tbe tekiah november 2014

Transcription

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
PAGE 2 Reflections on my trip to Israel
PAGE 3 Congregational Shabbaton
PAGE 9 A Hanukkah How-To
PAGE 10 Hanukkah Blessings & Songs
PAGE 15 Meet our Young Emissaries
PAGE 19 Rabbi Katz’s Dream
N O V E M B ER/D ECEMB ER 201 4/HE SHVAN-KISLE V-TE VE T 577 5
Sanctuary to be named in
honor of Cantor Shames
Beginning with our Community
Conversations about 5 years ago, and
continuing with our Centennial Committee
and its subcommittees, we have been
tasked with trying to re-envision our
worship spaces. Our goal is to make
them more welcoming and handicapped
accessible. We have been fortunate to be
working with P. Scott Cohen, a world class
architect, as we proceed towards this goal.
As we progressed we have realized we
have a wonderful opportunity to show our
deep respect and appreciation for Cantor
Emeritus Morton Shames. This thought
was discussed and approved by our Board
this September, and announced to the
congregation by Rabbi Katz during her
Rosh HaShanah sermon on “Dreams.” We
are also hoping a generous donor will step forward, and we will have the honor and privilege of
“hyphenating” the sanctuary name so to speak... similar to the Lander~Grinspoon Academy
in Northampton.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Sanctuary Model Parlor Meetings
Here’s your opportunity to view the model and hear all the details about the proposed
sanctuary renovation. Please choose one of the following Parlor Meetings to be held at
Temple Beth El:
• Sunday, November 23 – 10:30 am
• Wednesday, December 3 – 7:00 pm
• Monday, December 8 – 7:00 pm
This is your chance to ask questions and let your opinions be heard. If you are not able
to attend any of the parlor meetings, please share your feedback with Paul Farkas by email at
[email protected].
WHY
The question I receive most
often about re-designing our
sanctuary is “Why?”
We all love and
appreciate the beauty and
grandeur of our sanctuary,
with those magnificent
windows, ark, bimah, ceiling,
artwork, and so much more. DR. PAUL FARKAS
Why even consider changing this? As I
see it, there are two major reasons.
When we started our community
conversations almost 5 years ago, one
message that constantly came across was the
need for handicapped access to our bimah.
This was echoed consistently by the task force
and work groups subsequently established.
A second message delivered by these
groups over the years that they met, and
reinforced by visiting speakers, is a need to
re-imagine our worship space. Our sanctuary
is especially inappropriate when perhaps 80
– 150 of us, as so often happens, are lost in a
vast space, sitting apart from each other and
distant from the bimah, straining to hear and
to see.
NOVEMBER 22
SPECIAL KIDDUSH
LUNCH TO HONOR SEE PAGE 18
CANTOR SHAMES FOR DETAILS
MMTemple Beth El Founded 1913. In 2008 merged with Congregation B’nai Jacob (founded 1891). Devoted to seeking God, doing Mitzvot, studying Torah, and creating Community. 1
Rabbi Amy Wallk Katz
Reflections on
my trip to Israel
Estelle Lakritz
My numerous travels to Israel have
undoubtedly enriched my life. I believe in
Eretz Yisrael with all my heart and soul.
The test of our faith in Hashem and in
ourselves lies in the manner in which we
conduct ourselves during this time of loss
and devastation. There are few, other than
those whose interest is to destroy Israel,
who challenge the basic right of a country to
defend itself when under attack. Operation
Protective Shield was an obligation of the
Israeli government to protect and save the
lives of its citizens.
My recent trip, through the Jewish
Federations of North America, resulted in
a fundamental change in the way I view
my role as an advocate for Israel. For a brief
stretch of time, I experienced what it is like to
be “under fire.” I learned to trust my instincts
to do the prudent thing in times of danger-run to the nearest shelter. I have never
experienced such a sense of intimacy with
others around me, mostly strangers, at time
of crisis. We were in this together; our fate
sealed in the next few moments. I truly felt
that I was with family.
On our trip, I had the privilege of
meeting Israelis who have been benefactors
of funding received through the Jewish
Federations of North America. We saw our
dollars at work, making an impact on the
everyday lives of Israelis. It was quite moving
to see presentations of artists in dance and
music programs, whose participants are from
around the world. We met Ethiopian Jews in
youth outreach and absorption centers which
help families transition into Israeli society.
The false claim that Israel is an apartheid
nation is easily dismissed by programs that
encourage entrepreneurship and partnerCONTINUED ON PAGE 12
See pages 9 & 10 for Hanukkah
Candlelighting / Blessing
Information
Please note that the time of Shabbat
afternoon services changes to 5:00
pm effective November 1.
Weekday Mornings
Veterans Day (office open)
Rosh Hodesh Tevet
Monday, December 22 ............6:45 am
Monday through Friday........ 7:00 am Tuesday, November 11
Sunday................................... 8:30 am Morning Service...........................7:00 am Tuesday, December 23 ...........6:45 am
Rosh Hodesh Kislev
Weekday Evenings
Sunday, November 23 .............8:30 am
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday & Thursday........5:45 pm
Thanksgiving (office closed)
Thursday, November 27
Shabbat Worship
Erev Shabbat.........................6:00 pm Morning Service...........................8:30 am
Shabbat morning.................. 9:30 am
Shabbat afternoon................5:00 pm Friday, November 28 (office closed)
Morning Services.........................8:30 am
2
Christmas Day (office closed)
Thursday, December 25
Morning Services ........................8:30 am
New Year’s Day (office closed)
Thursday, January 1
Morning Services ........................8:30 am
Fun-loving
adults
needed
Saturday, December 6, 7:00 pm
Be There to Enjoy Latkes with a Twist!
We haven’t even had Thanksgiving
dinner yet but Hanukkah is just around the
corner! Now is the time to get ready for the
most fun, musical, latke-and-libation-filled
Hanukkah celebration ever held at TBE!
Enjoy dinner and cabaret with Dave
Brinnel and Friends, toast to freedom as
you choose between a Menorah-tini and
a Chocolate Gelt-tini. Or dance the night
away! Vickie Phillips, a New York awardwinning singer, actress and TBE member,
will perform. In addition, our very own
Cantor Barber will entertain us by returning
to her pre-Cantorial days with a medley
of Broadway music! It’s a time to mix and
mingle, a night to prepare to bask in the
upcoming glow of the holiday lights and
the warmth of good friends. Surprise raffle
opportunities will be available as well!
Catering by Meital will feature field
greens with poached pears, cranberries,
candied sunflower seeds and champagne
vinaigrette; dinner rolls, orange glazed
chicken, potato latkes with apple sauce and
non-dairy sour cream, wild rice, roasted
carrots, warm brownie with vanilla Tofutti
and raspberry coulis.
The cost for the evening is $28 per
person, cash bar. R.S.V.P. by Monday,
November 24 by calling Marie at 737-0170,
emailing SKLC@ tbespringfield.org, or
visiting our website, www.tbespringfield.org.
I find it curious that the Jewish year
begins with almost an entire month’s worth
of holidays, each one with its own distinctive
flavor. Rosh HaShanah is joyful and sweet
as we communally celebrate a new year.
The atmosphere changes dramatically with
Yom Kippur, an intense day of reflection and
self-examination. Then comes the joy and
vulnerability of Sukkot, as we celebrate the
harvest but acknowledge just how fragile life
is. The holiday cycle concludes with Simhat
Torah, a day that connects us to learning and
Jewish texts. When I focus on each holiday I
appreciate that each takes us on a journey. I
believe the entire month fits together better
when one is able to understand each holiday’s
message. After the excitement of Simhat
Torah, I am relieved. The holidays are behind
us and the New Year 5775 is about to really
begin.
Which brings us to that seemingly flat
time of “after the holidays.” In the days and
weeks leading up to Rosh HaShanah I often
say to myself “I’ll do this after the holidays.”
“I’ll go see my dentist after the holidays.” “We
will get together for coffee after the holidays.”
I put so many things off that it turns out
that “after the holidays” is a very busy time!
Besides returning to my routine, and having
many more things on my “to-do” list, the
days become shorter and colder “after the
holidays” as we approach winter. The leaves
are changing colors and falling.
Last week, on October 25, we began
the new month of Heshvan, the Jewish
month with no holidays. Sometimes it is
known as Mar-Heshvan. In Hebrew, “mar”
means bitter – the implication is that the
month of Heshvan is bitter because there
are no holidays. There is no external reason
to celebrate; there is nothing obviously
interesting or intriguing about the month.
I see it differently. Mar-Heshvan is actually
a very fruitful time of the year. It is a time to
take care of everything that I had put off until
after the holidays. We get to begin living out
the insights, thoughts, intentions and hopes
for the New Year that were embodied in the
month’s holidays. We get to begin translating
our dreams and aspirations into our messy
daily lives. It may be dark; it may be rainy; it
may be unexciting; but moving from talking
about our dreams to enacting them is filled
with possibility and opportunity. This is
really the purpose of the High Holy Days:
to challenge us, after they are over, to infuse
our lives with meaning and purpose. There is
nothing bitter about that!
By the time this issue of Tekiah arrives,
it will be a few weeks “after the holidays.” I
hope we will all have been able to use our
time well. I want to add that as an American
and an observant Jew, I find myself balancing
two calendars. Towards the end of November,
I will be thinking about “after Thanksgiving
break,” or after January 1st. The rhythms
of the Jewish calendar and the American
calendar punctuate my life and over the
years, I have learned to celebrate the holidays
and cherish the quiet days that follow.
The Sandi Kupperman Learning
Center of Temple Beth El
Presents…
Congregational Shabbaton
NOVEMBER 22, 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
On Saturday, November 22,
“Just Show Up” for…
Back by popular demand is our congregational Shabbaton--a Shabbat full of
choices in which to learn and actively participate for people of all ages. Choose from
a traditional service, a Learners Minyan, Shabbat JEWmba, a summer camp-style
9:30
am
1011am
1111:45
am
service, Parsha Yoga, a “taste of text/ juicing through the parsha”, learn how to bake
Bible Cake, and be entertained by a talented storyteller. There will be a P.J. Library
book program and babysitting provided for children 4 years and younger. You won’t
want to miss our Starbucks coffee bar or the delicious Kiddush lunch! Come for
part of the day or stay for all. There is no fee and the dress is casual. Reservations are
not required, but are requested for lunch so we can plan appropriately. RSVP to the
temple office at (413) 733-4149. Here is the schedule of programs:
SEE PAGE 13 PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
Babysitting
(ages 4 and
under)snack, PJ
Library
book and
project
Shabbat
B’Yahad +
Storytelling
(grades K-2)
Camp-Style
Service +
Storytelling
(grades 312)
Learner’s
Minyan (all
ages)
A Taste of
Text (all
ages)
Traditional
Service (all
ages) 9:30am
Jewmba
Service
(all ages)
Torah
Yoga (all
ages)
121pm
Kiddush Lunch, followed by dessert and storytelling with Rona Leventhal (all ages)
11:45
pm
A Taste of Text (continued) (all ages)
and
Starbucks
“Café” &
Conversation
10am - noon
3
New Program Descriptions:
FROM THE EDUCATION DIRECTOR
USY Regional Fall
Convention is here
at Temple Beth El!
Enjoy
the
read!
Caryn Resnick
Anyone who has visited my
office or home knows that I love
books. I grew up in my synagogue’s
library and count some Jewish titles
among my all-time favorites to this
day. This is why I want to tell you
about a little-known “holiday”
that belongs to this month.
Jewish Book Month
begins on November 16. It
will run through December
16, Erev Hanukkah. Jews have
CARYN RESNICK
always been known as “people
of the Book”, but we’ve moved beyond Torah
and Bible now. No matter what genre you
prefer, there is a Jewish author who has
explored it and given it our unique spin.
There are some fabulous online
resources to celebrate Jewish Book
Month. The Jewish Book Council (www.
Jewishbookcouncil.org) sponsors Jewish
Book Month, and has created reading lists
for many different interests. There is a list
of fun books to read aloud to your children,
lists for those interested in women’s issues
in Judaism, social justice and much more.
For a listing of new Jewish books in every
area, try www.Jewishlibraries.org or www.
nextbookpress.com. The site is based on the
idea that avid readers are always looking for
the “next book” to read, share and talk about.
We are fortunate to have the P.J. Library
program sending our children books every
month. Our Springfield JCC will hold its
annual Book Festival from October 28
through November 19. (Lunch and Learn
invites author Lee Kravitz to meet with us
on November 12 at Temple Beth El as part of
the Festival.) It’s a perfect time to buy a book
as a Hanukkah gift. Stop by our Katz Family
Library and meet our librarian Liz Marinelli.
She will happily show you our beautiful
collection.
I hope that you will join me in
celebrating Jewish Book Month by reading
one Jewish title during this month. Enjoy the
read!
Nora Gorenstein USY Advisor
Our Kadima youth group members deliver
the apple desserts they baked to the Enfield
Loaves & Fishes soup kitchen.
TAG SALE
NOVEMBER 16, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
We are in need of household items,
furniture, Judaica, clothing, children’s toys,
and electronics. You may drop off items
at Temple Beth El between November
10 - 14. All proceeds will benefit our teen
programming.
Family
Mitzvah Day
Family Mitzvah Day will be held on
December 7 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm, and will
feature a range of active family projects to
support local organizations that battle hunger
and other needs in our community. This
event is open to families with children of all
ages, and will include projects appropriate
for every age range. As we look forward
to a wonderful Hanukkah season full of
family, food, and friendship, we should
also be thinking about those who are not
as fortunate. If you are excited to be part of
building a better future for our community,
R.S.V.P. today to Marie at (413) 737-0170 or
[email protected].
KADIMA YOUTH GROUP
Rachel Soumakis
Our Kadima “pick for a
purpose” program was a huge
success! The members visited
an orchard to pick apples and
then prepared desserts using
them. The group then visited RACHEL SOUMAKIS
the Enfield Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen
where they learned about the facility and
donated the food.
Mark your calendar for our upcoming
events and watch your mail for the details.
November 2 - A trip to Newport, Rhode
Island to tour the Truro Synagogue and
the historic seaport village.
December 7 - Mitzvah Day. Members will
shop for holiday gifts and return back to
the temple to wrap and prepare to donate
them to homeless families who are either
living in someone else’s home, in a shelter,
or on the street. We will also assemble
Hanukkah goodie bags to donate to
Jewish Family Service.
Our K,1 and 2 grade students had so much fun making
decorations for the sukkah!
During November 7-9,
Temple Beth El’s SCUSY
(the Springfield Chapter of
United Synagogue Youth)
chapter is proud to be hosting
the Hanefesh regional Fall
NORA GORENSTEIN
Convention for USY! There
will be approximately 50 teens from all over
Connecticut and Massachusetts participating
in this three-day program, including Shabbat
and Havdalah services, and activities for
Israel Affairs, Social Action/Tikkun Olam,
Religion/Education, Communication,
and Membership! Teens will be hosted by
local families for two nights and attend
programming at Temple Beth El during the
day and evening. USY members will also
participate in and help to lead services for the
congregation on November 8.
SCUSY’s own Teen Board consists of the
following members:
President: Emily Anfang
Israel Affairs VP: Zach Wahrman
Religion/Education VP: Emily Robinson
Social Action /
Tikkun Olam VP: Anna Gorfinkel
Membership / Kadima VP: Max Rubin
Communications VP: Josh Kronick
8th Grade Representative: Sammi Rubin
Our teens are not only a thriving part of
our Jewish community-- they are the voices
of the future. SCUSY leads and participates in
initiatives throughout the year including our
temple-wide “Hunger and Hesed” project to
support the needs of our local community.
During 2015, Temple Beth El will continue to
be amazed and inspired by these leaders and
their fresh, exciting ideas!
Light is sweet.
– ECCLESIASTES 11:7
4
B’Yahad students Takara Weir (left) and Anna Gorfinkel
enjoying “Cooking Through the Bible” class.
Left to right: Helene Shapiro, Phyllis Katz, and Nora Gorenstein
take a break between sessions at the NewCAJE conference.
NewCAJE is more
like NewWINGS
Nora Gorenstein USY Advisor
Can you imagine hundreds of people
with the same questions, passions, and hopes
that you share, all in one place for an entire
week? For Jewish educators, this real-time
focus on dreaming, exploring, and problemsolving can only be found in one place: the
NewCAJE annual conference, held this year
in sunny Los Angeles, California!
From August 8-14, I spent up to 20
hours each day with passionate Jewish
educators from across the country as we
explored topics ranging from technology
to Torah, art to accessibility, and music
to midrash. Shabbat at NewCAJE was an
almost magical experience: the highlight was
the creative Shacharit service on Saturday
morning, with rabbis, cantors, and teachers
from all denominations joining together in
a seamless, simultaneous interweaving of
multiple traditions. Picture a cotton tallit
from Ethiopia next to a silk tallit from Israel,
two voices joined together in harmony,
singing the different (but connected) words
of the Reform and Conservative movements.
This was a beautiful example of how
important it is to learn together with people
from different backgrounds.
In addition to attending workshops
on a range of topics from interactive Torah
performance, to experiential education, I
presented workshops on two topics. The
first was Technology in the Classroom,
two perspectives, co-presented with Jodi
Salzman, a teacher in North Carolina who I
met at last year’s conference, and with whom
I have stayed in touch over the past year. We
compared our vastly different experiences
and perspectives on how technology can
be used in the religious classroom to create
an engaging dialogue on the pros and cons
of high-tech teaching. Second, I presented
the curriculum I wrote for Temple Beth
El’s Hebrew High School, B’Yahad, on
Jewish Science Fiction. This workshop
was engaging and sparked an animated
conversation among the group of passionate
teen educators of all ages. We have followed
up from these workshops with continued
conversations across the digital miles,
using email and social media to keep our
connections active even after the conference
ended.
This summer’s learning experience
has already had a huge impact within my
fifth grade Hebrew classroom, in the online
learning for my adult Hebrew prayer class, on
the interactive Torah experiences in Junior
Congregation, and in the teen activities I
develop for USY and B’Yahad. I look forward
to the continued changes in the months
ahead!
The Sandi Kupperman Learning Center
was lucky enough to have not one, but
three of our teachers attending NewCAJE
this summer! Helene Shapiro and Phyllis
Katz also flew to Los Angeles to expand
their knowledge. Our endless thanks go out
to the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, the
Resource Center for Jewish Education, the
Sandi Kupperman Learning Center PTO,
and the NewCAJE organization for making
this professional development experience
possible!
5
Can you
learn to be
happy?
Wednesdays at noon
In November and December, we are
continuing our discussion of the question:
“Can You Learn to Be Happy?”
YES... according to the teacher of
Harvard University’s most popular and
life-changing course. One out of every five
Harvard students has lined up to hear Tal
Ben-Shahar’s insightful and inspiring lectures
on that ever-elusive state: HAPPINESS.
HOW? Grounded in the revolutionary
“positive psychology” movement, BenShahar ingeniously combines scientific
studies, scholarly research, self-help advice,
and spiritual enlightenment. He weaves them
together into a set of principles that you can
apply to your daily life. Once you open your
heart and mind to happier thoughts, you will
feel more fulfilled, more connected... and,
yes, HAPPIER.
Bring a dairy lunch and join us when
you can on the following Wednesdays at
noon: November 5 and 19, and December 3,
10, and 17.
6
Paul Farkas
Liz Marinelli Librarian
On November 12, we
will discuss The Missing File
by D.A. Mishani. Set in a
quiet suburb of Tel Aviv, this
gripping mystery introduces
Detective Avraham Avraham LIZ MARINELLI
who must solve the disappearance of a
teenage boy. When a schoolteacher offers
up a baffling complication, Avraham finds
himself questioning everything he thought he
knew about his life.
In December,
themes of belonging
and identity are central
in A Town of Empty
Rooms by Karen Bender.
The Shine family has
recently been exiled
from New York to small
town North Carolina,
in the heart of the Bible
Belt. In an effort to establish the family in
their new town, they join a synagogue with a
charismatic rabbi and the Boy Scouts. Despite
difficulties in their marriage, the Shines must
find a way to close ranks to defend their
Judaism. The meeting is on December 17.
Both meetings are at 10:30 a.m. in the
library. Suzanne Chorowski will be leading us
in lively discussions, so please join us!
MELTON GRADUATE
CLASS FOR WINTER
Journeys of Redemption: The Books of Jonah and
Ruth. The texts of Jonah and Ruth both depict powerful
journeys of redemption. While Ruth coincides with the
Book of Judges and Jonah, the Book of Kings II, they
add more to our understanding of those time periods
through a personal lens and an in depth story. Join
us for text-based Torah study that will include many
different perspectives on how to understand the verses,
lively discussions, and perhaps even a redemptive
journey of our own! More details to follow.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
As part of the Springfield
JCC’s Literatour 2014 Book
Festival, we’re pleased to
host author Lee Kravitz for
a special Lunch and Learn
program on Wednesday,
LEE KRAVITZ
November 12 at noon. Lee
is an award-winning journalist. He served
as the editorial director for Scholastic Inc.
for nearly 10 years and then became the
editor-in-chief of Parade magazine. Lee will
discuss his recently-published book Pilgrim:
Risking the Life I Have to Find the Faith I
Seek. In this story of his homecoming as a
Jew, he describes his personal journey from
being deeply shaken after 9/11, the loss of
his job, and a health scare, to the roads that
led him back to his faith. His journey takes
him to many places – Jewish temples, Quaker
Meetings, Catholic Mass, and even sessions
with an astrologer. The book blends memoir,
religion, and science, culminating in a
narrative that speaks to the universal need to
feel connected to the world
around us.
Everyone is welcome
to attend this event which
is open to the community.
Please bring a dairy lunch.
This program is free for
TBE members, so please
feel free to Just Show Up!
The deadline for the
January-February issue
is Friday, November 14.
Please email all articles or photos to
[email protected].
PHOTO: CAROLINE KRAVITZ
Sundays at 9:00 am
In Cuppa Joe we are reading the
wonderful essays at the back of the Etz Hayim
Humash. These scholarly essays allow for
thoughtful conversation about Biblical life,
Jewish law, prayer, and much more. You do
not need a strong background to participate
in the class, just a desire to learn. Just Show
Up whenever it is convenient. Minyan is
at 8:30 am, and breakfast and class begin
around 9:00 am.
From the President
Book
Discussion Literatour author Lee
Group News Kravitz to speak at
Lunch & Learn
As I consider my
thoughts for this column, my
Rosh HaShanah speech is
finally tucked into my jacket
pocket. Last night several of
DR. PAUL FARKAS
us practiced carrying about
some Torahs for Yom Kippur. Yes, it is truly
the season to think about our lives together
at shul, beyond who stands where holding
which Torah scroll.
My thoughts bring me back to those
days as a child, when I sat with those
beautiful transparent pages of the World
Book Encyclopedia, each sheet adding colors
and meaning to the pages showing beneath,
as layer followed layer.
For our shul, perhaps the topmost sheet
might be the one showing the broad new
directions we are following or planning to
follow.
Here we see that the Educational
Collaborative with Sinai seems to be regaining traction, and we are prepared to
envision and improve our educational
programs together. (Thank you for your
professional leadership, Caryn Resnick.) We
are partners and leaders among our sister
congregations in town.
Of course, also exciting is the continued
progress we are making, with the guidance of
our world-renowned architect, Preston Scott
Cohen. We are finalizing plans for the Sukkah
area that will give us large and safe outdoor
spaces to use; and we are learning about
possible plans for our sanctuary that will
preserve its magnificence while making it
easier to walk, to see, to hear, to feel inspired,
no matter how many or how few of us are
there, no matter what our own disabilities or
handicaps may be.
Hopefully by the time you read this you
will have received and completed our temple
survey, another big initiative on our upper
layers. Among other things, I am excited
about a temple directory that will help us all
keep in touch, as well as information that will
help us contact our young people heading off
to new schools, jobs and locations.
Peeling off the surface pages reveals,
among other things, the projects constantly
being done by our committees. In particular,
our Cemetery Committee, under the
guidance of Allen Mackler, is continuing to
make major efforts to improve our cemetery
as we are re-paving roads, fixing broken
stones, providing a series of maps and signs
to help visitors find their loved ones, remapping our cemetery, and finalizing our
interfaith burial area.
People who missed Game Night have
been clamoring to come to the next one.
Actually, our program committee is now
planning a dinner and movie night in
January.
Other volunteers continue to wade
through reams of Excel spreadsheets and
sources of air-conditioning replacement
parts. And nothing would ever work right
without the constant cheerful and reliable
help of so many, including Lisa Laudato,
Marie Sampson, Alex Espinal, Debbie Peskin,
and our office volunteers, Shelley Pleet and
Vickie Donovan.
Although it goes without saying, I must
say that Rabbi Katz, Cantor Barber, and
David Aminia form an extraordinary group
of spiritual leaders, one that you might more
typically expect to find in a huge metropolis.
Toward the bottom of the
transparencies, among the most beautiful
and brightly colored, we find the constant,
but never-to-be-taken-for-granted, rhythm
of synagogue life. Words cannot convey how
satisfying and restorative it is to come to
daily services. Perhaps it is because it isn’t
just for yourself that you come, but rather
for everyone else. The same could be said for
Shabbat services (“Just Show Up” whenever
you’d like) and Kiddush lunch.
To discover more about what it
all means, turn to another magnificent
supporting layer. Think about our classes
and study groups, whether Melton courses or
drop-ins at Cuppa Joe and Lunch and Learn.
Our younger set meet at Toys and Torah,
school, USY and more.
These continue to be exciting times for
our Temple. I would like to end with a few
lines from my High Holy Day speech...
You see, one of my dreams is for more of
us to participate, to share our ideas and
dreams for our temple, to donate, to come, to
volunteer, as our temple thrives in the years
ahead... and we each get to know each other,
our second family, better and better.
TBE Membership Survey
Watch your mail for our Membership Survey! The purpose of this survey is to
gather detailed information about each of our members, including contact information,
Hebrew names, dates of birth and anniversaries, yahrzeits, etc. Our goal is to improve
communication with you, whether by phone, mail, or email. In addition, it’s useful to
have statistical information on the age groups of our members for planning programs.
Those who complete the survey and return it by the deadline will have their names
entered into a drawing for three prizes, including a gift card for Barnes & Noble,
Starbucks, and a homemade cake from Sweet Sensations.
Thank you in advance for helping us to improve our communication with
our members!
DECEMBER 6
DINNER & CABARET
WITH DAVE BRINNEL
& FRIENDS & LATKES
PAGE 2
WITH A TWIST! SEE
FOR DETAILS
7
We’re all on the
Membership
Committee!
Esta Farkas
Membership Committee Chair
The membership committee has been
having a wonderful time welcoming our
many enthusiastic new members! We have
updated and re-created our membership
folder, which comes filled with materials
about our shul. We especially thank Rhoda
Peskin, Rabbi Katz, Caryn Resnick, everyone
at the office, and our Committee members
(Phyllis Altman, Mark Bond, Nancy Cole,
Beth and Gary Danforth, Paul Farkas,
Tatyana Kurbanov, Selma and Bernie
Milstein, Irv Skerker).
But really, it is all of us who are on the
membership committee, in so many ways!
When Paul and I were recently bringing a gift
to a new member, it turned out that it was
Taste Book
Fundraiser
The fundraiser is one offer we thought may be
useful to your family, especially in this economy.
The Sandi Kupperman Learning Center Religious
School of Temple Beth El has partnered with Taste
Publications to offer the Taste of Western Mass
dining and retail coupon book at a reduced rate.
The Taste book has thousands of dollars worth
of usable offers unlike any book of its kind. The
offers are local, with no restrictions The book
features offers at local establishments such as Big
Y, Center Square Grill, Adolfo’s, Yankee Pedlar,
Champions, Currents, Horizons, Touch of Garlic,
The Federal, Delaney House, Storrowton Tavern,
the Springfield Symphony, Uno’s, Red Robin, Hot
Table, McDonald’s, Golden Nozzle, Kiddly Winks,
Giftology and much, much more!
We are able to sell the books for ONLY $25.
Please make checks payable to: “SKLC.” When you
purchase a book, you will be helping both your
family and the SKLC! Use the book a few times and
it pays for itself! Books are available for purchase in
the temple and school office.
8
not a coincidence that other members were
across and down the street from her. She has
now joined them in telling yet another newer
family about us!
Is there someone new in your
neighborhood? In your child’s class? At work?
Do you know someone who doesn’t already
belong? What about a member you just
haven’t seen in a while? Do someone a favor
with an invitation to a musical Friday night
service, to a Saturday Kiddush lunch, to the
Hanukkah party... that’s where the Anfangs
invited us, not so long ago!
Membership is intertwined with
everything we do, whether it’s game night or
daily minyan. Thank you for making this the
place where people want to be!
Beyond our personal contacts, I see
new people skirting our edges all the time,
coming by for Purim, a Shabbat morning, a
short evening service. They defy statistics and
surveys. We need to be here, for them as well
as for ourselves. How else will they find us?
They come seeking a sense of belonging
and community, seeking a connection to
Jewish roots or the formation of Jewish ties,
seeking classes and services, education and
spirituality, friendship and support, perhaps
school for their children. They need a place to
celebrate and a place to mourn.
Your friendliness, your kindness, your
being here, makes all of us want to come
back, and makes our “shoppers” want to stay!
Thank you!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR
SOCIAL ACTION EVENTS
Loaves and Fishes, Christ Church Cathedral,
35 Chestnut Street, Springfield – We serve
lunch on the third Wednesday of the month.
Join us on Wednesday, November 19, and
Wednesday, December 17 at 11:45 am. Please
bring a gallon of whole milk with you.
Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church, 797
State Street, Springfield – We prepare and
serve dinner to approximately 50 hungry
adults on the fourth Sunday of the month.
Please meet us on Sunday, November 23, and
Sunday, December 28 at 4:45 pm. Food can
be cooked at home or purchased.
A HANUKKAH HOW-TO
Rabbi Amy Wallk Katz
Why is the Jewish
Sabbath observed
on Saturday?
Why not on Sunday?
Genesis, Chapter 1 provides the basis for
the Jewish week and the understanding of its
days. God creates on days 1 to 6 and rests on
day 7; hence Shabbat is day 7. In Hebrew, the
names of the week reflect this story. Sunday
is the first day, Monday is the second day, etc.
and Saturday is Shabbat, the day of rest.
The names of the days that are used
in English, come from Latin and Teutonic
cultures, developed separately and were
named for various gods – Sunday (Helios,
the sun), Monday (Luna, the moon), Tuesday
(Tua, a Teutonic goddess), Wednesday
(Wotan/Odin, the chief Teutonic/Norse god),
Thursday (Thor, Teutonic god of thunder),
Friday (Freia, Teutonic goddess of youth),
Saturday (Saturn, Roman name for Kronos,
chief of the Titans).
Suffice it to say, the two systems
for designating the days developed
independently of each other.
So why does the Christian world
celebrate the Sabbath on Sunday? There are
two answers to this question. Some say that
in order to distinguish themselves from the
Jews, Christians began to celebrate Sunday
as the Sabbath. Others argue that Christians
began to celebrate Sunday as the Lord’s Day
because Christians believe that Sunday is the
day Jesus arose from the dead.
Thank you to Ellen Ratner for
sponsoring the mums which beautify our
entryways in loving memory of her parents,
Earl and Shirley Smith.
HANUKKAH is a festival of light, of miracles and of celebration.
And like many of the Jewish holidays, it is celebrated primarily
in our homes.
We have all heard the story of this eight-day festival,
which commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in
Jerusalem after the Maccabean Jews’ victory over the Hellenist
Syrians in 165 BCE. We remember the miracle of a tiny flask of
oil that kept the Temple’s great menorah burning for not one,
but eight days, until more purified oil could be obtained.
Here is a brief guide to the celebration of Hanukkah – a
“how-to” manual that will help you bring the joy and meaning
of the holiday into your own home.
WHERE TO LIGHT To best publicize the miracle, the Hanukkah
menorah (“Hanukkiah”) is ideally lit outside the doorway of
our house, on the left side when entering. If this is not practical,
then the menorah should be lit in a window facing the public
thoroughfare. If the menorah cannot be lit by the window, place
it inside the house on a table, which at least fulfills the mitzvah
of “publicizing the miracle” for members of the household.
WHEN TO LIGHT The menorah should preferably be lit
immediately at nightfall. If necessary, however, the menorah can
be lit late into the night. It is best to wait until all members of the
household are present to light the menorah.
HOW TO LIGHT ON THE FIRST NIGHT On the first night, place
one candle in the menorah’s far right (as you face the menorah)
candle holder. Another candle is placed for the shamash (helper
candle). Recite all three of the blessings (on the next page) and
then light the candle using the shamash candle.
HOW TO LIGHT ON THE SECOND THROUGH EIGHTH
NIGHT The second night, place two candles in the menorah’s far
right (as you face the menorah) candle holders. Another candle
is place for the shamash (helper candle). Recite the first two
blessings and then light the candles using the shamash candle.
Light the candle to the far left first and then light in order, from
left to right. Follow this procedure for each night of Hanukkah.
CONCLUDING THE HANUKKAH CANDLELIGHTING On
all eight nights of Hanukkah, it is traditional to sing or recite
Hanerot Halalu, an ancient chant mentioned in the Talmud
(Soferim 20:6). It reminds us of the sacred nature of the
Hanukkah lights that are lit to commemorate and publicize
the Hanukkah miracles. The song states that our sole intent in
kindling the Hanukkah lights is to publicize the miracle.
We conclude the candlelighting ceremony with the singing of
Maoz Tzur. The lyrics were written about 800-900 years ago in
Europe. The tune that is considered to be “traditional” in most
parts of the Jewish world today is an adaptation of a German
folk song.
Now it’s time to enjoy latkes, sufganiot, gifts and the joy of
the festival that our people have celebrated in this same
tradition for many centuries!
Sweet Potato Latkes
Apple & Pear Sauce
1 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and coarsely grated
2 scallions, finely chopped
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
3/4 cup vegetable oil
4 apples, peeled, cored & diced
4 pears, peeled, cored & diced
1 cup water
1 tsp. cinnamon
Stir together potatoes, scallions, flour, eggs, salt, and pepper.
Heat oil in a deep 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately
high heat until hot but not smoking. Working in batches of
4, spoon 1/8 cup potato mixture per latke into oil and flatten
to 3-inch diameter with a slotted spatula. Reduce heat to
moderate and cook until golden, about 1 1/2 minutes on
each side. Transfer latkes with spatula to paper towels to drain.
Place apples, pears and waters in a pot. Cover and simmer on
low heat, stirring often. Once apples and pears are soft and
sauce-like, after about 15-20 minutes, remove from heat and
stir in cinnamon. Serve latkes and fruit sauce while hot.
9
HANUKKAH BLESSINGS & SONGS
EIGHT INTERACTIVE WAYS TO MAKE EACH NIGHT OF HANUKKAH
MORE SPECIAL WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
1. Family History Night. One night of Hanukkah,
invite family for candle lighting. Ask older members of
the family to share some of their Hanukkah memories.
2. One night, have a personal or family check
Blessed are you Lord our God, sovereign of the universe,
who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Hanukkah lights.
in. Discuss how your family maintains a strong Jewish
identity. Are there times that you or your family feel torn
by the demands of the secular culture? How do you
manage the challenges of being a minority in a majority
culture?
3. Study readings on the theme of light. By
who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time.
who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.
HANEROT HALALU
We light these lights for the miracles and the wonders,
For the redemption and the battles that you made for our forefathers
In those days at this season, through your holy priests.
MAOZ TZUR
Rock of Ages, let our song praise Your saving power, You, amid the raging foe, were our sheltering tower.
Furious, they assailed us, but Your help availed us,
And Your word broke their sword when our own strength failed us.
10
yourself or with guests, gather all of the things, poems,
writings you can which bring light into the world.
Ask each person to bring one object, poem, idea or
something that has brought the pleasure of light into
their life. They might bring it to share and show. Or, you
might decide to swap with someone else to experience
light in a new form! For example, one year a friend
brought a kaleidoscope, another year a beautiful sun
catcher, another year a poem about light. A story about
Nelson Mandela was brought by one person and that of
Rabin by another, Hannah Senesh by another.
HIGH HOLY DAY APPEAL
Temple Beth El gratefully acknowledges those who
have generously responded to President Paul Farkas’
High Holy Day Appeal. Our pledges through October
6 total over $53,000 from the donors listed below. We
are fortunate to have a new anonymous donor who has
agreed to match 25% of all pledges up to a maximum
of $20,000. In order to receive the full match, we still
need to raise $27,000. If you have not made your
pledge yet, it’s not too late to add your name to the
list. Any new pledges will be listed in the next issue of
Tekiah. In the meantime, our gratitude goes to:
Brad & Jane Albert
Sylvia Allen
Melvyn Altman
David & Sharon Aminia
Stuart & Michelle Anfang
Bob & Yvonne Baevsky
Maya Baker
Eric Barker & Sharon Cohen
Ester Cohen
Sidney & Evelyn Baron
Mark & Lori Barowsky
Milton & Florence Barowsky
Paul & Marja Barr
Gerry Berg & Leslie Zide
Charlotte Bergman
Randy & Maxine Bernstein
Joanne Bertrand
Barbara Binsky
Mark & Jacqueline Bond
David & Andrea Brinnel
Martin & Marian Broder
Fred Brownstein
Alan & Judi Bullock
Gene & Janice Cantor
Bill Caplin & Mary
Jenewin-Caplin
Joe & Susan Casden
Jonathan & Andrea Chasen
Michael & Anne Chernick
Lawrence Chiz
Judith Cohen
Nancy Cole
Barbara Corcoran
David & Susan Corn
Mark & Elisabeth Cranna
Robert Dambrov
Steve & Amy Dane
Gary & Beth Danforth
Howard & Estherae Davis
Elina DeAngelis
Vickie Donovan
Ze’ev & Meredith Dragon
Mark & Marie Draymore
Robert & Karen Engell
Myer Ezrin & Elaine
Becker-Ezrin
Jay & Nancy Shendell-Falik
Paul & Esta Farkas
4. Israel Night. This is where everyone brings a
clipping, item or idea about the modern Maccabees and
their state: Israel. The clippings would be about both
amazing and challenging things that are going on in
Israel or about Israel. Alternatively, perhaps you want
to watch an Israeli movie or television show. I have an
extensive collection and am happy to lend to anyone in
the congregation.
6. On another night of Hanukkah, remind
yourselves of the origins of the Hanukkah
story. Either search online or call the Temple office—we
will have some resources for you. While many of us
celebrate Hanukkah yearly, the details of the story can
become confusing, and it is a good idea to refresh your
memory from time to time.
5. On one of the nights of Hanukkah, open
know of people in your life who are lonely or isolated.
Reach out to these individuals and share the holiday
with them. Alternatively, identify a shelter or nursing
home in the community and find out when you could
volunteer there. By volunteering, you are bringing light
into another person’s life.
7. Bring light into someone’s life. No doubt you
all of the tzedakah boxes in the house and
count the money in preparation for giving to
a worthy cause. Have every person bring a clipping
about a cause they believe
needs funding in the most
immediate way. Besides using
the funds in the tzedakah
box, consider setting aside
money that would have been
spent on gifts to support these
worthy causes.
8. A long-standing practice is to silently watch
Abe & Toby Feinstein
Irving & Phyllis Feldman
Steven & Donna Feldman
David Fine
Adelaide Firestone
Bill & Susan Firestone
Seymour Frankel
Eleanor Freedman
Herbert & Ruth Freedman
Robert Friedlander
Dick & Betsy Gaberman
Edward Gerstein
Albert Goldberg &
Miriam Lieff
Jack Goldberg
Ellis & Roberta Goldberg
Sam & Maxine Goldberg
Thelma Goldberg
Heidi Goldsmith
Jonathan & Susan
Goldsmith
Jeff Goodless
Gary & Abby Goodman
Joan Goodman
Boris & Olga Gorfinkel
Michael & Janis Green
Ronald & Susan Grodsky
Florence Gurwitz
Howard & Nellie Halpern
Howard & Christine
Hausman
Michael & Dorita Henderson
David & Laura Hirsh
Miriam Hirschhaut
Shelley Hodes
Arnold & Meri Horowitz
Ben & Sara Horowitz
Michael & Roberta Hurwitz
Ted & Judy Ingis
Philip & Elizabeth Irving
Mark & Ronda Jackowitz
Isadore & Amanda Jermyn
David & Jan Kalicka
Michael Morel &
Robin Silpe-Morel
Gerry Munic
Richard & Dayna Nadelman
John & Lisa Nascembeni
Goldie Newman
Charlie & Jan Nirenberg
Gary & Sheryl Okun
Harold Okun
June Okun
Robert & Susanne Osofsky
Elizabeth Pava
Adam Peck & Rhonda
Goldberg
Merton Peck
Michael & Marina Pen
David & Debbie Peskin
Judd & Rhoda Peskin
Rochelle Pleet
Stanley & Sue Polansky
Debra Polep
Ruth Poppel
David & Susan Porter
Freda Posnick
Jeremy & Yana Powers
Jay & Johanne Presser
Eric Ratner & Ann Guttman
David & Ellen Ratner
Gloria Ray
Charlie & Lesly Reiter
Carol Resnick
Nancy Retchin
Ralph Ritchie
Mark & Debbie Robbins
Anne Robinson
Michael & Marjorie
Robinson
Gary & Jane Rome
Steve & Diane Rosenkrantz
Steve Rubenstein
Larry & Tina Rubin
Eileen Rutman
Stanley & Eunice Schweiger
Carl Karolinski
Rabbi Amy & Ken Katz
David I. Katz
Craig & Norah Kazin
Edward & Susan Kline
Ann Koenig
Ed & Anya Kogan
Steve & Alissa Korn
Eric & Marianne Kornblum
Cliff & Aileen Kramer
Mitch Kupperman
Alexander & Tatyana
Kurbanov
Jonathan Lasko
Florence Lavin
Melvin Lavin
Michael & Joy Leavitt
Howard & Carolyn Ledewitz
Jay Leib
Roslyn Leiter
Steven Lepow
Lillian Levine
I. Murray Levine
Herbert & Roslyn Levinsky
Alan & Shirley Levitz
William & Jean Licht
Joseph Lieberman
Marc & Iris Linson
Benjamin & Sharon Liptzin
Jay & Bea Loevy
Victoria Levander Luftman
Arthur & Phyllis Lutz
Allen & Wendy Mackler
Larry & Mitzie Mackler
Carole Magidson
Jeffrey & Sherry Mandell
Rhoda Mandell
Doris Margolis
Ed & Sandy Merrill
Lawrence & Myrna Metz
Charlotte Meyer
Saul Michaelson
Bernard & Selma Milstein
the candles burn. It is a form of Jewish meditation
practiced as far back as the Talmudic period. Loosely
focus your eyes on the menorah and savor the minutes
of pure light. Notice what comes up for you, even after
the last flame has burned out. What blessings have
occurred for you during the eight nights of lights?
Jerry & Harlene Schreibstein
Eric & Kimberlee Schwartz
Alan & Laurie Seigel
Leonard & Susan Shaker
Cantor Morton &
Frannie Shames
Anne Shapiro
Archie & Sally Shapiro
Stephen & Judith Shelasky
Max & Shirley Shepro
Mark & Jane Sherman
Harvey Shrage &
Amy Cohen
Howard & Cheryl Singer
Sue Heller & Richard Sirkin
Irving & Goldie Skerker
Joseph Sklar
Jody & Tina Smith
Jonathan & Kimberly
Starkman
Isaac & Elina Stein
Ruth Stein
Frank & Hilary Suher
Seth & Mary Tenenbaum
Bernice Thaler
Heidi Thibodeau
Boris & Alla Tochilnikov
Zevidah Vickery
Joyce Weinbaum
Elizabeth Tavel &
Brian Weinberg
Steve Weiner & Diane Miller
Joshua Weiss & Adina Elfant
Meyer & Abbie Weiss
Zane & Dorothy Wernick
Stan & Karen Winer
Douglas Winniman
Jonna Gaberman &
Bruce Wintman
Kevin & Andrea Zeller
Marc Zive & Eden
Cohen-Zive
11
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
REFLECTIONS ON MY TRIP TO ISRAEL
ships between Israeli-Arabs and Jews. The
Maisira Program and the KavMashve help
employ Arab youth and new graduates in
the high tech and other industries. During
our visit to Hurfeish, a Druze village, we
met with residents and participated in
interactive high school classes in Robotics,
Science and English. The Druze are not only
loyal to Israel and serve in the Israeli army,
but also add to the fabric and character
of Israeli society. Our dollars also help
the most vulnerable population in Israel,
senior olim (immigrants), secure housing
accommodations through the Amigdour
program.
While travelling to Nazareth, prior to the
start of Operation Protective Edge, we saw
convoys of tanks and equipment traveling
south. We engaged with Israeli soldiers who
were loading onto buses. This was quite
an emotional moment for me, as a mother
and as a Jew; these soldiers, so young and
full of promise, represent the best of Israel.
Israelis are a resilient people; they have to
be. As Americans, we take advantage of the
freedoms we enjoy. No thought is given to
going to a mall or supermarket or attending a
concert or using public transportation. This is
not true for those who live in Israel. There are
enormous budget constraints, as Israel has
to balance the needs of its citizens, helping
to facilitate a thriving economy, versus the
internal and external threats to its existence.
There is something extraordinary about the
manner in which many Israelis conduct their
daily affairs.
Finally, it was a pleasure and a privilege
to meet the participants in this mission. Their
personal accomplishments and dedication
to Jewish concerns is only surpassed by
their passion and love of Israel and in tikkun
olam... to make the world a better place.
One thing that I believe to my core is
that the creation and continued existence of
Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people
is a miracle, and is sustained not only by the
determination and might of her people, but
by the hand.
The human soul is the candle of God,
searching out all the belly’s chambers.
– PROVERBS 20:27
12
High Holy Day
Thank You’s
To our Torah readers for Rosh HaShanah and Yom
Kippur: Gabrielle Zeller, Isaac Schein, Bluma Bier, Dr.
Michelle Anfang, Dr. Mark Sherman, Ellen Ratner,
Allison Ratner Mayer, Laura Broad, Adele Miller, Danny
Berg, Glenn Baevsky, Emily Anfang, Michael Anfang and
Anna Gorfinkel.
To our Haftarah readers for Rosh HaShanah and Yom
Kippur: Dr. Stuart Anfang, Kayla Elfant Weiss, Aleza
Falk, Nina Katz, David Kalicka, Alexandra Jellinger, Max
Rubin, Gabriel Katz, Matan Dragon, Samantha Rubin,
Yasmin Goodman, Brandon Goodman, Emily Robinson
and Spencer Robbins.
To our duet singers: Aleza Falk, Nina Katz, Kayla Elfant
Weiss, Beth Cranna and Emily Suher.
To our Shofar blowers: Judd Peskin, Steve Resnic, and
Alex Smithline (a special yasher koah to Alex on his
beautiful job his first year) and Dr. Fred Brownstein (the
month of Elul).
To our flower sponsors: The Lieberman Family, Allen
and Wendy Mackler, Albert Goldberg and Miriam Lieff,
Bill Burrows and David and Jan Kalicka.
Visit Our Newly Re-Designed Website
THE PILLARS OF
TEMPLE BETH EL
As the 2014 dues year draws to a close, we’d like to
acknowledge our Amoodim (pillars) who pay dues in
excess of $1800. When you receive your dues bill in
December for 2015, please consider joining this group,
if you are able. Remember, those who contribute at this
level receive free High Holy Day guest tickets, as follows:
Maccabim, 2 guest tickets
Shomrim, 4 guest tickets
Kochavim, 6 guest tickets
Giborim, 8 guest tickets
Thank you to the following Amoodim in 2014:
Kochavim
($3600 family/$2500 individual)
To our refreshment tent sponsors: Dr. Paul and Esta
Farkas
Robert Friedlander
To our break fast underwriter: Dr. Fred Brownstein.
Ellen Alpert
Drs. Stuart & Michelle Anfang
Dr. Frederic Browstein
Alan & Judith Bullock
Steven & Amy Dane
Dr. Paul & Esta Farkas
Steven & Donna Feldman
William & Susan Firestone
Albert Goldberg &
Miriam Lieff
Margo Grodsky
To our office volunteers: Shelley Pleet and Vickie
Donovan.
To Boy Scout Troop 32 for their help in putting the High
Holy Day mahzors in the pews.
We’d also like to offer thanks to those who assigned
the honors and those members of the Board of
Trustees who helped to greet our members and guests
in the lobby and refreshment tent during the holidays.
A special Yasher Koach goes to Craig Kazin, our floor
Gabbai extraordinaire, who greets everyone so warmly
and makes sure that all who were given honors know
when to ascend the bimah, thus ensuring that the
services flow smoothly.
Thank you to the Jewish Endowment Foundation
of Western Massachusetts whose generous grant
enabled us to enhance our security this High Holy Day
season.
Last but not least, we’d like to thank our administrative
staff: Alexandra Espinal, Lisa Laudato, Debbie Peskin
and Marie Sampson, as well as our maintenance
staff, Al Hill and Jesus Barreto, whose hard work made
everything to go smoothly this holy day season.
Shomrim
Maccabim
Samuel Horowitz
David & Jan Kalicka
Dr. Benjamin &
Sharon Liptzin
Dr. Robert & Susanne
Osofsky
Daniel & Mollie Plotkin
David & Ellen Ratner
Barry & Jane Schulman
James Vinick
Meyer & Abbie Weiss
Drs. Louis & Mary Adler
Mark & Loretta Barowsky
Mark & Kate Bean
Dr. Martin & Marian Broder
Dr. Jonathan &
Andrea Chasen
Herbert & Diann Cohen
Hyman & Meryl Darling
Mark & Phyllis Dindas
Dr. Richard & Bonnie Elfman
Eric & Melinda Elman
Dr. Myer Ezrin & Elaine
Becker Ezrin
Jonathan & Susan Goldsmith
Richard & Andrea Goldstein
Dr. Dennis & Miriam Gordan
Ronald & Susan Grodsky
Richard & Susan Halpern
Dr. Jerry & Sydney Hirsch
Benjamin & Sara Horowitz
Dr. Theodore & Judith Ingis
Mark & Laura Katz
Steven & Alissa Korn
Dr. Marc & Iris Linson
Jeffrey & Sherry Mandell
Dr. Lawrence & Myrna Metz
Zane Mirkin
Rochelle Pleet
Leonard & Adrienne Plotkin
Eric Ratner & Ann Guttman
Dr. Jerry Schreibstein &
Harlene Ginsberg
Dr. Arthur & Amy Sher
Harvey Shrage & Amy Cohen
Dr. Joseph & Nancy Sklar
Lawrence & Cynthia Starr
Dr. Stephen & Linda Sweet
Carol Halpern Wernick
Zane & Dorothy Wernick
Stanley & Karen Winer
Temple Beth El’s website has become more user-friendly than ever. The many new
features include a calendar of current events, temple news, the President’s blog, online
dues payments, as well as High Holy Day pledges and registering for events. Improving our
website is an ongoing endeavor and we welcome your suggestions. Please email them to
[email protected].
When you pay your dues, make a donation or register for an event, the website
uses the reputable PayPal online papyment service. The website will take you there
automatically. You do not need a PayPal account, simply use your Visa, MasterCard,
Discover or American Express credit or debit card to make your payment. Please note that
American Express can only be used on the website – we cannot charge AMEX in the office.
Please make www.tbespringfield.org a favorite on your web browser, and make it a
habit to check it regularly to keep current on all TBE news.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 CONGREGATIONAL SHABBATON
Congregational Shabbaton Programs
Traditional service in the sanctuary
JEWmba – Using story, song, dance and acting, and introducing a “shmeer” of JEWmba (Jewish music and Bodies
in Action), we will celebrate and honor Shabbat. Come for an experience that is both old and new: old because we
always prayed through our bodies and in song, and new because we renew ourselves every Shabbat! We’ll also say
“happy birthday” to the trees! This activity will be led by Jodi Falk.
Learners Minyan – Want to better understand the Shabbat morning prayers? Participate in a Shabbat morning
service with explanation and practice of each prayer, led by Steve Weiner.
Shabbat Camp Service – Any student in grades 3-12 will love the melodies and guitar playing by Jon Muchin! If
you’ve been to a Jewish summer camp, you will definitely feel nostalgic! Jon is a talented musician who was the
music director at Crane Lake Camp for several years. He presently leads many services for teens around the Boston
area and he teaches at the religious school at Brandeis University. Jon is our program leader at our annual school
retreat.
Babysitting for children ages 4 and younger in the Katz Family Library.
Starbucks “Café” in the gift shop lobby.
Oy Vey! Stories from the Jewish Tradition – Join Rona Leventhal for a journey around the world and back with her
multicultural stories. Rona’s engaging and dynamic style has been touching the minds and imaginations of listeners
for 25 years! She has gained repute for a cornucopia of voices and characters. Her stories have taken her from the
National Storytelling Network stage to the National Yiddish Book Center stage, international venues, schools and
libraries. Her family programs will have you swaying in your seats, making funny noises, singing and laughing!
Rona is an educator, teller of tales, workshop leader and by all accounts, a mensch.
Parsha Yoga combines two traditions: the art of the ancient yoga asanas (positions) and the weekly portion of our
ancestors. Each parsha is a story that we can embody, from the simple story to a more personal interpretation. Parsha
yoga allows us to embody our Judaism from the inside out. Parsha Yoga will be taught by Jodi Falk, M.F.A, C.L.M.A.,
and Gary Newcomb. Jodi is an international educational consultant, choreographer, dancer, yogi, and teacher.
Her work centers on the vehicle of movement and the art is to promote educational wellness, conflict resolution,
proficiency, personal and spiritual power. She is currently a Five College professor in dance education at the Five
Colleges in Western Massachusetts. Gary Newcomb is a master martial artist and yogi. He teaches traditional lyengar
yoga (focusing on detail, precision and alignment) as well as Tai Kwon Do, both of which embrace the union of mind,
body and spirit. In this union and peace that can come from the union that is created in parsha yoga.
PJ Library book and project for children 4 & younger in the Katz Family Library.
“A Taste of Text: Juicing Through the Parsha” – Juicing fresh fruits and vegetables is not only good for your body
– now it’s good for your soul, too! Travel through the week’s Torah portion with Nora Gorenstein via small sips of the
sweet, bitter, and in-between as we seek a deeper understanding of the events in this parsha. This tasty text study is
unlike anything you’ve experienced before, and it won’t pack on the pounds!
MUSICAL KABBALAT
SHABBAT SERVICES
Our Musical Kabbalat Shabbat services,
featuring Cantor Elise Barber and guest
musicians, continue to be very popular. These
services are followed by an appetizer buffet,
and people enjoy the opportunity to relax and
schmooze with friends. Please mark your
calendars for our upcoming Musical Kabbat
Shabbat services on November 14 and
December 12. An appetizer buffet will follow
each service.
These services are sponsored by the
Bernie Cohen Piano Fund. Your generous
donations to this fund enable us to bring in
musicians to enhance our services. If you are
interested in sponsoring the appetizer buffet
at an upcoming service, please call Rhoda
Peskin at 733-4149 or e-mail her at rpeskin@
tbespringfield.org.
Please Just Show Up and join the many
others who enjoy this joyous and inspiring
way to welcome Shabbat.
$57.75 IN 5775
A Hanukkah gift to you from
your JCC Family!
Temple Beth El members are invited to
join the JCC for only $57.75 per month!
This offer is good for one year and for new members
only. Offer expires on December 31, 2014. Contact
Abbie Weiss, Membership Director, Springfield Jewish
Community Center, at [email protected],
(413) 739-4715 x327.
The Sandi Kupperman Learning Center Student Hanukkah Show!
December 17, 6:45pm - Student performances, Hanukkah themed refreshments, raffles, chocolate sales and more!
13
A warm welcome to our new members:
Bob & Patti Bassell
Dusya Gayshan
Steve Guyshan & Stella Ladina
Howard & Nellie Halpern
Charles & Lesly Reiter
Irving Rubinfeld
Christopher & Rachel Soumakis
Seth & Mary Tenenbaum
Caryn Resnick on the birth of her
grandson, Cameron Stanley Resnick.
Gillian Weissman
NOVEMBER 15
PARASHAT HAYYEI SARAH
Gillian Weissman, an 8th grader
at Heritage Academy, is very excited to
have the opportunity to chant the same
Haftarah that her mother did. Gillian is
the daughter of Stuart Weissman and
Jocelyn Tobin and younger sister of Nate,
Sasha and Max. Her grandparents are
Lenore Tobin of Westhampton, New York,
Stuart and Mary Lou Tobin of Scottsdale,
Arizona, Gloria Weissman of Springfield
and Paul Weissman of blessed memory.
Gillian has been spending every
summer at Camp Ramah since second
grade. She plays soccer, is a voracious
reader and likes to hang out with her
friends.
For her mitzvah project, Gillian will
be donating food and some of her gift
money to Rachel’s Table
JANUARY 17
SISTERHOOD
SHABBAT
Please plan to Just Show Up for a service
led by the women of our congregation.
Kiddush lunch, sponsored by Temple
Beth El’s Sisterhood,
will follow the
service.
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Zachary Kornblum
DECEMBER 13
PARASHAT VA-YEISHEV
Zachary Arthur Kornblum is the
son of Eric and Marianne Kornblum,
and is the first grandchild to celebrate
becoming a Bar Mitzvah. He is the
grandson of Carol Kornblum, Daniel
and Lily Kornblum, Roseann and James
Cowen, Andrew and Barbara Mihalko.
Zach is the “human brother” to his
beloved cats, Belle and M&M. Zach is
currently a 7th grader at Glenbrook
Middle School. He began his elementary
and religious education at Heritage
Academy as a kindergartner, and truly
loved learning about his heritage and
Israel. Zach now attends SKLC as 7th
grade student, continuing his religious
education and making new friends.
Zach has been a Ramah of New
England camper for the past 2 summers.
At TBE he is a member of the Kadima
youth group, along with being on the
student board. Zach keeps the beat by
taking drum lessons and he is playing
football for the first time. Zach enjoys
going to Red Sox games, Boston Comic
Con, playing video games and the card
game MAGIC.
Zach concerns himself with not
only his fellow human beings, but also
for animals, especially cats. So for his
Bar Mitzvah project, Zach is collecting
necessary items for Gray House of
Springfield and the Westfield Homeless
Cat Project.
Eric & Margie Berg on the marriage of
their son, Matthew, to Sara Farber on
August 30.
Sue Kline on being selected as our
community’s Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland
Award recipient by the Jewish Federation
of Western Massachusetts. She was
honored for being such an inspiring
woman at the International Lion of Judah
Conference in September.
Elliot & Anne Bloom on the marriage of
their son, Matthew, to Kim Juretic.
Gerald Berg on the birth of his grandson,
Micah Jacob Berg, on September 28.
Andy & Kobi Shemesh on the
engagement of their son, Amos, to Becca
Kleinstein.
Dr. & Mrs. Gabriel Kitchener are pleased
to announce the arrival of their new
great grandson, Jaxson Gabriel Weiss.
Their daughter, Deborah Weiss, is the
grandmother. The proud parents are
Scott & Tiffany Weiss of Lake Grove, Long
Island. Jaxson joins big sister Luci in the
Weiss family.
IN AUGUST & SEPTEMBER
To our Torah Readers: Bluma Bier,
Joseph Boucher, Dr. Fred Brownstein,
Mallory Caplan, Adele Miller, Ed Kline,
Sue Kline, Susanne Osofsky, Rachel
Smithline
To our Haftarah Readers: Eugene Baker,
Dr. Fred Brownstein, Dr. Max Chorowski,
Dr. Dennis Gordan, Stanley Light, Dr.
Robert Osofsky, Dr. Renee OsofskyLevine, Dr. Mark Sherman, Harlan
Wahrman
To our Service Leaders: Dr. Dennis
Gordan, Will Hurwitz, Alex Smithline,
Steve Weiner, Kayla Elfant Weiss, Harlan
Wahrman
BREAKFAST SPONSORS:
In memory of Fred Weiss
Ruth Weiss & Susan Firestone
In memory of his father, Paul
Dr. Max Chorowski
KIDDUSH SPONSORS:
In honor of Sue Kline reading Torah
Sue & Ed Kline
In honor of the Bar Mitzvah
of Ben Posnik
Bill & Susan Firestone
In honor of the naming of their
two granddaughters, Sarah
Liliana and Eve Annabelle.
Dr. Robert & Susanne Osofsky
INTERESTED IN SPONSORING A
BREAKFAST OR KIDDUSH LUNCH?
If you would like to sponsor a breakfast,
please contact Reverend Aminia at the
temple office at 733-4149.
If you are interested in sponsoring a
Kiddush lunch to commemorate a special
event, please contact Rhoda Peskin at the
temple office at 733-4149.
JANUARY 10
DINNER AND A MOVIE!
Based on the success of last year’s Fiddler on the Roof night,
Temple Beth El’s Program Committee is planning another
casual social evening for adults featuring a delicious dinner, prepared by the
Committee, followed by the film, Keeping Up with the Steins, a hilarious account of
one family’s Bar Mitzvah preparations. No singing or costumes this time – just a fun
evening with friends, filled with laughter and good food. Watch your email for details.
Meet the New Israeli
Young Emissaries
Debbie Peskin
We mourn the loss of the following from
August 1 through September 30.
Helen Ball
Mother of Lynne Goldberg
Herbert Smithline
Father of Dr. Howard Smithline
Josif Ladin
Husband of Sulamif Ladin
Sy Levander
Father of Victoria Levander Luftman
Louis Beron
Husband of Irene Beron
Iris Macaris
Scott David Dalitzky
Son of Dr. Milton and Martha Dalitzky
Lawrence Zimmerman
Brother of Ann Schupack
Hatalie Filler
Mother of Ellen Libowitz
Bernard Vinick
Husband of Norma Vinick
Even in the darkest of times we have
the right to expect some illumination,
and that such illuminations may come
less from theories and concepts than
from the uncertain, flickering, and
often weak light that some men and
women, in their lives and work, will
kindle under almost all circumstances
and shed over the time-span that was
given them on earth.
– HANNAH ARENDT, MEN IN DARK TIMES
We are so pleased to introduce you to our
community’s new Israeli young emissaries, Noa
Elisha and Ofek Livni. The Israeli Young Emissary
program is a 10-month volunteer service experience
sponsored jointly by the Jewish Agency for Israel
and the Southern New England Consortium,
which is a partnership of 12 Jewish Federations in
Connecticut and Massachusetts. Israeli high school
graduates from the Afula/Gilboa region (our sister
community) who choose to defer their army service
are trained to serve as young ambassadors of Israel
to these communities. The mission of the Young
Emissary program is to strengthen ties between
the two regions by building living bridges through
people-to-people connections and by strengthening
the ties to Israel amongst the people living in the
host communities. Noa and Ofek arrived in the
U.S. at the end of August, and will be living with
host families throughout the school year. They will
be volunteering at TBE, Sinai Temple, B’nai Torah,
as well as Jewish youth groups and a wide variety
of Jewish and secular schools throughout the area.
When you see Noa and Ofek, please give them a
warm TBE welcome!
NOA ELISHA
Noa comes from Binyamina, a small village
of 2,000 near Caesaria, outside of our sister
community. Her favorite classes in school were art
and English. She enjoys drawing, dancing, working
out at the gym, going to the beach, and travelling.
She worked on her English outside the classroom
by reading books, watching American movies, and
listening to music.
Noa was very active in the Israel Scouts
movement, the largest and only non-sectarian,
pluralistic youth movement in Israel, which is quite
different from the Scout programs in the U.S. Noa
became head of the Scout program in her village,
working with lots of children and members of her
community, with increasing responsibility. She
first found out about the Young Emissary program
through the Scouts, and the more she learned, the
more interested she became.
The requirements for becoming a Young
Emissary are quite difficult. This year, 2,000 Israeli
high school graduates applied for only 60 emissary
positions. Noa had to pass 7 different tests about
Israel and Judaism, as well as a personality test,
created an activity for children, wrote a biography,
and had a phone interview. Once she was accepted
into the program in January, she attended 8
seminars, including 12 days in Jerusalem. She
and the other emissaries learned about American
culture (including the differences between Israeli
culture and ours), the different streams of Judaism
practiced here, how to answer questions about
Israeli current events, how to work with children of
all ages, and more. This also enabled her to get to
know the other emissaries so they can share ideas
throughout the year.
“I’m very excited to work with everyone,
to learn about the people and the culture here. I
want the opportunity to give back to my country,
and to give people a little taste of Israel during the
upcoming year,” she commented.
OFEK LIVNI
Ofek hails from Moshav Ram-On, a
community of 400 families in the Gilboa region.
(A moshav is a cooperative community similar to a
kibbutz, but there are individually owned farms and
private businesses, and people share in the profits.)
15
This list includes all donations of at least $10
received through September 19, 2014.
TEMPLE FUND
In memory of Seymour
“Sy” Levander
Susan & David Porter
Fred Brownstein
Harriet & Rick Fingeroth
Elizabeth & Philip Irving
Audrey & David Rome
Tara Wolman
In memory of Lyna Saykin
Lesly & Charles Reiter
Herbert & Roslyn Levinsky
In memory of Scott Dalitzky
Irene Beron
Myra & Manny Wiedman
In memory of Lawrence
Zimmerman
Marilyn Erickson
In memory of Herbert Smithline
Paul & Esta Farkas
In memory of Louis Beron
Paul & Esta Farkas
In memory of Mary
Denise Gleason
Paul & Esta Farkas
In memory of Andrea Oster
Carol Wernick & family
In memory of Leslie Baker
Paul & Esta Farkas
In memory of Bernard Cantor
Paul & Esta Farkas
In memory of Jeanne R. Peskin
Paul & Esta Farkas
In memory of Benjamin Kessner
Paul & Esta Farkas
In memory of Helen Ball
Paul & Esta Farkas
Meyer & Abbie Weiss
In memory of Shirley Smith
Meyer & Abbie Weiss
In memory of Honey Russel
Gloria Ray
Wishing Skip Kenler a
happy birthday
Paul & Esta Farkas
In honor of the marriage of Fred
Brownstein to Elaine Geha
Carol Wernick & family
Mitzi & Larry Mackler
Paul & Esta Farkas
Meyer & Abbie Weiss
In honor of Alison
Ratner’s wedding
Paul & Esta Farkas
In honor of Aleza Falk’s
Bat Mitzvah
Paul & Esta Farkas
Meyer & Abbie Weiss
In honor of Alyson
Grodsky’s Bat Mitzvah
Paul & Esta Farkas
In honor of Eva Draymore’s
Bat Mitzvah
Paul & Esta Farkas
In honor of Nina Katz’s
Bat Mitzvah
Meyer & Abbie Weiss
16
In honor of the marriage
of Laini Wolman
Bette & Dick Gerstein
In honor of the birth of Dr. Dennis
& Miriam Gordan’s granddaughter
Bette & Dick Gerstein
In honor of Lillian Levine’s
90th birthday
George, Debbie, Cecilia
& Sandy Levine
In honor of Jason
Seigel’s graduation
Paul & Esta Farkas
In honor of the birth of Joel Illouz
and Meital Aloush’s son, Noam
Paul & Esta Farkas
Donation made by
H. Edward Stessel
MINYAN FUND
Yahrzeit of Yetta F. Cooper
Martha & Richard Nadelman
Sondra Lewis
Linda Leeds
Yahrzeit of Albert & Louis
Baker, beloved brothers
Eugene Baker
“Sy” Levander
Karen & Stan Weiner
Alan Okun & Karen Tassey
In honor of Rachel Aminia’s
marriage to Sanjay
Judy & Ted Ingis
Mallory & Alan Caplan
Dr. Lawrence & Myrna Metz
Carol Resnick
Susanne & Robert Osofsky
SANDI KUPPERMAN LEARNING
CENTER FUND
In memory of Stanley Borke
Marty & Micki Rubin
In honor of the birth of Dr.
Dennis & Miriam Gordan’s
granddaughter, Maya
Charlotte Meyer
In honor of the birth of Caryn
Resnick’s grandson, Cameron
Tara Wolman
YAHRZEIT FUND
Yetta Cooper, beloved mother
Ruth Bennett
Herbert Feder, beloved husband
Norma Feder
Mary Feder, beloved
mother-in-law
Norma Feder
Frederic Weinberg,
beloved brother
Myra Weidman
Sheldon R. Rappaport,
beloved husband
Harrisia Lee Rappaport
Rosalind Katz, beloved mother
Alan Katz
Sylvia Stein, beloved mother
Barbara Winer
Celia Feinstein, beloved mother
Toby & Abe Feinstein
Ilene Mindel, beloved daughter
Marion Mindel
Abe Robinson, beloved father
Jan Draymore
Bernard Bloom, beloved father
Irene Beron
Max Goldberg, beloved father
Ellen Fieldstein
Arnold Becker, beloved husband
Elaine Becker
Joseph Mirkin, beloved father
Marlene Kimball
Doris Schwartz, beloved
sister-in-law
Marlene Kimball
William Kimball, beloved
father-in-law
Marlene Kimball
Jerome Kimball, beloved husband
Marlene Kimball
Melvin Sivek, beloved husband
Shirley Sivek
Albert Goldenstein, beloved father
Donna Fein
Dr. Arthur Pava, beloved brother
Abby Austern
Oscar Elbaum, beloved father
Susan F. Corn
Joseph Lavin, beloved husband
Florence Lavin
Dovie Goldberg, beloved aunt
Ellis Goldberg
Max Cantor, beloved father
Eugene Cantor
Samuel Bullock, beloved father
Alan Bullock
Joseph Goldberg, beloved father
Jack Goldberg
Bebe Byer, beloved grandmother
Engell Family
Dorothy Margolis, beloved
grandmother
Connie Katz Golber
Richard S. Luftman,
beloved husband
Vicki Levander Luftman
Norman Epstein, beloved father
Susan Shaker
Harry Wacks, beloved father
Phil Wacks
David Goldman, beloved brother
Judith Fieldstein
Edith Schwartz, beloved mother
Joel Schwartz
Celia Feldman, beloved mother
Irving Feldman
Billie Eisner, beloved sister
Ina Fine
Molly Zarofsky, beloved
grandmother
Beth Danforth
Maurice H. Cohen,
beloved husband
Judith Sinder Cohen
Franklin “Fred” Weiss,
beloved husband
Ruth Weiss
Norman Epstein M.D.,
beloved brother
Roslyn Leiter
Anne S. Vinick, beloved mother
James E. Vinick
Harry & Edith Light,
beloved parents
Stanley R. Light
Barbara Leavitt, beloved mother
Peter Leavitt
Harold Austern, beloved husband
Abby P. Austern
Rose Wayman, beloved mother
Charlotte Bergman
Benjamin Luftman,
beloved father-in-law
Vicki Levander Luftman
Harry Auerbach, beloved
father-in-law
Ruth Auerbach
Jacob Retchin, beloved
grandfather
Caryl Portnoy
Sara Grodsky, beloved mother
Ron Grodsky
Freida Katten, beloved mother
Myra Gold
Sally Gold, beloved mother
Jerry Gold
Lewis Abrams, beloved father
Caryl Portnoy
Anne B. Sampson, beloved mother
Charlotte Meyer
Edward Meyer, beloved
brother-in-law
Charlotte Meyer
Claire Nichols, beloved mother
Madeline Slade
Rose W. Katz, beloved mother
Morton Katz
Esther (Billie) Posnik,
beloved mother
Barbara Fishman
Dorothy Steinberg, beloved aunt
Steve Lepow
Yefim Lazarevich Olshansky,
beloved father
Galina Gertsenzon
Harry Shapiro, beloved father
Anne Shapiro & Archie Shapiro
Jennie Frankel, beloved mother
Beatrice Kelberman
Sara F. Grodsky, beloved sister
Beatrice F. Kelberman
Eugene Chaim, beloved brother
Shirley Shepro
Bessie Allen, beloved
mother-in-law
Sylvia F. Allen
Florence Lavin, beloved wife
Melvin Lavin
Rose G. Banquer, beloved
mother-in-law
Joseph Lieberman
Samuel Korolick, beloved father
Harrisia Lee Rappaport
Bessie Shafner Solomon,
beloved mother
Marion Mindel
Jacob Fieldstein, beloved father
Maurice Fieldstein
Myer Finkel, beloved father
Edward Finkel
Joseph Berg, beloved father
Gerald Berg
Morris Newman, beloved father
Albert Newman
Leon & Hannah Perlo,
beloved parents
Anne Bloom
Arthur Horowitz, beloved father
Amy Sher
Estelle & Joseph Freedman,
beloved parents
John & Michael Freedman
Benjamin Lefelstein,
beloved grandfather
Beth Danforth
Jacob Zarofsky, beloved
grandfather
Beth Danforth
Harvey Roffe, beloved father
Arvi Roffe
Louis E. Feen, beloved father
Clifford Z. Feen
Ann Feldman, beloved mother
Steven M. Feldman
Joseph Brownstein,
beloved father
Fredric Brownstein
Philip Schneider, beloved
grandfather
Marshall Solomon
Esther Okun, beloved mother
Harold Okun
Harry Grodsky, beloved
grandfather
The Grodsky Family
Herman Libowitz, beloved father
Howard Libowitz
David Sklar, beloved father
Joseph Sklar
Gordon Allen, beloved
brother-in-law
Sylvia Allen
Irving Feinstein, beloved brother
Toby & Abe Feinstein
Jennie Frankel, beloved mother
Seymour Frankel
Samuel Leibman,
beloved grandfather
Florence Gurwitz
Helen Cohen, beloved mother
Susan Grodsky
Pacey Wernick, beloved father
Barbara J. Kronick
Earl L. Smith, beloved father
Ellen Ratner
Judge Frank Freedman,
beloved father
Wendy & Allen Mackler
Pearl Mackler, beloved mother
Wendy & Allen Mackler
Shirley Goldberg, beloved wife
Jack Goldberg
Hannah Goldberg,
beloved grandmother
Jack Goldberg
Solomen Metter, beloved father
Freda Posnick
Kathryn Grodsky, beloved
grandmother
The Grodsky Family
Sylvia Levine, beloved mother
Tara Wolman
Rebecca Wiedman,
beloved mother
Emanuel Wiedman
Edwin B. Solomon,
beloved brother
Marion Mindel
Dr. David Goldberg,
beloved husband
Thelma Goldberg
Sadie Shepro, beloved mother
Martin Shepro
Freida Caplin, beloved mother
Bill Caplin
Samuel & Lena Goldberg,
beloved parents
Betty Schorr
Michael Olderman, beloved father
Carol Haase
Jacob Kagan, beloved father
Rhoda Peskin
James Sampson, beloved father
Charlotte Meyer
Maurice Katz, beloved father
Richard & Connie Golber
Foundation
Alick Levine, beloved father
Ruth Burstein
James Sampson, beloved
grandfather
James Meyer
Samuel Resnick, beloved
father-in-law
Carol Resnick
David Bennett, beloved husband
Ruth Bennett
Klara Sklar, beloved mother
Joseph Sklar
Esther Okun, beloved mother
Martha Okun Dalitzky
Rose W. Katz, beloved mother
Mildred Kitchener
Esther Handelman,
beloved mother
Diann Cohen
Irvine Goodless, beloved uncle
Jeffery Goodless
Isaac Shepro, beloved father
Max Shepro
Michael Albert, beloved father
Howard Albert
Max Goldberg, beloved father
Marcia Albert
Mary Retchin, beloved
grandmother
Caryl Portnoy
Rose Morganstein,
beloved mother
Phyllis Salvage
Wolf Wahrman, beloved father
Harlan Wahrman
Michael Posnick, beloved
brother-in-law
Freda Posnick
NECHAMEN/CHERNICK
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Yahrzeit of Earl Smith,
beloved father
Ellen Ratner
Yahrzeit of Abram Lerman,
beloved grandfather
Ellen Ratner
PHILIP & MIRIAM ZELLER
CHILDREN’S EDUCATIONAL FUND
In memory of Andrea Oster
Alan & Charlotte Zeller
WEINBAUM CHAPEL FUND
“Sy” Levander
Joyce Weinbaum
ALAN GOLDBERG YOUTH FUND
In honor of Howard &
Claudia Kowarsky’s
granddaughter’s marriage
Sora Torff & Jack Goldberg
In memory of Harold
Okun’s nephew
In memory of Helen Ball
In honor of Jean Gordon’s
90th birthday
Jack Goldberg & Sid Chase
BERNARD S. ALTMAN & SARAH
ALTMAN MEMORIAL ISRAEL
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Yahrzeit of Marcia Schwartz
Steven & Sunny Schwartz
90th birthday
Melvyn Altman
Ruth Stein
Phyllis & Elliot Altman
In honor of Helen Bass’s
100th birthday
Melvyn Altman
NETTIE & MORRIS GOLDSTEIN FUND
In honor of the birth of Dr. Dennis
& Miriam Gordan’s granddaughter
In honor of the birth of Dr. &
Mrs. Mark Sherman’s grandson
ESTHER & MORRIS OKUN
MUSIC FUND
Jacob & Estelle Shammash
THE SARAH & MAX OSOFSKY
NEHAMA COMFORT FUND
“Sy” Levander
Susanne & Bob Osofsky
Wishing Judy & Steve Sherman a
happy birthday and Shanah Tovah
Wishing Connie Golber a happy
birthday and Shanah Tovah
Mazel tov on the birth of
Robert & Susanne Osofsky’s
granddaughters Sarah & Eve
Karen & Stan Winer
Wishing Dr. Joy Osofsky
a happy birthday
In honor of Susan Kline’s KipnisWilson/Friedland Award
In honor of Marni
Polansky’s engagement
THE CINDY KLIGERMAN YOUTH FUND
FOR ISRAEL
Yahrzeit of Julius W. Sugarman,
beloved father & grandfather
Lillian Levine
In memory of Bernie Levine
Tom, Eli, Netania, Adina
& Ilan Kligerman
In memory of Oscar Michael Segal
& Ilan Kligerman
In memory of Gil Schlamowitz
& Ilan Kligerman
In memory of Frieda Friedland
Myrna Robbins
HARRY KLINE USHER’S FUND
Yahrzeit of Harry Kline,
beloved father
Jan Kline
Yahrzeit of Donald C.
Kline, beloved brother
Jan Kline
THE KATZ FAMILY LIBRARY FUND
In memory of Gloria Mador
Callie & Alan Katz
In memory of Susan Budnick
Callie & Alan Katz
In memory of Frieda Friedland
Judy Shelasky
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Wishing Elizabeth Wexford &
Susan Williams a safe journey &
all the best as they make aliyah
Joe Lieberman
In gratitude for Rabbi
Katz’s safe return
Marty & Micki Rubin
With great appreciation
to Rabbi Katz
David & Debbie Peskin
Judd Peskin
90th birthday
Paul & Laurie Diefenbach
In honor of birth of Caryn
Resnick’s grandson,
Cameron Stanley Resnick
In honor of the birth of
grandchildren of Bob &
Susanne Osofsky
In memory of Herbert Smithline
Joe Lieberman
In memory of her beloved
husband, Herbert Feder
Norma Feder
In appreciation to Rabbi Katz for
Benjamin Posnik’s Bar Mitzvah
Laura Posnik
CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Thank you Cantor Barber for
Benjamin Posnik’s Bar Mitzvah
Laura Posnik
TREE OF LIFE
Leaves purchased for the Tree of Life
may be purchased for $250 to honor
a friend or family member. Please
contact Rhoda Peskin at 733-4149 if
you would like to order a leaf.
A leaf for the Tree of Life
was recently purchased:
In loving memory of Mary D.
Gleason by Jacqueline Bond
YAHRZEIT PLAQUES
A Yahrzeit plaque was recently
purchased In memory of:
Michael Jon Frankel
Philip Diamond
Anne Goldberg Ranbom
Bernice Karolinski
Philip J. Cohen
Yahrzeit plaques are a fitting way to
remember a loved one’s yahrzeit in
perpetuity. They are displayed in the
temple lobby each year during the
week of the yahrzeit. The cost is $375.
If you would like to purchase a plaque,
please contact Reverend David Aminia
at 733-4149.
MEET THE NEW ISRAELI YOUNG EMISSARIES
He was a counselor in the youth movement (similar to
the Scouts) for moshavim, and was a member of the
group in charge of culture.
During high school, Ofek especially enjoyed
math, history, electronics, and English. His hobbies
include swimming, basketball, and tennis. He loves the
outdoors and the sea, and is an expert in camping. Ofek
has a black belt in Shi-Heun Krav Maga, a self-defense
system developed in Israel and is used by the IDF
special forces.
According to Ofek, lots of people in his area are
familiar with the Young Emissary program. He knew
Noam Zaffron, who was a previous emissary in our
community, and he made the decision a long time ago
that he wanted to participate.
An amazing fact about Ofek – he is 27th
generation Israeli! His ancestors have lived in the land
for hundreds of years. His grandmother fought in the
Haganah, the Jewish paramilitary organization during
the time of the British Mandate of Palestine from
1920-1948, which later became the core of the IDF. His
grandfather fought in the Palmach, the elite force of the
Haganah. He fought along with Yigal Allon, the second
general commander of the Palmach, who became
a general in the IDF, an Israeli politician, and acting
Prime Minister of Israel. (In fact, during our meeting,
Noa mentioned that her grandparents also fought with
Yigal Allon, and therefore they must have known Ofek’s
grandfather!)
“During this year, I’m looking forward to learning
about the American Jewish community, making friends
for life, and, of course, improving my English!” Ofek
said.
TEMPLE BETH EL RAISES
MONEY FOR RAYS OF HOPE
We are happy to announce that Team Temple Beth El raised nearly
$900 for the Rays of Hope walk on Sunday, October 19. TBE is proud to
host this important fundraiser for the community each year.
A special thank you goes to our Comptroller, Alexandra Espinal,
who volunteered her time to set up the TBE team web page on the
Rays of Hope site, with some assistance from Marie Sampson, one of
our Adminstrative Assistants. We’d also like to acknowledge Alex’s four
children, Thomas, Aleanna, Victor and Mariah who helped their mother
distribute t-shirts the day of the walk. The whole family has participated
in the walk for the last four years, an event they eagerly anticipate
each year.
We are grateful for all those who walked for the Temple Beth El.
May we go from strength to strength and field an even bigger team
next year. It’s never too early to ask, so if you would like to captain (or
co-captain) next year’s team, please call the temple office at 733-4149.
17
SANCTUARY TO BE NAMED IN HONOR OF
CANTOR SHAMES
Cantor Shames has devoted his life
to our congregation and to the Springfield
Jewish community. His love of music and
of Judaism has inspired our congregation
for years. He is beloved for his dedication
to our shul and to our members. Even in
retirement, he never wanted to move away,
and he continues to work on behalf of our
congregation.
It was his magnificent voice that touched
our members who were fortunate to belong
when he was on the bimah. However,
when you are lucky enough to spend time
with Cantor Shames, you realize his soul is
remarkable. He has not only led us in prayer
magnificently, but he continues to care about
each one of our members and to share his
great wisdom.
Cantor Shames was ordained in the
first class from the Cantors Institute of the
Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) in 1955.
He earned his B.A. in Voice and an M.A.
in Musicology from Boston University. He
accepted the position as Cantor and Musical
Director of Temple Beth El in 1955, and spent
his entire career with our synagogue. He
embraced his role as pastor, teacher, friend,
and musician. Because of his many musical
undertakings, TBE was awarded the National
United Synagogue Solomon Schechter Award
for Outstanding Programming. Cantor Shames served as both President
of the Cantors Assembly and Chairman of
Placement for that organization. He has
performed on National Public Television in
“A Taste of Chanukkah” with the Klezmer
Conservatory Band, and returned year
after year as soloist with the Springfield
Symphony Orchestra at the annual Holiday
Pops concert. He has had solo recitals
throughout the country, and traveled with
opera impresario Sarah Caldwell to Russia
and Siberia.
Cantor Shames and his wife, Frances,
have been honored by Israel Bonds, Heritage
Academy, United Hebrew School, and the
National Conference of Christians and
Jews. They were among the founders of the
Community Music School in Springfield.
In 1995, Cantor Shames was awarded an
Honorary Doctorate from JTS in recognition
of his tremendous contributions to the field.
Even after his retirement in 2002, Cantor
18
Shames continued to perform in the
Springfield Symphony Holiday Pops Concert.
He remains involved in the Community
Music School and Jewish Lifecare. Cantor
Shames continues to bring the appreciation
of Jewish music to the community, and is a
beloved fixture in our area.
Frances and Cantor’s three children,
Jonathan, Jennie, and Miriam, have all
succeeded in becoming professional
musicians on a national and global level.
They are the proud grandparents of Jake and
Chloe, and have been tremendously blessed
in their 60 years of marriage.
One of his colleagues observed upon
his retirement, “Those of us who have
heard you sing will miss your beautiful
voice, wonderful musicality, and intelligent
interpretation of the text. More than that,
your ability to inspire and mentor the rest
of us in the Cantorate is something which
we all appreciate.” Another friend remarked,
“You have so many admirers. I am truly one
of them. You are a hazzan’s hazzan, a reliable
friend first, and then a trusted colleague.”
Cantor Shames was deeply moved when
he was informed of the decision made by
the Board. He commented, “To have my
name affixed to our sanctuary is a great
and genuine gift for me, my wife Frances,
and my children. Never in my life would
I have dreamed of being so honored. It is
comforting for me to know, having been your
hazzan for over three-quarters of my life, that
even when I ‘m not here, I might still watch
over this congregation which I have loved
and served so long.”
We are thrilled that our sanctuary is to
be named in honor of Cantor Shames, and
hope that you will join us in wishing him
Mazel Tov on this significant milestone in his
life, as well as in the history of our synagogue!
WHY?
And so we are working with our
acclaimed architect, P. Scott Cohen, to
address these issues. We are examining a
plan which will preserve or enhance the
beauty of our sanctuary while solving such
problems as space and acoustics. This “chapel
within the sanctuary” that Scott envisions is
planned around a central bimah, and both
bimahs would be handicapped accessible.
Our sanctuary could become a place of
beauty that is actually used, frequently. From
the design of the sanctuary, particularly the
ceiling, and from Percival Goodman’s own
writings, is seems that our new architect
might actually be restoring the vision that
Goodman could not realize in his own time.
This will be an ongoing process. As of
this writing we have met with Scott Cohen,
who has presented his extraordinary vision,
based on our community conversations.
The many committee members attending
were really excited. Our committees are
reviewing this, and we will continue to share
this with our community as we move along
in this process.
By the time you read this, I hope
you will have seen the scale model of our
initial proposal. Please come to our future
discussions. Please join us as we dream and
prepare for our future, please take the time
to look everything over, and let us know your
thoughts.
The real mortar which holds
this building together is
not found in the architect’s
specification — it is in the
hearts of the congregation.
– PERCIVAL GOODMAN, ARCHITECT
AT THE REDEDICATION OF TEMPLE BETH EL MAY 12, 1968
Special Kiddush Lunch to celebrate the renaming of the
sanctuary in honor of Cantor Morton Shames
November 22 at noon. We hope that you will be joining us for the Congregational
Shabbaton, but if you can’t come for any of the morning events, please plan to join us for a
special lunch as we show our love and appreciation to Cantor Shames. There is no charge for
lunch, but we want to have enough for all, so please let us know if you are coming. Call the
temple office at (413) 733-4149 or send an email to [email protected].
Rabbi Katz’s Dream for Temple Beth El.
When this synagogue was built, the
founders planned for you and me. They
hired a great architect and ensured that we
would receive a beautiful facility that would
meet the needs of our Jewish community for
years to come. And indeed, our building was
perfect for many years.
Our chapel is so intimate and warm and
is the perfect home for our daily minyan.
The chapel is not inspiring in the way the
sanctuary is, but it is a cozy home for our
daily davening. Because the chapel works
so well every morning and every night of
the week, we do not want to make structural
changes to the room.
Our sanctuary is magnificent: the light,
the windows, and the ark create an inspiring
setting. Congregants and visitors often tell
me the space fosters a spiritual experience.
Recognizing that the sanctuary is the
most precious gem of all, we want to make
modifications so that we can all enjoy
regularly being in the sanctuary.
Our community has changed since
Percival Goodman designed our building and
we need to modify the building so that it will
continue to meet our needs.
We learned much of what I am sharing
during our strategic planning process,
which involved more than 250 TBE
congregants. We learned that it is a priority
for our congregation to have a bimah that
is handicapped accessible. Those of us who
have difficulty climbing stairs cannot accept
an honor in our sanctuary. It feels wrong
that so many in our community, including
congregants who have been here for years,
cannot come up and join us on the bimah.
It is always difficult when grandparents (or
even parents) of our Bar/Bat Mitzvah cannot
join us on the bimah.
During our strategic planning process
we discussed the fact that our two worship
spaces do not meet the needs of our
community today. On a typical Shabbat when
we have about 75 people in the chapel, we
often don’t have enough seating for everyone.
In addition, for most of our Bar/Bat Mitzvah
celebrations, baby namings and aufrufs, we
are lost in our magnificent sanctuary. The
sanctuary feels empty when we have between
125 and 200 people attending a service. The
problem is simple: the chapel is too small and
the sanctuary is too large.
We need to create a chapel within a
sanctuary. We are absolutely committed to
preserving the beauty of sanctuary. We all
love the grandeur, the windows, the light, the
ark, and the sense of awe that we feel as we
walk into this extraordinary sanctuary. Our
architect, Preston Scott Cohen, a professor of
architecture at Harvard University, a gifted
and proven design architect, is guiding us in
redesigning
our space.
Our dream is
to create an
intimate space
for davening
within our
larger magnificent sanctuary. In doing so, we
take care of our immediate needs. We will be
able to daven in the sanctuary more regularly
and enjoy the crown jewel of our temple.
Bricks and mortar are not an end. They
are a means for furthering our work together.
But inadequate space has become a hurdle
that we must overcome. By redesigning
our sanctuary, our space can become an
extraordinary tool for this extraordinary
congregation.
With some small modifications to our
sanctuary, we will be taking on the challenges
that nearly every synagogue faces. As we
have inspired many congregations in the
way that we have transformed the culture
of our congregation in the past six years, we
need to continue modeling how to tackle the
challenges of the 21st century. Colleagues
around the country call and ask how we
have a daily minyan that functions so well.
How did we implement Just Show Up? They
wonder how a shul our size sustains so
many different programs and educational
offerings? When they see our plans to
modify the sanctuary, while maintaining its
magnificence, they will be inspired. We are
being deliberate and mindful of our space as
we look toward a future.
I do dream that our congregation will be
identified as one of the leading synagogues in
the country. We are modeling how to grapple
with challenging times, while maintaining
our commitment to engaging our members
and touching their lives.
19
Temple Beth El
979 Dickinson Street
Springfield, MA 01108
Office Hours Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Friday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
OFFICERS
STAFF
Dr. Paul Farkas, President
Maxine Bernstein, Vice President
Susan Firestone, Vice President
Dan Plotkin, Vice President
David Ratner, Vice President
Rick Ratner, Treasurer
Jeremy Powers, Financial Secretary
Rhonda Goldberg, Recording Secretary
Stuart Anfang, Immediate Past President
Rhoda Peskin, Executive Director
[email protected]
Caryn Resnick, Educational Director
[email protected]
Lisa Laudato, Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Alexandra Espinal, Comptroller
[email protected]
Marie Sampson, Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Debbie Peskin, Communications Coordinator
[email protected]
Nora Gorenstein, USY Advisor
[email protected]
Liz Marinelli, Librarian
[email protected]
CLERGY
Amy Wallk Katz, PhD, Rabbi
[email protected]
Elise Barber, Cantor
[email protected]
Reverend David Aminia, Ritual Director
[email protected]
Herbert Schwartz, Rabbi Emeritus
Morton Shames, Cantor Emeritus
[email protected]
MAJOR EVENT – BLUE
BAR/BAT MITZVAH –GREEN
NOVEMBER 2014
1 Shabbat Lekh-L’kha
Bar Mitzvah William Hurwitz
Havdalah 6:26 pm
2 Cuppa Joe 9:00 am
3 SKLC Classes 3:00 pm
5 Lunch & Learn 12:00 pm
SKLC Classes 3:00 pm
6B’Yahad 6:30 pm
7 Candle Lighting 4:18 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 pm
USY Regional Event
8 Shabbat Va-yera
Havdalah 5:18 pm
USY Regional Event
9 Cuppa Joe 9:00 am
USY Regional Event
Guest Author Lee Kravitz
13B’Yahad 6:30 pm
Musical Kabbalat
Shabbat 6:00 pm
15Shabbat Hayyei Sarah
Bat Mitzvah Gillian Weissman
Havdalah 5:11 pm
20
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
US POSTAGE
PAID
SPRINGFIELD, MA
PERMIT NO. 327
(413) 733-4149 • (413) 739-3415 Fax • [email protected] • TBESpringfield.org
Our religious school students
enjoying learning the weekly parsha
through God Cast, our new Torah
curriculum. We are bringing modern
technology into the school to make
learning relevant to our students.
16
17
19
Cuppa Joe 9:00 am
Lunch & Learn 12:00 pm
Board of Trustees
Meeting 7:00 pm
20 B’Yahad 6:30 pm
22 Shabbat Tol’dot
Family Shabbaton
Kiddush Lunch in honor
of Cantor Shames
Havdalah 5:05 pm
23 Cuppa Joe 9:00 am
Sanctuary Parlor
Meeting 10:30 am
27 Thanksgiving - Office Closed
28 Office Closed
Candle Lighting 4:02 pm
29 Shabbat Va-yetzei
Havdalah 5:02 pm
DECEMBER 2014
1
3
Lunch & Learn 12:00 pm
Sanctuary Parlor Meeting
7:00 pm
4B’Yahad 6:30 pm
6 Shabbat Va-yishlah
Havdalah 5:00 pm
Adult Hanukkah Party 7:00 pm
7 Cuppa Joe 9:00 am
Sanctuary Parlor Meeting
7:00 pm
11B’Yahad 6:30 pm
Musical Kabbalat
Shabbat 6:00 pm
13 Shabbat Va-yeishev
Bar Mitzvah Zachary Kornblum
Havdalah 5:00 pm
SKLC Hanukkah Program
18B’Yahad 6:30 pm
20 Shabbat Mi-ketz
Havdalah 5:02 pm
25 Office Closed
27 Shabbat Va-yiggash
Havdalah 5:06 pm

tbe tekiah november 2014

Transcription

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