Voices of Beth El - Beth El Synagogue
Transcription
Voices of Beth El - Beth El Synagogue
www.bethel-omaha.org • Adar I - Adar II 5776 • March 2016 • 402-492-8550 2 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER NBC News Correspondent and Author to Speak Tuesday, March 8 7:00 pm Author and award-winning NBC news correspondent Martin Fletcher will visit Beth El to speak about his newest book, The War Reporter. A tale of love, war, and redemption, and drawing upon his own experiences reporting on the wars in Bosnia and Sarajevo, Fletcher has written a searing love story and a painfully authentic account of a war reporter chasing down the scoop of a lifetime. His decades long career as a war reporter was, in part, influenced by his personal life. Fletcher’s parents are Holocaust survivors and his wife is Israeli. Books will be available for purchase following his talk. Fletcher’s visit is co-sponsored by the Center for Jewish Life and the Jewish Federation of Omaha through its membership with the Jewish Book Council. The Je wish F a mily Service Food Pa ntry Needs Our Help The Jewish Family Service Food Pantry is especially looking for the following items to provide for the community in need: Toilet Paper Kleenex INSIDE THIS ISSUE Items should be brought to the collection bins at Beth El Synagogue’s Community Court in March. In Memoriam Beth El extends profound sympathy to the families of: Beverly Fellman Golda Mandell Stuart Edward Muskin Ruth Oruch Ben Schwartz May their memory always be for a blessing. Cantor’s Concert!..............................Page 1 Yad Squad Jan!.............................................Page 10 Martin Fletcher!.................................Page 2 Life & Legacy!...............................................Page 11 JFS Needs!...........................................Page 2 Voices of Beth El!.............................Pages 12 & 15 In Memoriam!.....................................Page 2 Birthdays/Anniversaries/Joy!..................Page 12 Rabbi’s Column!........................Pages 3 & 5 Minyannaires!...............................................Page 12 BESTT!.................................................Page 4 Detachable Calendar!.................................Page 13 Youth Group Programs!...................Page 4 Sisterhood!...................................................Page 14 President’s Corner!...........................Page 6 Shabbat’s Cool & Shul-In!.........................Page 14 Yad Squad Dec!..................................Page 6 Web Cemetery App!..................................Page 15 Mishloach Manot!..............................Page 6 Women’s Book Group!...............................Page 15 Dinner for Rabbi Azriel!..................Page 7 Purim!............................................................Page 15 Bar Mitzvah!.......................................Page 7 Candle Lighting & Service Times!...........Page 16 Cup of Coffee with God!..................Page 7 Rosh Hodesh Group!..................................Page 16 Contributions!..............................Pages 8-9 Passover Seder!...........................................Page 16 Men’s Club!.......................................Page 10 YOUR HOME FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM 3 Let the Journey Begin By Rabbi Steven Abraham At the conclusion of the High Holy Days, Beth El took part in a survey put on by the Gallup Organization that looked at membership engagement. While there were critiques of the survey, we believed that it would help guide the lay and professional leadership in creating a more engaged congregation. As we looked at the data and spoke to professionals at Gallup, it became clear that engagement is about how you feel and not how much you do. A Beth El congregant could show up twice a year and feel completely connected to Beth El, while on the other hand we could have someone who is in the building multiple times a week that feels disconnected from their synagogue community. Attendance, while important, is not all it’s cracked up to be. “A synagogue that creates a culture of radical hospitality is one that is making an investment in its most important commodity -- its people.” With that in mind, here are a few items that we will be working towards in the weeks, months and years ahead. community, you indicate your acceptance of your spiritual and financial obligations to your synagogue community. In turn, the synagogue and its leadership pledge to live up to its covenantal responsibilities. Brit Kodesh – A Holy Covenant A core of Jewish belief is the concept of covenant. One covenant exists between God and the Jewish people, the other between the people themselves. On a daily basis we all have obligations, whether to our parents, our spouse, our children, our jobs...the list goes on and on. Over the next few months we will begin to flesh out that relationship. As a synagogue, we owe it to our membership to create worship services that reflect the love and inspiration that are at the heart of Jewish tradition. Our congregants should expect their synagogue to challenge them; emotionally, spiritually and perhaps physically. Like every American synagogue and the vast majority of volunteer organizations, there are dues to belong to our congregation. We exist through dues and donations in order to run the wide variety of programs and services our congregants expect. In becoming a member of our synagogue (continued on page 5) Gary Javitch, President TONI ROSEN 9740 Brentwood Road Omaha NE 68114-4925 Phone: 402-496-2021 Fax: 402-884-1599 Email: [email protected] CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST 402.630.8664 78th & Dodge Street 390-2000 [email protected] Jeff and Mari Rensch 2255 So. 132nd Street, Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68144 Ph: 402-334-1122 Fax: 402-334-8171 123rd & K Plaza 334-9511 147th & Maple Road 491-0900 www.acpcounseling.com Voted #1 in Real Estate 4 years in a row Your West Omaha ENT & Audiology Connection 16929 Frances St., Suite 201 Omaha, NE 68130 402-758-5330 omahaentclinic.com JEFFMARI 402-677-5333402-714-2662 [email protected] Thank you Beth El Synagogue For ad info. call Dan Hrdi at 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE A 4C 02-1034 4 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER Be Happy - It’s Adar I & II By Eadie Tsabari, Director of Congregational Learning As we reset our Jewish calendar by adding the leap month of Adar II, we get the chance to reset our commitment to Jewish life and learning. We are so fortunate at Beth El Synagogue to have a multitude of opportunities to do so. On any given Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday or Shabbat, our adults come to learn about a variety of subjects either with the clergy or through independent classes. The library is always full with learners. We invite you to check out the many classes that are offered or better yet, we ask for your suggestions as to what you want to learn about as a Jewish adult. We are hoping to complete our online learning center, so we can bring in teachers and scholars from outside of the Omaha area. Look for more new classes to be available in April and May. BESTT is absolutely amazing this trimester. Music, art, Israel, Mishna, Hebrew and Prayer – you name it and it is happening. Please come to the school for a visit on any given Sunday. See, hear and smell the activities that are taking place. Our students are learning so that they can be contributors to our Beth El community. Our teachers are so creative and do an incredible job with our kids. The singing and music that pours out of our classrooms every Sunday is priceless. Wednesday nights are a unique opportunity for our teens to participate both in youth group activities as well as learning in the classroom. Our teens are studying with both Hazzan and Rabbi, our Shaliach Eliad Eliyahu, and our very own Glen Fineman. They come to learn and build their own community. I am especially proud of Kadima and USY members who have organized and put on more programs this year than ever before. Those that come reap the benefits of learning leadership and community, and they always have a great time. A special thanks to all of the parents who have volunteered to help out our new Youth Advisor, Amy Dworin, with the activities schedule. BESTT Calendar March 2016 2 Jewish History Tour at the JCC - Grades 6 & 7 4:00 - 6:00 pm BESTT Hebrew School 4:15 - 6:15 pm Hebrew High School Dinner & Classes 6:00 - 8:30 pm! 5 Jr. Congregation 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 6 BESTT Hebrew School 9:45 am - 12:15 pm Kevah Program - Grade K 9:45 - 10:40 am Torah Tots 10:30 am - 12:10 pm Habonim Bowling - Grades K-2 12:15 - 3:00 pm 9 BESTT Hebrew School 4:15 - 6:15 pm Hebrew High School 6:45 - 8:30 pm ! 12 Shabbat’s Cool - Grades K-7 10:00 am - 12:30 pm Shul-In - Grades 3-7 10:00 am Saturday - 9:00 am Sunday 13 Stay-at-Home Sunday 16 BESTT Hebrew School 4:15 - 6:15 pm Hebrew High School 6:45 - 8:30 pm 19 Jr. Congregation 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 20 BESTT Hebrew School 9:45 am - 12:15 pm It’s Adar! I’m happy! You should be happy, too! Babies, Bigger Kids & Bagels 9:45 - 10:30 am Eadie Tsabari Torah Tots 10:30 am - 12:10 pm Youth Group Programming • Habonim Goes Bowling - Grades K-2 Sunday, March 6, 12:15 pm • Purim Prep Days - USY & Kadima Sunday, March 6, 12:15 pm Tuesday, March 22, 5:00 pm • Purim Carnival - Everyone! Wednesday, March 23, 4:15 pm • USY Movie Madness Sunday, March 27, 6:00 pm 23 Purim Carnival & Megillah Reading 4:15 - 7:45 pm 26 Jr. Congregation 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 27 BESTT Hebrew School 9:45 am - 12:15 pm 30 BESTT Hebrew School 4:15 - 6:15 pm Sienna Francis House - Grades 11-12 4:00 - 7:00 pm Food Bank - Grades 8-10 Time TBA YOUR HOME FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM 5 Rabbi’s Column (continued from page 3) We should be a place you come when you need to cry and when you need to celebrate. In the same breath, as a congregant of an engaged synagogue, we expect you to participate in prayer once a month, both for your own benefit and that of the community. We also want you to feel empowered to get involved outside the walls of Beth El, to make Omaha a better place to live. A Covenant is a holy relationship that depends on equal love and support from both sides for it to succeed. House Parties While we are not against planning to bring a DJ to your house, our hope is to create an atmosphere where congregants can meet outside of Beth El to discuss issues and challenges that face them in their everyday lives. At Beth El, our goal is not only to bring you into the building to do Jewish, but to help bring Jewish into your everyday lives. Perhaps a house meeting will take place for those who have lost a loved one in the past year, or for those families who are headed into their child’s b’nai mitzvah year, or perhaps another geared towards those with aging parents. These sessions will be hosted by congregants and open to our entire congregation. Radical Hospitality It is clear from the survey that our congregation is friendly; people feel that when they come to Beth El they see a welcoming face; nevertheless it is time to up our game. Over the past few years we have been friendly. Now we must practice radical hospitality. What does that mean exactly? It means that we must go above and beyond to be welcoming to our fellow congregants and guests. When you see someone you don't know, go introduce yourself (it’s ok to talk during services). If after an event, Mens Club, Sisterhood, Shabbat… etc, there is someone missing who would normally attend, give them a call or drop an email. Let them know you missed them. It will mean the world to them. A synagogue is only as strong as the relationships it helps to cultivate and maintain. A synagogue that creates a culture of radical hospitality is one that is making an investment in its most important commodity -its people. The Gallup Survey was a snapshot in time. Some of the data affirmed already held beliefs, while others gave us insight into areas where we still need to improve. We would not be the loving, caring community that we are without you, and we appreciate your time and feedback about your engagement at Beth El. Rabbi Steven Abraham Commercial • Industrial • Residential • Sheet Metal Locally owned and operated for over 95 years! 6102 Arbor St. • Omaha, NE 68106 Rotella’s Italian Bakery has built its reputation on quality and service. 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Family owned since 1945 402-894-0300 www.tritz.com Belgrade Company • (402) 393-6606 For ad info. call Dan Hrdi at 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Repair • Remodel Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE B 4C 02-1034 6 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER We Thank Our Yad Squad President’s Corner The following members read Torah/ Haftarah in December: Vayeshev • Yonatan Feldstern • Ben Shapiro • Lisa Marcus • Marty Shukert • Hazzan Krausman • Haftarah - Hazzan Krausman Miketz • Hunter Tam • Marty Shukert • Dina Saltzman • Eadie Tsabari • Alan Shulewitz • Yonatan Feldstern • Laurel Krausman • Phoenix Mavropoulos • Haftarah - Ethan Spivack Vayigash • Spencer Gordman By Joel Rich, President of the Board of Trustees As winter moves along, we can look forward to some of the funnest family times of the Jewish calendar, especially how we celebrate them at Beth El. The next major holiday for the entire family is Purim. This year, Purim starts Wednesday evening, March 23. Beth El has a host of activities scheduled that day, starting with the annual USY carnival. From 4:15 until 6:00, the funfilled carnival will be taking place with all kinds of booths and activities. If you want to sponsor a booth, please let Eadie Tsabari know. There is also a signup form online. BESTT classes will be attending the carnival. Dinner will be available to purchase. The kids (and adults) will have a blast! At 6:00 we’ll move to the sanctuary for the Megillah reading. At the same time, Caryn Scheer will be leading “Tot Purim” activities while parents listen to the first few chapters of the Megillah. Caryn will then lead the tots into the sanctuary for a gala costume parade and to hear the remaining chapters of the Megillah. All congregants (not just the kids) are invited to come in costume and join the parade, and a free raffle ticket will be given to everyone in costume. The exciting raffle will continue during the breaks of the Megillah reading. A silent auction with special prizes will also be available for those who want to take part. You can order game, meal and raffle tickets on the Beth El web site. It promises to be a fun day for all who attend! The annual Cantor's Concert to benefit the Youth Scholarship program for children going to Jewish Summer Camps or Israel will be held on Sunday, April 3. This event, chaired by Pam and Bruce Friedlander, features the a capella musical group Six13. See the cover for details. Mark your calendar and plan to attend this special event. On Passover, you also will want to attend the Congregational Seder on the second night with your Beth El family. It will be Saturday evening, April 23 at 6:30 pm. You will be receiving more information about this event, and early-bird registration is already open on Beth El’s website. Sign up now and save! • Haftarah - Marty Shukert Spring is a fun time to be with family, both your immediate family and your Beth El family. There are many special events planned and we hope to see you soon at Beth El! Vayechi Joel Rich • Marty Shukert • Heather Kelln • Glen Fineman • Yonatan Feldstern • Steve Riekes • Marty Shukert • Sharon Brodkey • Haftarah - Patty Nogg YOUR HOME FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM 7 Bar Mitzvah March 5, 2016 David Kay Son of Jennifer Kay Have a Cup of Coffee with God Saturday, March 12, 9:30 am Join Rabbi Abraham and Hazzan Krausman for another session of this innovative learning service. The coffeepot will be on and the sweets will be plentiful. Grab a nosh, fill your cup and satisfy your appetite for knowledge and spiritual growth, as we daven and learn together. INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING Home Technology Tutor Generations of Love - A Legacy of Excellence Call 402.493.5807 today to schedule your personal tour. 12606 W. Dodge Rd. | Omaha, NE 68154 www.remingtonheightsretirement.com David M. Cohen, Ph.D. President Entertainment for business events and private parties Personal Computers Made Simple! TTGShows.com Phone/text: 402-637-3935 402-391-3153 Turf Care • Landscaping • Landscape Lighting Irrigation • Tree & Shrub Care • Mowing ~ Serving the Omaha Community ~ For ad info. call Dan Hrdi at 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Ray Ostronic, President www.granulawn.com Phone: 402-330-3511 Fax: 402-758-8934 Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE C 4C 02-1034 8 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER Contributions to Named Endowment & Synagogue Funds This Kol lists contributions received by February 8, 2016. Donations received after that date will be listed in the April edition. Contributions to Named Endowment Funds Yahrzeit of: Harry Roitstein, Morris Roitstein 21st Century Endowment Fund In Memory of: Beverly Fellman Yahrzeit of: David Epstein, Sonia Epstein Joseph A. & J. Alvin Ginsberg Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Joseph Ginsberg Lorri Anne & Saul Z. Davis Endowment Fund In Memory of: Ruth Oruch • Yahrzeit of: George Shafer Ann Goldstein Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Shirlee Hersch Drazen Family Summer Experience Endowment Fund In Memory of: Beverly Fellman Harold & Frances Gottlieb Endowment Fund In Memory of: Beverly Fellman Donna Bernstien-Epstein Endowment Fund In Memory of: Lily Kay Florence Hurwitz Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Louis Hurwitz Harold & Etta Epstein Chapel Endowment Fund In Memory of: Ann Belmont, Jenda "Etta" Epstein, Sherman Golbitz Yahrzeit of: Fannie Abrahamson Linda H. Lynn Kahn Endowment Fund In Memory of: Ruth Oruch Willis Epstein Endowment Fund In Memory of: Donald Hoberman, Stuart Muskin • Yahrzeit of: Sarah Epstein,William Epstein, David Hoberman Dr. Leon Fellman Endowment Fund In Memory of: Beverly Fellman Barbara & Dean Frankel Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Rose Herzog, Benjamin Segall Magda Fried Endowment Fund In Memory of: Beverly Fellman Isaac H. & Ruth S. Friedman Endowment Fund Birthday of: Amy Friedman, Sandy Friedman • In Memory of: Beverly Fellman • Marriage of: Donald Goldstein & Andi Willensky • Yahrzeit of: Ruth Friedman Freeda & Abe Gendler Endowment Fund In Memory of: Beverly Fellman General Endowment Fund In Memory of: Beverly Fellman Marcel & Ilse Kahn Endowment Fund In Memory of: David Cohen, Beverly Fellman Forrest & Lisa Stewart Krutter Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Craig Stewart Alan S. Kulakofsky Endowment Fund Anniversary of: Rabbi Steven & Shira Abraham • Birthday of: Shira Abraham In Memory of: Beverly Fellman, Stuart Muskin • Marriage of: Michael & Dacia Goldstein • Yahrzeit of: Frances Fox, Dora Rosenblatt Lucille White Kitchen Endowment Fund In Memory of: Beverly Fellman • Yahrzeit of: Josephine Martin, Richard Martin Milton Marcus Instrumental Music Endowment Fund Memory of: Beverly Fellman.Yahrzeit of: Henry Krasne Lee Jane Parsow Endowment Fund In Memory of: Caryl Greenberg Ruth & David Platt Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Ruth Platt, Sam Platt David & Ida Potash Endowment Fund Memory of: Beverly Fellman, Erika Neumann, Ruth Oruch • Yahrzeit of: Edith Cherwitz, Jacque Dolgoff, Ida Potash, Leonard Potash,Yale Lawrence Potash, Harlan Rosenblatt David S. & Esther Zorinsky Rice Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Rose Rice, Sonia Zorinsky Selwyn Roffman Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Rose Roffman Jerold I. Rosen Endowment Fund In Memory of: Ann Belmont Celia & Ben Schwartz Transportation Endowment Fund In Memory of: Beverly Fellman, Carol Greenberg, Lily Kay, Harvey Lipsman, Harold Margolin Stephen R. Skid Endowment Fund In Memory of: Beverly Fellman Arnold Stern Endowment Fund Birth of: Samuel David • In Memory of: Beverly Fellman • Yahrzeit of: Stuart Rochman Jerome & Rosalyn Zeffren and Andrea Zeffren-Alter Endowment Fund In Memory of: Beverly Fellman, Stuart Muskin Contributions to Named Synagogue Funds Building Fund In Memory of: Beverly Fellman Caring Committee Fund Fund In Memory of: Beverly Fellman Yahrzeit of: Dorothy Kushner YOUR HOME FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM 9 (continued from page 8) Cemetery Improvement Fund Memory of: Beverly Fellman, Ruth Oruch Early Childhood Fund Yahrzeit of: Phill Laser General Fund Anniversary of: Joe & Maxine Kirshenbaum • Birthday of: Maxine Kirshenbaum • In Honor of: Helene Lohman, Marti Nerenstone, Alice Weiss In Memory of: Ann Belmont, Cantor Gabriel Berkovits, Beverly Fellman, Stuart Muskin • Recovery of: Sam Eisenman • Yahrzeit of: Julius Barron, Sarah Bernstein, Russell Blumenthal, Anne Cohen, Louis Frost, Ida Frost, Tibor Jaeger, Max Kirshenbaum, Boris May, Gersh May, William Ostrow, Dorothy Peltz, Philip Smith, Fannie Stein, Morris Stein, Rosa Turetsky, Frieda Weintraub, Max Weintraub, Maurice Weiss, Norma Wucker, Paul Wucker Mitzvah Meals Fund Yahrzeit of: David Gordon, Hannah Klawans, Alvin Nogg Music Fund In Appreciation of: Hazzan Michael Krausman • In Memory of: Beverly Scholarship Fund Birth of: Ethan Solomon Kaufman & Jonah Benjamin Kaufman • In Memory of:Ann Belmont, Beverly Fellman, Golda Mandell, Stuart Muskin • Marriage of: Michael & Dacia Goldstein • Recovery of: Sherman Brodkey, Dr. Moshe Gershovich, Elaine Jabenis, Milton Katskee • Yahrzeit of:Yehudah Ben Shlomo, Zalman Friedman, Lillian Hurwitz, Sophia Kaslow, Sam Silver, Harvey Stern, Samuel Tannenbaum, Ira Trachtenbarg Fellman, Ruth Oruch • Yahrzeit of: Pearl Hahn, Dorothy Kushner, Norman Ruback Prayer Book Fund Yahrzeit of: Robert Lainof Programming Fund Birth of: Ibrahim Asif Kotok • In Appreciation of: Beth El's community programming • In Memory of: Beverly Fellman Rabbi's Discretionary Fund Bar Mitzvah of: Danny Denenberg • Bat Mitzvah of: Isabella Cooper • In Appreciation of: Rabbi Steven Abraham, Beth El's warm welcome • In Memory of: Beverly Fellman, Stuart Muskin, Erika Neumann • Yahrzeit of:Yale Gotsdiner, Dorlene Mae Graham, Lillian Guss, Harold Kaplan, Ida Ruth Meisels, Estelle Murow,Anne Rosenblatt, Edwin Rosenblatt, Molly Sandler, Celia Schwartz, Harry Schwartz, Lois Stern, Hyman Swerdlin, Jennie Veitzer, Nathan Veitzer, Sam Zweiback Bert & Ruth Render Memorial Fund In Memory of: Beverly Fellman Recovery of: Eunice Denenberg USY Fund Yahrzeit of: Lottie Abramson USY/Kadima Programming Fund In Appreciation of: Mitzvah Meal Delivery Youth Education Fund Birth of: Ethan Solomon Kaufman & Jonah Benjamin Kaufman • In Memory of: Hy DeBruin, Beverly Fellman, Lily Kay, Harvey Lipsman, Golda Mandell, Stuart Muskin, Carol Schneider • Recovery of: Elaine Jabenis Yahrzeit of: Isadore R. Bernstein, Anne Blatt, Marci Blatt, Yefim Goldin, Max Kirshenbaum, Dorothy Peltz, Pearl Yager Heartland Dental Welcomes New Patients Peter J. Gimenez, D.D.S. 132nd & Maple • 493-3636 Next To Old Chicago West Maple Dental Specialists Lourdes M. Secola-Ocanto DMD, M.Sc.D, DDS We Specialize in Treating: Infants • Children • Adolescents Young Adults • Special Needs 14270 W. Maple Rd., Omaha, NE 68164 402-491-3100 Enterprise Bank 4320 S 102nd St, Omaha, NE 6812 402.339.0440 800.578.4678 www.hostcoffee.net For ad info. call Dan Hrdi at 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Member FDIC 12800 W. Center Rd. Omaha, NE 68144 Ph: 402-330-0200 210 Regency Pkwy. Omaha, NE 68114 Ph: 402-392-0400 www.enterprisebankomaha.com Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE D 4C 02-1034 10 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER Men’s Club Corner By Jason Blair Men’s Club President We Thank Our Yad Squad The following members read Torah/ Haftarah in January: Shalom Aleichem! As we progress through the months of Adar I & II, I am excited at the prospect of emerging into the spring after a long winter, with a heart full of happiness and joy. I am thankful for the many Men’s Club volunteers the synagogue can count on to continue our tradition of selfless service to community. Over the past couple of months, the Club has been able to contribute to the shul in numerous ways. Whether it was serving food at the Chinese Dinner, or helping Hamorah Eadie with programming in support of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Club’s (FJMC) World Wide Wrap annual event, your support has been invaluable. The club also served breakfast to BESTT students and families, and longtime member Glen Fineman led a Hearing Men’s Voices discussion for the congregation. A big Todah Rabah to Glen for his continued service and dedication to the club! Keeping the momentum going, on March 19, the club will be leading Men’s Club Shabbat. During this year’s service, the club will be honoring a “Man of the Year” and a “Youth of the Year.” A representative from the FJMC will join us for this important program. As everyone would expect, the number of men and youth deserving of this award made the final selection extremely difficult. All of you contribute to the club’s mission in so many different ways, and we are thankful for your individual contributions. One thing I can assure you all is that this year’s recipients can always be counted on to lead by example, and both are well-deserving of the recognition. It would be amazing if the congregation would show up in record numbers this year to honor these deserving individuals, and did I mention the club will be sponsoring a Kiddush lunch following the services? Please consider joining us as we honor all the men of the congregation during shabbat services, with a special focus on this year’s award recipients. As we move out of Adar II and into Nissan, I will be stepping aside from my role as Men’s Club president in order to make way for new leadership. I am very thankful for the opportunity that was presented to me two years ago by David Finkelstein to take the reins of the club, and for the relationships I have been able to forge as a result of leading the club. I have learned more about the shul and the level of dedication that members of the club and congregation have than I could have ever imagined would be possible in such a short timeframe. In addition to thanking Hashem, I want to personally thank all of you for helping me succeed at keeping the club up and running for the past couple of years, while meeting the many demands required of the position. I am optimistic that someone is willing to step forward and be the next person to lead by example and take the club to even greater heights. With that said, know the men of the congregation and the countless volunteers are waiting in the wings to support you! Shalom, Jason Blair Shemot • • • • • • • • Steve Riekes Alan Shulewitz Ophir Palmon Yonatan Feldstern Jim Fried Ben Shapiro Marty Shukert Haftarah - Yonatan Feldstern Vaera • Yonatan Feldstern • Haftarah - Zev Krausman Bo • Denenberg Family • Haftarah - Danny Denenberg Beshalach • • • • • • • • Laurel Krausman Amy Nachman Amy Reynolds Roni Reiter-Palmon Lisa Marcus Lauren Tam Liz Feldstern Haftarah - Nancy Rips, Pam Friedlander, & Eadie Tsabari Yitro • • • • • • • Yonatan Feldstern Steve Riekes Spencer Gordman Howard Kaplan Gabby Witkowski Marty Shukert Haftarah - Ben Shapiro YOUR HOME FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM 11 Life & Legacy Donors - Helping to Ensure Beth El’s Future The community Life & Legacy Program is now in its second year. Beth El Synagogue is very fortunate and blessed to have 78 donors who have contributed to the Life & Legacy program. Through their generosity these donors are insuring the stability and continuity of Beth El Synagogue for the future. As we conclude the second year of our campaign on April 30, 2016, we are very grateful and offer our most sincere and special thanks to our anonymous donor for the challenge match grant of 1.5 million dollars. It’s not too late to pledge your Legacy gift to Beth El and maximize this generous gift. If you are interested in learning more about how you can become a Life & Legacy donor, please contact either Lloyd Roitstein, Life & Legacy Chair, at [email protected] or Larry DeBruin at [email protected]. We greatly appreciate our Life & Legacy donors listed below. Names in bold are new since the last listing in the Kol. • Rabbi Steven & Shira • The H. Lee & Carol • Howard & Sharon Kooper • Ari Riekes ! Abraham ! Gendler Charitable Fund • David & Shane Kotok • Carl Riekes • Mike & Sheri Abramson • Sherman* & Darlene • Janie Kulakofsky • Margo Riekes • Joyce Ashley ! Golbitz • David & Debi Kutler • Steve Riekes • John Atherton & Marti • Alan Goodman* • Howard & Nancy Kutler • Zoe Riekes ! Rosen-Atherton • Jay & Allison Gordman • Scott & Felicia Littky • Lloyd & Debbie Roitstein • Bob Belgrade • Thelma Lustgarten • Andy & Carole Greenberg • Ed & Carol* Schneider • Sandra Belgrade • Barton & Caryl* • Neal & Jody Malashock • Mr. & Mrs. Ben Shapiro • Michelle Byrnes ! Greenberg • Stanley & Evelyn Mitchell • Larry Shapiro • David & Karla Cohen • M’Lee Hasslinger • Allan & Janie Murow • Sherry Shapiro • Ron & Cheryl Cooper • Jon Jabenis • Allan Noddle • Stanley & Norma • Larry & Hanna • Joan Sandler Jacobson • Patty Nogg ! Silverman ! DeBruin • Richard Jacobson • Steve Nogg • Nancy Skid • Deborah Denenberg • Sylvia Jess • Alan Parsow • Steven & Marilyn Tipp • Norm & Eunie • Marcel & Ilse Kahn • Carol Parsow • Irv & Gail Veitzer ! Denenberg • Myron Kaplan • Steve & Marcia Pitlor • Norman & Joodi Veitzer • Howard & Sharon Epstein • Bea Karp • Alan Potash • Jim & Esther Wax • Yonatan & Liz Feldstern • Gloria Kaslow • Joel & Mary Rich • Jim & Sally Zipursky • Glen & Hollie Fineman • Howard Kaslow • Phil & Diane Rich • Morley & Charlotte Zipursky • Sandy & Amy Friedman • Donald S. & Delores Klein • Marty & Iris Ricks • Several Anonymous Donors *of Blessed Memory Fine Photography 402-333-8588 www.marcusofomaha.com 15% Discount for Beth El Members Bar Mitzvahs • Weddings Senior Portraits • Special Events Mathew A. Davey, M.D., FAAD James M. Shehan, M.D., FAAD Amy K. Price, PA-C Counseling Emergency Financial Assistance, Food Pantry Parenting Class Tzedakah and Project Dreidel Professional Snow & Ice Management (402) 598-4252 402-330-2024 ph 402-933-3770 | fax 402-933-3633 Contact Dan Hrdi to place an ad today! [email protected] or (800) 950-9952 x2562 12910 Pierce St, Suite 120 • Omaha, NE 68144 Just off of 130th and Pacific www.midlandsderm.com For ad info. call Dan Hrdi at 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE E 4C 02-1034 12 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER Listen to the Birthdays Voices from Beth El With 5-Year Multiples Stories connect us to our listeners and when we share our own real life stories with others our audience feels that they get to know us as authentic people. This is the broad concept behind “Voices from Beth El”, a storytelling series from Beth El Synagogue. “We want to tell our story, drive our message and support the community conversation for synagogue life and involvement,” said Beth El member Barry Zoob. A 65 year member of the congregation, Zoob went to Hebrew school, was a Bar Mitzvah and his daughter was married at Beth El. “I have fond memories of Beth El, l but as I reflect, I realize that the synagogue wasn’t a presence in my life as a young man. I recall feeling as if I was being preached to as opposed to being educated. It didn’t resonate with me,” Zoob reminisced. “All that changed when I met Rabbi Abraham (I call him Rabbi Steven). He is inspiring to talk with and I felt deeply connected to him and his messages. So, it was the right time to re-engage and devote this time in my life to the synagogue.” (continued on page 15) John Atherton • Douglas Benn • Arlene Cohen • Rabbi Paul Drazen • Leah Dysico Tom Goodman • Preston Gordman • Jeremy Kader • Jori Kravitz • Amy Nachman • Eva Phillips • Bruce Shackman Patty Sherman • Amanda Simon • Blanche Wise Anniversaries With 5-Year Multiples Ben Shapiro & Amy Reynolds Lazar & Margaret Turetsky We Share Your Joy On the Engagement of: • Colin Belmont & Amanda Bucher Son of Mark & Jill Belmont On the Birth of: • Eli Mickey Abramson Grandson of Steve & Marcia Pitlor • Ethan Solomon Kaufman and Jonah Benjamin Kaufman Twin Grandsons of Bruce & Margie Gutnik • Talia Nicole Shackman Granddaughter of Ron & Harriet Epstein • Connor Joseph Solls Grandson of Ron & Harriet Epstein Minyannaires Thanks to the following members of Beth El who attended at least one daily service between December 14 & February 8: Rabbi Abraham • Brandy Bailey King • Jason Blair • Sharon Brodkey • William Cohen • Paul Cohen • Judy Cooper • Larry DeBruin • Richard Diamond • Jay Durmaskin • Stanley Edelstein • Ellene Edelstein • Gary Epstein • Lisa Epstein • Helen Epstein • Ronald Feldman • Yonatan Feldstern • Richard Fellman • Glen Fineman • Pam Friedlander • Morris Friedman • Art Friedman • Jeremy Friedman • Michael Gerson • Irwin Goldenberg • Donald Goldstein • Ray Goldstein • Michael Goodman Miriam Gottlieb • Lea Grunkin • M’Lee Hasslinger • David Herzog • Grant Jabenis • Jon Jabenis • Fred Kader • Ilse Kahn Marcel Kahn • Howard Kaiman • Howard Kaplan • Myron Kaplan • Gloria Kaslow • Howard Kaslow • Judy Katskee • Milt Katskee • Leslie Kay • Helen Kay • Steve King • Ari Kohen • David Kotok • Shane Kotok • Laurel Krausman • Hazzan Krausman • Zach Krausman • Zev Krausman • Larry Kronick • David Kutler • Brad Kutler • Carole Lainof • Wayne Lainof Joan Latchaw • Scott Lustgarten • Joan Marcus • Lynda Mirvish • Anna Mosenkis • Janie Murow • Steve Nogg • Dennis Paley Ophir Palmon • Steve Pitlor • Oliver Pollak • Karen Pollak • Merle Potash • Roni Reiter-Palmon • Joel Rich • Mary Rich • Steve Riekes • Caryn Rifkin • Gary Rifkin • Nancy Rips • Lloyd Roitstein • Marti Rosen-Atherton • Maureen Rosenblatt • Dottie Rosenblum • Ed Schneider • Jessica Shandell • Ben Shapiro • Michelle Shkolnick • Simmy Siegel • Stanley Silverman • Tootie Simon • Marsha Simon • Steve Simon • Nancy Skid • Zach Stein • Lauren Tam • Amy Tipp • Steve Tipp • Eadie Tsabari • Judy Tully • Stewart Tully • Lucy Turetsky • Margaret Turetsky • Esther Wax • Jim Wax • Steven Wees • Richard Wiener • Audrey Wiener • Gabby Witkowski • Susan Witkowski • Bob Yaffe 9:30 am - Shabbat Services 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 7:15 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 9:00 am - Nebraska AIDS Luncheon 6:00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat 9:00 am - Shacharit Service 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 31 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 4:15 pm - Purim Carnival 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 6:00 pm - Megillah Reading 30 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 29 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 28 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 9:00 am - Shacharit Service 9:45 am - BESTT 9:45 am - Babies, Bigger Kids & Bagels 10:00 am - Torah Study 10:30 am - Torah Tots 11:00 am - Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 27 9:00 am - Shacharit Service 9:45 am - BESTT 10:00 am - Torah Study 11:00 am - Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 6:00 pm - USY Movie Madness 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:00 pm - Women’s Book Group at the Home of Judith Barnes 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 4:00 pm - Grades 11-12 go to the SIenna Francis House 4:15 pm - BESTT 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv Grades 8-10 go to the Food Pantry - time TBA 9:30 am - Men’s Club Shabbat 10:00 am - Jr. Congregation 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 7:15 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 6:00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat 7:00 pm - Shabbat Dinner Honoring Rabbi Azriel 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 4:15 pm - BESTT 5:00 pm - USY Board Meeting 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 6:45 pm - Hebrew High 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 9:00 am - Shacharit Service 9:45 am - No BESTT Stay at Home Sunday 10:00 am - Torah Study 11:00 am - Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:00 pm - Board of Trustees Meeting 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 We spring ahead one hour on March 13 at 2:00 am BESTT Shul-In 9:30 am - Cup of Coffee with God 10:00 am - Shabbat’s Cool 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 6:00 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 6:00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 4:15 pm - BESTT 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 6:45 pm - Hebrew High 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:00 pm - Scholar-inResidence Martin Fletcher 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 9:00 am - Shacharit Service 9:45 am - BESTT 10:00 am - Torah Study 10:30 am - Torah Tots 11:00 am - Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class 12:15 pm - Habonim Goes Bowling 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 12 11 9:30 am - Shabbat Services 10:00 am - Bar Mitzvah of David Kay 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 6:00 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 5 Saturday 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 1:00 pm - Shanghai 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:00 pm - Women’s Rosh Hodesh Meeting at UNO 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 6:00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat 4 Friday 10 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 4:15 pm - BESTT 4:00 pm - Jewish History Tour at the JCC, Gr 6-7 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 6:15 pm - Who Wrote the Bible Evening Class 6:00 pm - Hebrew High dinner & Classes 7:30 pm - Pamela Berger 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 3 Thursday 9 7:00 am - Shacharit Service 5:30 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv 2 Wednesday 8 1 Tuesday 7 Monday 6 Sunday March 2016 YOUR HOME FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM 13 14 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Sisterhood Scoop Beth El Staff Steven Abraham!......................................Rabbi [email protected] By Linda Fischer Sisterhood President Michael Krausman!...............................Hazzan [email protected] Shalom! Larry DeBruin!................Executive Director [email protected] Eadie Tsabari!.................................Director of Congregational Learning [email protected] Margie Gutnik!..................Program Director [email protected] Amy Dworin!............................Youth Advisor [email protected] Michael Gerson!..........Minyan Coordinator [email protected] Melissa Massey!...........................Comptroller [email protected] Laura Bair!............................Kitchen Manager [email protected] Cait Leff!..................................Office Manager [email protected] Judy Tully!................Administrative Assistant [email protected] Tamara Forte!................Executive Secretary [email protected] Officers Joel Rich!..............................Beth El President Jon Jabenis!................................Vice President Ari Riekes!................................Vice President I hope everyone is staying warm and surviving Winter. Spring is right around the corner! It will be here before we know it. Sisterhood Shabbat was a big success. I want to give a huge thank you to Laurel Krausman and Heather Kelln for planning and carrying out an enjoyable, and memorable service. The feedback I got from so many people was so heartfelt. Not only was the service itself so incredible, the feedback about the kugel served for Kiddush was also very positive. What a brilliant idea! Thank you to everyone who participated in the service and the cooking. Thank you to Alice Weiss for hosting a very lovely Tu B’Shevat Seder on January 24. I had the pleasure of attending and this event was very informative and tasty. Thank you to Sandy Gordon for teaching “Keep it Simple Self Defense” at the February Rosh Hodesh meeting. An important topic for women! The Book Club met on February 9 and were fortunate in that they were able to have a 45-minute phone conversation with the author during the evening! Their next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 29. Details are on page 15. Many thanks to Darlene Golbitz for managing the book club each month. Remember the Bucket Challenge for Beth El. I spoke at Sisterhood Shabbat about this ongoing challenge to fill our Blue Buckets in the entrance of the Synagogue. Let’s work together to do our share and help those who are in need of food. Let’s help those out who need a helping hand. Remember to grab a can before you come to synagogue and drop it in the bucket. Let’s set an example for our young ones so that they learn to be compassionate and helpful to others. Stay warm until we speak again. Sincerely, Linda J. Fischer Jim Zipursky!............................Vice President Jay Gordman!.....................................Treasurer Caryn Scheer!...................................Secretary Lloyd Roitstein!.......................Past President Shabbat’s Cool & Shul-In Saturday, March 12 Shabbat’s Cool Purim Edition 10 am - 12:30 pm Tutoring, Purim Learning Stations, Jr. Congregation, Lunch For all students in Grades K-7 Lisa Marcus!.................................BESTT Chair Jason Blair!...................Men’s Club President Linda Fischer!..............Sisterhood President Zev Krausman!......................U.S.Y. President Shul-In - 10 am Saturday to 9 am Sunday Games, Music, Havdalah, Evening Adventure & Waffle Breakfast For all students in Grades 3-7 & Madrechim Sunday, March 13 is Stay-at-Home Sunday for Everyone! YOUR HOME FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM 15 Voices of Beth El (continued from page 12) Zoob says ultimately the goal is to provide a platform for everyone in the community to engage in Beth El activities. “The energy level at Beth El is remarkable. Our clergy and educators are electric. You feel it as soon as you walk in the doors. Our congregants and clergy are our greatest assets and we want to share them!” Note: We will include excerpts of these Jewish Press articles in several issues of the Kol.The full articles will be available to read online at www.bethel-omaha.org. Check Out Beth El’s Web Cemetery App Our web cemetery application is now fully operational. This exciting new tool provides an opportunity for families to add pictures, obituary information, life history and personal memories about their loved ones. There is also a link available that can be shared with family and friends that maps the location of a gravesite. To find the app, go to Beth El Synagogue Cemetery in the app store. On the website, under Religious Services - Lifecycle Events - Cemetery, you will find a link to Recent Burials and a link to search Beth El Cemetery Records that will also provide this information. If you would like to learn more about how you can use Beth El’s Web Cemetery App, contact Larry at 402-492-8550. Women’s Book Group Tuesday, March 29 7:00 pm Home of Judith Barnes This month, the Women’s Book Group will be discussing, Jerusalem Maiden, by Talia Carner. Newcomers are always welcome to attend. For questions or directions, contact Darlene at [email protected]. Purim Carnival & Megillah Reading Wednesday, March 23 4:15 - 7:45 pm Purim Carnival - 4:15 - 6:00 pm Games * Raffle Tickets * Silent Auction Dinner for Sale (falafel or hotdogs, a drink and Hamentashen) Megillah Reading - 6:00 pm Megillah Reading (boo Haman!) * Raffle Prize Drawings * Silent Auction Winners * Adult Beverages Tot Purim with Morah Caryn - 6:00 pm (during first three chapters of Megillah Reading) Make your very own groggers and watch a captivating Purim puppet show Costume Parade - 6:30 pm (approximately) For kids and adults - Free raffle ticket for everyone who comes in costume! Reduced Price Tickets Available Online Beth El Synagogue 14506 California St. Omaha, NE 68154 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID OMAHA, NE PERMIT #138 402-492-8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Beth El is a PROUD member of USCJ Rosh Hodesh Adar II Thursday, March 10 7:00 pm at UNO Join us at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Strauss Performing Arts Center to hear Dr. Temple Grandin speak. This program is part of the UNO Religious Studies Department’s "Goldstein Lecture on Human Rights." Candle Lighting & Service Times Dr. Grandin's lecture, "Different Kinds of Minds Contribute to Society," will take place from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. This event is free and open to the public. Friday Evening Candle Lighting: March 4!.......................6:01 pm March 5!.........................6:00 pm Questions? contact Margie at [email protected]. March 11!......................6:09 pm March 12!.......................6:00 pm March 18!......................7:16 pm March 19!.......................7:15 pm March 25!......................7:24 pm March 26!.......................7:15 pm Mincha/Ma’ariv! Service Schedule: The Beth El Judaica Shop Gift Certificates Available Judaica Shop Hours: Wed. 2:30 - 5:00 pm & Sun. 10:00 am - 12:15 pm (when BESTT is in session)