1202 February 12 Scroll vWEB

Scroll
Congregation Beth El
February 2012 • Shevat–Adar 5772
Vol. 61 No. 6
From the Clergy
Theme
Conservative
Judaism • 1, 10-12
From the Clergy • 1
Latke Hamantasch
Debate • 5
Adult Bnai Mitzvah
Class • 6
CE21 Age & Stage • 6
Youth • 7
Upper School
Program • 7
Megillah Madness • 8
Library Corner • 9
Beth El Softball • 13
CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM:
By Hazzan Matthew Klein
A History
For 2,000 years in the Diaspora, the Jewish
people took care of themselves. Living in
their own communities, by their own laws,
they interacted modestly with the outside
world. But in the 18th and 19th centuries,
Jews achieved emancipation and were
finally granted citizenship and (mostly) full
integration into the rest of society. So too,
Jews were exposed to the full breadth of
philosophical and scientific thought of the
Enlightenment.
But with this freedom there came big
questions. How would their communities
hold together with so much freedom?
How would they view their faith in the
And Other Questions…
Departments
Every four years Americans are inundated
with public opinion polls assessing their
preferences in the presidential race. In the
midst of the nation’s quadrennial survey
tsunami, we took the opportunity to poll
Beth El congregants about Conservative
Judaism and how they became members
of our synagogue.
The poll was conducted online over
a three-week period ending on January
5, and 141 individuals participated. Sid
Groeneman, a survey development consultant, helped us tabulate and analyze the
results.
The results provide a fascinating snapshot of our membership and include some
surprises. Although we tend to hear about
the decline in Jewish religious affiliation and
Men’s Club • 4
Contributions • 17
Bulletin Board • 20
The Scroll is a recipient
of three Solomon Schechter Gold Awards from
the United Synagogue of
Conservative Judaism.
Early Reform Coalition
The first response to these questions
was the Reform movement, which
began in Germany in the early 19th
century. The early Reformers focused
on ethical monotheism as the essential
truth of Judaism and reshaped many
aspects of the Jewish practice to accord
with Enlightenment thought. This often
continued on page 12
Why Did You Join Beth El?
Book Reviews 4U • 14-15
Sisterhood • 3
light of reason? Would they remain a
people, or simply be subsumed as citizens
“of the Mosaic persuasion”?
These are the questions of Jews then
and are still our questions today.
By Jerry Sorkin
observance, 81 percent of survey respondents
say they are as observant as or more observant
than their parents. And 55 percent say that in
striking the balance between traditional Jewish observance and adaptability to modern
culture, traditional rituals should be primary
or unchangeable.
“Location, location, location” is a
phrase that seems to apply to both purchasing a home and selecting a synagogue.
Some 59 percent of respondents said that
location was one of the reasons that they
joined Beth El. The services (45 percent)
and our “warm and welcoming” community (44 percent) were the second and
third most common reasons.
Survey responses can be found on
pages 10 and 11. n
Scroll
8215 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20814-1451
Phone 301-652-2606 Fax 301-907-8559
Webwww.bethelmc.org
Affiliated with United Synagogue
of Conservative Judaism
Rabbi
William D. Rudolph [email protected]
Associate Rabbi
Gregory Harris [email protected]
Rabbi Emeritus
Samuel Scolnic
Hazzan
Matthew Klein [email protected]
Hazzan Emeritus
Abraham Lubin [email protected]
Executive Director
Sheila H. Bellack [email protected]
Education Director
Louis A. Nagel [email protected]
Family Education Director/
Assistant Education Director
Elisha Frumkin [email protected]
Director of Community Engagement
Geryl Baer [email protected]
Preschool Director
Elaine Auerbach [email protected]
Youth Director
Adam Zeren [email protected]
President
Dale Rosenthal
Executive Vice President
David Mills
Communications and Tikkun Olam
Vice President
Jerome Sorkin
Education and Lifelong Learning
Vice President
Amy Kaufman Goott
Worship and Spirituality Vice President
Mitchell Solkowitz
Administrative Vice President
Larisa Avner Trainor
Community Vice President
Carolyn Weinberg
Development and Finance Vice President
Bradley Wine
Treasurer
Robert Rubin
Secretary
Sharon Zissman
Scroll Committee
Janet Meyers, Chair, Sharon Apfel, Judy Futterman, Davida Kales, Marci Kanstoroom, Judy
Liberson, Helen Popper, Kim Redlich, Marsha
Rehns, Jerry Sorkin, and Rosalie Sporn. 4U editors: Jennifer Katz and Jan Maxwell
Scroll Design and Layout
Adina Moses [email protected]
2
Scroll, USPS Number 009813, is published monthly by Congregation
Beth El of Montgomery County, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda,
MD 20814. Periodical postage rate paid at Bethesda, Maryland and
additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Scroll, 8215 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Congregational
Tu b’Shevat-Shabbat
Dinner
Sponsored by Minyan Chaverim
Friday, February 10
Services at 6:30 pm
Dinner at 7:15 pm
Please join Minyan Chaverim with a traditional
Kabbalat Shabbat service followed by dinner to
celebrate Tu b’Shevat and Shabbat. We hope you will
join our vibrant minyan for this festive evening.
Return this form to the synagogue office (attention
Hattie Goodman) with your check payable to
Congregation Beth El by February 7
Adult Name(s) _____________________________________
Please list children’s/teens' names and ages __________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Phone ___________________________________________________
Email Address _________________________________
Number of Member Adults/Teens _____ @ $22.00/personAmount $________
Number of Non-Member Adults/Teens _____ @ $27.00/personAmount $________
Number of children (6-12)
_____ @ $10.00/personAmount $________
Number of children (2-6)
_____ @ $5.00/personAmount $________
(No charge for children under two)
Number of vegetarian entrees required _____
Total Amount $________
*Allergies: ________________________________________________
Please try to seat us with the following family: ___________________
__________________________________________________________
Sisterhood
Sisterhood/Zhava Upcoming
Sunday, February 5, 9:30 am Social Action: Basic CPR
training, open to all.
Mezuzah Workshop
Just in time for Hanukkah gift giving, 15 women
took glue and pieces of glass to make one-of-akind fused-glass mezuzot. Sisterhood will sponsor
another fused-glass workshop next year.
Interreligious
Learning Institute
Third Annual
Wednesday, February 8, 7:30 pm Tu b’Shevat Seder
with Gail Fribush. RSVP to sisterhoodevent @
bethelmc.org. $5 admission payable at the door.
Women only.
Thursday, February 23, 7:30 pm Education: Rosh
Chodesh Study Session with Marilyn Fine. Women only.
Wednesday, February 29, 7:30 pm Samplers and Socials:
Beading Workshop, $25 materials fee payable at the door.
RSVP by February 22 to [email protected]
Friday, March 2, 9:30 am Challah-Baking Workshop
with Janice Liebowitz to coincide with Shabbat Across
America, open to all. Please RSVP by February 25 to
[email protected]
Tuesday, March 6, 9:30 am Hamantaschen-Baking
Social Action project with Janice Liebowitz. Make
hamantaschen for mishloach manot gifts for Hebrew
Home residents. Limited to 10 participants. Please
RSVP by February 29 to sisterhoodevent@bethelmc.
org
Friday, March 9, 6:30 pm, Shabbat Service and Zhava
Family Shabbat Dinner
The Scholars
Sunday, February 26, 10:15 am – 2:00 pm
“Peace and Violence: Perspectives
from the Sacred Texts of Jews,
Christians, and Muslims” Please join Rabbi William Rudolph and Rabbi Gregory
Harris as they host this panel of distinguished scholars
whose presentations at the Second Institute were enthusiastically received.
New this year: The morning plenary discussion and refreshments will be followed by explorations of individual texts in
a second plenary session in the afternoon.
Professor Mehdi
Aminrazavi is professor of philosophy
and religion and director of the Middle
Eastern Studies
program at the
University of Mary
Washington, Fredericksburg,Va.
Dr. Rosann M.
Catalano is associate
director of the Institute for Christian
and Jewish Studies in
Baltimore as well as
its Roman Catholic
Scholar. Professor Robert
Eisen is professor
of religious studies at the George
Washington University.
Admission is free. A light lunch will be served.
Make your reservation at [email protected].
3
Men’s Club
Beth El Men’s Club presents
the 2012
Purim Carnival
Sunday, March 4
Noon to 3:00 pm
Games, fun, prizes, and food!
Steve Frank explains the differences among craft beers as
men sample the offerings at a Men’s Club class.
Photo by Mitchell Solkowitz
Upcoming Men’s Club Events
Thursday, February 2, 8:30 pm Hearing Men’s Voices.
Hazzan Matt Klein and Ben Bronheim will lead a
discussion on “Shabbat Shirah: the liturgical melodies
that move us.”
Sunday, February 5, 8:45-11:00 am World Wide Wrap,
minyan, breakfast, and program
Sunday, February 12, 10:00 am Program TBD
Sunday, February 19, 10:00 am Board Meeting
Sunday, February 26, 10:00 am Program TBD
Sunday, February 26, 7:30 pm Wine Tasting
Tickets:
3/$1 in advance
2/$1 at the door
Buy tickets on Sundays
at Religious School drop-off.
Wine Class and Tasting
Expert lecturer – Beth El’s own
Bob Luskin
Sunday, February 26, 7:00 pm
World Wide Wrap XII
Sunday, February 5
Please join Beth El Men’s Club
members and fellow congregants
for this very special day to highlight the mitzvah of laying tefillin.
Services start at 9:00 am with
breakfast at 9:30 am, and a special program at 10:00 am.
Assistance will be available at 8:45 am for those who
would like to lay tefillin but need help. Extra tefillin
will be available for those who need them.
In an article in the January Scroll about Blue Yarmulke
winner Howard Feibus, the full sentence about his family
should read: Their other son, Michael, lives in Scottsdale,
Ariz., and his son, Beau, attends the University of Southern
California, Los Angeles. The Scroll regrets the omission.
4
Fine World-Wide Wines
from Dry to Sweet
at Congregation Beth El
$18 per person, includes lecture,
Kosher wine tasting and nosherai, and a
discussion of wines and party planning.
In addition, you can order gourmet
Kosher wines for Pesach and other
occasions
Must deliver to Beth El
c/o Men’s Club by February 10:
Register us for the wine tasting.
Enclosed is a check for $_____ for ____ people.
Name(s): _______________________________
Telephone number: _____________________
Fourth Annual Latke v. Hamantasch
Debate
By Linda Orenstein
A trumpet sounded and the gowned
scholars strode in to the hearty applause of
expectant onlookers. The faithful debate
aficionados who filled the room sang
anthems and listened carefully to the words
of Rabbi Rudolph, who urged participants
to “take the high road” and refrain from
bashing the opposition in this fourth annual
Latke versus Hamantasch Debate.
An unspoken question hung in the air at
the December 18 event. Would the debaters
be as inventive and imaginative as they had
been last year? The speakers would provide
the answer. Let the debate begin!
David Goodfriend
Hamantasch Never Boring
The first debater, promoting the well-loved
hamantasch, was David Goodfriend, lawyer,
lobbyist, triathlete. He dramatically boomed
out, “Who are we, we American Jews of
Bethesda, Maryland, 2011? According
to Goodfriend, the hamantasch is real
Judaism, the real Jewish essence, and the
latke is an impostor. Goodfriend stirred
the audience with his rhetoric, intoning,
“Hanukkah is not that important – let’s
admit it – we can say it – we have Santa
envy!” He stated, “The hamantasch can be
eaten alone without other things to prop it
up, like sour cream, applesauce, or American
commercialization. The hamantasch, a
dessert, comes in a variety of flavors, and
therefore we never get bored.”
Goodfriend launched into the politics of
hamantaschenistas, calling them “politically
progressive, occupiers, hippies, and not
buttoned down.” He continued, “The
latkes are Republican, dependent on oil.”
He advocated shedding our addiction to
oil. Rabbi Rudolph interjected, “Political
expressions do not represent the views of
the clergy.”
Evan Krame
songs were written by Jews. Jewish
songwriters’ melodies, such as “Silver
Bells,” “White Christmas,” “Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “Santa Baby,”
have delighted listeners for years. Krame
said, “Christians need to be encouraged
to write Hanukkah songs. They need to
eat latkes to be inspired.” Krame suggested
they could produce songs such as “Have
Yourself a Tasty Little Latke.” Krame and
his backup singers, David Abramowitz,
Rebecca Gross, and Henry Kahn, sang
an ode to the latke to the tune of “White
Christmas.”
Krame stated there are no songs
about hamantaschen. He and his chorus
presented an original Jewish version
of “The Night Before Christmas.” He
characterized the latke as the “Jewish food
of choice,” and the “muse of poetry and
song.”
Magical Hamantasch
The husband-and-wife team of Deborah
and Alan Pollack promoted the cause of
the hamantasch. Alan, a pulmonologist,
Debbie Pollack
followed a historical line of thinking
beginning with King George III and
the tea tax. “Jews fought persecution
and injustice in this country,” he stated
forcefully. The hamantasch needs sugar.
George III instituted the sugar tax to prop
up the latke. He called the latke “brown,
flat, and pedestrian.” The Jewish people
have thrived and suffered and are unique
Alan Pollack
like the hamantasch, he noted. “There
are no other three-pointed, fruit-filled
pastries,” Pollack reflected. Pollack also
noted that the number three is magical and
represents a pattern.
Debbie Pollack, a psychiatrist, lauded the
medical merits of the hamantasch over the
Latke Inspiration
latke. She maintained the latke is “pointless
The next debater, representing the latke,
in shape and nutritional value,” and the
Erika Dickstein
Photos
by
Lee
Shekter
was Evan Krame, an attorney currently
“unsuspecting Jew ingests too many calories
studying for the rabbinate. He is also a chef and historian of
and too much fat.” Pollack compared the “unnecessary
Jewish trivia. Krame pointed out many popular Christmas
latke” to the Republican slate – it is the lesser of two evils.
continued on page 16
5
Age & Stage
Programs Kickoff
CE21 Age & Stage:
By Geryl Baer
Help launch CE21’s newest program, “Age & Stage: Jewish
Lessons for Modern Life,” on Sunday, February 5, at 1:00
pm. The program will feature renowned author Judith Viorst.
Refreshments will be served, so please RSVP to Geryl Baer
at [email protected] or 301-652-8569, ext. 352. The event is free and open to the entire community,
although the talk is geared to empty nesters. Age & Stage is a
CE21 model designed to create programs that will appeal to
those who may share similar family and personal concerns. Immediately following the talk, we are inviting empty
nesters to stay for a short meeting to discuss future
programming for the summer and beyond for Age & Stage:
Jewish Lessons for Modern Life. Two additional empty-nester Age & Stage workshops
have been planned so far. The first workshop, “Transitions
in Parenting,” will be held on Thursdays, March 1 and
15, at 7:30 pm. Juliet Wolff, JSSA social worker, will lead
the discussions about parents’ relationships with their
adult children. The second workshop is titled “Difficult
Conversations” and will be led by Elinor Ginzler, from
Jewish Council on Aging. Those sessions will take place
on Thursdays, May 3 and 17, at 7:30 pm, and will focus on
issues with aging parents. n
Jewish Lessons for Modern Life
Featuring
Judith Viorst
February 5, 1:00 pm
Judith Viorst is an author of many books
for adults and children including:
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No
Good, Very Bad Day
People and Other Aggravations
Yes, Married: A Saga of Love and
Complaint
Forever 50 & Other Negotiations
Suddenly 60 & Other Shocks of Later Life
Adult Bnai Mitzvah Graduation Ceremony
Join the congregation February 18, as we mark the
graduation of our latest class of adult bnai mitzvah students.
These students have been engaged in an 18-month learning
and community-building program. Working with Rabbi
Rudolph this time (he and Rabbi Harris alternate), 20
students ranging in age from their 30s to their 70s have
learned about the key elements of Jewish belief and practice.
Their teachers have included our three rabbis, plus
Rabbis Avis Miller, David Rose, and Barry Freundel, plus
Cantors Abe Lubin and Matthew Klein, as well as Anton
Sondra Brody
Hilda Getz
Tassie Hannah
Linda Herman
Stephanie Kahal
Bernadette Kiel
6
Goodman, the Israel shaliach. A number of class members
have also learned Torah and Haftarah trope. They and their
peers will conduct much of the sanctuary service, and offer
divrei Torah and class addresses on Shabbat Shekalim. Over
the last 20 years, few Shabbatot have been as consistently
inspiring as these, in which the power of the human spirit
to learn new skills is on parade.
Participants in this year’s ceremony are listed below.
Others were focused on the study and will not be taking
parts in the graduation. n
Glenda Koby
Lisa Lerner
Reina Lerner
Rita Liebowitz
Diane Maisel
Miriam Nickerson
Boris Rekhtman
Rahel Rosner
Sharona Sapoznikow
Connie Stromberg
Emily Vartanian
Youth Activities
USYers Elect Ryan Sherman to
International Board
By Adam Zeren
Ryan Sherman was elected as the International USY Vice
President for Israel Affairs by the hundreds of teen delegates
to the International USY Convention in December. This is
a huge honor for Ryan and for Beth El.
In this position, Ryan will be responsible for keeping
thousands of Conservative Jewish teens across North America
informed on news and events involving Israel. He will work
with USY Israel Affairs vice presidents from all of the USY
regions to ensure they are planning activities that further
teens’ connections to Israel. And he will plan Israel-themed
programs at the 2012 USY International Convention.
Inspired by Israel Trip
A junior at Walt Whitman High School, Ryan is a teen who
is truly inspired by his Judaism and love for Israel. Two years
ago, Ryan took a five-week summer USY trip to Israel.
Last year he held the position of vice president for
Israel Affairs for our USY
chapter and currently holds
that office for the Seaboard
Region. Ryan has been incredibly focused on integrating Israel-themed programs into
our chapter’s activities.
Ryan’s passion for Israel moved him to run for the position at the international level. His interest in the country is
so high that he wants every teen to feel the same commitment to our homeland.
Yasher koach to Ryan on his election to the International USY Board. We know that he will make Beth El USY
and the whole congregation proud. n
Upper School
Comparative Religions Exchanges
By Elisha Frumkin
One highlight of the Beth El Religious School experience
is the Upper School’s eighth-grade core course on
comparative religions which teaches students about
Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. Our students
explore these religions through group work, class discussions,
field trips, speakers, and films. The class visits two churches
– one Catholic and one Presbyterian – as well as a mosque,
and, new this year, a Hindu temple.
Over the past few years, Beth El Upper School has
partnered with AFS/YES High School Exchange students,
who visit Beth El and teach a class about their religious
identities and guide Beth El students through a tour of their
mosques and temples. Through these experiences, students
gain a better understanding of Judaism and their Jewish
identity, learning both about themselves as well as the people
they meet.
Jody Axinn, a volunteer with AFS/YES and a Beth El
congregant, helps coordinate our partnership with AFS/
YES. AFS’s Youth Exchange and Study program provides
partnerships with students from countries with significant
Muslim populations. More information about AFS/YES
Intercultural Programs can be found at www.afsusa.org.
Hindi students explain their religion to Beth El class.
Photo by Jody Axinn
As David Whyman, an eighth-grade student said in a
recent Washington Post article, “We’re all living in the world
together, so we need to know what they are, so we don’t
judge them and so we can all get along.”
continued on page 8
7
Comparative Religions Exchange
A Student Perspective
By Benjamin Katz
continued from page 7
the common misconceptions, Judaism
and Islam have similarities. We both
believe in one God, both religions
promote modesty when entering the
house of worship, and both follow one
Beth El Day Schools Committee
book of teachings (Torah and Koran).
+
I look forward to reciprocating the
As part of our comparative religions
course in the Upper School at Beth El,
the eighth graders went to the Islamic
Center mosque in Washington, D.C.
When entering the mosque, the
Jewish Foundation for Group Homes
girls covered their
heads with scarves as
w w
w w
a sign of respect. All
boys and girls had
to wear long sleeves
and long pants. Boys
and girls split into
separate groups led
Sunday, March 4
by Muslim exchange
students. We were
5:30—7:30 pm
taught how to cleanse
Beth El Social Hall
ourselves, “wudu,”
$25 per family includes pizza, drin
before praying.
Please send your name and number atten
Upon entering
Muslim students answer questions from Beth El
with check payable to Beth El, by Monday
the sanctuary, we
eighth-graders. Photo by Jody Axinn.
Stacey Topol, 5926 Anniston Road, Bethes
removed our shoes. I
$25 per family includes pizza,
hospitality and teaching the exchange
drinks, and snacks
was then blinded by the colorful and
students
about
Judaism
when
they
visit
intricate architecture and design. Next,
Please send your name and number
7th -12th graders can earn Community
Other dona
attending, along with check payable to
Beth El later this year.
Muslim students recited prayers and
Service Hours by helping and having fun
hats, strea
Beth El, by Monday, February 27 to:
Benjamin is an eighth grade student at at the Purim
read English translations.
Party!
sunglasses
Stacey Topol, Bethesda, MD 20817.
appreciate
Beth El. AFS/YES students are scheduled
Overall, I felt it was very powerful
Become a Sponsor of the Purim Party
to learn about another religion. Unlike to come to Beth El for Purim. n
All donations will be used to purchase food and
Purim Par
entertainment for our guests.
Sponsorship Levels:
ANYTHING GOES
: IN SHUSHAN :
A COLE PORTER PURIM
(Donations are tax deductible and will be listed in our program)
w Jester $18
w Mordechai $72
w Haman $36
w Queen Esther $100+
w King Achashverosh $54
Please make checks payable to Beth El and send to:
Stacey Topol, 5926 Anniston Road, Bethesda, MD 20817
Wednesday evening, March 7, 7:30 pm
Megillah Madness is a musical extravaganza and a great way to celebrate Purim! It combines the
reading of selected verses of the Megillah with musical parodies, all written and performed by
members of Beth El. A brand-new production – “Anything Goes in Shushan: A Cole Porter Purim” – is
slated for this year, and it will prove to be fun for all ages, so don’t miss it.
Please note: A traditional reading of the Megillah will also take place on Wednesday evening,
March 7, at 8:15 pm, following the 8:00 pm Ma’ariv service.
8
The Jewish Fou
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Library Corner
Masada: The Novel
By Robin Jacobson
Bestselling author Alice Hoffman says that the inspiration
for her latest novel, The Dovekeepers, came to her suddenly,
surprisingly, and irresistibly on her first visit to Masada.
Standing atop the mountain fortress, where in 73 CE nearly
1,000 Jews committed mass suicide rather than become
prisoners of Rome, Hoffman had an eerie sensation that
untold stories from this lost community still lingered in the
air. Returning home, she dove into the historical works
of Flavius Josephus (37 CE – c. 100 CE), a Jewish general
regarded both with disdain (he defected to Rome) and
gratitude (he wrote the only detailed contemporaneous
account of Masada). Learning from Josephus that a few
Masada women and children survived the bloodbath by
hiding in a water cistern, Hoffman began to imagine and
write these survivors’ stories. Critical reviews of Dovekeepers
have been mixed (great research, but somewhat portentous
writing); nonetheless, fans of historical fiction at Beth El
have loved it.
The Jewish Revolt
Dovekeepers takes place during the Jews’ Great Revolt against
Rome, ruler of Judea and master of the ancient world. In 66
CE, Jewish anger at Roman looting of the Temple treasury,
following other Roman offenses, erupted into violence.
The revolt, led by bands of Jewish freedom fighters, had
little chance of success even before violent in-fighting
among Jews doomed the cause. One Jewish rebel faction,
the Sicarii (“dagger-men”), was notorious for stealthily
knifing Jews suspected of being Roman sympathizers.
According to rabbinic legend, even the great scholar-hero,
Yochanan ben Zakkai, who saved Judaism by establishing
a center for Jewish learning in Yavneh, had to sneak out
of Jerusalem hidden in a coffin to avoid being killed by
Jewish revolutionaries. Finally, in the summer of 70 CE, the
Romans brutally sacked Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple.
South of Jerusalem, however, Masada remained
unconquered. This seemingly impregnable fortress
encompassed massive defense walls, an armory, storehouses
of food, and a sophisticated water system. After Jerusalem
fell, surviving Jewish warriors and their families crossed
the desert to join the Jewish forces already at Masada
(this dangerous trek forms part of Dovekeepers’ storyline).
Three years later, the Romans, determined to stamp out
the last vestiges of Jewish resistance, stormed Masada after
a several-month siege. With
defeat imminent, Masada’s
commander, Eleazar ben Yair,
called on the defenders to
take their own lives rather
than be captured by the
Romans.
Women of Masada
In Dovekeepers, four women
who live at Masada sequentially narrate their stories: Yael, the
daughter of a Sicarii assassin who irrationally blames Yael for
his wife’s death in childbirth; Revka, who is raising two small
grandsons so traumatized by the Romans’ murder of their
mother that they no longer speak; Shira, a medicine woman
with a mysterious past that compelled her to come to Masada;
and Shira’s daughter, Aziza, who disguises herself as a male
warrior to take her brother’s place in battle.These four women
are drawn together by their common work assignment in
the Masada dovecotes.Tirelessly, they tend thousands of birds,
gathering the doves’ droppings to use as essential fertilizer in the
community’s vegetable gardens and fields.
History tells little of the story of Masada before the
devastating ending. Like a biblical midrash, Dovekeepers fills
in the white space around the tragic tale with characters,
events, and emotion. Hoffman compellingly invites readers
to imagine the hopes and fears of those long-ago Jews who
sought refuge atop a desert mountain. Those Jews never
realized they would be setting an example of courage and
defiance that would echo down the centuries. n
Beth El Book Club Upcoming Discussions
Sunday, March 18, 11 am–noon
Comedy in a Minor Key by Hans
Keilson. This World War II novella
was dubbed “a masterpiece” by the
New York Times in 2010.
Sunday, May 20, 11 am –noon
The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman.
Copies of these books are available
in our library, public libraries, and
through online and local booksellers. For
more information, contact [email protected].
9
Defining a Conservative Religious School
By Louis Nagel
Occasionally, I hear that there isn’t much of a difference
between what is taught in a Conservative synagogue
religious school and the curriculum of a Reform or other
non-Orthodox congregation’s program. Indeed, across the
spectrum many of us use materials from the same publishers.
Most of my colleagues would tell you that our goals are to
make Jewish traditions, rituals, ethics, and values relevant and
meaningful to their students today while preparing them
for their engagement with Jewish community in the future.
I believe, nonetheless, that our program varies significantly
from the other denominations; these variations go beyond
the subject headings on grade-by-grade units or the titles of
textbooks.
Beth El’s Religious School program has three areas
that define it as uniquely Conservative. In our third-tosixth grade tefillah-Hebrew program, students develop the
repertoire to meaningfully participate in services based on
Siddur Sim Shalom. Most significantly, they learn an Amidah
that refers to our Patriarchs and Matriarchs and calls for
the rebuilding of Jerusalem and messianic deliverance.
They also learn an Aleinu that alludes to us as God’s chosen
people. In the classroom we explore those difficult ideas.
The environment of our school supports being a regular
participant in a Conservative minyan.
Brooklyn Shabbaton Immersion
Our sixth-grade Brooklyn Shabbaton thoroughly immerses
our children in an Orthodox Jewish community and host
homes that fastidiously observe Shabbat. Many of our
students confront the gap between their own experience of
Congregation Survey Results
From page 1. The following are the tallies of how members answered several survey quest
What was your religious affilia1on while growing up? No religious affilia5on 0.70% Reconstruc5onist 0.70% Not Jewish/other religion Jewish but not affiliated with a congrega5on Orthodox Reform this holy day and a more traditional celebration, one that in
many ways is consistent with the principles of Conservative
Judaism. It is a transformative experience, putting in
perspective the Judaism they observe with an alternative
possibility.
The seventh-grade Comparative Judaism class is one
of our more remarkable and unique projects. Over the
course of the year, students explore the fundamentals of
Judaism’s approaches to tefillah, mitzvot, God, and Torah.
They view the various streams of Judaism through the
lens of Comparative Judaism. The classes attend services at
Reform, Orthodox, and Reconstructionist synagogues and
engage in conversation with those synagogues’ rabbis. This
course serves to put our movement into perspective and
consistently affirms for our students their families’ and their
decision to affiliate with our congregation.
There are many other examples to which I could call
attention, including the regularly scheduled interactions
of students with clergy, our standards for bnai mitzvah
celebrations, and the expectations for our students in the
run-up to tenth-grade Confirmation. Above all is the
context in which our school exists – a congregation where
mitzvot are a part of the language, Torah is at the root of
our learning, kashrut is meaningful, and the rhythm of the
Jewish calendar guides us joyfully through the year regardless
of how convenient it is relative to the Gregorian or the
Montgomery County Public Schools calendar. Perhaps this
is fundamental to our identities – somewhat in sync with
the greater society, but slightly out of step. n
Why did you decide to join a Conserva3ve syn
another branch of Judaism? (Ple
How does your current level of observance (e.g. service a7endance, kashrut) compare to your parents' level of observance? I am less observant than my parents. Many or most of my Jewish friends are members of a Conserva<ve synagogue. 18.80% A Conserva<ve synagogue was the most conveniently located for me/my family. 3.60% 7.20% About the same level of observance as my parents 15.10% I wanted my children to have a Conserva<ve Jewish educa<on. 34.10% 19.40% It’s what I grew up with. Conserva5ve 53.20% I am more observant than my parents. 0.00% 0.00% 10
47.10% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% I liked the mix of tradi<onal and modern observance. 0.00% Conservative
Judaism
Jerry Herman Tackles National Conservative Issues
By Janet Meyers
“Beth El is a light unto other synagogues,” says congregant Jerry Herman. Jerry should know. Since last
June, when he became chief operating
officer of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) in New York,
he has become well acquainted with
the national state of the Conservative
movement. From this vantage point he
is tackling many of the critical issues
Conservative Judaism and its synagogues face today.
Last year United Synagogue, the
umbrella organization for Conservative synagogues (or kehillot, meaning
sacred communities, as USCJ terms
them), reorganized its staff in an effort
to launch new and revitalized programs
and services for member synagogues.
Jerry, a longtime Beth El member who
most recently served on the Board as
vice president for communications
and tikkun olam, was recruited to become United Synagogue’s first COO.
Jerry is a lawyer and business executive
who has worked for public and private
companies, mainly in the hospitality
industry.
Beth El an Exception
“Beth El is an exception to the rule,”
says Jerry. “With its havurot, minyanim,
and other programs, it’s one of the very
top tier congregations. With its increases in membership, it’s bucking the
trends in the Conservative movement.”
The average Conservative synagogue today has about 300 members,
says Jerry. Conservative synagogues
have seen their membership decrease
by 14 percent in the last decade. Larg-
er synagogues, with more than 750
members, have experienced an even
bigger dip, a 35 percent decline. Still,
with 650 synagogues, the Conservative
movement is very close (after Reform)
to being the largest branch, says Jerry.
One of USCJ’s biggest challenges,
Jerry notes, is that many younger Jews
“don’t believe they need to belong
to a synagogue to be properly affiliated with the Conservative movement.
Younger adults say that for their identity as Jews, belonging to a synagogue
is nowhere near as important as it used
to be.”
These younger Jews can find their
Judaism in many ways outside the synagogue, Jerry explains. “The Sixth and I
Synagogue (in downtown Washington) is
a good example of that.” Jews can attend
minyanim for services and take advantage
of programming at a variety of sites without belonging to a synagogue. So they
question whether synagogue dues are
worth the expense.
continued on page 16
tions. More survey results can be found on the Scroll section of the Beth El Web site.
nagogue rather than one affiliated with ease choose all that apply.) Conserva)ve Judaism seeks to combine tradi)onal Jewish observance and adaptability to modern culture and circumstances. Which one of the statements below best describes your ideal balance between the two? (Mark one answer.) Why did you join Beth El specifically? (Select/record up to 3 answers.) I wanted my children to aAend the Preschool. 18.10% I liked the acFviFes available at Beth El 18.10% 18.60% All rituals should be changed to reflect modern culture and circumstances. 5.70% I wanted my children to aAend the Religious School. 32.60% Some tradi2ons should remain unchanged, but most can be changed to reflect modern culture and circumstances. 41.90% I liked the clergy. Tradi2on should be primary, but there can be some change to rituals to reflect modern culture and circumstances. 43.40% 65.90% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 70.00% Tradi2onal rituals should not be changed to reflect modern culture and circumstances. I had friends or family who already belonged to Beth El. 39.70% 49.60% I found Beth El to be parFcularly warm and welcoming. I liked the services that I aAended. 29.70% 35.50% 38.40% 43.50% 44.90% 5.00% 0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% Beth El was conveniently located. 59.40% 0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 70.00% 11
FROM THE CLERGY continued from page 1
included a rejection of kashrut, the Hebrew language, and
much of the liturgy. The Reformers generally re-created the
character of worship in the image of 19th century German
Protestantism (complete with choir, organ, and hymn
singing). Early Reform was, however, diverse, containing a
coalition of liberal, center, and conservative thinkers who
argued over many of these innovations. To build consensus,
the rabbis convened conferences in Frankfurt in 1845 and in
Breslau in 1846. It was there that the intellectual foundations
of Conservative Judaism were born. Though attracted by the promise of modern and
“enlightened” Judaism, many traditionalists of the Reform
coalition found the arguments and practices of their liberal
counterparts unsatisfying. The scholar Zecharias Frankel
(1801-1875) objected to the ease with which some
Reformers had jettisoned thousands of years of tradition,
and he abruptly left the 1845 Frankfurt conference over the
rejection of Hebrew as the language of prayer.
Historical School
Frankel and his fellow thinkers on the right of Reform became known as the “Historical School.” These scholars were
conservative in outlook, valuing the weight and wisdom of
continuous laws and traditions throughout Jewish history.Yet
they also discovered that Judaism had changed in every generation, adjusting aspects of its forms to meet contemporary
needs. Balancing these complementary and yet contradictory
ideas, they turned toward Jewish history as a guide for both
continuity and change in the modern expressions of Judaism.
The Historical School also objected to the radical
reshaping of Judaism by a small cohort of rabbis and
intellectuals, in part because these changes broke too
sharply with the broader Jewish community’s wishes. The
principle underlying this was the Historical School’s idea of
the community as authority—an idea that would come to
define Conservative Jewish thought. The future movement
would embrace changes in Judaism, but only judiciously and
according to the collective conscience of the people.
Conservative Emergence in America
Conservative Judaism’s real emergence as a movement
did not happen in Germany, however, but in America,
where scholars influenced by the Historical School and its
teachings founded the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS)
in 1887. At the turn of the 20th century, the majority of
American Jewish immigrants were traditional, Eastern
European Jews who clashed with the well-ensconced,
upper-class German Jews who filled the pews of Reform
synagogues. These “conservatives” had not only intellectual
reservations about Reform but also strong emotional ties to
the Judaism of their parents. These Jews demanded a Judaism
that was traditional, but also modern.
In the early 20th century, the religious philosophy
of Conservative thinkers blossomed, and the name
“Conservative” came to define the movement, its rabbis,
and its followers. By the time of the founding of the United
Synagogue in 1913, a strong congregational movement of
the Jewish center had formed, and it was “Conservative.” n
Conservative Judaism’s Nine Building Blocks
The Conservative theologian Rabbi Neil Gillman
identifies nine building blocks of the Conservative
movement’s founding ideology as paraphrased here:
1. America is different. Founded on Biblical principles,
equality, and religious freedom, America was seen as a
praiseworthy home for diaspora Jewry with little nostalgia
to return to Europe.
2. Judaism can deal with modernity. Conservative Judaism
expressed a philosophy of faith in Judaism’s ability to deal
with modernity and to emerge strengthened and enriched.
3. If we are to deal with modernity, we must study Judaism in a
modern way. In consonance with this second principle, Jews
were to apply modern scientific methods in the study of
their own faith.
4. Judaism has had a history. Early Historical School
scholars discovered that Judaism had differed in each
generation, influenced by the broader conditions under
which the Jewish people lived.
12
5. The community becomes the authority.
6. Hebrew must remain the language of the Jewish people. 7. Zionism is a positive force in Jewish history, and it should be
encouraged.
8. Halakhah remains the preeminent form of Jewish religious
expression.
9. Halakhah does change and develop to meet new situations, but
this process is gradual, evolutionary, limited to the more superficial
areas of Jewish life, and always under the guidance of recognized
authorities in Jewish law.
The movement issued no statement of principles
until 1987, 100 years after the founding of its flagship
institution, the Jewish Theological Seminary. This is
because the Conservative movement has always been
about the people. Rather than issuing platforms that
divided the community, the movement kept a “big tent,”
allowing individual conviction to be subsumed within a
community united by Jewish life. –Hazzan Matthew Klein
Join us for a communitywide event to support the
American Jewish
International
Relations Institute
(AJIRI).
AJIRI’s mission is to educate the
public on the UN’s program to
delegitimize Israel and how that
program can be brought to an end.
SUNDAY, MARCH 25
7:15 pm
Ohr Kodesh Congregation
8300 Meadowbrook Lane
Chevy Chase, MD
Program to feature:
Senator Ben Cardin,
U.S. Senator from Maryland
Ambassador Ron Prosor,
Israel’s Permanent
Representative to the UN
and honoring
Ambassador Marlene
Moses,
from the Pacific Island State
of Nauru, for her support for
Israel within the UN
Dessert reception to follow
Dietary laws observed
For further information contact:
Beth El Men’s Club Committee
to Defend Against the
Delegitimization of Israel Within the
UN, Harvey Gershman, chairman,
301-652-2606, or
[email protected].
For more information,
visit www.ajiri.us.
Beth El Gray, B’nai Tzedek
Win Fall Softball Season
By Mitchell Weiss
When Beth El Gray alumnus Leonard
Cohen emailed his former teammates,
suggesting they field a combined team
with B’nai Tzedek for last fall’s softball
season, it was a chance for old friends
to reunite. However, no one could have
foreseen how successful the reunion
would be.
By combining their assets, Beth El
Gray/B’nai Tzedek (BEG/BT) formed
a juggernaut that finished the regular
season on a six-game winning streak
(which included a two-game sweep of
Beth El Blue/Norbeck), ending with
a 9-3 record and a #2 seed going into
the playoffs.
On November 13, in the semifinals,
BEG/BT stormed out to an early lead
with an eight-run first inning against
the #3 seed, Oseh Shalom Blue/Temple
Emanuel. Led by the speed of outfielder
Leonard Cohen and the bats of third
baseman Brett Weinroth (3-3, 2 2Bs,
HR, 4 RBI), shortstop David Mills (33, RBI), and outfielders Michael Gips
(3-3, RBI), Avi Friedman (3-3, 3 RBI),
and Michael Kushner (2-2, 3B, 2 RBI),
BEG/BT sent an early warning of the
offensive storm brewing.
Near-Perfect Defense
The team played near-perfect defense
(including a double play by second
baseman Mitch Weiss and catcher
Mark Schwartz, to nail a runner at
the plate), and pitcher Steve Aisenberg dominated, giving up only one
run in the three innings he was on
the mound. BEG/BT then scored
four runs in the bottom of the fifth
to finish off their opponents with a
17-5 mercy-rule victory, after an RBI
single provided by inspirational DH
Chris Gracey (playing on a broken
ankle).
Waiting for BEG/BT in the final
was the undefeated #1 seed B’nai Shalom of Olney White/Oseh Shalom
Silver. In the top of the first inning,
BEG/BT sent all 15 batters to the
plate, scoring 11 runs on RBIs (including a huge two-out 2 RBI double
by catcher Mark Schwartz), to take a
commanding lead. BSO White never
recovered. BEG/BT followed up in
the second inning with another eight
runs. Again, BEG/BT played flawless
defense (including a double play by
first baseman Richard Klein catching
a runner napping off third base). Steve
Aisenberg went 2-3, with 2 RBIs, and
yielded a mere three runs over five innings to the BSO White squad.
Avenging Setbacks
BEG/BT had clearly avenged early
season setbacks that had been served up
by the BSO White team, and celebrated
after the final out in another five-inning
mercy-rule victory, 20-3. The offense
was led by outfielders Rob Freishtat (33, 3 RBI), Avi Friedman (2-2, 2 RBI),
Michael Kushner (2-2, 2 RBI) and
Leonard Cohen (3-3), and infielders
Brett Weinroth (3-3, 2 RBI) and Richard Klein (2-2, 2 RBI).
The championship was especially
sweet for Beth El Gray founding fathers (pitcher and co-captain) Greg
Klein, David Mills, Richard Klein,
Alon Vogel, and Michael Gips. This
year’s Beth El Gray team members also
included co-captain Mitch Weiss; infielders Brett Weinroth, Jordan Rosner,
Chris Gracey, Mark Schwartz, Dan
Bender, Todd Gillman, and Alan Morrison; outfielders Avi Friedman, Mark
Manyin, and Michael Kushner; and
infielder Saul Golubcow and outfielder
Steven Siegel, both of who were on
the DL (disabled list) this season.
The team will split for the upcoming spring season, which begins in late
March or early April, and Beth El Gray
will be looking for some additional
players. If you are interested in joining
the team, please contact Mitch Weiss at
[email protected]. n
13
Brielle Ohana (Liat Novek’s class)
Make A Wish, Molly by Barbara Cohen; illustrated by Jan Naimo Jones
Grade: 1 +; Age: 6 +
The book, Make a Wish, Molly, is about a main character, Molly, who is a
little girl from Russia. Molly is new to the school, and she gets invited to
her friend Emma’s birthday party. She goes to the party but she cannot eat
the birthday cake because Molly is Jewish and is observing the first day of
Passover. Since Molly listens to her mom and respects her religion, she can’t
eat the cake because it is made with ingredients like flour that are not kosher
for Passover. Although Molly brought food to eat, she was too embarrassed
to eat it. Then Molly decided to finally eat her own food and when she took
the food out of her bag, this mean girl named Elizabeth started to laugh at
Molly and made Molly cry. Molly left the party and ran back home. A few days
later, it was Molly’s birthday, and when she woke up, her parents gave her a
beautiful silver necklace.
If I had to change the title of the story, it would be Blow out the Candles, Molly because
she deserves a special birthday since she kept her Passover. Last year, just like Molly, I
kept my Passover as well, even when I had a sleepover. I like Molly’s character because she
taught me to always ignore mean people and always follow your beliefs.
Alex Margolis (Shuli Shafrir’s class)
A Personal Tour of Ellis Island (How It Was) by Robert Young
Grade: 4 +; Age: 9 +
to see if they could be in the
Ellis Island was a place where immigrants went
Nearly half of U.S. residents
U.S. or not. Ellis Island is in Upper New York Bay.
through Ellis Island, including
can trace their ancestors back to people who went
many people’s point of view. Anna
me. The book tells about Ellis Island through
ed about Ellis Island. Thomas Hill
was a Russian Jewish immigrant who was scar
ctor for the legal test. Joseph
was a 'grouper'. Inspector Simpson was an inspe
grant who had gotten a landing
was an Italian translator. Heidi was a German immi
een 1892 and 1954.
permit to the U.S.. Ellis Island was in service betw
Five facts I learned about Ellis Island were:
grants didn’t pass the legal test,
1. There were special inquiry boards that if immi
that’s where they would go.
test.
2. A part of the medical test was the painful eye
so they wouldn’t become
3. Immigrants had to have money to be in the U.S.
14
beggars.
become criminals.
4. Immigrants couldn’t be liars so they wouldn’t
so they wouldn’t get people
5. Immigrants had to be healthy to be in the U.S.
Ellis Island hospitals. If they
sick. If they were sick, then they would go to
couldn’t be cured, they would be sent back.
Island because it tells me about Ellis
I think the title was A Personal Tour of Ellis
Jewish life as an immigrant would
Island and what it was like to be an immigrant.
nd must have been terrifying. Jewish
have been hard because going through Ellis Isla
life now is not terrifying at all.
Back by popular demand!
Beth El’s very own Religious School students have proven to be excellent
book reviewers in the past. Below are three new reviews, hot off the press.
These third graders, in Shuli Shafrir and Liat Novek’s classes, each took a different approach to writing a book review.
Please visit the Beth El Library to find these and many other wonderful
children’s books. If you come across a book you’d like to review (it does not
need to be for a class assignment), feel free to send it to the Scroll, at scroll@
bethelmc.org, for possible future publication on the 4U page.
Daniel Bronfman (Shuli Shafrir’s class)
Albert Einstein (History Maker Bios) by Stephanie Sammartino McPherson
Grade: 2 +; Age: 7 +
Albert Einstein. An amazing scie
Book
Reviews
4
U
ntist. Without him, some of the
best stuff that we have
e of the things I learned from the
book – ALBERT EINSTEIN
wouldn’t be here. These are som
(History Maker Bios)
Here are five new facts that I lear
1. He turned down being the first
kept him too busy.
ned about him:
president of Israel. He said that
he was too old and his work
2. He was the first to prove that
light is both a particle and a wav
e.
3. He was the father of the atom
ic bomb, without which World War
II wouldn’t have ended.
4. He played the violin.
5. What E=mc2 really means: Ene
rgy = mass x the speed of light
x itself.
The main character is Albert Eins
tein. He was a man of perseverance
in science, math, and
violin. He also, believe it or not,
was a very funny comedian.
What I like about Albert Einstein
is that he is a man of perseverance
and humor and I love
both of those things.
The result of what Einstein did
is obvious. He became the best
man of science who ever lived. He
it was all worth it.
never gave up, and
Positive Consequences Incl
ude:
• He gave Jews a good name duri
ng World War II.
• He became the best man in scie
nce because he helped to found
modern astronomy.
Negative Consequences Incl
ude:
• He got expelled from school bec
ause when he went to school it was
the time when teachers were very
didn’t like kids asking questions.
strict and
That was one of his favorite thin
gs to do. His teachers thought he
cause trouble so they expelled him
was trying to
.
• He was famous, and he didn’t like
it.
If I could interview Einstein, I
might ask the following question
s:
1. How did you feel about getting
expelled from school?
2. How did you become interest
ed in science?
3. How did you figure out E=mc2?
4. Did you like the fact that peop
le disrespect you because of your
way of thinking?
5. You said, “Science without relig
ion is lame, religion without scie
nce is blind.” What did you mean
6. How did you feel while waiting
by that?
for the results of your “bending
light” theory?
7. Why did you turn down being
the first president of Israel?
8. Did you feel good about being
a Jewish male scientist?
9. Did you feel good about being
you?
15
Latke-Hamantasch continued from page 5
She stated, “The hamantaschen provides vitamins and
antioxidants, not just to survive, but to thrive.” Pollack praised
the hamantasch and touted its superiority in its portability,
munchability, diversity of flavors,
and nutrition. In the two weeks
following Hanukkah, Pollack
mentioned, there is an increase in
gallstones because of the greasy
latke, whereas after Purim fewer
laxatives are needed due to the
dried fruit in the hamantasch.
The latke increases health risks,
but the hamantasch bestows
medical benefits.
Dickstein sees latkes as confident, as demonstrated by the
Web site www.latkesrule.com. She compared the Facebook
pages of both foods and assessed the discussion on the latke
to be more “robust.” Dickstein
asserted the Facebook page of
the hamantasch was so-so and
had weak points and latke envy.
Dickstein consulted
Wikipedia regarding the latke
and hamantasch. The latke was
clearly considered outstanding,
she said. Linkedin, another
authoritative Web source wrote
that “latkes rule.”
Latkes Rule
At last, Rabbi Rudolph called
Erika Dickstein, a Web
for a vote on the Hanukkah
marketer, solves business
delicacy versus the Purim
problems and works on
specialty. Audience members
Rabbi Bill Rudolph
Web projects and marketing
indicated their preferences, but
campaigns. She crafted a query for the Web to determine
the rabbi declared the debate a tie. The winners were all
whether the latke or the hamantasch is superior. Dickstein
those who listened and then adjourned to savor delicious
found no response was available. A latke proponent,
latkes and tasty hamantaschen. n
Jerry Herman continued from page 11
Strategic Plan to Help Shuls
That’s part of why United Synagogue has just launched a
three-year strategic plan. If USCJ can assist synagogues to
offer superior value and meaningful communities, Conservative shuls will be able to attract new, committed members,
explains Jerry.
United Synagogue has a four-pronged attack. First, says
Jerry, it has started SULAM, an online and on-site training
program for current and upcoming synagogue leaders, presidents, and executive committee members. Over the next
several years, USCJ hopes 5,000 synagogue members will
take part in SULAM.
USCJ will work to update Conservative education programs for all ages. There will also be a concerted effort to
bring young singles and young adults to shuls, as USCJ has
just given grants to more than 30 synagogues for new programs geared to young adults. The organization also plans to
help synagogues improve marketing and develop successful
business and organizational resource materials for synagogues. United Synagogue has assigned staff, or “kehilla relationship managers,” to regions around the country to help
16
shuls implement these new programs.
“This is historic,” says Jerry of what United Synagogue
is planning. “USCJ’s strategic plan is one of the most important transformations underway in the Jewish world, which is
the strengthening of synagogues and of the center of Judaism, the Conservative movement.” n
Condolences to
Jim Altman on the death of his father, George Lawrence
Altman
Charles Cohen on the death of his father, Stanley Cohen
Bev Dankowitz on the death of her father, Robert
Dankowitz
Sheldon London and Matt London on the death of their
brother and uncle, Marvin London
David Metzger on the death of his father, Sidney Metzger
Joseph Nabatkhorian on the death of his father, Elias
Nabatkhorian
Rene Zitter on the death of her sister, Lorraine Weinberg
Contributions
Please remember that contributions can be made
easily, quickly, and securely via our Web page –
www.bethelmc.org
Donations made from November 22 to December 19, 2011
Bendit Adult Institute Fund
In Honor Of:
Special birthday of Mrs. Milton Lichtman by Albert Fox
Sixth wedding anniversary of Steven and Rachel Fox by Albert
Fox
In Memory Of:
Goldie H. Press, mother of Ann Barcome, by Ann Barcome
Jacob Kopin, father of Irwin Kopin, by Rita and Irv Kopin
Beth El Forest
In Honor Of:
Gabriela Ruth Rossner’s bat mitzvah by Julia P. Copperman
In Memory Of:
Marvin London, brother of Shelly London, by Joan and Joel
Simon
Irving Goldberg by Joel and Joan Simon
Beth El Israel Fund
In Honor Of:
In appreciation of Rabbi Rudolph’s showing Israeli movies by
Tutti Sokol
In Memory Of:
Albert Mapou by Julia P. Copperman
Marvin London by Nancy and Cary Feldman
Building Fund/Capital Campaign
In Memory Of:
Marvin London, brother of Sheldon London, by Michele
Herman
Alvin Odintz by Joshua and Jennifer Odintz
Walter Solomon by Steve Solomon
Cantor’s Fund
In Honor Of:
In appreciation of Hazzan Klein on the occasion of Valerie’s bat
mitzvah by Sarah and Mark Kass
Hazzan Klein for his guidance and help for David’s bar mitzvah
by Bob and Sheryl Isaacs and family
Hazzan Matthew Klein, in grateful appreciation of minyan for
my father’s shiva by Vivien and Lester Marion
In appreciation of Hazzan Klein performing the minyan
service for my beloved husband, Irving Goldberg, by Annette
Goldberg
In Memory Of:
Ruth Neipris, mother of Deborah Neipris Hendler, by Larry
Sidman and Jana Singer
Jacob Shapiro by Annabelle Band
Marvin London, brother of Shelly London, by Mitzi and Max
Goldman
My dear father, Maurice Horowitz, by Rita Liebowitz
Irving Goldberg by Jack and Johanna Minker
Anna Dickler by Elliott and Phyllis Dickler
Chevra Kadisha Fund
By: Ellen and David Darr
In Memory Of:
Irving Goldberg, husband of Annette Goldberg, by Rosalie
Sporn
Erika Meyerhoff by Gabriela Bebchick
Community Torah Institute Fund
In Honor Of:
Merry Eisenstadt, for reading Torah, by Sharon and Jeremy
Zissman
General Fund
By: Ellen and David Darr
Helene Weisz and Richard Lieberman
In Honor Of:
Evan Krame, Sid Getz, and Scott Glick for the Kol Haneshama
service by Rita and Irwin Kopin
Larry Sidman by Barbara and Ursula Prada
Peter Novick for his leadership of the Shabbat Early Morning
Service by Herb Bloom
Jorge’s aliyah by Sharona and Jorge Saposnikow
Birth of Ari Gerstein, grandson of Susan and Bert King, by
Nancy and Cary Feldman
Bar mitzvah of Jordan Werbel, by Mindi, Bucky, Matt, and Lily
Jacobson
First anniversary of Larry Sidman and Jana Singer by Selma
Barron
Hazzan Klein speaking at Jews and Brews by Mitchell
Solkowitz
Susan Levine for receiving the Golda Meir Award by Bob
Janney
Sincere appreciation to Rabbi Rudolph from the Bnai Mitzvah
Class of 2012
Rabbi Greg Harris by Mindi, Bucky, Matt, and Lily Jacobson
Bar mitzvah of Sam Rosenthal by Mindi, Bucky, Matt, and Lily
Jacobson
Bnai mitzvah of Daniel and Joshua Strauss by Mindi, Bucky,
Matt, and Lily Jacobson
In Memory Of:
Anna Berger, mother-in-law of Bea Berger, by Bea Berger
Lorraine Weinberg, sister of Rene Zitter, by Judy and Alan
Gann and Jack and Johanna Minker
L. David Korb by Gail Korb
Fred Schulman by Richard and Sharon Schulman
Julius Gottlieb by Jonathan Gottlieb
Minnie Derkay, mother of Lee Derkay, by Lee and Gloria
Derkay
Marilyn Davidson by Rebecca and Jonathan Kaltman
Marvin London, brother of Sheldon London, by Judy and Alan
Gann, Howie and Holly Stein, Susan and Lewis Winarsky, and
Larry Sidman and Jana Singer
Barney Krosnick by Phyllis and Jeff Lavine
Jacques Perez by Yvonne Mirengoff
Beatrice Wald, mother of Cheryl Rod, by Bernie and Cheryl
Rod
Frieda Kay, beloved mother of Joseph George Kay, by Ruth
Kay
Jean Niederman, mother-in-law of Etta Kline, by Etta Kline
Isidore Stein by Ruth Stein
Eugene Eisenberg by Allen Eisenberg
Erika R. Behrend by Susan Jerison
My beloved father, Abraham Bernstein, by Susan and Lewis
Winarsky
Beatrice Gilbert by Robert Gilbert
Benjamin Lerner by Reina Lerner
Abraham Katz by Linda M. Katz, Don Stein, and family
Ted Meltzer by Sartorius Stedim North America, Inc.
17
Contributions Continued
Matthew Kantor, father of Vivien Marion, by Susan and Lewis
Winarsky
Louis Rosoff by Janice Raffel
Beloved mother, Margaret Kahn, by Harriet Rabin
Beloved father, Larry Kahn, by Harriet Rabin
Beloved husband, Emanuel Rabin, by Harriet Rabin
Gregory Dvorkin by Etia Dvorkina
Edith Judson, mother of Rob Judson, by Larry Sidman and Jana
Singer
Dorothy Yudkovitz, mother of Marvin Yudkovitz, by Larry
Sidman and Jana Singer
Lester Fox, father of Russell Fox, by Larry Sidman and Jana
Singer
Elaine Silverman Gessow College Activities Fund
In Honor Of:
Rabbi Rudolph, for college outreach, by Steffie and Jim
Johnson
In Memory Of:
Irv Goldberg by Mrs. Alfred Gessow
Irv Goldberg by Dr. and Mrs. Marc Michelson
Ted Zinnreich by Hedy Teglasi and Saul Golubcow
Groner Ramah Scholarship Fund
In Honor Of:
Arielle Calem’s bat mitzvah by Erwin and Leena Groner
Benjamin Aaron Levin and family on his bar mitzvah by Judith
and Jonathan Levin
In Memory Of:
Marvin London, brother of Shelly London, by Erwin and Leesa
Groner
Ernestine Goldstein, beloved mother of Judith G. Levin, by
Judith and Jonathan Levin
Hanukkah Wish List
By: Karen Levy and Mitch Rabinowitz and Samuel, Andrew,
and Matthew Rabinowitz
Judy and Bob Rovner
Israel Experience Teen Fund
In Honor Of:
Cheryl Kreiser for her guidance for David’s bar mitzvah by
Bob and Sheryl Isaacs and family
In appreciation of Beth El allowing me to say Kaddish for my
father by David Fogel
In Memory Of:
Matthew Kantor, father of Vivien Marion, by Amy and Gene
Goott
Helen Checkner, mother-in-law, by Benjamin C. Fassberg
Marc Russel Devinsky by Paul Devinsky
Kimball Nursery School Fund
By: Ellen and David Darr
Library Fund
In Honor Of:
Adrienne Clamp by Yael Greenberg
In Memory Of:
Carola Shapiro, beloved mother of Yael Greenberg, by Yael
Greenberg
Samuel Heller, father of Ruth Catan, by Ruth Catan
Eleanor Morel by Annette Moshman
Sheldon London’s brother, Marvin London, by Lois and Peter
Bachner
18
Litman Holocaust Education Fund
In Memory Of:
Ruth Gutmann by Hanna Gutmann
Richard Ornsteen, father of Marjorie Litman, by Mark Milner
and Hattie Ulan
Mazon
In Honor Of:
Kenneth Levine by Deborah Schenk
In Memory Of:
Matthew Kantor, beloved father of Vivien Marion, by Rhoda
and Milton Nichaman
Milton Harrison by Michael Harrison
Men’s Club Perspectives in Dialogue Fund
In Memory Of:
Irving Goldberg by Laura and Diane Rosenberg
Morning Minyan Fund
In Honor Of:
Amy Berman Jackson’s judgeship by Nancy and Cary Feldman
Peter Novick for his leadership of the Shabbat Early Morning
Service and for Merry’s first Torah reading, by Merry and
David Eisenstadt
In Memory Of:
Our dear father, Isadore Routhenstein, by Irene Routhenstein
and Shirley R. Levine
Henrietta and Harry Bruckheim by Arthur Bruckheim
Mary Fried by Dr. and Mrs. Robert J. Rubin
Pillars of Beth El
In Memory Of:
Louis A. Cohen by Susan A. Cohen
Prayerbook Fund
In Honor Of:
In appreciation of Peter Novick, leader of the Shabbat Early
Morning Service, by Barry and Paula Friedman
In Memory Of:
Minnie Bobb by Sharon Bobb
Rabbi’s Fund
In Honor Of:
Rabbi Harris, to wish him a speedy recovery, by Martin and
Anne Rosensky
In appreciation of Rabbi Rudolph’s support after the death of
my sister, Deborah Gabry, by Jerry Gabry
Rabbi Harris for kindness and the service for my mom’s
funeral by Kay Baer and family
Rabbi Rudolph for his guidance and help for David’s bar
mitzvah by Bob and Sheryl Isaacs and family
In honor and great appreciation of Rabbi Rudolph, Hazzan
Klein, and Cheryl Kreiser by Sherri and Larry Cafritz
In appreciation of Rabbi Rudolph for his support at the time
of our loss by Robert and Karen Judson and family
Rabbi Harris for his guidance and help for David’s bar mitzvah
by Bob and Sheryl Isaacs and family
Rabbi Harris, in appreciation for the National Gallery of Art
trip, by Robin Jacobson
With gratitude to Rabbi Rudolph for Valerie’s bat mitzvah
service by Sarah and Mark Kass
In appreciation of Rabbi Rudolph’s support and help at the
time of the passing of my beloved husband, Irving Goldberg,
by Annette Goldberg
Contributions Continued
Rabbi William Rudolph, in grateful appreciation of minyan for
my father’s shiva, by Vivien and Lester Marion
In Memory Of:
Jack I. Bender by Howard and Sondra Bender
Sara Socher by Sharona and Jorge Saposnikow
Judith and Isadore Fine by Leesa Fine
Louis Pernick by Irwin Pernick
My beloved sister, Lorraine Weinberg, by Rene Zitter
Our beloved father and grandfather, Herb Shapiro, by Margie,
Joe, Ellen, and Erica Hoffman
Marvin London by Ralph and Vera Deckelbaum, Naomi
Greenwood and Thomas Dahl, and Rita and Irv Kopin
Annie R. Sherman by Libby and Harvey Gordon
Gunter and Sylvia Chapin by Joan Simon
My father by Marshall L. Sneiderman
Robert Einzig by Bert and Judy Spector
Anna Boman, Julius Boman, and Eve Tishkoff by Julian Tishkoff
Lorraine Weinberg, sister of Rene Zitter, by Mitzi and Max
Goldman
Edith Yvette Judson, mother of Robert Judson, by Mark Milner
and Hattie Ulan
My late husband, Moshe Friedman, and my parents, Esther and
Faivel Landau, by Sarah Friedman
Beloved brother, Benjamin Perlman, by George and Elaine
Perlman
Lottie Heller, grandmother of Ruth Catan, by Ruth Catan
Beloved father and grandfather, Harry Perlman, by George and
Elaine Perlman.
Simos Music Fund
In Memory Of:
Lea Glick, beloved mother of Scott Glick, by Scott and Debbie
Glick
Lillian Cohen by Barbara S. Spitzer
Sisterhood Flower Fund
In Memory Of:
Nina Freedman, mother of Rhonda Zahler, by Larry Sidman
and Jana Singer
Sisterhood Shiva Meal Fund
In Memory Of:
My beloved husband, Irving Goldberg, by Annette Goldberg
Irving Bogler and Margaret Bogler by Ruth Rondberg
Sisterhood Torah Fund
In Honor Of:
Gale Dutcher receiving the Sisterhood Torah Fund Award by
Bob Janney and Susan Levine
Social Action Fund
In Honor Of:
The birth of Susan and Bert King’s grandson, Ari Gerstein, by
Lois Hartman
Diana Huffman by Deborah Schenk
Diana Huffman and Ken Levine by Courtney Schenk
In Memory Of:
Simone Lipman, mother of Bob Lipman, by Larry Sidman and
Jana Singer
Elaine Tanenbaum Religious School Enrichment Fund
In Honor Of:
Louis Nagel, superb educator, and his outstanding staff by Rita
and Irv Kopin
Trudy and Sy Weker Family Program Fund
In Memory Of:
Trudy and Sy Weker by Laurie Weker Lipton
Vatikkim
In Memory Of:
Irving Goldberg by Julia P. Copperman and Lucy Ozarin
My beloved mother, Ericka Kaplan, by Rosalie Sporn
Vince Prada Technology Fund
By: Barbara and Ursula Prada
In Memory Of:
Simone Lipman, mother of Robert Lipman, by Mark Milner
and Hattie Ulan
Barbara Wolf “Israel Quest” Fund
In Memory Of:
Abraham Sherman by Gerald H. Sherman
World Jewry Fund
In Memory Of:
Philip Gravitz by Melvin and Harriet Gravitz n
In Case of
Inclement Weather
Now that winter is upon us, please note the following
regarding programs, classes, services, and other events at
Beth El during inclement weather.
• If Montgomery County Public Schools are closed,
Beth El Preschool (BEPS) and Religious School
are closed, and Senior Caucus/Vatikkim programs
are cancelled.
• If Montgomery County Schools have a delayed
opening, BEPS will start at 10:15 am and end at
12:15 pm. Religious School classes will take place
as usual. Call the office regarding Senior Caucus/
Vatikkim.
• All religious services will take place as scheduled.
• A message is placed on Beth El’s Current
Information Line (301-652-8569, then press 2)
by 7:15 am on days when any class or program is
cancelled or delayed. Should inclement weather
begin after 7:15 am, the message will be updated
during the day as needed. The same information
will be distributed on the listserv.
• Religious School information will also be included
on a message on the School Information Line
(301-652-8569, ext. 346). Preschool information
will be included in a message on the BEPS
information line, 301-652-8569, ext. 311.
19
Congregation Beth El
8215 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20814-1451
Periodicals
Postage
PAID
Bethesda, MD
20814
While we know you’ll want to read every word in this issue of the Scroll, when you’re finished, please recycle it.
Bulletin Board
Mazal Tov to
Adjunct Rabbi David Abramson on his certification by
the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy
(CPSP) as a Board Certified Clinical Chaplain
Edgar and Naomi Levin on the marriage of their son,
Mark Levin, to Rennie Grafstein
David and Alison Martin on the birth of their daughter,
Caroline Rose Martin
Noteworthy
Senior Caucus Meeting, Wednesday, February 1, 1:00
pm. These vibrant, active retirees join to discuss the ongoing
programs and plan new activities. Be one of them. This
program is followed by:
Roundtable with the Rabbi, Wednesday, February 1,
2:00 pm. Join us to celebrate February birthdays (yours and
those of others) with desserts, coffee, and a lively discussion
led by Rabbi Rudolph. Birthday celebrants receive a special
invitation, but all are welcome. DOR L’DOR, Thursday, February 2, noon. Join the
Beth El Preschool (BEPS) 4s Class,Vatikkim, and Senior
Send submissions to the Scroll to [email protected]
Caucus for this intergenerational program connecting
children with seniors. To participate and share some
delicious pizza with the preschoolers, RSVP to Audrey
Berger at 301-652-2606, or Ricardo Munster at 301-6528569, ext. 316, or [email protected].
Vatikkim, Thursdays, February 9 and 23, noon. Brown
bag lunch. Come and socialize with your friends and enjoy
refreshments and dessert. One of our clergy members will
join the group and lead a discussion on February 9.
Senior Caucus - Vatikkim/Luncheon Program,
Thursday, February 16, noon. Following lunch, we will
have a movie TBA. Lunch costs $8. To RSVP for lunch, call
Ricardo Munster at 301-652-2606, ext. 316, or rmunster@
bethelmc.org, by Tuesday, February 14. The program is
free and begins around 1:00 pm
Bridge - the greatest game ever! Join us every Monday,
except February 20 because of President’s Day. Drop in and
join a game; no partner necessary. Contact Shirley Levine at
[email protected] or 301-652-2606. If you are interested
in playing but don’t have transportation, please call Ricardo
Munster at 301-652-2606, ext. 316, or rmunster@bethelmc.
org. He will try to arrange transportation for you. n
Weekly Parashiot
Source: Siddur Sim Shalom
B’Shallah
February 4, 11 Shevat
Pharaoh regrets losing his slaves. Pursuing the
children of Israel, he traps them at the Sea of Reeds.
God splits the waters, allowing Israel to cross safely.
The Egyptians follow, only to be engulfed, at God’s
hand, in the swirl of returning water. Moses and
Miriam lead the people in joyous song, extolling
God.Yet the Israelites soon complain of thirst and
hunger. God responds, providing water and manna.
When Amalek attacks, God helps Israel prevail.
Yitro
February 11, 18 Shevat
Moses spends much of his time explaining God’s
statutes and laws to the people; his father-in-law,
Jethro, suggests that he delegate some of this judicial
authority. After ascending Mount Sinai to speak
with God, Moses returns to prepare the people for
Revelation. Amidst awesome thunder, lightning, and
flame, God, glorious and holy, reveals to Israel the
Divine Presence—and the Ten Commandments.
Mishpatim
February 18, 25 Shevat
The civil laws, along with moral and religious
precepts, are presented after the Ten Commandments.
The people accept the Torah wholeheartedly,
vowing, “All that Adonai has commanded, we will
do.” Israel affirms the Covenant, and Moses returns
to Mount Sinai to receive the law, etched in stone,
from God.
Terumah
February 25, 2 Adar
While Moses remains on Mount Sinai, God provides
detailed instructions regarding the construction
and decoration of the Mishkan. This Tabernacle is
to house the Ark and allow the Divine Presence to
dwell among the people.
Tetzaveh
March 3, 9 Adar
God commands that a lamp filled with oil should
burn all night in the Mishkan, that priests serving
therein should wear holy garments, and that the
High Priest should wear a breastplate with 12
precious stones, one for each tribe. God provides
directions for the consecration of Aaron and his sons
as priests and prescribes their duties.
Beth El Calendar
&Weekly Parashiot
Descriptions of
Services
Minyan Chaverim offers the ruach
of the Shabbat services in USY, BBYO,
and Hillel. We have a lay-led, traditional, participatory, spirit-filled service,
including full repetition of the Shacharit and Musaf amidah, as well as the
full Torah reading with an interactive
Torah discussion. A pot-luck lunch follows the service at a nearby home. For
information, contact Debbie Feinstein
or Sheryl Rosensky Miller at info@
bethelmc.org.
The Worship and Study Minyan
is conducted by members of the
congregation and combines evocative
Torah study with ample singing
and ruach. Children are welcome,
although the service is oriented
toward adults. For information, contact
Dan Hirsch, Sid Getz, or Mark
Levitt at 301-652-2606,
[email protected].
Teen Service is a cool service
without parents, conducted by and for
post-b’nai mitzvah teens, with a great
kiddush. To volunteer to read Torah,
conduct part of the service, or help
with a discussion, contact
Aaron Slater at 301-652-2606,
[email protected]
Other Youth /Family Services,
for information, contact Elisha
Frumkin, 301-652-8573, ext. 319,
[email protected].
Daily Services M-F
7:30 am
Sun-Th 8:00 pm
Fri
6:30 pm
Sun
9:00 am
Shabbat Services (all services are weekly, except as noted)
Early Morning Service
Main Service Babysitting (2-6 years old) Minyan Chaverim (3rd Shabbat)
Worship and Study Minyan (1st Shabbat)
Shabbat Study Group
Mincha, Seudah Shlishit, Ma’ariv
and Havdalah Service (1st Shabbat)
Youth Shabbat Services
7:30 am
9:30 am
9:15 am
9:30 am
9:45 am
12:40 pm
4:45 pm
Teen Service (1st Shabbat)
10:00 am
Junior Congregation (5th grade +; Library) 10:00 am
Shitufim 10:30-11:30 am
(3rd and 4th grades; 2nd & 4th Shabbat; Zahler Social Hall)
Gan Shabbat
(kindergarten-2nd grade; 1st & 3rd Shabbat; MP 1&2) 10:30-11:30 am
Nitzanim
(birth - kindergarten; 2nd, 4th, 5th Shabbat; MP 1&2) 10:30-11:30 am
Congregation Beth El
February 2012
Monthly Calendar
Sunday
1
Shevat–Adar 5772
Monday
2
Tuesday
3
Wednesday
1
9:00 am Rabbi’s Torah Class
9:30 am M. Fine Class
9:30 am Rabbi’s Haftarah Class
2:00 pm Roundtable with the Rabbi
Thursday
2
Noon Vatikkim
6:30 pm Tallit Workshop
8:30 pm Hearing Men’s Voices
Friday
3 Candles 5:13 pm
9:30 am BEPS Coffee House w/Rabbi
Harris
10:30 am BEPS Shabbat Service
6:30 pm Friday Evening Service
Saturday
4
7:30 am Early Shabbat Service
9:30 am Main Shabbat Service
9:30 am Sophie Lavine Bat Mitzvah
9:45 am Worship & Study Minyan
10:00 am Jr. Congregation
10:00 am Teen Service
10:30 am Gan Shabbat
12:40 pm Shabbat Study Group
4:45 pm Shabbat Mincha, Seudah
Shlishit, Ma’ariv, Havdalah
5
9:00 am Minyan
9:00 am RS Parent Social
9:30 am Men’s Club Breakfast
9:30 am Sisterhood Social Action – CPR
10:00 am Men’s Club Program
10:00 am Zhava Self-Defense Class
1:00 pm Age & Stage with Judith Viorst
6:30 pm Yoga
12
9:00 am Minyan
9:00 am Zhava Board Meeting
9:30 am Men’s Club Breakfast
10:00 am Men’s Club Program
2:00 pm BEPS Sunday Fun Day
6:30 pm Yoga
19
Offices & Schools Closed
9:00 am Minyan
9:30 am Men’s Club Breakfast
10:00 am Men’s Club Program
6:30 pm Yoga
26
9:00 am Minyan
9:30 am Men’s Club Breakfast
10:00 am Nitzanim Pre-Purim Party
10:15 am Interreligious Learning
Institute
6:30 pm Yoga
7:00 pm Men’s Club Wine Tasting
6
1:00 pm Bridge
7:00 pm Boy Scouts
13
1:00 pm Bridge
7:00 pm Boy Scouts
7:30 pm RS Committee Meeting
20
Offices & Schools Closed
President’s Day
9:00 am Morning Minyan
27
1:00 pm Bridge
7:00 pm Boy Scouts
7
8:30 am A Taste of Talmud
6:30 pm Mah Jongg
14
8:30 am A Taste of Talmud
6:30 pm Mah Jongg
7:30 pm BEPS Board Meeting
21
8:30 am A Taste of Talmud
6:30 pm Mah Jongg
8 Tu B’Shevat
9:00 am Rabbi’s Torah Class
9:30 am M. Fine Class
9:30 am Rabbi’s Haftarah Class
7:30 pm Sisterhood Tu B’Shevat Seder
15
9:00 am Rabbi’s Torah Class
9:30 am M. Fine Class
9:30 am Rabbi’s Haftarah Class
22
9:00 am Rabbi’s Torah Class
9:30 am M. Fine Class
9:30 am Rabbi’s Haftarah Class
9
Noon Vatikkim
7:00 pm Executive Committee Meeting
10 Candles 5:21 pm
9:45 am BEPS Dialogues with Darci
10:30 am BEPS Shabbat Service
6:30 pm Friday Evening Service
7:30 pm Congregational Tu B’Shevat
Shabbat Dinner
16
Noon Vatikkim Luncheon
7:30 pm Sisterhood Board Meeting
23 Rosh Hodesh Adar
Noon Vatikkim
7:30 pm Sisterhood Rosh Hodesh Study
Session w/Leesa Fine
17 Candles 5:29 pm
10:30 am BEPS Shabbat Service
6:30 pm Friday Evening Service
24 Candles 5:37 pm
Rosh Hodesh Adar
10:30 am BEPS Shabbat Service
6:30 pm Friday Evening Service
11
7:30 am Early Shabbat Service
9:30 am Main Shabbat Service
9:30 am Skylar Gunty Bat Mitzvah
10:00 am Jr. Congregation
10:30 am Shitufim
10:30 am Nitzanim
12:40 pm Shabbat Study Group
3:45 pm Jordan Kessler Bat Mitzvah
18
7:30 am Early Shabbat Service
9:30 am Main Shabbat Service
9:30 am Adult B’nai Mitzvah
9:30 am Minyan Chaverim
10:30 am Gan Shabbat
12:40 pm Shabbat Study Group
7:30 pm Israel Media Series
25
7:30 am Early Shabbat Service
9:30 am Main Shabbat Service
9:30 am Tamar Jacobsohn Bat
Mitzvah
10:00 am Jr. Congregation
10:30 am Shitufim
10:30 am Nitzanim
12:40 pm Shabbat Study Group
28
8:30 am A Taste of Talmud
6:30 pm Mah Jongg
7:30 pm Board Meeting
29
9:00 am Rabbi’s Torah Class
9:30 am M. Fine Class
9:30 am Rabbi’s Haftarah Class
7:30 pm Sisterhood Beading Workshop
1
Noon Vatikkim
7:00 pm Age & Stage: Empty Nesters
8:30 pm Hearing Men’s Voices
2 Candles 5:44 pm
9:30 am BEPS Coffee House w/Rabbi
Harris
10:30 am BEPS Shabbat Service
6:30 pm Friday Evening Service
3
7:30 am Early Shabbat Service
9:30 am Main Shabbat Service
9:30 am Ari Rosner Bar Mitzvah
9:45 am Worship & Study Minyan
10:00 am Jr. Congregation
10:00 am Teen Service
10:30 am Gan Shabbat
12:40 pm Shabbat Study Group
5:30 pm Dustin Brown Bar Mitzvah