May 2013 - Temple Israel

TEMPLE ISRAEL
Memphis, Tennessee
May 2013 ~ Iyar-Sivan 5773
Vol. 67 ~ N0. 9
MISSON STATEMENT
Temple Israel is the Mid-South’s
Reform Jewish home for Torah,
spiritual fulfillment, community,
and tikkun olam.
MEMBER CONGREGATION
Union for Reform Judaism, Serving
Reform Congregations in North America
SHABBAT SERVICES
See back page for details about Shavuot celebrations.
Torah Study
Shabbat mornings, 8:45-9:45 am
Friday, May 3, 6:15 pm
Rabbi Micah Greenstein
High School Graduation, 7:30 pm
See page 4 for details.
Saturday, May 4, 10 am
Cantor John Kaplan
Friday, May 10, 6:15 pm
Cantor John Kaplan
Confirmation, 7:30 pm
See page 4 for details.
Saturday, May 11, 10 am
Rabbi Katie Bauman
Friday, May 17, 7:30 pm
Please note the time of this service.
Saturday, May 18, 10 am
Rabbi Micah Greenstein
Friday, May 24, 6:15 pm
Rabbi Micah Greenstein
Saturday, May 25, 10 am
Matthew Moskowitz, son of Debbie Moskowitz
and Craig Moskowitz, will become bar mitzvah.
Friday, May 31, 6:15 pm
Rabbi Micah Greenstein
Saturday, June 1, 10 am
Rabbi Micah Greenstein
AAA
SHABBAT GREETERS
Thank you to those who served as greeters at
Shabbat services in March:
Caryn & Curt Heaslet; Roz Kimmelman; Alex &
David Matlock; Robin & Andy Rabiner; Barbara
& Dr. Norman Towbin.
voice
CONGREGATION CELEBRATION
Friday, May 17
Temple Israel’s Congregation Celebration on the evening of May 17 begins at 5:45 pm with
Temple’s 159th annual meeting, which includes the election of trustees and officers and
the presentation of the 2013-2014 budget.
The meeting will be followed by a dinner at
6:15 pm, a Shabbat service at 7:30 pm, and
an Oneg Shabbat, hosted by WRJ-Sisterhood,
immediately following the service.
Temple is honored to welcome Ginnifer
Goodwin, Temple Israel bat mitzvah ’93,
who will speak at the Shabbat service about
“Coming Home.”
After graduating from Lausanne Collegiate School and Boston University, Ginnifer has had
starring roles in movies, including Mona Lisa Smile, Something Borrowed, and He’s Just Not
That Into You, as well as television shows, including Big Love. She currently stars as the
lead role on the ABC series Once Upon a Time.
“Long before she became a famous actress, I always used Ginny as a role
model for Jewish women,” Rabbi Greenstein said. “How so? Every girl in
her seventh grade class upon reaching bat mitzvah age had a ceremony.
Ginny asked if she could do the service when it meant something to her.
So she did two years later with her Aunt Judith when Ginny was in the
ninth grade. Every Jewish girl and boy IS a bat/bar mitzvah, but the goal
is to live Judaism for a lifetime, not just a moment. I can’t wait for Ginny
to share what being Jewish and coming home to Temple means to her.
While she’s been on many stages, Ginnifer hasn’t spoken on the Temple
Ginnifer Goodwin bimah since her bat mitzvah twenty years ago.”
Dinner is $18/person by May 10 and $25/person after May 10. To make
reservations, scan the appropriate QR code, go to timemphis.org, or remit your check to
Temple Israel. For more information, contact Sylvia Appleton, [email protected] or
901.761.3130.
Temple Israel’s 2013 Nominating Committee presents the following slate of
Trustees and Officers continuing or to be elected during the annual meeting:
Officers for 2013-2014: Paula Jacobson, President; Jonathan Frisch, Sr. Vice
President; David Rosenthal, Vice President; Debbie B. Lazarov, Vice President;
Laurie Meskin, Vice President; E. Elkan Scheidt, Secretary; Mark Fogelman,
Treasurer, and David L. Bearman, Counsel
reservations
thru May 10
Trustees for 2013-2014 (continuing in a two-year term): Lawson Arney, Lee Filderman,
Arlene Goldner, Meggan Kiel, George Lapides, Steve Libby, Leigh Mansberg, Judy Ringel,
Alex Saharovich, Betsy Saslawsky, Norman Towbin, Bill Weiss, and Barrie Wurzburg
Trustees nominated for 2013-2015 (nominated for a two-year term): Beni Dragutsky,
Mike Goldstein, Marty Grusin, Amy Kirschbaum, Jay Lindy, Joanna Lipman, Paul Royal, Jill
Steinberg, and Ralph Yaffe
Presidential Appointee for 2013-2014: Esther Saltzman
reservations
after May 10
Be a greeter! Call Sylvia Appleton, 901.761.3130.
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BETWEEN YOU AND ME
The TI Fellowship, which began simply as a recruitment plan, has developed into a unique Jewish educational
strategy. And now, in less than a month, we will welcome to Temple Israel and Memphis our
initial 11 Fellows for professional experience, leadership development, Jewish learning, social
action, and community building.
The application response was overwhelming. Candidates represented 22 elite universities across
15 states, making the selection process extremely competitive. Narrowing down the choices
between many highly qualified applicants was very difficult.
In February, an independent board of community leaders and business executives, unconnected
to the Fellowship founders, Sam Fargotstein, Jeff Dreifus, David Edelson, and me, evaluated
Rabbi Adam Grossman
the potential candidates. David, Sam, Jeff, and I then matched the possible Fellows with various companies,
and those companies conducted interviews with the candidates. Based on best possible fit and the team of
business leaders’ recommendations, we offered a rolling acceptance to Fellows, concluding the process on
March 29. We are happy to announce our initial TI Fellowship cohorts:
• Mitchell Ashkenaz from Memphis, attending UT-Knoxville Law School
• Jessica Barnea from Millburn, New Jersey, attending Tulane University
• Sarah Fenderson from Nashville, Tennessee, graduating from UT-Chattanooga
• Rebecca Friedman from Miami, Florida, attending Washington University in St. Louis
• Caroline Frisch from Memphis, attending Northwestern University
• Shayna Giles from Memphis, attending Tulane University
• Lauren Goldstein from Memphis, graduating from Kansas University
• Alex Schindler from Little Rock, Arkansas, graduating from the University of Arkansas
• Hillary Weiss from Memphis, attending Boston University
• Deborah Wohl from Woodside, California, attending Washington University in St. Louis
• Hannah Zachary from New York, New York, a graduate from Bucknell University, and currently working
with Teach for America in Palestine, Arkansas
The group is a balance of native Memphians and non-Memphians, all desiring to be in Memphis this summer.
While it was regretful that we were not able to make offers to every qualified candidate, including the ones
from Temple Israel that I have personal relationships with as their rabbi and teacher, we continue to recruit
and to retain students and graduates to Memphis beyond the Fellowship. This includes working with our
partner organizations to offer internships in addition to the Fellowship. Hopefully, we can maximize the
number of applicants that receive offers in Memphis and increase the number of potential Jews to make
Memphis a permanent home.
Since the Fellows’ announcement, Sam, Jeff, David and I have been working diligently to make this inaugural
TI Fellowship a worthwhile experience for our incoming Fellows. Beyond working in a professional setting, the
Fellows will receive professional training through a partnership with the New Memphis Institute’s “Summer
Experience.” At the same time, the Fellows will bridge the secular and the sacred through a Jewish lens with
Memphis specific community service projects and learning sessions with Rabbi Greenstein, Congressman
Steve Cohen, MIT professor and author Alan Lightman, and physician and health activist Scott Morris, founder
of the Church Health Center.
Upon arrival Saturday, June 1, until their departure Saturday, August 10, we seek to highlight Memphis, Temple
Israel, and the significant difference one can make in this city. Hopefully, by focusing on experiential Jewish
learning, we aim to inspire passion for the Memphis community, while fostering personal, professional, Jewish
and spiritual growth.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Adam Grossman
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WRJ-TEMPLE ISRAEL SISTERHOOD
COOL GETS READY FOR COLLEGE
Wednesday, May 1, 5:30-7 pm
Prepare snacks in the Temple kitchen for MIFA’s COOL (College
Offers Opportunities for Life) initiative. This month the snacks
will be for their College Signing Day on May 20 at 5:30 pm.
Call Jane Eckstein, 230-7536 or [email protected], or Linda
Paddock, 861-5419 or [email protected]. Children ages
12 and older are welcome to participate.
ANYONE HERE?
Wednesday, May 8, 1:30 pm
No One Is Here Except All of Us by Ramona Ausubel is the
selection for May’s book group meeting. The book tells the
story of Jews in a Romanian village in 1939 who reinvent their
world from the beginning and order their own destiny, until
the real world breaks in. (Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn will be
discussed on June 12.)
OPEN BOARD MEETING
AND POTLUCK DINNER
Wednesday, May 8
5:30-6:30 pm meeting; 6:30 pm dinner
Come to this open board meeting and potluck dinner and
learn about WRJ-Sisterhood’s board of directors. This fun
meeting includes a recap of activities enjoyed this year. Come
to both or for dinner only. RSVP by May 1 to 937-2790 and say
what you’ll bring: salad, main or side dish, or dessert.
100 DONATIONS FOR CENTENNIAL
Sisterhood is collecting 100 items for MIFA’s emergency
services in conjunction with WRJ’s centennial year. Items
needed include diapers, pull-ups, burp cloths, vaseline, socks,
hats, baby blankets, ready-to-use formula in screw-cap
containers, infant juice or juice boxes, or finger food. These
items will go in 100 baby and toddler care packages for MIFA’s
clients who are getting back on their feet. Label your items
“MIFA” and bring them to the Sisterhood office or to the open
board meeting on May 8. Monetary donations, beginning at
$10, will also be accepted.
HEAD OF THE MONTH
Thursday, May 9, 7 pm
Rosh Chodesh means “head of the month.” The month begins
with the appearance of the new moon. Jewish women and
congregations have formed Rosh Chodesh groups, meeting
monthly to observe the new moon, sing, pray, and study.
For more information, contact Allison Delugach, 685-1070 or
[email protected]. (The group will take a break over
the summer and resume in September.)
WRJ SHABBAT AND LUNCH
Saturday, May 11, 10 am
WRJ-Sisterhood is planning a wonderful Shabbat service led
by Rabbi Katie Bauman in which Cantor Kaplan’s singing
group, “Sweet Words of Torah,” will perform. Contact
Marisa Baggett, [email protected] or 335-6687, or
Melissa Faber, [email protected] or 490-1561, for more
information.
MELLOW LADIES
Thursday, May 16, 6:30 pm
Come to Mellow Mushroom, 3075 Village Shops Drive, for
Ladies Night Out with Sisterhood! RSVP by May 14 to Cathy
Kessler, [email protected] or 827-9591.
A KNIT IN TIME
Thursdays, 1:30 pm
Join the group and knit for the Mother Bear Project and
other causes. Knitting experience is not required. For more
information, contact Jenny Baer, [email protected], or Phyllis
Niegelberg, [email protected]. (Note: Night knitting has
been cancelled.)
ARTIST SHOWCASE
Starting in June 2013, WRJ-Temple Israel Judaica Shop will
showcase local Jewish artists. Each artist’s work will be
on display and for sale for one month. If you are a local
artist (or know of one) and have Judaica you would like to
have considered for display in the gift shop, please e-mail
[email protected].
JUDAICA FOR BRIDES
Did you know the WRJ-Temple Israel Judaica Shop offers
a fantastic bridal gift registry? Come in to register or to
purchase your gifts. The gift shop is open Monday-Thursday
10 am-4 pm; Friday 10 am-1 pm; Wednesday until 6 pm.
The shop will open early at 7:30 am on May 7; it will close
on Sundays after May 5, the end of religious school classes.
Summer hours begin June 3: Monday-Friday, 10 am-1 pm.
WRJ ADOPT-A-SCHOOL
June 5, 12, 19, 26
Help WRJ-Temple Israel Sisterhood with its Adopt-A-School
this summer by assisting at the Colonial School Vision Camp,
where volunteers help students at Cici’s Pizza, Cordova
Skating, and Cordova Bowling. This is a wonderful mitzvah
opportunity! It’s also a great way for middle and high
schoolers to earn service hours. Please contact Paula Lynch,
[email protected] or 581-4447, or Rochelle Fenton,
[email protected] or 830-6326.
BULBS ABLOOM
Purchase bulbs now from WRJ-Sisterhood, and your order
purchased in the spring will be available in the fall. If your
garden is full, you can donate to Temple Israel grounds,
Memphis Jewish Home,
Plough Towers, and the
Cancer Survivors Park.
Bulbs make great teacher
gifts and housewarming
presents, and Sisterhood
can send a gift card at
any time. The sales help
fund Sisterhood’s many
activities and tikkun
olam efforts throughout
the year. Contact Judy Royal, [email protected] or 683-7959.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO TEMPLE ISRAEL’S GRADUATES AND CONFIRMANTS!
Share in their simchas at the Shabbat services in their honor:
GRADUATION
Friday, May 3, 7:30pm
Mazal Tov to the Graduation Class of 2013:
Tali Abdun, son of Cindy Shainberg/Salim Abdun
Alex Alpert, son of Stacey and Michael Alpert
Daniel Barrach, son of Andrea and Brian Barrach
Jeremy Braslow, son of Mary and Marvin Braslow
Jacob Buring, son of Michele and Daniel Buring
Brandi Eiseman, daughter of Tami and Robert Eiseman
Jack Fargotstein, son of Leslie and William Fargotstein
Matthew Filderman, son of Amy and Lee Filderman
Charlie Finan, son of Janis and Patrick Finan
Claire Fogarty, daughter of Cyndie and Larry Fogarty
Caroline Gillenson, daughter of Leslie and Mark Gillenson
Rachel Glazer, daughter of Marilyn and Louis Glazer
Emma Heaslet, daughter of Caryn and Curt Heaslet
Zachary Kahn, son of Ellen and Herbert Kahn
Elianna Landau, daughter of Susanne and Bruce Landau
Joshua Lansky, son of Barbara and Scot Lansky
Joshua Less, son of Monica and Bert Less and the late Debra Less
Cara Levi, daughter of Lisa and Kenneth Levi
Jonah Linder, son of Laura and James Linder
Paige Mandelman, daughter of Joy Mandelman/Hal Mandelman
Maggie Norman, daughter of Nancy Adler and Kent Norman
Megan Orgel, daughter of Robin and William Orgel
Brandon Pelts, son of Billie and Barry Pelts
Brian Ringel, son of Janice and James Ringel
Samuel Rosenberg, son of Sally and Jeffrey Rosenberg
Emily Rosenthal, daughter of Debbie and David Rosenthal
Zachary Rubnitz, son of Karin and Jeffrey Rubnitz
Gardner Rudolph, son of Elizabeth and David Rudolph
Adam Saharovich, son of Debra and Alex Saharovich
Steven Saharovici, son of Heidi and Gabriel Saharovici
Erin Saslawsky, daughter of Betsy and Andrew Saslawsky
Mimi Scheidt, daughter of Laurie and Elkan Scheidt
Alexander Underberg, son of Marsha and Michael Underberg
Emily Wolfe, daughter of Holly and David Wolfe
HONOR THE HONOREES
Honor the graduates and confirmants with a Mazal Tov Card
from WRJ-Sisterhood. Proceeds benefit the Y.E.S. Fund. Please
refer to the form you received in the mail or contact
Phyllis Gregory, [email protected] or 901.288.7728.
Temple Israel is the Mid-South’s Reform Jewish home for
Torah, spiritual fulfillment, community, and tikkun olam.
Paula Jacobson, President
Jonathan Frisch, Sr. Vice President
David Rosenthal, Vice President
Debbie B. Lazarov, Vice President
Laurie Meskin, Vice President
E. Elkan Scheidt, Secretary
Mark Fogelman, Treasurer
Rabbi Micah D. Greenstein
David L. Bearman, Counsel
Rabbi Adam B. Grossman
Nancy R. Robinson, Immediate Past President
Rabbi Katie M. Bauman
Sharon Berman, WRJ-Sisterhood President
Cantor John M. Kaplan
Tod Singer, MRJ-Brotherhood President
Rabbi Harry K. Danziger, Emeritus
Becca Ashner, MeFTY President
Stacy Canales, Executive Director
Production for the voice:
Isti Bardos, Carol Geller
Temple Israel
1376 E. Massey Rd.
Memphis, TN 38120
901.761.3130
www.timemphis.org
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CONFIRMATION
Friday, May 10, 7:30pm
Mazal Tov to the Confirmation Class of 2013:
Lulu Abdun, daughter of Cindy Shainberg/Salim Abdun
Sophia Abdun, daughter of Cindy Shainberg/Salim Abdun
Jonah Baer, son of Risa and Steven Baer
Sarah Besser, daughter of Julie and Byron Besser
Rachel Elfezouaty, daughter of Melissa and Igal Elfezouaty
Emily Faber, daughter of Melissa and Richard Faber
Jordan Franklin, daughter of Joanne and Barry Franklin
Molly Franklin, daughter of Karen and Joseph Franklin
Samuel Gordon, son of Angela and Richard Gordon
Aaron Grosman, son of Sherry and Michael Grosman
Gavin Handler, son of Randi and Alan Handler
Connor Heaslet, son of Caryn and Curt Heaslet
Jack Hirschman, son of Suanne Hirschman/Shayle Hirschman
Lindsey Houston, daughter of Ida Houston and David Blindman
Evan Hunter, son of Lara and Jamie Hunter
Andrew Karchmer, son of Laurie and Randy Karchmer
Emma Knight, daughter of Carole and Brian Knight
Jacob Knight, son of Carole and Brian Knight
Olivia Landau, daughter of Susanne and Bruce Landau
Katherine Levingston, daughter of Jennifer and Jon Levingston
Eliana Linder, daughter of Laura and James Linder
Jared Lindy, son of Wendy and Peter Lindy
Jordyn Lubin, daughter of Sharon and Justin Lubin
Jaime Marquis, daughter of Sandra and Charles Marquis
Max Meyer, son of Elise and Gregory Meyer
Caroline Rabiner, daughter of Robin and Andrew Rabiner
Daniel Saharovich, son of Debra and Alex Saharovich
Brooke Saharovici, daughter of Heidi and Gabriel Saharovici
Jason Stein, son of Elisa Stein/Bruce Stein
Rachel Tanenbaum, daughter of Laura and Alan Tanenbaum
Jeremy Waldrip, son of Judi and Randy Waldrip
AAA
YASHER KOACH
Congratulations to Temple Israel’s Aimee Adler (left, President),
Jared Lindy (2nd from left, Programming Vice President), and
Becca Ashner (2nd from right, Treasurer) for being elected to
the 2013-2014 NFTY Southern Regional Board during the Spring
Conclave in Mobile, Alabama, the weekend of April 12-14.
Also, Becca was awarded the “Gary Weill Award” for most
outstanding junior. Mazal tov to all!
Singin’ in the Rain
Wednesday, June 19 ~RSVP deadline: May 1~
Those in the Temple Prime Timers, our social group for
those 65+, are going to love their next event: dinner and a
show at Theatre Memphis! A light dinner will be served at
6pm, and the glitzy hit musical Singin’ in the Rain begins at
7:30pm. For dinner and the show, it’s $25/Temple member
and $30/guest. (If you are a Theatre Memphis ticket
subscriber, you need to call Theatre Memphis for seats for
the show. Also, for subscribers coming to the dinner, the
cost is $10.) RSVP, by MAY 1, to Sylvia Appleton, 901.761.3130.
AAA
TEMPLE A GO-GO
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Calling all creative, organized, fun, and Temple-loving
volunteers! On November 16, Temple will host its “not-to-be
missed” party! Proceeds will help those Temple members
who need Temple now
more than ever before.
You are invited to be
part of the planning.
Please sign up now for
one of the following
committees: Auction
Acquisitions, Auction
Logistics, Decorations,
Entertainment, Food
and Beverage, Host
Committee, Marketing and PR, Production, Sponsorship,
Tickets and Registration, Thank Yous, and Volunteers.
Contact Jan Reisman, 901.937.2781, to join the fun!
AAA
MITZVAH OPPORTUNITIES
PREPARE SNACKS
RABBI MICAH GREENSTEIN
NAMED ONE OF
“AMERICA’S TOP 50 RABBIS”
Rabbi Micah Greenstein has been named one of “America’s
Top 50 Rabbis for 2013” by Newsweek/The Daily Beast.
In its write-up of Rabbi Greenstein, the news organization
said, “Advancing civil rights and promoting racial and religious
reconciliation are at the heart of Greenstein’s rabbinate. The
charismatic senior rabbi at Memphis’s Reform Temple Israel,
Micah Greenstein, 50, recently led a group of mega-church
leaders on a trip to Israel and joined forces with Memphis
Christian and Muslim groups to create Friendship Park,
situated between a local mosque and a church. Greenstein
works closely with an NGO dedicated to empowering women
in Cambodia and has spoken out publicly against the Boy
Scouts of America’s ban on gay Scouts and troop leaders.
Temple Israel draws congregants from throughout Tennessee,
Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri.”
“It is truly an honor to serve Temple Israel as its Senior Rabbi
and to partner with such outstanding Jewish professionals
and lay leaders at Temple,” said Rabbi Greenstein. “Memphis
is a unique laboratory for a model interfaith community, and
I look forward to continuing to partner with faith leaders in
Memphis and the Mid-South as we do holy work for the city
and region we love so much.”
Temple Israel President Paula Jacobson said, “When people
describe Rabbi Greenstein, they accurately use words like
‘dedicated,’ ‘visionary,’ ‘passionate,’ and ‘tireless.’ His deep
faith shows in the myriad of services, life cycle events,
programs, and countless things he does for members
of Temple Israel, the Greater Memphis community, and
those needing help half way around the world. Micah is an
inspirational spiritual leader, and Temple Israel, its Board of
Trustees, and its over 1,500 member families are proud of his
national recognition.”
Rabbi Greenstein has served Temple Israel since 1991, first as
Assistant, then Associate, becoming Senior Rabbi in 2000.
Wednesday, May 1, 5:30-7:30 pm
Prepare snacks in the Temple kitchen at this WRJSisterhood-sponsored effort for MIFA’s COOL initiative. Call
Jane Eckstein, 230-7536, or Linda Paddock, 861-5419. Children
ages 12 and older are welcome to participate.
SOCIALIZE AT SYNERGY
Sunday, May 5, 3-5 pm
Enjoy a little visiting, bingo, and a cookout with residents of
Synergy Transitional Center, 2305 Airport Interchange Ave.
Adult volunteers, please call Neal Berlin, 481-1752.
DONATE CLOTHES, TOILETRIES, AND FOOD
Place items in the bins on the “Mitzvah Mile” driveway on
the north side of Temple, near the Barbara K. Lipman Early
Learning Center.
MANNA HOUSE: Adult-size sweatshirts, dress shirts, long
and short sleeve t-shirts, pants, jeans, belts, baseball caps,
and backpacks for this place of hospitality for the homeless.
MID-SOUTH FOOD BANK: Creamy peanut butter; canned
tuna, fruits, chunky soups, 100% juice, meals (no pork or
shellfish). Please make sure items are in date and comply
with this official request list.
Mitzvah Day is November 3, 2013: Save unopened travel size
toiletries and bring them to Temple for partner agencies.
CAREER TRANSITION GROUP
May 5 and 19, 9:30-11 am
Receive help finding a job through resume writing tips,
enhanced interview techniques, and other methods. Please
contact David Silberman, [email protected], or Rob Mann,
[email protected], for additional information.
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It is hard to believe that the religious school year has come to
an end! Every Sunday morning for the past eight months, I have
jumped out of bed, looking forward to spending the morning
with our students, teachers, and parents. Each person in the
Wendy and Avron Fogelman Religious School gives me a new
reason to love my job as Director of Congregational Learning.
Sometimes it is a simple smile as a student walks through the
doors of Temple. Other days it is overhearing a meaningful conversation about
how we can embody Jewish values in our everyday life.
This year, we have implemented a number of new programs to enhance learning and
engagement, while also improving upon the programs that continue to make our school
successful year after year. We now begin each Sunday morning with tefillah (prayer
services) for all our students, where we come together as a
community to sing, pray, and learn. In our upper grades, we
have used the Temple Israel Museum exhibit, Illuminations:
The Art of Samuel Bak, as a window into exploring the
tough questions of the Holocaust, and students have had
opportunities to create their own artwork inspired by the works of Samuel Bak.
The religious school students have engaged in all aspects of Jewish life, from
giving tzedakah each week, to participating in Passover Seders, to building positive
relationships and community with one another. Our tenth grade Confirmation
students spent a weekend exploring Jewish New York, and a number of our high
school juniors and seniors visited Washington, D.C., to lobby our Senators and
Representatives about social issues that impact our lives as Americans and Jews.
We have also improved our communications with religious school families
by sending out a weekly e-mail newsletter. (Please contact me if you’re not
receiving our weekly e-mails!)
As my first school year at Temple Israel comes to a close, I am reminded of
the words from Pirkei Avot, “Who is wise? One who learns from all people.”
Throughout the year, I have learned not only from our teachers and students,
but also from everyone at Temple. Thank you to those of you who have
helped me through this first year, answering all my questions and offering
your insights and advice.
In order to continue to improve upon our religious school programs, I still
want to learn from you. I hope that you will share with me your thoughts
and ideas about the education programs at Temple – from the religious
school to our adult classes. The more we learn from each other about our
visions and ideas for Jewish education, the more successful our programs
will be.
So let’s talk, e-mail, or meet for coffee to share our wisdom. By working
together and learning from one another, I know that this coming year will be outstanding!
L’shalom,
Lauren Luskey, Director of Congregational Learning
[email protected]
901.937.2776
Twitter: @LELuskey
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Note: registration for the 2013-2014 school year
is underway! As a matter of fact, the deadline
is May 31. Please contact me if you have any
questions about the registration process.
At the end of May every year we say “good-bye” to the school
year with a celebration called our Shalom Ceremony. As we come
to the close of the school year I’d like to share and review some of
our achievements.
The high point of the year had to be
achieving our NAEYC accreditation for the second
time. We received the highest possible scores in
these areas: relationships, curriculum, teaching,
assessment, teachers, families, community
relationships, leadership and management.
Congratulations to our faculty and staff who spent
hours documenting learning and collecting data
to present to the NAEYC inspector. Our goal is to maintain our high quality of
standards in all areas. Another milestone reached was the NAEYC accreditation of
Perea Preschool, with whom we worked, coached, and mentored.
I am proud to serve as the head of this outstanding school. We
base our teaching on research, collaborate with families, and
offer a safe and secure base for children. Yearly we visit our
feeder schools, such as Grahamwood, Lausanne and Riverdale,
to check on our alumni, and I’m pleased to note that the teachers and principals with
whom we meet give us high praise for the children in first grade who had previously
attended our school.
The year has been full of learning and growing, thinking, and developing. Children
learned about giving back to the community by participating in the Trike-a-thon for St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They came to appreciate
Shabbat by sitting with their family at our monthly Family Shabbat programs. Art to
Grow from the Dixon Museum and Gardens brought their program to our children.
Not many preschoolers can tell you about the background of an opera, but ours
can! The Haas Family Endowment for Education funded a performance by Opera
Memphis, as well as Charlotte’s Web, performed by Playhouse on the Square.
Although the school year ends in May, the fun continues throughout the summer.
We offer nine weeks of programming for infants through first grade throughout the summer months.
L’shalom,
Susan N. Feld, Ed.S., Director
[email protected]
901.937.2784
Twitter: @BKLipmanELC
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DONATIONS TO TEMPLE ISRAEL-MARCH 2013
Giving is measurable, but the Jewish impact of one’s generosity to Temple Israel is immeasurable. ~Rabbi Micah Greenstein
A generous anonymous
contribution has been made in
honor of the 176 volunteers of
God’s Unfinished Business.
ARCHIVES FUND
For the recovery of
Sidney Franklin
Brenda & Mickey Hapner
In memory of
Harriet Stern
Margaret Anne Rogers
Diane Rudner
BARBARA K. LIPMAN EARLY
LEARNING CENTER FUND
In memory of
Polly Underberg
Andrea & Brian Barrach
Jean & Buddy Ballin
Carol & Bob Tessler
George Abraham
Gail & Dr. Myron Lewis
Terri Seltz
Rose Gerber Evans
Paula & Joel Picker
In honor of
Judi Gambill
Sarah Eckstein
Judy Felsenthal
CANTOR KAPLAN MUSIC FUND
In appreciation of
Cantor John Kaplan
Marilyn & Herb Notowich
In honor of
David Rosenberg’s birthday
Ann & Felix Dr. Caldwell
Debbie & Steve Kahn
For the recovery of
Rose Rich
Mildred Schwartz
In memory of
Sam J. Grosman
Nancy & David Rosenberg
Claudia Kaplan
Laurie Kaplan Steen
JoAnn Kochman
Janis & Dr. David Iansmith
Joseph Aaron Lebovitz
Paul Engelberg
CEMETERY FUND
In memory of
Emma Shilstat Kochman
Irving Louis Himes
Elinor Himes & Family
Fernand David Brackstone
Welville Hirsch Wolfson
Deborah & Sam Brackstone
Fred Goldsmith, Sr.
Aimee Ginsburg
GENERAL FUND
For the recovery of
Raymond Evans
Janice & James Ringel and family
Deanna Burson
Marilyn & Herb Notowich
Hal Kaufman
Sylvia Appleton
Marilyn & Herb Notowich
Herbie Kahn
Iris Ruden
Joyce Ann Garrett
Sylvia Appleton
In appreciation of
Amy Filderman
David Bearman
Rusty Graber
The Purimspiel Cast 2013
In honor of
Eileen & Steve Wishnia
Deborah Ognibene & Joel Lobel
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Rabbi Micah Greenstein
Patricia & Lee Abraham
In memory of
Sam Grosman
Robin & Billy Orgel
Betsy & Ron Gilman
Nancy & Richard Robinson
Alice R. (Pat) Goodman
Patricia & Lee Abraham
JoAnn Kochman
Robin & Billy Orgel
Alli Rosenberg & Mike Landerer
Marcia & Alvin Notowich
Sylvia Appleton
Marilyn & Harvey Cook
Stephanie Goldberg
Lorraine, Bert, Jonathan, & Aaron Wolf
Jack Goldsmith
Emilie Ratner
Alex Cohen
Sharon Berman
Memphis Jewish Federation
Rose Merry Brown & Aron Livnah
Lorraine & Barry Steinberg
Chad Rea
Janice & James Ringel and family
Allen Cohen
Mimi Grossman
Belmont Village
Paula & Dr. Avrahm Cohen
Fran & Phil Shannon
Gail & Dr. Myron Lewis
Mildred Schwartz
Lorraine & Bert Wolf
Celia G. Abraham
Patricia & Lee Abraham
Charles Rothschild
Nora Rothschild
Claudia Kaplan
Dorothy Seldis
Dr. Richard Kisber
Janet Kisber
Harold Weinman
Martin Grusin & Gayle Powelson
Harriet Katz Jacobs
Rosalie Rudner
Jack Phillips
Sylvia Appleton
Barbara & Jerry Hermann
Poplar Estates Garden Club
Liz & Rouben Simonian
L.R. Jalenak, Sr.
Peggy & L.R. Jalenak, Jr.
Leo Schneider
Shirley Schneider
Mary Chafetz Shine
Sylvia Landau
Polly Underberg
Sylvia Appleton
Alvin Franklin
Patsy & Gene Lerner
Marcia & Alvin Notowich
Sally Grinspan
Radine & Ben Borowsky
Emilie Ratner
Dr. Ronna Sandler
Janis & Dr. David Iansmith
Yetta C. Yaffe
Shirley Fink
MeFTY FUND
In memory of
Alexander Bernstein
Mr. & Mrs. Allan Bernstein
Dr. Richard Kisber
Steve Kisber
MRJ-BROTHERHOOD FUND
In memory of
Sam Grosman
Robin & Jeffrey Wallace
WWW.TIMEMPHIS.ORG
Claudia Kaplan
Myrna & Dr. Alan Salomon
Polly Underberg
Magna Bank/Frank Stallworth
MUSEUM FUND
In Memory of
Aubrey Buchalter
Yvonne & Glenn Kiersky
Alex Cohen
Myrna & Dr. Joe Levy
JoAnn Kochman
Susan Adler Thorp
In appreciation of
Billy Orgel
Facing History & Ourselves
In honor of
Bene & Saul Kaplan
Susan Adler Thorp
RABBI KATIE BAUMAN
DISCRETIONARY FUND
In appreciation of
Rabbi Katie Bauman
Mr. & Mrs. Alan J. Lightman
Brenda & Marshall Gordon
In memory of
Sam Grosman
Bonnie & Alan Cooper
Walter Klein
Jan & Marc Reisman
Larry Rabin
Barbara & Dr. Phillip L.
Lieberman
In honor of
Rabbi Katie Bauman
Sharon Berman
For the recovery of
Jordan Shipowitz
Judith Kaplan McCown, Pete
Lemmon & family
RABBI HARRY DANZIGER
DISCRETIONARY FUND
In memory of
JoAnn Kochman
Debbie & Dr. Sidney Kriger
Evelyn & Dick Maxey
Elinor Himes & family
Sam Grosman
Debbie & Dr. Sidney Kriger
Allen Cohen
Family of Allen Cohen
J. Edward Wise
Pauline Plesofsky
Sandra Kessler
Randy Evans
Irving & Phyllis Evans
RABBI MICAH GREENSTEIN
DISCRETIONARY FUND
For the recovery of
Avron Fogelman
Julie Arney
Louis Glazer
Mary Bronstein
Janice & James Ringel & family
In memory of
Abe Blindman
Brenda and Marshall Gordon
Jan and Marc Reisman
Janice and James Ringel & family
Aida Shemper
Dr. Albert Rosten
Alvin Salomon
David Poulin
Harriet Stern
Fred Kesselman
Melvin Silver
Janice and James Ringel & family
Frances Evensky
Cindy & Buz Katz
Janice and James Ringel & family
Jack Goldsmith
Barbara & George Lapides
Jack Phillips
Antonia & Jim Wolfson
Hermine Davidson
Mary Shainberg
Ed, Amy, Chelsea, Sam, & Joey Platt
JoAnn Kochman
Wendy & Gregg Smith
Nancy, Jim, & Lauren McIntyre
Carley Ribet
Cindy & Buz Katz
Jan & Marc Reisman
Frances Buchalter
Carol & Harold Taylor
Ina & Dick Eiseman
Bonnie & Michael Kochman
Bobette Miller
Deedee & Ron Perel
Dessie Sewel
Barbie & Ray Dan
Abe Blindman
Jan & Marc Reisman
Dale & Marty Kelman
Marilyn & Herb Notowich
Allen Cohen
Jan & Marc Reisman
Jean & Buddy Ballin
Anise & Ron Belz
Family of Allen Cohen
Hermine Davidson
Inez & Gerald Fried
May Lynn & Dr. Charlie
Mansbach
Barbara Michel
Judith Royal
Sally Endler
Lisa & Ken Levi, Jordan, & Cara
Sam Grosman
Carol & Bert Barnett
Jan & Marc Reisman
Judy & Dr. Michael Edelson & family
The Bernsen Family
Eclectic Interiors, Inc.
Judy Ann & Peter Felsenthal
Bonnie & Mike Kochman
Judith McCown
Hermine Davidson
Lois Jacobson
Mary Shainberg
Judy & Jerry Shore
Alex Cohen
Vicki & Dr. Edward Lazarus
Barnett Magids
Jan & Jack Magids
Bertha & Harry Young
Ellen & Sammy Salky
Clara Brody Kashdan
Bonnie & Mike Kochman
Claudia Kaplan
Harvey Cook
Dr. Ronna Sandler
Barbara Michel
Diane Lichterman & Alfred
Blatnikoff
Rae Jean & Sandy Lichterman
Dr. Richard Cohn
Nancy & Dr. John Stallings
Dr. Richard Kisber
Julie & Kelsey Kisber
Dr. Ronna Sandler
Barbara & Dr. Norman Towbin & family
Ezna Krivcher
Annie P. Krivcher
Doris Z. Tenenbaum
Sonya Krivcher
continued on page 11
2013
DONATIONS-MARCH
continued from page 10
Alex Cohen
Andrea & Dr. Robert Kerlan
May Lynn & Dr. Charlie
Mansbach
Flora L. Davidson
Hermine Davidson
Gertrude & Sam Jacobs
Hermine Davidson
Harold Weinman
Jean & Buddy Ballin
Arlene Rubel
Joan & Arnold Weiss
Irving Manis
Jill Lynn Fisher
Marcia & Tom Fisher
Jack Goldsmith
Barbie & Ray Dan
Diane Rudner
Lewis “Pat” Isaacs
Carole & Dr. Charles Plesofsky
Patty Evans Wurzburg
Debbie, Bucky, Erin & Nora
Parker
Perry William Sewel
Dessie Sewel
Polly Underberg
Janice & James Ringel & family
Sandra & Ben Beatus
Anise & Ron Belz
Ronald Underberg
Ralph “Mickey” Finn
Teter Finn
Richard Lightman
Rosalie Rudner
Sally Grinspan
Ina & Dick Eiseman
Barbara & George Lapides
Sam Jacobs
Hermine Davidson
Barbara Michel
Sam Rosenblum
Maureen Rosenblum & family
Samuel Straitman
Charlotte & Morris Straitman
Sarah Karno Jeffer
Roselle Lazarov
Sarah Robinson
Betsy Robinson
Sylvia Reiser Baras
Margie Snetman
Abe Goodman, Jr.
Celia Abraham
Leigh & Rob Hendry
In honor of
Gertrude Discher’s birthday
Hilda & Irwin Kaufman
Purimspiel Cast, Directors & Workers
Hermine Davidson
Rabbi Micah Greenstein
Sharon Berman
Marilyn & Herb Notowich
Rabbi Micah Greenstein
Judith McCown
Hermine Davidson
Jan & Marc Reisman
Brenda & Marshall Gordon
Judge Robert Benham’s retirement
Margie Snetman
Barbara Michel’s birthday
Hermine Davidson
Margie Snetman
Joanne Bloom’s birthday
Hermine Davidson
Marriage of Elaina Magnus &
Michael Sexton
Marilyn & Alan Magnus
Jonathan Frisch’s birthday
Rabbi Micah Greenstein’s birthday
Janice & James Ringel & family
For the recovery of
Bettye Roman
Harriet Alperin
Hermine Davidson
Byron Besser
Mary Shainberg
Deanna Burson
Sandra & Dr. Ben Beatus
Hermine Davidson
Peggy Evensky
Hermine Davidson
Additional contributions
Ann & Sam Rabinovitz
Pam & Lee Sacharin
RABBI ADAM GROSSMAN
DISCRETIONARY FUND
In memory of
Richard Wurzburg, Sr.
Irwin Hollander
Arlene Gritz & family
JoAnn Kochman
David Pear
Judith Kaplan McCown, Pete Lemmon, & family
Natalie Graber
Jan & Dr. Lee Stein, Michael &
Karen
Barbara, Dr. Norman, Hal,
Laynie, Andy & Bennett
Towbin
J. Edward Wise
Alex Cohen
Hermine Davidson
Jack Phillips
Sharon Berman
Gloria “Naomi” Besser
Mary Shainberg
Toni Lachman
Polly Underberg
Isaac Gruber
WENDY & AVRON FOGELMAN
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND
In memory of
Polly Underberg
Allen Cohen
Wendy & Avron Fogelman
WRJ-SISTERHOOD
BEULAH VOSSE LIBRARY FUND
In memory of
Jack Phillips
Melissa Faber
Polly Underberg
Lynn & Dr. Robert Kline
For the recovery of
Deanna Burson
Lynn & Dr. Robert Kline
WRJ-SISTERHOOD
TEMPLE GROUNDS &
BEAUTIFICATION FUND
In memory of
Harriet Stern
Sara Lebovitz & family
Jack Phillips
Drs. Rose & Dick Rubin
Rena Loskovitz
Sandra & Dr. Ben Beatus
WRJ SERVICE TO THE BLIND
In memory of
Jack Phillips
Debbie Jackson
OUR SYMPATHY
Temple Israel extends its sympathy to the families of the late:
Mary Hytken Dumont Sam J. Grosman
Ruthe Handelman
Allen Miller
Betty Ann Moulton
Ruth O’Mell
Maurice Rosin
Leonard Weiner
Harold Weinman
OUR SIMCHAS
The Temple Israel family shares in the happiness of its members
and is thankful for the blessings they enjoy. Congratulations to:
Katie and Chris Jolly on the birth of a daughter; Gina and Monty Jolly and
Cathy and Bill Perry on the birth of a granddaughter; Dot Ramsey and
Dolly Jolly on the birth of a great-granddaughter.
Dr. Jennifer Kaufman and Dr. Bryan Faller on the birth of a daughter;
Elaine and Dr. Robert Kaufman and Ruth and Mort Faller on the birth of
a granddaughter; Naomi and Dr. Saul Silvermintz on the birth of a greatgranddaughter.
Lindsey Rothschild, daughter of Beth and Stephen Rothschild and Patricia
and John Neuhaus, and Michael Danziger, son of Jeanne and Rabbi Harry
Danziger, on their engagement.
Susan Tobey and Dr. Paul Levy on their marriage.
MOVING ON:
LIFE AFTER LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
May 16, May 23, May 30, 7 pm
Sharing grief within a group setting enables people to recognize
the commonality of their experiences while also defining
the uniqueness of their grief. The support group focuses on
helping those dealing with the loss of a loved one to remember
and to move on. It will be led by Dr. Paul King and will offer
confidentiality, warmth, and a place to share. Those who have
faced a loss in the past year are welcome. Call the Clergy office,
937-2774, or Nadine King, 763-0940, for additional information.
AAA
LEGENDS AWARD ART EXHIBIT
May 6-May 31
Temple Israel is honored to display the Women’s Foundation for
a Greater Memphis 2012 Legends Award Art Exhibition.
The Legends Award pays tribute to honorees whose visionary
and innovative work is paramount in their specialized areas
of outreach. Legends Award Artists and Writers created works
of art and prose that personify the Legends Award Honorees’
accomplishments and contributions to this community.
Honored in the exhibit is Temple Israel’s own Sylvia Goldsmith
Marks as well as Judge Bernice B. Donald, Velma Lois Jones,
Dorothy Gunther Pugh, and Dr. Shirley C. Raines.
Opening Reception, Tuesday, May 7, 7-8:30 pm
See the exhibit, learn more about the honorees, and enjoy a
nosh with your friends. There is no charge for this event. Please
RSVP by May 3 by calling Sylvia Appleton, 761-3130.
AAA
ISRAEL FESTIVAL
Sunday, June 9, 9am-7pm; Audubon Park
Temple Israel is a sponsor of the Israel
Festival! Sisterhood and Brotherhood
will cook in the Jewish Food Tent, and
Rabbi Greenstein will be a speaker
in the speaker tent. Volunteers
are needed. Contact Susan Miller,
[email protected] or
901.859.9004.
MAY 2013 VOICE
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WWW.TIMEMPHIS.ORG -11-
DATED MATERIAL
PLEASE DELIVER BY MAY 1, 2013
PERIODICALS
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PAID
AT MEMPHIS, TN
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Israel, 1376 E. Massey Road, Memphis, TN 38120-3299.
Periodicals postage paid (USPS 780-460) at Memphis,
Tennessee.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Temple Israel
voice, 1376 E. Massey Road, Memphis, TN 38120-3299.
SHAVUOT CELEBRATIONS
Shavuot is the Hebrew word for “weeks” and refers to the Jewish festival marking the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, which
occurs seven weeks after Passover. Shavuot, like many other Jewish holidays, began as an ancient agricultural festival that marked
the end of the spring barley harvest and the beginning of the summer wheat harvest. In ancient times, Shavuot was a pilgrimage
festival during which Israelites brought crop offerings to the Temple in Jerusalem. Today, it is a celebration of Torah, education, and
actively choosing to participate in Jewish life. ~from www.reformjudaism.org
FIRST FRUITS
Tuesday, May 14, 6 pm
This “Holiday of First Fruits” ceremony honors the newest members of the Jewish people (babies born between May of 2012 and May
of 2013). Please contact Jackie Evans, 901.937.2777 or [email protected], to let us know that you will be there.
STUDY SESSIONS
Tuesday, May 14, 7:30 pm
Finding Torah in Our Everyday Lives
“For this commandment is not too hard or too far away from you. No, it is very near to you. It is in your mouth and in your heart,
that you may do it.” ~ Deuteronomy 30:11-14
Shavuot is our holiday on which we celebrate receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. But what does it mean to “receive” Torah? What
does it mean to accept it? In the Book of Deuteronomy, we learn that Torah should be accessible to each of us and have an effect on
our daily lives. We will celebrate the final Festival of 5773 with an evening of study, prayer, and conversation, exploring the different
ways we understand and use Torah to guide us on our individual paths.
Rabbi Micah Greenstein
The Land of Israel: Closer Than We Think
Rabbi Adam Grossman
Business Ethics: Our Daily Sinai
SHAVUOT SERVICE
Tuesday, May 14, 8:30 pm
Cantor Kaplan’s musical group, Sweet Words of Torah, will sing.
RECEPTION
Tuesday, May 14, 9:15 pm
It’s time for cheesecake!
MORNING SERVICE INCLUDING YIZKOR
Wednesday, May 15
Coffee and a nosh: 7:30 am;Service: 7:45 am
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WWW.TIMEMPHIS.ORG
Rabbi Katie Bauman
When Torah Feels Like It’s Someone Else’s:
Women of the Wall & Other Controversies