1. religion and spirituality
2. judaism

Greensboro Conservative Hebrew Congregation, Inc. • ‫ צפון קרולינה‬,‫ק“ק בית דוד •גרינסבורו‬
Volume 34 Issue 1
January 2015 –Tevet/Shevat 5775
Do you recognize these faces?
Rabbi Havivi will celebrate
the 50th anniversary
of his Bar Mitzvah
on Shabbat morning, January 10.
He will read from the Torah—
Parshat Shemot—
and chant the Haftarah.
All are invited to wish Rabbi Havivi
“Mazal tov, and another 50 years!”
92nd St Y presents :
On David Ben-Gurion:
Father of Modern Israel
Monday, January 26 at 7:15 pm
Details inside...
Schedule of Services
Kabbalat Shabbat
Shabbat Morning
Shabbat Mincha/
Ma’arvi
Thursday Morning
Daily Minyan
Friday, January 2
Kabbalat Shabbat
Candlelighting
6:00 pm
9:30 am
5:45 pm
7:00 am
5:45 pm
4:59 pm
5:05 pm
Shabbat, January 10
Parshat Shemot
Rabbi’s Bar Mitzvah Anniversary
Susan Siegel Speaks
Babysitting
10:00 am-11:45 am
Shabbat ends/Havdalah
6:04 pm
Friday, Janaury 16
Kabbalat Shabbat
Candlelighting
5:11 pm
Shabbat, January 17
Parshat Vaera
Musar Group
Shabbatot (preschool-1st grade)
Shabbat Ends
6:10 pm
Friday, Janaury 23
Kabbalat Shabbat
Candlelighting
Shabbat, January 31
Parshat Beshalach
Shabbat Ends
6:25 pm
Beth David Synagogue Bulletin
New Year’s Day Minyan
Shacharit will be at 9:00 am
on Janaury 1
and Ma’ariv will be at 5:45 pm.
Do You Have a Yahrzeit?
Shabbat, January 3
Parshat Vayechi
Shabbat Yeladim
10:30 am
Shabbat Ends/Havdalah
5:57 pm
Friday, January 9
Shalom, Shabbat!
Kabbalat Shabbat
Candlelighting
Page 2
5:19 pm
Shabbat, January 24
Parshat Bo
Shabbat Ends
6:18 pm
Friday, January 30
Kabbalat Shabbat
Candlelighting
5:26 pm
If you have a yahrzeit during any given
week, you are invited to come to Thursday morning minyan that week,
(beginning at 7:00 am), and hold the Torah while El Maleh Rachamim prayer is
recited by Rabbi Havivi in memory of
your departed. We will also invite you to
say a few words about your beloved, as a
way of bringing his/her spirit into our
presence. This is a new practice in our
congregation—several families have already offered up words of remembrance
at the El Maleh Rachamim moment, and
have found it meaningful. Questions?
Ask Rabbi Havivi.
Minyan/Yahrzeit Alert!
Through January 17, we are
davening Ma’ariv at our daily 5:45
service. If you have yahrzeit, you
should come on the evening
before your yahrzeit day to say
kaddish at the evening service.
In addition, we’ll recite Havdalah –
the beautiful service with candles,
wine and spices, at Saturday
evening minyan, 5:45. Bring your
family!
After January 17, we will recite
Mincha, the afternoon service. If
you have yahrzeit come to say
Kaddish on the day of your
yahrzeit.
a monthly publication of:
Beth David Synagogue
804 Winview Drive
Greensboro, NC 27410
336.294.0007 Fax: 336.294.7011
bethdavidsynagogue.org
[email protected]
Rabbi................................................Eliezer Havivi
Executive Director……………...Mindy Kutchei
Tutor/Instructor ................................ Philip Silver
Director of Programming and
Congregational Services……………..Lia Sater
Director of Religious Education ......Lee Bretan
Finance Director.................................Lucy Smith
Office Administrator………..…...Kathy Clontz
Facilities Manager ............................Steve Schub
Mashgiach ........................................ Joy Thomas
Officers
President ............................................. Don Henza
President-elect ………………...Josef Silverman
Vice President ...........................Lewis Weinstock
Vice President ........................................ Dan Wolf
Vice President .......................... Stanley Hammer
Vice President ........................................ Dani Luft
Secretary ............................................. Sara Jacobs
Treasurer .................................... Stuart Kaufman
Immediate Past President .... David Gutterman
Board of Trustees
Kevin Daniels
Steve Friedland
Ronnie Grabon
Brian Kaiser
Kathy Kraus
Tomas Levi
Kevin Ossey
Jennifer Rosenbluth
Edna Rubenstein
Jenny Schultz
Adele Weinstein
Sisterhood President……….….Marsha Cohen
Men’s Club President ……………….Al Geiger
Building and Grounds ....................Kevin Ossey
Budget and Finance .............. David Kriegsman
Education ..........................................Rick Schneid
Religious Life.............................Lewis Weinstock
Our Mission:
Beth David Synagogue is an egalitarian and inclusive synagogue of the Conservative movement that brings an
authentic and caring Jewish tradition to embrace and repair our world. We encourage members to grow in Jewish
learning through study of Torah, and in Jewish practice through mitzvot. We strive to build a welcoming and
innovative Synagogue that engages our diverse members and that shares Jewish values with the general community.
Beth David Synagogue at 804 Winview Drive, offers daily Minyan
from 5:45 - 6:00 PM, Saturday through Thursday and Thursday morning Minyan 7:00 AM
Worshippers are welcome for yahrzeit, kaddish and a few moments of spiritual contemplation.
We are open to all, regardless of membership.
Page 3
From the
Rabbi’s
Study
Jewish Events of 2014
Every year around this time, I offer my
summary of Jewish events of the past
year. Here goes….
GAZA – This year’s fifty- day war between Israel and Hamas dominated
headlines this summer. The kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teens
– Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Sha’ar and Naftali
Fraenkel, followed by the apparent
revenge killing of Palestinian teen Mohammed Abu Khdeir, triggered the
escalation, which sent hundreds of
rockets from Gaza into southern Israel,
and some to central Israel as well. One
rocket landed near Ben Gurion Airport, and the FAA implemented a
controversial ban on flights to and
from Israel that lasted for 36 hours.
Israel launched Operation Protective
Edge, destroying 30 Hamas tunnels,
used for smuggling and for terrorist
infiltration into Israel. Close to 1000
Gazans, and 36 Israelis were killed in
the conflict – Israel accepted 11 ceasefire proposals which were all violated
by Hamas, until the 12th and final
ceasefire on August 26. We, here,
were glued to the latest news, several
times a day, and did what we know to
do best – we raised money for an
Emergency Israel campaign to support
additional social services needed in
Israel – in Greensboro alone, our Federation raised over $100,000, of a total
$55 million raised by Federations in
North America.
PALESTINE – In April, Palestinian Authority (PA) President Abbas and Fatah formed a unity government with
Hamas. At that point, the Israeli government formally broke off peace
talks with the PA, saying it could not
negotiate with an organization whose
charter vows its destruction. Abbas is
threatening to bring unilateral resolutions to the UN early next year, something that the US and Israel oppose.
Sweden, France, England and the EU
have all announced that they are
planning to recognize Palestine as an
independent country.
IRAN – Despite opposition from Israel
and Jewish groups, Congress and Saudia Arabia, the international community agreed to a six-month interim
lessening of sanctions in exchange for
Iran’s promise to dilute its 20%enriched uranium to 5%. The talks,
and the deal, were extended in November. Israel, the US, and others see
Iran’s capability of developing nuclear
weapons as a threat to Israel’s existence and to stability in the world.
ISIS – The Islamic State terrorist group
came to attention of the world after
seizing Iraq’s second largest city, Mosul. The group has gained notoriety
for its brutal persecution of religious
minorities of Christians and Yazidis.
ISIS also executed American Journalists James Foley, Peter Kassig, and
Steven Sotlof, Iraqi soldiers, 150 women who refused to be ISIS brides, and
others that we will never know about.
Meanwhile, the war in Syria continues
to grind on, taking the lives of almost
200,000 combatants and civilians, creating a huge refugee challenge in Turkey and Jordan, and sowing instablity
in the region.
ANTISEMITISM – European antiSemitism rose sharply during the Gaza
War this summer. There were large
anti-Israel demonstrations in Europe
and in the US. Anti- Israel rioters attacked two Paris synagogues, chanting “Death to the Jews.” French Jews
are making Aliya in record numbers.
In May, four people were killed in a
shooting at the Jewish Museum in
Belgium. Here in the US, Kansas City’s
Jewish community was terrorized on
the day before Pesach by a Neo-Nazi
shooting at the JCC campus and the
Jewish retirement home.
ISRAEL ON CAMPUS – The boundary
between anti-Zionism and antiSemitism became increasingly blurred
this year, particularly related to activities of a group called Students for
Justice in Palestine. At Temple University, a Jewish student was punched in
the face by an SJP member, and called
slurs like “kike” and “baby-killer.” SJP is
also behind mock eviction notices
placed in student dorms around the
country. While SJP claims to be only
against the “occupation,” their tactics
cross a line into intimidation of Jewish
students and delegitimization of Israel
as a Jewish homeland. On the faculty
side, the American Studies Association
and other academic groups, voted to
endorse a boycott of Israel. In reaction
to International Hillel’s pro-Israel
stance, a phenomenon of “Open Hillel” – Jewish Student organizations
that welcome groups that are opposed to the existence of the Jewish
State – has appeared on several college campuses. On the positive side,
there are more Jewish studies courses
and majors offered at American universities than ever before!
JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS – Taglit
Birthright Israel expanded eligibility for
free ten-day trips to Israel for Jewish
adults 18-26. Young adults who went
on a trip to Israel during high school
can now go on a Birthright trip as
well. And in another development
this year, member groups of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish
Organizations voted 22-17 to reject
the membership application of the self
-labeled “pro Israel, pro peace” lobby, J Street.
UKRAINE – Pro-Russian rebels took
over government buildings and facilities, followed by a vote in Crimea to
secede from Ukraine and rejoin Russia. There were Jews on both sides of
the divide. In violent protests, synagogues were targeted and Jews were
killed.
(Continued on next page…)
Page 4
EGYPT – Abdel El Sis, new president of
Egypt, ousted Islamist president and
outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood.
With El Sisi in power, Egypt and Israel
share a common goal of cracking
down on Islamic terrorist groups
in the Sinai Peninsula, and in targeting
Hamas, which is an offshoot of the
Muslim Brotherhood.
SHANDA – Shanda is a Yiddish word
that means shame, or scandal. A
prominent rabbi in the District of Columbia was found to have planted a
hidden camera in the changing room
of the mikve of his synagogue. The
rabbi was immediately arrested and
dismissed from his congregation, and
the affair has created a tempest of
demands for better oversight of conversion procedures, and Jewish women’s empowerment in the Orthodox
community and beyond.
HAR NOF – in the final piece of bad
news, four Jews and a Druze police-
From the President
I wish everyone a
happy, healthy
and prosperous
new year. I trust
you will make
resolutions that
are successful
and nurture your
soul. My
resolution as President of Beth
David is to develop a
comprehensive plan that will guide
our congregational development
over the next five years.
The Beth David Board has started
by identifying the greatest
challenges currently facing our
congregation. The Long Range
Planning Committee has begun to
delve into the Beth David historical
records to determine how we
arrived at our current circumstances
and where we might be heading
following current trends.
The top four challenges as
identified by the Board are:
man were murdered in an attack in a
synagogue in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Har Nof. The grisly photos of
bloody arms wrapped still in tefillin
brought comparison to pogroms in
Europe in the bad days.
The GOOD NEWS is, we don’t live in
Europe in the bad days. There are acts
of terror and some acts of hate and
some random acts of violence. But we
have a sovereign Jewish State with a
police force, and a justice system and
an army that is reckoned among the
world’s finest. And we have a State of
Israel that is a haven for Jews, that is
safe, that is vibrant and entreprenurial
and highly advanced – in science,
technology, medicine, democratic
governance, literacy, the arts, economy and education and social welfare,
and in many other areas. Our ancestors – our parents and grandparents
could not even have imagined the
abundance that Israel enjoys today.

Attracting and retaining new
members



Financial security
Rabbinic transition
Future congregational
leadership
Keeping the Beth David
Congregation vital and growing
with young members and young
member families is our primary
responsibility. Making our
community services and Jewish
enrichment relevant to young
members and young family
members is critical to
encouraging membership.
Preserving Jewish ritual practice
for future generations and
making services inviting to the
current generation is a challenge
we face. Historically Beth David
was very attractive to members
with young families. From 1992 to
2008 Beth David grew rapidly in
membership and grew
exponentially in family members.
Rabbi Havivi and many members
(Want to see more? Go to http://
verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.co.il/ )
And here in the US – We are so far
from the bad days of Europe! We are
integrated and accepted and soughtafter and outstanding and contributing in every aspect of American society – in business, in the highest levels of government, in universities, in
the Arts. We are economically prosperous. The Jewish People in the US
are creative Jewishly and generally, in
a manner unprecedented at any time
in our history. Yes, there are those
who resent us, who hate us, who
would do us harm, who would marginalize us and others, but we are fortunate to live in a society where we
have recourse to law and justice and
speech.
That is the good Jewish news of 2014!
Eliezer Havivi
of our congregation had young
growing families during this period in
our history. After 2008 our growth
has flattened and our income has
fallen. Our number one goal is to
find the means and methods to
restore this vital growth to our
congregation.
Our second challenge is to maintain
adequate funding to finance our
congregation’s operations. This
funding covers staff salaries,
including our rabbi, plus all of the
building overhead, which includes
maintenance and utilities, in addition
to all of the educational and
enrichment programs that are
ongoing at Beth David. Dues have
always been our primary source of
income. Dues income has fallen in
recent years due to economic
hardships experienced by many
members. Like many conservative
congregations we are looking at
building our endowments and
encouraging legacy gifts (contact the
Jewish Foundation to “Create a
Page 5
Jewish Legacy”) as a means of
securing sustainable income for the
future. The key is to find the means to
encourage donations at all levels of
giving and to adequately recognize
donors for their contributions in order
to sustain the future of our Beth David
Congregation.
Our third challenge is our future
“Rabbinic Transition”. Rabbi Havivi’s
contract will end in June 2017. We will
need plans in place to consider the
options we will face at that time. We
might have the option of renewing for
a short time or we may be looking for
new leadership. It is vital to begin to
Thoughts
from the
Executive
Director
Israel. Just saying the word generates
a range of feelings. Every time I land
at Ben Gurion airport I feel an emotional ripple through my body and
soul. And, I disagree with most everything the current Israeli government
does. Yet, Israel is in my soul. It
comes naturally, of course: my
grandparents were Zionists who traveled to settle the land and make a
Jewish state in 1926. My mother was
born and grew up in Tel Aviv. All of
my mother’s side of the family live in
Israel and I try to visit them at least
every other year.
Talking about Israel is an emotional
and political landmine. I’ve argued
with friends, with family, with acquaintances, with strangers. And, I
keep saying to them and to myself: it
is all gray, stop looking at the issues
as if they are black/white, right/wrong.
There is so much to consider and
consider our options soon so we can
prepare well in advance of the
transition.
Our fourth and most important
challenge is to develop lay leadership
within our Beth David congregation to
carry the Jewish tradition to future
generations. We need young leaders
to bring their talents and ideas to our
administration. This next generation of
Beth David leadership will be
responsible for keeping Conservative
Jewish practice alive and vital in our
congregation.
We will be examining our historical
there is no neat and clean history, no
neat and clean answer.
I don’t agree with the policies of the
Netanyahu government. I don’t like
the settlements that keep sprouting
on the West Bank and around Jerusalem, along with the government incentives that support them. I don’t
agree with the Boycott Israel and divestiture movements. I don’t support
terrorism in any form. I often feel I
am living in no-man’s land—on one
hand, on the other hand….
And yet…we are getting ready to attend the Greensboro Jewish Federation kick-off on January 10 and hear
what college students are hearing and
doing about the Israeli “situation” on
college campuses We are planning
for MIchloach Manot, with this year’s
theme: We Support Israel (stay tuned
for your February bulletin and emails
providing details). And, I will stand
and be counted.
I’m reminded of the days in the sixties
when those of us who opposed US
presence in Vietnam were accused of
being anti-American. I have been
accused of being anti-Israel. It is because I love what America stands for
records to determine future trends
and develop a five year plan to
address the future challenges facing
our congregation. I will keep you
informed of the potential changes
that are proposed to address each of
these featured challenges.
In the words of George Bernard Shaw,
“Progress is impossible without
change and those who cannot change
their minds cannot change anything”.
Best wishes to all for the New Year,
Don Henza
President
Beth David Synagogue
that I stood up against the war in Vietnam and it is because I love Israel
that I stand up against policies I think
are contrary to Jewish and Israeli values.
And yet…it is hard to stand up and
criticize if others are turning their
backs. And so the gray areas continue to spread, both in my heart and in
my conversations. I read books, I
check online websites, I skype with my
family in Israel. And, I still see deeper
and wider shades of gray.
All I can do is continue to love Israel,
to stay informed, to state my point of
view in hope of continuing the dialogue. My Israeli family continues to
vote and impact change the best way
they can. And, I hope, one day, that
this gray will transform from a muddy
color of anger and confusion to a
pleasant color of understanding, one
that has led to “May the One who
makes peace in the Universe bring
peace to Israel and to all humankind.”
With best wishes to all of you for a
2015 that brings you peace and happiness.
L’hitra’ot,
Mindy Kutchei
Page 6
Thoughts
from
Rabbi Sky
We have had
many
celebrations of
late, all related to
our various traditions and all
celebrating something of the past.
History always plays an important role
in our Jewish path. For through the
remembrance of history, we feel the
sacredness of the present.
Sometimes the remembrance is
stronger than fact. For example, the
remembrance of Hanukkah is not
necessarily the facts of the holiday.
We say in our remembrance the
light of one night was exaggerated
into an eight-night light, and we’ve
called it a miracle, or better still, a
sign. Over the centuries, the
remembrance became matters of fact.
The fact is the temple was destroyed.
The remembrance is the burning of a
candle for eight days. Such
convoluted romances recur in history.
In fact the entire history of Jews in the
middle ages is filled with similar
incidents.
Why is it necessary for us humans
to cling to such moments?
By having such moments, we
create an enduring history. This is not
the reason for believing in God. For
God endures no matter what we
humans may say. The memory that
counts is the knowledge that God
exists whether we say so or not.
God’s existence is not dependent on
our affirming it. God exists. That is a
fact of history. God exists no matter
what we say. If there is a miracle or
there is a sign, it is the fact that his
truth continues to endure.
We wish each and every one of
you a happy secular new year; and
may the prayer for peace, which we
recited on Rosh Hashanah, be the
prayer for peace we recite in the
secular new year.
Rabbi Harry Z. Sky
**Rabbi Sky wishes to thank everyone for
all of the well wishes and visits. He is
improving and hopes to be back with us at
the synagogue soon.
Purim is coming!
And with it, the mitzvah of Mishloach Manot,
giving gifts to friends and family.
This year, We Support Israel.
Join the fun!
Send treats to a few or to everyone!
All you have to do is fill out the order form you will receive
in your February bulletin and send in your check.
For more information, contact Adele Weinstein
At 852.0036 or [email protected].
Page 7
At the Synagogue
Shalom, Shabbat!
Friday, January 9 at 5:30 pm
Choose between a service for preschoolers and one for children in Kindergarten and up and then enjoy a traditional Shabbat dinner of spaghetti and (optional) meatballs. Greensboro fire fighters will be joining us! The cost is $25 per family, $10
per grandparent or additional adult. Make your reservations by Monday, January 5 by sending your check to the synagogue
or online at www.bethdavidsynagogue.org.
Kugel Kiddush & Bar Mitzvah Anniversary Celebration
Shabbat, January 10
Rabbi Havivi will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah on Shabbat morning, January 10. He will read from the
Torah—Parshat Shemot—and chant the Haftarah. After services, we’ll enjoy the annual Kugel Kiddush prepared by members
of our Beth David family from their own family recipes. All are invited to wish Rabbi Havivi “ mazal tov, and another 50 years!”
Susan Siegel Speaks about Jewish Day School Education
Shabbat, January 10 at services
Susan Siegel is the new Head of School of B’nai Shalom. She came to Greensboro in June of 2013, after serving at the Gross
Schechter Day School in Cleveland for 13 years in various educational roles, including interim Head of School. She is married
to Freddy (26 years); they have three grown daughters, Elizabeth, Rebecca and Ilana. She has already pioneered at B’nai
Shalom—individual assessments, introducing the Singapore math curriculum, and has initiated team-oriented professional
development of teachers. This Shabbat she will share with our congregation her vision for B’nai Shalom, and what Jewish
day school education can mean to students, families and our community.
Adventures in Learning
Beginning Thursday, January 15 at 9:30 am
Christ United Methodist Chuch, 410 N Holden Road
Rabbi Havivi is teaching a six-week course on Judaism through the Shepherd Center, a learning series for older adults, sponsored by Greensboro’s churches and synagogues. Rabbi Havivi’s courses have been well-attended and popular.
B’nai Mitzvah Seminar
Monday, January 12 at 7:00 pm; Shabbat, January 31 at 9:00 am
Our B’nai Mitzvah Seminar for students and parents is beginning this month! Students and parents learn about our sidder,
our sanctuary, tallit and tefillin, how to be a shaliach tzibbur (prayer leader), candles and wine (Friday night and Shabbat Kiddush blessings), Havdalah, how to write a d’var Torah, mitzvah projects and much more!
Israeli Literature as a Window
to Israeli Society (in English)
Beginning January 14
$150 + Book Fee
Rabbi Havivi teaches his course of study offering a fresh and fascinating examination of Israeli society since the birth of the
State in 1948. Through the pens of its leading writers, participants encounter an Israeli society that is original, contempo rary,
honest and proud. Reflections of the mythic Israel are matched by poetry and prose that is challenging and self-critical, and
both offer profound insight into the Israeli national psyche. This class is part of the Melton series offered by Beth David Synagogue and Temple Emanuel. To sign up, visit www.events.org/MeltonGreensboro/.
Page 8
Movie Night at Beth David: Fill the Void
Saturday, January 17 at 7:30 pm
$5 charge includes bottomless snacks and non-alcoholic drinks; $3 for beer or wine by the glass
This winner of 7 Israeli Academy Awards is the story of eighteen-year-old Shira, who is the youngest daughter of her family.
She is set to be married to a promising young man when her sister, Esther, dies while giving birth to her first child. The pain
that overwhelms the family postpones Shira’s match. Everything changes when an offer is proposed to match Yochay, the
late Esther’s husband, to a widow from Belgium. When the girls’ mother finds out that Yochay may leave the country with
her only grandchild, she proposes a match between Shira and her sister’s widower. Shira will have to choose between her
heart’s wish and her duty to her family.
2012 ~ 90 minutes ~ Color ~ Hebrew with Subtitles
92nd St Y presents: On David Ben-Gurion: Father of Modern Israel
Monday, January 26 at 7:15 pm
David Ben-Gurion cast an enormous shadow across his world, and his legacy in the Middle East and beyond continues to be
hotly debated to this day. There have been many books written about the life and accomplishments of the Zionist icon and
founder of modern Israel, but this new biography by eminent Israeli historian Anita Shapira is the first to get to the core o f
the complex man who would someday become the face of a new nation. She’s joined by the New Yorker’s David Zipperstein, a professor of Jewish culture and history at Stanford, to discuss Ben-Gurion’s remarkable impact on the world.
92nd St Y broadcasts are a gift from Norman & Sylvia Samet.
Rosh Chodesh
Shevat
A Women’s Gathering
The Rosh Chodesh Shevat get together will be lead by Anne Waranch in her home at
700 Plummer Drive on Tuesday, January 27 at 7:15 pm. She will discuss music in
Judaism.
If you would like to lead or host a future Rosh Chodesh discussion, please contact
Heather at [email protected] or 370-1463.
Vatikim Lunch & Learn for Seniors
January 6—Lisa Dames, Patsy Cline
January 13—Charlotte Hamlin, Storyteller
January 20—Ellie Kinnear
January 27—Catherine Johnson, LMFGT Guilford County
Beth David Knitters at 10:00 am, Bride’s Room
Lunch & Learn Tuesdays at 11:45 am, Social Hall
Another year of Vatikim programming
has been made possible by a grant from:
Family Justice Center
Field Trip to the Barn Dinner Theatre
Tuesday, February 24 at 1:30 pm
Enjoy lunch and a production of The Odd Couple at Barn Dinner Theatre. The group rate is $41 a person, however thanks to
a grant from BJH Foundation, we are able to underwrite the cost of 20 tickets, making your price $20 a person. There are
only 8 seats left, so rsvp as soon as possible to Lia Sater at 235.7334 or [email protected].
The Odd Couple is a classic comedy that opens as a group of guys assemble for a game of cards in the apartment of di-
vorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it’s no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Ung er
who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed, and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the actio n
unfolds, Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results.
Page 9
Share Shabbat
Friday, February 6
Have you or a family member ever attended Camp Ramah anywhere? If so, children and their families
are invited to the next Share Shabbat dinner where you can reminisce and even get
excited about next summer at camp!
Attention Bookworms – Consider this: Do you have an amazingly good read you’ve just finished? Is there one you are about to
read and would like to know more about? Or, how about bringing a book you are eager to exchange with someone? Lively conversation at Shabbat dinner about books or any other topic that comes up – what could be better?
And for singles in our congregation, get to know some other Beth David folks a bit better in the warm comfort of a fellow member’s home.
Please consider being a host or guest for one of these three dinner groups. Hosts will contact guests regarding the vegetarian or
dairy pot luck item to bring to dinner. To register or if you have any questions, please contact Annette Davis 299-9909 [email protected] or Merrianne Leff 841-7843 [email protected].
Save the Date! Sisterhood Paid-Up Membership Dinner
Monday, Feburary 9
Beth David Sisterhood has invited Dr. Jane Rosen-Grandon, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional
Counselor Supervisor and her husband, Dr. Gary Grandon, an Educational Psychologist, Technologist & Consultant, to present an
appropriately titled Dr. Jane’s Compatibility Meter, an app created by Dr. Gary Grandon for the iPhone and iPad based on Dr. Jane
Rosen-Grandon’s research. Admission is free for Beth David Sisterhood members and a charge of $5 for non-Sisterhood members
for dinner and featured speakers. All are welcome to attend. RSVP to Anne at [email protected] or 854.3620.
Sisterhood Shabbat
Shabbat, February 14
This year’s Sisterhood Shabbat will be on February 14. There are parts for everyone! If you’d like to participate or have questions,
contact Arlene Henza at 834.8917 or [email protected] or Sharon Kaiser at 294.4153 or [email protected].
Save the Date! 13th Annual Used Book Sale
Friday, February 20, 8:00 am-4:00 pm; Sunday, February 22, 10:00 am-7:00 pm;
Monday, February 23, 11:00 am-6:00 pm
New dates and a new format! Same great books and great prices! Join us, volunteer and help make our 13th year a lucky one.
Contact Rose Ackermann at [email protected] or Kathy Kraus at [email protected].
News and Events from the Beth David Men’s Club
The Men’s Club enthusiastically sponsored and helped staff the December 7 Chanukah Party for the Religious School and Young
Families. Cheers to Lee Bretan, Hillary Zaken, Lia Sater, Mindy Kutchei, Joy Thomas, and AHA students for making this a lively
morning of games, crafts, music, latkes and sufganiot.
As part of our on-going commitment to our growing number of young families, Men’s Club is joining forces with Sisterhood in
funding babysitting for one Shabbat morning service on the second Shabbat of the month beginning in January.
Looking ahead, Men’s Club is again providing our annual Tefillin Wrap, an educational and fun experience for youth and adults, on
Sunday, February 8, followed by breakfast for participants. David Feinstein, chair, and other Men’s Club members welcome the
participation of youths preparing for bar and bat mitzvahs, parents and others. Rabbi Eli Havivi and personal trainers will be guides
through the observance of putting on tefillin.
Men’s Club will provide energy and time to Beth David’s Annual Used Book Sale in February from setup to packing up. We thank
Rose Ackerman and Kathy Kraus for the countless hours they spend throughout the year preparing for this major fund-raising effort and organizing the teamwork to make this a popular event for our broader Greensboro community.
Page 10
News From the Religious School
From the Director
made their very own Chanukah
of Religious
menorah to take home and light. We
Education
look forward to having many more
December was a fun
week before, Rabbi Havivi began his
month for Religious
School students and
parents. On December 14th we
celebrated Chanukah together with the
Young Family Committee (special
thanks to the Men’s Club) and we had
a blast. There were latkes, gelt, dreidles
(some edible), and songs, and families
exciting activities in the future. The
Hebrew reading crash course for adults
and several of our parents were in
attendance. What could be a more
fellow will be making a visit to
beautiful image of the power of
Greensboro and we are excited to see
learning than parents and children
what he has in store for us. And don’t
both engaged in it?
forget, our Purim Carnival is just
around the corner!
As for this upcoming month, our ISJL
Lee Bretan
Page 11
Don’t miss another event! Post this calendar on your bulletin board or refrigerator at home!
January 2015
Tevet/Shevat 5775
Sunday / Rishon
Monday / Sheyni
Tuesday / Sh’lishi
Wednesday / Revi’i
Thursday / Chamishi
1
Friday / Shishi
2
Office Closed
Shacharit 9:00 am
Saturday /Shabbat
3
Services 9:30 am
Parshat Vayechi
Shabbat Yeladim
!0:30-11:30
Kabbalat Shabbat
6:00 pm
4
5
6
7
10 Tevet
11 Tevet
12 Tevet
8
9
10
Kugel Cooking
8:00 am-12:00 pm
Beth David Knitters
10:00 am
Shacharit 7:00 am
Services 9:30 am
Parshat Shemot
Religious School
9:30 am
Torah Study
10:00 am
Shalom, Shabbat!
5:30 pm
Babysitting
10:00 am-11:45 am
Vatikim 11:45 am
Kabbalat Shabbat
6:00 pm
13 Tevet
14 Tevet
15 Tevet
16 Tevet
17 Tevet
18 Tevet
Rabbi Havivi’s Bar
Mitzvah Anniversary
Susan Siegel Speaks
Kugel Kiddush
19 Tevet
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Abbotswood Minyan
6:30 pm
Beth David Knitters
10:00 am
Religious School
9:30 am
Shacharit 7:00 am
Services 9:30 am
Parshat Vaera
Torah Study
10:00 am
Beginning Hebrew
10:00 am
Musar Group
Shabbatot
Vatikim 11:45 am
B’nai Mitzvah
Seminar
7:00 pm
Melton 7:00 pm
Board Meeting
7:30 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat
6:00 pm
Shabbaba 10:00 am
Movie Night 7:30 pm
20 Tevet
21 Tevet
22 Tevet
23 Tevet
24 Tevet
25 Tevet
26 Tevet
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Religious School
9:30 am
Shacharit 7:00 am
B’nai Mitzvah
Seminar 9:00 am
Beth David Knitters
10:00 am
Beginning Hebrew
10:00 am
Services 9:30 am
Parshat Bo
Torah Study
10:00 am
Vatikim 11:45 am
Kabbalat Shabbat
6:00 pm
Melton 7:00 pm
27 Tevet
28 Tevet
29 Tevet
1 Shevat
2 Shevat
3 Shevat
4 Shevat
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Religious School
9:30 am
Beth David Knitters
10:00 am
B’nai Mitzvah
Seminar 9:00 am
Torah Study
10:00 am
Services 9:30 am
Parshat Beshalach
Vatikim 11:45 am
92nd St Y:
Ben Gurion 7:15 pm
5 Shevat
6 Shevat
Rosh Chodesh 7:15
pm
Melton 7:00 pm
7 Shevat
8 Shevat
9 Shevat
10 Shevat
11 Shevat
Page 12
Our Beth David Family
January Birthdays
1 Marilyn Belenky
Jeffrey Friedman
3 Ellen Gerber
4 Arlene Bardy
Ellen Tannenbaum
Caren Weiss
Lily Wolf
5 Nadav Havivi
6 Pearl Berlin
7 David Gray
8 Scott Firestone
Marina Kyazimova
Edith Peiser
9 Jennifer Rosenbluth
Larry Slakter
10 Ellen Freiberg
David Gutterman
Marion Mostofsky
Annie Roos
Gloria Silber
12 Tylie Friedland
Janie Silvers
13 Cailya Kamlet
David Kriegsman
Ruth Silfen
14 Michael Berkelhammer
Deborah Kintzing
Jacob Massey
15 Helen Miller
16 Hadas Baron
Rachel Kizhnerman
17 Jeanette Katz
Leslie Schlanger
Louise Stolaroff
Abir Zaken
18 Sophie Gould
Lisa Tell
19 Noam Avital
Jonathan Harkavy
Abby Kriegsman
20 Lindsey Ansel
Alexander Jacobson
21 Rachel Cohen
Daniel Stein
Stuart Tafeen
22 David Feinstein
23 Nat Bernstein
24 Samuel Moore
25 Kelly Drew
David Levine
Evan Semon
26
27
28
29
30
31
Carson Sperber
Andrew Herman
Robert Miller
Zev Harel
Isaac Kaplan
Steven Lifland
Fay Marks
Jacob Reich
Ian Shub
Sarah Aronson
Mikey Reich
Brett Segall-Abrams
Rosemery Gray
Carol Silverman
Jake Davidowitz
Joan Leader-Fisher
Alana Jerins
January Anniversaries
3 Fred Waxman &
Corky Segal-Waxman
4 Benjamin & Karen Kahn
9 Louis & Joan Bates
15 Boaz & Helene Avraham-Katz
John Roberts & Heather Gert
27 Bernard & Nancy Gutterman
31 Dan & Sindee Wiener
Mazel tov to...
David and Susan Gutterman on
the engagement of their daughter, Hannah Gutterman to Kyle
Spinrad, son of Kenn and Sharon
Spinrad of Philadelphia.
Elaine Abrams on the birth of a
grandson, Maxwell Abrams Nelson, born to Michelle (Abrams)
and Lindy Nelson.
Motty & Mankie Fedler on their
granddaughter, Anna Post, becoming a Certified Public Accountant.
Susan & Fred Siegel on their
daughter, Rebecca Siegel, becoming a Certified Public Accountant.
Ellen & Bob Ellsweig on the birth of
a grandson, Eli Benjamin, born to
Alan and Katy Ellsweig on November 17 in Los Angeles, and to siblings Kayla and Evan, aunt and uncle Erick and Kim Ellsweig and
cousins Ace, Ethan and Erin!
Our condolences to...
Ellen Berlin, Carol (Josef) Silverman
and Debra (John) Lewis on the
death of their husband and father,
Ellis Berlin, z”l.
Todah Rabbah to...
David Weiner, Sara Jacobs, and
Mankie Fedler who volunteered in
the office.
Our community from Ruth and Elly
Saltzman and Sarra and Rob
Kaplan, who deeply appreciate the
kindness, expressions of condolences, and generous contributions
in memory of Rabbi Dr. Steven
Saltzman, z”l and Akiva Saltzman,
z”l.
Rabbi Havivi
to Take Sabbatical this Spring
Rabbi Havivi’s last Sabbatical was
in 1998! After many years, he will
be taking a two month sabbatical
leave in May and June, to study,
refresh, visit other synagogues,
read, and learn. He will continue
his sojourn during the month of
July at Camp Ramah Darom. The
Religious Life Committee is in the
process of arranging coverage for
services and all other rabbinic functions for that period!
Page 13
From the Beth David Family Album
From Stop Hunger Now:
Chanukah at Beth David:
Page 14
Contributions
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
In Memory Of:
Bernard Cohen by Bobbie & Bernie Mann, Joan Samet
Ellis Berlin by Helene C. Weinstein, Rita & Leonard Guyes,
Joan Samet, Shirley Freedman, Alice Kaiser
Elsie Novak by Mark Novak, Joan Samet, Cheryl Stanley
In Honor Of:
Andrea & Andrew Bowen by Jenny Schultz & Jen Badik
Rabbi Havivi by Mark Novak, Suzy Biller
The births of Mason Thomas & Parker Ryan by Joan
Samet
Kathy Kraus birthday by the Selah Group
Geoff & Katy Claussen by Jennifer Badik & Jenny Schultz
Beth David Synagogue by Aron Katz & Natalie Mapou,
Peggy, Michael & Carson Sperber
The Auf Ruf of Brandon Gray & Emily Woolf by Marilyn &
Robert Chandler
For the Yartzeit Of
John E. London by Andy & Amir London & Sheree
Phillips
Margarita Matsas by Evelyn Mordechai
Orrin Nelson by Joan Muss
Fred Geffen by Joan Muss
Get Well Wishes To:
Ellen Berlin from Joan Samet
Eternal Light Synagogue Operating Fund
In Memory Of:
Ellis Berlin by Sheila Herman, Lois & Howard Mezer,
Stacy & Rick Schneid
Rose Glick by Barbara & Stuart Teichman
Bernard Cohen by Lois & Howard Mezer, Barbara &
Stuart Teichman
Elsie Novak by Ellen Freiberg, Barbara & Stuart Teichman
In Honor Of:
Jan Levy’s birthday by Meredith Cheifetz
Rachel and Tyler’s marriage by Caren Weiss
The birth of Lux Francesca Titus to Alyssa & Elijah Titus
by Caren Weiss
The Beth David Congregation by Myrna & Harold
Zimmerman
Tobee & Leonard Kaplan’s commitment to the
Community and to the World by Deborah Schandler
Beth David Synagogue by Candace Bernard & Robert
Glickman
Get Well Wishes To:
Aron Katz by Natalie Mapou
For the Yartzeit Of:
Sylvia Silver by Eileen B. Silver, Phil Silver
Norman Silver by Eileen B. Silver
William & Eva G. Rosenstein by David Rosenstein
Abe Yager by Joseph & Maxine Yager
Norman Silver by Philip Silver
Morry Jacobs by Rick Jacobs
Bernard and Nancy Gutterman Endowment Fund for
Visiting Scholars
In Honor Of:
Tobee & Leonard Kaplan’s 50th anniversary by Nancy &
Bernie Gutterman
Beth David Synagogue Building Fund
For the Yartzeit Of:
Bertha Lafferman by Mollie & David Lafferman
Samuel Kraus by Mollie & David Lafferman
Prayer Book Purchase Fund
In Memory Of:
Ellis Berlin by Rose & Victor Ackermann
In Honor Of:
Tobee & Leonard Kaplan by Bobbie & Bernie Mann
Jan Levy’s 95th birthday by Suzy Biller
Mike Berkelhammer Endowment Fund
In Memory Of:
Florence Rice Lebensburger by Mike & Sylvia
Berkelhammer
Bernard Cohen by Mike & Sylvia Berkelhammer
Elsie Novak by Mike & Sylvia Berkelhammer
Ellis Berlin by Ira & Estelle Segal, Janice Robertson,
Sandy Bernstein & Family, Steven & Alice Earl, Simone &
Joel Liebling, Bernard & Nancy Gutterman, Matthew
Silverman, Phyllis Freedman & Tom Glass, Annemarie &
Edgar Marks, Linda & Howard Silverstein, Arlene & Alan
Bardy, Aaron & Fradelle Kay, Ann & Joe Berlin
George & Muriel Hoff Camp Ramah Endowment Fund
In Honor Of:
The wedding of Dori Chandler & Rabbi Scott Fox by
Muriel Hoff
In Memory Of:
Rabbi Steve Saltzman by Muriel Hoff
Page 15
In the Community
B’nai Shalom Day School News
B’nai Shalom Day School’s 44th Annual Cadillac Dinner
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Starmount Forest Country Club
7:00 pm
$125 per person
Reply and pay online! Visit https://www.bnai-shalom.org/cadillac-dinner-2015
Cyberbullying: The Law, Psychology,
and Your Children
Thursday, January 22
7:00 pm
Jewish Family Services
David Levine, Associate Professor at Elon
University School of Law, Jennifer Rosenbluth, therapist and co-owner of Tree of
Life Counseling, and Starr Brown-Hayes,
School Counselor at Andrews High
School will look at the legal and psychosocial issues involved and help parents
understand the behavior and how to
help their children.
Calling All Parents!
Does your child have graphic talent? If so, they
can have their artwork appear on tens of thousands of FJMC yellow candles distributed around
the world. The contest is a chance for them to
exhibit their talent and feelings about the Holocaust. If your child is between 13 and 18 years old
and your synagogue, Men’s Club or organization purchased candles for Yom
HaShoah 2015, then your child’s artwork is eligible.
There will be three winners judged by a panel of graphic professionals and the
winders will receive prizes of:
1st Place—$500 and their art is used for an upcoming candle
2nd Place—$300 and the artwork will be displayed on the FJMC website
3rd Place—$100 and the artwork will be displayed on the FJMC website.
For further informatoin and to receive a full description of the rules, contact
[email protected].
Empowering Our Jewish Students
On Campus
The Greensboro Jewish Federation
2015 Campaign Kickoff
Saturday, January 10 at 7:00 pm
Temple Emanuel
As Jewish students on campuses across
the US are confronted with anti-Israel
and anti-Jewish incidents, Federations
and Hillels are finding ways to help them
declare their Jewish identity and feel safe
while they receive an education.
Plan now to join Eric Fingerhut, the President and CEO of Hillel International, at
the kickoff. The evening will feature Israeli wine and cuisine for $36 a person.
For more information or to register, visit
www.shalomgreensboro.org.
Order Your 2015 Mah Jongg Cards
Please order your 2015 Mah Jongg cards through Ann Gottman again this year so Hadassah Hospital in Israel will receive a
rebate. From the 2014 sales, Hadassah received a check for $301.00. Regular cards are $8 and large print cards are $9.
Please make checks payable to: Ann Gottman, 2204 Red Forest Road, 27410 by January 31. The League will only accept one
check for all the cards ordered. If you have questions, call Ann at 288-8402 or 327-8186.
Page 16
Rabbi Havivi signs on to Greensboro Faith Leaders’
Statement in Aftermath of Ferguson
“If you remove the yoke from
among you . . . you shall raise up
the foundations of many generations; you shall be called repairers
of the breach.” Isaiah 58:9&12
Our nation is at a crossroads.
Publicized events of recent months
in Ferguson, New York City, Cleveland, and indeed cities across our
nation have brought into sharper
focus the unbearable burden, the
yoke that racism continues to be in
this country. The deaths of Michael
Brown, Eric Garner, and Tamir Rice
are a tragedy. Sadly, their stories
are neither new nor are they isolated incidents. We recognize and
affirm the anger and grief of those
who bear the worst of that burden,
and our hearts and prayers go out
especially to the families that have
lost loved ones, beloved children
all.
We also wish to express our
deep appreciation for law enforcement and government officials
who continue to serve this community with integrity and honor,
often at great risk to their own
lives and safety. We affirm the
good efforts of all those who uphold their pledge to protect and
serve all, and we applaud Mayor
Vaughan’s continuing efforts to
bring the community together.
Strengthening relationships between law enforcement, local government entities and the community will serve to strengthen our
community as a whole. We therefore urge a multi-faceted approach
to bridge the divide between police and communities of color that
will include the following:

Our community is also at a
crossroads. As leaders of the faith
community representing a range
of Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and
Hindu faith traditions, African
American, Hispanic and White, we
are of one voice in expressing our
grief, our anger as well. We speak
as individuals and also as representatives of our faith traditions,
aware that there is a range of
opinion in our congregations. Not
all will agree with our position. Still,
at this critical moment, we believe
it is imperative to place ourselves
in that breach, that place of division and mistrust, seeking ways to
both acknowledge the pain and to
work together for constructive,
substantive, lasting change and
transformation.





Increased opportunities for
community dialogue
A Citizens Review Board fully
authorized and empowered
Body cameras for all patrol officers; transparency and public
access of videos taken
Continuation of the progress
our Law enforcement agencies
have made to more fully reflect
the make-up of the community
Review and possible revision of
police training processes
Engagement of faith leaders as
a community presence and a
resource for law enforcement
Further, we call upon our community to utilize the great resources of those local agencies
actively confronting racism and
striving to build bridges between
law enforcement and minority
communities. Several of these efforts are listed on our Facebook
page, Greensboro Faith Leaders
Council. In addition to local efforts,
we encourage faith community
members to draw upon the resources offered by their denominations or national structures.
The Greensboro Faith Leaders
Council would welcome the opportunity to go deeper into each
of these recommendations with
local law enforcement. We hope to
be a helpful resource to law enforcement and our concerned
community - building bridges of
trust, while creating a safer, more
just and inclusive community for
all.
Silence is not an option. Violence is not an answer. The time
has come to build the bridges, to
repair the breach. We hold fast to
the hope that the One who calls us
to this holy work will also equip all
of us in this community to bring it
to fulfillment.
We invite all to join us in this
work. Join with us as well, we ask,
in praying for healing, for peace
with justice, for a stronger community, for a more united nation free
of the unbearable yoke of racism.
May the Holy One bless us all in
this endeavor.
GREENSBORO FAITH LEADERS
COUNCIL
Page 17
Thank you
to our
advertisers!
Page 18
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Beth David Synagogue
804 Winview Drive
Greensboro, NC 27410
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General Funds:
___ Eternal Light Operating Fund
___ Beth David Building Fund
___ Prayer Book ($36)
___ George & Muriel Hoff Camp Ramah
___ Michael Berkelhammer Fund
___ Bible ($60)
___ Alan Leff Fund for Jewish
___ Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
Scholarship Fund
___ The Evelyn and Joseph Robinson
Family Fund for Operational Use
Engagement & Spirituality
___ Landscaping Fund
The Synagogue Board of Trustees establishes General and Capital Funds.
All contributions to these funds are used to support the programs and expenses as specified when established.
For additional information about Endowment Funds that support Synagogue programs, please contact the office at 336.294.0007.
Return to: Beth David Synagogue, 804 Winview Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410