August 2016 Newsletter - Temple Beth El Bradenton

Temple Beth El Bradenton
August 2016
A REFORM CONGREGATION
4200 32ND STREET WEST
BRADENTON, FL 34205
www.TempleBethElBradenton.com
941.755.4900
[email protected]
“News and Views”
By Rabbi Michael Sternfield
“News and Views
By Rabbi Michael Sternfield
This is an unusual year, with both of the Holy Days
in October. That’s good news for rabbis, who can
put off sermon preparation for a little longer,
stretching out the leisurely days of summer. I
suppose one could say that the “late” High Holy
Days gives us an extra month to prepare our hearts
and minds, to make amends with those we may
have wronged or offended. Each of us some
repairing to do, if we intend to make the upcoming the Holy Days more
than a perfunctory “nod to God.”
Shabbat Services are
every Friday night at
7:30 pm; Saturday
morning at 10 am
followed by
Torah Study
Let us consider …(con’t on page 2)
President’s message
By Sandra Clark
Dear TBE Family,
I hope you are all having a wonderful summer. Neil and
I have about 3 more weeks on our 9 week journey but I
miss the family, both mine and those in the temple
who are also our family. I am sure you have noticed all
of the exciting programs the Rabbi has begun and his
desire to grow our TBE family. Some of the
new programs are perfect ; some will need a little tweaking. This takes
time, but rest assured we are doing all we can to grow.
On another note, dues statements for the new fiscal year were sent out
in June and our budget was approved at the congregational meeting. It
is important that we are solvent, pay our bills and grow slowly into the
new programs and we need all of your help doing that. If you have any
questions about your account, please make sure you check with either
Staci Rosenstein or our accountant Shera (941-751-3982) to find out
your balance. Thank you all for keeping TBE alive and well.
See you all soon, Sandy Clark
Who wants to join us
for Religious or
Hebrew School?
Call the Temple for
more information!!
941-755-4900
Let us consider one particular fault that virtually all of us are guilty of. In Hebrew, it is called lashon ha-ra, evil
speech. This is such a common transgression that the rabbinic tradition established a strict set of rules
regarding human discourse, both permitted and forbidden. Before reviewing the list, I strongly urge us to
make our synagogue a “No Lashon Ha-ra,” “No Gossip Zone.” Not that there is anything unique about this
congregation. All churches and synagogues tend to be breeding grounds for lashon ha-ra, and often with
serious consequences.
Let us consider these basic rules devised by the rabbis of old:
It’s forbidden to speak about anything negative about a fellow Jew (and I would add revise this to apply to non-Jews as
well) even if it’s true. When communicating something false about another person, an even more severe sin is
committed, that of Motzei Shem Ra (lit. producing a bad name for someone else).
Rechilut comes from the Torah’s commandment "don't be a talebearer in your nation. The word comes from the word
rachil literally “peddler", refers to one who “carries stories” and 'peddles' them from one person to another. Even if it is
true, and there is no denigration, this is a severe transgression.
It is equally forbidden whether one volunteered or if one was asked for information. One should not listen to one’s
parent or rabbi if they say lashon ha-ra! Even if taking upon oneself not to speak lashon ha-ra will cause one to sustain
financial loss such as the loss of one’s job (such as where an employer is immoral and engaging in illegal activities,
nonetheless, it is forbidden to speak lashon ha-ra. Even if it will cause one embarrassment not to say lashon ha-ra,
nevertheless one may not say it. This prohibition includes any communication that is verbalized, written, or simply
implied even in a silent manner.
Essentially all forms of negative information are forbidden: Information is considered negative even if what is said is
true and accurate. Defining what is considered negative can be very subjective of course. Nevertheless we all can
recognize negative. As Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart famously said of pornography: “I know it when I see it.”
You may be somewhat surprised to learn that there is a Biblical prohibition of believing any form of lashon ha-ra, even
if the subject of discussion is present and does not deny what's being said about him. The person who accepts Lashon
Hara is considered worse than the one who says it.
Even if lashon ha-ra is said for constructive purposes, the listener may not wholeheartedly believe what is being said,
but may only take precautions in dealing with the person about whom they have heard negative information. In addition,
even if one has resolved not to believe lashon ha-ra he/she might hear, it is still forbidden to continue listening to such
conversation.
Lest you think that Judaism does not allow us to say anything about anybody, there are some permitted forms of lashon
ha-ra. It is only permitted when said for strictly constructive purposes. Even then, however, one is required to ensure
what he is saying meets a criterion of several conditions, including: the one saying the lashon ha-ra has either
personally witnessed or has corroborated that which he is saying with certainty. Before discussing the negative activity,
one has to have attempted to highlight the wrongdoing to the person being spoken about, and have encouraged him/her
to reconsider and change his/her behavior. One may not exaggerate. One who relays negative information may only do
so with a positive motive and not based on any hatred toward, or thrill from speaking about, the subject. Even if all other
criteria are fulfilled, one still may not say lashon ha-ra if the damage caused to the person discussed will be greater than
can be justified by the shortcoming in question. On the listener's part, one may not accept the
information heard as fact and consequently express disdain or animosity toward the subject,
but only take precautionary measures as needed.
Every religious institution, every workplace, every club or social group would be better if
these ancient rules were posted and observed. I will settle for this simple sign “on the
doorpost of our house” that should help to remind us all.
Shalom,
Rabbi Michael P. Sternfield
Rabbi Michael Sternfield is available to meet with you for counseling, guidance or to discuss issues or concerns.
He is also available for Jewish and interfaith weddings; funerals and memorial services, and other life cycle events.
Call the temple to make an appointment.
Ritual
Kate Richmond, Ritual Chair
Shabbat Live! continues to be a wonderful
addition to our Services. It is a once a month
musical, Friday night, Shabbat. The TBE
musicians will be taking a summer break. The
next Musical Shabbat will be on Friday,
September 23rd. Although, with our cantorial
Soloist, Deborah Suta, it is always a musical
Shabbat!
Our Havdalah services are a great way to
end Shabbat and start the week off right.
We have a dairy pot luck meal and a
wonderful music followed by a short
Havdalah service. It is a very special
evening. Would you like to invite your
Temple family to Havdalah in your home?
Contact Kate.
Mark your calendars for the HHD’s.
Sunday, Oct 2nd - Erev Rosh Hashanah
Monday, Oct 3rd - Rosh Hashanah and lunch
Tuesday, Oct 4th - Tashlich
Wednesday, Oct 11th - Kol Nidre
Thursday, Oct 12th - Yom Kippur
Membership
Leonard Shlain, Membership Chair
Membership in a synagogue represents a commitment to the community. It means that you are
involved in keeping Jewish life alive and seeing it continue to the next generation. It also gives
you a framework of giving and contributing to the Shul, and it means that you are a partner in
supporting the financial needs of the Synagogue which we are all part of. If you are interested in
joining Temple Beth El Bradenton, please contact Lenard Schlain at 941- 359-8997.
Our Calendar
Friday, August 5th - Shabbat Service 7:30 pm
Saturday, August 6th- Shabbat Service and Torah Study 10 am
Wednesday, August 10th - Beth El International Jewish Film Series
Friday, August 12th- Shabbat Service 7:30 pm
Saturday, August 13th- Shabbat Service and Torah Study 10 am
Saturday, August 13th - Musical Havdalah (Dairy Pot Luck) at the home of Florence Shulman
Sunday, August 14th - TBE Open House
Wednesday, August 17th - Sisterhood Luncheon Outing
Friday, August 19th - Shabbat Service 7:30 pm
Saturday, August 20th - Shabbat Service and Torah Study 10 am
Sunday, August 21st - Men’s Club
Wednesday, August 24th - TBE Board Meeting held at Braden River Church
Friday, August 26th - Shabbat Service 7:30 pm
Saturday, August 27th - Shabbat Service and Torah Study 10 am
There's more! Check out ALL the TBE EVENTS and details on the websiteview in either list or calendar view.
AND print for your records!!
www.templebethelbradenton.com
BETH EL Jewish Film Series
Join us as we have dinner together and then
watch the movie…Dinner will be prepared by
our resident chef, Rabbi Michael Sternfield.
(nothing spicy) $7 pp. Mark your calendars!!
August: Lemon Tree (Israel) Israeli dinner
September: La Rafle (France) French dinner
October: The other son (Israel) Israeli dinner,
falafel +
November: The wedding song (Tunisia)
caution: some nudity, Tunisian dinner
August Musical Havdalah
Our own Composer-in-Residence and
acoustic guitarist, Robbie Taylor and Bass
guitar extraordinaire, Albert Rosenstein will
be performing at our August Havdalah
Saturday, 8/13 at 5:30 pm at the home of
Florence Schulman.
TBE Open House
Meet our new Rabbi, Michael Sternfield, our
Hebrew and Religious school teacher “Miss
Susie”, have a little nosh and find out what is
in Temple Beth El’s future! Sunday, 8/14 any
time between 2 and 4 pm.
Education
Susie Konicov, Educational Chair
Our Hebrew & Religious school is an interactive, hands-on teaching experience. We are currently
on break for the Summer. If you are interested in registering your child for Hebrew or Religious
school, please contact Miss Susie.
ADULT HEBREW:
Beginner and Intermediate. Classes led by Susie Konicov. Mondays at
11:30 am to 12:30 pm. NEW TIME. Please call
Susie or the Temple for more information on classes.
Donations
YARZHEITS
Florence Shulman in memory of May and David Shur; Jean Ellis in memory of Marie
Levy; Jean Shames in memory of Dorothy Dunn; Kate Richmond in memory of
Weed H. Richmond; Beverly Safron in memory of Peter Hartwick; Linda Hoffman in
memory of Lawrence Slavin and Lillian Samson; Eunice Bruton in memor of Jerry
Shames; Dottie Mizzi in memeory of Isaac Abo.
In memory of Norman Cohn
Albert & Staci Rosenstein; Beverly Safron; Sandy & Neil Clark;
Eunice Bruton; Jean Ellis.
MISCELLANEOUS
Charles Landsberg; Marilyn Schultz in honor of Eunice Bruton’s 90th birthday; David
& Lisa Harris in honor of Eunice Bruton’s 90th birthday; Albert & Staci Rosenstein in
honor of Susie Konicov’s 75th birthday; Lynn Talit; Gary Konicov.
SIMCHA GRAM CARDS FOR BIRTHDAY, ANNIVERSARY, GET WELL, OR
CONGRATULATIONS
Marlena Johnsky; Beverly Safron; Jean Ellis.
Send a Simcha Gram!!
TBE sends Birthday, Anniversary, Bar/Bat Mitzvah and other celebration “Simcha-grams” to
members in honor of their special day. This is a wonderful way to contribute to your Synagogue
and to send your TBE family good wishes. This is also an easy way for our Synagogue to make
extra money, so please take the time to fill this out. To have your name included in the
congratulatory card, just print this form and circle those names you wish to be included on and
enclose $2.00 per name. A card will be mailed to those individuals prior to their special day.
Names must be received at the office by the 20th of the month prior
to the birthday or anniversary.
SIMCHA GRAM FORM
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SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
7
Iris Intrator
7
Leonard Schlain
17 Lev Klempner
27 Katherine Richmond
30 Paul Stahl
SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
2 Pearl & Lionel Friedman
3 Barry & Jean Steiger
Your Name ____________________________________________
How would you like your Signature on card? ________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________
# of Names Selected @ $2.00 each _________
Check total:______________________
In the memo area of your check write: Simcha Gram
and send by the 20th of the month prior to the simcha month to:
Temple Beth El
Attention: Simcha Gram
4200 32nd Street W.
Bradenton, Fl 34205
If we have somehow overlooked your Simcha or made an error in printing the date,
please accept our apologies and call the temple office at 941-755-4900 so that we may
update our records.
Sisterhood News
Marilyn Steinberg, Sisterhood Co-President
TBE Sisterhood took a holiday in June in preparation for a terrific year ahead! In July we will have
a casual meeting over lunch, place to be decided later, and we will discuss an idea for
where Sisterhood can target some volunteer hours. Stay tuned for more on this idea. At the July
luncheon we will also make plans for our August outing, so you have reason to attend in July. If
you have a favorite lunch place you would like us to visit be sure to email one of the co-chairs to
give your suggestions. Mark your calendars for July 20 and August 17. Both 11 a.m. Meet at
TBE. Everyone welcome!
September will be our kick-off meeting for the year! We will slip in a short business meeting as well
as the program. Mark your calendars for September 21st.
Want to have a say in what's happening with Sisterhood? Attend these luncheon meetings and
bring your ideas. Membership not necessary for July and August meetings.
Co-chairs: Susan Shipotofsky 941-798-3514 [email protected] and Marilyn Steinberg
352-530-7725 [email protected]
Men’s Club News
Neil Clark, Men’s Club President
The First Men's Club Meeting for the year is Sunday, August 21st at the temple -10am. Come for
bagels and lox and to help plan an exciting year for the TBE family. 2 events already scheduled:
September 16th - Men's Club Shabbat.
September 18th - An exciting trip to the Bunker
Hill Winery for wine tasting, tour and
luncheon. Last year's trip was a huge success
and full of fun. Space limited so set your
calendar for Sunday, September 18th at 1pm.
Open to the entire congregation!
Memorial Plots
available from Temple Beth El
Please remember TBE in your will,
there is no greater gift.
Located in Palmetto, Florida, Skyway
Memorial Gardens has been serving the
residents of Manatee County since 1952. The
tranquility of Skyway ensures a peaceful
resting place for years to come. Call TBE for
more info on the "Garden of Abraham"
Monthly payment plans now available through
TBE
A project of the sisterhood is to feed the
hungry. There is a food barrel in the foyer,
waiting for your contribution. Please bring your
nonperishable food items as often as possible.
Hunger has no season.
Office
Got pocket change? Remember Pushke
money? Put your change each day in a
ziplock bag, then bring the bag to the
Temple as a donation. Every little bit
helps! It is a great way to get the kids to
contribute too!
Jean Ellis, Office Manager
The TBE office is available to you or for your questions. We are open
Tuesdays thru Fridays, 9:00 am - Noon.
For Rabbi or Temple information or to RSVP for an event, please call the Temple office.
941-755-4900
The Office is located at Temple Beth El, 4200 32nd Street West, Bradenton 34205
Got pocket change? Remember Pushke money? Put your change each day in a ziplock bag, then bring the bag
to the Temple as a donation. Every little bit helps! It is a great way to get the kids to contribute too!
Sponsor the Challah and wine, the Oneg (Friday night) or the Kiddush (Sat. morning) for a
birthday or anniversary, in memory of someone or 'just because'.
Contact the office, 941-755-4900 for more information.
Please make checks for Oneg and/ or Challah and Wine to: Temple Beth El Sisterhood
Friday & Sat Wine & Challah- $25 each. Friday Oneg- $30 Saturday Kiddush -$35
Friday, wine and challah and Oneg combined is $55. Saturday, wine and challah and Kiddush $60.
If you are making a Yahrzeit donation, please send it with the Yahrzeit letter so that it can be posted in memory of the person you are honoring.
Make checks out to Temple Beth El
“It is a Tree of Life to those who hold fast to it.” Proverbs 3:18
Purchasing a leaf (or leaves) is a wonderful way to mark and sanctify precious life
events, such as: B’nai Mitzvah, engagements, weddings, birth of a child or
grandchild, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion. It I also a loving way
to remember those who have gone before us.
Call the TEBE office for more info 941-755-4900
TEMPLE BETH EL DIRECTORY
www.templebethelbradenton.com
www.facebook.com/TBEBradenton
4200 32nd St W. Bradenton, FL 34207
(941)-755-4900
[email protected]
Office hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Staff
Rabbi
Michael Sternfield
Cantor Emeritus
Alan Cohn
Deborah Suta
Cantorial Soloist
Jean Ellis
Office Manager
Religious Education Director
Susie Konicov
Executive Board
Sandy Clark
President
Exec. Vice President
Karen Knoell
2nd V.P. Community
Dr. Irving Zamikoff
Treasurer
Stacie Rosenstein
Secretary
Celia Strickler
Immediate Past President
Dr. Lois Gerber
Board Members
Katherine Richmond
Ritual
Susie Konicov
Education
Publicity & Social Media
Dr. Robyn Spirtas
Leonard Schlain
Membership
Social Events
Marilyn Steinberg/Susan Shipotofsky
Sisterhood
Neil Clark
Men's Club
Board Members at Large
Michael Polin
Betty and Arnie Klein
This entire newsletter and additional photos are available on our
website: www.templebethelbradenton.com
IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE TEMPLE E-MAILS PLEASE
e-mail Robyn Spirtas at [email protected] so she can
make sure you are included.