1. No category

WE DID IT!
See page 4 & 5 for the announcement of funds raised
for the Confirmation/Consecration Wall Project.
Bulletin
1500 Sunset Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77005 An adventure of the spirit
March 24, 2015
Volume 69 Number 12
Emanu El Celebrates Establishment
of Walter Endowed Scholarship
at HUC-JIR in Cincinnati
From Rabbi Disick
A Tradition of
Strong Bridges
Rabbi Walter wasn’t exactly lost,
but for one reason or another, locating the church where he was
supposed to offer an important
opening prayer proved elusive.
He found a pay phone (remember
pay phones?) and started calling
churches. Relieved when he was
finally able to reach a local church secretary, he presented both the problem and its urgency. “Where,”
Rabbi Walter asked, “is the National Conference of
Christians & Jews being held? I have to be there in ten
minutes!” “ I don’t know,” answered the secretary, ” but
On Friday, February 20th, our congregation celebrated
the establishment of the Rabbi Roy A. Walter Endowed
Scholarship at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati. The Kabbalat Shabbat
Service in the Proler Chapel was led by Rabbi Marc
Disick and featured the music of the Shabbatones. Our
special guest was Dr. Jonathan Cohen, Dean of the
Cincinnati Campus of HUC-JIR, whose dynamic and
eloquent message highlighted the importance of the
scholarship in helping the Reform seminary attract
and prepare future generations of Reform rabbis. Rabbi
Walter’s touching response reflected his deep gratitude
and what it means to him to be honored in this manner at the institution from which he was ordained.
continued on page 2
continued on page 3
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Emanu El Annual Meeting to Be Held Sunday, April 12th
Save the date as our Congregation comes together on Sunday, April 12th at 4:00 p.m. for our Annual Meeting. The agenda for the meeting includes the approval of the 2015-16 operating budget, in addition to an election
of the Officers and Trustees. Information on the budget, the coming year’s slate and last year’s minutes should have
arrived in your mailboxes by our press date. Babysitting will be available for the meeting though reservations will
be required by Tuesday, April 7th.
PLEASE JOIN RABBI MARC DISICK
RABBI PAMELA SILK
RABBI SAMANTHA KAHN
CANTOR MARK PERMAN
Register online at:
emanuelhouston.org
AT CONGREGATION EMANU EL’S
Second Night Seder
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2015, 6:00 P.M.
PLEASE RSVP
BY
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015
WORSHIP SERVICES
Daily
6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday
Shabbat Vayikra, Leviticus 1:1-5:26
Friday, March 20th
6:00 p.m., Kabbalat Shabbat, Proler Chapel
Saturday, March 21st
10:30 a.m., Morning Service, Proler Chapel
10:30 a.m., Morning Service, Barish Sanctuary
B’not Mitzvah of
Hannah Grace Benstock, daughter of Sharon &
Eric Benstock
Akira Kravetz-Clark, daughter of Ruth Kravetz &
Craig Clark
Shabbat Tzav, Leviticus 6:1-8:36
Friday, March 27th
6:00 p.m., Kabbalat Shabbat, Proler Chapel
6:00 p.m., Family Picnic Shabbat, Sculpture Garden
Saturday, March 28th
10:30 a.m., Morning Service, Proler Chapel
10:30 a.m., Morning Service, Barish Sanctuary
Bat Mitzvah of
Isabelle Danny Nuzzo, daughter of Nancy &
Michael Nuzzo
Shabbat Yom Rishon shel Pesach,
Exodus 12:37-42, 13:3-10
Friday, April 3rd
5:00 p.m., Kabbalat Shabbat, Proler Chapel
Saturday, April 4th
10:30 a.m., Morning Service, Proler Chapel
6:00 p.m., Second Night Seder, Feld Hall
Thursday, April 9th
5:00 p.m., Passover Service, Proler Chapel
Shabbat Sh’mini I, Leviticus 9:1-10:11
Friday, April 10th
10:30 a.m., Passover Yizkor, Proler Chapel
6:00 p.m., Kabbalat Shabbat, Proler Chapel
Saturday, April 11th
10:30 a.m., Morning Service, Proler Chapel
4:30 p.m., Shalom Shabbat, TBD
Passover Schedule Changes
Please note that the Friday night Shabbat services on
Friday, April 3rd will begin at 5:00 p.m. due to the
Passover holidays. There will be no Torah study classes
on Saturday, April 4th. The regular scheduled
Shabbat services will resume the following weekend.
Congregation Emanu El Bulletin (USPS 399-430) is published semi-monthly
by Congregation Emanu El, 1500 Sunset, Houston, Texas 77005. Periodical
paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: send address changes to
Congregation Emanu El Bulletin, 1500 Sunset, Houston, Texas 77005.
2
continued from page 1
From Rabbi Disick
you should probably call Temple Emanu El, they’ll know
for sure. They’re always involved in events like these.”
Temple Emanu El’s involvement in the interfaith
community is really in our DNA. From 1944-49, Shabbat
and High Holy Day services were held in Central Presbyterian Church and St. Paul’s Methodist Church respectively. Rabbi Robert Kahn, Emanu El’s founding
rabbi, also founded Houston Metropolitan Ministries
now Interfaith Ministries whose Meals on Wheels program continues to set a high bar for the nation.
In 1971 for demographic reasons there was a significant push to relocate the congregation. “Ultimately, we felt that it was critical to maintain a Jewish presence in the heart of Houston,” said Rabbi
Walter. Over the years, each of Temple Emanu El’s
rabbis, cantors and educators have visited myriad
churches and even several mosques. As a matter of
fact, interfaith relations with Houston’s Muslim community has also long been a part of Emanu El’s tradition. According to our Educator, Marna Meyer, for the
last 14 years Helfman students have visited the Islamic Center of Greater Houston. And just a few
weeks ago, longtime Helfman teacher, Lisa Brooks’
class broke bread and witnessed worship at the Islamic Da’wah Center Mosque on Travis St.
Since arriving over a year ago, I’ve enjoyed a monthly
lunch with Pastor Michael Dunn of First Christian
Church, Rev. Robert Moore of Christ the King and Rev.
Neil Willard of Palmer Memorial Church. I’m pleased
to share that Pastor Dunn and his family will be joining with us at Temple Emanu El’s Second Night Seder.
Given our congregation’s long and rich history of
bridge building it only seemed natural to invite my
new friends in faith.
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Meditation Class Offerings
Increase at Emanu El
As of Saturday, March 21st, we will have two
meditation classes offered weekly at 9:30 a.m. Martin
Lindenberg will teach basic meditation, leading a class
on concentration practices. Concentration practices involve keeping the mind on a single focus, and training
the mind to return to that focus as it wanders off. In
Judaism, concentration practices can include focusing
on a repetition, such as one of the names of the Divine,
or a phrase, such as a line from Psalms, as well as other
practices. This class is ideal for those new to meditation or for those who prefer focusing on concentration
practices. This group will meet in the South Foyer.
The second class will be on Mindfulness Meditation
and is led by Glen Duval and Ann Friedman. Mindfulness meditation teaches us to pay attention to our
present moment experiences with an openness and curiosity (without judgment). We will also be incorporating teachings on equanimity, loving kindness, patience, forgiveness and joy. While newcomers are welcome to join us, the class will work at a more advanced
level. This class meets in the Board Room.
continued from page 1
Emanu El Celebrates Establishment of Walter
Endowed Scholarship
Other participants in the celebration included the
leaders of the project, Joe Pryzant and Ed Septimus,
who both serve on the Board of Overseers of the Cincinnati Campus of HUC-JIR, along with Dolores
Wilkenfeld, a past member of that Board.
The Scholarship fund was established through the
generosity of a group of local donors. Additional contributions will now add to the value of the fund and
enhance its ability to provide vitally-needed assistance
to deserving rabbinic students. Gifts in honor of Rabbi
Walter should be made directly to HUC-JIR and mailed
to 3101 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220, Attention: Susan Kulick. Please include a notation that your
gift is designated for the Rabbi Walter Endowed Scholarship. Or you can use this direct link: https://
donate.huc.edu/Walterscholarship. Susan can be
reached at 513-487-3227 or [email protected] if you
have questions. HUC-JIR will acknowledge the contributions and inform Rabbi Walter of contributors.
Pictured from left to right: Interim Rabbi Marc Disick, Dolores
Wilkenfeld, Linda Walter, Rabbi Emeritus Roy Walter, HUC Cincinnati Dean Jonathan Cohen, Ed Septimus, Emanu El President
Rebecca Lunstroth and Joe Pryzant.
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Yom Hashoah to Be Held
at Emanu El
Please join us on Sunday, April 19th at 3:00
p.m. at Congregation Emanu El in observance of Yom
Hashoah, a day of remembrance for the 6,000,000 Jewish people who lost their lives during the Holocaust.
During this annual commemoration, we will mourn
the loss of all who perished, honor those who survived
and come together as a community to remember and
reflect. This event is coordinated by the Yom Hashoah
Steering Committee and Holocaust Museum of Houston. Funding for this service is generously provided by
the Morgan Family Endowment Fund, the Morgan
Family Center and the Morgan Family Foundation.
Volunteer
Spotlight
Rachel Gutow-Ellis
By Nancy Ehrenkranz
If you want to smile, be inspired or get something
important done, contact Rachel Gutow Ellis.
Her enthusiasm is infectious, her work ethic is ‘all
in,’ and her heart is always on her sleeve. “Plus,” she
admits, “I simply have a hard time saying no.”
The daughter of Diane and Ellis Tudzin, Rachel grew
up at Emanu El, where she was a Bat Mitzvah and later
a teaching assistant in the religious school. Her adult
involvement started when her son attended the Becker
School, and she became active on the Religious School
Committee. Since that time, she has served as the
Chair for the Gathering Place, volunteered on the Congregational Caring Committee, been a Trustee for the
Farb Fund, and co-chaired a Mitzvah Day team for
Meals on Wheels for several years with Sandy Lusky.
“I’ve been on and off the temple Board several times,
written Sisterhood birthday cards and most recently,
served as the Vice-Chair of the Rabbinical Search Committee, a group of like-minded people who bonded
and felt such pride in what we were asked to do and
how we did it.” Rachel was chosen to travel to Seattle
to meet Rabbi Hayon’s family and see him at work, in
his current position. “It was an honor and a huge responsibility being ‘the one’ to evaluate him as a person
and a rabbi in his home environment, and I took the
task very seriously. Fortunately for me and all of us,
the experience was an overwhelmingly positive one.”
Rachel and her husband Adam are the proud parents
of daughter Noa, who will soon graduate from Emery
Weiner School, and Jacob, who attends a special-needs
school in Rhode Island. For Rachel, “all of my volunteer commitments are a labor of love, and most of my
closest friends – of all ages – I met through my work at
the congregation. Every time I go to Emanu El, I have a
big smile on my face wondering who I’m going to see
that day and what a difference I might make, in some
small way. I enjoy doing good things for people I love,
and the friendships I’ve made and the work I do brings
me great joy. Volunteering is the opposite of loneliness. It may sound corny, but Congregation Emanu El
is and will always be ‘my happy place.’”
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Emanu El Memorial Park to Remain
Open 365 Days a Year
We are pleased to announce that effective immediately Emanu El Memorial Park will be open to visitation 365 days a year. The EEMP gates will open at
8:00 a.m. daily and close at 5:00 p.m. Consistent
with our longstanding practice, we will continue to allow funerals, unveilings and other cemetery related activities Sunday through Friday. These same activities
are not permitted on Jewish religious holidays. This
change goes into effect immediately.
3
The Restoration of the Confirmation/Consecration Pictures
WE DID IT – The Restoration of the Confirmation/Consecration Pictures and the architectural facelift for the
Parkans Administrative Center fundraising is officially completed and the work will begin this spring. The congregation is grateful to all those listed below whose generosity will endow this important project. Your gifts in behalf
of this area of Emanu El show the importance of it to our members. If you have corrections to the names of any
kind, NOW IS THE TIME to contact Jason Plotkin, [email protected] to see that it’s corrected.
List is current as of 3/10/15 – Many thanks and appreciation to the following donors:
Adam Newar, in memory of Sheila Newar & in honor of
Myra Lipper
Rikki & Bo Rubenstein
Feld Family Cousins, in honor of their Grandparents
Celine & Charles Kaplan & Family
The Parkans Family, in memory of Morissa Parkans
Lila Rauch
Delores Krakower, Suzanne & Mike Krakower
& Family, Karen & Buster Freedman & Family
Carl Josehart & Sam Jacobson
Dolores Wilkenfeld, in honor of Lewis Wilkenfeld &
Serena Brooks Wilkenfeld
The Haikin Family, in memory of Josie & Mike Haikin
Sheri Feldman, Jason, Rori & Lacey Feldman,
Elaine Helfman & Family, in memory of Nason
Feldman and Jack Helfman
Linda & M. Michael Shabot
Marty & Bob Stein, in honor of the Religious School
Staff & Faculty
Linda Susman
Helen, Daniel & Adam Dreyfus, in memory of
Richard Baeck Dreyfus
Martin & Marsha Block, in honor of Lindsay &
Amanda Frankfort
Diana Brackman
Barbara & Mark Brookner
Joy & Harris Jacobs
Myra Lipper
Raymond, Paula, Alan, Danny & The Gerson
Family, in memory of Putch & Gertrude Gerson
Marlene & Bob Rubin, in honor of Shari, Dennis, Will
& Owen Heinz, Mindy & Nick Adams, Perla & Jack Rubin,
Jenn & Paul Rubin & in memory of Raye & Bill Plotkin
Richard Schechter, in memory of Dr. Robert Schechter
Rozelle & Herman Schultz
Helen & Andrew Spector
Linda & Roy Walter, in honor of our children and
grandchildren
Carol & Barry Goodfriend, in honor of our children
and grandchildren
Susan & Richard Speer, in memory of our parents and
in honor of our children & grandchildren
Valorie, Rick, Ryan & Kevin Steinhart, in honor
of Myra Lipper
Sara Astrich, in honor of my children and grandchildren
Henry Bercutt, in memory of Carole B. Bercutt
Scott & Leslie Bormaster, in memory of Martha
Bormaster, Gloria & George Frederick
Bernice Feld
Carole & M.M. Feld, in memory of our parents and in
honor of our children
Ellen & Franklin Gittess, in memory of Ray & Sam
Gofseyeff, Ann & Irving Gittess
4
Julie, Robert, Betsy & Allie Goodfriend
The Holste Family, in memory of Celia & Fred Holste
Rebecca & Jost Lunstroth
Linda & Paul Lynn & Family
Ben & Rebecca Miller
Charlotte Motley, in memory of Jerry Motley and Marc
Motley
Sharon & Bradley Rauch, in memory of Harold
Reingold
Ira & Rosemary Shepard
William Shields & Children, in memory of Dorothy
Shields & Sol Stepinoff
Limor & Stuart Smith
Rachael Tobor & Valerie Turner
Dianne & Ellis Tudzin
Eric & Rhonda Lipper
Esther Shelby Fund
Dr. James Solomon, in memory of Doris K. Solomon
Priscilla Schube
Phyllis & Steven Segal, in honor of Our Children and
Grandchildren
The Askanase Family
Karen & Jeff Basen-Engquist, in honor of Dolores
Wilkenfeld
The Blitz Family
Leonid & Rena Buryakovsky
Pat & Dr.Aaron Fradkin, in memory of our parents
Dorothy & Mack Martin, Ida & Harry Fradkin, and our
daughter in law, Stephanie Barthlow Fradkin
Stuart & Anita Gaylor
Philip & Jeanette Getz
Nonya & Jonathan Grenader
Joy W. Hecht, in honor of Michael, Julia, Rachel &
Matthew Hecht
Elyse & Lewis Kalmans, in honor of Aerin, Kendall &
Talia
Linda Kates
Eva & Michael Loeb
Stephen & Judy Loebl, in honor of the Loebl children
Rici & Harold Miller & Family, in honor of Rabbi
Walter
Ellen Hurwitz Penner
Joy Pulaski, in honor of the birthdays of Raymond
Kalmans & Michael Wilk
Debbie & Samuel Robbins
Evelyn & Franklin Roth
Josh & Allison Septimus
The Seliger Family, in memory of Maurice Seliger
Claudia & Joel Selzer
Judy, Tom & David Turpie
Victor & Shelley Wisner
Sue & Stu Baum, in honor Darren Baum, Stacey Baum
Uffelman & Garey Marks
Dean Putterman
Lawrence & Vicki Samuels Levy, in memory of Joe
Samuels
Jeri Amundsen & Arthur Feldman
Nancy & Scott Atlas
Sonia & Peter Benjamin, in honor of Saul & Gabriel
Malek
The Brynes Family
Marilyn & Edward Carlin, in honor of Dave & Matt
Carlin
Marilyn Caplovitz, in memory of Coleman D.
Caplovitz, M.D.
Rita & Steven Engelhardt
Karen & James Feldman
Tammy & Daniel Feldstein
Lenore Fenberg & Family, in memory of Dean Meyers
Alan & Susan Garber
Seymour & Sylvia Goldgehn & the Gerlich Family
Andrew & Brettne Hemley, in honor of Rabbi Walter
Barbara & Ernest Henley
Ellen & Jed Lee Howard
Roselyn & Greg Johnston, in memory of Alvin &
Minnie Oshman
Sheila & Jerald Kaplan
The Lessey Family
Barbara & Irvin Levine
Sarah, Jonathan, Isaac, Elijah & Eliana Levit, in
memory of Olive Hirsh Levit
Earl & Natalie Littman & Family, in honor of Erica,
Bonnie & Michael
Libby & Buz Marvins & Family
Harris & Linda Miller
Jody & Maureen Proler, in honor of our brothers and
sisters
Diane & Jules Puschett
Elyssa Schnurr, in memory of Leonard ‘Babe’ Schnurr &
Ricky Schnurr
Jessica Segal & Daniel Miller, in honor of Jonah &
Gabrielle
Carolyn Rubenstein
Rabbi Pam & Jeff Silk, in honor of JJ & Ava Silk
June & Dr. Julian Silverblatt
Robin Sofer, in memory of Michael Spolane
Gail & Norman Stalarow
Judi & Joel Levy, in honor of Daniel & Maureen Levy
Kathy & Stephen Parven
The Vines Family
Susan Hirsch & Joe Cohen
Sandy & Andrea Gaitz
Susan & Edward Kahn
Maxine Reingold, in memory of Harold Reingold
Toby & Les Robbins & Family
Sandi Berman, in memory of Barbara Berman Breakiron
Emily W. Stein
Judy & Richard Stein, in honor of Daniel & Sheryl
Melvin Weiss
David & Mindy Klein
Edis Lewis Parkans
EMANU EL YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
March JED Talks to Be Held Wednesday, March 25th at 7:00 p.m.
Isn’t it fun to listen to someone talking about something they are
passionate about? That’s what JED Talks (Jews Entertaining their
Dreams) is all about! This installment of JED Talks features harpist
Emily Klein and art gallery owner Nicole Longnecker. Emily is an orchestral, solo, and chamber musician who has made appearances
with the Houston, San Antonio, and Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestras and the Houston Grand Opera. Emily will discuss the history of
the modern concert harp as well as perform several contrasting works.
Nicole Longnecker is the founder and owner of the Nicole Longnecker Gallery in Houston, Texas.
Nicole’s interest in her work centers around the intersection of art, literature, and film and how these vehicles could be used to create narratives and give a wider voice to those who were unable to tell their stories. Nicole will be talking about the impact of art in our lives. Appetizers, drinks, and dessert will be
served. RSVP to Emory Skolkin at [email protected].
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Pesach & Pizza – A Winning Combination!
Love pizza but can’t eat it on Passover? Now you can! We are teaming up with gourmet restaurant
Pizza L’vino to bring you a delicious matzah pizza party on Tuesday, April 7th at 7:00 p.m. Pizza
L’vino only uses the highest quality ingredients such as Stanislaus vine-ripened tomatoes and Grande ultra-premium Wisconsin - nothing is processed! You can’t beat the price of admission – free! Come get
your nosh on! For more information, contact Emory Skolkin at [email protected].
5
SISTERHOOD HAPPENINGS
OUR TEMPLE FAMILY
Emanu Elders Resumes on
Tuesday, April 7th
—————— IN THE COMMUNITY ——————
We have all heard the harp played and many of us
associate it with soft, romantic, ethereal music. Prepare
to be surprised! April 7th – yes we know it is still
Passover – harpist Terese Weber will change your mind
about harp music! Plan to come for lunch at 11:30
a.m. and stay to hear the music! Cost is $6. Please call
Sisterhood at (713) 529-5771, ext. 233 or e-mail
[email protected] for more information.
Art Mavens and Art Lovers Gather on
Thursday, April 23rd
Here’s your chance to see world-class art from Private Collections in Houston on Thursday, April
23rd, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. We will be viewing artwork in the homes of Art Collectors Linda and
Jerry Rubenstein, Photography Collector Joan
Morgenstern & Glass Collector Melanie Lawson.
Instructions, maps and details will be provided after
you RSVP. The tour is limited to the first 36 art lovers
to call. You are responsible for your own transportation. A late lunch following the tour is optional at
Benji’s on Washington. Let us know if you are joining
us for lunch when you make your reservation for the
Art Tour.
RSVP by April 15th to Ashley Fair at (713) 5295771, ext. 233 or email [email protected]
for more information.
Sisterhood’s Judaism Through the Arts
Sisterhood’s Judaism Through the Arts series will be
back for its eighth season on Thursday, April 30th
at 1:30 p.m. at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
Helga Aurisch, Curator of European Art at the MFAH,
will discuss 600 years of Jewish cultural contribution in
the great Habsburg cities of Vienna, Prague and Budapest.
In June, the MFAH will be one of three U.S. museums to
host an exhibition of Habsburg Imperial Art. Our JTTA
program will be a unique opportunity to learn about the
Jewish artistic presence in that world. Keep tuned to the
Bulletin for more details about this joint venture with
the Museum. Seating will be limited, but you may reserve your place now at [email protected]
or (713) 529-5771, ext. 233.
Passover Items Available for Sale at
New Traditions Gift Shop
Passover is around the corner. Our gift shop is prepared to your adorn your seder table with a beautiful
seder plate, Kiddush cups, haggadahs, unique items
and books for children and everything that you need
to make the seder and the holiday special. Remember
that your purchase partners with Sisterhood to support
Emanu El in its endeavors to serve the congregation,
the community and the world.
6
Lisa Stone received a J.E.West Fellowship, which
provides funds to support Scouting in our community.
Lisa was also honored for her 20 years as a Scout
volunteer by her fellow Houston Jewish Scouting
leaders, who sponsored her Fellowship.
–––––––––––––––––– WEDDINGS —–––––––––————
Lindsey Putterman & Drew Karklin
––––––––––––––––––––– DEATHS –––––––––––––––––––––
Linda Calderon, sister of Marcia Berretta, Stella &
Keith Ryder and Benjamin Calderon
Eloise Duval, mother of Jessica & Louis Roddy,
Valerie & Dixon Duval; grandmother of Joni Duval &
Chris Stettheimer, Morgan Duval, Kelsey Duval,
Lauren Roddy, Elliot Roddy; great-grandmother of
Carson Stettheimer
Nathan William Garfinkle, father of Lauren &
Alan Gordon, Louis & Bruce Garfinkle; grandfather of
Jennifer & Adam Gordon, Mollie Gordon & Ron
Karnie, Brian Garfinkle, Eric Garfinkle
Barbara Konig, mother of Amy & Perry Wulfe, Beth
& Larry Konig
Natalie Lessey, mother of Lorri & Bruce Lessey;
grandmother of Jennifer Lessey and Sarah & Jared Pogue
Michael Manela, son of Gabrielle & Aron Manela;
brother of Mark & Philip Manela
Roxanne Meyerson, wife of Jerry Meyerson; mother
of Zachary Meyerson; sister of Roslyn & Ricky Haikin,
Linda & Arthur Meyerson, Pauline & Alfie Meyerson,
Hildi Haikin, Chrissy & Sandy Meyerson.
Robert Rubin, husband of Marlene Rubin; father of
Shari Rubin & Dennis Heinz, Mindy & Nick Adams,
Perla & Jack Rubin, Jenn & Paul Rubin; brother of
Rozanne & Howard Rubin, Renee & Brent Silber
Harris Wittels, son of Maureen & Ellison Wittels;
brother of Stephanie & Michael Wachs
West Driveway Construction Underway –
Congregants Urged to Enter at East
Driveway Through April 1st
We are pleased to announce that work got underway
on our West driveway on Sunday, March 15th. Our contractor began the project by removing and excavating
the existing asphalt surface. This will be followed by the
installation of new concrete pavement, which we expect
to be pothole free for many years to come.
We originally anticipated that the drive would reopen to traffic on Monday, March 23rd. Due to project
enhancements, we now expect that the drive will reopen on Wednesday, April 1st. Throughout construction, our parking garage will remain accessible via
the East driveway (the side closest to Main Street).
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we
work to complete this project as expeditiously as possible.
BROTHERHOOD NEWS & HAPPENINGS
Real Men Make Chocolate Matzah
Come roll up your sleeves and gather with other men (as well as their kids and special friends) in
the Emanu El kitchen on Thursday, April 2nd from 6:00-7:30 p.m. just before Passover to make
yummy chocolate matzah treats!
Your friends and family will thank you for bringing these awesome treats to your seder! Matzah and
awesome toppings provided at no cost! Just bring your creativity and love of food, fun and fellowship!
Pizza dinner also provided!
Everyone is welcome, especially those who have never been to a Brotherhood event, as well as Dads
(or special friends) with their kids. Please no drop-offs. This now famous event is brought to you by
your re-energized Brotherhood!
Garage Sale Season Starts June 20th
The weekend of Saturday, June 20th will mark the start of “Garage Sale Season” at Emanu El.
Brotherhood members are getting their trucks tuned up and will be ready to collect most everything
that you can part with starting on that date. Pickups will continue every weekend until the weekend of
August 8th. The garage sale itself will be Sunday, August 16th and Sunday, August 23rd. The
Brotherhood anticipates announcing the location in the coming months. To schedule a pickup for
June 20th or later please contact Steve Moskowitz at [email protected] or (281)
293-2599. Proceeds from the garage sale benefit the Brotherhood, enabling the organization to make a
difference at Emanu El and in the community.
NEWS FOR OUR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Rabbis Silk, Kahn to Visit Austin-Area College Students
Rabbi Pam Silk and Rabbi Samantha Kahn are heading to Austin for dinner on Tuesday, March
31st to visit with our college students attending the University of Texas and neighboring institutions in the Austin area. For more information, contact Rabbi Silk at [email protected]
or visit Emanu El’s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/emanuelhouston).
Sisterhood Prepares
Hamentashen
for College Students
Prior to Purim, a trio of Sisterhood volunteers, (left-to-right) Carol Orsak, Susie
Daum and Michelle Brookner, prepared
hamentashen to be sent to our Emanu El
students away at college. Have a student
away at college? Make sure we have their
information! Email Brad Olitzki at
[email protected].
7
HELFMAN HAPPENINGS
Greene Family Camperships Awarded
Congratulations to all of our students who were
awarded Camperships to Greene Family Camp this
summer! Thank you to the Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Chester Marcus RSCC Fund, Adele Buchman
Fund, Connie Reischer Fund and Ricky Schnurr
Fund for making these Camperships available to
Helfman Religious School students.
Winners (from left to right, bottom row): Marlon Spiwak –
Brotherhood Award; Joseph Mazella – Sisterhood Award; Megan
Cowan – Chester Marcus RSCC Fund Award; Kris Potaraju –
Connie Reischer Award; Elijah Levit – Brotherhood Award; Ellie
Pogach – Ricky Schnurr Award; Natalie Walters – Sisterhood
Award; Megan Carson – Adele Buchman Award
Pictured (from left to right, top row): Marna Meyer, Jason Buchman, Gladys Schnurr, Bruce Lessey, Diane Puschett, Beryl Mazella
and Rabbi Marc Disick.
Students from Helfman Religious School Attend AIPAC Conference
Twelve juniors and seniors traveled with Marna Meyer
and Matthew Silverman to the 2015 AIPAC Policy Conference recently. It was a truly incredible experience for
everyone who attended. They had the opportunity to listen to such speakers as Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin
Netanyahu, National Security Advisor Susan Rice, U.S.
Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. In addition to political
speeches, they learned about Israeli culture and the important role that Israel plays in uplifting and enlightening the entire world through advancements in technology, healthcare and artistry. Our students also had the
opportunity to meet with local and state representatives
such as Congressman John Culberson and Senators Ted
Cruz and John Cornyn. They were lucky enough to get
these representatives in settings with less than 50 people in attendance.
We are especially thankful to David Barish for his generous support of our congregation, our students
and Israel. Without his support this truly life-changing experience would not have happened.
Helfman Registration Underway
It’s time again to register for Helfman Religious School 2015-2016. Thank you to those parents who have
already registered. For those who have not yet registered, you may do so online at www.emanuelhouston.org
and clicking on the ‘Helfman Clipboard’ under Announcements. This will take you to the forms. Please
send all the completed forms to Gail Shapiro at [email protected] or you may fax them to (713)
535-6493. If you pay online, you may go to the second page of the fee schedule in the middle and ‘click
here’. This will take you to the Acceptiva page to pay online. We are looking forward to a very exciting year!
Hope to have your children with us.
✦✦✦✦✦✦
✦✦✦✦✦✦
IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER – If you have a
new phone number, address or email, please contact
the Temple office at (713) 529-5771, ext. 224 or
[email protected].
On LINE
We want to stay in touch with you and the
Post Office doesn’t always forward mail.
8
We’re excited to announce
you can go on line and . . .
✔ Make donations.
✔ Register for an event.
EMANU EL SCRAPBOOK
Rabbi Silk Speaks in Austin
On Tuesday, February 17, Rabbi Pam Silk
spoke on the north steps of the Capitol as one
of several clergy representatives from across the
state to demonstrate the broad and deep support for LGBT equality in the faith communities. (Picture courtesy of the ‘Texas Freedom
Network’)
Helfman Rolls Out Red
Carpet for Heroes
Program
Did you happen to see the red
carpet on Sunday, February 22? No,
not the Oscars! The one at Emanu
El as our Helfman Religious School
rolled out the red carpet as our
synagogue was visited by some of
history’s greatest Jewish heroes!
Here’s a look back at some of our
special guests!
Becker at Gathering Place
To help our special guests at Gathering Place
get in the spring spirit and in the ‘Rodeo’ mode,
our three-year old classes from Becker sang ‘Old
Man Tucker’ to the group at their March gathering. The next Gathering Place event is scheduled
for Monday, April 13th. Gathering Place is a
half day program for people with Alzheimer’s
and other forms of memory loss, held 10:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the 2nd Monday of
each month from September to June.
9
Marvin Barish selected as the Congregant of the Year
The Brotherhood of Congregation Emanu El is proud to announce that it has selected Marvin Barish as the 2015 Ernest Krautkopf Congregant of the Year for his devoted years of service to the Emanu El community and to the community at large.
Marvin has long been a cornerstone of the Houston Jewish community. A dedicated volunteer for decades, he and his late wife Shirley served as advisors to Emanu
El’s youth group and led youth pilgrimages to Israel. In 2011 they were honored by
the American Jewish Committee with the Rebecca and Max H. Nathan Award for
community service, particularly their advancement of Jewish education. In 2008, the
Barish family graciously endowed Yom Limmud, our community’s day of Jewish
learning, and in 2012, Marvin established the Shirley Barish Memorial Israel Experience for Emanu El high school students. His continuous involvement at Emanu El, currently including
service on the Endowment Funds board, serves as an example for those who pursue Tikkun Olam. Reflective of Marvin and Shirley’s regular attendance at worship services, the Barish family honored our congregation in 2010 by placing their name on our sanctuary.
We hope that you will join us in celebrating Marvin at a dinner in his honor on May 14th. Invitations
will follow.
We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who remember and honor their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions.
ACCESS FOR ALL
In Memory of
Sandra Harris
Barbara Konig
Fredi & Paul Franks
BECKER EARLY
CHILDHOOD FUND
In Memory of
Roxanne Meyerson
Cheryl & Haran Levy
Marci & Mark Arnold &
Family
Sara Astrich
Amanda, Larry, Gwen &
Leo Baumle
Karen & Sam Bernstein
Marian & Arthur Daum
Bernie Feld
Carol & Barry Goodfriend
Matt, Elva & Georgie
Grunert
Susan Levit Hammer, Sarah
& Jonathan Levit
Janis & Jake Isgur
Dr. Terri Krakower
Judy & Allan Lazor
Nancy & Steve Lerner
Lee & Milton Levit Famiily
The Linda Family
Kathy & Garey Marks
Ellen Penner
Suarez Family
Donna & Philip Tenenbaum
Dolores Wilkenfeld
Irene & Alex Wolchansky
Roxanne Meyerson &
Alexander Meyerson
Beverly & Howard
Robinson
10
Robert Rubin
Judy & Allan Lazor
BECKER SCHOLARSHIP
FUND
In Memory of
Sandra Harris
Murray Klaff
Sara Astrich
Frank Kretzer
Judy & Allan Lazor
CANTOR-STONE
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Honor of
Isaac Levit’s Bar Mitzvah
Sarah & Jonathan Levit
CECILE & EMANUEL
WULFE CONFIRMATION
LEADERSHIP AWARD
FUND
In Honor of
The Speedy Recovery of
Sara Astrich
Maxine & Emil Wulfe
CERSONSKY CEMETERY
BEAUTIFICATION FUND
In Memory of
Mack Michael Martin &
Selma Bradspies
Pat & Aaron Fradkin
ENDOWMENT FUND
In Honor of
Melanie June Miller
Jay Barish
Barbara & Raymond
Kalmans
FARB COMMUNITY
SERVICE FUND
In Honor of
A Donation to Temple
Emanu El
Lucille Gidseg
The Birth of Melanie
June Miller
Barbara & Ray Kalmans
Marilynne & Alford Bleeker
In Memory of
Bettie Schlamme
Dinah Wisenberg Brin
Melvyn Stollman
Allen Lockshin
Jane & Jon Pollock
Murray Klaff
Gloria & Joe Pryzant
FREDELL LACK
EICHHORN CANTORS
MUSIC FUND
In Honor of
Dee Dee Dochen’s
Birthday
Sara Astrich
In Memory of
Esther Levine
Ruth & Richard Hirschfeld
Barbara Konig
Susan & Ronnie Schanzer
GREENE FAMILY CAMP
FUND
In Honor of
Bayle Valkeith
Marilynne & Alford Bleeker
HAROLD REINGOLD
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
FUND
In Memory of
Sandra Harris
Robert Rubin
Stephanie & Todd Slobin
JASON & DAVID MARCUS
PLAYSPACE FUND
In Memory of
Roxanne Meyerson
Betty & Michael Tapick
Melvin Sondock
Rici & Harold Miller
Milton Yellen
Gay Yellen & Don Reiser
JAY STERLING
CHILDREN’S LIBRARY
FUND
In Memory of
Sandra Harris
Cyndy Sax
JEAN & JULIAN GOLDBERG
CHILDREN’S CREATIVE
ARTS FUND
In Memory of
Robert Rubin
Sondra & Marvin Ross
LILLIAN PASTERNAK
MITZVAH FUND
In Honor of
The Marriage of Jan
Pasternak & Renee Tappe
Esther Shelby
In Memory of
Sandra Harris
Gloria & Ben Tobor
PRAYER BOOK FUND
In Memory of
Allen Lockshin
Julien & Morris Rosenthal
Esther & Ed Rockoff
Gayle & Richard Rockoff
THE PROLER FAMILY
CHAPEL ENDOWMENT
FUND
In Honor of
Maureen & Jody Proler’s
Wedding Anniversary
Thum Family
PTA CHESTER MARCUS
FUND CAMPERSHIP
FUND
In Memory of
Roxanne Meyerson
Shirley Burkom & Cathy
Shelley
Robert Rubin
Shirley Burkom
RABBI KAHN SOCIAL
JUSTICE FUND
In Memory of
Frieda Lee Harris
Linda & Marvin Stein
Robert Rubin
Edward & Susan Kahn
RABBI ROY WALTER
LEGACY FUND FOR
CREATIVE & SPIRITUAL
ENRICHMENT
In Honor of
The Speedy Recovery of
Hilda Kaplan
Sara Astrich
Sheila & Jerry Kaplan
Becky Williams
Rabbi Roy Walter
Sara Astrich
The Establishment of the
Rabbi Roy A. Walter
Endowed Scholarship
at HUC-JIR
Barbara & Raymond
Kalmans’ Anniversary
Rici & Harold Miller
The Marriage of Laura
Siegel & Andy Perlman
Sheila & Jerry Kaplan
In Memory of
Barbara Konig
Harris Wittels
Ellen Penner
Esther Gelfond Levine
Al, Mel & Paulette Levine &
Family
Deborah Parven
Sara Astrich
Mimi Nagar Schwartz
Rici & Harold Miller &
Family
RABBIS’ GOOD WORKS
FUND
In Honor of
A Donation to Temple
Emanu El
Shirley Goodman
Danny H. Carson
The Barish Family
Joshua Garroway
Rabbi Disick
Barbara & David Miller
Rabbi Pamela Silk
Silvia & Gary Fritzhand
Joshua Garroway
Jennifer & Ben Miron
Rabbi Samantha Kahn
Neighborhood Centers, Inc.
The Warshaw Family
The Speedy Recovery of
Sara Astrich
Dorita & Hertzel Aron
In Memory of
Harry H. Brochstein
Marie Brochstein
Roslyn Canfield
Dolores Wilkenfeld
Sandra Harris
Sonia & Peter Benjamin
Richard Schechter
Marlene & Lester Slobin
Linda & Marvin Stein
Dolores Wilkenfeld
Barbara Konig
Harris Wittels
Dorita & Hertzel Aron
Roxanne Meyerson
Susan & Edward Kahn
Deborah Parven
Lorri & Jon Feiwell
Hane Freeman
Pomerantz
Cyndy Sax
Robert Rubin
Dorita & Hertzel Aron
Jean & Sandy Beckman
Nancy & Mark Reichek
Ronna & Clay Spitz
Anne Singer &
Frank Seliger
Carol Lee Seliger
RICKY SCHNURR
CAMPERSHIP FUND
In Honor of
The Speedy Recovery of
Elissa Heilicher
Don, Larry, Benji &
Michelle Barr-Meyer
In Memory of
Bryson Engel
Murray Klaff
Harris Wittels
Don, Larry, Benji &
Michelle Barr-Meyer
Robert Rubin
Patricia & Chuck Green
RIVA BURSTEN CARING
CONGREGATION FUND
In Honor of
The Speedy Recovery of
Sara Astrich
Pat & Aaron Fradkin
Carol & Michael Wilk
In Memory of
Barbara Konig
Robert Rubin
Sara Astrich
Harris Wittels
Bobby & Cookie Grossman
& Family
Esther Levine
Myra Mayer
ROBERT I. KAHN
GALLERY FUND
In Memory of
Esther Oshman
Libby & Buz Marvins
Murray Klaff
Yvonne & Jeffrey Weiss
ROSE GOODFRIEND
ISRAEL PILGRIMAGE
FUND
In Honor of
The Marriage of Sarah
Goodfriend & Suzanne
Bryant
Gary Goodfriend
SHIRLEY & BERNARD
WEINGARTEN FUND
In Memory of
Jacob Joseph Vogelfang
Joanne Vogelfang Giroir
Bernard Weingarten
Caren & David Cowan
Fredi & Paul Franks
Jay H. Golding
Lynda & Dan Greenberg
Vicky Gresik
Sheila & Jerald Kaplan
Madgelyn & Richard Pesin
Gloria & Joe Pryzant
Debra & Joel Ruby
Richard Schechter
Rosemary & Ira Shepard
Linda Susman
Phyllis Turkel
Carol & Michael Wilk
SISTERHOOD FUND
In Memory of
Barbara Konig
Barbara Fisher & David
Broadwin
Linda Fisher
Dolores Wilkenfeld
TEMPLE FUND
In Honor of
A Donation to Temple
Emanu El
Rev. L. F. Wynne
Maureen & Jody’s
Wedding Anniversary
Zelda Brown
Bradley Cyprus & Valerie
Bossert
Ellen & Martin Grabois
Beadie Lewis’ Birthday
Sara Astrich
Ruth Schnitzer
Barbara & Raymond
Kalmans
Rabbi Roy Walter
Robert Mendelson
Susan & Joe Cohen
Rollie & Bob Moll
Ralph Block’s Bar
Mitzvah
Ronald C. Shufrin
The Speedy Recovery of
Sara Astrich
Marian & Arthur Daum
Hilda Frank
Loretta Friedman & Harold
Goldstein
Vic Samuels
Sara Astrich
In Memory of
Rachel Bersin
Sue Ann & Ed Bersin
Irmgard Dvoretzky
Lewis Frapart
Frieda Lee Harris
Ellen & Martin Grabois
Murray Klaff
Shelley & Steven Davidoff
Barbara Konig
Ruth W. May & Kathy
Guttman
Ruth & Herb Halpern
Barbara & Raymond
Kalmans
Bobbi & Richard Massman
Barry Pulaski & Rebecca
Williams
Elliott H. Levin
Marcia Lewis
Dean Meyers
Ellen & Martin Grabois &
Meredith & Brian Josef
Linda & Stephen PopkinPaine
Jyle Nogee
Jo & Joe Nogee
Esther Oshman
Elaine & Sam Merwin
Deborah Parven
Mimi & Michael Berkowitz
Robert Rubin
Mimi & Michael Berkowitz
& Family
Zelda, Micheal & Linda
Brown
Linda & Stephen PopkinPaine
11
1500 Sunset Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77005 An adventure of the spirit
This Bulletin is being printed on recycled paper.
Congregation Emanu El
Phone: (713) 529-5771
Fax: (713) 529-0703
www.emanuelhouston.org
Rabbi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marc L. Disick, DD
Associate Rabbi . . . . . . . . . . . . Pamela B. Silk
Go Green
With Emanu El
Assistant Rabbi . . . . . . . . . Samantha O. Kahn
Rabbi Emeritus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roy A. Walter
Cantor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark J. Perman
Executive Director . . . . . . . . Steven Friedman
Program Director . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Plotkin
Religious School Director . . . . Marna Meyer
Early Childhood Director . . . . . . . . Paula Katz
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rebecca Lunstroth
Senior Vice President . . . Jeff Basen-Engquist
Congregation Emanu El is going GREEN and we
wanted to offer you the option of receiving the Bulletin
via email. It’s a great way to save trees while giving
you access to the Bulletin on your phone, computer or
tablet. This also enables a Congregant to receive the
Bulletin on its issue date regardless of any unexpected
delays. Recent Bulletins are also available on the
‘Member Portal’ located on the Emanu El website.
Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stuart Gaylor
Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carl Josehart
Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rodney Roth
Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gail Stalarow
Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rachael Tobor
Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elyse Kalmans
Interested in taking advantage of receiving the
Bulletin via email? Email Jason Plotkin at
[email protected] or call (713) 729-5771,
ext. 216.
Honorary President . . . . . . . . . . . Garey Marks
Brotherhood President . . . . . . . Bruce Lessey
Sisterhood President . . . . . . . Diane Puschett
TEFTY Co-President . . . . . . Rachel Cominsky
TEFTY Co-President . . . . . . . . . . . . Abby Rast
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http://www.facebook.com/#!/emanuelhouston