MONTHLY BULLETIN Volume LXI January 2015 ● Tevet~Shevat 5775 No. 3 RSVP by January 23rd online at bethsholomrochester.com or at [email protected] or 585-473-1625 CHANUKAH CELEBRATION 2014 DATES TO REMEMBER: 1/24 - Sisterhood Lunch & Learn 1/31 – Maccabeats Shabbos/Concert at Congregation Beth Sholom 2/7 – Sisterhood Game Night 2/8 - Men’s Club “Men’s Health” Lecture 1161 Monroe Avenue Rochester, New York 14620 Office: 473-1625 Fax: 473-0614 www.bethsholomrochester.com 2 | Congregation Beth Sholom, Rochester, New York RABBI’S MESSAGE I never cease to be amazed by the commitment and enthusiasm of our Beth Sholom members and their families. Our shul has always been a paradigm in the Orthodox synagogue world, for having been able to create a Torah community which prides itself on being non-judgmental and inclusive. We have always maintained a diversified membership, composed of different political views and religious observance. We have always attracted a sincere segment of our community in Rochester, who seek to be involved in a shul whose members ‘do get involved’. Beth Sholom is a congregation of ‘no- nonsense’ Tefillah and Torah Learning, and Practice where the Halacha and Hashkafah are not compromised. Above all, our commitments to every Jew and to Eretz Yisroel are reinforced and strengthened, as we celebrate our responsibility towards one another. Over the past months of November and December, we were extremely successful in our assignment to live up to the above description of our shuls’ responsibilities. Beginning with the Ambassadors of Humanity Dinner, which once again was so successful, we were able to express Kavod, Honor to those members in our midst, who have done so much to make our lives ever more significant and rewarding. The dinner was attended by 200 people, who came to celebrate the presence of these special people with whom we share our lives. On December 6th, we hosted the NCSY Har Sinai Region of Upstate New York. There were 100 participants and advisors, who joined to make Shabbos Parshat Vayishlach a most memorable Shabbos weekend and inspiring event. Our own Beth Sholom NCSYers did a remarkable job of hosting and making all the arrangements, and our parents and other senior members of our shul were most giving and helpful, maximizing the success of the weekend. Our children left knowing that Congregation Beth Sholom is certainly a Kehillah, which knows how to fulfill the responsibilities we have for our Jewish Youth. On the fifth night of Chanukah, over 120 people attended our annual Chanukah Melavah Malka. The joy we all had as we observed our little children dancing, the cheering to win the winning ‘letter’ for the Chanukah Dreidel Spin Off, and the long line to receive the Chanukah games and toys distributed by our Gabboim, Yosef and Steve, was indeed amazing. It was a Chanukah to remember, and our children will certainly look back upon this event as they sculpt their Jewish identities. All the above could not have happened were it not for the many dedicated members of our Shul, who not only come to pray and learn, but who also know how important it is to work together and allow our privileged Jewish life to emerge. I thank the many who prepared meals, and organized and decorated for these events. We are blessed to have such a wonderful membership, who love their shul and all that we do. Nechie and I will be joining with our children in Israel from January through March. I leave you in good hands with Rabbi Avi and our shul staff. I know that Bob David will also be away for the winter months, however our new Administrative Assistant, Gerri Robbins, will be here to help you and to contact me if necessary. (We welcome Gerri and wish her all the success in her new position). ~Rabbi Kilimnick SIMCHA TREE The Simcha Tree in our congregation is a most appropriate opportunity to permanently extend the joyous milestones of life… and allow your simcha to branch out into the future. ‘Life has hope’ - birthdays, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings and anniversaries—are occasions that deserve to be inscribed into our people’s destiny… to reflect upon… to remember our joy… For more information please call Shul office 473-1625. Congregation Beth Sholom, Rochester, New York | 3 SINGING ON THE BRIDGE Early in December, our Shul had the honor of hosting the NCSY Fall regional convention. Like always it was a wonderful experience of prayer, food, learning and especially song. One song which always strikes a chord is that of Kol HaOlam Kulo, the song which acknowledges that the world is a very narrow bridge and the main thing is to have no fear. Whenever I think of this song, I realize that there is not just a narrow bridge, but there is the sturdy wide ground which is before and after the bridge. The question is that when on this bridge, how do we make sure we feel secure until we get to the other side? We can suggest that the months of January and February are the narrow bridge that must be walked, and the dry secure land on both sides of that bridge are the holidays of Chanukah and Purim. Both Holidays represent the security of our people and our faith. The question now is how should we walk that bridge? What should we focus on to allow the narrow bridge to not feel so narrow? It just so happens that there is a very significant Shabbat which finds itself right in the middle of the time between Chanukah and Purim. The middle point of this period, the middle of the bridge which in essence may be the most vulnerable point in the journey is met with a beautiful Shabbat called Shabbat Shira- the Shabbat of song. Shabbat shira is given the name because it is the Shabbat when we read the Az Yashir, the song we sang after crossing the Red sea, another example of crossing a bridge. Our year is planned in such a way that we find song to fill in the gaps and illuminate the journey. Song is that which connects the praise of Chanukah to the joy of Purim. For that reason Shabbat shira plays an integral role in allowing the two to meet in spite of walking the narrow bridge. This year on Shabbat Shira, January 30th and 31st, we will be honored to welcome into our Shul, BiEzrat Hashem, the Maccabeats. The Maccabeats are an extremely popular accapella group, who through their music and videos has brought pride, joy and beauty to every holiday on our Jewish calendar. The Maccabeats will be leading our services throughout the Shabbat and will be performing during our Friday night dinner and Kiddush. Please join in the celebration, let your Shabbat shira be filled with song and the sweet voice of the Maccabeats. Partake in a wonderful Shabbat experience so that the narrow bridge is widened with joy and celebration. Our community will also have the opportunity to continue the celebration as we will be having a Motzie Shabbat Concert at the JCC, through the generous giving of our Federation and Farash foundation. Hope to see you at every stage of Shabbat Shira. BiHatzlacha, ~Rabbi Avi Kilimnick 4 | Congregation Beth Sholom, Rochester, New York PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Since its beginning in 1928, Congregation Beth Sholom has provided religious, social, and educational opportunities, for a large and energetic family of members. The spiritual home that the founders created lives on, because of devoted members, Rabbi Kilimnick, Rabbi Avi, and the staff. This achievement is the result of imagination and dedication. The success of the Beth Sholom community now demands changes in the building’s structure. We are excited to begin a new facilities improvement project. It’s time to update the most frequently used room in our building, our lobby area, which is adjacent to the daily chapel, main kitchen, and bathrooms. With efficient use of existing space in mind, our goal is to create a contemporary, flexible multi-function room. This highimpact renovation will allow for increased use of the lobby area. It will be ideal for daily events, Shabbos and Yom Tov events, family simchas, as well as a range of social and educational activities for all age groups. We will create an adaptable space to ensure that the facility will be utilized to its fullest. In general, the lobby project consists of the transformation of the walls with decorative and durable wood paneling, drywall and moldings, the installation of a digital projection system and large screen, the total renovation of the Men’s Room, the construction of a new maintenance closet, and the creation of a new two-person ritual washing station. The area will be attractive, welcoming, comfortable and functional. The project budget is $40,000. We are fortunate to have an anonymous matching funds donation of $20,000, which is in escrow. This matching funds offer is valid for 120 days, beginning November 25, 2014. Consequently, we need to raise an additional $20,000 by February 25, 2015. If this goal is not met, each donation, including the anonymous donor’s gift, will be returned in full.Please contribute your tax deductible gift as soon as possible. It would be wonderful if you could donate $100 or more. All donations are welcomed and valued. Donations can be made to honor family members, friends, memories of loved ones, or as permanent reminders of simchas. All donations will be appropriately recognized. We know that you are committed to Congregation Beth Sholom. We hope that you will imagine with us and make the “lobby” renovation a reality. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. -Jonathan S. Weissman Congregation Beth Sholom, Rochester, New York | 5 SISTERHOOD NEWS We hope everyone had a Happy Chanukah and we wish you a happy and healthy “non-Jewish” New Year! In November, Sisterhood held a very successful book presentation featuring our own B.J. Yudelson. B.J. discussed her hot-off-the-press book, With an Outstretched Arm: A Memoir of Love and Loss, Family and Faith. Over 100 people enjoyed a bagel brunch while listening to B.J. read passages from her book and answer questions. Many attendees purchased her book and the reviews have been outstanding. You may purchase the book online at Amazon.com or at barnesandnoble.com. We would like to thank our wonderful committee members for their hard work on this event: Sheryl Tatelman and Arie Meler, Anne Cherney, Ronit Maimon, Helen Gordon and Kim Holtzman. We would also like to thank all of our Shul members who generously sponsored this event in honor of B.J. This program would not have been possible without the support of: Sorina Goldstein, Kim Holtzman, Lois Kluger, Debby Kornfeld, Deanne Levy, Rebecca Malek, Marjorie Montag, David Movsky, Sonia and Keith Newman, Alice Palokoff, Nina Schor, Lisa and Steven Schwartz, Kathye Simon, Sheri Simon, June Slavny, Barbara Sobel, Sheryl Tatelman and Arie Meler, Mort Isaacs, Camelia Marzouk, Sherry Schrager, and Sharon Gray. In addition, the Sisterhood Book Club is continuing to get together for stimulating book discussions. At the last meeting on November 17th, participants engaged in an interesting discussion about the book The Sisters Weiss by Naomi Ragen. The next book club meeting will be on January 26th, when participants will be talking about Me Before You by JoJo Moyes. Anyone interested in getting involved in the Book Club should contact Tamar Fix at [email protected]. Sisterhood is continuing to plan exciting events for the coming year. Back by popular demand is the Beth Sholom Game Night scheduled for Saturday night, February 7thand sponsored by Sisterhood and Men’s Club. Please watch for more details. There will also be an education program on Identity Theft, chaired by Helen Arditi, to take place on Sunday, April 26th. There are many opportunities to become involved with Sisterhood, so please let us know if you would like more information or if you have an idea for a Sisterhood event. We would love to hear from you! Ongoing: 1. Chesed: Please contact Debby Kornfeld ([email protected] or 585442-4090) or Ruth Silver ([email protected] or 585-442-5376). 2. Brighton Food Cupboard: Please bring food and clothing donations to the bin located near the parking lot coatroom at Shul. 3. Sisterhood Notecards: Purchase either blank notecards or lined cards, 5 for $20. Contact Kathye Simon at [email protected] or 585-2449306. 4. Sisterhood Donation cards: Have Sisterhood cards sent for you and noted in the monthly Shul Bulletin @ $5.50 each. Please send information to [email protected] or call Kim at 585- 244-2199. 5. Kiddush Sponsorship: This is a great way to celebrate special occasions. Contact Sheri Simon at 585-244-0479 or Madeline Schreiber at 585442-9264. At least two weeks notice required. 6. Team Kiddushim: If you are interested in helping with any Team Kiddushim please contact Marjorie Montag at 461-9597. Kathye Simon & Marjorie Montag 6 | Congregation Beth Sholom, Rochester, New York ROVA NEWS – BETH SHOLOM HIGH SCHOOL Our Rova has had a wonderful first half of the year. In Chumash we have studied and discussed the beginning of the book of Shemot. We have learnt different ideas shared by the commentary of Nechama Lebowitz, and many novel ideas have come about through our class conversations. We are currently learning of Moshe’s appointment as leader. Through an in depth analysis of the text we are learning so much of Moshe’s humility and G-d’s divine plan to save the Jews. In Navi, we are learning the book of Kings 1. We have studied of the wisdom and leadership of King Solomon, and we are entering into the period after Solomon’s reign when the kingdom if Israel split. With the help of Michal Weiss and Michal Spivak, we have enhanced our Hebrew language learning this year. Our mission is to bring the Hebrew language to our students through practical scenarios that one will encounter if they were to visit Israel. We study key words which will help us in different settings, and then we role play in that setting as if we were there. We go to the park, order food from the restaurant, and go on a trip with the family making sure that Hebrew is the dominant language of communication. So far it has been a wonderful experience and we are looking forward to continue on this fun and educational track. Congregation Beth Sholom, Rochester, New York FAMILY NEWS Mazel Tov To grandparents Ronald & Raina Berger and to parents Uri & Yael Cohen on the birth of Aron. Mazel Tov to Barry & Susan Stein on the forthcoming marriage of their son Noah to Arielle Galambros. Mazel Tov to Marcia & Eric Birken on the birth of a granddaughter, Abigail Noa | 7 SISTERHOOD DONATIONS MAZEL TOV TO Barbara Sobel - Happy Birthday - Sisterhood Sheri Simon - Happy Birthday – Sisterhood Kathye Simon & Aharon Baruch - celebrating their 30th anniversary – Sisterhood Rabbi Shaya & Nechie Kilimnick - celebrating their anniversary – Sisterhood Morrie Isaacson - Happy 96th Birthday – Sisterhood Jessica Nussbaum – Happy Birthday - Sisterhood Barbara & Marvin Gray – Happy Birthdays and Happy 57th Anniversary – Sisterhood Dr. Mort Isaacs-on receiving the Ambassadors of Humanity Award from Congregation Beth Sholom – Sisterhood Dr Nina Schor – on receiving the Ambassadors of Humanity Award from Congregation Beth Sholom Karen & Sy Zivan- on their children Bruce and Karen receiving the Ambassadors of Humanity Award from Congregation Beth Sholom Alice Palokoff- birth of grandson – Sisterhood, Barbara and Marvin Gray Phil Eissenstat – Haapy 85th Birthday – Sisterhood Debby & George Kornfeld – on their son Moshe’s completion of his PH.D. – Sisterhood Leah Malek – on her granddaughter Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah – Sisterhood Roni & Rebecca Malek –on their daughter Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah – Sisterhood Joyce Berkowitz – Special Birthday – Lois and Jacob Kluger CONDOLENCES Rita Wartell in memory of her stepmother Beatrice Lempel z”l – Sisterhood, June and Harold Slavny Cecil Wolson in memory of her sister Bess Kopen z’’l – Sisterhood, June and Harold Slavny Soralee Cook in memory of her sister Bess Kopen z”l – June and Harold Slavny Bess Lewinson z’l – Barbara and Marvin Gray 8 | Congregation Beth Sholom, Rochester, New York SISTERHOOD DONATIONS REFUAH SCHELOMOH Lyn Adams - Sisterhood Cooper LaMere – Sisterhood, Kim and Neal Holtzman Inez Baranes – Sisterhood Miriam Weidenfeld – Thrift Shop Buddies, Sisterhood Helen Cohen – Sisterhood Sandra Miller – Sisterhood Debby Kornfeld – Sisterhood Esta Miran – Lois and Jacob Kluger Debby Kornfeld - Sisterhood SPECIAL THANKS Art Friedman – Helen Gordon B.J. Yudelson - Sisterhood Congregation Beth Sholom, Rochester, New York |9 NCSY NEWS Jr. NCSY With the leadership of Liana Beer and Lilly Rosenbaum, our Jr. NCSYers have had wonderful programing leading to the 2015 year. We started the year, going apple picking, building candy Sukkot, and Sukkah hopping. After the holidays we have had wonderful activates such as a game night of Minute to win it, Building candy Chanukiot and a movie night. We have also begun a new program called TNL, Thursday Night Learning. This program is geared to bring both parents and their children to learn together through a guiding learning packet. Our first TNL was a huge success and we hope to continue on that path. We have also had a very wonderful Jr. Congregation of learning, Tefilot and games. Liana has created a wonderful system of jobs for each participant to have so that everyone feels welcome and part of the service. I recommend going and listening to our children daven on Shabbat morning, it is a beautiful thing to see and hear. Sr. NCSY With the leadership of our president Jake Schaffer and our chapter board, we have had a wonderful display of events and programs. Our chapter has been Apple picking, Sukkah building, Sukkah hopping, Motzieh Shabbat S’more making, sky zone and much more. We have had wonderful learning events, with different members of our community. The most recent learning we have begun is a monthly get together at Sabra grill to learn about the Parsha and Chagim. I am extremely proud of our Chapter for hosting the NCSY Fall Shabbaton. Our NCSYers did a fabulous job preparing our Shul for the Shabbat. They brought a beautiful Ruach into our Shul and led the services. I was witness to the most beautiful learning I have ever seen at a Friday night session where all participants were deeply invested in the topic at hand. The theme was Jewish identity and the NCSYers were discussing the difference between the Greeks and Jews at the time when Chanukah took place. I would like to thank all the parents and families who helped throughout the weekend and who hosted NCSYers. A special thank you to Camelia Marzouk for once again feeding all of our NCSYers and families that joined during the meals. Thank you for all that you do for the Shul and our youth. Our Shul is blessed with a wonderful chapter, and they should only continue in all their endeavors to go Mechayil el chayil. We would like to wish a Mazel Tov to our Rochester advisor CM, Chaya Miriam Nimchinsky on her engagement to Chayim Gerson. They should have all the Bracha and Mazel. Mazal Tov! 10 | Congregation Beth Sholom, Rochester, New York YAHRZEITS January 2014 *9 *10 *11 *12 * *13 * * *14 * * * *15 * * * * *16 * *17 * * * * *18 * * * *19 *20 * * *21 * * * *22 Abraham Jacob Bergman 18 Tevet Florence J. Rosenbluth 19 Tevet Celia Cross 20 Tevet Sam Schifrin * * *23 * Harry Freeman 21 Tevet Moussa Marzouk Garson Merimsky Elizabeth Snyder 22 Tevet Ben Speiser Barry Stolnitz Annette Gebell 23 Tevet Mordechai Plotnick Mrs. B. Polakoff Charles Ross Ellis N. Rubenstein Harry Strom Yale Goldfarb 24 Tevet Archie Hoffman Benjamin Jacobson Gertrude Prager Esther Sanzel Sol Silver Sidney Tillim Mary Brody 25 Tevet Meyer Fink Hilda Fromm Auerbach 26 Tevet Chaim Ben-Ami David Edythe Berzansky Libbie Goldstein Libbie Pies Samuel Spectner Marcia Eissenstat 27 Tevet Rose Goldstein Hinda Gordon Julius Pekarsky Abraham Stoler Dov Karchefsky 28 Tevet Harry Palokoff Mary Gottlieb 29 Tevet Louis Shaftel Sadie Seldowitz Nathan Goodman 1 Shevat Carie Hollander Hyman Kosoff Anna Moskowitz Louis Jermome Pies I. Posner Mike Amdorsky 2 Shevat Dorette Arditi Dr. Catherine Bamberger * * * *25 * * * * *26 * * *27 * * * * * * *28 * 29 *30 * * * Sam Gindin Isadore Hershkowitz Julia Pies Shulman Harry Album 3 Shevat Sarah Amdorsky Simone Dayan Philip Gutterman Sadie Gutterman Yuda Kinel Woulf Relin William Zivan Etta Levinson 4 Shevat Benjamin Becker 5 Shevat Mr. Arnold Eckerling Mrs. Dorothy Goldstein Irving Heller Herman Samuel Pies Sam Schwartz Leizer Cytryn 6 Shevat Frank Gans Sarah Mindel Gossin Arlene Perlman Rubin Leah Baron 7 Shevat Mollie Goldenhar Joseph H. Kaplan Irving Krieger Marvin Lang Marcia Meadow Ruth Kolko Newman Max Prasker Leo Rudin Hyman A. Nusbaum 8 Shevat Max Wolfe Ruthe Subar 9 Shevat Rose Cohen 10 Shevat Dr. Gordon Eckerling Wolfe Gordon Albert Spectner Lillie Isaacson Zipkin ENHANCE YOUR BETH SHOLOM MEMBERSHIP A UNIQUE PLAN TO CONTRIBUTE AND RECEIVE WHILE GIVING YOUR SHUL “CHAI” In addition to the benefits of membership you will also receive the following depending on your level of Chai… Sets of Lulav and Etrog Shmurah Matzah (2 - 4 lbs.) Holiday Seats Bulletin High Holiday Greetings Yizkor booklet inscription Permanent “leaf inscription” Shabbat or Holiday Shul dinners Annual Seudat Shlishit sponsorship Annual Kiddish Sponsor It’s not too late to enhance your level of membership. The three enhanced levels of membership are: Chai, Chazak, and Chaim. Please call Karen in the Shul office for more information and to become a Chai Member today. (585) 473-1625 or send an email to [email protected] Congregation Beth Sholom, Rochester, New York his sister Deanne Riback, z’l 11/8 – Mort & Shelly Schrager in conjunction with the yahrzeit of their father, Jacob Schrager, z’l 11/15 – Esther Miller in conjunction of the yahrzeit of her father, Aaron Zelig David, z’l 12/27 – Helen Gordon in conjunction of the yahrzeit of her husband, Shep Gordon, z’l 1/10 – Esther Kreiger & Jeanette Weinschel in conjunction with the yahrzeit of their father, Sam Schifrin, z’l 1/17 – Gerri Robbins in conjunction with the yahrzeit of her father, Harry Strom, z’l 1/31 – Sorina Goldstein in conjunction with the yahrzeit of her mother, Gertrude Prager, z’l SHULE CONTRIBUTIONS IN HONOR OF SPONSORS KIDDUSH 11/1 – Rockwood Family on 25th anniversary of Matt & Hope Rosenbaum 11/8 –Seymour & Karen Zivan on children Bruce and Karen Zivan being honored at Ambassadors of Humanity dinner. 11/8 – Marvin & Barbara Gray in honor of their birthdays and anniversary 11/29 – Rebecca & Roni Malek on the occasions of their daughter Sarah’s bat Mitzvah 12/6 – Beth Sholom Sisterhood in honor of NCSY Upstate Region Convention 12/27 – Barry & Susan Stein in honor of the marriage of their son Noah to Arielle SHALOS SEUDOS 11/1 –Rabbi Shaya Kilimnick in conjunction with the yahrzeit of his father, Harry Kilimnick, z’l and Karen & Seymour Zivan on their children Bruce & Karen receiving the Ambassador of Humanity Award – Elaine & Len Simon Jerry & Sue Segelman on the occasion of the birthday of Joyce Berkowitz IN MEMORY OF Dr. Ellis Gruber –Daniel Sragow Mrs. Lillian Davidoff - Rachel Rosen & Ron Wexler, Dr. David & Sorina Goldstein, Bill & Adrienne Rockwood Sheldon Silverstein - Lila Hersh CONDOLENCES Cecil Wofson on the passing of her sister, Bessie Kopen, z’l CHUMASH INSCRIBED Mrs. Gert Prager – Ron & Sara Freeling & Family |11 12 | Congregation Beth Sholom, Rochester, New York THE 2014 AMBASSADORS OF HUMANITY AWARDS DINNER Mincha 4:55 25 Mincha 4:45 18 Mincha 4:40 11 Mincha 4:35 5 Shevat 27 tevet 20 tevet 13 tevet Men’s Club Vodka Tasting 4 Weekday Shacharis at 7:00 a.m. except as noted. except as noted Sunday Shacharis at 8:00 a.m. SUNDAY 21 tevet 14 tevet 26 6 Shevat 28 tevet Martin Luther King Day 19 12 5 MONDAY 27 20 13 6 7 Shevat 29 tevet 22 tevet 15 tevet TUESDAY 23 tevet 16 tevet 28 8 Shevat 1 Shevat Shacharit 6:45 am Rosh Chodesh 21 14 7 WEDNESDAY 2 29 22 15 8 9 Shevat 2 Shevat 24 tevet 17 tevet Mincha 5:05 C.L. 5:01 30 Mincha 4:55 C.L. 4:52 23 10 Shevat 3 Shevat Bo 3:45 Study Group 4:45 Mincha 6:05 Shabbos Ends 11 Shevat Beshellach Shabbat Shirah Maccabeats Shabbat 31 4 Shevat 3:40 Study Group 4:40 Mincha 5:55 Shabbos Ends 24 26 tevet 3:30 Study Group 4:30 Mincha 5:45 Shabbos Ends Va’era 19 tevet Mincha 4:45 C.L. 4:43 25 tevet Shemot 3:30 Study 4:20 Mincha 5:36 Shabbos Ends 10 12 tevet 17 18 tevet Vayechi 3:30 Study 4:15 Mincha 5:30 Shabbos Ends 3 SATURDAY 16 Mincha 4:40 C.L. 4:35 9 11 tevet FRIDAY Fast Day New Years Day Mincha 4:30 Fast begins 5:54 C.L. 4:28 Mincha 4:20 Fast ends 5:22 10 tevet 1 THURSDAY January 2015 ~ Tevet-Shevat 5775 Congregation Beth Sholom, Rochester, New York |13
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