Congregation Beth Torah

Congregation
Beth Torah
June / July 2015
Sivan / Tammuz / Av 5775
A blast
from the
past!
Check out
what CBT
was doing
in June
1980...
Visit our online newsletter archive at http://congregationbethtorah.org/family-record-archives/ to read the entire issue.
Check often as new back issues will be added regularly!
FROM THE RABBI
Rabbi Elana Zelony  [email protected]
The word keruv in Hebew means to bring close. For some, this conjures
up images of Orthodox rabbis reaching out to unobservant and
unaffiliated Jews and teaching them traditional Jewish practices. In
Conservative circles it is the name of an outreach program that
welcomes and includes interfaith families. What I mean by the word
keruv is simply to draw close. One of my goals as a rabbi is to draw
everyone closer: closer to Judaism, closer to our community, and closer
to their own spirituality. I believe that people are happier when they feel a connection to
other people and to the Creator and that the Jewish tradition is a means to make these
connections.
The ancient Israelites experienced keruv through korban,
bringing sacrifices to God. The words don’t look alike in
English, however in Hebrew the letters vet and bet are
the same letter pronounced two different ways
depending on grammatical circumstances. Keruv and
korban contain the same Hebrew root, and both relate to
the concept of “close.” The idea behind the sacrifices
was to give people a ritual to express remorse and
gratitude. The hope was that through making a sacrifice
to God people’s personal experiences would be woven
into the national fabric of the Israelite people and the
cosmic narrative of the world. In other words, they felt closer to the Jewish people and the
universe through the action of bringing a sacrifice.
What I mean
by the word
keruv is simply
to draw closer.
For many reasons, I have never envisioned sacrifice as a method to help bring people
closer to Judaism, our community, and their own spirituality, but there are many other ways
to help people feel closer.
On the weekend of November 13 we’ll be experiencing keruv through a retreat to Camp
Young Judea. My vision is that by spending time together outside of our normal
environment we’ll find new ways of connecting to one another. Also, while the retreat is
meant for all of our members, I’d like help in a campaign to reach out to members on the
periphery. My hope is that if they attend the retreat the CBT regulars will have a chance to
get to know them better and help them feel welcome. If you are
interested in planning the retreat, please let me know.
In the event of an emergency—
Rabbi
Elana Zelony
Director of Learning
Beri Schwitzer
President
Alan Hoffman
Executive VP
Cheryl Drazin
Development VP
Vikki Silvis
Education VP
Jessica Winter
Congregation Beth Torah | Page 2
Financial VP
David Engelberg
Membership VP
Debbie Wills
Ritual VP
Neil Burnstein
Treasurer
David Rosen
Board Secretary
Marty Fried
Past President
Chuck Smith
For illness, death, or other family life
cycle emergency after-hours, please
contact Rabbi Zelony at 310.409.6532.
Synagogue offices are open—
Sundays, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Mondays—Thursdays, 9AM to 5:30 PM
Fridays, 9AM to 5PM
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Alan Hoffman  [email protected]
Chevre,
Welcome to the wonderful summer months in Dallas. I
know most of us are making plans for travel, camp, and
just enjoying some warm, dry weather. I’d like to start by
covering some key points from our Annual Meeting and
conclude with plans for the summer.
As you know by now, I look forward to the honor of serving as your
president for one more year. We have much to accomplish as we continue
to develop the shared vision of Rabbi Zelony. I look forward to serving with
our new Executive Committee and Board. We have a great team in place
to get the job done.
I am very excited about the changes coming in our Educational
programming. Through the efforts of our Learning Center Task Force and
Education Director Search Committee, we have created a plan which
encompasses Congregational Learning from Pre-K to Adult Education. We
have finalized our offer for this position and Beri Schwitzer will serve as our
new Director of Congregational Learning. Her start date will be July 1,
2015. This is a strong investment and commitment for our congregation.
We need your support and participation at all levels. Please join me in
welcoming Beri and her family to the CBT family.
When our students return to school in the fall, they will also be treated to
our new Marcia Webb Youth Lounge. Construction will take place in the
next 60 days. More details will be coming soon (including pictures!).
I am excited to
formally announce
the naming of Beri
Schwitzer as our
new Director of
Congregation
Learning. In this new
role, Beri will have
responsibility for
education
programming across
the spectrum of the
congregation. She
will also be involved
in our USY
programming as our
professional leader.
Please join me in
welcoming Beri, her
husband Joel, and
twin daughters Mira
and Zoe, to our Beth
Torah family.
Finally, I want to talk about staying connected through the coming months.
Debbie Wills and her Membership team are planning many community
events for the summer. We want to be sure we offer many opportunities to
come together as a community for fun and relaxation during the July/
August time frame. If you have your own ideas, please feel free to share
them directly with Debbie.
Enjoy your summer! Stay cool and we’ll see you in shul!
L’Shalom,
Alan Hoffman
Submissions for the Family Record are encouraged! The deadline for each issue
is the FIRST OF THE MONTH prior to publication month and can be done online
at http://congregationbethtorah.org/calendar-communications. The Family
Record is published in color and mailed monthly, except bi-monthly during
summer, to those who subscribe ($50 per year subscription). Contact the office
to subscribe.
Photo of President courtesy of DSPN Photos—Photography by David Duchin
Congregation Beth Torah
720 W. Lookout Drive, Richardson TX 75080
972.234.1542 | 972.783.1463 (Fax)
http://congregationbethtorah.org/
Congregation Beth Torah | Page 3
FROM RITUAL
Ritual Committee  [email protected]
On behalf of the congregation, the Ritual Committee wishes a hearty
Yasher Koach and Thank You to the following congregants, friends and
family who led a service, read from the Torah, or chanted a Haftarah on
Shabbat, Passover, and/or Shavuot during the months of APRIL & MAY
2015:
Friday Night Leaders
(April) Rabbi Elana Zelony, David Shapiro, Learning Center 3rd Grade—
(May) Rabbi Elana Zelony, Jerry Zeffren, Joyful Noise, Elizabeth Stein,
Leslie Morgan, Earl Bills.
Psukei D’Zimra:
(April) Rabbi Elana Zelony, Arny Felner—(May) Arny Felner, Joe Liken,
Rabbi Elana Zelony.
Shacharit:
(April) Garry Kahalnik, Jerry Zeffren, Joe Liken, Phil Stayman, Leslie
Morgan —(May) Joe Liken, Jerry Zeffren, Garry Kahalnik, Rabbi Elana
Zelony.
Hallel:
(April) Rabbi Elana Zelony, Jerry Zeffren, Joe Liken, Phil Stayman—
(May) Rabbi Elana Zelony, Jerry Zeffren.
Torah Service:
(April) Arny Felner, Chuck Smith, Paul Utay, Jerry Zeffren, David
Shapiro, Alsione Kopita—(May) Learning Center 6th Grade, Chuck Smith,
Elizabeth Stein, Yael Flores, Joe Liken, Arny Felner.
Gabbai:
(April) Chuck Smith, Phil Stayman, Lou Kaiser—(May) Chuck Smith,
Myron Weiss.
Torah Readers:
(April) Phil Stayman, Chip Rosenson, Eleanor Eidels, Joe Liken, Barbara
Rosen, Paul Utay, Elizabeth Stein, David Shapiro, Jerry Zeffren, Myrna
Silver—(May) Rabbi Elana Zelony, John Wills, Paul Utay, Phil Stayman,
Elizabeth Stein, Joe Liken, Jerry Zeffren, Eleanor Eidels, Bennett
Robinson.
Haftarah:
(April) Jerry Zeffren, Stanley Sutkin, Rabbi Elana Zelony, Jessica Liken,
David Shapiro, Joe Liken—(May) Jessica Winter, Rabbi Elana Zelony,
Jerry Zeffren, Stanley Sutkin, Michael Coren, Chuck Smith.
Sermons and Sermonettes:
(April) Rabbi Elana Zelony, David Shapiro—(May) Rabbi Elana Zelony,
Garry Kahalnik, Ali Abu Awwad.
Yizkor:
(April) Rabbi Elana Zelony, David Shapiro—(May) Rabbi Elana Zelony.
Musaf:
(April) Joe Liken, Arny Felner, Francine Simpson, David Shapiro, Hal
Shaub—(May) Rabbi Elana Zelony, Arny Felner, Francine Simpson, Jerry
Zeffren, Ron Blumka, Phil Stayman, Earl Bills.
Congregation Beth Torah | Page 4
While we generally
do not schedule
service leaders and
Torah readers in
advance for the daily
minyanim, we would
also like to thank
everyone who steps
forward and helps
our daily services be
just as enjoyable and
participatory as
during Shabbat and
the Chagim
(Holidays).
See page
6 about
learning
to lead a
service.
CONGREGATIONAL LEARNINGING
[email protected]
Talmud Class
Mondays after Minyan, 7:30–8:30 AM, Oneg Rm
Register with Lady Ann by email
[email protected]
We are pleased to announce our new Director
of Congregational Learning—Beri Schwitzer.
Not new to the Dallas area, Beri comes to us
with a wealth of experience and passion for
Jewish education.
We look forward to the new programs that will
be brought to our congregation for every age.
Both family and community offerings will be
available as we start a new chapter of
education at Beth Torah. Keep your eyes and
ears open this summer as the planning will start
and you will be invited to get involved with
every step.
We will also be busy working to get the
education wing ready for the 2015–2016 school
year. Our first step is moving downstairs!
More exciting news is the opening of our
Sunday Pre-K/K to children ages 3 and older
following a wonderful first year of the program
led by Esther Jogiel.
On the Adult Education front, planning is
underway for a number of educational
programs with the goal of providing something
for everyone. Rabbi Zelony will be leading an
Adult B’nai Mitzvah class that will begin in
August.
As you can see there is a lot to do and lots of
opportunities to get involved. Please contact us
if you are interested in helping at any level.
The Talmud is the foundational text upon which
all modern forms of Judaism stand. Come
explore, spar with, and make meaning of this
sacred book. Led by Rabbi Z and open to all.
Hebrew text provided but class discussions will
be based on English translation.
Adult Bnai Mitzvah
Beginning August 16, Sundays, 7–8PM, Oneg Rm
Register with Lady Ann by email
[email protected]
Never had a bar or bat mitzvah? It's never too
late! Come learn the meaning and structure of
the prayers, how to chant Torah trope, and how
to write a dvar Torah. The class will culminate
in a ceremony in early June when Beth Torah
will have a chance to celebrate your year of
study with you. Led by Rabbi Zelony. All levels
of Hebrew competency welcome.
Et L’vavcha V’et L’vav
August 15, 22, and 29 at 5PM (location TBA)
Register with Lady Ann by email
[email protected]
The month proceeding Rosh Hashana is a
month for spiritual preparation. It is called Elul,
and it is an acronym for “Et L’vavcha V’et
L’vav.” It's part of a verse in Deut. (30:6) which
states that God will circumcise our hearts—in
other words, God will help us in our process
of tshuva, the process of returning to our better
selves. Please join Rabbi Z for your own
spiritual preparation in August for text study,
mincha, and seudah shlishit (a light meal).
Congregation Beth Torah | Page 5
SHUL DOINGS...
Festive First Friday
Learn to Lead a Service
Join us on the first Friday of each month when
our service will start at 8PM instead of the usual
6:30 PM and we celebrate birthdays and
anniversaries coming up in the new month.
14 June, Sunday, 9AM
Contact Arny Felner—[email protected]
Muffins & Minyan with Mom
7 June, Sunday, 8:15 AM
Contact Leah Singleton
[email protected]
Join Young Families for a light breakfast and
minyan. Next date is July 5.
Inclusion Initiative Open Forum
7 June, Sunday, 2PM
Contact Zelene Lovitt
[email protected]
Come hear what is happening regarding the
Inclusion Initiative—your survey results, the
action plan, and how it will unfold. Give input
and make a difference. See page 11 for more
information on this initiative.
Israel & Middle East Updates
10 June, Wednesday, 7:30 PM at the JCC
Contact Magdi Olah or Anna Segal
[email protected]
Join us each month for this FREE monthly
update open to the public. Interested in dinner
beforehand? Contact Anna Segal or email
Magdi Olah (Israel Action chair). Next date is
July 15.
Gil Elan, President/CEO of SWJC, is a former
colonel of the IDF and an acclaimed senior
Middle East analyst. He has a weekly column in
the Texas Jewish Post and combines his
knowledge and wit into easy-to-read analyses
on current events. Read more about Gil online
at https://www.swjc.org.
Congregation Beth Torah | Page 6
CBT’s Music & Liturgy Ritual Sub-Committee
has volunteer teachers—including Rabbi
Zelony—who will work with small groups to
teach melodies and how to lead services of
their choice. This class will meet at least once a
month following Sunday morning minyan.
Contact Arny Felner for questions or to find out
when a particular service will be taught.
Ladies Who Lunch
16 June, Tuesday, 12:30 PM
Contact Carol Taper
[email protected] / 972.931.0202
Nosh with the ladies around town at a different
location each month. RSVP to Carol for
location. Future dates are July 21, August 25,
October 13, November 17, and December 15.
Ladies Night Out
18 June, Thursday, 8PM
Contact Rachel Leventon
[email protected]
Hang out with the ladies at Yoshi Shabu Shabu,
(1801 N. Greenville #400, Richardson). RSVP
to Rachel. Note the June date change. Future
dates are July 9 and August 13.
Joyful Noise
19 June, Friday, 6:30–7PM
Joyful Noise has returned to the 6:30 PM
Kabbalat Shabbat services. If you're in the
mood for a Shabbat service that's got a "beat"
then come and join us in welcoming Shabbat
with instruments and singing on June 19, July
31, August 21, September 25, and October 23.
SHUL DOINGS...
Chai Lights Sponsored Oneg
Israel Scout Friendship Caravan
19 June, Friday, following 6:30 PM services
10 July, Friday, 5:45 PM
Chai Lights is sponsoring their second Oneg
and invite all of Beth Torah to come and
enjoy. Bring your friends, kids, and grandkids.
The songs for Summer 2015 have officially
been chosen and the Friendship Caravan is
coming to Beth Torah! Learn more about what
FOIS is about by visiting them online at http://
www.israelscouts.org.
Broman Sponsored Kiddush
20 June, Saturday, following 930 AM services
Bev & Larry Broman invite you to services
followed by a Kiddush luncheon in celebration
of their 49th wedding anniversary as well as to
wish shalom to all their friends at Beth Torah as
they follow their dream to the beach and ocean.
Donuts & Davening with Dad
Father’s Day
21 June, Sunday, 8:15 AM (Oneg)
Contact Leah Singleton
[email protected]
Join Young Families for a light breakfast and
minyan. Next date is July 19.
Come Young, Come All!
23 June, Tuesday, 7PM (Offsite)
Join fellow CBT members at Zinga Yogurt
(18208 Preston, NW corner at Frankford) for a
summer treat!
Chai Lights 50+
7 Brides for 7 Brothers
28 June, Sunday, 2PM (Offsite)
Contact Joy & Herb Weinstein
[email protected]
Matinee performance. Advanced registration
required.
Chai Lights 50+
Ice Cream Social
12 July, Sunday, 2PM
Contact Joy & Herb Weinstein
[email protected]
Current and prospective Chai Lights members
are invited to bring their Jewish 50+ friends and
acquaintances for this event featuring Dave
Lieber, DMN Watchdog Nation. $5 per person.
Advance registration only.
Chai Lights 50+
Sweet Charity
13 August, Thursday, 7:30 PM (Offsite)
Contact Annette Morganstern 214.457.4444
$24 per person. Must register by Monday, June
29. Not a Chai Lights member? Contact Joy &
Herb Weinstein!
Chai Lights 50+ Kickoff
30 August, Sunday, 5PM
Contact Joy & Herb Weinstein
[email protected]
Paid-up Chai Lights members, join us for dinner
and fabulous entertainment with Jared Kopf,
Illusionist and Mind Reader. $5 per person.
Advanced registration only by Monday, Aug 17.
Community Tisha B’Av
25 & 26 July, Friday & Saturday (details TBA)
Congregation Beth Torah | Page 7
ANNOUNCEMENTS…
High Holy Days Bulletin
This year, CBT will be replacing the September
and October issues of the Family Record with a
special and expanded High Holy Days Bulletin.
Are you chairing a project and/or committee?
Do you have an event on the Beth Torah 20152016 calendar year? Need a Save-the-Date or
are your details already coming together?
Share all about what you do...when you’re
doing it… and what you need to get it done in
this year’s High Holy Days bulletin.
Submissions are being accepted online only at
http://congregationbethtorah.org/hhd-bulletinsubmission.
Last date to submit is 9 AM Sunday, August 2.
CBT Legacy Society
Announcing the founding of the CBT Legacy
Society—a way to honor those individuals who
have chosen to remember Congregation Beth
Torah in their estate plan.
If you are considering including CBT in your
estate plan or have already done so, please
contact us so that we can include you as a
charter member of this group.
Likewise, we would like to posthumously honor
any past members from the 40-year history of
CBT who included a gift to the synagogue in
their estate plan. If you are aware of any gifts
from the past that fit this description, contact us
at [email protected].
Welcome Lady Ann!
[email protected]
A quick learner and fantastic
with computers, Lady Ann is
our new secretary to Rabbi
Zelony and Membership
Coordinator. She is also the
proud wife of Christopher
Monday–Friday
Jackson and mother of Lady
9AM–5PM
Ann (20), Sir Charles (16),
Ext. 227
Camron (12), Jabari (9),
Ayanna (11), and Royale (5
months). Did you count those names? That is 6
children! Imagine Lady Ann’s multi-tasking
skills! Originally from Dallas, the Jackson family
resides in Midlothian. Lady Ann’s favorites
include the color purple, Pappas Brothers
Steakhouse, chocolate cake, and Lemon
Chess pie. Stop by the office to meet and
welcome our newest staff member.
Congregation Beth Torah | Page 8
Sisterhood Membership
Our 2015-2016 membership packets will be
posted online this year. Yes, you will even be
able to pay all of your dues and donations
online as well!
For those wishing to continue renewing by
paper with payment by check, simply continue
what you’ve been doing. For whose who do not
use a computer and would like to receive a
packet by regular mail, please contact Elaine to
request one.
For questions, contact Sisterhood Membership
Vice-President, Elaine Scharf, at 972.307.3521
or [email protected].
Carol Rothschild  [email protected]
SISTERHOOD BOOK CLUB
The Eight
by Katherine Neville
July 15, 7:30 PM
This meeting will be at the
home of Anndi Hogan.
Please RSVP to Anndi at
[email protected] so
she can plan accordingly.
Katherine Neville's debut novel is a postmodern thriller set in
1972 ... and 1790. In the 20th century, Catherine Velis is a computer expert with a flair for music, painting, and chess who, on her
way to Algeria at the behest of the accounting firm where she is
employed, is invited to take a mysterious moonlighting assignment: recover the pieces of an old chess set missing for centuries.
In the midst of the French Revolution, a young novice discovers
that her abbey is the hiding place of a chess set, once owned by
the great Charlemagne, which allows those who play it to tap into
incredible powers beyond the imagination. She eventually comes
into contact with the major historical figures of the day, from
Robespierre to Napoleon, each of whom has an agenda.
2015—2016 Dates:
 September 30, Richardson Reads (book TBD)
 Oct / Nov, JCC Reads (through Tycher Library, date and book TBD)
 January 20, March 16, May 18, July 20
Can You Talk & Stuff?
If you enjoy chatting with others and have a free hour(ish) a month, join this
group and help put out synagogue mailings. Materials are always ready-to-go
and just need to be either stickered or stuffed in an envelope. Sign-up online
at http://congregationbethtorah.org/volunteering/ so we will know your day
and time preferences or call the office at 972.234.1542.
SERVICE TIMES
Candle Lighting
Friday Services
Shabbat
Services
8:14 PM (5-June)
8:00 PM
9:30 AM
8:18 PM (12-June)
6:30 PM
9:30 AM
8:20 PM (19-June)
6:30 PM
9:30 AM
8:21 PM (26-June)
6:30 PM
9:30 AM
8:21 PM (3-July)
8:00 PM
9:30 AM
8:19 PM (10-July)
6:30 PM
9:30 AM
8:17 PM (17-July)
6:30 PM
9:30 AM
8:13 PM (24-July)
6:30 PM
9:30 AM
8:08 PM (31-July)
6:30 PM
9:30 AM
Tot
Shabbat
11:00 AM
11:00 AM
11:00 AM
11:00 AM
Junior
Congregation
Havdalah (60)
10:30 AM
9:33 PM (6-Jun)
10:30 AM
9:36 PM (13-Jun)
10:30 AM
9:38 PM (20-Jun)
10:30 AM
9:39 PM (27-Jun)
10:30 AM
9:39 PM (4-Jul)
10:30 AM
9:37 PM (11-Jul)
10:30 AM
9:34 PM (18-Jul)
10:30 AM
9:30 PM (25-Jul)
10:30 AM
9:25 PM (1-Aug)
Congregation Beth Torah | Page 9
FAMILY NEWS
Marty Fried / [email protected]
Mazal Tov to...
Emily Chilton on becoming a
Bat Mitzvah on Friday and
Saturday, June 12 & 13.
Emily is the daughter of
Jill & Scott Chilton and
sister of Rachel.
Condolences...
Laurie Laffer on the loss of her mother,
Shirley Pullman (May 23).
John Wills on the loss of his aunt, Evelyn
Wills, 87 (May 12).
Linda Gould on the loss of her brother, Stan
Davis (May 5).
Robert Chozick on the loss of his mother,
Rose Jacobson, 95 (April 1).
Thank You!
We thank the following congregants for their
Kiddush sponsorship and contributions in May
and June...
Debbie & John Wills in celebration of the Auf
Ruf of their daughter Erica and David
Bashover.
Ethel Gruen in celebration of her 95th
birthday.
Bev & Larry Broman in celebration of their
49th wedding anniversary and move to
California.
We also thank Chai Lights for sponsoring the
Friday Night Oneg on June 19.
Congregation Beth Torah | Page 10
Happy Anniversary
Sara & Maury Jacobs
Harold & Mary Shaub
David & Elizabeth Stein
Philip & Gloria Stayman
Nicolle & Aaron Block
Herb & Ellen Schachter
Bennett & Caron Robinson
Donald & Nanci Dubrow
Jeff & Michelle Roberts
Israel & Trudy Wiseman
Mark & Carol Kreditor
Larry & Maxine Levy
Robert & Linda Chozick
Matthew & Meredith Shapiro
Stephen & Ann Rowley
Louis & Arlene Navias
Howard & Eileen Kessner
Seth & Lisa Miller
David & Laura Halper
Darrin & Rachel Goldin
Dane Miller & Linda Feldman-Miller
Gene & Carol Taper
Larry & Beverly Broman
Michael & Sara Coren
Michael & Ruth Precker
Neil & Vicki Burnstein
Janine & Jonathan Bergknoff
Randall & Donna Leibow
Daewon & Debra Pak
Arnold & Jan Shelby
Lou & Jill Kaiser
Arnold & Miriam Kuchinsky
Marty & Amy Wouch
Isaac & Rachel Leventon
Robert & Naomi Levinson
Ira & Sarah Korman
Doug & Lisa Weiser
Casey & Melissa Gendason
Robert & Caren Tate
David & Rhonda Duchin
Larry & Laura Schnitzer
1-Jun
1-Jun
1-Jun
2-Jun
4-Jun
4-Jun
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2–yr
10–yr
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31–yr
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49–yr
39–yr
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30–yr
24–yr
Share your news!
FAMILY NEWS
Happy Anniversary
Steve & Laurie Belson
Sandy & Rita Holzsweig
Sandra & Paul Dyeak
Steve & Sarah Bartfield
Eric & Jill Matthews
Steven & Pamela Parham
Irwin & Anna Segal
Louis & Jenny Fisher
Denis & Marcia Kehlmann
Howard & Eileen Lieberman
Howard & Linda Shapiro
Stanton & Donna Zeff
Robert & Zelene Lovitt
Jeffrey & Lynda Markowitz
David & Leah Engelberg
Robert & Felicia Rubin
Paul & Raye Koch
Neill & Adrian Fleishman
Mark Post & Leyka Barbosa-Post
Alan & Marcia Weiss
Michael & Laura Carr
David Decker & Michelle Gordon
Neil & Linda Gould
Grant & Abigail Mindle
Mitchel & Bonnie Cohen
Howard & Nancy LeCover
Howard & Sheryl Mintz
1-Jul
1-Jul
3-Jul
5-Jul
5-Jul
5-Jul
5-Jul
6-Jul
6-Jul
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8-Jul
8-Jul
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18–yr
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48–yr
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36–yr
36–yr
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24–yr
31–yr
34–yr
48–yr
32–yr
51–yr
24–yr
18–yr
35–yr
32–yr
24–yr
38–yr
37–yr
Kiddush Sponsorship
One of Beth Torah’s focal points is the time
we spend together after services—noshing
and schmoozing. Contact Esther Cohen
(972.985.7105) if you'd like to sponsor or
contribute to a Shabbat luncheon.
Do you have news you’d like to share with your
Beth Torah family? Send us your Bar/Bat Mitzvahs,
engagement/marriages, graduations, new babies,
baby-naming/Bris...send in all of your news and
please include a photo if you have one! Just go to
www.congregationbethtorah.org and click on the
‘Congregant News’ link or email it
[email protected].
Misheberach
These names are included for prayers of healing. To
add or change a name of a loved one or friend, contact
Rabbi Zelony’s secretary, Lady Ann, at 972.234.1542
x227 or [email protected]. NonPerpetual names are removed after 4 weeks unless
otherwise requested.
Congregants
Barbara Zipkoff
Beverly Broman
Bob Lovitt
Eliezer ben
Janet Greenblatt
Marvin Block
Mordechai Ha Levi
Ruth Feldman
Steve Rowley
Family of Congregant
Alegra Tevet
Bert Eisner
Helen Wiseman
Howard Chizeck
Matthew Jones
Nat Gershman
Ruth Ann Eisner
Vera Severino
Yael bat Feiga
Friend of Congregant
Abby Belasco
Amy Stroth
Bernice Derrington
Iris Fostery
Katie Berman
Marna Edenson
Missy Ratner
Steve Abernathy
Perpetual Congregants
Barbara Kaufman
Blanche Fisher
Brad Boa
Charlotte Goldberg
David Gerstein
Feivel Moshe ben
Aviva Leah
Gary Ackerman
Harriet Gross
Howard Lieberman
Howie Fields
Israel Wiseman
Linda Northcutt
Martin Greenblatt
Mary Shaub
Patti Fields
Robert Levinson
Ruth Goldberg
Shlomo ben Sarah
Trudy Wiseman
Yaakov Avraham ben
Yehudit
Mark Appel
Naomi Levinson
To update your member information, contact Carren in the office at 972.234.1542 x221 or
submit the information online at http://congregationbethtorah.org/member-information-update.
Congregation Beth Torah | Page 11
CBT INCLUSION INITIATIVE
As one year ends and the next year begins, the CBT INCLUSION
INITIATIVE pauses both to take stock and to view the horizon. In just a
few short months we have accomplished many things and appreciate
your amazing support as we tackle challenges and set goals.
CBT was honored to be selected by United Synagogue to participate
in a 16 synagogue cohort addressing the special needs of its
members. Those needs may be physical, psychological, educational,
or neurological. The age span is anywhere from preschoolers to those
who have accumulated years.
Having tapped into what our members need and want via a
congregational survey and an open forum, our action plan is taking
shape. Meeting with members of both the Executive Committee and
the Board, we have begun to address those needs and to plan actions
or remedies. What is especially interesting is the fact that a heavy
majority of identified remedies have absolutely NO COST associated
with them. Many of those actions are simple and obvious—why didn't
we think of them before? Several of them are complex but doable. All
of them will be accomplished over time.
Your synagogue leaders have established a dedicated fund for
contributions to cover remedies that have costs associated with
them. Those costs include items such as having electronic doors to
enter and exit the building and the bathrooms, enhancing emergency
evacuation options from the sanctuary, enhancing the sanctuary
sound system, and supporting navigation throughout the building.
In an effort to increase our greater Dallas profile, we have community
plans to host a variety of support groups, an inclusion Shabbot, and
speakers to address subjects pertinent to special needs interests. We
have begun to be thought of as the congregation that cares for and
addresses the special needs of its memberships. What a wonderful
way to be identified!
Congregation Beth Torah takes great pride in caring for and about our
members—individuals and families. It is by anticipating both your
current and possible future needs that this is evident. The wisdom and
support of Rabbi Zelony and the lay synagogue leadership, as well as
the increasing eagerness of members to get involved, ensure the
success of the CBT Inclusion Initiative.
Congregation Beth Torah | Page 12
Did you know—
 20% of the population
has some type of
disability?
 CBT’s sanctuary has
wheelchair accessible
spaces?
 There are over 30 wide
seats in our sanctuary?
 You can have an
Aliyah without having
to walk up on the
bima?
 Our Rabbi wears a
lapel microphone to
announce page
numbers at services?
 Large-print prayer
books are available for
services?

CBT will continue to be
sensitive to the needs
of all who enter our
doors?
If you have questions
about what we are doing,
ideas to share to
improve our functioning,
or an interest in being
involved, please contact
Zelene Lovitt at
972.661.5863 or
[email protected].
DALLAS KOSHER BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP
[email protected]
Many of you have, in the days and weeks since the email to the
congregation came out or since seeing the display in the lobby at KLMD,
asked us for more details on just what is this ‘BBQ thing’ that Men’s Club
is doing? That is a reasonable question. We’ve also been asked “well,
what can I do to help?” That is a great question, too! Hopefully, as you
read this through, you’ll be informed, excited, and ready to help our Men’s
Club put on a spectacular event.
This idea has been cooking for some time now. Just as a brisket takes time to slowly cook and then
comes to a triumphant end that tastes delicious after hours of effort, our event has been in the
planning stages for well over a year. We have been working with the Kansas City Barbecue Society
(www.KCBS.us) whose knowledge of BBQ competitions has helped us to create a sanctioned,
organized contest with trained certified judges and a proven contest structure that provides a great
environment for our competitors.
Our goal is to create an annual event, with us working hard in this first year to create the framework
that we can use for our event to grow year over year. The money that Men’s Club raises from this
event will be used towards support of the synagogue as well as the greater Dallas community, both
directly by Men’s Club and by Men’s Club’s support of synagogue programs such as USY / Rashi,
Learning Center, Adult Ed, KLMD, and others. Also, a portion of our proceeds will go to support Chai
House in Dallas.
One important thing to note—and this is important—we are NOT trying to copy the Kosher Chili Cookoff. Our event is similar to the Chili Cook-off in that it’s a community event and open to all, and will
have great food and fun. But that’s where the similarities end.

While you may pay an admission fee to events by other groups, our event will be free.

While other events focus on having the Jewish community compete, our event will most likely
host many teams, both Jewish and non-Jewish, who are interested in great BBQ competition.
Many of the teams that will enter may follow the KCBS competition calendar, seeking new and
exciting events to enter.

Due to the nature of our competition (competing teams will be making a brisket, a few racks of
beef ribs, a turkey, and some chicken thighs), there won’t be samples of each team’s food to
be tried by everyone in attendance. Instead, a limited number of tasting tickets will be sold
and each team will have a limited number of samples to provide those who have purchased
tasting tickets.

We will be selling great-tasting kosher BBQ at the event and more information will come out
closer to time of the event on how to pre-order / reserve your meal.
At the same time, we are planning to have a great kids fun zone with craft projects, a fire safety fun
house provided by Dallas Fire and Rescue, and we are hosting a PJ Library event within our event
as well. This is just some of what we have planned for our kids zone thus far. Thus, there will be
plenty of family fun for all.
(Continued on page 14)
Congregation Beth Torah | Page 13
NOTABLE MENTION...
(Continued from page 13)
We also are excited to be hosting Simon
Majumdar of Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen
for the weekend. Simon is an avid BBQ fan and
loves to be at events such as ours. He is
bringing his book tour through as well, and will
be signing copies of his recently released book
Fed, White, And Blue at our event. Simon will
also be our celebrity emcee at the event and
will lead our celebrity judging panel. As of our
writing this, we have reached out and are
working with numerous celebrities to see if their
calendars will allow them to join us, and Jody
Dean of KLUV radio has already promised that
he’ll serve as a celebrity judge as well.
In addition to the kids zone and our celebrity
judging, we will also have some fun contests
going on (hotdog, pickle, and chili pepper
eating), great raffles to enter for prizes, vendors
with various gifts and gadgets, music, cooking
and BBQ gadget demonstrations—something for
everyone!
As mentioned in the email that so many of you
received, we are continuing to seek
sponsorship. You may download the
sponsorship packet from our website
(www.dallaskosherbbq.com), or you can pick
one up from the flyer racks at the synagogue.
We will also be looking for volunteers to help us
with the event. More details for volunteering will
be available in a few months.
If you have any questions, please let us know.
You can reach our committee by sending email
to [email protected].
We look forward to seeing you on October 25,
2015 at the Sunnyland Shopping Center
parking lot at the corner of Coit and Spring
Valley for the Dallas Kosher BBQ
Championship!
Dallas Kosher BBQ Championship Co-Chairs,
Brian J Rubenstein, Marc Kesner, Sandy Dorf
Congregation Beth Torah | Page 14
Large-print prayer books are available
in the sanctuary vestibule.
Office Hours—There is someone available
six days a week in the office: Sundays, 9:30
AM to 5:30 PM, Mondays-Thursdays, 9AM to
5:30 PM, and Fridays 9AM to 5PM.
Minyan—Sundays, 8:30 AM and Mondays,
6:45 AM, unless otherwise noted on the
calendar or announcements (breakfast after).
Tot Shabbat—2nd and 4th Saturdays at 11AM
(MPR), unless otherwise noted on the
calendar or announcements, is an hour of
Shabbat songs and prayers, a little dancing, a
Torah parade, snack time and stories for
"tots" ages 6 and younger. The attendance of
at least one parent is required.
Israeli Dancing—(Most) Wednesdays, 7:30
PM (MPR) unless otherwise noted on the
calendar or in announcements. $5 for nonmembers.
Room 12 Member Lounge—We have
comfy furniture, Wi-Fi, music, movies, books,
coffee, and a fridge full of cold drinks...ALL
FOR OUR MEMBERS! The lounge is always
open except from 6PM Fridays to 1PM
Saturdays (Shabbat).
Lost and Found—Did you lose something at
shul? For small items, check the ‘lost and
found’ shelf located on the shelves facing the
window in the workroom; for clothing, check
the coat area off the lobby; and, for larger
items, call Tom Moon at 972.234.1542 x267.
WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTIONS...
Burn the Mortgage
In Memory Of
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
In Memory Of
Rhea L. Schultz —Irwin Roth
Alfred Kaufman —Barbara & Ivan Kaufman
Robert Chozick's mother, Rose Jacobson —
Esther & Nat Cohen
Arlene Santo —Beth & Josh Mond
David Roth —Irwin Roth
Irving Pullman —Laurie & Allan Laffer
CBT Cares
In Memory Of
John Wills' aunt, Evelyn Wills —Marilyn &
Larry Guzick
Cemetery Fund
In Memory Of
Alfred Benjamin —David Goldstein
Harry Shapiro —Carol & Gene Taper
Lena Smith —Hal Shaub
Leslie Mandell —Michele & David Mandell
Lillian Bartfield —Sarah & Steven Bartfield
Polly Kaufman, Hymie Kaufman, Leonard
Smith, Zelda Smith —Miriam Smith
Rowena Mond —Beth & Josh Mond
Ritual Kiddush Fund
Gwendolyn Benjamin —David Goldstein
—Jo & Jerry Zeffren
Isadore Ingber —Laura Levy Goldstein
—Linda & Chuck Smith
Learning Center
In Memory Of
Lillian Sharfstein —Chick Sham
Louis Eisen —Jackie & Sheldon Fleschnan,
Jan Shelby
Operating Fund
In Honor Of
In Memory Of
Harriet Feldstein —Sharon & Morris Fried
Social Action
A Speedy Recovery For
Evelyn Utay —Marilyn & Larry Guzick
Karen Leynor Mitzvah Day
—Marilyn & Larry Guzick
Dave & Fern Gerstein —Jackie & Sheldon
Fleschnan
In Memory Of
Bess Dennis Zeffren —Jo & Jerry Zeffren
Edith W. Kranson —Jo & Jerry Zeffren
John Wills' aunt, Evelyn Wills —Linda &
Robert Chozick
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
—Carl & Gilda Daniel
—Celia & Earl Bills
—Erin & Geoffrey Margow
Questions
...or concerns
about listed (or not listed) donations?
Please contact Rabbi Zelony’s
secretary, Lady Ann Jackson, at
972.234.1542 x227 or
[email protected].
—Morris Fried
—Patti & Howard Fields
—Paul & Ruth Feldman
—Ruth Feldman
Congregation Beth Torah | Page 15
Congregation
Beth Torah
720 W. Lookout Drive
Richardson, TX 75080
972.234.1542
www.congregationbethtorah.org
Service Times
Friday Evenings
Saturday Mornings
AM
6:30 PM
9:30