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November 2014
Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
Founded in 1866
Publication No. 8180 • Vol. 87 • Issue No. 10
Our mission is to ensure the flourishing
of Jewish life through educational, social,
and Conservative religious experiences in
a warm and dynamic community.
B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
SPEAKEASY & CASINO
Saturday, November 1
SHHHHH...IT’S A PARTY
FROM THE PAST!
Admission:
$50 clams til October 24, then $65 big ones
after October 24 and at the door.
Enjoy an evening of casino games,
silent auction and fun to benefit
B’nai Jeshurun’s Garden Project and
United Synagogue Youth (USY)
Includes:
Heavy Hors D’oeuvres, Soft Drinks/Coffee/Tea,
$10 in Poker Chips, 1 Bingo Card, Cash Bar
No Prohibition here!
You can also buy 50/50 raffle tickets! One for
$100 or three for $250. (You need not be
present to win!)
Learn more, register & buy raffle tickets
at: bnaijeshurun.org/casinonight
8:00-11:00 PM
Contact Kim Cole at 216.831.6555 x132 or
[email protected] with questions.
T H E A MERICAN JEWISH EXPERIENCE
WHERE HAVE WE COME FROM? WHERE ARE WE GOING?
NOVEMBER 14 – 16
Weingold Guest Scholar • Dr. Jonathan Sarna
Friday,
November 14
Saturday,
November 15
Sunday,
November 16
6:00 pm Service
9:00 am Service; How
9:00 am Breakfast
7:00 pm Dinner
Could American
(free of charge)
(reservations
Jews Be
9:30 am What Lies
required) $18/
Slaveholders?
Ahead? American
adult; $10/child 12:00 pm Congregational
Judaism in the
(under 12 years),
Lunch (free of charge)
21st Century
$50/family max 1:15 pm That Obnoxious
Books available
8:00 pm The Emergence
Order: Ulysses S.
for purchase
of American
Grant and the Jews
and signing.
Judaism
Presented through the generosity of the Weingold Family.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY
Dr. Jonathan Sarna is
the Joseph H. & Belle
R. Braun Professor
of American Jewish
History and Chair of
the Hornstein Jewish
Professional Leadership
Program at Brandeis
University, as well as
Chief Historian of the
new National Museum
of American Jewish
History in Philadelphia.
27501 Fairmount Boulevard • Pepper Pike, Ohio 44124 • 216-831-6555 • FAX: 216-831-4599 • EMAIL: [email protected] • WEBSITE: www.bnaijeshurun.org
Beineinu–Between Us
This is an abbreviated version of my second day Rosh Hashanah
sermon. The full texts and archived video streams of all High
Holy Day sermons are available on the synagogue website.
Pharell Williams’ song “Happy” debuted last November and
danced its way into the world’s heart. What is it about this song that has
everyone around the globe clapping and dancing? The answer is that it
makes us feel...well...Happy.
Its not just that Williams’ lilting voice and peppy melody uplifts us. Or that
we enjoy seeing all the people dancing and celebrating life. It’s the words
themselves that touch us. It’s the idea of being so happy that nothing will
bring us down. Williams sings:
Here comes bad news, don’t hold it back
I should probably warn you I’ll be just fine
No offense to you, don’t waste your time.
Can’t bring me down, my level’s too high
We all yearn for that kind of happiness. The ability to feel such over-whelming
joy that in Williams’ words: We feel like a room without a roof. How does
one achieve that kind of joy?
The Jewish tradition has a lot to say about happiness. Rabbi Michael Broyde
writes there that Happiness is an important value in Judaism, but that it is
not the most important value. The most important value, he states, is that
of following the Torah. But, I would strongly disagree. I say to you today
Happiness is the ultimate value in Judaism. In fact, that is exactly what we
are taught by the great Hassidic master, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov: mitzvah
gedolah lihiyot b’simcha: The greatest mitzvah of all is to be happy!
The only question is: What kind of Happiness? There are many different
words that refer to Happiness in Hebrew. Sasson is happiness tinged with
sadness, such as when a parent says goodbye to a child underneath the
chuppah. Gil is the kind of peak happiness that we feel intensely but then
fades away. Simcha, on the other hand, refers to an enduring happiness
that pervades our very being and does not fade. Simcha is the happiness
Pharrell Williams sings about. It is also the joy Rabbi Nachman of Breslov
referred to. The greatest of all mitzvot is to be in a state of Simcha, of
irrepressible sustained joy.
So what is Simcha and how do we achieve it? One thing we know, you can’t
buy Happiness. Nor does true Happiness come from activities that give us
pleasure. Tal Ben Shachar, who taught the Science of Happiness at Harvard
University, writes that Happiness lies at the intersection of pleasure and
meaning. He tells us that an hour or two of meaningful and pleasurable
experiences can affect the quality of a whole day, or even a week. Let me
offer four keys to finding that intersection of pleasure and meaning.
The first key is that Happiness comes from having meaningful relationships.
The second key is developing a sense of appreciation and gratitude for
continued on page 16
2
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
Candle Lighting
November 7 ....................................4:56 pm
November 14 ....................................4:49 pm
November 21 ....................................4:44 pm
November 28 ....................................4:40 pm
Torah Portions
November 1 ............................. Lech-Lecha
November 8 .......................................Vayera
November 15 .............................Chayei Sara
November 22 ....................................... Toldot
November 29 ................................... Vayetzei
Daily Service Schedule
Monday - Thursday
7:00 am, 7:30 am & 6:00 pm
Thursday, November 27 • Thanksgiving
8:00 am & 2:00 pm (no 6:00 pm minyan)
Friday
7:00 & 7:30 am
7:00 pm - November 7
6:00 pm - November 14, 21, 28
Saturday
9:00 am & 6:00 pm
Sunday & Friday, November 28
(day after Thanksgiving)
8:00 am & 6:00 pm
Submissions for the January Tidings
are due by Monday, November 17.
Attention Snow Birds
Please let us know when you are heading
to warmer climates for the winter months.
We want your winter address and phone
number to keep you up-to-date on
everything that is happening at B’nai
Jeshurun. Please contact Paula Botkin.
HIPAA
Due to privacy laws, hospitals will not
release information about their patients.
If you or a loved one is ill, please contact
the clergy either directly or through the
synagogue office. If you would like a name
added to the mishaberach list (prayer for
healing), please contact Diane Shalom.
[email protected]
In Judaism, we consider the Torah our
most precious legacy. When the Torah is
held aloft we sing, “Torah Tziva Lanu Moshe
Morasha Kehillat Yakov. (Deuteronomy
33:4) The Torah given to Moses is a legacy
for the congregation of Jacob, the Jewish
people.” Our children learn this song
and sing it often, parading around the
synagogue with great joy clinging to their red and blue
stuffed Torah toys.
The rabbis ask why the Torah is referred to as Morasha - a
legacy - as opposed to the more common word, Yerusha
- an inheritance? The two Hebrew words are related but
have clear distinctions. Yerushah belongs entirely to the
recipient to do with it as one chooses without direction,
one can spend all their inheritance money until it is gone.
However, Morasha is eternal, it lives on forever and is
passed down from generation to generation.
Inheritance is a passive gift but a legacy requires active
participation in order for it to be received. One has to
accept it and incorporate it in their essence. Whether it
is an ethical will from a loved one that you read regularly,
a family business that you work to push forward, a family
photo which is now the centerpiece of your family room,
the tree which your parents planted to be your chuppah
pole, your grandparent’s kiddush cup which you now
use to bring in Shabbat with your children, or creating an
endowment to perpetuate your most treasured values.
Rashi explains that for a Morasha, one must take hold of
it and never let it go. Now is the time to take hold of your
legacy and make a difference.
Our Torah is made with wooden handles (each called Etz
Chaim, a tree of life) for us to grasp and hold it firmly. This
month, we are offering a variety of learning opportunities
to help you strengthen your connection to our vast
heritage through study. From our continuing Weingold
Forum Classes (it’s never too late to join), the Weingold
continued on page 16
A Jewish Thanksgiving
After last year’s Thanksgivukkah, much
thinking and writing has been done about
the “Jewishness” of the American holiday
of Thanksgiving. Usually, the connection
between Thanksgiving and Judaism hinges
on the holiday of Sukkot, which mirrors Thanksgiving in
many ways. On both holidays, we share festive meals,
celebrating and thanking God for a bountiful harvest. But
www.bnaijeshurun.org
One of the misnomers about Judaism is that
the word brit means circumcision. It actually
means covenant. In the portion of Lech Lecha
(November 1st), G-d commands Abraham to
circumcise all males in his household. From
this action onward, all boys at the age of
eight days old should be circumcised. The
number eight is a mystical number according
to Kabbalistic teachings. The number seven signifies
completion as in the days of the week. Eight is above the
laws of nature. That being said, this is a commandment from
G-d. It is an eternal bond between us and G-d. A child goes
through his first Sabbath infusing him with the holiness of
the Sabbath. The Sabbath is also an eternal bond with G-d,
also being in the 10 Commandments.
The action of circumcision and Shabbat are further linked
by the word ‘ot,’ which literally means sign. G-d used ‘ot’ two
other times, for rainbow and tefillin. The rainbow was a sign
from G-d that He would not destroy the world via flooding
again. In wearing tefillin, we bind the straps to our bodies,
as well as utilize specific verses from the Torah containing
the words of the Sh’ma and our exodus from Egypt. They
are contained within the head and arm piece. While they
are hidden from view, the significance of these chosen
texts cannot be overstated. Our bond is eternal with G-d as
promised to Abraham and, subsequently, Isaac and Jacob.
Since we have this relationship in every generation, we
sometimes tend to take this for granted. As with a child who
knows his parents will care for all their needs and forever
protect them, this can lead to parents being taken advantage
of. This, too, happens with our relationship with G-d. We have
a responsibility to maintain our relationships, not only with
visible signs, but with continual action and introspection out
of love and respect. We need to nurture our relationships in
order for them to endure. Through this philosophy, we will
in turn deal with each other with compassion, humility and
make our world a better place.
Cantor Aaron Shifman
Thanksgiving’s connection to Judaism is actually much more
substantial than that. In our liturgy, we offer gratitude every
day. It’s the first thing we do in the morning, as we start our
morning prayers with the words modeh ani (I am thankful).
Jewish tradition also calls on us to express gratitude
countless other times every day: multiple times during
each prayer service, when we eat and even after we go
to the bathroom. The most meaningful for me, though, is
the simplest expression of gratitude, offering thanks for
continued on page 16
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
3
For as long as I can remember, Thanksgiving
has been my favorite secular holiday. It
comes down to what I refer to as the four F’s:
(1) Food! After all, what could be bad about
turkey (even better if it’s Fried), stuffing,
sweet potatoes and pie? (2) Football! But
does it really have to be the Lions and the
Cowboys every year? (3) Four day weekend! Now that I
work for a bank, this one is not as true as it used to be as
someone long ago had the nerve to decide that the day
after Thanksgiving was not to be a bank holiday, so I have
to take a vacation day. And last, but certainly not least,
(4) Family! It has been a long-standing tradition that my
parents host Thanksgiving, and almost without fail, we all
find a way to get there. There are usually more than 20
people all vying for that last bite of my dad’s homemade
stuffing. And as I’m sure you remember, last year we added
another F as the Festival of Lights (Hanukkah) coincided
with Thanksgiving!
In the same way I view Thanksgiving through my four F’s,
I’ve also started to see life at B’nai Jeshurun through three
C’s. (1) Calendar. It’s truly amazing the amount of activity
our congregation makes available to our members and
our community. From auxiliary events, to opportunities for
learning, to youth activities, to holiday celebrations, to large
congregational gatherings like our upcoming casino night,
we offer something for every age group and interest. Of
course, these events don’t plan themselves; our office staff
and dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to make sure our
calendar remains full. This brings me to (2) Contribution.
This refers not solely to the generous financial contributions
we receive that are critical to our ability to balance our
books each year, because I see contributions coming in
so many other forms. I see large groups of congregants
contributing their time to make an event successful. I see
volunteers working the front office desk so visitors are
welcomed with a friendly face and callers are greeted with
a friendly voice. And I see people contributing their talents
in the kitchen cooking for an event, behind a camera lens
documenting our activities, or even at the Torah reading table
on a Shabbat morning. And finally, (3) Caring. From our daily
minyanim that help bring comfort to those in mourning, to
the assistance we provide to congregants or members of the
community in need of help, B’nai Jeshurun truly is a caring
community and I’m proud every day to be a member here.
As we near Thanksgiving, I give thanks to all of you for the
support I’ve received during my first six months as president,
and wish you all a season of Food, Fun, and Family…and a
Four day weekend, too!
B’shalom, Jody Katzner
4
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
As I sat down to consider what to write
about this month, my first two thoughts
were “Mahar” and “Endowment.” I then
realized this is really a false choice, as they
both provide invaluable operating support
- without the former, we wouldn’t be able
to operate now, and without the latter we
would cease to exist before too long.*
As most of you know, Mahar is the synagogue’s High Holy
Days annual appeal. Mahar funds salaries, electricity
and postage, but it also covers funding gaps in the
synagogue’s programs and services. Although there aren’t
a ton of programs that are solely funded by Mahar, every
program is at least partially supported by operating funds.
Put quite simply, when we don’t meet our Mahar fund
raising goals, our operating budget falls short.
Endowed funds, whether unrestricted or directed
toward targeted programmatic areas, also provide
operating support - now and into the future. Aside
from membership dues, endowment funds are the
largest source of funding in our annual budget. We
have endowed funds that support adult learning, early
childhood programs, holidays and festivals, and so much
more. Without these generous sources of perpetual
funding, we would be forced to solely use annual
campaign funds for these activities, or stop doing them all
together. Our goal is to approximately double the size of
our endowment, in current gifts and anticipated bequests,
by our 150th anniversary in 2016. Imagine the significant
and enduring relief this would give to our year-to-year
fund raising if an additional $100,000+ was permanently
secured through endowed funds.
This year, we are extremely fortunate to have a donor
who has graciously agreed to match, dollar-for-dollar, all
new gifts and every dollar congregants donate above last
year’s Mahar pledge. This generous gift, combined with
your Mahar donation, plays a crucial part in us meeting
our budgetary needs. Please make a gift today, if you
haven’t already done so.
And as we move toward our 150th anniversary, you will
hear more and more about our endowment campaign.
Combined with our other fund raising efforts, endowed
funds, bequests and planned gifts are what will ensure the
strong, dynamic and vibrant future of our synagogue. As
always, I welcome the opportunity to talk with you about
how you can leave a lasting legacy at B’nai Jeshurun
through an endowed gift.
*So maybe I’m being a little dramatic, but not so much so….
Appreciatively yours, Kim Cole
[email protected]
Tree of Life...
We note with sorrow the passing of
ALAN FRANKLIN
Son of Beatrice Franklin
Brother of Carol Feig
Uncle of Adam and Michael Feig
FRANCES FREEDMAN
Mother of Marc Freedman
*EDWARD KURTZ
Husband of Dorothy Kurtz
PHYLLIS ROSS
Mother of Jay Ross
*MILTON SKORMAN
*B’nai Jeshurun member
We extend our deepest condolences
to all the members of their families.
• Meghan & Rick Sullivan on the birth of a son,
Grant Patrick Sullivan. Grandparents are Elissa
& Gary Okin.
McKenzie Lucas
• Nadia & Marc Groedel and Rebecca & Richard
Miller on the birth of a granddaughter and
great-granddaughter, McKenzie Lucas.
• May Hershey on the birth of a great-grandson,
Bennett Lee Hershey and great-greatgranddaughter, Nora Rebekah Wright.
Jackson Tyler
Amster
• Toby & Mort Gross on the birth of a greatgrandson, Maxwell Seth Fix.
• Sue & Vic Amster on the birth of a grandson,
Jackson Tyler Amster.
David Sperber
& Christopher
Nollkamper
• Donna & Howard Sperber on the marriage of
their son, David, to Christopher Nollkamper.
• Mara Cohen received the 2014 Cadkin
Youth Junior Volunteer of the Year Award
from Montefiore. She is the daughter of
Gena & Ethan Cohen and granddaughter
of Susannah & Avery Cohen.
Happy 101st Birthday
to Julius Abrams!
We will celebrate Julie’s birthday
during the Shabbat morning service of
Thanksgiving weekend, November 29.
November 2014 Milestone Birthdays
Molly Berlin
Shirley Bleiweiss
Edward Blumenthal
Marc Freedman
Joyce Golub-Lurie
Marc Groedel
Dahlia Harris
Janet Hoffman
Steven Jones
Goldie Kaplan
Ethel Klein
Judith Klein
Lita Koret
Dina Krukovskaya
Craig Levin
Peggy Lipp
www.bnaijeshurun.org
James Loeb
Lisa Loeb
Herbert Marcus
Paula Meckler
Karen Nash
Rebecca Schein
Lorna Siegal
Eric Skoke
Evelyn Slomovitz
Yaacov Taxer
Mindy Toabe
Pnina Wiesel
Daniel Wolkoff
Seth Woolf
Allen Youngman
• Arlene & Laurence Turbow and Sally
Turbow on the marriage of their daughter and
granddaughter, Carrie, to Andrew Dicken.
Carrie & Andrew
Dicken
• Eileen Frank on the marriage of her grandson,
Jordan Frank, to Mili Milosavljvic.
• Rabbi Paula Sass on her engagement to Jeremy
Rose. Paula’s parents are Michele & Harvey Sass.
• Gayl & Alan Berger and I. Joseph Berger on the
engagement of their son and grandson, Michael,
to Theresa Hovanec.
• Karen & Sanford Evenchik on the Bar Mitzvah
of their grandson, Betzalel Simcha (Solly)
Evenchik.
Mili & Jordan
Frank
Rabbi Paula Sass &
Jeremy Rose
November 2014 Milestone Anniversaries
Zissie & Norm Weissman
Ellen & Robert Cole
Lynda & Nelson Newman
JoAnn & Steve Eisenberg
Carolyn & Larry Marcs
Mayda & Jerry Rothenberg
65 Years
35 Years
35 Years
30 Years
25 Years
10 Years
Milestone listings recognize birthdays at 5-year intervals beginning with age 25,
and each year after 90. Anniversaries are recognized at 5-year intervals.
If you have an Achievement or Mazal Tov to share, please contact Diane Shalom.
We are happy to share your good news!
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
5
Introducing B’nai Jeshurun’s
Youth & Learning Center (YLC)
B’nai Mitzvah
SAMUEL ROBERT BRELUS
Shabbat afternoon (Mincha), November 8
Samuel attends Kenston Middle School and
lives in Bainbridge and Solon. He enjoys
music, drumming, computer, travel and
sports. He is the son of Susan Brelus and
John Brelus and grandson of Rhoda & Mike Stein and
Stephanie Brelus. Samuel is also the grandson of the late
John Brelus.
CODY PETER PIUNNO
Shabbat afternoon (Mincha), November 15
Cody attends the Agnon School and lives
in Lyndhurst. He enjoys golf, soccer and
basketball. For his Mitzvah Project, he
volunteers at a nursing home. He is the son
of Kim & Sandro Piunno, brother of Alyssa Piunno and
grandson of Pete Piunno, Allan Leikin, Fred Berenstein
& Toby Marquit. Cody is also the grandson of the late
Angellina Piunno.
EMMA SHAIN NICKMAN
Shabbat afternoon (Mincha), November 29
Emma attends The Edgemont School
and lives in Scarsdale, NY. She enjoys art,
basketball and reading. For her Mitzvah
Project, Emma climbed (and will climb)
to the top of Rockefeller Center for the MS Society
in memory of her aunt, Candy Jacobson. She is the
daughter of Dawn & Alan Nickman, sister of Mollie and
Anna Nickman and granddaughter of Ric Carr. Emma
is also the granddaughter of the late Eileen & Myron
Nickman and Tina Carr.
BYJUSY
BYJUSY had several awesome events last month, including
teen activities during the High Holy Days and a great
Sukkot event. We also sent our new 9th graders, as well
as our chapter and regional board members, to Detroit
for Fall boards Freshman Kinnus. The convention was a
great introduction into USY for the 9th graders as well as
a great introduction into their leadership positions for the
board members. This month we are looking forward to
volunteering at Casino Night as well as hosting an exciting
mystery event on November 15th! We are also looking
forward to sending many USYers to CRUSY Fall Kinnus in
Cincinnati, which will take place from November 21–23. If
you want to learn more about BYJUSY, visit our website:
www.bjusy.weebly.com.
Naomi Shapiro, BYJUSY President
6
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
It’s an exciting time for families at B’nai
Jeshurun Congregation! All of our education
and youth programs are being transformed
as part of the new Youth and Learning Center
(YLC), which will be home to the Bessie Hershey Religious
School, Gross High School, Early Childhood Center, our
ever-expanding Shabbaton program, youth group program
and high school service track. For the first time, the Bessie
Hershey Religious School midweek Hebrew program is
offering a Tuesday afternoon class together with online
Hebrew learning from home, alongside the congregation’s
traditional two-day after school program. We are thrilled
to offer more options and flexibility than ever before to
meet the needs of families in our community. We strive to
strike a balance between addressing the time pressures on
families and maintaining the high level of education our
congregation is known for.
“
Synagogues from around the country
have contacted us for assistance in building
up their own Shabbat programs.
”
Our early elementary program has quickly become a
national leader in developing Shabbat programming
for our youngest students. Synagogues from around the
country have contacted us for assistance in building up
their own Shabbat programs. Our 3rd - 6th grade Shabbat
program remains top-notch, providing students with the
Jewish literacy and skills needed to be the Jewish leaders of
tomorrow. Our Shabbat “school” concludes each week with
a youth service, where students lead all of the prayers and
learn to chant from the Torah.
All of the transformations are being guided by the
recommendations of a Strategic Task Force, tasked
with bringing the congregation’s youth and education
programs to the next level. Among the primary goals is to
“foster a community that is more holistic, integrating all
kids and their families into the educational program, the
congregation, and the broader Jewish community.” To that
end, a new Shabbaton series has been established, with
nearly 200 students participating this past year in overnight
Shabbat programs, including B’nai Jeshurun’s first-ever
Youth Shabbaton, which was held at Camp Wise. Students
from our religious school, the community’s day schools, and
friends from the community have all taken part.
continued on page 16
[email protected]
News From
The Jewish Family
Early Childhood Center
Why be Jewish? We see books and articles about
this question on a regular basis. We know how
important it is to impart Jewish traditions to our
children and to be a good example to our extended
families. I read something written by Rabbi Daniel
Gordis that resonated with me; he uses the images
of music. He says that people can’t really explain
why a certain piece of music “brings back memories
and tears to their eyes or smiles to their faces or
why certain symphonies simply transport them to
places indescribable.” He believes the answer to our
question “Why be Jewish?” is all about the music of
Jewish life. We are all different; different rhythms and
sounds speak to us, move us and make us happy or
sad. Each of us has favorites that reach our souls and
hearts, our fears and hopes. Rabbi Gordis says this
is how the music of Jewish life works. Our challenge
as parents is to make sure our kids are exposed to
the music of Jewish life at its best, its most powerful,
although we have no guarantees that when our kids
grow up they will play the same music we do. As long
as they play the music, as long as they love it and as
long as it calls to them in a special way, we have been
successful.
Risa Roth, Director
Cleveland Conservative
congregations invite all
3rd–4th graders to an intergalactic
superhero-themed Shabbat!
$25 per student includes Shabbat dinner, breakfast and kiddush.
Families, join your children at the dinner for only $10 per adult
and $6 per additional sibling; $26 additional family max.
Register through the school office or bnaijeshurun.org.
Thank you to the Retreat Institute (RI) and Congregational Enrichments
Funds (CEF) of the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland (JECC)
for financial and programmatic assistance. These groups are supported
by the Fund for the Jewish Future of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.
Someone Special & Me
Wednesdays • 9:45 – 10:45 am
For children 15 months–age 3 with an adult.
Join Mora Risa for art experiences, music, play
and socializing. Free and open to the community.
Registration and emergency paperwork required.
Kinder Shabbat / Open Playroom
Show your support for our library while
celebrating your un-birthday with
Birthdays & Books
Sunday, November 16 • 2 pm
A new and exciting library event you won’t
want to miss! Come to our celebration of
birthdays and reading. We’ll have a birthday
party and give each attendee a chance to
dedicate a book in honor of their birthday.
Story hour with our librarian Rafi, fun games
with Rabbi Josh and prizes for all.
Reservations required by November 12 to
rafi@bnaijeshurun.org or 216-337-6490.
$5 per child; $18 family max. $18 donation to
library for a book donation. Payment accepted
at the event.
www.bnaijeshurun.org
Every Friday • 10:15 am
Drop in for our popular “get ready for Shabbat” program with
challah making and singing. Free and open to the community.
Shabbat b’Yachad & Shabbat Shelanu
November 8 • 10:30 – 11:30 am
Shabbat b’Yachad is a family service for young
children, their parents and grandparents, led by Rabbi Hal.
Shabbat Shelanu, with Ines Ades, is for children in grades K-2,
full of songs, prayer, activities and stories.
Elmo’s Winter Clubhouse
Sundays, December 14, January 11, February 22
9:30 – 10:30 am
For children 18 mos – 3 years with mom, dad or grandparents.
Join Mora Risa and Elmo for Jewish art projects and havdallah,
playtime, music and snacks. Free; registration required.
To RSVP, or for more information about any of these programs,
please contact [email protected] or 216-831-6555 x125.
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
7
Free !
Event
An Interreligious and Multicultural Celebration
Monday, November 24 • 5 – 8 pm • B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
Join the entire Cleveland community in a fun, festival atmosphere as we celebrate the faiths and cultures that make
up our city. Enjoy live entertainment from around the world featuring African drumming and dance, Chinese flute,
Muslim chanting, Asian cultural photo gallery, steel drums, children’s art projects and activities, and of course our
very own Cantor Aaron Shifman! Fun for the whole family! For more information or to get involved, please contact
Anne Brower ([email protected] or 773-339-1019).
A I PA C
THE AMERICAN ISRAEL PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
B’nai Jeshurun Congregation and AIPAC
cordially invite you to
Facing the Storm:
Israel and the
Imploding Middle East
with Aaron David Miller
Wednesday, November 5 • 7:30 pm
at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
Aaron David Miller, Vice President New Initiatives,
Distinguished Scholar Woodrow Wilson International
Center for Scholars. Mr. Miller served for two decades
in the Department of State as an analyst, negotiator and
advisor on Middle Eastern issues.
A dessert reception will follow the program.
RSVP by October 29 to Grace Shin
([email protected] or 312-253-8987).
FREE & OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY
We are pleased to be a sponsor of
The Mandel JCC
Festival of Jewish Books & Authors
as we host
Rabbi Jonathan Slater
Wednesday, November 19
7:30 pm
Deepening Mindfulness, Practicing
Compassion and Enriching Our Lives
through the Wisdom of R. Levi Yitzhak of
Berdichev’s Kedushat Levi
Rabbi Slater presents accessible translations of selections
from Kedushat Levi, the Hasidic Torah commentary of Rabbi
Levi Yitzhak of Berdichev, one of the most beloved Hasidic
leaders. The selections are paired with commentaries to
help the reader understand their message and suggestions
for practice, grounding them in a contemporary life. Rabbi
Slater is co-director of programs at the Institute for Jewish
Spirituality and teaches mindfulness meditation at the JCC
in Manhattan and other venues.
This program is made possible through the generosity of the Weingold Family.
FREE & OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY
And So We Can Continue to Bring You All These Free Events…
Please Donate to the Mahar Campaign
This year, an anonymous donor has agreed to match dollar-for-dollar
all new & increased Mahar gifts! Please donate today and make a huge
difference to our synagogue! Pledges/gifts may be made through
the synagogue office or online at bnaijeshurun.org.
8
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
[email protected]
Photos courtesy of Jonathan Koslen,
New Image Photography.
On September 18,
congregants, donors and
community members
gathered on a beautiful fall
evening to dedicate the
newly rejuvenated Linden
Family Courtyard. Thanks
to everyone who helped
make the evening, and the
Courtyard, a spectacular
reality! Additional photos, a
video of the transformation
and a list of remaining naming
opportunities may be found at
bnaijeshurun.org/courtyard.
IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN
TO PURCHASE YOUR
Entertainment Book ($30)
or Our Town &
All Around Book ($28)
Why purchase your books anywhere else?
Profits go toward our synagogue and school. On sale now
through the Sisterhood gift shop or the synagogue office.
www.bnaijeshurun.org
2015
Israel Family
Adventure with
Rabbi Hal
Rudin-Luria
June 21 – July 3,
2015
Contact the synagogue office
for more information.
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
9
Chesed Update: Stepstone Academy
Three years ago, our Chesed Committee Chairpersons, Rachel &
Joel Schwarz, together with Rabbi Rudin-Luria, connected with a
new charter school, Stepstone Academy, located in Cleveland. The
synagogue adopted a kindergarten class and pledged to follow
these same students through completion of 8th grade. Through the
congregation’s school supply and holiday gift drives, we have helped
these students succeed at school and at home.
At holiday time, their wish list was to have warm mittens, gloves, hats
and a book that each child got to bring home. Small stuff to most
of us who have more than enough. But to the children in the third
grade class that Shani Kadis and I met last week when we delivered
the brand new school supplies, it was extremely appreciated by each
and every one of these children. One little girl asked if we were the
same people who supplied the warm mittens and books last holiday
season. When I replied yes, she gave us a big hug to tell us how
much she enjoyed owning her own book! I can honestly tell you
this mitzvah touched my heart and reached right into my soul. This
experience has been a turning point for me and I will make sure they
will be seeing me more often as a helping hand! The phrase, “reach
out and touch someone” is so noteworthy, because you too, can make
a difference to change someone’s life.
Shirley Haas
Hazak Happenings
Hazak, B’nai Jeshurun’s senior adult
group, is an active affiliate sponsoring
many cultural, religious and social events.
To join, or for further information,
please contact Membership Chairpersons,
Barbara Warshawsky (440-473-0614),
Adelle Gloger (216-292-2665) or President,
Betty Fishman (216-591-9550).
B’nai Jeshurun Hazak &
Park Synagogue Senior Adults
Annual Program & Dinner
Sunday,
November 9 at
B’nai Jeshurun
Enjoy a special
program:
Our Cantors
- Off the Bimah
Cantors Aaron Shifman and Misha Pisman
singing music from the heart and soul.
• 3:30 pm Social Hour
• 4:15 pm Program
• 5:30 pm Dinner
Hazak members $27; Guests $30
Program chairs: Jean Geller (440-446-1257)
and Lois Teitelman (440-442-0985).
Reservations close November 2.
Hazak Shabbat
Trivia Night 3.0
Thursday November 20 • 7:30 pm @ B’nai Jeshurun
Sign up as a team or individual. $12/team (up to 5 participants),
$3/individual. Beer, wine and yummy bar food will be served! Teams/
Individuals MUST pre-register by emailing Elyse ([email protected])
or Elana ([email protected]).
Save-the-date for our annual Latkes & Vodka night on Saturday,
December 20!
January 3
Annual Hazak Shabbat celebrated with other
North American Conservative Congregations.
Chairpersons: Ruth Dobres (440-449-5126)
and Sonya Shultz (216-382-5522). Please call
Ruth to participate in the service.
Welcome to our new member
Sheila Botnick
LIBRARY DONATIONS
We are happy to accept donated books for the library if they are current, Israel/Judaic content and in excellent
condition. Due to limited space, we are not able to accept books that are not current or unlikely to be circulated.
Contact Rafi Simon, librarian, if you plan on making a book donation. Please do NOT leave books in the library or in the
synagogue office without Rafi’s knowledge. Thank you for your cooperation and for your interest in making our library
a wonderful learning environment.
10
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
[email protected]
I was happy to see many of you at events we hosted over the
past two months. Please refer to the various boxes on this
page for our current programs. Our new book club will meet
this month to discuss Once We Were Brothers by Ronald Balson.
This book is available at local libraries and electronically.
November 21st is our Sukkah Awards Dinner. November 22nd
is our first Shabbat Lunch & Learn of the year. After services
you can eat, schmooze, learn and develop a closer relationship
with the clergy. What else can you do between noon - 2 pm
that has so many benefits? We are very excited about hosting
a concert December 13th featuring Sight N’ Sound – a 70’s and
Motown band.
Remember that our primary means of communicating
meeting and event information is by e-mail. If you are not
currently receiving e-mails from the Men’s Club, please send a
note to [email protected] to be added to our list or leave a
message with the synagogue office.
David Cohen, Men’s Club President
Men’s Club Book Discussion
Sunday, November 9 • 4 pm • Halpern Hall
Once We Were Brothers by Ronald Balson.
“The gripping tale of two boys, once as close as brothers,
who find themselves on opposite sides of the Holocaust”.
No charge. RSVP to David Cohen ([email protected]).
Discovering Meaningful Prayer
Learn what Shabbat services are all about
Sponsored by Men’s Club
Sundays, November 9, December 7
and January 11
8:30 am Breakfast / 9:00 am Session
Learn everything from Shacharit to Musaf. We will look
at the prayers, their meanings and everything in between.
All are welcome to attend; no charge. A great way to
schmooze, study and enhance your Shabbat experience!
RSVP to David Cohen ([email protected]).
Shabbat Dinner for Families
with Sukkah Awards
Friday, November 21 • 5:45 pm
Join all pre-K - 2nd grade families and everyone who
participated in our Sukkah Judging Competition for a
great Shabbat dinner and to receive your Sukkah award!
Enjoy heavy snacks at 5:45 pm before the main service at
6 pm and the family service at 6:15 pm. Dinner will begin
at approximately 6:40 pm, which will be followed by a short
teaching and an edible sukkah dessert project and awards
(all children will also receive an edible sukkah award)!
RSVP to the synagogue office or online.
$10/adult, $6/child; $32/family max.
Men’s Club Lunch & Learn
Saturday, November 22
following kiddush
Led by Rabbi Rudin-Luria, participants can ask questions
on any topic – customs, Israel, prayers, Middle East,
politics, B’nai Jeshurun, etc.
Free, but reservations are required and space is limited
to allow for a lively discussion. RSVP by November 17
to David Cohen ([email protected] or 330-425-4989).
This event is open to the entire congregation.
The Men’s Clubs of B’nai Jeshurun,
Park and Shaarey Tikvah present
SIGHT-N-SOUND
(A Premier Motown/70’s group)
Saturday, December 13
Doors Open at 7:30 pm • Concert at 8 pm
21 & over • 70’s attire encouraged
$20 per person before December 8;
$25 per person after or at the door
Price includes dinner with soft drinks and beer, great
music and dancing. A wine tasting station will offer
a variety of kosher wines for a small charge.
Pay online at
http://bnaijeshurun.org/mensclubconcert
or mail your check (payable to B’nai Jeshurun
Men’s Club) to B’nai Jeshurun.
Men’s Club & Sisterhood Ohio Bus Trip participants
enjoyed a break at Alligator Mound in Granville.
www.bnaijeshurun.org
Open to the entire community.
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
11
On Monday, November 3, Maggie Anton, author of Rashi’s
Daughters and more will be speaking at B’nai Jeshurun about
her latest novel. This event is free and open to the public. On
Tuesday, November 11, we will hold a Lunch & Learn on the topic
of Essential Oils - More Than Aroma Therapy with guest speaker,
Faye Silver. Sunday, November 23 will be a fun and learningfilled day. Start off with the last in a series of three self defense
classes. Even if you did not attend the other classes, you and
your friends are still welcome. Following the class, bring your
artistic and creative skills for a Hands on Pottery activity at B’nai
Jeshurun. There is a fee for both events.
Are you looking for a gift that will also support Sisterhood? If
the answer is yes, contact Rhoda Seifert (216 381-9525 or
[email protected]) for the Our Town and All Around or 2015
Entertainment book. There is still time to join Sisterhood for the
2014-2015 year. Send a check to the synagogue for $36 made
payable to B’nai Jeshurun Sisterhood.
Faith Eisenberg and Lynn Katz Danzig
Sisterhood Co-Presidents
Sisterhood Gift Shop
Meet the Author: Maggie Anton,
author of the
Rashi’s Daughters trilogy
Monday, November 3 • 7 pm
Halpern Hall
Anton will be here to promote her newest
historical novel, Enchantress: Rav Hisda’s Daughter.
Her books will be available for sale and she will sign
books after the talk. Come hear her fascinating story.
This event is free and open to the community.
Lunch & Learn
Tuesday, November 11 • noon
Essential Oils - More Than
Aroma Therapy
with guest speaker, Faye Silver
RSVP to Robin Rood, 113 Silver Springs Trail South
Russell, OH 44022. Cost is $10 per person. For
more information, contact Robin (440-338-5090
or [email protected]).
Sundays 9 am – noon or by appointment.
Check out all our new merchandise for Hanukkah!
Contact Ileen Rosner (216-695-0145).
Partners to Empowerment Wellness Center
just for the health of it...
Self Defense Classes
with Gary Yano
Sunday, November 23 • 10 – 11 am
No RSVP necessary. Pay at the door; $14 per person, per
session. Questions? Contact Faith Eisenberg (440-338-1148
or [email protected]).
Hands on
Pottery at BJC!
Sunday, November 23 • 11:30 am
$5 for lunch; choose your item to paint
(prices ranges from $14–$33). RSVP by November 16 to
Rifka Claypool ([email protected] or 216-704-0282).
12
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
Hilda Gibberman Clergy Institute
Thursdays 10 – 11 am
through November 20
Each class is complete in itself; thus, you are not
obligated to attend every session. Subject matter varies
weekly. There is never any homework and the classes
are free. We guarantee an enjoyable and educational
time! Please register with Ruth Dobres (440-449-5126)
so we may contact you in case of cancellations.
Paid-Up Sisterhood
Membership Lunch
Sunday, December 7 • 10 am
Pastry chef Ariel Galun will provide a
baking demonstration! Look for the
invitation later this month!
Sisterhood Shabbat
Saturday, December 13
Please consider participating in the service. Contact
Sue Nash ([email protected] or 440-759-3042)
and specify if you would like a part in English or
Hebrew.
[email protected]
Received as of September 18, 2014
To better manage administrative expenses, it is requested that contributions be at least $10 or more each.
Thank you for helping us reduce the synagogue’s costs, which increases the actual value of your gifts.
ABRAHAM-GRUENSPAN
HIGH HOLY DAY
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Honor of:
Milestone Birthdays of Ruth
Moskowitz and Sam Rose
by Charles & Linda Gruenspan.
BLUESTONE-ROSE FAMILY
EDUCATION FUND
In Memory of:
Theresa & Melvin Goldberg
by Robert & Andrea
Davidson.
JULIUS ABRAMS
MINYAN FUND
In Honor of:
Milestone Birthday of Bobbi
Pincus by Gary & Harriet
Mann.
In Memory of:
Meyer Rubin by Cheryl
Rubin…Irving Ullman and
Mary Barbara Moore by
Kenny & Yael Cohen.
B’NAI JESHURUN
CHESED FUND
In Honor of:
Milestone Anniversary of
Joel & Nancy Kay by Paul &
Lita Koret, Rabbi Alan & Jean
Lettofsky, Marlene Fishel and
Ileen Tepper.
In Memory of:
Rae Stone Abraham by Joel
& Rachel Schwarz.
ALIYAH FUND
In Honor of:
My aliyah by Vivian
Solganik…Cantor Shifman
and our aliyah by Alan
& Judith Riga…Rachel
Schwarz’s birthday aliyah by
Joel & Rachel Schwarz…Our
Milestone Anniversary
by Joel & Nancy Kay…Our
aliyah by Bob & Sandy
Berkowitz…Our aliyah by
Neil & Dee Cantor.
EUNICE AND ERNIE
BENCHELL ENDOWMENT
FUND
In Honor of:
Milestone Anniversaries of
Howard & Dana Darvin,
Ike & Joan Yedid, Ernie
& Eunice Benchell and
Larry & Sherry Miller;
Milestone Birthdays of
Harvey Goodman, Joan
Greenstein, Richard Miller
and Salli Rutsky by Ernie &
Eunice Benchell.
BERMAN-LIPPA FAMILY
FOUNDATION
In Honor of:
Jerry & Esther Spott by
Michael & Lana Jacobson.
In Memory of:
Max Katz and Irving
Ullman by Michael & Lana
Jacobson.
www.bnaijeshurun.org
PHYLLIS AND JULES
BOOKATZ FUND FOR
CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL
NEEDS
In Memory of:
Phyllis Bookatz by Paul &
Lita Koret, Larry & Marcia
Simon, Albert & Audrey
Ratner, Herb & Marilyn Bell,
Steve & Diane Gershenson,
Noal & Jayne Solomon and
Daniel & Jeanne Ferguson.
TEMPLE BUILDING AND
DEVELOPMENT FUND
In Honor of:
Our clergy by Randy
& Rhonda Kertesz and
Marilyn Bayer…Our 49th
Anniversary by Ian & Gloria
Abrams…Speedy Recovery
to Vera Isakowitz by Art &
Rose Gelbart.
In Memory of:
Mary Friedman by Florence
Schreibman…Albert
Korman by Sheldon
Korman…Albert Luxenburg
by Herb Luxenburg…Betty
Gold by Bertha Gold…
Charles Cohen by Arlene
Magar…David Pearlman
and Jeanette Pearlman by
Randy & Rhonda Kertesz…
Dora Shultz by Elvin
Shultz…Eleanor Spreiser
by Loretta Benis…Geo
Meckler by Jacob & Lynne
Meckler…Gerard Sanders
by Maurice & Rowena
Sanders…Harry Shizgal
by Richard & Rebecca
Miller…Jack Markowitz by
Alvie & Kathy Markowitz…
Joseph Berkowitz by Bob &
Sandy Berkowitz…Joseph
Greenberg by Steven
& Edith Greenberg…
Jules Bayer by Marilyn
Bayer…Milton Wiener by
Steven & Ava Derman…
Walter Kugelman and
Harvey Malik by Sylvia
Kugelman…Freda Leeper
by David Bittker…Gene
Maeroff by Harvey & Irene
Bernstein…Irving J. Ullman
by Mark & Fran Doris, Jeffrey
& Barbara Sadar, Marty &
Sheila Torch, Diane Weiner,
Tim & Sandy Wuliger, Kim
Goebelt, Nelson Pole, Bruce
Leff, Jason & Allison Wuliger,
Esther Epstein, Selma
Friedman, Richard & Roxanna
Taketa, Scott & Lisa Davis,
Kinuko Furukawa, Turner
Construction Company and
your friends at CED…Julia
Berger by Laura Shapiro
Kulnane, Ian & Gloria Abrams,
Jonathan & Robin Siff and
Barbara Spevack…Leonard
Rood by Jody & Laura
Katzner…Nathan Simon,
Jennie Simon, Sophie
Weinbaum and Dr. Martin
M. Weinbaum by Larry &
Marcia Simon…Sigmund
Schnall by Adrian Schnall.
the USA and our aliyah by
Dani & Ines Ades…Shana
Tova to Cantor Aaron &
Sabrina Shifman, Rabbi
Michael & Sheila Hecht
and Rabbi Stanley & Lifsa
Schachter by Noal & Jayne
Solomon
In Memory of:
Ann Levine by Sharon
Levine…Ann M. Sender by
Steve Sender & Abbie Nagler
Sender…Berny Shepard by
Lois Shepard…Dr. Julius W.
Bell by Herb & Marilyn Bell…
Max Greenberg by Leonard
& Barbara Greenberg…
David Handler by Steven &
Joni Wasserman.
JEANETTE DANOWITZ
ISRAEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Honor of:
Rubin Guttman’s recovery
by Sid & Phyllis Cohen.
HARRIET AND PAUL
DENNIS CHILDREN’S
LIBRARY FUND
In Memory of:
Gene Maeroff by Murray &
Connie Altose…Irv Ullman
by Louis & Linda Herman.
GINSBERG FAMILY UNITED
SYNAGOGUE YOUTH (USY)
FUND
In Honor of:
Milestone Anniversary of
Alan & Salli Rutsky by Mel &
Diane Ginsberg.
In Memory of:
Julia
Berger by Mel & Diane
CANTOR’S MUSIC FUND
By: Lynn and Jennifer Rose, Ginsberg.
Sylvia Malcmacher.
GOTTLIEB FAMILY FUND
In Honor of:
FOR HOLOCAUST MISSIONS
Cantor Shifman by Lois
In Honor of:
Shepard, Don & Elaine
Wedding
of Seth Gottlieb
Sherman, Leonard &
&
Katie
Marks
by Steven &
Barbara Greenberg, Sheldon
Joni
Wasserman.
Steiger & Elaine Maniker,
Jeff & Jodi Gottlieb, Bob &
HAAS FAMILY
Penny Greenberger and
EDUCATION FUND
Steven & Joni Wasserman…
In Memory of:
Milestone Birthday of Uncle Linda Savransky by Alan &
Bernie Beckerman by
Karen Rosenberg.
Helene Siegel…Our 36th
Anniversary, 25 years in
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
13
BESSIE HERSHEY
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
In Honor of:
Our aliyah by Mike &
Dolores Rubin.
In Memory of:
Lillian Peskind by Anita
Siegal…Bella Chakoff by
Mike & Dolores Rubin…Ruth
Spiegal by Bruce & Sandra
Vinocur.
ISRAEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Honor of:
Birth of Noa Koster by Bob
and Sandy Berkowitz.
JACK JACOBSON AND
BELLE WINOGRAD
MEMORIAL LIBRARY FUND
In Honor of:
Rabbi Stephen Weiss by
Ralph & Donna Weiskopf.
In Memory of:
Eleanor Tenenbaum by
Ralph & Donna Weiskopf…
Linn Dressler, John Dressler,
Marjorie Dressler, Sam
Green, Edward Kaplin, Eve
Kaplin and Selma Zager by
David & Gail Kaplin…Aileen
Siegal and Leonard David
Rood by B’nai Jeshurun
Fellowship.
MITCHELL LEUTENBERG
SCHOOL FUND
In Memory of:
Richard Butler by Jay &
Ester Leutenberg.
LINDEN FAMILY COURTYARD
PROJECT
In Honor of:
Our parents, Al & Norma
Geller, and their longterm commitment to B’nai
Jeshurun Congregation by
Ted & Robin Diamond.
MILDRED ROSE AND
GEORGE MANDEL
EDUCATION FUND
In Memory of:
Leonard M. Solganik by
Millie Mandel.
MAZON HUNGER FUND
In Honor of:
Milestone Birthday of Phil
Fine by Kenny & Yael Cohen.
LEO AND SALLY MOSS
LIBRARY FUND
In Honor of:
Wedding of Mark & Fran
14
Doris’ children by Richard &
Elayne Glueck.
In Memory of:
Irving Ullman, Norma
Markowitz’s sister and
Richard W. Smith by Richard
& Elayne Glueck.
PHYLLIS NUTKIN MEMORIAL
EDUCATION FUND
In Memory of:
Phyllis Nutkin by Nate &
Lenore Oscar.
ISADORE AND DORA
OSCAR MEMORIAL FUND
In Memory of
Dora Oscar by Nate &
Lenore Oscar
PAYNER-BESUNDER
FAMILY FUND
In Memory of:
Goldie Pinchefsky and Joey
Payner by Estelle Payner.
BERNARD POTASH
MEMORIAL FUND
In Memory of:
Bernard Potash by Steve &
Loree Potash…Julia Berger
by Howard & Bonnie Potash.
PRAYERBOOK FUND
In Memory of:
Jerome E. Rose by Sylvia
Rose.
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY
FUND
By: Lynn and Jennifer Rose.
In Honor of:
Rabbi Stephen Weiss by
Lois Shepard, Martin Spiegle,
Toby Rosenberg, Joe Berger,
Sheldon Steiger & Elaine
Maniker, Bob & Penny
Greenberger and Steven &
Joni Wasserman,…Milestone
Anniversaries of Phyllis
& Allen Wapnick and
Harry & Roz Abraham;
Marriage of Howard
& Arlene Madorsky’s
grandson by Marty & Carole
Blake…Rabbi Hal RudinLuria by Lois Shepard, Joel
& Nancy Kay, Harry Zeid,
Toby Rosenberg, Jeff &
Jodi Gottlieb, Jonathan &
Candy Koslen, Bob & Penny
Greenberger and Steven &
Joni Wasserman.
In Memory of:
Berny Shepard by Lois
Shepard…Ethel Spiegle by
Martin Spiegle…Gitta Stein
by Tim & Sandy Wuliger…
Irving A. Goodman by
Harriet Goodman…Morris
J. Kroos by Suzanne
Rubinson…Stanley Wahl
by Frani Shagrin…David
Handler by Steven & Joni
Wasserman…Irving Ullman
by Robert Kahn & Sally Kahn.
In Memory of:
Irving Ullman by Alan & Salli
Rutsky…Leonard Solganik
by Vic & Rachel Lesser.
THOMAS AND RICHARD
SHATTEN MEMORIAL FUND
In Memory of:
Leo Rosenbluth by Larry
Oscar & Jeanne Shatten.
RONALD AND NATALIE
TITLEBAUM ENDOWMENT
FUND
By: Ron & Natalie Titlebaum.
TORAH PRESERVATION
FUND
In Honor of:
Milestone Anniversary
of Rabbi Alan & Jean
Lettofsky; Our aliyah by
David & Ruth Dobres.
WYNBRANDT FAMILY
FUND FOR BUILDING AND
RABBI RUDOLPH M.
MAINTENANCE
ROSENTHAL MEMORIAL
In Memory of:
FUND
Irving Spitz and Irving
In Memory of:
Ullman by Daniel & Rose
Harry Rosenthal by Avery & Lash.
Susannah Cohen.
IDA AND SAM ZELWIN
JONATHAN ROTH
FAMILY FUND
TORAH FUND
In Honor of:
In Honor of:
Milestone Birthday of Ronna
Milestone Anniversary of
Zelwin by Steven & Joni
Michael & Charlotte Baer
Wasserman.
by Alice Roth.
In Memory of:
In Memory of:
Irving Ullman and Linda
Linda Joyce Savransky by
Savransky by Robert and
the 7:00 A.M. Minyan and
Ronna Zelwin.
David & Ruth Dobres.
TREE OF LIFE FOR
RUTSKY FAMILY
EDUCATION
EDUCATION FUND
In Honor of:
In Honor of:
Zachary Zelwin and Cole S.
Milestone Anniversary of
Zelwin by Robert & Ronna
Alan & Salli Rutsky by David Zelwin…Bat Mitzvah of Erica
Wakser & Elaine Kaufman… Diane Kahn and upcoming
Milestone Birthday of Salli
Bar Mitzvah of Adam
Rutsky by Jo Ann Millman
Nathaniel Kahn by Leonard
and Sandy Halpert.
Kahn & Melissa Frankel.
Please note: Donations may be made by mailing or bringing in a note to the
synagogue office detailing the name of the fund, the reason for the donation, to whom
acknowledgement should go, and the donor’s name, along with a check made out to B’nai
Jeshurun Congregation. It would be greatly appreciated if checks for donations were
separate from other checks to the congregation.
For Sisterhood Enrichment Fund, please mail your donations and full information to
Millie Mandel, 25805 Fairmount Blvd. #103, Beachwood 44122. For Torah Fund, please
mail your donations and full information to Lynne Friedman, 180 Fox Hollow Drive #304,
Mayfield Heights, 44124.
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
[email protected]
Thank you to our September kiddush & bima flower sponsors:
September 6: The bima flowers and kiddush were sponsored by Hana & Ran Saggi in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their
son, Yoav Saggi.
September 20: The kiddush was sponsored by Bernice Gottlieb, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in
memory of their husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Saul Gottlieb.
Rosh Hashanah: The bima flowers were sponsored by Barry Feldman in loving memory of his mother, Phyllis Feldman;
Renee & Brian Heller & Family in loving memory of Nora, Albert and Stanley Plonski and Larry Heller; Harriet, Gary, Michael
and Andrew Mann in loving memory of parents and grandparents, Estelle & Dr. Milton Rosenberg and Sheldon S. Mann;
and Estelle Payner, Pam & Sandy Besunder, Jerry & Jane Payner and grandchildren in loving memory of husband, father
and grandfather, Joseph Paul Payner.
Sponsoring an oneg, kiddush or bima flowers is a lovely way to celebrate a simcha or
remember a loved one. Partial sponsorships are also possible. Please contact Diane Shalom.
ONE HAPPY CAMPER
Jewish Overnight Camp has been a wonderful
part of the lives of many of our members.
B’nai Jeshurun is proud that 71 of our children
attended a Jewish Overnight Camp last
summer. Besides learning new skills like archery
and horseback riding, campers participate
in sports, arts and crafts, music and aquatics.
Campers forge strong friendships with kids they meet thanks
to camp. Studies have shown that children with Jewish camp
experiences are likely as adults to support Jewish causes and
become leaders in their Jewish communities. We can look to
the future with the knowledge that our children are already on
their way to building a strong future.
The Michael and Anita Siegal One Happy Camper Program
helps families get a great start on paying for Jewish overnight
camp. The program provides up to a $1,000 grant for first time
campers going to an approved Jewish overnight camp for 19
days or more. Financial need is not taken into consideration
with this grant. We are happy to report that 20 B’nai Jeshurun
campers received these monies this past summer. If you are
interested in learning more about this program, please contact
me at [email protected] or call Helen Wolf at the JECC at 216371-0449. You may also visit onehappycamper.org.
If you are considering sending your child to overnight camp
this summer, your family can join us at our NOT YOUR
TYPICAL CAMP FAIR, Sunday, November 9 from 2 – 4 pm at
Whirlyball, 5055 Richmond Road. At this community event,
you can check out 20 different camps, meet the camp directors,
bowl and play Whirlyball all free of charge!
Wendy Dobres
www.bnaijeshurun.org
Welcome to
our new
Shin-Shin
Maayan Cohen
Maayan is 18 years old and lives in
Kibbutz Kfar-Ruppin in the Valley of Springs.
Living in a kibbutz is very different from
living in a city. In summer, he walks barefoot,
the first driving license he got was for a
tractor and he claims he somehow naturally
repels mosquitos! His family has a bicycle
rental shop at their kibbutz; many visitors
have come there through their partnership
with Cleveland. Maayan studied at Geon
Hayarden high school and majored in Arabic,
Biology and Drama. He participated in the
Ambassadors for Unity program, and is
excited to meet everyone in Cleveland and
work with B’nai Jeshurun this year! Shin-shin
stands for sh’nat sherut, a gap year of service.
Heinen's Gift Card Program
Easy to Buy - Easy to Use.
When you purchase a Heinen’s Gift Card through
the synagogue office, B’nai Jeshurun earns up to
7% of the Gift Card’s value! When you use your
Heinen’s Gift Card, there is no additional cost to
you. You even get Heinen’s Preferred Customer
Card discounts and other Heinen’s benefits when
you use the Gift Card for your purchases. It’s a
great way to provide additional support to the
synagogue. For further information or to make a
purchase, contact Paula Botkin at ext. 109 or at
[email protected].
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
15
From the Senior Rabbi
Continued from page 2
the blessings in our lives. The third key is to use those gifts to reach outside
yourself and help others and bring them happiness. The fourth key is to
maintain a sense of optimism. Learn to always see the possibilities when you
confront a challenge.
Naomi and I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Rabbi Stephen Weiss
From the Rabbi
Continued from page 3
Guest Scholar weekend with Jonathan Sarna, our AIPAC speaker, Jewish Book
Month Author, Sistherhood speaker, the Men’s Club Sponsored Meaningful
Prayer Workshops and our ongoing Torah study with Susan Wyner and
Thursday Lunch & Learn, join us to make Jewish learning part of your legacy.
Rabbi Hal Rudin-Luria
From the Rabbinic Intern
Continued from page 3
my life. In the paragraph of Modim DeRabbanan, during the repetition of the
Amidah, we simply give thanks for being alive. Twice a day, in the morning and
afternoon services, we offer God “blessings and thanks to Your great and holy
name, for You have kept us alive and sustained us.” That language may sound
familiar; the shehecheyanu blessing, which we recite on special occasions, also
praises God for having “kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this
day.” I find this similarity very powerful, as it reminds us that each and every
day is unique and is an occasion to give thanks.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I’m going to be making a special attempt to
remember that gratitude can and should be a daily mindset, not just a yearly
one. This month, I am keeping a gratitude journal (a challenge for me, since
I usually dislike journaling) and I hope you’ll join me. I plan to end each day
by writing down five things for which I am thankful. Together, may we fill our
lives and our community with gratitude for the blessings in our lives and may
that appreciation give us strength to cope with life’s challenges as well. Happy
Thanksgiving!
Paula Sass
From the Education Engagement Rabbi
Continued from page 6
The congregation has invested in a full-time youth director to build
relationships and work closely with the education program, to continue to
strengthen its award-winning USY chapter and build connections to Jewish
engagement for all of our students. We are thrilled to have Dana Blocker back
with us in this new capacity.
All of this is in addition to the wonderful programming and the welcoming
community we have always been known for. I urge you to take part in all we
have to offer and spread the word so more families can benefit.
Is There A Simcha
In Your Future?
If you are planning a wedding, Bar
or Bat Mitzvah, or other festive
occasion for which you will need
invitations, don't do anything
until you see the lovely and
unique invitations available from
B'nai Jeshurun Sisterhood. We
have whatever price range and
style you are looking for, from
contemporary to traditional, for
every occasion. We sell invitations
at cost with a minimal donation to
Sisterhood. An added convenience
is that you are able to take the books
home to browse at your leisure.
This is a wonderful opportunity
for you to save money on your
invitations and, at the same time,
help our Sisterhood earn money
for our many worthwhile
synagogue projects. Please contact
Rhoda Seifert at 216-381-9525.
TIDINGS
Vol. 87, No. 10
November 2014
Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
(ISSN 2327-2341)
is published monthly
except July by
B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
27501 Fairmount Boulevard
Pepper Pike, OH 44124
Periodicals postage
at Cleveland, OH.
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to:
TIDINGS
27501 Fairmount Boulevard
Pepper Pike, OH 44124
Rabbi Josh Foster
16
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
[email protected]
Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
RECURRING EVENTS
Tuesdays at 10:30 am Torah Study with Susan Wyner
Thursdays at 12:10 pm Lunch & Learn
Commerce Park IV (corner of Chagrin & Green)
Fridays at 10:15 am Kinder Shabbat & Open Playroom
Saturdays at 9:00 am Starbucks, Bread & Torah
Daylight
Savings Time
(fall back)
2
7:00 pm
Sisterhood
Program with
Maggie Anton
3
Super Sunday
7:30 pm Men’s
Club Meeting
11:00 am
Consecration
9
10
8:30 am
Discovering
Meaningful Prayer
10:00 am
Sisterhood
Board Meeting
2:00 pm One
Happy Camper
Event
3:30 pm Hazak
Program & Dinner
4:00 pm Men’s
Club Book Club
Election Day
4
7:30 pm
Board of
Trustees
Meeting
Veterans’
Day
16
11
17
18
10:00 am
Sisterhood Self
Defense Class
9:45 am
Someone
Special & Me
5
24
5:00 pm
arts of
thanksgiving
11:30 am
Sisterhood Hands
on Pottery
25
6
10:00 am
Hilda Gibberman
Sisterhood Clergy
Institute
7:00 pm
Weingold Fall
Forum
12
9:45 am
Someone
Special & Me
13
10:00 am
Hilda
Gibberman
Sisterhood
Clergy Institute
Shabbat
Sha-Bang!
7
7:00 pm
Service;
Birthday
Shabbat;
Zamir Choir
Weingold
Guest
Scholar
Weekend
14
6:00 pm Service
7:00 pm
Weingold Fall
Forum
19
9:45 am
Someone
Special & Me
7:00 pm Jewish
Book Fair Event
with Rabbi
Jonathan Slater
2:00 pm
Birthdays & Books
23
8:00 pm
Casino Night
7:30 pm
AIPAC event
with Aaron
David Miller
8:00 am
Count Me In (6th
Grade Program)
Rosh Hodesh
Kislev
9:45 am Open
Tent Minyan
12:00 pm
Sisterhood
Lunch & Learn
with Faye Silver
Weingold
Guest
Scholar Weekend
1
9:00 am
Service
9:45 am
Someone
Special & Me
7:00 pm
Shabbat Dinner
20
10:00 am
Hilda
Gibberman
Sisterhood
Clergy Institute
7:00 pm Weingold
Fall Forum
7:30 pm
Atid Trivia Night
26
27
Thanksgiving;
Office closed
2:00 pm
Minyan
(no 6:00 pm
Minyan)
21
8
Shabbat
Sha-Bang!
9:00 am Service
10:30 am
Shabbat Shelanu
10:30 am
Shabbat b’Yachad
4:15 pm
Sam Brelus
Mincha Bar Mitzvah
Weingold
Guest
Scholar
Weekend
15
9:00 am Service
5:00 pm
Cody Piunno
Mincha
Bar Mitzvah
22
5:45 pm
Sukkah
Awards Service
& Dinner
9:00 am
Service;
Potash/Killam
Aufruf
6:00 pm Service;
Anniversary
Shabbat
12:00 pm
Men’s Club
Lunch & Learn
Office
closed
6:00 pm
Service
28
9:00 am
Service
29
4:15 pm
Emma Nickman
Mincha
Bat Mitzvah
30
www.bnaijeshurun.org
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
17
Ads
18
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
[email protected]
Ads
www.bnaijeshurun.org
November 2014 | Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
19
PHONE: 216-831-6555
FAX: 216-831-4599
EMAIL: [email protected]
www.bnaijeshurun.org
Stephen Weiss, Senior Rabbi
Hal Rudin-Luria, Rabbi
Aaron Shifman, Cantor
Stanley J. Schachter, Rabbi Emeritus
Michael Hecht, Rabbi Emeritus
Josh Foster,
Education Engagement Rabbi
Jay Ross, Executive Director
Kim Cole, Development Director
Marcy Stahm, Controller
Shani Kadis, Membership/
Programming Director
Barbara Rosenfeld, Executive Educator
Dr. R. Raphael Simon, Librarian
Dana Blocker, Youth Director
Risa Roth, Early Childhood Director
Diane Shalom, Asst. to Rabbi Weiss/
Newsletters Editor
Paula Botkin, Accounting/
Cemeteries/Calendaring
Wendy Altmire, School Admin. Asst.
Julie Berman, Asst. to Cantor
Shirley Haas, School Admin. Asst.
Rachel Taxer, Receptionist, Asst. to
Rabbi Rudin-Luria and Jay Ross
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Celebrate Hanukkah with…
Games...Games & more Games
December 18 • 5:45 – 8 pm
at our Congregational Hanukkah party!
FUN FOR ALL—YOUNG AND OLD!
Featuring:
• Delicious Dinner (meat)
• Oversized games including Connect Four and Operation
• Family Game Show
• Hanukkah Bingo with Prizes
• Bounce Houses
• Crafts for the little ones
• Cookie Decorating
• Menorah Lighting
• Dreidel Contest
$10/adult; $8/child (12 and under); $40/family max.
RSVP to the synagogue office.
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