November 2014 Bulletin
BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION NOVEMBER 2014 AKRON, OHIO CHESHVAN • KISLEV 5775 November Table of Contents Synaplex – November 22 .. 1 Thank You to ..................... 2 Milestones......................... 2 Anniversary ....................... 2 Schedule of Services ......... 2 K’Riat Hatorah ................... 2 Beth El in Your Will............ 2 Yahrzeits ............................ 3 Calendar ............................ 3 Minyan Notice ................... 4 Tree of Life ....................... 4 Upcoming Events .............. 4 Education Program ........... 5 Rabbi’s Message................ 6 . Meet the Author ............... 9 President’s Message ....... 10 Synaplex with Rae Sikora .. 11 Jewish and Public Affairs Forum .................. 12 Taste of Torah ................. 12 Rabbi’s Reminders .......... 13 Veterans Day Program .... 13 Contributions .................. 14 11:45 AM – Kiddush, Motzi and sumptuous Shabbat lunch Contribution Form .......... 15 PLEASE RSVP so we can plan a fabulous Shabbat for you. [email protected] / 330.867.2105 ext. 118 Babysitting will be available. Memorial Plaques ........... 15 Fundraiser Date............... 16 Page 2 BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION Thank You to… Beth El Congregation 750 White Pond Drive Akron, OH 44320 www.bethelakron.com Office: (330) 864-2105 [email protected] Affiliated with The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism The Jewish Theological Seminary of America Stephen Grundfast Rabbi [email protected] Stephen J. Stein Hazzan [email protected] Erin Katz Director of Synagogue Education [email protected] Barbara Good Administrator [email protected] Martin Oppenheimer President [email protected] Dr. Harvey Sterns President Elect Patricia Crane Vice President Michael Rabe Treasurer Jerry B. Nelson Secretary Laurel Gress Baalat Koreh Leonard Rose Editor This bulletin is published 12 times per year by Bulletin of Beth El Congregation (USPS 052-100) Vol. LXX No. 3 The Bulletin is published by Beth El Congregation 750 White Pond Dr., Akron, Ohio 44320 Periodicals postage paid at Akron, Ohio. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bulletin of Beth El Congregation, 750 White Pond Dr., Akron, Ohio 44320. … Judy Borodkin Blum for sponsoring the Bimah flowers on September 20 in honor of the 2nd birthday of twin grandsons Levi Nathan Dubey and Samuel Jonah Dubey. … Marc and Sharon Merklin for sponsoring the Bimah flowers on October 11 in memory of Judith Merklin. … Erin Katz Ford and Kevin Ford and families for sponsoring the Kiddush on October 18 in honor of the naming of Mary Katz Ford. … Herb and Ellen Moss and Mitchell and Vanessa Moss for sponsoring the Bimah flowers on October 18 in memory of fathers and grandfathers Sam Drucker and Marvin Moss. … Susana Alfonso and family for sponsoring the Bimah flowers on October 25 in memory of Guillermo Alfonso. Milestones Marriage Ian Kay, son of Alan and Teddi Kay of Akron, to Dana Kozer, daughter of Patti Kozer of Chicago and Steve Kozer of Miami at a ceremony in Boulder, CO. The couple resides in Denver, CO. Mazel Tov Andrew Mark Friedman became a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, September 27 at Park Synagogue in Cleveland. Andrew is the son of Bruce and Stacy Friedman of Solon and the brother of Ryan and Aaron Friedman. He is the grandson of David and Judy Friedman of Akron, Helene Diamond of Pepper Pike and the late Dr. Mel Diamond. Andrew attends Solon Middle School. For his mitzvah project, he volunteered at Friendship Circle which offers programs for disabled youths of all ages. SCHEDULE OF SERVICES NOVEMBER 2014 CHESHVAN • KISLEV 5775 Sunday – 8:30 AM Weekdays – 7:30 AM Friday Evening – 6:15 PM Saturday Morning – 9:15 AM Please note: • Evening services, other than Friday evenings, will be held only by request and special arrangement. Please call the office one week in advance to make arrangements. • Evening services on Friday, November 7 will be at Chambrel. • Evening services on Friday, November 14 will be at 7:30 PM • Morning services on November 27 and 28 will be at 8:30 AM. Candle Lighting Oct 31 .......6:06 PM Nov. 7.......4:58 PM Nov. 14.....4:51 PM Nov. 21.....4:46 PM Nov. 28.....4:42 PM Havdalah Nov. 1 ...... 7:05 PM Nov. 8 ...... 5:57 PM Nov. 15 .... 5:50 PM Nov. 22 .... 5:45 PM Nov. 29 .... 5:42 PM k'riat hatorah October • Laurel Gress • Janet Helfgott-Emmer reading the torah Remember Beth El in Your Will Anniversary NOVEMBER YEARS 8 Harriet & Stanley Schneiderman .......55 14 Drs. Ronni & Harvey Sterns ..............50 20 Rolinda & Judge Ted Schneiderman ..60 For information, please contact Martin Spector, Endowment Chair 330 864-1736 BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION YAHRZEITS November 1 - 7 Harriet Berke Gerson A. Borchardt Rae L. Cohen Geraldine Dachner Hyman M. Ekus Jacob Fish Louis Geller Benjamin Goldman Dr. Robert M. Hexter Eda Kanner Samuel Katzovitz Mary Krupp Morton Perlman Harry Rosenthal Paul Ross Joseph Rubenstein Dora Saltzman Harry Sandler Jay Schlitt Arthur Shapiro Susan Berzon Turcotte Chana Weinstein Mildred Weiss Eli Witt November 8 - 14 Sylvia Abramson Jacob Wolf Backer Sarah Boksenbom Rose Borodkin Murray Edelson Sadie Farber Richard Mark Friedman Ella Goldstein Morris J. Gordon Doris Gress Mildred Kloner Israel Leaventon Leo Lebeau Samuel Levey Nathan Levin Alex Levine Alice Lewis Fannie Lieberman Jack Magilavy Siegfried Oppenheimer Chiena Malka Rubin Alvin Salzman Samuel Schneier Eileen Shanahan Isaac Sokol Irwin Stambor November 15 - 21 Nadyne Ash Betty Barnett Jacob Bass Mary Bass Moris Bass Anna Diskin Harry Ekus Anna Firestone Joseph B. Francus Morton Friedman Lillian Geller Shirley Gloth Emil Goldstein Mitchell Kates Lena Kaufman Bessie Kauvar Morris Kodish Abraham Krupp Jerry Limbert Jenny Lowry Louis Marks Edith Mervis Nathan Milkman Marian Oseroff Ida Ruben Karen Sandel Jeanette Schlitt Michael Schultz Rose Shecht Leonard Sheff Robert Shifrin Jack Wintraub Dr. Arthur Weissfeld Abraham L. Zamosh November 22 - 28 Ida Aronson Tillie Aronson Joe Bass Donald Crigger Ida Hamburg Samuel Hoffer Carl Iczkovitz Marian K. Lieberman Moe Light Howard Lowry Gertrude Maling Phillip Mervis Ronald Eugene Miller Molly Millman William Moss Monday Tuesday Wednesday Services Let Us Know (unless otherwise noted) Rabbi Grundfast and Cantor Stein are eager to visit congregants in the hospital, but can't go if they don't know. If you or someone you know is in the hospital or sick at home and would appreciate a pastoral visit, please let us know. Sunday........ 8:30 AM Weekdays ... 7:30 AM Friday ......... 6:15 PM Saturday .... 9:15 AM 2 9 Cheshvan 3 10 Cheshvan Alfred Rosen Jennie Roth Bessie Rothstein Michael M. Shapiro Miriam Silverman Alice R. Smolly Helen Spector Florence Troppe David Wiener Bryne Wise Rebecca Woloveck Sarah Zinn 4 11 Cheshvan 5 12 Cheshvan Thursday 16 Cheshvan 10 17 Cheshvan 18 Cheshvan Friday Saturday 8 Cheshvan Lech Lecha Mini-Minyan 10:45 AM 6 13 Cheshvan 7 14 Cheshvan 8 15 Cheshvan Vayera Services at Chambrel Jr. Shabbat 9:15 AM 12 19 Cheshvan 13 20 Cheshvan 14 21 Cheshvan 15 22 Cheshvan Chaye Sarah Pre-School 9:30-11:30 AM Lunch & Learn 12:00 Noon Hebrew School Board Meeting 7:30 PM Veterans Day Veteran’s Day Program with JFS 10:00 AM 16 11 Kislev 5775 1 Hebrew School Election Day 9 David Lazowik Sarah Lazowik Goldie Leaventon Mildred Leib Dorothy Lerner Selma Loeb Anna Marks Abraham Milstein Emma Minster Rose Mirman Rosie Rogovy Herbert Rosenblatt Elka Rudolf Rose Salzman Zalman Salzman Hyman Sandler Karen Steinreich Arthur Tuchman Leo Wieder Eugene Winer Nov. 20 - Dec. 5 Carole Bass Fannie Belsky Helen Benson Sigmund Berid Anna Cheplowitz Karen Drerup Rose Finger Charles Fischer Frances Freedman Jack Gilbert George Gross Dr. Irvin Kamenir Isadore Kaufman Barney Kodish November 2014 Cheshvan 5775 Sunday Harry Vigder Donald Wagner Bernard Yonas Page 3 23 Cheshvan 17 24 Cheshvan 18 25 Cheshvan Jewish & Public Affairs Forum Shabbat Dinner 6:15 PM Services 7:30 PM 19 26 Cheshvan 20 27 Cheshvan 21 28 Cheshvan 22 29 Cheshvan Toldot Knitzvah 9:30 AM Talmud Class 10:30 AM 23 Taste of Torah 7:00 PM 1 Kislev 24 2 Kislev Hebrew School 25 3 Kislev Young Family Shabbat 5:30 PM 26 4 Kislev 27 5 Kislev 28 6 Kislev Talmud Class 10:30 AM Rosh Chodesh 30 8 Kislev Synaplex Shabbat 29 7 Kislev Vayetze Judaism 101 7:00-8:30 PM Hebrew School Office Closed Services 8:30 AM Thanksgiving Day Office Closed Services 8:30 AM Page 4 BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION Please Note December = During the winter months, please be aware that there will be no morning minyan when the Akron Public Schools are closed due to the weather. 2 5 5 6 7 8 9 9 9 13 14 14 15 16 19 21 21 22 Hebrew School Shabbat Ba’Bayit Services at Chambrel Mini-Minyan Talmud Class Judaism 101 Hebrew School Lunch & Learn Board Meeting Jr. Shabbat Service Preschool Talmud Class Taste of Torah Hebrew School Young Family Shabbat Knitzvah Hanukkah Program Judaism 101 January 2015 Tree of Life The magnificent Tree of Life was created to record the happy events in the lives of Beth El members and their families. A birth, a wedding, a bar/bat mitzvah, a confirmation, an anniversary – all are among the milestones that can be remembered on the leaves of the Tree of Life. The cost of a leaf is $125. You may use 3 or 4 lines with up to 23 letters in each line. To order, call Sherri Leubitz, 330-867-0364. These are the newest leaf on Beth El’s Tree of Life: Marty Spector 75th Birthday March 31, 2014 From Dear Friends Harriet & Larry Richman 45th Anniversary August 17, 2014 From Dear Friends Michelle & Dick Levin 50th Anniversary August 9, 2014 From Dear Friends To Our Darling Babu Celebrating 80 Years With Love & Admiration From Your Grandchildren 2 3 4 6 9 10 11 11 11 12 13 13 13 16 18 18 19 20 23-24 25 25 26 27 30 Services at Chambrel Mini-Minyan Talmud School Hebrew School Pot Luck Dinner Sisterhood Shabbat Preschool Adult Ed Program Talmud Class Judaism 101 Lunch & Learn Hebrew School Board Meeting Young Family Shabbat Knitzvah Talmud Class Taste of Torah Hebrew School Synaplex Shabbat Preschool Talmud Class Judaism 101 Hebrew School School Shabbat Dinner & Service BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION Our Hebrew school is off to a great start. We had a wonderful time decorating the sukkah. Page 5 Page 6 BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION I Love Israel Stephen Grundfast, Rabbi First Day Rosh Hashanah September 25, 2014 My first trip to Israel was in the summer of 1971 with my college Hillel group. I was about to enter my third year of college and was very excited about making such a trip. I paid for most of the trip ($800) with bonds from my Bar Mitzvah. It was a three-week trip and I suspect that my Hillel rabbi augmented what I was able to pay. I traveled with my fellow students and other supporters of our Hillel as well as a number of non-Jews who were friends of the Rabbi. So it was a bit of an ecumenical trip. They were very knowledgeable Catholics and when we came to Christian sites they were our guides and we reciprocated at the Jewish sites. We saw so very much, from the Kotel and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem to the cave of Machpelah in Hevron, the traditional burial spot of our patriarchs and matriarchs, except for Rachel whose tomb is situated on the northern outskirts of Bethlehem, which we also visited. I must add that this first trip to Israel was not a five star, Jewish Federation, King David hotel sort of experience. But I was with my friends and we had a great time, in spite of a few places without A/C. But in the summer of 1971, as Jewish as I felt and as observant as I was, I really did not know very much about Israel’s history, the development of Zionism, Theodore Herzl, David Ben Gurion. I also was very much ignorant and unfamiliar about some of the serious political, social, and economic religious issues facing the country. The year 1971 was only four years after the Six Day War. Those were the days when Israel felt like it could do no wrong and was riding a tidal wave of confidence and and a very bright future. The atmosphere was thick with the triumphant, almost biblical, victory just a handful of years before. Instead of being pushed into the sea, Israel saw itself as invincible. What I experienced that magnificent summer was the intoxicating joy and exhilaration of being in the Jewish homeland. But I really did not know what it all meant to me as a Jew. I did not have an understanding, for example, of the deep social and political chasm between the Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities. I had no knowledge of the first stages of settlement building on the West Bank and its implications for the future between Israelis and Palestinians. I had no frame of reference regarding the religious/secular division that has become ever more contentious over the years. I also did not know what the word Haradim meant or for that matter, Labor, Likud or even who the Prime Minister was. But now, 43 years later, and five more trips to Israel, my understanding of course is much deeper and my love for Eretz Yisraeyl much more strengthened. I now comprehend, with great clarity, that the Zionist movement, begun in Europe in the late 19th century, would become the saving grace for the Jewish people. It led directly to May 14, 1948 when Israel declared independence and the Jewish people finally came home after 19 centuries of wandering and of being stateless in a world not so very kind to us. Theodore Herzl saw the writing on the wall. After the Dreyfus affair he was convinced that the only solution was a homeland for the Jewish people on the soil that we walked on for 3000 years. Herzl instinctively understood that the future was not a positive one for us and while he could not anticipate the horrors of the Holocaust 40 years in the future, he knew that things were not going to get any better for us. He witnessed anti-Semitism on the rise with pogroms in Russia, terrible discrimination in Poland and other European countries and living as second-class citizens in the Arab world. At the beginning of the 19th century, the Ghetto doors swung wide open and now we could be citizens and live freely among the BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION general population. Or at least that was the hope. Ari Shavit in his monumental book, “My Promised Land” put it this way (pg. 4), “In 1897, Christendom is not yet at peace with its ultimate other. Many found it difficult to address Jews as free, proud and equal.” And after the events of this summer and of the past number of years, it seems like things have not changed very much. For the Jewish people to survive in the world, the call for return to our ancient homeland became louder and louder. But in truth, we never left. For more than 3000 years there has been a Jewish presence on that very small sliver of land. We were there 1600 years before the birth of the prophet Muhammad and the rise of Islam. We built the glorious first and second Temples in Jerusalem, our capital, and built a thriving society based on Torah morals and ethics, years before Mecca and Medina. We redefined or I might say, reformed Judaism and Jewish life after Rome destroyed and decimated our beloved city in the year 70 CE. The early rabbis had the boldness to redefine what Judaism meant and because of them and their farsightedness we are here to day celebrating Rosh Hashanah. We may have lost our sovereignty, but it was still our land and we wanted it back. For 1900 years, we never, ever lost our focus and our hope and dream for return. And return we did. As the Torah says, we are truly a stiffnecked and stubborn people. For 2000 years we recited these words each weekday in our liturgy, “T’ka B’shofar gadol l’chayruteinu – Sound the great shofar to herald our freedom; raise high the banner to gather all exiles. Gather the dispersed from the ends of the earth.” Was this prayer and others like it just wishful thinking? Maybe it was for a Jew in 12th century Germany, but our siddur became the best and most intense marketing project in history. What other ancient peoples can make the claim of returning home? Not one. We did it and today, in spite of Hamas, Iran, the resurgence of blatant and very public antiSemitism around the world, Israel is here to stay. The country that I love is truly a modern day miracle, thank God. While Shavit refers to 19th century Zionism as “a stroke of genius,” to many today, Zionism, has become a four-letter word, very much in the negative sense. But for me it really IS a fourletter word – hope. Zionism is hope and it worked. Michael Oren, former ambassador from Israel to the United States recently wrote, “The chances were infinitesimal that a scattered national group could be assembled from some 70 countries into a sliver-sized territory shorn of resources and rich in adversaries and somehow survive, much less prosper…The odds…for success approximated zero.” Did you ever hear of an Page 7 organization called Mashav? I just learned about it recently from one of my colleagues. It’s an Israeli governmental agency established in 1957 and is an acronym for Israel’s International Development Corporation. Its aim at the outset was to “share with the rest of the developing world the knowledge and technology which provided the basis for Israel’s own rapid development.” What began as a modest division within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has touched thousands of people around the globe to help aid countries with projects like agriculture, poverty, medicine, public health, food security and much more in countries like Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, The Republic of South Sudan, Senegal, and Uganda and beyond. Little, tiny Israel – sharing its hope with the world. Israel, through Mashav, is fulfilling Maimonides’ highest level of Tzedakah-Helping others help themselves. But you won’t read about the work of Mashav on the front page of the New York Times or probably any newspaper, for that matter. And the good work of Mashav will never, ever, be breaking news on CNN. This is Zionism. This is Hope. This is the modern day Israel that I love. What Israel has accomplished in its very short history is beyond remarkable – it’s miraculous. The events of this past summer were difficult and gut wrenching. Page 8 BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION Our Hope was under attack by a well-financed group of terrorists whose main goal in life is the total destruction of Israel and the slaughter of every Jew they can find, no matter where in the world. Don’t take my word for it. Just go on line and read the Hamas Charter. We Jews learned the hard way. When someone or some organization states clearly that they want to kill you, believe them. Take them at their word. The world failed to take seriously a book that was published on July 18, 1925 by a man whose goal was the elimination of every Jew from the world. Let me be clear on the following points. I am not a Middle East expert. I do not have a degree in international affairs. And, I don’t live in Israel and never had to send my daughter and son to the army. I have no desire today to analyze Israeli policy or politics or parse decisions made by Prime Minister Netanyahu. God knows, there have been enough articles written over the past few months to keep you busy for weeks. But I do have to share my thoughts about the war against Hamas-a group that clearly, at least to me, hates Jews more than it loves its own children. Mr. Netanyahu put it this way when he was interviewed on Fox TV news recently about Israel defending it citizens. He said, “Here’s the difference between us. We’re using missile defense to protect our civilians, and they’re using their civilians to protect their missiles.” To put it quite simply, I personally feel that Israel had and has every right and, I would add, obligation to protect and defend itself. No country should have to absorb 3000 missiles and mortar attacks on their citizens and is told that they should be restrained in fighting their sworn enemy. It is certainly tragic that innocents in Gaza, especially children, have to lose their lives because of the blind hatred of Hamas. But that’s what happens when the enemy launches strikes from schools, hospitals mosques and civilian neighborhoods. And what country in a time of war sends out warnings such as leaflets, text messages, and cell phone calls so as to mitigate civilian causalities. In Hebrew it’s called Tohar V’Neshek, “Purity of Arms”, a basic tenet of the IDF. I dare say that the Nazis did not warn the civilian population during the London Blitz during WW II. And now we all know about the elaborate maze of tunnels from Gaza into Israel. They were built for murder, kidnapping and terror. And Hamas was planning their assault on this day, the first day of Rosh Hashanah. All that time, effort, money and labor to construct structures that would serve no other purposes than for death and destruction. Israel had no choice but to go in and demolish every last tunnel it could locate. Even the renowned Israeli author and founder of Shalom Achshav, Peace Now, Amos Oz, who was apposed to the ground assault in Gaza, wrote, “What would you do if your neighbor across the street digs a tunnel from his nursery to your nursery in order to blow up your home and kidnap your family?” Israel is our Hope. Israel is our modern day miracle. Israel is our shining light in a sea of darkness. Gary Rosenblatt, Editor and Publisher of The Jewish Week of New York City, recently wrote an article (August 22, 2014) entitled, “Ten Lessons from the Gaza War”, where he makes some very good and cogent observations about the war and how Israelis and Jews reacted as well as the international community. His tenth lesson is “True Colors Come Out In Times of Distress.” Here is what he wrote;; “Many Israelis and Jews around the world have come to see themselves as family during this Gaza war. They speak of a common bond of support for Israel’s right to defend itself as it sees fit against an enemy willing to sacrifice its own children to destroy the Jewish state. A number of American Jew have rallied, raided funds and traveled to Israel to show their love and support while some Jewish groups have focused primarily on criticism of Israel’s conduct, and that is telling. Vibrant discussion and debate are the lifeblood of a nation. But at its core must be a sense of shared values. In a crisis, friends help, not harp. “Tough love” is acceptable-as long as “love” truly is part of the equation.” It certainly is part of mine. And, yes, I do love Israel and it is unconditional because we are family and have been for a very, very long time. Please rise, as Hazzan leads us in the Hatikvah. Rabbi Stephen Grundfast BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION Page 9 Page 10 BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION High Holiday Remarks Martin Oppenheimer, President Yom Kippur 2014 Good Shabbas, Good Yontif! A few weeks ago, Joyce and I traveled by plane to attend a wedding. When we landed, we were greeted with cold and snow but that did not dampen our excitement of being with friends. This reminded us of the importance of our friends at home and just how much we cherish our sense of belonging to a community. Here at Beth El, all of us are surrounded by family and friends. We are truly a community and enjoying the fruits of our collective efforts. While on the airplane, there was plenty of time to reflect on numerous topics. Of course, my reflection was centered on these comments for our wonderful congregation. Hearing the roar of the engines, seeing the blue sky above the clouds and being in a crowded but serene space provided an ideal environment to reflect on the past and envision the future. Reflecting on the past year, our accomplishments at Beth El are a model for any organization. Our move is completed, the support of our congregants continues to be breathtaking, the integration within the JCC is remarkable and our transitions successful. This is truly a year of foundation building for the future. We are now envisioning Beth El beyond a year of firsts. The Akron community in the past two to three years has undergone an incredible transition with new buildings, working together and joint programming in educational and social initiatives. In our community, togetherness means maintaining a strong identity, serving congregants spiritually and socially while supporting the entire Jewish community in the Akron area. The entire community must be strong and support the spiritual and social needs of all. Just a small example is the welcoming of the Rubber City Jews by all of the synagogues for the holidays. This group of students and unaffiliated young adults has joined us today and are most welcome. A big thanks to Leora Cohen who leads this group. Change and flexibility are necessary to maintain the health, stability and longevity of any organization. Here at Beth El, we are a perfect example of adaptation. Our capital campaign which is drawing to a close provided the means to relocate and build a wonderful new home for Beth El. Thanks to the generosity of the Lippman Kanfer Family Foundation, our consultant Rabbi Hayim Herring worked closely with Rabbi Grundfast, Cantor Stein, Erin Katz Ford, Barbara Good, and many volunteers who assisted in stimulating many new and continued initiatives to strengthen Judaism in our community. He helped instill innovation, flexibility and cooperative efforts. Beth El services have become creative with the introduction of the Synaplex concept – providing simultaneous activities while maintaining a traditional approach and focusing on participation and social interactions of all ages. Having a daily minyan is fundamental to Judaism and respects those saying Kaddish. We are appreciative of our regular attendees and encourage continued support by all. In addition, our consultant's survey provided insight into the future needs of congregants and the congregation. Areas that involve congregants, marketing, outreach activities and much more are being actively discussed and ad hoc committees will be established. The real good news is that congregants desire involvement and an engaging atmosphere at all ages. For example, Sisterhood, under the leadership of Sarah Greenblatt, is an essential contributor to sustaining congregational projects – Knitzvah, Taste of Torah, and fundraising are a few examples. Sisterhood provides the resource for many activities and events that promote the goals of Beth El. Please join Sisterhood's efforts since without their involvement, the congregation would be seriously underserved. As you know, if you ask you will receive and we openly welcome your involvement--small, medium or large. We need you! BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION Our next endeavor is the impending contract completion of Cantor Stein. Cantor will continue to divide his time with Beth El and the Cantors Assembly until his retirement from Beth El in July 2015. We will celebrate his 35 years as our longest serving clergy on June 7, so please save the date. Our Center for Jewish Learning incorporates programming and educational activities for all ages under the leadership of Ellen Moss and Erin Katz Ford. The creative collaborative programming for pre-kindergarten students and up has been redesigned and is very interactive. Adult education programming has been reenergized—Beth El University, lunch and learn, community forum speakers, and more. Please join us-it is a great experience at many levels. The rededicated and reenergized Beth El has brought 20 new family memberships, most of whom have not been affiliated prior to joining our congregation. We have established stronger partnerships with agencies on the Schultz campus and with our sister synagogues. This trend must continue. The amazing transformation of our congregation was and is a result of all of you, our members, our great staff, our partners and our community. This truly has been a team effort and much more remains to be accomplished. I must thank everyone for their incredible support, enthusiasm, flexibility, generosity and volunteer spirit. The JCBA and JCC staff continue their support of Beth El in many ways. Your Executive Committee – Dr. Harvey Sterns, president elect; Trish Crane, vice-president; Mike Rabe, treasurer; Jerry Nelson, secretary; Andrea Rabinovitz and Lori and Kevin Sandel are a great leadership team along with the Board of Trustees and our staff in guiding the congregation forward. As our plane began its final approach for landing, it occurred to me that our past year's journey as a congregation parallels that of air travel: 1) Following a flight plan = growing Jewishly/following a mission statement or vision 2) Cockpit, pilot and co-pilot = G-d, Torah and His congregation 3) Seat belts fastened = congregational support 4) Crew = clergy, staff and congregation Page 11 5) Taxiing = preparing/planning for journey 6) Thrust = accessing resources/partnerships 7) Take-off = arriving and moving in to new facility 8) Aloft = settling in to new facility 9) Turbulence = resolving challenges 10) Cruising=achieving stability in new environment 11) Auto pilot = monitoring and adjusting for growth and change/maintaining cruising speed 12) Wind = our spirit In the New Year, Joyce and I, along with our entire family, pray that each of you will soar high above the clouds with the wind beneath your wings in good health, peace, happiness and success. Shalom. Marty Beth El's Synaplex Shabbat November 22, 2014 Rae Sikora, an internationally recognized advocate for, and speaker about, human rights, animals and the environment, will be one of the featured presenters at Beth El's Synaplex Shabbat, on November, 22. Ms. Sikora, co-founder of the Institute for Humane Education, Vegfund and Plant Peace Daily, will lead an interactive program on "Compassion in Action." Rae Sikora Page 12 BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION Jewish and Public Affairs Forum Kevin Adelstein – Publisher and CEO of the Cleveland Jewish News to Speak at Beth El Nov. 14 Shabbat Dinner Reservation Form That’s right! I (we) plan to attend on Friday, November 14 at 6:15 PM. Name(s) of those attending: _____________________________________________________________________________ I (we) would like to be seated with ______________________ My phone __________________ # Total Adults @ $18 each _____ $_______ Children ages 6 – 12 @ $8 each _____ $_______ Children ages 5 & under: FREE _____ Total Payment $_______ Please make checks payable to Beth El Congregation Mail to: Shabbat Dinner Reservations, Beth El Congregation, 750 White Pond Dr., Akron, OH 44320 All reservations must be pre-paid by November 5, 2014. For questions, call the Beth El office: 330-864-2105, ext. 110. Beth El Sisterhood’s Taste of Torah 2014/2015 Join us for Beth El Sisterhood’s Taste of Torah, a lively, participatory Torah study connecting Torah to our lives. No prior Torah study or knowledge of Hebrew necessary to participate, just a desire to learn and share. The study group meets every third Monday of the month at 7:30 PM at different host homes, led by Sarah Greenblatt, Sisterhood President, and others. Monday, November 17, 7:00 PM: Bringing Blessings into Our Lives as Women - Prayers for and by women and exploring new ideas for Jewish women’s rituals. Sarah Greenblatt leading text study. At the home of Bonnie Cohen. Check your monthly Beth El Bulletin for topic, facilitator and location of sessions or go to the Beth El web site: http://www.bethelakron.com. For more information: Sarah Greenblatt, [email protected] or 330-687-0203. Sisterhood welcomes our newest members. Cathy Baer • Debra Mazala • Barbara Miller • Michelle Mostow Ann Rosenthal • Stacy Shulan • Laurie Zuckerman BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION Page 13 Rabbi’s Reminders Chambrel Shabbat Service November 7, 6:15 PM There will not be a service at the Gross Family Chapel on this night. Please join us and our friends for our Shabbat service. Veterans Day Program Judaism 101 and Beyond… November 24, 7:00 to 8:30 PM Rabbi Grundfast’s course will include the Jewish Life cycle, major and minor holidays, an introduction to Jewish prayer, and much more. A $36 nominal charge covers printing and incidental expenses for this ongoing series. For more information on this Intro to Judaism class, please contact Rabbi Grundfast at 330.864.2105 or [email protected]. Lunch and Learn November 18, 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM At the Law Offices of GoldmanRosen We will continue learning this year from the newly published volume by the Rabbinical Assembly, “The Observant Life,” a compendium of Jewish wisdom and teachings from a contemporary Conservative viewpoint. If you do not have the book, please contact Rabbi Grundfast: he can obtain a copy for you. To order lunch, the cost is $11. Please contact Karen James at [email protected]. Talmud Class November 16 and 23, 10:30 AM to 12 Noon All are invited to join this on-going class. We are continuing with our study of Massechet Pesachim and are in the chapter that teaches about the Pesach Seder. For more information contact Rabbi Grundfast at 330.864.2105 or [email protected] Cheryl Carter Beth El University and Jewish Family Service invite you to attend our Veterans Day Program on November 9, 2014. It will be an opportunity to meet with old friends and make new ones. There will be speakers sharing their stories and good food. The event begins at 10:00 AM in Beth El Synagogue's Mercaz room. Prior reservations are necessary for brunch, which will be served at 11:00 AM. Cost for the program and brunch is $10. (Veterans are our guests.) Babysitting reservations in advance: call or email Erin Katz at 330-864-2105 x 118 or [email protected] by November 2. Page 14 BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION Contributions ALEXANDER & LILLIAN MEDOFF MUSIC FUND LENORE GORDON SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of In Memory of Harry Gordon from Rhoda and Bob Gordon Ed Kellerman from Sedell and Bernie Kamenir In Honor of LOUIS & BECKY LOCKSHIN Anniversary of Shirley and Sid Zetzer from SCHOLARSHIP FUND Sedell and Bernie Kamenir In Memory of CANTOR’S Ben Wise from Dr. Irv and Ann Kauvar DISCRETIONARY FUND Louis Wish from Fay Wish In Honor of In Honor of Birth of Mary, daughter of Erin Katz and Engagement of Deana Stein and Joe Kevin Ford, from Linda and Michael Osherow Grundfast from Maxine Gertz Birthday of Herb Weiss from Fay Wish CHOIR Birthday of Lourie Rapport from Roz Travis and Matt Koch FUND In Memory of PRAYER BOOK Alma Reuben from Phil and Livia Kades FUND Harold Reuben from Phil and Livia Kades A Prayer Book has been inscribed: In Appreciation In Memory of Thank you for all of the wonderful wishes in Dorothy Herzberg from John and Judy honor of our 55th wedding anniversary from Bill Hoffmann and Dee Beyer Marcel Mazala from Dr. Meir Mazala EDUCATION RABBI’S FUND DISCRETIONARY FUND In Memory of In Memory of Belle Finkelstein from Burt and Lois Nobil Samuel Goodman from Francine Freedman Stan Gertz from Sybil Gertz Marvin Greenbaum from Albert and Jack Seymour Seider from Kathy and Michael Greenbaum Seider Albert Ryb from Jeffrey and Barbara Miller Harry M. Winer from Lillian Katz Sidney Sude from Ted and Rolinda In Honor of Schneiderman Birth of grandson, Noam Abel Rzepka, to Joseph Unger from Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Sarah and Erwin Greenblatt from John and Richman Beth Lawton In Honor of Birth of great-grandson, Noam Abel Rzepka, Special birthday of Marilyn Groden from Joel to Ruth Bricklin from John and Beth Lawton and Arlene Miller Birth of granddaughter, Emma Marie, to Special birthday of Fran Lieberman from Robin and David Levy from Dr. John and JoEllen and Joe Kodish Patty Saks REMO 2000 Birth of granddaughter, Reagan, to Harriet and Larry Richman from Ted and Rolinda BUILDING FUND Schneiderman In Appreciation In Appreciation Thank you for the anniversary wishes from Carrie Brown for all of your help from Beth El Esther and Larry Hexter Education Committee R EVEREND PHILLIP SALZMAN Erin Katz for all of your help from Beth El Education Committee SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of HAKOAH CLUB Dorothy Herzberg from Gail Greenberg EDUCATION FUND Harry Liberman from the Nusbaum Families In Memory of Anna Neiman from Arlene Penner Danielle Schprechman from Alan and Teddi Ronald Penner from Arlene Penner Kay Carl Waxman from Neil, Carrie and Molly Syd Sude from Steve, Ellen and Jeffrey Winer Waxman IRVING BOTNICK SIMON KOPELSON EDUCATION FUND In Memory of David Bloom from Dolores Botnick SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of Sidney Sude from Marilyn and Dan Slavin STEPHEN M. GROSS MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of Stephen M. Gross from Sharen and Marvin Halpern Victor Gross from the officers of Beth El and their families SYNAGOGUE FUND In Memory of Martin Aberte from Edith Aberte Beverly Eisele from Charlotte Heisler and family Sarah Levinson from Betty E. Levinson Max Recht from Charlotte Heisler and family Sarah Schwartz from Louis and Xenia Culiner Faith Stahl from Harriet and Alan Horn Sid Sude from Maxine Gertz For Recovery of Gloria Reich from Debbie and Sheldon Saferstein In Honor of Birth of grandson, Noam Abel Rzepka, to Sarah and Erwin Greenblatt from Alice and Ed Schneider, Bonnie and Randy Cohen, Debbie and Sheldon Saferstein Birth of granddaughter, Emma, to David and Robin Levy, from Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Richman, Debbie and Sheldon Saferstein, Bonnie and Randy Cohen Special birthday of Marilyn Groden from Herb and Hanita Kern Anniversary of Shirley and Sid Zetzer from Herb and Hanita Kern Birth of daughter, Mary, to Erin Katz and Kevin Ford from Sandra Levenson Birth of granddaughter, Mary, to Sally and Alan Katz from Sandra Levenson, Debbie and Sheldon Saferstein, Bonnie and Randy Cohen Birth of great-grandson, Noam, to Ruth Bricklin from Debbie and Sheldon Saferstein Wedding of Kevin and Lori Minster from Debbie and Sheldon Saferstein Wedding of Eric and Lisa Nelson from Debbie and Sheldon Saferstein Special birthday of Lourie Rapport from Mary Ann and Gary Shamis, Bonnie and Randy Cohen Marriage of Evan Osherow from Bonnie and Randy Cohen In Appreciation Leagrams and all good wishes on our 35th anniversary from Patty and John Saks We would like to thank all of our friends for their Leagrams and good wishes on our 40th anniversary from Sam and Debbie Reiss Contributions Use our handy Contribution Form for remembrance, to urge recovery, to honor a person or event, or to show your appreciation BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION Page 15 Use this form to mail in your contributions. Beth El Congregation Date: _____________ Minimum ($10) Chai ($18) Double Chai ($36) Triple Chai ($54) I am enclosing $__________ Contributions to Funds ______ In Memory of ______ For Recovery of ______ In Honor of ______ In Appreciation ______ Other Scholarship Funds REMO 2000 Lenore Gordon Scholarship Choir Stephen Gross Scholarship Education Kloner Family Scholarship Max M. Federhar Memorial Simon Kopelson Rabbi's Discretionary Memorial Scholarship Marks & Goldfarb Youth Louis & Becky Lockshin Synagogue Scholarship Alexander & Lillian Medoff Memorial Music Lola Salzman Scholarship Chumash (Torah Readings; $75 minimum) Rev. Phillip Salzman Shabbat Flowers ($36 minimum) Scholarship Endowment Fund ($50 minimum) Beth El Scholarship Eleanor & Jerry Lippman Bar/Bat Mitzvah Books Weinberger Scholarship Irving Botnick Education Hakoah Club Education Fund Office Use Card Sent ________ ________________________________________________ Donation for (name/occasion) ________________________________________________ Your name(s) as you wish them to appear in Bulletin ________________________________________________ Send card to ________________________________________________ Card is to be signed ________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________ Your address ____________________________ ________ _________ City State Zip ____________________________ _______ _________ City State Zip Send your contributions to: Beth El Congregation • 750 White Pond Dr. • Akron, OH 44320 memorial plaques The Memorial Plaques in our Sanctuary constitute a permanent record of the names of men and women departed from this earth. To cherish and keep alive their precious memories is a sacred Jewish tradition. The contribution for an individual plaque is only $250. For further information, please call Beth El, 330-864-2105. Plaques were recently affixed in the Sanctuary in memory of: Victor S. Gross Anna Neiman Gary Alan Nelkin Ronald L. Penner BETH EL CONGREGATION 750 WHITE POND DRIVE AKRON, OHIO 44320 PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AKRON, OHIO Annual Fundraiser Save the date – write it on your calendar! February 1, 2015 Starts at 11:30 AM Plan to be there!
© Copyright 2024