July 2016 Newsletter - Temple Beth El Bradenton

Temple Beth El Bradenton
A REFORM CONGREGATION
4200 32ND STREET WEST
BRADENTON, FL 34205
941.755.4900
[email protected]
www.TempleBethElBradenton.com
“News and Views
By Rabbi Michael Sternfield
It has been over 15 years since the publication
of Robert Putnam’s groundbreaking book
“Bowling Alone.” His observations have
become more urgent with every passing year.
Putnam showed how, particularly here in the
U.S., we have become increasingly
disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and our
democratic structures. Putnam warned that…(con’t on page 2)
TEMPLE BETH EL BRADENTON INVITES YOU TO
Shabbat Services are
every Friday night at
7:30 pm; Saturday
morning at 10 am
followed by
Torah Study
Join us as we have dinner together and then
watch the movie…Nora’s Will. Nora’s Will is a
comedy like nothing you’ve seen before, a truly
unique tale of lost faith and eternal love from
one of Mexico’s most talented new filmmakers,
writer/director Mariana Chenillo. Nora’s Will
was named Mexico’s Best Picture of the Year,
taking home seven Ariel Awards. Chenillo is the
first female director ever to win Mexico’s Best
Picture award. A Mexican Dinner will be
prepared by our resident chef, Rabbi Michael
Sternfield. (nothing spicy) $7 pp
Who wants to join us
for Hebrew School?
Call the Temple for
more information!!
President’s message
By Sandra Clark
Hi Everyone
Neil and I are having a wonderful vacation.
Today we are in Maryland and met up with
one of the couples from our Shalom
Roamers group. I hope you are all
participating in all the great activities and the wonderful
Shabbat services. See you in August
Sandy
Membership
New Members
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. f you are interested in joining Temple Beth El Bradenton,
please contact Len at 941- 359-8997.
Please welcome our newest member: Ken Handleman
“News and Views”
By Rabbi Michael Sternfield
…Putnam warned that our stock of social capital – the very fabric of our
connections with each other, is diminishing at a rapid pace. The consequence
of this serious trend is the impoverishing of our lives and communities.
Putnam drew on nearly 500,000 interviews to show that we sign fewer petitions,
belong to fewer organizations that meet, know our neighbors less, meet with
friends less frequently, and even socialize with our families less often.
We’re even bowling alone. Hence the title of the book. More Americans are
bowling than ever before, but they are not bowling in leagues. Putnam showed
how changes in work, family structure, age, suburban life, television,
computers, and other factors have contributed to this decline.
This trend is especially obvious in the realm of religion. Virtually all of the
mainstream religions are experiencing a steep decline in membership.
According to recent studies, the fastest growing “religious” group in America is
the “nones,” those who identify with no religion. Our Jewish community is being
especially hard hit by this trend. Almost everywhere synagogue membership is
declining;.
Here in Florida, it is estimated that over 80% of the Jewish population is
unaffiliated. When I arrived here, I asked how many Jews there are in Sarasota
and Manatee counties. The answer is: we don’t know primarily because so
many Jewish residents have no formal connection to any Jewish organization.
We are all familiar with those who speak of themselves themselves as “cultural
Jews.” What does this actually mean? not much, I am sorry to say.
The challenge facing our congregation is much more serious than the problem
of own revitalization. Our Temple’s responsibility is preserve Judaism in our
community. We need to do everything we can to draw in the disaffected, the
uninvolved, not just to perpetuate Temple Beth El, but to keep Judaism alive
here.
This is the essential purpose of every synagogue. I hope that you share this
sense of urgency. You can help and I hope you will. Just about everyone has
Jewish friends and acquaintances, most of which are not affiliated. Invite them
to come to Shabbat services, the High Holy Days, and other Temple activities
with you. Bring them! Help them to experience what a warm and welcoming
community ours is. This is the mitzvah I ask you to do, not only for the sake of
our Temple, but for the future of our precious Jewish religion. We may be able
to go bowling alone, but Judaism needs to be observed and celebrated as a
community.
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.
Our Calendar
Sunday, June 30th - Baseball Day at the Bradenton Marauders
Baseball Game 6 pm
Friday, July 1st - Shabbat Service 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 2nd - Shabbat Service and Torah Study 10 am
Friday, July 8th- Shabbat Service 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 9th- Shabbat Service and Torah Study 10 am
Saturday, July 9th- Dairy Pot Luck Havdalah at the Rabbi’s community room!
Wednesday, July 13th - Beth El International Jewish Film Series
Friday, July 15th- Shabbat Service 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 16th- Shabbat Service and Torah Study 10 am
Friday, July 22nd- Shabbat Service 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 23rd- Shabbat Service and Torah Study 10 am
Friday, July 29th- Shabbat Service 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 30th- Shabbat Service and Torah Study 10 am
Baseball Anyone?
Pot Luck Havdallah!
Saturday, June 30th - Bradenton Marauders
baseball at McKechnie Field! Meet at 5:45 in
front of ticket office. Join us!
Saturday, July 9th - Bring a dairy dish to share.
Havdalah will be held at Sarabay Cove in
the community room of the Rabbi’s condo
complex! 5:30 pm
Only $10 pp. It's "thirsty Thursday"
- $1 beers and $1 soft drinks
RSVP to Robyn Spirtas,
[email protected]
You must RSVP to join our group.
1714 69th Ave W. Bradenton
(go all the way back to the pool/clubhouse area)
McKechnie Field is located at 1611 9th St W
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
Donations
TBE SISTERHOOD INCLUDING CHALLAH, WINE, ONEG & KIDDUSH
Barry & Judy Furman in honor of Judy’s birthday.
YARZHEITS
Dorothy Mizzi remembers Rebecca Abo; Marlena Johnsky remembers Daniel Johnsky; Sharon Carlson;
Sanford Danziger in memory of Arthur Danziger; Barry Furman in memory of Sylvia Furman;
Jean Ellis in memory of Marie Levy.
MISCELLANEOUS
Marlena Johnsky in honor of Rabbi Richard & Ellen Klein’s 50th Anniversary; Donation form Gary
Konicov; Sandy & Neil in honor Ethan Leuchter’s Graduation.
In Honor of Eunice Burton’s 90th Birthday: Paula & Marvin Harris; Sandy & Neil Clark;
Ronna, Murray and family; Jean Ellis; Sharyn & Haven Sharaf.
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Jean, Robert & Lori, Ian & Betsy in thanks for a meaningful unveiling service for Jonas.
Simcha Grams
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
(cut here)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES
10 Freda Koff
13 Jerry & Susan Koff
11 Erik Polin
31 Becky & Bob Hadesman
13 Barry Schneider
26 Harold Millstein
28 Jack Jawitz
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 Men's Clubs fiscal year begins in June and statements have
gone out to all TBE men. Please join the group so that they can
continue to provide help to our Temple. The men's club has some
exciting speakers on the horizon and will continue to provide gifts
for our Bar/Bat Mitzvah students and of course the annual Purim
Barbeque. We need all of you to join!
We will be taking a break in June and July and will start meetings
up again the 3rd Sunday in August.
Ritual
Kate Richmond, Ritual Chair
Shabbat Live! continues to be a wonderful
addition to our Services. It is a once a month
Our Havdalah
musical, Friday night, Shabbat. The TBE
services are a
musicians will be taking a summer break. The
great way to
next Musical Shabbat will be on Friday,
end Shabbat
September 23rd. Although, with our cantorial
and start the
Soloist, Deborah Suta, it is always a musical
week off right.
Shabbat!
We have a dairy pot luck meal and a nice
discussion 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. July Havdalah will
be on Saturday, 7/9 at 5:30 pm at the
Rabbi’s clubhouse.
Office
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!
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.
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
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.
more info on the "Garden of Abraham"
Monthly payment plans now available through
TBE
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
Cantorial Soloist
Office Manager
Religious Education Director
Deborah Suta
Jean Ellis
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.