The Role of the Forgotten Mourner

www.SINAItEMpLE.org | VoL 75 No 4
JANuArY 2014 | tEVEt • SH’VAt 5774
S ERvICES & F ESTIvALS
and
SHABBAT MORNING
IN THE ZIEGLER SANCTUARY
8:45 a.m.
present
The Role of the
Forgotten Mourner
FAMILY MINYAN &
FAMILY MINYAN Children’s Service
9:30 a.m. Jan 4, 11,18 & 25
TORAH IN THE ROUND
9:30 a.m. Jan. 18
with
TORAH AT THE TABLE
9:45 a.m. Every Shabbat
Rabbi Daniel Greyber
STARS SHABBAT MORNING
10:00 a.m. Jan. 11
Beth El Synagogue
TOT SHABBAT
9:00 a.m. Jan. 18
Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
What are the rules for dealing with the loss of a friend, a mentor, or a colleague? Jewish law has clearly defined roles for family members to grieve a
loss, but it does not define a role for a friend in the grieving process.
Through his book Faith Unravels: A Rabbi's Struggle With Grief and God, Rabbi
Daniel Greyber discusses losing two close friends and his experience being a
“forgotten mourner,” unsure how to grieve within the very tradition he had
grown to love. By sharing his profound story of faith lost and regained, Rabbi
Greyber’s insights will appeal to people of many faiths and to anyone coping
with grief.
Book sale and signing to follow.
Sinai Temple Members: $10
Non-Members: $18
Register online at www.sinaitemple.org or contact
Rebeka Small, Program Director, at (310) 481-3243.
RSVPs appreciated and MANDATORY to park inside the building.
Friday Candle Lighting Times
January
January
January
January
January
3
10
17
24
31
–
–
–
–
–
4:41
4:47
4:53
5:00
5:07
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
Saturday Havdalah Times
January
January
January
January
4 – 5:41
11 – 5:47
18 – 5:54
25 – 6:01
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
MINCHA/SHABBAT SERvICE
5:45 p.m. Every Friday Night
Kohn Chapel
JAMMIES ‘N’ JEANS
5:45 p.m. Jan. 3
FRIDAY NIGHT LIvE
7:30 p.m. Jan. 10
SHABBAT LIvE
10:45 a.m. Jan. 11
MUSICAL KABBALAT SHABBAT
5:45 p.m. Jan. 24
D AILY MINYAN
Mornings
8:30 a.m. Sunday
7:30 a.m. Monday - Friday
National Holidays - 8:30 a.m.
Afternoons
5:45 p.m. Sunday - Friday
4:30 p.m. Saturday
Weekly Parashas
January 4 – Bo
January 11 – B’shallah
January 18 –Yitro
January 25 –Mishpatim
SEEING OURSELvES
According to Jewish law one is not permitted to pray in front of a mirror. As a result interiors of synagogues have many kinds of decorations, but no mirrors.
the first reason that one should not pray before a mirror is the chance of mistaking the
object of reverence -- it should be god, not oneself. But there is another, subtler reason.
prayer goes ill with self-consciousness. As long as we are concerned about how we look, it
becomes very difficult to be in the spiritual moment. Similarly, in a house of mourning
we cover the mirrors because even a mourner can be easily distracted by seeing his or
her own image in the mirror, and look to straighten a tie, adjust a hem, or simply “pull oneself together.” Self-consciousness destroys the self-forgetting required for immersion in
a time that is truly about another's life and legacy.
Every now and then in a wedding I have asked for the video cameras to be turned off
and the flashes to be stilled. there is no 'future mirror' to interrupt the sacred. the bride
and groom close their eyes, knowing that no ‘all seeing lens’ is recording their faces.
they revel in the holiness of the moment. In joy, in grief and in prayer, it is easier to see
ourselves if we are not watching.
Rabbi David Wolpe
Now follow Rabbi Wolpe on Twitter
@RabbiWolpe
Rabbi Wolpe on Facebook
You can now follow rabbi wolpe's teachings at Facebook. Be sure to become a fan!
go directly to his page: http://www.facebook.com/RabbiWolpe we look forward to seeing you there!
COFFEE AND COMMENTARY MILESTONE
Students in the Coffee and Commentary class are pictured here celebrating
the end of a 6-year cycle studying the tanach (torah, prophets and writings). the class is led by Judge David Yaffe, Dr. Stan Karz and Dr. ted
Ehrlich. the class will start again from Bereshit and meets in the Library
every Sunday morning from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. For more information about
the class, contact Joe ruder at [email protected].
Save the Date
Sinai Temple’s
Annual Dinner Dance
From left to right: Seated: Felice Dresner, Dr. Jack Silvers, Judge David
Yaffe, Norman pell, peter rothholz. Standing: Dr. Leon Brown, Dr. Joel
Smason, Joe ruder, gerald turbow, Marvin Smotrich, Dr. Sharon Jacobson,
tamar Youssafian, Dr. ted Ehrlich, Elvira Schwartz, Naahama tesfai, Dr.
Harry green, Dr. Stan Karz, Barbara rothholz.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
IMPROvING OURSELvES
we welcome in the new year of 2014 with a hope for peace, health and prosperity. the
New Year marks the time of year when we make New Year resolutions; those promises
to ourselves that we will either improve ourselves in some way, achieve certain goals, or
refrain from engaging in detrimental behavior. the Jewish New Year, rosh Hashanah,
is also a time of self-reflection. through repentance and prayer, we engage in our own
journey to improve ourselves and to reach out to others. I hope that during this New
Year, each of us will resolve to welcome warmly our new members, to sustain our warm,
caring and inclusive Sinai temple community, and to improve our community. I encourage
you to contact our temple’s board members or me regarding any of your concerns or ideas.
we are fortunate to start off the New Year by honoring Laurie Levenson and Doug Mirell,
a couple who has contributed to our temple and Sinai Akiba Academy in so many ways.
please join us on January 25, 2014, for the Sinai Akiba Academy Dinner Dance, Dancing in
the Streets, honoring Laurie and Doug for their years of commitment, leadership, and
wisdom.
Continuing with the spirit of community, in January we will celebrate the second anniversary of our collaboration with Vista Del Mar in offering Jewish educational programs to
children with special needs. we thank rabbi Nicole guzik and our immediate past president Eric Diamond, for initiating this important program with rabbi Jackie redner at Vista
Del Mar.
Deborah and I wish you and your family a Happy New Year and look forward to seeing
you, your family and friends at our inspirational temple services and programs.
Joel Weinstein
Save The Date!
April 6, 2014
Rabbi Zvi & Tova Dershowitz
to receive the
Red Yarmulke Award
from
Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs
Info coming to all Sinai Members
Join Rabbi Wolpe and
Sinai President Joel Weinstein
More than 180 Members
Sinai Delegation
AIPAC Policy Conference
Washington DC ~
March 2nd thru March 4th
Contact Jan Zakowski at [email protected] or
310.860.8812
about AIPAC, Sinai Delegation
& DISCOUNTED TICKETS.
INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM
Join Sinai temple's
RABBI EMERITUS ZvI DERSHOWITZ
as he starts a new cycle in the
American Jewish university's Miller program
on Sunday, January 12, at 1:30 p.m. It's an
18 session eye opener for adults who grew up
Jewishly because it covers themes not usually
taught to youngsters. Also available to
non-Jews seeking conversion to
Judaism. Jewish identity will
gain increased meaning to all who
take this unique course. For more
information, contact
rabbi Dershowitz at
Sinai temple or call
the Intro office
at ( 310) 440-1273, or e-mail
[email protected]
Sinai Temple!
You don’t want to miss our super
fun Annual Event OR the chance
to celebrate longtime Temple
members and all-around mensches
Laurie Levenson & Doug Mirell
on Jan. 25, Sinai Akiba Academy is honoring Sinai Akiba alumni parents and Sinai temple
members Laurie Levenson and Doug Mirell at this year’s Annual Event, Dancing in
the Streets, which celebrates Laurie’s and Doug’s love of Motown music as well as
their 23 years of service to the school and Sinai temple. In addition to sending their
three children through Sinai Akiba (Solly ’02, Havi ’04 and Dani ‘13), Laurie and Doug
have been ardent volunteers and supporters of our teachers, faculty and programs.
they have both served on numerous committees for the school and synagogue.
Laurie and Doug are both well-respected attorneys and share a fundamental tradition
of service in the larger Jewish community, including on behalf of Bet tzedek Legal
Services, Jewish Family Service of L.A., uCLA Hillel, Jewish Federation Council of
greater L.A., Jewish public Affairs Committee of California, American Jewish Congress,
progressive Jewish Alliance and Bend the Arc: A Jewish partnership for Justice.
Laurie holds the David w. Burcham Chair in Ethical Advocacy at
Loyola Law School and leads that school’s project for the
Innocent. She and her team were responsible for the
recent release of Kash register, who spent 34 years in jail
for a crime he did not commit. She is a frequent television
and radio commentator often featured on CBS, NBC, CNN
and Npr as well as a former federal prosecutor and published
author of numerous articles and leading criminal law treatises.
Doug, a partner for over three decades at Loeb & Loeb,
recently co-founded Harder Mirell & Abrams, a Century City
law firm focusing on entertainment, media and intellectual
property litigation. He is an author and frequent speaker
on First Amendment-related issues, playing a part in many
high-profile matters through his representation of, among
others, the Motion picture Association of America as well
as many prominent living and deceased celebrities.
In addition to all their good works, Laurie and Doug love
to have fun, and we invite you to an evening celebrating
our dear friends, their legacy of leadership, and our school.
Exciting Raffles and Auction Items including:
vIP Tickets to The Voice and Book of Mormon
Jewelry
Staycations and vacations (The Four Seasons
Hotel, The Luxe, Park City, Las vegas) and
more…
For sponsorship packages and event tickets, or to
place an ad on our Tribute DvD, please contact
the Sinai Akiba Development Office at
310.481.3388
or email [email protected].
Tickets are also available online at
www.sinaiakiba.org/AnnualEventAuction
Sinai Akiba Academy Alumni Mothers
Sinai Akiba
Come Back to School
(L to r) paulette Nessim, Dr. Sarah
Shulkind, Elizabeth Comley and
Marla rosen.
(L to r) Laurie Levenson, Debi Benaron
and Sara Aftergood.
(L to r) Mindy weiner and Allison
rosenthal.
(L to r) Adele Abramson, rachel risch,
Sarit Finkelstein-Boim, tracy Schatz, Diana
Sabin, Flora Ahdout and Sunny russ tour
the Kindergarten and preschool facilities.
alumni mothers came
back to the school for our annual
Sinai Akiba Alumni Mothers’ Luncheon. Co-chaired by Elizabeth Comley,
paulette Nessim and Marla rosen,
the event gave alumni moms a
chance to return to the school, catch
up with old friends and make some
new ones as well. After taking a tour
of the newly remodeled kindergarten
facility, the group enjoyed a catered
lunch in the Lainer Learning Center, a
chance to meet and visit with Dr.
Sarah Shulkind, and an afternoon
shopping with their friends at the
annual SAA Holiday Boutique. Keep
an eye out for more alumni parent
gatherings, including a wine tasting
event, coming this spring.
Sinai temple! got big questions about schools?
we’re Your school and
we invite you to come
hear our answers.
whether you’re thinking about
school options for your kids
or grandkids, let us show you
around.
·
·
·
·
·
New Kindergarten classrooms.
Magical, reimagined play yards.
State-of-the-art technology.
remarkable curriculum.
All built on the bedrock of our
45 successful years as a warm,
challenging school that nurtures
Jewish hearts and minds.
Visit
sinaiakiba.org/
openHouse
or call 310.481.3251.
there are a group of severe and often fatal Jewish genetic
diseases for which Ashkenazi, persian and Sephardic Jews can
be screened. the good news is that if you and your partner are
both carriers for the same disease, you can still have healthy babies
of your own. But you need to know your carrier status!
gEt SCrEENED right here at Sinai temple. All it takes is a
simple blood test to find out if you are a carrier. there are only
two ways to know if you are a carrier: by being screened
or by giving birth to an affected child.
It is recommended that any individual with one Jewish grandparent be
screened and that couples considering the use of donor egg/donor
sperm be screened as well. All screening should be pre-conception.
people should update their screening before each subsequent
pregnancy because new diseases become available for testing.
Screening Date: Sunday, January 12, 2013
Time: 9:30 AM — 2:30 PM
Place: Sinai Temple, Barad Hall
It's in your hands to help ensure health babies.
we look forward to seeing you.
the LA program for the prevention of Jewish genetic Diseases
For further information about the screening at Sinai contact
rebeka Small, program Director, at (310) 481-3243.
Celebrate your Simcha at Sinai...
Sinai Temple offers you a choice of two wonderful kosher caterers...
Restaurant and Catering
Pat Fine
Errol Fine
Restaurant: (310) 205-8705
Catering Office: (310) 205-8707
To find out more about catering at Sinai Temple contact Fe at (310) 481-3263
or Pat’s Kosher Caterers at (310) 205-8707 or 5 Star Kosher Catering at (818)343-5151
We extend our
condolences to the
bereaved families and
record the passing of:
Shervin Behnam, President
greetings Fellow Congregants:
on behalf of myself and the Men’s Club Executive Committee, I like to wish you
and your loved ones a Happy New Year; may you be blessed with good health, joy
and the best things in life.
•••
DJAMSHID BEKHRAD
father of
Behzad Bekhrad
Mehrdad Bekhrad
grandfather of
Dr. Nader pouratian
Dr. Allen Kamrava
•••
JULIAN KEN KINRICH
father of
Lisa Silverman
grandfather of
guy Handelman
•••
LIDOUSH RAHIMZADEH
mother of
raymond rahimzadeh
•••
DAvID MARvIZI
father of
Dr. Joseph Marvizi
•••
FARAJ SENEHI
father of
Niloofar Boudaie
Betti Saidara
grandfather of
pauline Aminpour
•••
ALvIN M. SLAFKIN
father of
Karre Jacobs
Mazel Tov to: grandparents,
Francine & Myles weiss, on the birth
of Mila gabrielle; parents, Jana & Ken
Firtel, on the birth of rowan Lily;
Natalie Canjura & Benjamin Javaheri,
on their marriage; parents, Melissa &
Michael Akiva, on the birth of Lev;
Ms. Joann Siegel & Dr. Elaine Chernoff, on their marriage; parents, Alisa
& Craig Karlan, on the birth of Dylan
Joseph; parents, rabbis Aaron &
penina Alexander, on the birth of
Eliav; parents Muriel & Dr. Jeffrey
waterman & grandparent, Julius
rothschild, on the marriage of
rachel Shames & gabriel waterman;
parents, Karen & John Yaghoubieh,
on the birth of olivia.
NEED A RABBI?
we at Sinai temple can only
be a community of concern
when we know when and
where we can be of support. If
you know of anyone who may
benefit from a visit or a talk
with the rabbi, please call
(310)474-1518.
the Men’s Club had a special Hanukkah celebration at its December 4th meeting.
the Men’s Club, Sisterhood and Chai Society joined together and participated in
the temple-wide One Crazy Night Hanukkah party. I want to thank all the Sinai temple clergy and staff, in
particular rabbi Fruithandler, for their hard work in arranging such a successful event.
In November, the Men’s Club had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Barry Sikov speak about the patient protection
and Affordable Care Act - also known as obamaCare. Mr. Sikov discussed how obamaCare will impact individuals
and families, as well as small and large businesses.
Upcoming Men’s Club Events
I am excited to announce that on tuesday, February 4th, the Men’s Club and the Sisterhood will host a joint
program together. the speakers for the evening will be Dora Levy Mossanen and Dr. Saba Soomekh. the
speakers will have a conversation about the role of women in the persian culture in Iran and in the united
States. this meeting is open to the public, men and women welcome.
on Sunday, February 2, 2014, the Men’s Club will once again participate in the world wide wrap. the world
wide wrap is a signature program of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Club, teaching thousands of people
about the mitzvah of wrapping tefillin.
In March, the Men’s Club will host its annual Burning Bush Dinner. Invitations will be mailed out in January.
please feel free to contact the Men’s Club for additional information.
we encourage and welcome new members to join Sinai temple Men’s Club. You can view our list of activities or
become a member by visiting our website at sinaitemple.org/mensclub.
Shervin Behnam,
president
SISTERHOOD REMINDERS
Save the Date for Sisterhood's Annual
Torah Fund Luncheon!
tuesday, March 18, 2014 at Sinai temple
Honoring Aryell Cohen and Lili Shafai
with the Ha'Yay olam Award
Details to follow or if you can't wait, contact
Lisa pompan at [email protected].
Join us for a visit to the Frederick R. Weisman Museum
in Bel Air on tuesday January 14 at 10:30 a.m. Meet for
lunch afterwards at Napa Valley grille in westwood.
Space limited to 32 persons. For information and to
reserve, please contact rosa Berman ruder at
(310) 557-1009 or [email protected].
Save the date for Sisterhood's Shabbaton on
February 28-March 1. If you wish to have a part in
English or Hebrew, contact Michele gabai at
(310) 859-9138 or [email protected] or
Venus Bina at (310) 551-2026 or [email protected].
to register for Calligraphy, watercolor painting and
Exercise classes starting in January, please contact
rosa Berman ruder at (310) 557-1009 or
[email protected].
SISTE RH O OD
J UD AIC A SH OP
Come in and see!!!
Candlesticks • Cards • Jewelry
Books • Tallisim • Kippot
Silver Frames • Ceramic and Crystal Gifts
Also - we have beautiful hostess gifts!
Hours: Mon. – thurs. 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Friday 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
(closed Saturdays & holidays)
OR call for private appointment!
Frances Katz, Manager (310) 481-3290
Sunday appointments only, call
Lorraine Joffe (310) 890-4802
Mazel Tov to our
B’nai Mitzvah
DOR CHADASH
JAMMIES ‘N JEANS
Friday, January 3 at 5:45 p.m.
Slip on a pair of jeans and dress your kids in pajamas…
to shul! Light dinner provided to those who rSVp.
Contact Dor Chadash at [email protected] or 310-481-3296.
TOT SHABBAT
Brought to you by Dor Chadash, the “Next Generation” at Sinai Temple
Saturday, January 18 at 9:00 a.m. in Kohn Chapel
Join Dor Chadash as we celebrate Shabbat each month with spirituality, community and memories for you and your little ones... with Sinai temple’s
own rabbi Jason Fruithandler & Dale Schatz!
If you would like to receive Dor Chadash emails with information on all
of our upcoming events, please email [email protected] and
request to be added!
Dor Chadash is a great way to make a large synagogue feel like a small
community. we welcome all families with young children, so come
introduce yourself at one of our upcoming events!
For more information, please email [email protected]
or call (310) 481-3296.
CHAI SOCIETY
Shabbat Shalom Meet and greet - January 11 & 25
Monthly general Meeting - January 21
Dinners – Plays – Celebrations – Winery Trips
Call Elaine Lotwin at (310) 271-5554 or [email protected]
Rachelle Marcus and Richard Greenberg, Co-Chairs
JUDAISM BY CHOICE
Shabbat Morning Service 9:30 a.m. February 1
Shabbat Dinner 5:30 p.m. January 10 - Followed by FNL
All these events are open to Jews and non-Jews who would like to
learn more about the rituals of the Shabbat Dinner and the Shabbat Morning Service. participants will come away feeling more confident and knowledgeable. Call rabbi Neal weinberg at (310) 772-0626
or email [email protected]
Alice & Nahum Lainer Learning and Lunch with
Rabbi David Wolpe:
Deeper and Mystical Meanings in the Jewish Life Cycle
when: tuesdays, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Dates: January 7, February 4, April 1, May 6
Cost: Free of charge/Sinai temple members, $20/Non-Sinai
temple members. Lunch is included. rSVp’s are Mandatory!
to register, contact the program Department at 310-481-3243
or [email protected]
Thursday Morning Torah with Rabbi David Wolpe
Spend an hour every thursday morning deepening your
understanding of Judaism and our sacred text. Learn along
with us as we go through the torah together; no previous
knowledge or Hebrew is required.
when: thursday mornings, 8:15 a.m.
Dates: october 17, 2013 – May 29, 2014*
Cost: there is no charge for this class.
Contact: Sinai temple program Department, (310) 481-3243,
or [email protected]
*Exceptions: November 28, 2013, December 26, 2013.
*All dates subject to change or cancellation.
Give Yourself The Gift Of Becoming An Adult
Bar or Bat Mitzvah!
Come and learn about this exciting opportunity
to become an Adult Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Led by
rabbi Jason Fruithandler, this special 18-month
journey will begin with a class on Foundational
Judaism and lead into preparation for the B’nai Mitzvah
Ceremony. Classes will be taught by all of Sinai temple’s
clergy and is open to Sinai temple members only.
Starting in mid-January 2014, class will be offered on
wednesdays from 7pm-9pm. please contact the program
Department at [email protected] or 310-481-3243
for more information and to reserve your spot!
Space is limited!
Teen Center January Calendar
The dawning of a new year
brings new adventures for the
Sinai Temple Teen Center!
January 5th – Lend a helping hand at our volunteer
event (tBA).
January 9th – Join us at our
next Elite Speaker Series
with rabbi greyber.
January 10th – Come together for the ted & Hedy orden Family Friday
Night Live followed by a teen oneg/lounge night
in the 4th floor youth lounge.
January 10th-12th – get to know Jewish teens
from the Far west region for an amazing weekend at the uSY Heschel Kinnus.
January 18th – Leave civilization behind as we
venture out into the wild of nature during our
tu B’shvat event.
January 25th – Join Far west uSY for a blast to
the past! From bounce houses to dodge ball
tournaments, ice cream bars and dancing, this
event will bring out the kid in you!
All Atid events are for ages 21-39 only. For tickets and more information, visit www.atidla.com or contact
Ariela Emery, Atid Coordinator, at [email protected].
Atid Outdoors: ICE at Santa Monica
Saturday, January 18 – 9:00 p.m.
It wouldn’t feel like winter if we didn’t go ice skating! You
take care of your skate rentals, and we’ll take care of the hot
chocolate.
Friday, January 10 – 7:30 p.m.
Join rabbi wolpe, rabbi Fruithandler, Craig taubman and the
Friday Night Live Band at our monthly musical Shabbat service.
Saturday, January 11 – 10:45 a.m.
Start Shabbat morning with music and song with rabbi
Fruithandler, Craig taubman, and special guests.
Tu B’Shvat
Sunday, January 19 – Time TBA
Commemorate tu B’Shvat as Atid beautifies LA
by planting of trees. Details coming soon.
Shabbat @ Home
Friday, January 31 – 7:30 p.m.
Nestle into an intimate Shabbat service and dinner
at the home of a Sinai temple congregant.
SiHi Confirmation Class 2013-2014
SiHi Confirmation class 2013-2014 participated in a beautiful ceremony on the evening of December 15th in Kohn
Chapel, lead by Cantor Feldman, accompanied by Aryell Cohen and taught by rabbi wolpe and rabbi Fruithandler
and Cantor Feldman following a delicious dinner and words of wisdom from the rabbis to send these confirmed
students in the direction of continued Jewish learning!
SiHi Confiramtion class of 2013-2014:
(in alphabetical order):
Ari Berman
Jonah Goldman
Justin Hekmat
Chloe Hekmat
Ariela Hekmat
Molly Hersh
Sadie Hersh
Robert Iancu
Jacob Klein
Eli Remba
Daniel Reich
David Strauss
Leslie Susman
Nichole Tishbi
For more information about SiHi and continued opportunities in Jewish Education for
teens please contact Anat gerber at: [email protected] or (310) 481.3273
SiNet (Sinai Networking Group)
Friday, January 10, 7:30 a.m.- 9:00 a.m.
In each of the last two years over 30 referrals in excess of $2 million in business were
exchanged among SiNet members. Everyone will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and speak
briefly about their business. Bring your business cards. $5 entry includes light breakfast/appetizers
Join us on Linkedin. www.linkedin.com under search type in SiNet.
If you are expanding your business, post Job opportunities on the
Linkedin site "Jobs Discussion".
BLUMENTHAL LIBRARY
LAINER LEARNING CENTER
Short Story Discussion Group
facilitated by Lisa Silverman, Library Director
tuesday, January 21, 2014
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Come get the story in the library on the
3rd Floor!
Contact Barbara at 310-481-3217 or
[email protected] with questions
or to rSVp.
Sunday Afternoon Documentary Films
Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness
using rarely seen photographs and archive footage, along
with the voices of actors peter riegert and pachel Dratch, and
interviews with leading experts, including author Bel Kauffmann, the author’s granddaughter, this film brings the world of Sholem
Aleichem to life. A riveting portrait of the great writer whose stories became the basis of Fiddler on the roof, the documentary tells the tale of
the rebellious genius who created an entirely new literature by plumbing
the depths of a Jewish world on the cusp of profound change.
when: Sunday, January 12, 2014 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free of Charge Contact: Barbara goelman, (310) 481-3217 or [email protected] for more details.
FUN
One Crazy Night… One Crazy Success!
on December 4, 2013, Sinai temple celebrated the final night of Hanukkah
with a community candle lighting and activities for all ages. the event lived up to its name of
One Crazy Night, as the festivities began at 4:30pm with a Hanukkah-themed Carnival
and mouthwatering Chocolate Fountain, peaked with a candle lighting
led by rabbi wolpe and rabbi Fruithandler, and concluded with our Adult Mixer and
Atid winter wonderland party (and their dreidel ice luge!) at 10:30pm.
with hundreds of Sinai temple members, friends, and neighbors in attendance, the synagogue’s halls
were abuzz with chocolate-crazed children and the excitement of the holiday.
“We brought our two-year old granddaughter. She had a wonderful
time, we had a wonderful time. There was something for everyone
at every age!”
- Lynn & Irwin Segal
For over 100 years, our synagogue has prided itself on offering a safe and holy place for those in
our community to worship, gather, and celebrate the Jewish faith. Hanukkah is a time to celebrate
the strength and perseverance that are at the core of the Jewish people. As over a 1,000 Jews
descended on Sinai temple on the eighth and holiest night of this festival of lights, it was clear
that the flame of Judaism and the Jewish people is still burning strong.
the goal of our One Crazy Night was to provide a fun and spiritually significant evening
for all – the energy and excitement abound in the synagogue that night was all thanks to
enthusiasm of our wonderful Sinai temple Community.
Couldn’t make it this year? Make sure to SAVE THE DATE for next year’s
One Crazy Night on December 17, 20014!
A Very Special Thank You!
the staff and clergy want to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone that helped make the One Crazy Night
celebration a success! the temple would not be what it is without the dedicated support of our lay leadership and
spirited volunteers. Finally, thank you to our temple members for spending the final, and most holy, night of
Hanukkah with your friends and family here at the Sinai temple.
StArS: Sinai temple’s religious School • Douglas Family Early Childhood Center & preschool • Dor Chadash
Sinai Akiba Academy • Youth Choir • teen Center • Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Chai Society • Atid
“It was a great night filled with fun activities
and creative learning. My kids were learning
and they didn’t even know it. It was a great
way to celebrate Hanukkah!”
- Tanya Moftakar
Atid’s Winter Wonderland
had the best DJ and dance
music ever! Not to mention
the crowd and drinks.
- Kinga Dobos
photo Credit: pini Dror photography, Liz reinhardt, and Michael Silberstein.
to inquire about photos from the event, please contact Joshua g. Bell,
Membership & Engagement Coordinator, at [email protected].
RABBI DAvID WOLPE'S
DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF:
our wedding by Dr. Candice Daneshvar & Dr. payam
Amini; our grandson oliver Alexander Eisenstein’s
bris by Esther & robert Eisenstein; our wedding by
Benjamin & Natalie Javaheri; Sheila Arabian & David
Mirharooni’s wedding by Mojgan & Eddia Mirharooni;
Steven Broukhim & Michelle Neman’s wedding by
Behrooz & Angel Broukhim; the Honorable Meralee
goldman on the birth of her grandson and tamara &
Jonathan Blenner on the birth of their son Max Holden
Blenner by Deborah & Joel weinstein.
IN MEMORY OF:
Faraj Senehi by parvin Senehi, Ferial Senehi, Niloofar &
Dr. Daniel Boudaie, and Betti & Dr. Kamran Saidara;
Sidney pilot by Bob ressler; ruth roslyn rauch and
Sidney pilot by Deborah & Joel weinstein; Merril
Dickens by Bob ressler; robert E. Morris by Bob
ressler; my mother roslyn D. Kreisel’s yahrzeit by
Cynthia Finerman; ruthAnn Savitz’ yahrzeit by Stanley
Savitz; my father Max part’s yahrzeit by Helen
rosin; my father Emanuel Kreisel’s yahrzeit by Cynthia
Finerman; rostam Barouti’s yahrzeit by Flora &
Nasser Etebar; grandpa Max part’s yahrzeit by Carol
& Jerry Muchin; Leah Bettelman’s yahrzeit by Sandy &
Adrea Bettelman; and Helene greenfield’s yahrzeit by
Jon & Sally greenfield.
IN APPRECIATION OF
rabbi wolpe for delivering on his promise to mention
Milt Hyman’s Super Bowl ring in his November 2nd
sermon by Jamie & Joel Berman.
RABBI NICOLE GUZIK’S
DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF:
rabbi guzik leading the baby naming of our daughter
Sivan by Mayrav & glenn gaslin; Steven Broukhim &
Michelle Neman’s wedding by Angel & Behrooz
Broukhim; rabbi guzik officiating at the bris of our
son Noam gavriel by Dayna & Larry weintraub; Ellen
& Harvey guzik on the birth of their grandson and
rabbis Nicole guzik & Erez Sherman on the birth of
their son Zachary Dov Sherman by Deborah & Joel
weinstein; Jennifer glazer Malkin, and Mansour Eslamboly.
RABBI JASON FRUITHANDLER’S
DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Jacqueline Mayeri Jackson by Deborah & Joel weinstein.
IN APPRECIATION OF:
rabbi Fruithandler leading the Shiva Service to honor
the memory of Sidney pilot by ruth pilot & family; the
Bris of our son & grandson by Christina & Michael
Eisenstein and Esther & robert; and rabbi Fruithandler
officiating at the bris of our son Noam gavriel by Larry
& Dayna weintraub.
CANTOR MARCUS FELDMAN’S
DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF:
our wedding by Elaine Chernoff & Joann Siegel; our
son’s wedding by Mojgan & Eddia Mirharooni; our son
Steven’s marriage to Michelle Neman by Angel &
Behrooz Broukhim; and Sandra & Jacob terner on the
birth of their grandson and Carla & Michael terner on
the birth of their son Benjamin Leonardo by Deborah
& Joel weinstein.
IN MEMORY OF:
My dear, beloved husband Sid by ruth pilot; Faraj
Senehi by parvin Senehi; Faraj Senehi by Betti & Dr.
Kamran Saidara and Niloofar & Daniel Boudaie; and
Nematollah pouratian by Deborah & Joel weinstein.
IN APPRECIATION OF:
officiating at the wedding of our daughter Candice to
payam Amini by Afsaneh & David Daneshvar.
CANTOR EMERITUS GOLE’S
DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN APPRECIATION OF:
Cantor gole at my dear husband’s funeral by ruth
pilot; and for being part of our wedding by Natalie
& Benjamin Javaheri.
RABBI DERSHOWITZ’S
DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF:
rabbi Zvi & tova Dershowitz’s 60th wedding anniversary by roz & Abner goldstine.
IN MEMORY OF:
David Fiske by Deborah & Joel weinstein.
RALPH RESNICK’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Sylvia & theodore Kahn’s yahrzeit by the Honorable
Meralee goldman; Fannie ruth greenberg by Fran &
Arnie Stengel; Lydia Singer’s yahrzeit by Sandra Lee
Mason; Max Aron’s yahrzeit by Joseph & Michele
gabai; ruth roslyn rauch, and Sidney pilot by Deborah
& Joel weinstein.
IN APPRECIATION OF:
ralph resnick for being there in time of need by ruth
L. pilot & family.
FAMILY MINYAN FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Eric J. rollman’s yahrzeit and the passing of Alvin M.
Slafkin by gail & Fred rollman; Arthur weisberg by
pamela weisberg; my mother Ehteram Banayan by
Nilly Shamszadeh.
IN HONOR OF:
georgia Lenz’s bat mitzvah and Joel weinstein being
elected as president of Sinai temple by roberta,
David, Adina & Samuel rosenberg; and Alisa & Craig
Karlan on the birth of their son Dylan Joseph Karlan
by Deborah & Joel weinstein.
REFUAH SHLEMAH TO:
Misheberach for rikki rosen & peter Devris for the
month of November by Anna ungar Fogelman.
TORAH IN THE ROUND FUND
IN HONOR OF:
Sinai temple by Sandra & william goodglick; Karen
& John Yaghoubieh on the birth of their daughter
olivia and the marriage of Natalie Canjura to Benjamin
Javaheri by Deborah & Joel weinstein.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIvE FUND
REFUAH SHLEMAH TO:
Alex Nasch by Hedy & ted orden.
GENERAL FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Mollie C. Leavitt’s yahrzeit by Carol g. winston; Herbert
Bernstein’s yahrzeit by Carole & Dr. richard greenberg;
Sid pilot by phyllis & reuben poplawski; and Faraj Senehi
by Deborah & Joel weinstein.
IN HONOR OF:
Sinai temple by Margo rubinstein and Beth Hillel
Synagogue in Bloomfield, Connecticut; the marriage
of Dr. Candice Daneshvar to Dr. payam Amini by
Deborah & Joel weinstein.
MEMORIAL FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Hannah Salkin’s yahrzeit by Dr. Murray Salkin; rabbi
Aron Sinder’s yahrzeit by Barbara Schechter; Samuel
Cohen’s yahrzeit by Alan J. Cohen & Carolyn A. Chavkin;
rabbi Jacob Siegel’s yahrzeit by Kay Kimberly Siegel;
Stacy (Binn) williams by Bentley & Sonia Morriss; Ethel
gewarter’s yahrzeit by roz goldstine; Dr. Herman I.
Faier by Daveen Faier.
SHIvA COMMITTEE FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
David Marvizi by Deborah & Joel weinstein.
BIKKUR CHOLIM FUND
IN HONOR OF:
Myles weiss & Francine Kahan weiss on the birth of
their granddaughter and Maggie & Marc weiss on the
birth of their daughter Mila gabrielle weiss by Deborah
& Joel weinstein.
BOARD OF GOvERNORS FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Sid pilot by paul troy.
ADULT EDUCATION FUND
IN HONOR OF:
roslyn & Abner goldstine’s support of the Scholar-inresidence program by Dayna & Larry weintraub.
SPECIAL NEEDS RELIGIOUS SCHOOL AND
B’NAI MITZvAH FUND
IN HONOR OF:
Lily Kraft’s bat mitzvah by pauli C. wertheim; and the
marriage of Joann Siegel to Dr. Elaine Chernoff by
Deborah & Joel weinstein.
IN MEMORY OF:
rose weiss’s yahrzeit by Myles weiss & Francine Kahan
weiss.
DOR CHADASH FUND
IN HONOR OF:
rebeka & Jon Small on the birth of their daughter
Haley rose by Mayrav gaslin and Larry, Dayna, Jonah
Please remember Sinai Temple in your estate plan. Contact Development Department at 310-481-3237
continued on page 15
& Noam weintraub; and Melissa & Michael Akiva on
the birth of their son Lev by Deborah & Joel weinstein.
JACOB WEISBARTH HOSPICE CENTER
FUND
In loving memory of Sally Moore Lipwich by Deborah
& Joel weinstein
Stephen L. & Marcia M. grace’s yahrzeits by the graceSayers family; and Lidoush rahimzadeh by Deborah &
Joel weinstein.
IN MEMORY OF:
CHEvRA KADISHA FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
My dear husband Dr. Elliott Hinkes’ yahrzeit by Eileen
w. Hinkes; thomas Ivener’s yahrzeit by Sheila
Holincheck; and the passing of Alvin M. Slafkin by
Deborah & Joel weinstein.
ISRAEL CENTER FUND
IN HONOR OF:
Jana & Ken Firtel on the birth of their daughter
rowan Lily Firtel by Deborah & Joel weinstein.
LIBRARY FUND
IN HONOR OF:
Norm pell on receiving the Millie tynan Mitzvah Award
by Lisa & Steve pompan, tom & Judy Flesh and Family,
Linda & Bob Camras, and roz & Abner goldstine.
IN MEMORY OF:
Sidney pilot by Deborah & gordon Smith and rosa
Berman-ruder & Joe ruder; Freda Field Simmond’s
yahrzeit by pat weiner; Henry Levin’s yahrzeit and
Bernard Kornblau’s yahrzeit by rosalie Kornblau; and
Harry wolf’s yahrzeit by Dr. & Mrs. Sidney Zusman.
REFUAH SHLEMAH TO:
Shirley Kory by Muriel & Jules Moster.
IN MEMORY OF:
THE JAMES AND MARGARET FLESH
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
IN HONOR OF:
the births of Maggie & Marc weiss’ daughter and
Myles weiss & Francine Kahan weiss’s granddaughter Mila gabrielle weiss, Jana & Ken Firtel’s daughter rowan Lily Firtel, Melissa & Michael Akiva’s son
Lev Akiva, Karen & John Yaghoubieh’s daughter
olivia Yaghoubieh, Alisa & Craig Karlan’s son Dylan
Joseph Karlan, and rabbis Aaron & penina Alexander’s son Eliav or Alexander, the marriages of Natalie Canjura to Benjamin Javaheri, Ms. Joann Siegel
to Dr. Elaine Chernoff, and rachel Shames to gabriel
waterman by tom & Judy Flesh.
IN MEMORY OF:
Sid pilot by Hedy & ted orden; and the passing of Faraj
Senehi, Alvin M. Slafkin, David Marvizi, Lidoush
rahimzadeh, Djamshid Bekhrad, and Julian Ken Kinrich
by tom & Judy Flesh.
HANNAH LIPPERT FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
IN MEMORY OF:
william Cohen’s yahrzeit by Bernice Cohen.
HEAD OF SCHOOL DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF:
Sara Stern by Angela & Ben Cohan.
IN MEMORY OF:
parviz Eliyahu Beroukhim’s yahrzeit by Angela & Ben
Cohan; and Simon Meyer’s yahrzeit by pam weisberg.
JOEL GOLDMAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
IN HONOR OF:
Faranak & Emil Halimi on Nicole’s marriage to John
Emrani; Susan & Isaac Schmidt on Ariela’s marriage to
Ari Shandling; Joseph and Benjamin’s b’nai mitzvah;
and Max reisbaum and Henry gitman for their graduating from college by roberta & David rosenberg.
IN MEMORY OF:
Bernard romanoff, father of richard romanoff, by
roberta & David rosenberg.
ALICE AND NAHUM LAINER ENDOWMENT
FUND
REFUAH SHL EMAH TO:
Alice Lainer by Lise & rob Applebaum, Janet & Bobby
rosenblum and Dr. Sarah Shulkind.
Moshe Barkhordar’s yahrzeit by Dr. Ella omidi.
RITUAL OBSERvANCE FUND
DOUGLAS FAMILY EARLY CHILDHOOD
CENTER FUND
Eric Hirschowitz’s yahrzeit by Cynthia Hirschowitz and
Sharon Vidergauz.
Sid pilot, beloved husband of ruth pilot, by Jennifer &
robert galperson.
IN MEMORY OF:
SINAI AKIBA ACADEMY GENERAL FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
SInai Temple’s Caring Community Programs
THE SINAI TEMPLE BIKKUR HOLIM COMMITTEE
one of the most important interpersonal commandments that
we have is the mitzvah of Bikkur Holim, visiting the sick.
reaching out to those who are ill -- as well as reaching out to those who are
home-bound or lonely—is fulfilling this commandment. Contact Fran Stengel,
Chairperson Sinai temple Bikkur Holim Committee at (310) 472-7327.
JACOB WEISBARTH HOSPICE CENTER
A Sinai temple Caring Community program
Hospice is a program of care and support for those facing a terminal illness,
when a cure is no longer possible. It consists of a team approach designed
to provide comfort and care to patients and their families. Sinai temple is
here to help you and your family with any questions or concerns you might
have regarding end-of-life decisions. tHE JACoB wEISBArtH HoSpICE CENtEr (310) 481-3369.
THE SINAI TEMPLE GUIDE TO JEWISH MOURNING AND
CONDOLENCE
Available online at sinaitemple.org/lifecycle_assistance/bereavement.php
the Sinai temple guide to Jewish Mourning and Condolence helps us navigate through these conversations. It is our hope that through the guide, you
will have the opportunity to learn more about your own relationship with
god, this phase of the cycle of life, and how Sinai temple can be a supportive
and integral piece of your religious community.
THE SINAI TEMPLE CHEvRA KADISHA
Loving Care and Dignity for the Body – peace for the Soul
the Sinai temple Chevra Kadisha is a volunteer group of dedicated congregants and clergy, who prepare the deceased for burial in a ritual called
taharah (purification). tahara is performed with respect and confidentiality
for members of Sinai temple. For more information, please contact Lisa
Lainer at (310) 936-8867 or Sinai temple at (310) 474-1518.
SHIvA COMMITTEE
the loss of a loved one can be one of the most difficult, challenging
and painful experiences. It is a time when being part of a community can bring much needed solace and comfort. Sign up to become a Shiva
Committee member and help us fulfill this very important mitzvah. please
contact Helen S. weston, Chair at (310) 274-1538 or Elie Alyeshmerni, Co-Chair
at (310) 922-7852.
THE SINAI TEMPLE BEREAvEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
A program of the Jacob weisbarth Hospice Center
the Jacob weisbarth Hospice Center (JwHC) will be offering a six week educational support group for Sinai temple members who have experienced the
recent loss of a loved one. to sign up or for further information, please call
(310) 481-3369 and leave a message with your name and number. You will be
contacted in a timely fashion.
SINAI SPEAKS
Monthly Newsletter published by Sinai temple
10400 wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024
310-474-1518 ~ fax 310-474-6801
www.sinaitemple.org
~
Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
rabbi David wolpe
rabbi Nicole guzik
rabbi Jason Fruithandler
rabbi Emeritus Zvi Dershowitz
Cantor Marcus Feldman
Cantor Emeritus Joseph gole
ralph resnick, ritual Director
PRESORTED
FIRST CLASS MAIL
US Postage
P A I D
Joel weinstein, president
Howard Lesner, Executive Director
Sarah Shulkind, Ed. D.
Head of School, Sinai Akiba Academy
rabbi Laurence Scheindlin
Headmaster Emeritus, Sinai Akiba Academy
Danielle Salem-Kassin,
religious School Director
tracy Schatz, Director,
Douglas Family preschool
Len Lawrence, general Manager,
Mount Sinai Memorial parks and Mortuaries
Aryell Cohen, organist & Choir Director
penny Dain, public relations Manager, Editor
Los Angeles, CA
Permit No. 11492
Barton H. Kogan & paul Herman, Co-Chairs,
Board of governors
Shervin Behnam, Men’s Club president
rosa Berman ruder, Sisterhood president
Deadline for the February issue is January 2
Deadline for the March issue is February 3
Printed on recycled stock
SINAI TEMPLE
The First Conservative Congregation in the Pacific Southwest
Questions about your
child’s school?
Come hear
our answers..
Come light the future at Sinai Akiba Academy’s
Upcoming K-8 Open House:
December 10
sinaiakiba.org/OpenHouse
Reservations advised. RSVP online or at 310.481.3251.
Restaurant and Catering
Pat Fine
Errol Fine
For more information and a private tour,
please call: 310-481-3270
Restaurant: (310) 205-8705
Catering Office: (310) 205-8707
9233 Pico Boulevard, LA, Ca 90035