz Schwartz-Fein Roz Schwartz-Fein Marvin Steinberg Doris Brooks Kuperstock Meryl & Ron Gallatin Sheila & Izzy Goldberg and Susan & Stanley Kossof Martin Kotler Mark Wasserman & Sue Gurland Fran & David Klingsberg Estelle Ducker Cindy Aronsohn Rhoda Pollack Martin Kotler Claire & Herbert Riegel Phyllis Butters Leslie Aling Donald Lederman Gerald I. Miasner 28 In Memory of Ida Gassman In Memory of William B. Marcus In Memory of Pearle B. Fine In Memory of Brian Barban In Memory of Lillian Goldstein In Memory of Rabbi Lester Schwartz In Memory of Harry M. Feinsinger In Memory of Howard’s Beloved Parents & Sister In Memory of Joseph L. Pessah In Memory of Muriel Hechtman In Memory of Kenny Saleh In Memory of Josef Schechterman In Memory of Helen Spielman In Memory of Solomon Budney In Memory of Milton Grotsky In Memory of R. Fiorillo In Memory of Israel Perlman In Memory of Anna Schoenbrum In Memory of Anna Schoenbrum In Memory of Anna Schoenbrum In Memory of Anna Schoenbrum In Memory of Anna Schoenbrum In Memory of Aaron Bruck In Memory of Aaron Bruck In Memory of Aaron Bruck In Memory of Ruth Mcguire’s Beloved Mother In Memory of Ruth Mcguire’s Beloved Mother In Memory of Gerta’s Departed Loved Ones In Memory of Frieda Messinger In Memory of Jeff Zegans In Memory of Carl Scheiner In Memory of Dillon Besser In Memory of Dillon Besser In Memory of Dillon Besser In Memory of Dillon Besser In Memory of Morris Schmuger In Memory of Beloved Husband & Father, Jack Kopkin In Memory of Nettye Schumer In Memory of Beloved Husband, Skip Fein In Memoy of Beloved Mother, Esther Kipnes In Memory of Joan, Victor, Sarah & Burton Steinberg In Memory of Harry Bloom In Memory of Beloved Father, Jerry Lubin In Memory of David Dulinger’s Beloved Father In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah Sam Mandelker College Connection Fund Jeri Ginsburg In Memory of Sam Mandelker Mrs. Rosanne Rabinowitz In Memory of Sam Mandelker Gail & Alan Lewis In Memory of Sam Mandelker Asatur & Black Families In Memory of Sam Mandelker Michele & Jerry Rudnick In Honor of Eric Rudnick’s Medical School graduation Shirley Enselberg In Honor of Corina Waldman’s Speedy Recovery Beverly Chaplin In Honor of Kerry Chaplin’s Ordination Sari Singer Holocaust Survivor Fund Linda & Tony Rubin In Memory of Sari Singer Esther Goldman In Memory of Phyllis Zoberman Lauretta Singer In Honor of Tzedakah Martin Singer In Honor of Tzedakah Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Hoberman In Honor of Tzedakah Gail Bass In Appreciation of Norbert & Lynn Graber Tzedakah, Learning & Chesed Program Toby Levi In Memory of William Schwartz Jacki Kary In Memory of William Schwartz Toni Miller In Memory of William Schwartz Joan LaBarca In Memory of William Schwartz In Memory of William Schwartz Lynn & Roger Goldberg Joanne Shulman In Memory of William Schwartz Jean Mandell In Memory of William Schwartz Carol & Steven Ginsburg In Memory of William Schwartz Meryl Gallatin In Memory of William Schwartz In Memory of Bob Rubin Meryl Gallatin Meryl Gallatin In Memory of Ira Brecher Robins Edith & Irwin Friedman In Memory of Garson Studley II Selma & Melvin Kitt In Honor of Jack Pechter’s Speedy Recovery Viner Family Endowment Fund Clifford Viner In Memory of Bob Rubin Clifford Viner In Memory of Anna Schoenbrum Clifford Viner In Memory of Marion Frager Joanne Shulman In Honor of Tzedakah Weiner/ Rosenberg March of the Living/High School in Israel Scholarship Fund Linda Stewart Sylvia Zipper In Memory of Ida Berenfield In Honor of Family Member Recovering From Surgery Women’s League Judaica Shop Youth Scholarship Fund Rosalyn Abrams In Memory of Bud Anthone Rosalyn Abrams In Memory of Harry Bloom Yahrzeit/Yizkor Fund Miriam Fried Miriam Fried Sanford Feinman Sylvia Feibus In Memory of Irving Rosen In Memory of Annie Fried In Memory of Morris Feinman In Memory of Sanford A. Witkowski CHAI www.bnai-torah.org Yahrzeit/Yizkor Fund (cont.) Gladys & Morris Gewirtz Raphael Mark Mildred Kaminsky Sheldon Bodnick Renee Loeb Renee Loeb Barbara & Jeffrey Feingold Marcia & Howard Worobow Cindy Aronsohn Monroe A. Schulder Mr. & Mrs. Gary Shore Saul Marsh Stephen & Lisa Mendelsohn Paul Rubin Marion Frager Mr. & Mrs. Charles Burton Mr. & Mrs. Charles Burton Louise Macks Randy & Steven Birnbach Elaine & Gary Shore Orri & Ilene Kessler Dr. Jacob Rosensweig Erica Spindel Tina Hecht Randi & Steven Stein Howard Appelbaum Marilyn Schulder Richard Aronsohn Raphael Cohen Norma Silverstein Wendy Levinson Lisa, Lanny & Sabrina Marks Bea Gold Doris Brookes Kuperstock Natalie Tatz Dr. Andrew Ross Frances Schmutter Erica Spindel Lynda & Harry Rich Lynda & Harry Rich Lynda & Harry Rich Judy & Stanley Haas Marjorie Schulman Marjorie Schulman Marlene Turovitz Marlene Turovitz Rhoda Simon Rhoda Simon Murray Rehner Susan & Stanley Polansky Janet Blinder Florence & Irwin Tanzman Melvin Kofsky & Dahlia Smith Carolann & Steven Leffler Jay Weiss Mr. & Mrs. Murray Blyn Francine & Joseph Geshgoren Albert Sherman Arnold Haskel Norma Kraut Pearl & Irwin Gordon In Memory of Lena Gewirtz & Rebecca Zebofsky In Memory of Lee Mark In Memory of Harvey Lieberman In Memory of Alexander Bodnick In Memory of Beloved Husband, Saul Loeb In Memory of Beloved Father, David Gold In Memory of Eugene Moss In Memory of Ben Worobow In Memory of George Yellin In Memory of Richard Abramowitz In Memory of Beloved Daughter, Cindi Shore In Memory of Bertha & Jack Marsh In Memory of Irwin Mendelsohn In Memory of Esther Rubin In Memory of Albert Frager In Memory of Stanley & Lilian Burton In Memory of Albert Frager In Memory of Harvey Damsky In Memory of Dr. Seymour Birnbach In Memory of Edward Shore In Memory of Seymour Kessler & Israel Harry Koffler In Memory of Abraham Rockman In Memory of Beloved Husband, Joseph Spindel In Memory of Kurt Hecht In Memory of Martin Stein In Memory of Sam Appelbaum In Memory of Beatty White In Memory of Dr. Charles Aronsohn In Memory of Elie Cohen In Memory of Fred R. Silverstein In Memory of Fred R. Silverstein In Memory of Seymour Stein In Memory of Frieda Goldzweig In Memory of Beloved Father, Nathan Berkowitz In Memory of Jack Tatz In Memory of Beloved Mother, Jeanne Ross In Memory of Herman Halpern & Julia Halpern In Memory of Beloved Father In Memory of Irving Levy In Memory of George Rich In Memory of Dora Rich In Honor of Yizkor In Honor of Yizkor In Honor of Yizkor In Honor of Yizkor In Honor of Yizkor In Honor of Yizkor In Honor of Yizkor In Honor of Yizkor In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah In Honor of Tzedakah we appreciate all tributes and contributions made to b’nai torah All tributes/contributions of $18 (per honoree) or more will be acknowledged with a card sent to the contributor and to the honoree, and will also be acknowledged in the Chai newsletter. The office must receive the tribute/contribution by the 1st of the previous month to be included in the Chai. If it is received after the 1st of the month it will appear in the next issue. Thank you very much for your thoughtfulness and generosity. This list includes donations made from April 1st - June 30th, 2015. FALL 2015 Note from Executive Caterers Executive Caterers North at B’nai Torah Congregation is proud to announce and introduce Brett Heiken as the new banquet manager. Brett is second generation in the catering business. Stuart Friedman along with Brett’s father, Scott Heiken, are the original owners of Executive Caterers. Started in the late 1970’s, they have expanded their business throughout South Florida. Brett grew up in the catering business starting at a young age. He worked his way up the ladder in all the facets of the business. Brett was the assistant manager in one of our facilities in Weston, and for the last few years has been the manager at our Aventura location. Brett takes great pride in providing impeccable service along with cutting edge creative style with the highest quality food. He and his wife Rikki are the proud parents of two daughters. He looks forward to working with the Congregants and guests in creating memorable events. Please don’t hesitate to stop by the catering office to say hello. To schedule an appointment or plan your next event call (561) 347-1453. Check our new website www.ExecutiveCaterersNorth.com. Come to Israel with B’nai Torah in June of 2016!!! If you would like to be among the first to know the details of a Family Trip to Israel in June of 2016, please contact Rabbi Englander. Dates, pricing, and itinerary highlights will be available soon! 29 Over 20 Years Experience Making Your Windows Beautiful (561) 990-1899 Free In-Home Consultation Best Prices & Selections . 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Call Brian Strelitz for more information at (305) 949 4947 or [email protected] Your Helping Hand with Estate Solutions HHS401_BnaiTorah_Ad_7.5x5.indd 1 www.HHstrategy.com 4/17/15 1:30 PM NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 113 Boca Raton, FL 33433 B’nai Torah Congregation 6261 S.W. 18th Street Boca Raton, FL 33433 Thank you to Claire Sheres of Coldwell Banker for sponsoring the B’nai Torah Magazine, Chai. We appreciate both Claire & Allan Sheres in joining our corporate sponsorship program. If your company would like to be part of our corporate partnership program, please contact Rabbi Rikki Arad, Executive Director, at [email protected]. In Southeast Florida ! Coldwell Banker’s #1 Agent “It was a true pleasure working with Claire and her team to buy a home for my daughter and her children. They really went above and beyond to find us the right home at the right price. They are professional, organized and proactive. 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