Winter 2015 - Beth El Synagogue

Transcription

shofar
q u a r t e r ly m a g a z i n e
WINTER 2015 / 5775
Hands That Serve. Hearts That Care.
Each fall and spring for nearly 30 years, Beth El has
collected food to donate to the St. Louis Park Emergency
Program (STEP), an organization physically near our
congregational home and even closer to our hearts. Please
turn to page two to read more about the success of this
year’s Yom Kippur Food Drive, and then delve into this
second issue of the new Shofar Magazine, focused this
quarter on Beth El Serves, our year-long theme. Beth El
Serves is about transcending our wants and recognizing
the needs around us–what we need, what others need
and, truly, what God needs of humanity.
STEPping up to Serve Others
By Rabbi Alexander Davis
I take great pride in Beth El’s
Yom Kippur Food Drive. After
unloading bag after bag of
groceries, we learned that
Beth El had restocked enough
to serve 350 people. I rejoiced
in all 9,152 lbs collected and
led our USYers and adults
in singing to celebrate
our accomplishments. But
with Yom Kippur long past
and the March Food Drive
approaching, now is time to pause and consider,
why and how do we serve? Do we serve willingly or
begrudgingly? With joy or out of guilt?
For some, serving is just what they do. It is how they
were raised, and they don’t give it much thought.
Others open their hearts with compassion. They feel
the pain of those in need and are moved to help relieve
suffering in the world. Still others serve out of a sense
of obligation. They hear God commanding them, “do
not turn away or close your hand.”
No matter our initial motivation, I’d like to suggest that
we consider our service to others as an act of “mysticalhumanism.” Many Jews today have an interest in
mysticism. Beyond ritual observance or traditional
beliefs, they seek a direct spiritual experience of the
Divine. We call this “devekut,” cleaving to God.
Today’s Jews are also humanists who seek to bring
justice in this world and not just experience otherworldly spirituality. Humanism, of course, is not a new
trend. The second century sage, Rabbi Akiva, taught
that to love one’s neighbor as one’s self is the cardinal
principle of the Torah.
Popular maggid (teacher and storyteller), Yitzhak
Buxbaum, explains this approach to serving in his
book, An Open Heart: The Mystic Path of Loving
People: “This mystical humanism sees the holiness of
humans and it places service of others at the center of
our spiritual lives.” By opening our hearts to others,
we become a channel for God’s compassion and in
this way, cleave to God.
Underlying this teaching is the belief that every
human is created b’tzelem elokim, in God’s image.
By loving and serving each other, we are actually
serving God. We learn from this that spirituality is
not limited to praying in shul or observing Jewish
holidays. Serving others through projects such as Yad
V’Lev, the Sheridan Story, Ronald McDonald House,
is a demonstration of devotion and piety. These
“volunteer opportunities” are better seen as sacred
obligations through which we repair the world.
Practically, what does this look like?
We should serve
others, Buxbaum
explains,
as
a
nurse
serves
her ill king —
with
love
and
compassion for a
sick person, mixed
with
reverence
and humility for a
sovereign. In that
way, one brings
relief to the body
and comfort to
the soul. Unlike
serving out of
pity, which makes
Rabbi Davis and Len Zeff
those in need feel
inferior, serving with reverence makes them feel
important. It elevates them. It gives them dignity and
reminds them that they are of ultimate worth. For,
their soul was stamped with the King’s royal signet.
Throughout this year as we strive to serve others, we
pray, “God, open my heart to others. Let me see You
in them. Bless the work of my hands and the service of
my heart that I might be a blessing. Amen.”
__________________________________________________
Please see pages 10-11 to see how Beth El has served
others over the years, and page 18 to learn specifically
how you can volunteer and make a difference.
Beth El, and Food Drive co-chairs, the father/daughter team, Robin Estrin and Len Zeff, extend a hearty
todah rabah to the more than 60 volunteers who helped to lift, load, schlep and unpack groceries; to
Tilsner Carton for the use of their truck, trailer and drivers; to Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Cub Foods
for donating bags; and to hundreds of Beth El congregants for their donations. Cleaning our homes in
preparation for Passover will be here before we know it. Start planning for the March Food Drive now!
2
Clergy Reflections
God & Miss Manners
By Rabbi Avi S. Olitzky
The food service industry is a crossroads of all souls–college grads and
high school grads, the wealthy and the impoverished, the temporary and
the permanent, the dedicated and the unengaged. Almost everyone has
“waited tables” at some point in their life. Unique to such service is the
non-verbal contract that exists between the diner and the server.
I first learned about this contract in my Officer Indoctrination Course during
Basic Training with the U.S. Navy. As part of the training, we took what
was endearingly referred to a “Miss Manners” class. The “madam” taught
us about ten-piece table settings, placement of the napkin upon the lap,
silver service food served from the left whereas drinks and plated meals
from the right, always enter your seat from the left and always exit from
the right and much more. But why does this matter? When the server and
the diner know the rules of this dance that is formal, intentional eating, they create an experience that
transcends the simple consumption of sustenance and nourishment.
Some time in the third century, Rabbi Yohanan and Resh Lakish taught: “at the time when the Temple
stood, the altar was used to make atonement for a person, but now a person’s table makes atonement
for him” (Babylonian Talmud Hagigah 27a). All day long we toil in the profane. We often think of and
serve ourselves only. We cater to our most basic and primal of needs. However, when we transform
our tables and our experience into something greater – into a symphony of silver and crockery – we
actually end up serving each other more than we serve ourselves. And the harmony of co-service
forges a direct link to God on High.
Simply put, a fancy meal becomes something Divine. This is one reason that we’ve elevated the pediatric
experience of the Tu B’Shevat Seder to an elegant, service à la russe, eight-course wine dinner, with
all the trimmings and local celebrity chefs. This is why we’ve transformed what was once a USY Play
to a delightful Dinner Theater where our teenagers learn the art of table service and proper dining and
service etiquette. This is why we offer high quality wines for sale for our Passover observances.
But if all of this is about avodat HaShem – service of God – do we really wait on God? If we bend our
lives to conform to God’s will, then, indeed, we do. The fine dining experience becomes the microcosm
and metaphor for how we relate to the world around us and, in a sense, atones for our misgivings and
missteps. Perhaps the way we “wait” on God is not service in the same mode as a waiter in a fine
restaurant, but if we are mere servers in the Restaurant of the Universe, then our good deeds and our
intentions become the first-rate platters we serve up to God on High. Our actions become offerings on
the altar, as fine china spread out on our manicured table. And it becomes our hope and prayer that,
for God, the meal “hits the spot.”
Last year’s Beth El Tu B’Shevat Seder tables
were dressed to the nines. This year’s event, set
for Tuesday evening, February 3, promises to be
equally rich in gourmet food, wine, community
and co-service.
www.besyn.org/tbs
Clergy Reflections
3
April 12-23, 2015
Eastern Europe Trip
It’s Not Too Late To join!
Serving Self
through song
By Cantor Audrey Abrams
• Travel to Warsaw, Cracow, Budapest
and Prague
• Meet with Jewish locals
• Commemorate the past in these countries and understand the rebuilding of
their communities
Contact Cantor Abrams at aabrams@
bethelsynagogue.org or Dana YugendPepper at [email protected] for details
on what promises to be an inspiring and
moving experience.
On Shabbat B’shalah (January 30), we read about the
Israelites leaving Egypt, crossing the Sea of Reeds and
breaking out in a song of celebration. This Shabbat is thus
appropriately known as “Shabbat Shira” (the Shabbat of
song) on which we read Shirat Hayam, the Song of the
Sea. It’s one of my favorite Shabbatot of the year, not only
because it focuses on singing, but also because it teaches
us that singing can be a form of service.
As I’ve said many times before, wearing my music
therapist hat, singing releases endorphins and therefore
makes you feel good. Often, we are reserved and afraid to
let loose. What better way to let go — to allow ourselves
to be taken away by song and dance — than Shabbat
Shira, when the Israelites sang and danced in an awesome
shehehiyanu moment of their first taste of freedom. The
endorphin release makes us feel uplifted, which is a way
to serve one’s self. But let’s explore further.
BEMA Coffee House presents…
Shabbat Shira Artist-in-Residence
YEHUDAH KATZ
January 30-31
www.besyn.org/yehudahkatz
In the Song of the Sea we sing, “ozi v’zimrat Yah, va’yi’hi
li lishu’ah (You, God, are My strength and my salvation.)”
My teacher and composer of the chant we use on Shabbat
mornings, Rabbi Shefa Gold, explains the meaning of the
words in the very way she chants them. She sings this
prayer very slowly. She takes in each word in order to
maximize the ability to find centeredness and, ultimately,
faith. She uses hand gestures to help embody the text. It’s
a spiritual practice leading to what she calls, “balancing
will and surrender.” We must appreciate what we can
control but also know when to lean back and trust.
With that understanding in mind, let’s set the scene—
Israelites on one side of the water, Egyptians rapidly
approaching from behind. There is fear, panic, desperation.
Nahshon, a brave soul, ventures into the water even as
it gets deeper and deeper. Something gives him the
strength to combat his fears and forge ahead. And then,
miraculously, the waters part and the rest is history. What
gave Nahshon the courage to move through what seemed
an insurmountable feat? Faith. Apparently, no one else
had it; no faith to help conquer their fears and cross what
seemed uncrossable.
Shabbat Shira is the day we read this text in the Torah.
But the rabbis included it in our siddurim and thus taught
us to say it every day as we begin our mornings. Why?
Because we too struggle daily. Because every day, and
sometimes every minute, we wrestle with our own Sea of
Reeds. I think the rabbis knew that singing could lift us up,
could inspire us with the endless potential and possibility
that awaits us on the opposite shore. And they knew that
singing the Song of the Sea could implant in us faith in
God and help us conquer our fears.
What if every day was Shabbat Shira, and every day we
reminded ourselves “ozi v’zimrat Yah, God is my strength
and my salvation?” What if every day we leaned back,
placing our faith in Adonai? What would be different for
each of us? For our community? Shirat Hayam teaches
us to serve ourselves, so we can serve others, so we can
serve God.
Sing with me. Dance with me. Let’s cross our seas together.
4
Clergy Reflections
Beth El Serves:
Saying Kaddish
and the Daily Minyan
By Bonnie Bongard Goldish, Beth El President
In July of 1976, my Zayde Henry passed away. This was “the regulars,” I began to form this special bond with them,
a spiritual turning point in my father’s life. Prior to this, as now I too was “a regular.” Even without verbalizing it,
my dad had never been a regular participant of the daily we knew we were there for a common purpose. Whether
minyan, but from that point on, the daily minyan became we were there to say kaddish for a departed loved one,
or on a personal spiritual journey
an integral part of my father’s life. His
with God. We were each connected
attendance continued for the next
with one another. Now, as I look back
several decades. Even as his own
“When my dad passed
on that time, I realize how much this
health began to decline, he made the
away, I came to say
experience of saying kaddish with our
effort to attend the morning minyan
daily minyan is such a central part of
for as long as possible.
Kaddish every day.
this year’s theme at Beth El — serving
When my dad passed away in 2008,
Being in the synagogue
God, our community and ourselves.
we made a commitment for the next
calmed me down, even
Our members who make the
11 months to say kaddish. When I
if I didn’t open a book. I
commitment to attend minyan —
first attended the daily minyan, it felt
foreign and awkward; there were so
felt wanted and needed.” as well as our daily minyan leaders
whom we greatly appreciate —
many prayers I did not know. I told
~ My beloved father Leon Bongard z”l
are our unsung heroes of Beth El.
myself I was doing this for my father,
Building on the Legacy, from a 2002
Recently, one of the morning minyan
to honor his memory, as I knew this
Beth El capital campaign brochure
“regulars” was hospitalized and
was very important to him. However,
then admitted to Sholom Home
as the days became weeks and the
for rehabilitation. The minyan
weeks became months, I began to
community independently formed a
realize how healing this had now
become for me personally. I started to look forward to the carpool to take him to and from the morning service. This
daily meditative time — to think about my dad, with no act of kindness allowed our Beth El member to continue to
other distractions. The other thing that began to happen attend the daily minyan as they knew this had become an
was rather than looking at the others attending minyan as important part of his life.
In closing, I want to leave you the following words that
were stated at the conclusion of a recent minyan service:
Before you leave, look around you. We have
a minyan because of everyone who came this
evening. Some may be your family or friends, some
may be neighbors, and some may be strangers. But
when we join together, we become a community
that shares both joy and sadness, and that encircles
all of us with warmth and caring.
Zayde Leon helping Danny Goldish, one of his eight
grandchildren, don tefillin at morning minyan.
For those of you who said Kaddish tonight,
remember that tomorrow and next week and
next month, someone else will need and want
the community that you have enjoyed tonight. So
please come back, not just when you observe a
yahrzeit, but whenever you have 15 or 20 minutes
to share. Be there for others as they were there for
you tonight. ~ Paul Tuchman
President’s Message
5
B’nai Mitzvah
January 10, 2015 / 19 Tevet 5775
Shemot
January 17, 2015 / 26 Tevet 5775
Vaeira
MAX RICHARD SEDLEY
SARAH ISABEL YOUSHA
Son of Michael & Aimée Sedley
Daughter of Alan & Michelle Yousha
Max is a fourth generation member
of Beth El. His parents joined the
congregation for the Aleph Preschool,
friends, family and atmosphere. What
better way to continue the community
building then celebrating their son’s
bar mitzvah at Beth El.
Sarah’s family is actively engaged in
our synagogue and Jewish community
leadership. They work to build a
more warm, welcoming and educated
community. Sarah is learning from
their example and has opened her
“lev tov” to bat mitzvah preparation.
January 24, 2015 / 4 Sh’vat 5775
Bo
January 31, 2015 / 11 Sh’vat 5775
Shabbat Shira / Beshallah
DAVID HELFAND BIX
ARIELLA IRENA FOGEL
Son of Brian Bix & Karen Helfand Bix
Daughter of Richard & Nina Fogel
David’s father Brian celebrated
his bar mitzvah at Beth El and his
grandparents were active in the
congregation. David has applied
himself to his bar mitzvah studies. Still, he knows when to be serious
and when it’s okay to have fun.
Ariella’s father and mother have
taken the process of preparing their
daughter for bat mitzvah seriously.
Through her studies, Ariella has
enjoyed growing closer to classmates
and community.
February 21, 2015 / 2 Adar 5775
Terumah
February 28, 2015 / 9 Adar 5775
Shabbat Zakhor / Tetzaveh
HALLE SIMA COHEN
SAMUEL JOSEPH FITERMAN
Daughter of Matt & Dina Cohen
Son of Jack & Amy Fiterman
Halle comes from a family of mixed
synagogue traditions that has
always committed themselves to
strengthening the Jewish community.
She has an innate sense of curiosity
and approaches every task with
maturity and dedication.
Sam’s parents come from families
with long and deep ties to our Beth
El community. Coupled with this
devotion, Sam has an infectious
smile passed down from his parents,
grandparents and great-grandparents
that lights up a room.
Did you know?
More than 200 5th-12th graders are actively engaged in our
Ben z ”l and Bernice Fiterman B’nai Mitzvah Program each week?
6
B’nai Mitzvah
B’nai Mitzvah
March 7, 2015 / 16 Adar 5775
Ki Tissa
March 14, 2015 / 23 Adar 5775
Shabbat Parah / Vayakheil-Pekudei
ARI BRYANT GELLER
SOPHIA YE SEON-LIVON REIN
Son of Todd & Amy Geller
Daughter of Jason Rein & Jodi Livon Rein
Ari is a fifth generation Beth El’er —
a fact his parents and grandparents
are quick to point out. Though
sometimes quiet and reserved, Ari
often asks the questions of an old
soul, as though the generations before
him are asking through him.
Sophia’s parents share a Hebrew name,
Yafah and Yafeh, and this “beauty” has
been passed down to their daughter.
Not only is Sophia following in the
tradition of her family as she celebrates
at Beth El, she is reading the same
parashah as her older brother.
March 21, 2015 / 1 Nisan 5775
Shabbat Rosh Hodesh / Shabbat
Hahodesh / Vayikra
March 28, 2015 / 8 Nisan 5775
Shabbat Hagadol / Tzav
SOFIA IRENE SEEWALD
NATHAN SAMUEL SEYMOUR
Son of John Seymour & Rachel Saturn
Daughter of Jeffrey Seewald &
Marissa Onheiber
Sofia and her family joined Beth El
two years ago and the b’nai mitzvah
program became an entry point
for them to our community. Sofia
has approached her bat mitzvah
preparation positively and diligently
and classmates and adults love being
around her. Nathan’s parents have become
involved in the congregation, though
neither grew up at Beth El. Nathan
is a good student whose hard work
preparing for his bar mitzvah follows
not only his sister’s path but also his
parents’ Jewish education journey.
A small group of students
in our Ben and Bernice
Fiterman B’nai Mitzvah
Training
Program
are
taking part in a new
opportunity— to study the
content of their haftarah
in depth. As Rabbi Davis
explains, “learning to chant
the haftarah is wonderful,
but not at the expense of
actually understanding the
prophet’s message.”
B’nai Mitzvah
7
New Members
In the spirit of welcoming families to the congregation – so everyone can put names with faces – we are now offering
new families the opportunity to place their photo in the Shofar. If you have joined Beth El in the past year, please
email [email protected] with a family picture. It is our goal to feature as many photos of new families
as possible.
please Welcome
Adam and Angela Ailloni with Adin and Eli
Sherwood and Barbara Malamud
Bob Barnhart and Cheryl Hallberg
John and Sue Ryan with Sydney and Samuel
Wes and Michelle Bertch with Anna and Eli
Natalie Shapiro
Julie Haskovitz
Yury and Zina Trofimov
Alex and Chad Locke
Jonathan Wolpert and Rhona Shwaid with Nessa
The Ailloni Family
The Locke Family
The Schwaid Wolpert Family
8
new members
The Ryan Family
The Trofimov Family
torah for living
By Roger Rubin
Ours is a world of information. We share information daily,
and we search for information daily. Whether we do so
online or in person, we are a community that gathers and
shares our information with each other on a continual
basis. Like me, you may find yourself using Google to find
the most current and complete information that we used
to research in encyclopedias or at our libraries. We are
truly in what some people refer to as the Information Age.
Some of us even seek answers to our questions — avoiding
AND seeking rabbinic wisdom far more often than we ever
have. Here at Beth El I find that this Information Age has
re-whetted my appetite for Jewish learning.
At its core, though, Jewish learning is far more than
familiarizing oneself with basic content. It is about
navigating the space between serving Self and serving
God. Jewish learning is not about learning more about
the text, it is about learning more about ourselves — who
we are, where we’ve been and what we’ve become. It is
about learning how to be the best version of ourselves,
heightening our receptivity to critique and dialogue
through the lens of the ever-bickering and ever-interpreting
rabbis of yesterday and today. Jewish learning helps us
choose a meaningful path in life — a life worth living in a
world worth living.
Beth El provides a wide variety of opportunities for such
avodah — service — in the form of learning. One of those
I have had the privilege of organizing and chairing for
several years now. We call Nosh and Drash: Torah for
Living, a bi-monthly, lunch-and-learn study opportunity
with Rabbi Olitzky.
On the first and third Monday of each month, Rabbi
Olitzky presents a kernel of Jewish text, either from that
week’s Torah portion or something pertaining to the
calendar (an upcoming festival, for example), and turns it
inside-out for those in attendance. Rabbi Olitzky’s style is
sometimes quite frontal, as a presentation. At other times
it is conversational and a robust dialogue. Each class is a
standalone learning opportunity and a world’s worth of
wisdom in and of itself. Regardless, I leave each Nosh and
Drash reinvigorated, renewed and most of all, taken aback
by the way our rabbis — and those from centuries ago
— could speak directly to my day-to-day challenges and
misgivings.
Coupled with a delicious and inexpensive kosher lunch,
many people attend Nosh and Drash — ranging in all
ages. But be certain, this is an adult learning opportunity,
though a number of deep thinking teenagers (especially
when school is out of session) make it a habit of attending
regularly.
Nosh and Drash is soulful Jewish learning at its best;
a compass to help us navigate space between serving
Self and serving God. Newcomers are welcome (and
encouraged) to experience yet another way Beth El
Serves.
In addition to Nosh and Drash (pictured above), Beth El has four open study groups for interested “empty nesters”:
• Aleph Study Group
(contact Barb Parks, [email protected])
• Women’s Study Group
(contact Pam Kaufman, [email protected])
• Men’s Study Group
(contact Steve Heller, [email protected])
• General Study Group
(contact Phil Greenberg, [email protected])
ADULT EDUCATION
9
Gemilat Hesed Makes an Impact
TGIF Takes On A New Meaning
Through the generosity of members of Beth
El, the Fredrikson & Byron law firm, and other
donors to the Sheridan Story, students in need
at the Nellie Stone Johnson Community School
in Minneapolis now receive food that helps to
sustain them over weekends during the school
year. Volunteers are needed for this new Gemilat
Hesed initative — see page 18 for details.
Serving Up Brunch
& smiles
Every other month, volunteers from Bet Shalom, Beth
El, Adath Jeshurun and Temple Israel come together to
cook and serve a meal for the homeless at St. Stephens
Church. In the winter time,
Beth El also collects socks
to donate to those coming
to the shelter. Beth El has
been participating in this
collaboration since 1989.
“On the first Sunday of every month, I go to
the Ronald McDonald House to cook and serve
breakfast to the residents. Many volunteers assist
us by donating various food items but my greatest
joy is seeing the faces of the kids and parents who
we serve. It is a wonderful, rewarding way to start
my day.”
~ Mimi Klane
volunteers
“I find serving at loaves and fishes very rewarding. The
individuals that we interact with are always so appreciative.
It also makes me feel good that we serve a meal that they look
forward to. An added incentive is that I like working with
people from the other synagogues in town…You always take
away so much more than you are giving.”
~ Adam Goldfine
Every month dedicated volunteers prepare and
serve brunch to those staying at the Ronald
McDonald House on the U of M Campus. This
home-away-from-home during medical crisis
time is such an important place in our community
and we’re thrilled we’ve been able to do this
monthly for over a decade.
10
Partnering with Other Congregations
For Fifteen Years
Shul Chauffers
For the last few years we have been providing drivers on Shabbat
morning to bring congregants from Knollwood Apartments to
Beth El for services. Currently there are eight dedicated people
who drive every Shabbat morning.
“The rides to Beth El on Shabbat morning have kept me in the ‘real’
world. I was always a regular on Shabbat, and I feel fortunate at this
stage of my life to be able to continue participating in services.”
~ Shirleymae Lane
HOW BETH EL SERVES
Baskets for the Bereaved
“To My Beth El Family,
I cannot begin to thank you for the kindness and support you have shown to my family and
me since Gloria died. First I received a beautiful note from Yad V’Lev. Then Rabbi Davis baked
delicious challahs. And finally I was so touched to receive a beautiful bag of apples and honey
and other treats for Rosh Hashanah. Thank you so much for your generosity during this time.”
~ Alan Stein
Every Rosh Hashanah and Pesah since 1997, recent widows and widowers receive a
gift bag of food to let them know that their Beth El Family is thinking of them during
their year of mourning. Yad V’lev (Hand and Heart) volunteers send notes to everyone
who experiences a loss and provide hallot as a gesture of care to those who are sick or
in mourning.
Acts of Kindness For Acts of Patriotism
“Dear Beth El,
All of us from the 34th CAB want to thank you for the generous care packages
that you recently sent us. Receiving these packages truly makes our lives while
deployed a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable, knowing we have people
back home that care about us and pray for our safe return…Again, thank you
so much for the wonderful care packages. Stay safe and God bless!”
V/R,
SPC SaintOnge, Derek A.
Admin Clerk, HHC 34th CAB
Beth El is in its third year of supporting
Minnesota National Guard units with
care packages.
Baking For A Cause
Gemilat Hesed raises funds each
year in order to help those in our
greater community. One of our
recent fundraisers was a honey cake
sale. We sold 76 cakes and raised
over $500! Stay tuned for: Mishloah
Manot (Purim gift boxes) and then
cheesecakes for Shavuot.
The Drive to Save Lives
Twice a year for over a
decade we have been
hosting Beth El Blood
drives. In the past we have
done bone marrow drives
as well. Our next blood
Drive is Sunday, May 10.
“The honey cakes were delicious –
moist and sweet and perfect for Rosh
Hashanah. Thank you, Gemilat Hesed
Committee and Danny Levey, for
making these available! It was good for
Beth El, and our stomachs.”
“There is no question Beth El’s October blood
drive helped to save and sustain lives in our
community. A total of 39 units were collected.
These donations are already assisting patients in
need. Number of lives potentially saved is 117.
Thank you for making a life-saving difference!”
~ Sharon & Bill Torodor
~ Judy Radel
volunteers
11
Condolences to….
• Friends and family on the loss of Lois Moorvitch
• Sandy Rabinovitz on the loss of her mother,
Edith Goldschmidt
• Friends and family on the loss of Shirley Raucher
• Zena Woolf on the loss of her husband,
Rabbi Barry Woolf
• Miriam Chaya Charney on the loss of her mother,
Arlene Rossen Cardozo
Milestone Anniversaries
Name
Kent Confeld & Freda Ann
Kramer Confeld
Date
October 9
Years
10
Mark & Marla Bass
November 27
20
Michael & Andrea Ruby
January 6
5
Alex & Cici Dashe
January 16
5
• Stephen Litton on the loss of his wife,
Bonnie Litton
David & Sue Magy
January 20
35
Ellis & Nancy Olkon
January 27
50
• Pauline Ratner on the loss of her brother,
Ansel Gardner
Dan Lieberman &
Suzanne Fenton
January 29
20
Rick & Helen Siegel
February 1
45
• Sara Zuk on the loss of her mother, Mina Freier
• Bridget Resig on the loss of her father, Larry J. Beck
• Friends and family on the loss of Regina Kugler
• Nannette Greenfield on the loss of her sister,
Sharon Olson
• Peter Marcus on the loss of his wife, Lois
Greenberg Marcus
• Gail Bender on the loss of her father,
Dr. Theodore “Ted” Papermaster
• Sarah Shapiro on the loss of her husband,
Harry Shapiro
• Barry Nash on the loss of his mother, Lenore Nash
• Estee, Jeremy, Frankie, and Tracey on the loss of
their husband and father, Howard Warsett
With heavy hearts we mourn the loss of these loved
ones within our community.
Mazal Tov to…
Lynn and Mark Schwartz on the marriage of their
daughter Amy to Quenten Sareminouri, son
of Shahram and Diane Sareminouri. Mazal tov
also to the newlywed’s grandparents, Victor and
Elizabeth Schultze and Betty Smithberg.
Seth and Stephanie Kaplan on the birth of their
daughter Abigail. Grandparents are Norma and
Steve Kaplan and Dianne and Allan Kart.
Sam Ribnick and Caroline Lowenthal on the birth
of their son Leo. Grandparents are Louise and
Jerry Ribnick and Didi Hussa and Joel Lowenthal.
Great-grandmother is Esther Miller.
Adrienne and Efrem Berman on the birth of their
daughter Tessa Rose. Grandparents are Suzie and
Henry Rosenhek and Pola and Eric Berman.
Ben and Joanie Rischall on the birth of their
twin granddaughters, Kayla Summer and Shira
May. The proud parents are Reuben Rischall and
Rachel Gillman Rischall. Maternal grandparents
are Bob and Joanne Gillman. Great-grandparents
are Ruth Rischall and Morrie and Millie Lapidos.
If you would like to ensure that your (or your
loved one’s) milestone, simha or other celebration
are acknowledged in future publications,
please contact Abbe Payton, Director of
Engagement and Outreach, at 952.873.7303 or
[email protected].
12
Mazal Tov to Members with Upcoming
Life Cycles
Dr. Zenith & Merle Ann Kremen
February 5
65
Tony & Alli Rubin
February 5
10
Dr. Phillip & Bobby Bloom
February 28
55
Leon & Eta Lehman
February 28
55
Joel & Naomi Oxman
March 3
30
Meir & Blanche Amar
March 10
30
James & Maida Fruen
March 17
30
Philip & Phyllis Garon
March 22
45
Howard & Bea Kampf
March 22
45
Howard & Deborah Carp
March 23
40
David & Karen Katz
March 23
35
Mike & Deb Schumacher
March 23
40
Steven & Louise Schoenberger
March 26
10
Robert & Elayne Walensky
March 28
50
We Built It And They Came
A team of volunteers gathered to build — and later take down
— our beautiful Beth El Sukkah. We filled it with hay bales,
cornstalks, squash, homemade decorations, and — most
importantly as in our tradition — guests. In addition to inviting
honored biblical ancestors (ushpizin) to the sukkah, we hosted
Benilde-St. Margaret’s ninth graders and Rabbi Davis’ Artist Lab
group. We used the sukkah for Shabbat and Yom Tov kiddushim.
For Aleph Preschool and Shorashim students, dwelling, learning
and playing in the temporary tabernacle was a holiday highlight.
Our Newly Established Foundation Already Hard at Work
Ensuring the vitality of our congregation now and for years to come
By Susan Lieberman, Foundation Director
Beth El Serves
Endowment Fund Spotlight
The Beth El Foundation held its first board meeting this fall.
As the meeting proceeded, each member shared personal
experiences that captured their love of and commitment
to Beth El. From this meeting it was clear that the board
has embraced its charge to ensure the future of Beth El by
increasing the endowment.
We are grateful for the generous support of our endowment
fund donors.
During the High Holy Days, our rabbis spoke of the
importance of establishing a living legacy. They asked us
to invest in our community. These are important messages
to remember as we build the Beth El of tomorrow.
“You can create a legacy
and make a difference.”
In the spirit of Beth El Serves, below is a closer look at
endowment funds that support our many gemilat hesed
(acts of loving kindness) activities. These critical funds
enable us to serve those in need whether they are within
or outside our community.
Barry and Midge Frailich Yad V’Lev Caring Community
Fund provides comfort to our Beth El family facing
challenging times through meals, cards, help with
household chores, etc.
Bernard Leviton Gemilat Hesed Fund provides meals and
other services for those requiring assistance.
Joanne Ring-Levine Biel Endowment provides food,
shelter and clothing for the Jewish needy.
Stanley and Joyce z”l Segelbaum Fund feeds the hungry.
Mort and Mollie Weinberg Congregational Fund enables
us to reach out to recent widows and widowers with
thoughtful gestures.
Sam and Chick Held Seniors Fund and the Roberta M.
Weber Congregational Nurse Fund helps support our
nurse, Jan Hamilton, who provides outreach and education
for congregants.
Gert and David Cohen Hesed Fund provides support to
those in need.
Beth El Synagogue Foundation Board 2014-15
Pictured L-R: Front row-Bonnie Bongard Goldish, Sally Forbes
Friedman, Cantor Audrey Abrams, Rabbi Kassel Abelson,
Noah Marell, Anne Hope, Linda Goldberg, Lou Ann Bongard.
Second row-Susan Lieberman, Bob Karon, Stan Smith, Paul
Tuchman, John Orenstein. Last row-Rick Bunin, Isaac Rischall,
Steve Sanderson, Gary Krupp, Rabbi Avi Olitzky, Cantor Neil
Newman. Not pictured: Rabbi Alexander Davis, Gil Mann, Stanley
Segelbaum, Andy Furman, Bonnie Heller.
Ways to Give
• Named funds may be established to support Beth El
where it is needed most or for a specific purpose.
• Planned gifts can take many forms. They are structured
to take effect during the life of the donor or after a specific
event or time period. Planned gifts can provide estate
and income tax benefits.
• Tribute gifts and donations to Beth El funds honor
friends and family, commemorate significant events,
memorialize loved ones and provide essential support to
the synagogue.
For more information on how you can help secure Beth El’s
vitality for this and future generations, please contact Susan
at 952.873.7309 or [email protected].
Do you have an upcoming simha?
First Foundation Parlor Meeting
Pictured L-R: Front row-Ruth Kasdan, Audrey and Al Kaufman.
Back row-Lou Ann Bongard (host), Rabbi Abelson, Lucille
Abramovitz, Delores Kelber.
Encourage family and friends to celebrate by
making a donation to the Foundation.
Beth El Foundation
13
Tzedakah
Tributes and direct donations to Beth El funds honor friends and family, commemorate significant events, memorialize
loved ones and provide essential support to the congregation. For more information on specific funds or to establish a
new fund, please contact Susan Lieberman, Foundation Director, at 952.873.7309 or [email protected].
Todah Rabah (Thank You)
Beth El gratefully acknowledges the following contributions:
Young Adults Programs
In Memory of Evelyn Friedman
Sid & Anita Konikoff
USY Scholarship Fund
In Honor of Mari Simon
Cantor Neil & Saranee Newman
Torodor & Levy Family Summer
Scholarship Fund
In Honor of Bill Torodor
Joe Rine
Happy Birthday Dorothy Goldstein
Eleanor, Sharon & Bill Torodor
In Memory of Dr. Aaron Nathenson
In Memory of Leonard Share
Bill & Sharon Torodor
The Ivan and Karen Brodsky
Presidential Fund
In Memory of Meyer Phillip Riff
Karen & Ivan Brodsky
Summer Experience in Israel
Happy Anniversary Betsy &
Barry Birnberg
Amy & Dave Klaiman
Steve & Bonnie Heller Leadership Fund
In Honor of Bonnie Heller
Shirley R. Abelson Aleph School Fund
In Memory of William Harris Barrows
William & Judy Sigal
Happy Birthday Rabbi Kassel Abelson
Stuart & Betsy Fogel
In Appreciation of Rabbi Kassel Abelson
Marion Oakes
In Memory of Rabbi Barry Woolf
Laurie Goldfarb
Mazal Tov Laurie Goldfarb
Karen Burton & Sam Gordon
In Appreciation Rabbi Avi Olitzky
Jill & Steve Wolpert
In Honor of Nessa Michal Wolpert
DeDe Armel
Happy Birthday Elliott Badzin
Dalia Katz
In Honor of Rabbi Kassel Abelson
Carrie & Ray Oleisky
In Memory of Gale Held
Burton & Diane Weisberg
Happy Birthday Carmela Cohen-Lissek
Aaron, Jenny, Noah & Ezra Hage
Seretta Rudin Youth Lounge
Program Fund
In Honor of Haley Carneol
Allan & Susan Carneol
Seiler-Newman BEMA Fund
In Honor of Marvin & Fran Burstein
14
todah rabah
Sam & Chick Held Seniors
Education Fund
Kaye Goldberg
Rose & Sol Bukstein Sukkah Fund
In Memory of Meyer Phillip Riff Mazal Tov Birth of grandson Elan
Jared Kirschbaum
Mazal Tov Birth of granddaughters
Kayla & Shira
Jim & Marlene Bukstein
Roberta M. Weber Congregational
Nurse Fund
In Memory of Truen Press
Philip Weber
Ralph Z. Yellen & Bess Yellen Cohen
Scholarship Fund
In Memory of Edward Yellen
William & Judy Sigal
Karen Sigal
Jody & Howard Sigal
Terry Freedman, Sally Lordebaum,
Marilyn & Jerry Richter
Terri Cavanaugh
Suzanne Prass
Rita & Larry Covin
Neil & Diane Hoffman
Martin & Rollie Rosen
Larry Margolis
Helen Smith
Eugene & Sally Gittelson
Fred & Caryn Goldberg
In Memory of David Meshbesher
Stuart & Dian Yellen
Rabbi’s Ramah Appeal
In Memory of Min Gruman
Lynn Jatlow
beloved husband, father & grandfather
Fred & Harriette Burstein
Rabbi Kassel Abelson USY
Leadership Fund
Carole & Leonard Levine
Rabbi Kassel Abelson Discretionary Fund
Happy Birthday Rabbi Kassel Abelson
Brenda & Todd Schwartzberg
In Honor of Rabbi Kassel Abelson
Stan & Andrea Levich
Rabbi Alexander Davis
Discretionary Fund
In Memory of Dr. Seymour Blinderman
Reida Lazer-Chein & David Chein
In Appreciation Rabbi Alexander Davis
Marshall & Paula Lehman
Happy Anniversary Marvin &
Fran Burstein
Judith Nathenson
Heidi & Howard Gilbert
For Speedy Recovery Bonnie Litton
Heidi & Howard Gilbert
Prayer Book & Sanctuary Fund
In Memory of Mel Kuernow
Eugene & Sally Gittelson
Polly & Sam Diamond Program Fund
In Memory of Shirley Ann Raucher
Sylvia Wallach
Philip & Rivel Greenberg Family Fund
In Honor of Phil & Rivel Greenberg
Diana Idelkope
National Guard Support Initiative
Susan & Michael Blehert
Minyan Fund
In Memory of Edith Goldschmidt
Stuart & SueEllen Borken
Felix & Muriel Zwiebel
Michael & Nancy Schoenberger
Camp Ramah Fund
In Honor of Mike & Nancy
Schoenberger’s 40th Anniversary &
Nancy’s special birthday
Midge & Barry Frailich
Marian & Harold Goldberg Religious
School Fund
In Memory of Arthur Oakes
Jeffrey & Brenda Atkin
Maher Weinstein Mogan
David USY Fund
In Memory of Dr. Seymour Blinderman
Margie & Thomas Neiman
Louise & Jerry Ribnick Family Camp
Ramah Fund
In Honor of Leo Ribnick
Phillip & Bobbi Bloom
In Honor of Birth of Grandson
Leo Ribnick
Gary Goldish & Bonnie
Bongard Goldish
Lou Ann & Leon Bongard Senior Fund
Lou Ann Bongard
Gary Goldish & Bonnie
Bongard Goldish
In Memory of Lois Moorvitch
In Memory of Gerri Maifel
Lou Ann Bongard
Landy Aleph School Enrichment
Program Fund
In Honor of Frances Spira
For Speedy Recovery of Howard Reichert
Rita & Larry Covin
Karen and Ivan Brodsky
Presidential Fund
Happy Anniversary Joyce & Ed Prohofsky
Karen & Ivan Brodsky
Jacob & Ann, Harold & Eileen Scherling
Scholarship Fund
In Appreciation Barb & Phil Herman
Sandy & Brian Salita
Mazal Tov Eileen & Harold Sherling
Phil & Barbara
Jacki & Bill Broze Israel Trips
Happy Anniversary Jeanne &
Elliot Abrons
Jacki & Bill Broze
Greater Beth-El
Mazal Tov Arielle Kaufman &
Ohad Ludomirsky
In Memory of Edward Yellen
Mazal Tov Bonnie & Steve Heller
Linda Goldberg & Dennis Leveris
In Honor of Stuart & Betsy Fogel
Jim & Estie Sherman, Jeff Sherman,
Julie & David Sherman, Michal &
Shraga Sherman
Judy Karon
Irving & Karen Katz
Mike & Linda Platt
Beth & Barry Karon
In Honor of Yonah Davis
For Speedy Recovery of Sara Atlas
In Honor of Marvin & Fran Burstein
Barbara Swaiman & Mark Franklin
In Honor of Bonnie Heller
Bob & Mary Mersky
Dan & Jodi Rosen
In Memory of Hillard Kahan
Burton & Diane Weisberg
Boris & Sara Zuk
Mazal Tov Yonah Davis
In Honor of Allen & Sharon Friedman
Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary
Susan & Hillel Aronson
Elliott & Marlys Badzin
Michael & Susan Blehert
In Memory of Norma Bearmon Karpelas
Michael & Susan Blehert
Dalia Katz
For Speedy Recovery of Jan Raskin
Karen & Irv Katz
For Speedy Recovery Leonard Sobol
Happy Birthday Susan Lieberman
Mazal Tov on the birth of grandson, Leo
Gary & Barbara Krupp
General Congregational Nurse Fund
In Honor of Joyce & Ed Prohofsky
Esther Burke
Joy Gordon
Ed & Joyce Prohofsky
For Speedy Recovery Janet Raskin
Barbara & Gary Krupp
Fay & Leonard Ribnick Program Fund
In Appreciation Mindy & Danny Ribnick
Dana & Cory Herman
Happy Birthday Nancy Schoenberger
Dr. Jerry Bach Educational Fund
In Memory of Arthur Oakes
Barbara Bach
Reida Lazer-Chein
Abbe Payton & Family
Donna & Harvey Leviton
Meryll & Chris Page
Happy Birthday Elliott Badzin
Debbie & John Orenstein
In Honor of Linda Goldberg &
Dennis Leveris
Abbe Payton & Family
Mazal Tov Jeff & Sandy Rudoy
Jeff & Sandy Rudoy
Gerald and Ada Fiterman
Scholarship Fund
In Memory of Leonard Share
Harvey & Marilyn Chanen
Cantor Abrams Celebrate the Arts Fund
In Memory of Bennett Eisenstein
Fran Burstein
Mazal Tov Louise & Jerry Ribnick
Marlene & Sandy Goldberg
In Memory of Mother of Julie Lepor
Freada Golden
In Appreciation Cantor Audrey Abrams
Bernard Badzin Administrative Fund
In Honor of Elliott Badzin
Paula & Mike Flom
Ben & Bernice Fiterman Mitzvah Fund
In Memory of Dr. Aaron Nathanson
Peter & Serene Simon
Barry & Midge Frailich Yad V’Lev Caring Community Fund
Fran Burstein
Midge & Barry Frailich
In Honor of Maya Kupritz Bat Mitzvah
Gary Goldish & Bonnie Bongard Goldish
Barney & Gladys Applebaum Fund
Mazal Tov Marvin & Fran Burstein
Lois & Dale Dobrin
Barbara D. & Lee Bearmon
Adult Education In Memory of Lee Bearmon’s sister,
Norma Bearmon Karpeles
Gary Goldish & Bonnie Bongard Goldish
Alvin & Audrey Kaufman Camp
Ramah Fund
Happy Anniversary Al & Audrey Kaufman
Wendy & Howie Bach
This list reflects donations made from August 14, 2014 to October 14, 2014. Contributions received after October 14 will be listed in the next issue
of the Shofar.
THREE Easy AND secure ways to donate.
1. Mail your donation to Beth El Synagogue, 5225 Barry Street West, Minneapolis, MN 55416
2. Go online at www.bethelsynagogue.org/donate
3. Call Liz Rappaport at the Welcome Desk, 952.873.7300
Simha Tree Spreads Joy
When congregant Stefanie Karon imagined a Simha Tree at Beth El nearly five years ago, she envisioned names
of friends and family — young and old — inscribed on a glorious, sprawling tree of life. She visualized deep
roots, warmly colored leaves and abundant branches. She saw a tree dotted with acorns and interspersed with
peaceful doves. Stefanie said, “The Simha Tree provides an opportunity to pause and celebrate the joys in life.
The Tree also allows us to link generation to generation through happy occasions. It’s the continuality of family
into perpetuity.”
Now in full bloom in the Gruman Social Hall, the Simha Tree marks happy occasions such as births, b’nai mitzvah,
graduations, weddings, and special birthdays. For more information on how to make a tax deductible donation
of a leaf ($360), dove ($1000) or acorn ($180, reserved for celebrating births) — allowing the congregation to
celebrate your joyous occasions with you for years to come — contact Abbe Payton, Director of Engagement &
Outreach, at 952.873.7303 or [email protected].
todah rabah
15
Yahrzeit Tzedakah Contributions
We honor our loved ones through donations that support their values and continue their lives.
ContributOR
In Memory Of
ContributOR
In Memory Of
ContributOR
In Memory Of
Helen Averbach
Saba Haubenstock
Hy Glasser
Shirley Hamburger-Glasser
Richard Ozer
Margo Ozer
Boris Avrutin
Rachel Avrutin
Kaye Goldberg
Simon Cohen
Lisa Lebedoff Peilen Martin Lebedoff
Falina Avrutin
Aron Roginsky
Jeffrey Goldish
Samuel Goldish
Barbara Bach
Dr. Jerry Bach
Harley Greenberg
Sam Greenberg
Steven Perlman
Harry Levens
Lowell Baker
Joyce Baker
Joy Greenberg
Morris Greenberg
Lois Perwien
Florence Brodsky
Shirlee Bank
Lowell Bank
Phil Greenberg
Sam Greenberg
Aaron Pinkus
Diane Pinkus
Roz Bearman
Norman Bearman
Martin Greenberger Kalman Greenberger
Sara Press
Dora Sudit
Sid Bearman
Shirley Haskovitz
Jacob Haskovitz
Marsha Raviv
Rachel Faye Raviv Hoffer
Hattie Goldish
Raoul Heifetz
Harry Heifetz
Helen Resig
Florence Engal
Barbara Bearmon
Samuel Goldish
Lee Bearmon
Samuel Bearmon
Mary Lebedoff
Viola Heifetz
Elissa Heilicher
Aaron Bearmon
Max Engal
Celia Heilicher
Sheldon Resig
Leonard Resig
Isadore Swatez
Anne Rosenberg
Bernard Rosenberg
Ceil Bell
Ruth Karsner
Joel Held
Judge Samuel Held
Donald Rudin
Anne Rudin
Diane Berg
Emanuel Friedman
Lowell Herman
Frances Herman
Harold Sadoff
Rose Sadoff
Dennis Bergquist
Gladys Bergquist
Ann Hunegs
Donna Brochin
Jacqueline Sadoff
Hannah Rank
Zhan Berkovich
Nehama Berkovich
Harry Jacobs
Fred Jacobs
Mara Beugen
Daryle Silver
Louis Jurisz
Miriam Jurisz
Elisabeth & Norman Clara Sandler
Sandler
Sandy Blumenfeld
Fred Walder
Harold Kaiser
Sonia Kaiser
Sue Ellen Borken
Ruth Kronick
Bea Kampf
Joe Welgrin
Marlene Brandys
Murray Brandys
Norma Kaplan
Hyman Graus
Harry Cohen
Howard Cohen
Bruce Karsner
Helen Karsner
Lois Conner Vermes
Jack Conner
Marvin Kass
Meyer Kass
Felicia Costea
Maria Moscovici
Claire Katz
Saul Zeesman
Clarice Cutts
Margaret Desnick
Michael Davis
Marilyn Kaufman
Bruce Kaufman
Marvin Kaufman
Stanley Dobrin
Helen Dobrin
Harold Koritz
Idele Koritz
Barbara Drucker
Lillian Drucker
Vera Kuperman
Mordecai Haet
Harold Drucker
Lillian Drucker
Sam Kvasnik
Minnie Smith
Anna Drucker
Arthur Lavintman
Isadore Lavintman
Barbara Eiger
David Samuel Eiger
Reida Lazer-Chein
Harold Laiderman
Sylvia Field
Mickey Kaplan
Deborah Lehman
Joyce Baker
Barbara Friedman
Harry Atkin
Frances Moses
Rebecca Addis
Leah Lewis
Sally Forbes Friedman Cecelia Forbes
Sarah Michlin
Phillip Friedman
James Fruen
Jacob Michlin
Harry Rappoport
Judith Nathenson
Esther Davis
Morris Fruen
Margie Neiman
Mony Leichihman
Eleanor Gantman
Jacob Lazer
Thomas Neiman
Leonard Neiman
Fern Gershone
Nathan Nacht
Neil Newman
David Newman
Eugene Gittelson
Morris Gittelson
Riva Nolley
Freda Levy
Bessie Gittelson
Joseph Novich
Marian Handelman
Max Gittelson
Marcia Oleisky
Belle Blumberg
David Olshansky
Natan Olshansky
Ide Schertzer
Louis & Max Berman
David Schlaifer
Howard Schlaifer
Dolores Schlaifer
Howard Schlaifer
Irvin Schloff
Ella Schloff
Howard Schwimmer Stanley Schwimmer
Helen Schwimmer
Amy Segelbaum
Lawrence Zweig
Sandy Selnick
Myra Chazankin
Judith Shaich
Yordis Hirschorn
Sarah Shaich
Larry Squillace
Kathy Share
Sheldon Stewart
Lois Siegel
Esther Paul
Rose Schwartz
David Silverstein
Rochel Silverstein
Blanche Singer
Leon Singer
Ellie S. Sherman
Daniel Snyder
Betty Jane Snyder
Janet Snyder
James Snyder
Ruth Snyder Herzoff
Lynda Stein
Abe Stein
Helen Swatez
Manuel Swatez
Sophie Teener
Louis Gerb
Bill Torodor
Sol Torodor
Eleanor Torodor
Sol Torodor
Sharon Torodor
Sherman & Evelyn Marrinson
Paul Tuchman
Joseph Tuchman
Irma Tuchman
Susan Walder
Charlotte Shapiro
Laurie Berkner Live was a way for
us to serve a greater community. It
was a joyful Sunday morning, the
hearts of our young ones — and
all the nearly 700 who attended —
were uplifted.
16
Beth El Foundation
Upcoming At Beth El
Below is a sampling of only some of the upcoming events at the synagogue.
Please mark your calendar and plan to attend. Look for more details, in future
Hakol and Kesher publications, and as always, feel free to call the Welcome
Desk, 952.873.7300, for additional information.
January
1
Ticket Sales Begin For Inspiring Minds Speaker Series*
2
ethelders Lunch and Field Trip to the Science Museum – Flight of the
B
Butterflies/Butterfly House Exhibit, call Freada 952.922.6667
17
Young Families Havdalah Family Fun Night
19
indful Meditation Book Group – first of six sessions facilitated by Dr. Barb
M
Krupp and Cantor Abrams
27
Women’s League Book Club – Suddenly, Love: A Novel by Aharon Apelfeld
30
B’nai Mitzah Family Dinner with Israeli musical artist Yehudah Katz
31
Shabbat Shira and BEMA Coffeehouse with Yehudah Katz
31
Kadima Lock-in
February 8
An Evening with TAYA KYLE
Because military families are heroic too…
www.besyn.org/americansniper
FEBRUARY
1
Young Families Sunday Funday – Cardio Kids
3
B’Shevat Seder – Fine food, wine and mysticism, local chefs and
Tu
community
8
eroes Among Us Speaker Series: An Evening with Taya Kyle and Special
H
Guest Jim DeFelice
13-14
Women’s League Shabbat and Dinner
15
Annual HaZamir Gala and Concert
16
Mindful Meditation Book Group
20
Young Adults Shabbat Service and Dinner
24
Women’s League Book Club – A Fighting Chance by Elizabeth Warren
MARCH
1
1-3
Celebrate PURIM 5775
Beth El Style
We’re sure you’ll have “LOTS” of fun…
Look for details in HaKol and Kesher.
Young Families Purim Carnival
Beth El Delegation to AIPAC National Policy Conference (in Washington, D.C.)
4
Purim Extravaganza
5
Purim Day
16
Mindful Meditation Book Group
24
omen’s League Book Club – Five days at Memorial: Life & Death in a
W
Storm-Ravaged Hospital by Sheri Frank
Shabbat
Friday Kabbalat Shabbat 5:45 PM
26
Israeli Journalist and Bestselling Author Lihi Lapid, co-sponsored by Beth El
Women’s League and several organizations, at the Sabes JCC in conjunction
with Minneapolis Jewish Federation Israel Center’s CULTURE BLVD IV
Saturday
Shaharit
Minha 9:00 AM*
4:30 PM
(5:45 starting Mar. 14)
22
ethelders overnight trip to Jackpot Junction Casino in Morton, MN, call
B
Jerry at 763.544.4908
Sunday
Shaharit
Minha 9:00 AM (Hevra Breakfast)
5:45 PM
SPRING LOOKING AHEAD
APRIL
3
First Night of Passover (First Seder)
27
Young Adults Spring Torah on Tap
MAY
7
Ongoing Services
Daily Minyan
Shaharit
7:00 AM
Minha
5:45 PM
*Apples & Honey Young Family
Service and Grown Up Learning –
the first Shabbat morning of each
month starting at 10:00 AM.
*Inspiring Minds Speaker Series: An Evening with the Cousteaus
Upcoming At Beth El
17
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Join the many activities of the Gemilat Hesed (Acts of Loving Kindness) Committee. Make a difference in our
own congregation and in the greater community. Activities can be social, family-oriented, multi-generational
and rewarding.
*Family friendly (children over 8-years-old)
Bikur Holim: Visiting sick or homebound congregants
hat: Be matched with a member who could benefit from regular visitation
W
When: Ongoing commitment, one-two hours per month
Contact: Jan Hamilton, Congregational Nurse, [email protected]
Loaves and Fishes:
Collaborative effort with
other congregations to
support those in need
What: Cook, serve and clean
up a meal (space limited)
When: Jan. 27, Mar. 24
Where: St. Stephens Church,
2123 Clinton Ave South,
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Contact: Diana Rosen,
[email protected]
National Guard Military: Supports the 34th
Aviation Brigade, 2nd Battalion/147th Assault
Helicopter, and 204th Area Support Medical
Company
What: Donate and pack items to ship to our
soldiers
hen: Jan. 18, Feb. 15, Mar. 15, 10:00 AM - Noon
W
Where: Wolson Reading Nook
ontact: Pamela Friedman, pamela.friedman@
C
hotmail.com, or Rachel Parnes, rachelparnes@
comcast.net
Ronald McDonald House:
A home away from home for families
with children undergoing long term
hospitalization and treatment.
What: Purchase (in advance), prepare
and serve brunch to families staying
at RMH
When: Jan. 4, Feb. 1, Mar. 1
Where: RMH, 818 Fulton Ave. NE,
ontact: Sarah Hanly,
C
[email protected]
Second Harvest Heartland:
The largest food distribution program
in the Upper Midwest and Minnesota
* What: Food sorting and repackaging
When: Tuesday, Jan. 13 and
Thursday, Mar. 19, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Inclusion Subcommittee: Looks to address inclusion-related issues at Beth
El for all with special needs
What: Join the committee to help assess needs and make recommendations
Contact: Jeanne Kaufman, [email protected] or 763.533.1888
Sheridan Story: Food relief organization to prevent students from going
hungry over weekends when school lunches are not available. Also offers
mentoring/tutoring for students at Nellie Stone Johnson Community School.
*What: Pack bags of food for students
Where: Golden Valley warehouse,
6325 Sandburg Rd #1700, Golden
Valley, MN 55427
Contact: Contact: Norma Kaplan,
[email protected] or
763.242.1016
Shul Chauffers:
Driving program for elderly
congregants
Where: 740 Harding Street, NE, Suite B, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Ongoing: Driving from Knollwood
Place to and from Shabbat services
at Beth El
Contact: Sign up at http://www.besyn.org/sheridanstory or contact Steve
Kaplan, [email protected] or 612.492.7169
When: Volunteers needed
every Shabbat
* What: Deliver prepared food packages to students
Contact: Margie Goldfine,
[email protected] or
952.525.1248
When: Evenings
When: Thursday or Friday Mornings, 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Where: Nellie Stone Johnson Community School, 807 North 27th Avenue,
Contact: Steve Kaplan, [email protected] or 612.492.7169
Ongoing: Sponsor a child for $130. Checks made out to Sheridan Story, sent to
Beth El c/o Jill Blustin
Ongoing: Volunteer to mentor a student weekly at Nellie Stone Johnson School
Contact: Karen Burton, [email protected], or Steve Kaplan,
[email protected] or 612.492-7169
Yad V’lev (Hand and Heart):
Provides meals, hallot, calls, and more
to congregants who have experienced
a loss, were hospitalized, or are in
need of additional help
ontact: Jo Ann Gruesner,
C
[email protected] to be on the
listserv for notifications
For more information on these and other Gemilat Hesed opportunities, contact Chair Barbara Krupp 952.212.8587 or
[email protected], or Cantor Audrey Abrams at 952.873.7317 or [email protected].
18
Volunteer Opportunities
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit #1998
Twin cities, mn
5225 Barry Street West
St. Louis Park, MN 55416-1901
Clergy
Alexander Davis, Rabbi
Avi S. Olitzky, Rabbi
Audrey Abrams, Cantor
Kassel Abelson, Rabbi Emeritus
Neil Newman, Cantor Emeritus
Senior Administration
Director of Shorashim &
Young Families Engagement
Amanda Awend
Education Director
Mary Baumgarten
Director of Early Childhood Education
Karen Burton
Youth Director
Haley Carneol
Finance & Administration Director
Jerry Frick
Executive Director
Linda Goldberg
Associate Director of
Early Childhood Education
Sam Gordon
Facilities Director
Peggy Kerska
Foundation Director
Susan Lieberman
Director of Engagement & Outreach
Shofar Editor
Abbe Payton
Leadership
Beth El Synagogue President
Bonnie Bongard Goldish, MD
BERUSY President
David Hope
Women’s League President
Joyce Prohofsky
Who You Call’n A Ski Jump?
Just as we evolved our Shofar Magazine, so too have we updated
our logo. This new logo has a fresh, clean and uniquely Beth El
look. It’s lines are dynamic and its colors are warm—reflective of
our active and hamish congregation. Based on the iconic shape
of our building, it is readily identifiable to members and to the
broader community. Most importantly, the logo tells our story. It expresses our values.
While some see in our swooping roof line the shape of a ski jump, our building’s interior and exterior are to evoke a tent.
Just as Abraham and Sarah’s tent was open and welcoming to all, so too do we strive to be a welcome home. And just
as the Tent of Meeting served as the meeting place for God and the ancient Israelites, so too is our Spiegel Sanctuary the
place where we lift our hearts to the heavens as we dwell in the House of God.
Indeed, our new logo captures the sentiment of a prayer we say entering the synagogue, “mah tovu ohalekha Yaakov,
How great is your tent, Jacob!”

Winter 2015 - Beth El Synagogue

Transcription

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