the shofar - Congregation Beth Ohr

Congregation
Beth-El
the
shofar
PRESIDENT’S POST
By Barbara Cohen
As I write my final Shofar article, I look back at the past two years of my Presidency.
Our synagogue has gone through several changes, some passings, many good times,
and the employment of a weekend Rabbi. Most of all, we became a more cohesive
group. In addition, we are on an incredible journey of finding a viable merger partner.
June is usually a time for our shul to wind down from events and begin the process
of organizing for the upcoming High Holidays. Installation of Officers and Board
Members will take place after services on Friday evening, June 19th at 8:00 pm. Our
President-Elect, Marc Miller, will organize and oversee the program. Please join us.
VOLUME 63 ISSUE 10
June 2015
Sivan-Tammuz 5775
Visit our Web site
www.beth-el-massapequa.org
Beth-El
E-Mail Addresses
[email protected]
[email protected]
There are many people who help run a synagogue effectively and efficiently. Thank
you to our wonderful office staff who go above and beyond their normal workday.
Our custodian takes care of the essentials of building and house upkeep. Food pantry
volunteers give so much of their time distributing food to the needy. Past Presidents,
Officers, and Board Members have been invaluable during my Presidency and
volunteered and assisted with many projects. My many telephone calls helped me
through some tough times. Sisterhood, Hazak, chairpersons, and committee
members have been wonderful and worked well together to maintain and create
excellent programs, services, membership drives, social action activities, budgets,
cemetery, house and legal issues, and advertising. Let us not forget our website
volunteer who updates our site as often as possible. I get the complaints and she gets
the least amount of credit. Lastly, thank you to my Vice Presidents who became my
sounding board and assisted me along the way.
I would be remiss in not thanking my husband and family. Jesse has been the “first
Dude” during my Presidency, as well as the house VP/chairperson for over 13 years
and it has not been so easy. During my Presidency, I became a “young” grandmother,
and my children are healthy and thriving. They now ask me what my next chapter will
be. For once, I have no idea what path I want to take. Somehow, I will continue to
be involved with our synagogue and possibly our new “home.”
I feel I accomplished something, maybe trying to keep CBE open and functioning.
We will all be okay with whatever our future holds.
[email protected]
Thank you Congregation Beth-El congregants for sharing and caring, for support
and guidance. As my Mother would have said to me “It’s been a good ride.” See you
soon!
[email protected]
The following are some quotes that I would like to sign off with:
Send Us Your
E-Mail Address
Does the office have your email address for important
communications?
Don’t miss out!
“I always liked the story of Noah’s Ark and the idea of starting anew by rescuing the
things you like and leaving the rest behind.” Zach Braff
“Caring about others, running the risk of feeling, and leaving an impact on people,
brings happiness.” Harold Kushner
“I’m a catalyst for change. You can’t be an outsider and be successful over 30 years
without leaving a certain amount of scar tissue around the place.”
Rupert Murdoch
Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Monthly Meetings
Shabbat and Minyan Calendar
Weeknight Ma’ariv
Sunday Morning Minyan
8:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
June 5-6
Candle Lighting
In and Around Shabbat
Saturday morning
Mincha
Shabbat ends
8:03 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
9:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
9:04 p.m.
June 12-13
Candle Lighting
Friday night
Saturday Morning
Mincha/Ma’ariv
Shabbat Ends
8:07 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
9:08 p.m.
June 19-20
Candle Lighting
Friday night
Installation and
Birthday & Anniv. Shabbat
Saturday Morning
Mincha
Shabbat Ends
8:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
9:10 p.m.
June 26-27
Candle Lighting
Friday night services
Saturday morning
Mincha
Shabbat ends
8:11 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
9:11 p.m.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
8:00 p.m.
BOARD
CONGREGATION
8:00 p.m.
June 11, 2015
June 18, 2015
July 9, 2015
July 23, 2015
8:00 p.m.
June 18, 2015
Meetings take place following minyan at 8:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Dates are subject to change.
8:10 p.m.
CONGREGATION BETH-EL
Where Friends Become Family
President………...Barbara Cohen
Sisterhood………..Roberta Ackerman, Edith Tishler
Shofar:
Managing Editor……...Fran Boiko
Editor.………………..Barbara Yanowitz
SHOFAR DEADLINE: All articles are due by the
10th of the month.
Articles will not be accepted after the 14th of the month!
If you have any ideas, an interesting article or good news,
e-mail it to [email protected]
Submission of an article does not guarantee publication.
All submissions may be edited.
516.541.0740 • www.beth-el-massapequa.org • [email protected]
Page 2
HAZAK
SISTERHOOD HAPPENINGS
Roberta Ackerman and Edie Tishler,
Co-Presidents
Jackie Kirschman, Chair
Our last event of the year was in Port Jefferson where we
enjoyed "My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish, and
I'm in Therapy." It was a beautiful spring day and the
show was funny and entertaining. It was certainly worth
the hour-long ride out to Port Jefferson. Thank you to
all who made the event a success.
Have a wonderful summer. We look forward to seeing
you in September.
YOU GREW UP JEWISH IF……….
You spent your entire childhood thinking that everyone called
roast beef "brisket."
Your family dog responded to Yiddish. You've experienced
the phenomena of 50 people fitting into a 10-foot-wide dining
room trying to get to a deli tray. Every Sunday afternoon of
your childhood was spent visiting your grandparents. You
thought pasta was used exclusively for kugel, kasha and
bowties. You can understand Yiddish but you can't speak
it. You watched Ed Sullivan every Sunday night and were
forced to watch Eddie Cantor's show. You were told that
Eddie Fisher was the greatest singer of all time. You can look
at gefilte fish and not turn green. Your mother smacked you
and then made you feel guilty for hurting her hand. You
know how to pronounce numerous Yiddish words and use
them correctly in context, yet you don't exactly know what
As the year comes to an end, Sisterhood will be making some changes in our board for the coming year
and we need your help. We still have some board
positions open which we need to fill in order to have
Sisterhood run efficiently and continue to offer fun
and exciting programs. We appreciate the women
who volunteered to continue or take on new positions but we still need more help. Even though we
will be merging with another congregation we still
want to be an important part of Congregation BethEl. Please call one of us to volunteer.
Carol Simon, International President of Women’s
League of Conservative Judaism recently sent out an
email to Sisterhood presidents about mentoring incoming officers and committee chairs. We would like
to share this information with you as it applies to the
Sisterhood board of Congregation Beth-El.
One of the best gifts, that the outgoing officers,
chairs, committees and members can do, is to be a
wonderful mentor. A good mentor is a cheerleader, a
supporter and a good listener. A good mentor knows
the importance of roots and wings...and a good mentor knows that there are many ways to accomplish a
goal...there is no right way or wrong way. If we think
back to either our volunteer careers or professional
careers, those that we respected the most, were those
who were mentors, who gave us the ability to grow
into a job. Our most respected mentors were people
who guided us but did not control us.
they mean. You grew up thinking it's normal for someone to
At this time of the year become a mentor or better
yet assume a new position on the Sisterhood board
door if you're in there for more than 3 minutes. You have at and let a mentor guide you. Let’s keep Sisterhood
least six male relatives named David. You feel a sense of pride strong!
shout, "Are you okay? Are you okay?" through the bathroom
after seeing a Stephen Spielberg movie. Your body was
We invite you to join us on June 19 at 8:00 PM for
the Congregation Board and Sisterhood Board instalfurniture smelled like mothballs and you kept sliding off the lation.
saturated with Vicks, over the years.
plastic cover.
Your grandparents'
You thought that yelling was normal. You
thought whitefish salad and lox were the quintessential party
foods.
Page 3
WITH HEARTFELT THANK$
We deeply appreciate and thank these members of our community for their recent generosity.
Hope & Fred Closter in honor of Adrienne Hausman receiving Woman of Achievement Award
GENERAL FUND
Roberta & Murray Ackerman in memory of Leon Sher
The Nachbar Families in honor of the Birth of Luca Joand in honor of a speedy recovery for Sarina Geschwind
seph Belgrod-Marshall
Iris & Samuel Astrof in memory of Leon Sher and in honor of a speedy recovery for Sarina Geschwind, Susan Gard- Barbara & Stan Prushik in memory of Evelyn & Milton
Star and Lillian & Morris Prushik
ner, Mary Schwartz, Phyllis Newman and Evelyn Fuchs
Harvey Fleck in memory of Leon Sher and in appreciaton
Seymour Krinsky in appreciation
Roberta & Edward Goldfarb in honor of a speedy recov- Roberta & Fred Simanoff in memory of Elizabeth Rosenblum
ery for Sarina Geschwind
Marilyn & Martin Schwartz in memory of Irving Trelin
SPONSORS
Eve & Bruce Blaustein in memory of Irving Trelin
Sari & Pat Meehan and Joe Trelin, the children of Lee &
Irving Trelin in honor of the remembrance of Irving’s Birthday
Roberta & Edward Goldfarb in memory of Lillian Meyer
Vikki & Mark Finkelman in memory of Fred Gordon, Marlene & Arthur Hecht to thank the congregation for
Lillian Meyer, Irving Trelin, and Leon Sher
their support and donations in memory of Arthur’s brother,
Phyllis & Fred Cohen in honor of the birth of Luca Jo- David
seph Belgrod-Marshall and in honor of Adrienne Hausman Cecile & Herb Spinner in honor of their 65th Anniversary
receiving Woman of Achievement Award, and in honor of a
speedy recovery for Sarina Geschwind, and in memory of Evelyn & Theodore Grossberg in honor of their Birthdays
Leon Sher
Barbara & Jesse Cohen in memory of Leon Sher and in ALIX RUBINGER KOSHER FOOD PANTRY
honor of Rhoda Buchwald and in honor of the birth of LuMark Berger-Chabad
ca Joseph Belgrod-Marshall
Lee Trelin in honor of Breena Nachbar’s Bat Mitzvah and Rita Faulkner-in memory of Irving Trelin
in memory of Harvey Hecht and David Hecht
Arlene & Phil Adoneilo-in memory of Irving Trelin
Resa & Arnold Hauptman in memory of Leon Sher and
Lillian Meyer, and in honor of the birth of Luca Joseph Bel- Libby Friedman-in memory of Irving Trelin
grod-Marshall
Elaine & Phil Nathanson-in memory of Irving Trelin
Carol & Robert Hirst in memory of Leon Sher
Resa & Arnold Hauptman in honor of speedy recovery Rosemary & Stan Gensler-in memory of Leon Sher
for Phyllis Newman, in honor of the graduations of their Joyce Mandel-in memory of Irving Trelin
grandchildren: Dillon Tamer from Syracuse University,
Danya Jacobs from Ithica College, and Aaron Hauptman Lenore Kirschenbaum-in memory of Lillian Meyer, Irving
from Princeton University
Trelin, David Hecht and a speedy recovery for Phyllis Newman
Mary & Leon Schwartz in appreciation
MAKE A DONATION TO CBE
Mail a Check or Donate Online
www.beth-elmassapequa.org/fundraising/synagoguefunds
Any monetary amount is appreciated (except for prayer
books). A Beth-El tribute card can be sent to the person
you wish to pay tribute to. You may contribute to these
funds:
Dedication of a prayer book: $36
Dedication of a chumash: $100
A book plate with your dedicated inscription will be placed
on the inside cover.
Alix Rubinger Kosher Food Pantry, General Fund,
Building Restoration Fund,
Page 4
Paying it Forward
Long Island’s
Any random act of kindness can cause a positive ripple
effect restoring our faith in the love and compassion of
the human spirit. What can you do to “Pay it Forward”?
Celebrate
Israel Festival
Here are a few examples:
A complete stranger paid $10,000 so that one lady could
have a liver operation that she otherwise could not have
afforded. She still does not know who it was who “Paid
it Forward” on that day, but she is forever grateful.
JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS C OUNCIL
JCRC LONG ISLAND
Sunday, June 7, 2015
4-8:30 p.m. @ Eisenhower Park
Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater
FREE Activities from 4-6:30 p.m.
• Bounce House & Carnival Games
• Israeli Dancing and Krav Maga
Magen David Adom Ambulance (that will be donated to Israel)
• More than 40 Community Organizations & Vendors
• Tons and Tons of Free Giveaways
FREE
Admission!
One lady contacted a hospital to see if there were any
needy families that could use some flights which she
wouldn’t be able to use. As a result one family was able to
travel across Australia to be with their very sick family
member in the hospital.
A handicapped lady had a 10 minute neck and shoulder
massage and left money and a PIFD card so the next person could have a massage for free.
One boy noticed a car was just about to receive a ticket
outside a medical facility. He asked his mom if he could
put money in the meter. It saved someone a $79 fine.
Two minutes later an elderly man came out rushing to put
money in the meter. The boy just smiled and waved as his
mother drove away.
A woman lost her father at the age of 8, when the same
thing happened to her neighbor’s children, the woman did
things to help the widow mother with her children, such
as homework, taking them out and giving them all some
special attention.
Another man had a detached retina and almost lost his
eyesight. The doctor was able to restore most of his sight
in that eye. As a way to pay it forward this man took time
out of his busy schedule to help out a neighbor who was
blind, by reading the newspaper to her, doing some daily
chores and having lunch with her once a week.
YAHRZEIT PLAQUES
PLANT A TREE IN HONOR OR IN
MEMORY OF YOUR LOVED ONES.
It is our privilege to help you permanently memorialize
those you hold most dear. Honor your loved one’s
memory by ordering an everlasting plaque to be displayed in our beautiful sanctuary.
Please contact the synagogue office at: 516-541-0740 if
you are interested.
Page 5
YOU CAN PURCHASE TREES AT
CONGREGATION BETH-EL
FOR $10 A TREE
CALL OR VISIT THE
SYNAGOGUE OFFICE
JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST YAHRTZEITS
The following members will be observing yahrtzeit for their loved ones this month.
Please help them ensure there is a minyan so their prayers can be said.
June
4-5
Ann Miller
Edith Tishler
5-6
Marvin Heitner
6-7
Gail Mukamal
8-9
Dorothy Abrams
9-10
Susan Precker
10-11
Ellen Lefkowitz
Beryl Newman
11-12
Gary Klinger
Ronald Klinger
12-13
Ellyn Levine
Lucille Spector
Harvey Reibel
13-14
Harvey Wiener
Beryl Newman
Gail Halpern
14-15
Paul Aledort
Norman Hershkowitz
15-16
Shirley Hershkowitz
Rita Greenberg
16-17
Barbara Prushik
Mark Finkelman
18-19
Harvey Wiener
Beryl Newman
Marilyn Schwartz
19-20
Arthur Gordon
Barbara Cohen
21-22
Leah Trelin
Philip Greenberg
Edith Tishler
22-23
Bert Zipkin
Lucille Spector
24-25
Rosemary Gensler
25-26
Larry Abrams
Libby Kornberg
26-27
Barbara Prushik
27-28
Irma Wind
28-29
Eileen Scherer
29-30
Temmy Kocivar
Theodore Grossberg
30-July 1
Helene Chu
July
1-2
Edward Miller
2-3
Libby Kornberg
Beatrice Silverman
3-4
Shirley Hershkowitz
Beverly Horowitz
4-5
Sheldon Gottlieb
Stan Prushik
5-6
Eileen Scherer
David Fischbein
7-8
Eva Foltin
8-9
Linda Abrams
Marilyn Finger
11-12
Joyce Reibel
12-13
Fred Cohen
14-15
Roberta Simanoff
Avrum Bloomstone
15-16
Lucille Spector
Joseph Mukamal
16-17
Dorothy Abrams
18-19
Steven Halpern
Resa Hauptman
Paul Aledort
Rivanna Hyman
Stan Halpern
20-21
Gail Freilich
21-22
Norman Hershkowitz
22-23
Gerald Brynien
24-25
Janet Miller
Toby Nachbar
26-27
Jacqueline Kirschman
27-28
Arthur Gordon
29-30
Beryl Newman
30-31
Donald Dunkel
Leah Trelin
August
1-2
Joyce Mandel
Susan Green
2-3
Resa Hauptman
Paul Aledort
3-4
Carol Hirst
Arthur Gordon
4-5
Joyce Reibel
Arthur Hecht
5-6
Mark Finkelman
Beverly Nord
6-7
Murray Ackerman
Page 6
7-8
Martin Schwartz
9-10
Ann Miller
Lynn Katz
10-11
Stanley Gensler
Adrienne Hausman
11-12
Beryl Newman
12-13
Sam Edelson
13-14
Michael Davidson
14-15
Rivanna Hyman
15-16
Alan Mindlin
17-18
Phyllis Cohen
20-21
Shirley Hershkowitz
Helene Chu
21-22
Leonard Ringel
23-24
Cecille Spinner
Bernice Slutzman
24-25
Fran Rosen
25-26
Lenore Kirschenbaum
26-27
Pauline Marcus
27-28
Louis Jaffe
28-29
Fred Simanoff
29-30
Gerald Brynien
30-31
Helen Greenfield
Fred Closter
31-Sept. 1
Eileen Scherer
Norman Hershkowitz
ADULT EDUCATION
IN APPRECIATION
CLASSES WITH RABBI EDELMAN
To Congregation Beth-El family and friends,
One More Adult Education Class Before Summer
The family of Fred Gordon,
Monday evening, June 15th-7:00 pm
thank our friends from Congregation Beth-El for
expressions of sympathy, during these difficult
Topics include:
1-Jews Arguing with Jews: How the Talmud explains disagreeing
days.
Your thoughtful generosity is
2-Prayer and Praying: Teaching the inner lifespirituality of words
deeply appreciated.
Please RSVP to temple office (541-0740).
Judy,
Sheryl & Craig
Mi Shebeach
Mazel Tov to Resa & Arnie Hauptman
on their granddaughter,
Carly Tamer appearing in
Refuah shelamah to, Rachel Grabovsky, Martin
“First Daughter Suite”
A historical fantasia in four-parts, follows Patricia
Nixon and daughters Tricia and Julie, Roselyn and
Amy Carter, Betty and Susan Ford, Patti Davis and
mom Nancy Reagan, and Barbara Bush and daughter-in-law Laura as they strive to live meaningful
lives in the public eye, while dealing with the complex private relationships all of us face with our parents and children.
Directed by Kirsten Sanderson, this wholly captivating new musical with a lush, sweeping score is a
deeply felt new work about mothers, daughters and
the surprising discoveries we make about one another as we grow.
at the Public theatre October 6– November 15
Page 7
Schwartz, Gayle Geschwind, Milton Greenstein,
Arlene Zweibach, Lenore Kirschenbaum, Sarina
Geschwind, Phyllis Newman,
Joe Lurin, Judy
Goldstein, Shirley Hershkowitz, Max Hershkowitz,
Bert Zipkin, Alan Putterman, Susan Gardner and all
those who are ill. May they only know health and
happiness.
R’fahainu Adonai vnaerafay, hosheaynu
v’nevashayah key t’helataynu atah. V’ha-ahlay
r’fuah shlaymah l’chol macotaynu.
Please let us know if you or a loved one is ill and
would like it to go in the Shofar (full English names
only). You may also add the Hebrew name to the
misheberach list recited on Shabbat. Call the synagogue
office at 516-541-0740 or e-mail [email protected]. The Misheberach list will be purged at the
end of the month. If you would like a name to remain on the
list, please let the office or Lorraine Nachbar know.
iGIVE.COM
TORAH CARDS/TORAH
Life brings us simchas and sometimes sorrow,
Jewish customs always look ahead to tomorrow.
Whether it’s news of a birthday, anniversary
or bundle of joy, share the happiness with others
welcoming a girl or a boy.
Torah cards are the perfect way
to wish a mazel tov or to brighten the day.
Just call Sarina (516-795-4407) without delay!!
Cards are $4.00 each or 6 for $20.
If you shop online, like many of us do, please do
something valuable for our synagogue. The fundraiser
is called IGIVE.com and over 1,000 stores are involved
with different causes and non-profit organizations.
This is simple:
1-Go onto the website-iGive.com to register. Provide
your name, the organization is our temple and so is
our address, email, and website. I already registered,
so the information for CBE may already be in the system.
2-Then you install the iGive button on your computer
(they give directions-this may be optional).
3-Order from your favorite stores and a percentage
gets donated back to our temple. It can take up to 30
days to process and mailed to us. Every store has a
different donation percentage.
4-Easy money for us, while you purchase items (i.e.
Amazon, Lowe's, LL Bean, Lands End, Kohl's, Sears,
Macy's, Famous Footwear, Best Buy.....) that you want
or need.
Please help us earn some money for our synagogue!
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
The appointed merger committee has begun to explore Gift Cards for supermarkets can still be purchased at
community synagogues. They created a checklist of the temple office.
important information to be discussed during this process.
The gift cards we sell are, Waldbaums, Pathmark, King
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Kullen and Shoprite. We have denominations from $25$100.
Barbara Cohen or Harold Lefkowitz, chairperson.
Barbara Cohen- [email protected]
Harold Lefkowitz- [email protected]
Please stop in during office hours to purchase your gift
cards or while on your way to shop. It’s a great way to
support your synagogue.
Page 8
BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARIES
Congregation Beth-El would like to acknowledge the following
Birthdays
Anniversaries
June
July
August
June
July
Evelyn Grossberg
Mark Finkelman
Howard Belgrod
Janet & Jack Miller
Sheldon Gottlieb
Adrienne Hausman
Minna Mukamal
Debbie & Fred Kaplan
Marie & Jeffrey
Hesekiel
Helen Greenfield
Robert Hirst
Ilene Mindlin
Denise & Irwin Davies
Vikki Finkelman
Debra Kaplan
Joan Hershkowitz
Joyce & Harvey Reibel
Ron Kopitowsky
Lauren Lefkowitz
Karen Gerard
Barbara & Stan Prushik
Marlene & Arthur
Hecht
Bobbi Edelson
Arlene Zweibach
Caryn Ratner
Rosemary Gensler
Khosro Zaringhalam
Francine Brecher
Judy Blane
Cecille Spinner
Philip Greenberg
Harvey Reibel
Max Hershkowitz
Terry Putterman
Lenny Ringel
Louis Jaffe
Jeff Ratner
Isabelle Jaffe
Sam Slutsky
Mindy Zaringhalam
Allan Hausman
Hope Closter
Evelyn Fuchs
William Levine
Iris Brynien
Barbara Ringel
Murray Ackerman
Sarina Geschwind
Toby Nachbar
Lisa Talsky
Craig Ringel
Joyce Mandel
Jesse Cohen
Fred Simanoff
Debbie Ring
Pauline Marcus
Beryl Newman
Terry & Allan Putterman
From morning till night
May your birthday be bright
And nicer than ever before……
And as years come and go
May your happiness grow
And your dreams be fulfilled
Even more
Mindy & Khosro
Zaringhalam
Sam & Iris Astrof
Ilene & Sam Slutsky
Eileen & Les Scherer
August
Vikki & Mark Finkelman
Roberta & Fred Simanoff
Resa & Arnold Hauptman
Judy & Mitch Blane
Donna & Howard Belgrod
Susanne & Jeffrey
Smoller
Adrienne & Allan
Hausman
Beth & Don DePiro
Debbie & Glenn Ring
Phyllis & Fred Cohen
Arlene & Arthur Zweibach
Barrbara & Harvey
Wiener
Denise Davies
BIRTHDAY WISHES
Karen & David Gerard
Birthday and
Anniversaries
If you would like to celebrate your birthday or anniversary with your Beth-El family, please call or
e-mail the office with your Birthday or Anniversary
dates.
We do not have everyone’s Birthday or Anniversary
date and would love to include you in our
Bi-monthly celebration.
Our next celebration will be Friday evening, June
19, 2015, celebrating May and June birthday and
Anniversaries.
Page 9
PayrushayHaParashah
COMMENTS ON THE TORAH READING
Parashat Beha’alotekha -June 6, 2015 – 19 Sivan 5775
God briefly explains the details for the menorah in the Mishkan, then turns attention to the Levites' purification ceremony. These men, who are allowed to serve from ages 25-50, are responsible for assisting the priests and helping ensure the Israelites will not succumb to plagues.
The Israelites are reminded of their responsibility to offer the Passover sacrifice, and learn that those who are rendered impure after having contact with a corpse will be allowed to observe Passover one month later.
The people finally resume their journey in the wilderness, following a protective fire-cloud that directs both their
movement and the places and times to make camp. When a new march begins, the Israelites are called to attention by
two silver trumpets, then walk in tribal groupings. They are joined by Moses' father-in-law, Hobab, as Moses recites a
standard phrase each time they begin and end each leg of their journey.
The Israelites complain twice -- generally at first, then specifically demanding meat. Moses asks God to kill him, but
God sends the people quail instead, then strikes them with a devastating plague.
Parashat Shelah Lekha- June 13, 2015 – 26 Sivan 5775
God asks Moses to send one man from each tribe to scout the Promised Land and its inhabitants. After 40 days, the
spies return with luscious fruit -- and two different interpretations of what they saw. Ten of them say that the people
in Canaan cannot be defeated, while Joshua and Caleb insist otherwise. The Israelites panic, demanding to return to
Egypt.
Moses talks God out of destroying every Israelite other than him, but God insists that this generation (besides Joshua
and Caleb) would not reach the Promised Land, and would instead wander the wilderness for 40 years. The 10 negative spies are killed by a plague, and the Israelites who attempt to preemptively invade Canaan are routed.
Parashat Korah-June 20, 2015 – 3 Tammuz 5775
Moses and Aaron's authority is challenged twice: first, by Korah, a Levite who gathers 250 Israelite nobles, and then
by Dathan and Abiram, who claim that Egypt, not Canaan, is the true land of milk and honey. Moses suggests that
fire-pans of incense be brought to test Korah's claims, but God threatens the rebels’ immediate destruction. Moses and
Aaron beg for clemency, but as predicted by Moses, the earth swallows the rebels and their possessions (Korah's sons
are spared).
God orders that the rebels’ fire pans be attached to the Tabernacle altar to remind the people of the attempted insurrection. But the Israelites criticize God's punishment, leading to a plague that kills 14,700 others. Next, God demands
that the tribal leaders deposit a staff into the Tent of Meeting. Aaron’s staff sprouts almonds, serving as another reminder of recent events.
The Israelites now fear approaching the Tabernacle. God assures that only Levites can be punished for trespasses. To
ease the Levites' burden, God outlines the sacred gifts that they and the priests will receive.
Parashat Hukkat
June 27, 2015 – 10 Tammuz 5775
God introduces the ritual law of the red heifer, whose ashes are used to purify those who are impure after being contaminated by a corpse. Miriam dies. The Israelites, bereft of water, despair that they are still in the wilderness. Even
though God says water will emerge from a rock, Moses strikes the rock twice before water pours forth. Moses and
Aaron are punished by not being allowed to enter Canaan. Aaron dies at Mount Hor, and Eleazar succeeds him as
High Priest. The Israelites are challenged by nearby peoples: the Edomites refuse them safe passage; the Canaanites
unsuccessfully attack them; and Amorites and Bashan fall to them convincingly. But the Israelites still complain
about their hardships, and some are killed by bronze snakes.
Page 10
WHERE IS GOD?…..By Bracha Goetz
I looked down at an anthill.
“God hides in the grass,
Is He really there?
I looked through a hose.
Within each tiny blade.
It sure looks like
I looked in a mailbox -
He hides under rocks,
He's not anywhere.
Well, one never knows...
In the coolness of shade.”
First I looked in the sky.
"What you looking for, sonny?
“God hides inside things
Couldn't see God up there.
Can I give you a hand?"
That everyone sees.
Hurried past an old lady,
THE OLD LADY! - I jumped!
You can even find God
On her folding chair.
She'd never understand.
While you're climbing in trees!"
Where is God?
I looked behind bushes -
"God gets down with the ant.
Never follow your nose!
Did you think that God can't!
In one bush it got poked
In each bee full of zest -
By the thorn on a rose!
In each bird in his nest.“
I felt kind of silly -
“This whole world's filled with God -
But I wanted to know.
Seen with wide-open eyes.
How can I believe
God is out here right now,
In a God who won't show?
Tucked within His disguise!”
"I'm just looking..." I mumbled,
A manhole was uncovered,
And tried hard to smile,
"You'd already found God
So I took a peek.
"I'm not busy," she said,
By yourself here today.
Didn't think I'd find God -
"Can I join you awhile?"
Right on your own block God doesn't live far away!”
But this was Hide-and-Seek!
"You know what, little fellow?
I turned over some rocks,
You remind me - you do -
Now I know where God hides.
And I climbed up two trees,
Way back when I was young,
Up and down every street!
But I scurried down one
I looked for God, like you.”
How I thanked my new friend It was so great to meet!
When I met up with bees!
But, how did she know?
Found three birds in a nest,
How much had she seen?
Eating worms with their toes!
“Where is God?” I asked.
It did not look like God -
She whispered: “In between!”
But that's how it goes!
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Do you know where God is?
I think you do.
And now that you know You can find God too!
Megan in Israel
Purim in Tel Aviv is a three day party. In March this year, Purim started from Wednesday night through Friday night
with Shabbat. The walled in cities like Jerusalem have special celebrations, but even Tel Aviv turned into a big city
wide celebration. For three days you'd see most people dressed up in costume- even before the partying began.
There were costume parties in the schools, and you'd find young people randomly on the bus dressed up in all sorts
of attire. During the official Purim days little kids, teens, young adults, and some older adults were also dressed up.
These costumes, typically Israeli fashion, were not politically correct. While I saw a few awesome costumes (a giant
Gandalf the Grey, Beatrix Kiddo & Pai Mei from Kill Bill, a few Leelu's from the 5th Element), there were also costumes that were so inappropriate. I saw a few Palestinian terrorists (they wore the kaffiyeh with fake guns), ISIS
fighters (flag included), and even a few KKK white hoods. My friend from North Carolina was going to walk up to
that group of people and give them a piece of his mind, but we just let it be. This is the culture here, and what we
deem as horribly uncouth is just another day in the life.
I spent most of this time partying with a friend. There are big outdoor parties in some of the local parks and squares,
including one giant party at Kikar HaMedina, that had a few DJ sets, food vendors, and porta-potties. It was also superhot that day and between the heat and all of the parties I had enough and completely crashed.
Right at the start of April was Passover (Pesach in Hebrew, I'll use them interchangeably from this point on). For the
few weeks before this holiday everyone is cleaning their homes, getting rid of all the chametz (anything not Kosher
for Passover- leavened yeast products), calling professional cleaning services- seriously, you saw the ads all over
facebook.
In the USA the first two nights of Passover are big seder nights, but in Israel only the first night is. I went over to
R&N's, had a lovely, delicious dinner with a five hour long seder. We did everything, every single prayer and line of
text and traditions, which is way more than my family does. It was a really nice experience and the people there all
contributed interesting perspectives in explaining the traditions and meanings. A great learning nightI find that I have many problems with identifying with some of the Jewish holidays, especially the misogyny and
violence inherent in many of the origin stories (Chanukah, Purim, Pesach..) But for Passover, I took the week off as
time for myself- to take walks, get back into my art and writing- really escape into those worlds. To lie around and
stare at the trees and just think, and it was a bit of a spiritual cleanse for me. Someone also recommended a nice podcast about Passover that I found to be very pleasant to listen to.
But, there is a big problem with Passover: Everything is closed on Chol HaMoed- the days between the first and last
night of Pesach. Many of the museums are open and free to the public, and many people go hiking and camping. But
the health clinics are closed, major government offices are closed, restaurants are closed, grocery stores only sell limited selections, Tel Aviv University's campus (and libraries) are closed- and that's a really big annoyance to me, especially when I definitely could've used the library during the time, and it's not unreasonable for me to try to establish a
system of volunteer workers during limited hours (like the aforementioned museums).
I got sick and had to go to the clinic, and the ones nearby me were closed, so I went to the only clinic I knew was
open- the Terem clinic at the Central Bus Station (40 min bus ride). When I arrived I was told it's only for refugees,
no one else, even though I could pay, and was directed to a clinic in B'nei Brak (another 40 min bus ride).
Continued on next page…….
Page 12
Megan in Israel continued……...
I got to the Terem Ichilov in Bnei Brak, waited 2 hours, was seen, told the doctor I was allergic to sulfa, sulfites, sulfates medication and asked him twice if there were any of those in the medicine, which he assured me there was not.
So I returned toRamat Aviv, picked up my script at the Superpharm in the mall, went upstairs to the food court to eat
and take the meds asap.
While I was reading through the ingredient list I discovered one of the inactive ingredients in this medicine was sodium lauryl sulfate. I immediately stopped eating and ran downstairs only to discover that Superpharm had closed 10
minutes previously. Because of my now dead cell phone I returned home to charge it and look up other pharmacy
locations and times and discovered that the other Ramat Aviv Superpharm was open until 5pm. I ran over, got there
in the nick of time, but despite my pleading with the pharmacist he could not help me. In Israel the pharmacy needs
the original script, no fax or emails are permitted, and they can't substitute the medication. I had to return to Terem
Ichilov- and at that point the buses were no longer running because it was evening on the last day of Pesach before
Shabbat, so a holiday. I got a new script and the doctor gave me a few extra pills to get me through the next few days
until I could fill the script (with everything being closed at that point). Two expensive taxi rides later, and I find myself with extra medicine I don't need, a script for what I do need with no way to fill it, and only a bit of medicine to
get me through the point where I'd be able to fill the script.
Moral of the story: Have more things open during Passover.
UJA Federation of New York
WHO WE ARE
For more than 90 years, UJA-Federation has been a central force for communal planning and philanthropy in the New York
Jewish community. Through UJA-Federation, more than 55,000 donors pool their resources to help people in need, inspire a
passion for Jewish life and learning, and strengthen Jewish communities around the world — to address the issues that matter to
us most as Jews and as New Yorkers. Working with nearly 100 network beneficiary agencies, synagogues, and other Jewish
organizations, our reach spans from New York to Israel to more than 70 other countries around the world, touching 4.5 million
people each year. Because we do the most good when we do it together.
OUR MISSION
Through UJA-Federation of New York, you care for people in need, inspire a passion for Jewish life and learning, and strengthen communities in New York, in Israel, and around the world.
Caring is about the warm embrace of community.
We're enabling Jews to overcome crises, cope with the struggles of everyday life, and achieve self-sufficiency. Our caring hand
extends to those living in poverty, the aging, Holocaust survivors, children and adults with disabilities and special needs, and the
unemployed across the economic spectrum. We provide access to crucial human services to all New Yorkers, whoever they are,
and Jews everywhere.
Inspiring is about Jewish education and identity.
Our goal is to impart the Jewish values that inform everything we do — and to improve access to quality Jewish education.
We're reinvigorating the institutions that help shape Jewish life. Opening doors to Jews of every background. Teaching the next
generation of communal leaders. Creating powerful learning experiences for children and adults. We're building the foundation
for tomorrow's Jewish community today.
Strengthening is about Jewish peoplehood.
We're connecting Jews around the world to one another, building unity and fostering a sense of collective responsibility. For
Jews facing adversity and untold hardship, we're a lifeline and a way home — a reminder that we are all part of one people —
never alone and never forgotten.
Please visit our website at: http://www.ujafedny.org/
Page 13
TD Bank Fundraiser
Sponsor Shabbat Lunch,
Friday Night Oneg or
Sunday Breakfast Minyan
Have you enrolled yet?
Have you told your neighbors about the
program?
Affinity Membership
Do you have an upcoming simcha? A
birthday? An anniversary? Honoring a
loved one? Commemorate the event by
sponsoring a kiddush or oneg and
share your joy with the Beth-El family.
Program
Open an account at TD Bank and they will
make a contribution to Congregation Beth-El.
TD Bank will make an annual donation based
on the average balance in all members’
accounts. Checking, savings, money market,
CD and retirement accounts are all included in
the program.
Sponsors welcome.
Get together with
friends and co-sponsor
an oneg or kiddush.
Call the office for
details at:
541-0740
If you are already a TD Bank customer, give
them a call and ask to have your balances
included as part of Beth-El’s Affinity Membership
Program. It only takes one call and the synagogue
benefits! You do not have to be a congregant to
participate. Tell you friends, neighbors and relatives!
Call 516-541-1116 to become a
member of the program.
YOU MUST THINK OF THAT TIME
NOW
Condolences to
Les Scherer
We don’t like to think of it, nor do we like to talk of it, but
every man and woman must consider the inevitable: death
and burial. To procrastinate is to burden loved ones with
concerns one can take care of now. To put off the
purchase of graves for tomorrow is to add costs at the
time of burial. Congregation Beth-El has cemetery
grounds at Wellwood Cemetery in Pinelawn, N.Y. and
Breslau Cemetery in Lindenhurst N.Y. The cost of an
individual gravesite is:
Members: $400 each
Parents of Members: $750 each
Others: $2,500 each (Wellwood)
$2,250 each (Breslau)
Contact the synagogue office 541-0740,
Avrum Bloomstone, Allan Hausman, or Harvey Fleck for
further details.
on the loss of his father,
Howard Scherer
As this light burns pure and clear, so may the thought of
his goodness shine in our hearts and strengthen us, and
may we live out the eternal values which keep his
influence alive.
Page 14
“The memory of the righteous is as a blessing."
(From Siddur Chadesh Yamenu)
MICHAEL J. DAVIDSON, D.M.D
The Synagogue has two walkers donated by,
Barbara and Stan Prushik.
Family Dentistry
If anyone is in need or knows anyone that could use a
walker, please call the Beth-El office at
4770 Sunrise Highway
Massapequa Park, NY 11762
541-1831
516-541-0740.
Shiva Meals
Please contact the temple office if you require
vegetarian Shiva meals. It can now be provided.
Congregation Member
FRED SIMANOFF
MASSAPEQUA ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL ASSOCIATES, L.L.P.
PETER SCHARFENBERGER, D.M.D.
KENNETH D. MORRIS, D.M.D.
BARRY D. BASS, D.D.S.
TRACEY J. ROSENBERG, D.D.S., M.D.
DAVID JURMAN, D.D.S., M.D.
JASON M. KNELLER, D.D.S.
4770 SUNRISE HIGHWAY
SUITE 201
MASSAPEQUA PARK, NY 11762
(516) 798-4143
(516) 798-4296 Fax
SIMON PASTON & SONS AGENCY, INC
381 SUNRISE HIGHWAY, LYNBROOK, NY 11563
1181 OLD COUNTRY ROAD
SUITE 4
PLAINVIEW, NY 11803
(516) 822-7880
(516) 822-5010 Fax
Phone: Fax: E-mail:
516-593-2220 516-593-2605 [email protected]
718-481-9000 516-593-2616 212-319-7310
If you have a life cycle event,
these Rabbi’s are available for
funerals and unveilings while we
are without a Rabbi.
Advertise your business in the
Shofar
Rabbi Adler (Woodbury J.C.) 509-9841
Business Card$136
1/4 Page $225
1/2 Page $336
Full Page $450
Rabbi Androphy (E. Meadow J.C.) 286-7044
Rabbi Dresner (retired) 538-4535
Prices quoted are for a full year (10 issues)
FOR PRINT-READY COPY.
Rabbi Waxman– 516-445-6526
Monthly rates are also available.
If you plan on using a Rabbi for any lifecycle, please
let us know and we will incur the cost.
Please call the office @ 516-541-0740
Please do not pay them directly, unless you want to
give them an additional "thank you" fee.
for further information
OR
E-mail your ad to: [email protected]
Page 15
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Massapequa, NY 11758-3397
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