February 2015 - Congregation Beth Yeshurun
Congregation Beth Yeshurun Rhona and Bruce Caress Family Campus 4525 Beechnut St. The Message Houston, TX 77096-1801 February 2015 Shevat-Adar 5775 Vol. L, No. 7 Inside Shabbat After Hours begins Feb. 6 p 13 FL Daddy-Daughter Dance Feb. 7 p 14 Yom Limmud Feb. 15 at CBY p 12 Inclusion Shabbat Feb. 20 pp 11 & 20 CBY Ambassadors p 7 Filmore Cohen Minyanaire of the Year p 11 Social Action Committee needs your support p 16 Family Mission to Israel 2014 p 17 Looking Ahead Purim Carnival Mar. 1 pp 8-9 Purim at CBY Mar. 4 p 3 Newborn Blessing Mar. 7 p 20 SH Shabbat/Scholar Weekend Mar. 13-15 (713) 666-1881 www.bethyeshurun.org Shalom mely with P Rabbi David Rosen urim is approaching and, while it is one of the most joyous of Jewish holidays, I must tell you that there is one moment during the reading of the Megillah when I actually feel sorry for the truly wicked Haman. I don’t feel sorry for him when he has to disgrace himself for demanding so much honor for himself. And I don’t feel sorry for him when he gets hung on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordechai. He deserved it. But there is one moment in the story when I do feel sorry for him. That is when he becomes prime minister, when he is honored by all, when the people of the land bow down to him, and when he gets invited to a private dinner with the king and the queen and when he says to his wife: “All this that I have; this wealth, this power, this prestige, is worth nothing to me when I see that Mordechai is sitting in the gate of the king and refusing to bow down to me! How can I enjoy what I have when I don’t have him?” Isn’t that sad? Here is a man who has almost everything that a person could ever want in this world and yet who cannot enjoy what he has because there is one thing that he lacks. Do you know anyone like that — someone who has so many blessings and yet cannot enjoy them because of something that he does not have? If it is any consolation, most if not all of us have been guilty of such behavior at one time or another. I have been to parties at which the hosts should have been so happy. The wedding was wonderful. The décor and the food were just right. Their closest friends were all there. But they weren’t because one thing went wrong. The ceremony started late, or the entrée was cold, or the flowers were the wrong color, or someone else was wearing the same dress and the simhah was spoiled because of that one thing that went wrong. And that is sad. That is the sin of Haman. I am not a psychiatrist, but I feel sorry for anyone who obsesses over what Dennis Prager calls “the missing tile,” when we walk into a beautiful hall and can only see the one missing tile somewhere on the ceiling. What a waste of appreciation for all the beauty around us which we overlook because there is one thing missing or not right. No one in this world has everything. But wise people are grateful for what they have, while foolish people like Haman let the one or two things that they don’t have warp and ruin their lives. And that is why I feel so sorry for Haman. So as Purim approaches, let us try not to commit the sin of Haman. Try not to let whatever it is that you don’t have take away your pleasure for all that you do have. For if you do, you will be an unhappy person all the days of your life, no matter how much you have. 1 Shabbat Services for Families with Children SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 9:30-10:30am Tot Shabbat (Ages 0-4) Next Service 9:30-10:30am March 7 10:15am Young Children’s Shabbat Shalom (parents welcome) Every Shabbat morning at 10:15am Shabbat Services FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 6:00pm Kinder Shabbat (Ages 0-5) Next Service 6:00pm March 13 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 - Candlelighting Time 5:46pm 5:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00pm Friday Night Alive! - with the Reichstein Family 7:30pm Shabbat After Hours SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 9:00-10:00am Jr. Congregation (Ages 8-11) Next Service: 9:00-10:00am February 28 10:15am Young Children’s Shabbat Shalom (parents welcome) Every Shabbat morning at 10:15am SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 - Parashat Yitro 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service - Bat Mitzvah: Marisa Reichstein 5:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 10:15am Young Children’s Shabbat Shalom (parents welcome) Every Shabbat morning at 10:15am FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 - Candlelighting Time 5:51pm 5:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - with the Fields & Kleban Families SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 9:00-10:00am Jr. Congregation (Ages 8-11) Next Service: 9:00-10:00am March 7 10:15am Young Children’s Shabbat Shalom (parents welcome) Every Shabbat morning at 10:15am SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 - Parashat Mishpatim 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:00am Super Soul Shabbat 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service - B’nai Mitzvah: Leah Fields & Abigail Kleban 5:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - Candlelighting Time 5:57pm 5:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - Inclusion Shabbat Welcome New Members! SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 - Parashat Terumah 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service 5:45pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel Please welcome the following new members to Beth Yeshurun: Marc & Elise Newman Adam & Tatiana Wolfe FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27 - Candlelighting Time 6:02pm 5:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - with the Kalina Family Are you in special need of a Rabbi? SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 - Parashat Bo 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:00am Super Soul Shabbat 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service - Bat Mitzvah: Taylor Kalina 5:45pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel If you have a death in the family, a loved one in the hospital or need a get well prayer for someone special, please contact Rabbi Rosen and let him know. Our Senior Rabbi wants to be with you and to help you deal with life’s many challenges. Please call him at (713) 255-8011, or write drosen@ bethyeshurun.org. The online directory is not available at this time. We are working to restore it as quickly as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience and frustration this has caused. 2 Wednesday Evening March 4, 2015 Performed by Beth Yeshurun members & students Join us for PURIMTOWN A fun musical retelling of the Megillat Esther, set to the smooth tunes of Motown! 6:00 - 7:00 PM Freedman Levit Sanctuary For Pre-school and Kindergarten Children and Their Families Led by Rabbi Strauss with Rachel Buchman. Come in your Purim-Character costumes for our Costume Parade Abbreviated Age-Appropriate Megillat Reading and songs to make the holiday come to life, and Life-Size puppets too! 7:00 PM 5:30 PM Freedman Levit Sanctuary J.B. Greenfield Chapel for Adults and Mincha/Ma’ariv Elementary School Full Traditional Reading Age Children of Megillat Esther With Rabbi Rosen, Rabbi Morgen, Rabbi Strauss and Cantor Finkelstein “PurimTown” Musical Purim Shpiel and abridged reading of Megillat Esther Costume Parade for Kids & Adults! 3 7:00 PM Museum Minyan Full Traditional Reading of Megillat Esther Everyone Invited to come in costume! Share our Museum collection with your friends! Now available in Sisterhood Gift Shop Mollie and Louis Kaplan Museum of Judaica Catalogue $25 Note Cards •18 pieces from our museum •appropriate for a variety of holidays, simchas and other greetings $3/each or 6/$15 Do you attend Chapel Services? To make sure you can get in to Chapel services when the office is closed, you need to have an Access Card. Come to the synagogue office during business hours (Mon.-Thu. 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. or Fri. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) with your driver’s license or other photo ID. Access cards are available to Beth Yeshurun members age 18 and older. Simcha Tree Add to the tree of life! The Simcha Tree was designed by Edwin C. Balis and Associates of Donora, PA, and specially adapted for Beth Yeshurun. It has 1,000 leaves, 6 smaller boulders and 6 larger boulders. It is a collection of special events and remembrances. Leaves or boulders may be given in honor of any special occasion such as births, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations…any occasion worthy of the title Simcha. Those persons honored by a leaf will be acknowledged in The Message and receive a special certificate. Each leaf is $600, small boulders are $1,800 and large boulders are $2,400. If you would like to purchase a leaf, a boulder or would like to learn more about the Simcha Tree, please contact Marsha Weiss in the synagogue office at mweiss@ bethyeshurun.org or (713) 255-8073. Celebrating a Simcha? •Engagements •Weddings •Births Please contact Lisa Unsell, The Message editor, at [email protected] or (713) 255-8066. We’d like to share your news! 4 Beth Yeshurun Scholar in Residence Weekend American Jews in American History — and the Wonderful Role We've Played! with Dr. Steven Whitfield Stephen Whi�ield's interest in American Jewish history began when Brandeis University assigned him to teach a course in it. Up to then, his great passion was in the study of American Civiliza�on. But when he began teaching American Jewish history, it opened up a world of study that has consumed him ever since, and made him a noted authority and popular speaker on anything and everything about American Jewry. Dr. Whi�ield holds the Max Richter Chair in American Civiliza�on at Brandeis, but his excellence as a scholar and teacher has led to invita�ons to teach at universi�es elsewhere, including France, Belgium, Germany and Israel. In 1993, Whi�ield won the university's Louis D. Brandeis Prize for Excellence in Teaching, and in 2008 he won the Student Union Teaching Award. We are delighted to welcome this very gi�ed speaker‐scholar to Beth Yeshurun! This weekend is sponsored in part by the Rabbi’s Circle represen�ng the collec�ve generosity of some of Beth Yeshurun’s most devoted members. Beth Yeshurun Sisterhood Shabbat Friday Night, March 13 6 p.m. Sisterhood Shabbat 7:15 p.m. Sisterhood Shabbat Dinner Adults $18, Children $10 Reservation Deadline is March 4 Please send your check (payable to Beth Yeshurun Sisterhood) to: Sisterhood Shabbat c/o Congregation Beth Yeshurun 4525 Beechnut St. | Houston, TX 77096-1801 Your check is your reservation. Dr. Whitfield will speak at dinner on: “What’s So Funny About Jewish Humor?” Saturday morning, March 14 following all services at 11:15 a.m. Sunday morning, March 15 at 9:00 a.m. Join Dr. Whitfield for breakfast in Stein Hall Dr. Whitfield will speak on: ($6 donation - payable at the door) “The Most Under-Appreciated Jew in American History” Dr. Whitfield will speak on: 5 “If It Weren’t for the Jews, What Would Pop Music Sound Like?” Mon 13 Shevat 7:00a Chapel 5:30p Chapel 3 Tue 14 Shevat 7:00a Chapel SH Board Meeting SH Executive Committee Meeting 5:30p Chapel 21 Shevat 10 20 Shevat 4 7:00a Chapel Wed 15 Shevat Tu B’Shevat 22 Shevat RS Meditation Group Sulam/HHS 5:30p Chapel 11 7:00a Chapel RS Sulam/HHS 5:30p Chapel ReelAbilities: A Whole Lott More 29 Shevat 18 28 Shevat 7:00a Chapel 17 7:00a Chapel 7:00a Chapel 9 7:00a Chapel Education Committee Security Committee 5:30p Chapel 27 Shevat 7:00a Chapel 5:30p Chapel Endowment Committee Executive Committee Board Meeting 5:30p Chapel YES Luncheon RS 100 Jewish Men Meditation Group Sulam/HHS 5:30p Chapel 6 Adar 25 5 Adar 24 4 Adar 7:00a Chapel 23 7:00a Chapel Inclusion Committee Future Leaders Caucus 5:30p Chapel 7:00a Chapel BYDS Board Meeting 5:30p Chapel 16 Budget Committee 5:30p Chapel February – Shevat/Adar Sun 12 Shevat 2 1 8:00a Chapel 26 Shevat 5:30p Chapel 8:00a Chapel 19 Shevat Akiba RS World Wide Wrap 5:30p Chapel 8 Akiba RS 15 8:00a Chapel 5:30p Chapel 8:00a Chapel 3 Adar No RS Yom Limmud @ CBY 5:30p Chapel 22 Akiba RS RS Technology Committee Sulam/HHS Special Events Committee 5:30p Chapel 5 12 19 26 Thu 16 Shevat 7:00a Chapel 5:30p Chapel 23 Shevat 7:00a Chapel 5:30p Chapel 30 Shevat 6 7:00a Chapel Fri 17 Shevat BM Marisa Reichstein Friday Night Alive! 7:00a Chapel 24 Shevat Shabbat After Hours 5:30p Chapel 5:46p CL 13 1 Adar Kinder Shabbat Shabbat Renewal BM Leah Fields & Abigail Kleban 5:30p Chapel 5:51p CL 20 Rosh Chodesh 2015/5775 Sat 18 Shevat 7 Yitro 8:30a Chapel Museum Minyan Sanctuary Service BM Marisa Reichstein Tot Shabbat Shabbat Shalom Weekly Torah Study FL Daddy-Daughter Dance 5:30p Chapel 14 Mishpatim 25 Shevat 2 Adar 8:30a Chapel Jr. Congregation Museum Minyan Sanctuary Service BM Leah Fields & Abigail Kleban Shabbat Shalom Weekly Torah Study 5:30p Chapel 6:45p Elijah’s Chair Dedication 21 Terumah 9 Adar 8:30a Chapel Museum Minyan Yoga/Meditation Service Sanctuary Service Shabbat Shalom Weekly Torah Study 5:45p Chapel 28 Tetzaveh 8 Adar 7:00a Chapel 27 8:30a Chapel Jr. Congregation Museum Minyan Sanctuary Service BM Taylor Kalina Shabbat Shalom Weekly Torah Study 5:45p Chapel 6:45a Chapel Rosh Chodesh 6:45a Chapel 5:30p Chapel ES 3rd Gr Rosh Chodesh Shabbat Renewal Inclusion Shabbat 5:30p Chapel 5:57p CL 7 Adar 7:00a Chapel 5:30p Chapel BYDS Celebrate Texas Day Shabbat Renewal BM Taylor Kalina 5:30p Chapel 6:02p CL FOR AN UP-TO-THE-MINUTE CALENDAR OF EVENTS, PLEASE GO ONLINE TO: WWW.BETHYESHURUN.ORG 6 CBY Ambassadors are at your service! By Steve Rudoff A number of years ago, Stuart Wilson, who was President of Beth Yeshurun, came to me and asked me to create a new program. This program would use our wonderful resources of members and create a group who would be warm and welcoming to our members and guests on Shabbat. Congregation Beth Yeshurun, with its size and population, can be a little overwhelming. We wanted a group who would be warm and welcoming to all who entered our building. Accepting the task, I asked Laura Rice, of blessed memory, to be my partner and we began the Ambassador Program. We spent many Friday nights together identifying people who we thought CBY Ambassadors: front (l-r): Bernadean Rosenblatt, Ellen Moussazadeh, Rochelle Wunsch, would be great Ambassadors, and we recruited. Susan Piller, Fran Spector and Anita Mattis; back: Floyd and Charlotte Goldberg, Steve Rudoff, Roslyn Unger, Allen Mattis, Yahya Moussazadeh, Glenda Waldman, Hedy Spiegel, It was actually a fun and simple process. We had Martine Levine, Ari Blum and Harold Levine. so many to choose from, and I do not remember pointed in the right direction. This also gives us an opportunity anyone we asked saying “NO.” Laura and I then put together an orientation program. The to schmooze and let them know we are here for them. We hand orientation program was a tour of the building, to know the out the weekly bulletin, wish “Happy Anniversary” to those who names of every room and where they were, what services were are there to celebrate, or give a hug or a hand to those who may held where, where the restrooms were, both kosher and non- have lost someone. Our Ambassadors are a committed group kosher. Most importantly where phones were located as well of warm, wonderful, people who want to make a difference in as the defibrillators, if needed. The Ambassadors would then Beth Yeshurun. I could not be more proud of the work they do go into the boardroom, where Laura would take them on an and grateful of the time they commit. I also have to give a world of gratitude to Susan Piller, who amazing Journey of life at Beth Yeshurun both as a cold, uncaring environment, and then how we make it the warm and caring stepped in when Laura could no longer be involved. There place it is. These sessions were terrific, and everyone walked could be no better partner in this project, or a more caring and out with a mission: make Congregation Beth Yeshurun the most considerate person to represent our Synagogue. Susan and I are always looking for more warm and caring welcoming and warm congregation they had ever experienced. Ambassadors are assigned places in the synagogue, both at people to help us; who would be proud to wear the Ambassador the front door, and at the doors of the room for the services. This badge. It is one opportunity to make a difference in our way all who enter are greeted immediately. If someone needs to Synagogue. Email us at [email protected] if you would like get to a specific place, they will be escorted to the room, not just to become an Ambassador. This page sponsored by Houston Jewish Funerals. Interested in sponsoring a page? Contact [email protected] 7 Volunteers make our carnival a success, we couldn’t do it without you!!! VISIT WWW.BETHYESHURUN.ORG TO SIGN UP! Questions? Contact Jennifer Rosenzweig at [email protected] Volunteers of all ages are welcome and community service hours will be given to all teens. The Purim Carnival helps provide funds for our Family Life Department, which develops and sponsors programs, classes, and events for congregants of all ages. Many of the programs include education and Tikkun Olam (social action) in a social environment. Thank you for your support! Your time and energy are greatly appreciated! 8 CONGREGATION BETH YESHURUN 2015 PURIM CARNIVAL INDIVIDUAL SPONSORSHIP FORM Thank you for your support of this wonderful event. Questions? contact Program Director, Norma Gonzales at 713.666.1881 or Family Life Coordinator, Jennifer Rosenzweig at [email protected] with any questions. Pre Sale Carnival Passes Unlimited Ride Wristband Sponsorship Opportunities $1000 - Extreme Sponsor: Name on a Premium Ride & $20 rides for children ages 5+ $5 toddler activities (4 and under) 2 Family Packages* $500 - Thrilling Sponsor: Name on an Outdoor Ride or Outdoor Activity; & 1 Family Package* Food Vouchers $8 meal voucher (good for one entrée and one side) $380 - Sensational Sponsor: Name on an Indoor $5 snack voucher Activity; &1 Family Package* (good for one of each: soda, popcorn, snocone, cotton candy and Hamentaschen) $250 - Fun Sponsor: Name on an Indoor Activity Day Of Carnival Passes Unlimited Ride Wristband - ALL SPONSORS WILL HAVE THEIR NAMES LISTED ON SPONSOR SIGNS DAY OF EVENT, IN OUR APRIL 2015 ISSUE OF OUR SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER AS WELL AS APPEAR ON OUR FAMILY LIFE PAGE OF THE SYNAGOGUE WEBSITE *FAMILY PACKAGE - Includes unlimited ride wristband, 1 meal voucher, and 1 snack voucher for each person in the immediate family (living in one household). $25 rides for children ages 5+ $6.50 toddler activities (4 and under) Food Vouchers $10 meal voucher - $6.50 snack voucher To purchase presale passes or complete sponsorship opportunity with a credit card, please visit www.bethyeshurun.org Volunteers opportunities are also available by visiting www.bethyeshurun.org 9 CONSERVATIVE/MASORTI JEWS FOR AN INCLUSIVE ISRAEL DID YOU KNOW? There is an international parliament of the Jewish people. They represent YOU. Your ideals. Your priorities. Your vision of Israel. There is an election - right now - for new delegates. MERCAZ is the political arm of the Conservative/Masorti movement. A vote for MERCAZ ensures an Israel that we can all identify with and be proud of: Pluralistic Inclusive Egalitarian Unified Sustainable Diverse How to vote for MERCAZ, Slate #2 in the Zionist Congress Elections: • You must be at least 18 years old and live in the USA • Visit www.votemercaz.org • Pay a $10 registration fee ($5 for anyone under 30; fees cover elections processing, MERCAZ does not profit) • Select Slate #2, MERCAZ! . . Vote online or by mail by April 30. Visit www votemercaz org. www.votemercaz.org 10 2014 Minyanaire of the Year Filmore Cohen Cantor Dorf teaches Megillah readers Who comes to the J.B. Greenfield Chapel morning minyan for many years? Who has a broad smile and a good word for everyone? When circumstances prevent him from coming, who can’t wait to get back? The answer is 2014’s honoree as Beth Yeshurun “Minyanaire of the Year,” Filmore Cohen. Our Chapel leadership’s selection was announced at Minyanaire Shabbat on December 13. Filmore’s picture will be put on the plaque in the foyer outside the Greenfield Chapel, replacing that of our initial Minyanaire of the Year, Jack Uzick. Filmore was delighted to know that a number of his family members, who had been included among those who were aware of his selection in advance, were able to be present and “shep nachas” from their beloved patriarch. In announcing the award, Rabbi Daniel Horwitz spoke with great praise of Filmore’s devotion to the minyan and his friendly presence. “He is one of our most treasured members, and we are very proud to honor him.” Mazel tov, Filmore Cohen...and may you be able to continue to join us in the Greenfield Chapel for many years to come! Inclusion Shabbat 2015 Feb. 20 The Committee for Inclusion of People with Disabilities invites you to join them for our fifth Inclusion Shabbat to be held Friday, Feb. 20, at 6:00 pm in the FreedmanLevit sanctuary. Our speaker will be Renee Klovenski, Program Director of the Texas Special Olympics, a longtime sporting event that stresses the abilities of people with disabilities. The mission of the Inclusion Committee is similar, in part, to the mission of the Special Olympics. Our mission statement reads: Congregation Beth Yeshurun seeks to promote opportunities for participation of Jewish people with physical, mental or psychological impairments including their families in all aspects of synagogue life. The tag line of the Committee is: Embracing Inclusion. The mission of Special Olympics is to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in athletic and similar events. Ms. Klovensk, a graduate of Sam Houston State, oversees program development in the Greater Houston area for sports competition/events, training, outreach, public relations, financial development, and volunteers. Her group provides programming and sports opportunities in 19 different sports programs and supports over 8,400 athletes beginning at age 2. She is an insider in the world of disabilities and a most interesting speaker. At this year’s Inclusion Shabbat, we will be honoring Sheila Franklin and Sylvia Wilkenfeld for their hard work and devotion to the Gathering Place, a once-a-month, free activity program for people with memory loss. The Gathering Place is a program of the Inclusion Committee. We look forward to seeing you at Inclusion Shabbat! Beth Yeshurun’s Museum Minyaners, both men and women, lead services, read Torah and Haftorah, and deliver divrei To r a h . S h a b b a t morning services begin at 9:15 and Daniel Musher (left) and Cantor Diane Dorf assist have a warm and Faith Vincent in reading the Megillah at Purim traditional feel. several years ago. Children ages two to eight are welcome to attend the accompanying weekly Shabbat Shalom program at 10:15 (after the Torah is marched through the synagogue), for prayers, singing, dancing, games, stories and more. Everyone is welcome. Kiddush follows services. To prepare for Purim, children Elementary School age and above are invited to learn how to read the Megillah from Cantor Diane Dorf. Please contact Cantor Dorf at dianedorf@gmail. com by Feb. 9 to make arrangements. Adults are very welcome to contact the Museum Minyan about chanting the Megillah as well ([email protected]). In the Museum Minyan, adults enjoy attending Purim in costume. Our service will start at 7:00 pm Wednesday, Mar. 4. Rifkind donates menorah to Scottish Parliiament On Dec. 16, 2014, the first night of Hanukkah, Marion Rifkind presented to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh the beautiful hand-crafted menorah pictured here. This menorah, presented as a gift to the Parliment in honor of her father, Dr. Joseph Rifkind, was designed by Julian Draper and made by Nicholas Parry, using oak and sycamore to reflect the materials used in the construction of the Parliament building. For this landmark event Marion Rifkind was quoted as saying “the presence of this menorah in the seat of Scottish power is a testimonial to the pluralism and tolerance that mark Scottish life.” This same go-getter approach to life was very much alive in her father, who was the first in his family to get a university degree from Edinburgh University and served as a medical doctor in World War II. In these tumultuous times, news of current events which honor mankind and our predecessors who fought and sacrificed for us to have better lives are appreciated - and this event was just that. Upon acceptance of the gift, presiding officer Tricia Marwick MSP said “it (the menorah) suits the building so well and will become part of it. This is the first time we have had a Hanukkah event here and I hope it becomes a regular part of our calendar.” 11 is honored to host this year’s YOM LIMMUD Houston’s Day of Jewish Learning Sunday, February 15 BETH YESHURUN CLERGY AND MEMBERS WILL BE AMONG THE MANY PRESENTERS CLASSES PRESENTED BY CBY CLERGY 9:00 AM Y S T HRD T E NKUL R T HVE? with Rabbi Brian Strauss I EGL’S NTEPRRY HGGD with Rabbi Jack Segal N E MKE JEWIS MYSTICIS ESPECTLE with Rabbi Danny Horwitz 11:30 AM MY FVRITE FILS AUT SREL with Rabbi David Rosen NDERSTNDING JEWIS RYER: RTE OUR RYERK ND Y? with Rabbi Steve Morgen CLASSES PRESENTED BY CBY MEMBERS 9:00 AM HNDS‐ON JERUSLE ART with Greta Bernitz IDING TE ILS IN EXS: HDSS FUNDER HENRIETT ZLD’S 1918 RVELS with Dr. Bernice Heilbrunn Potvin E TRNGE TRIES SC BSEVIS INGER with Dr. Irving Rothman 10:00 AM EVELPING OS: E L JEWIS DUCTIN with Olga Lara, BYDS Director of Judaic Studies ARGENTIN’S JEWIS UNITY DY with Guido Setton, BYDS Development Director E I JCK EGL IR LI TE RPET with Dr. Sam Axelrad HNDS‐ON JERUSLE ART with Greta Bernitz RCING EXULITY TRUG JEWIS ISD with Meryl Cohen & Marcie Lee BUILDING MISKN RUG MUSIC: JEWIS NT S MEDITTIVE RCTICE with Janice Rubin 12:30 M RCING EXULITY TRUG JEWIS ISD with Meryl Cohen & Marcie Lee For class descriptions and to register online, go to: WWW.HOUSTONJEWISH.ORG/HOUSTON-EDUCATION/YOM-LIMMUD-2015 12 ReelAbilities A Whole Lott More Feb. 11 ReelAbilities: Houston Disabilities Film Festival (Feb. 8-12), hosted by the JFS Alexander Institute for Inclusion in collaboration with Houston’s Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, is a citywide film and arts festival which uses the arts to promote inclusion and celebrate the lives, stories and artwork of people with disabilities – making impact that lasts far beyond the week of the festival. Beth Yeshurun is partnering with the Inclusion Committees from other Houston area synagogues in encouraging members to attend the Wednesday evening of the festival (Feb. 11, 7:00 pm) at the ERJCC, which will feature a moving and thought-provoking documentary, A Whole Lott More. Lott Industries in Toledo, OH, employs more than 1200 workers, all with developmental disabilities. For decades the company excelled in assembling car parts. However, with the decline of the auto industry in neighboring Detroit, Lott is threatened with closure. A Whole Lott More follows Lott’s critical year from the perspectives of unique and unforgettable people. The film looks at the range of employment options available to people with developmental disabilities and details the incredible contribution they can - with the right support - make to the working world. Prior to the film screening will be a special VIP reception for Houston Jewish young professionals. Tickets go on sale in late December/early January at www.disabilitiesfilmfestival.org. Questions? Please contact Jess Faerman, Event Coordinator, [email protected]. It’s a Mitzvah! Sponsored Meals Interested in sponsoring a Chapel Minyan weekday breakfast, or a Chapel or Museum Minyan Shabbat Kiddush in memory of your loved one or in honor of a simcha? Please contact Eileen Pettigrew, Food Service Manager, at [email protected] or (713) 666-1881, ext. 368. Sponsorships will be acknowledged in The Message. Standard breakfasts begin at $100 and kiddushes begin at $145. Special meals may be arranged with the Food Service Department and monthly sponsorships are available. All sponsorships must be paid in advance. Dates will be reserved in the order they are received. Recent sponsored breakfasts and kiddushes have been generously given by those listed below. Steven Bethke & Family in memory of Wallace Bethke Zelda, Michael & Linda Brown in memory of Robert Brown Bailey Dalton-Binion in memory of Dr. Cecilie Kaplan Dalton Robin & Lu Dorfman in memory of Eileen Berger Robin & Lu Dorfman in memory of Morris Dorfman Dianna Dushkin in honor of Jack Fink’s 85th birthday Jay Hoffman in memory of Kathy Stafford Jerry Lass in honor of Jerry Lass’ 75th birthday Rebecca Levine in memory of Enrique Levine Lee Levit in memory of Dora Levit Lee Levit & Family in memory of Joe Levit Rose & Harry Melnick in memory of Herman Zonana Rabbi David & Mrs. Marcie Rosen in memory of Lester Rosen Marvin Worth and Angela & Brian Brener in memory of Sophie & Janey Worth Mr. & Mrs. Abraham Yheskel in memory of Maatouk Yheskel 13 HHS 10th Grade Confirmation Retreat The 10th grade class of Hillel High School recently held its Confirmation Retreat at South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center. The theme for the retreat was “Believe, Behave, Belong”, and teens had the opportunity to discuss their personal beliefs about God, the behaviors that they think are most important in Judaism, and the importance of Israel and other topics to the Jewish people. Everyone attending enjoyed having the time together and returned home feeling that the retreat was meaningful. Pictured above at the HHS retreat are (l-r): seated: Rachel Lootens, Mallory Lieberman-King and Bailey Slawin; standing: Rabbi Steve Morgen, Matthew Nelson, Seth Lieberman-King, Benjamin Bresalier, Niv Prager (ERJCC Shaliach and retreat staff member), Aryeh Gruber and Sheryl Eskowitz, Education Director. Happy days are here again! For about six weeks, it recently felt like celebration city in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel. In addition to acknowledging many birthdays and anniversaries among our ongoing participants, we enjoyed participating in three aufruf ceremonies for young couples preceding their weddings. Friends, family members and regular worshipers celebrated the sweetness of this phase of the cycle of life by tossing candy at the happy brides- and grooms-to-be. (No injuries were reported.) Too often, synagogue attendance is associated with the recitation of Kaddish and the other side of the life cycle. But if the synagogue is a regular part of family life, then celebration of happy events--births and baby-namings, weddings, personal milestones and special occasions of all kinds--are a natural part of the territory. The synagogue is intertwined with every part of life, and almost every special occasion has its role within the synagogue. This is what makes for a vibrant Jewish community. No one part of life, be it Bar/Bat Mitzvah or the final chapter of life, may have a monopoly on the synagogue. Happy days of all kinds are here! Join us in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel, hopefully for happy days! - Rabbi Daniel Horwitz Wednesday - Feb. 18 14 Family Album Birth Shana and Nossi Creeger announce the birth of their daughter, Amira Jade Creeger, born Nov. 23, 2014. Amira weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces and measured 19 inches long. Amira’s grandparents are Eileen and Ken Creeger, Abby and Joel Davis, and Deborah and Mark S. Finkelstein. Her greatgrandparents are Clara Cook, Glicka and Bernard Creeger, and Richard Finkelstein. Amira was given the Hebrew name of Amira Yakira, in loving memory of her great-grandfather, Joe Cook. Anniversaries 2/1 2/2 2/3 2/4 2/5 2/6 2/7 2/8 2/9 2/12 2/13 2/14 2/15 2/16 2/17 2/18 12 24 24 9 32 20 21 33 5 11 55 1 47 24 68 7 22 4 19 32 21 28 25 17 28 28 11 51 19 40 7 43 37 Chris & Jaffray Getz Andrew & Ellen Taer Darryl & Syma Levy Rodney & Victoria Merwin Bennett & Robin Greenspan Bruce Kessler & Leah Stolar Gary & Jeannie Wermuth Lev & Irene Bleyzer Tom & Lea Radom Ron & Mollie Karni Max & Joan Lupuloff Eric & Meryl Bender Aaron & Sheryl Karolinski Michael & Linda Lang Naman & Esther Lipinsky Joshua & Emily Mintz Marshall & Joan Cantor Scott & Annette Ernstein Frank Inselbuch & Lenora Noroski Gary & Andrea Moore Mark & Laraine Shpall David & Carol Neider Bryan & Carina Deaktor Milton Frost, Sr & Lena Frost Hugh & Sara Kaiser Steven & Traci Schwartz Gregory & Julie Smith Louis & Joan Katz Michael & Stacy Schwartzberg Les & Cheryl Wolf Ernest & Rachelle Hernandez George & Ruth Burnazian Melvin & Helen Maltz 2/19 2/21 2/22 2/23 2/24 2/25 2/26 2/27 2/28 2/29 15 20 65 65 12 27 33 1 51 59 34 11 24 7 30 7 7 41 20 64 36 38 37 48 37 33 28 33 45 23 Steven & Esmeralda Axler David & Hayley Jochnau Isadore & Annie Reichek Irving & Blanche Rose David & Cynthia Patrick Paul & Ileen Spack Roy & Adrienne Wagenheim Ralph Burdett & Linda Pravda Solo & Esfira Kandel Khaskel & Klara Krupnik Adrian & Dianna Shapiro Ron & Barbara Smoller Abraham & Stell Yheskel Shay & Andrea Kuperman Myron & Teresa Lewis Ross & Natalie Stomel Leon & Shiloh Davila Bernard & Carol Gerber Bruce & Tracy Agnich William & Flo Fink Gary & Linda Mendeloff Leslie & Sara Cohen Melvin & Nancy Gross Arthur & Donna Miller Ronald & Cindy Moore Edward & Karen Robbins Jeffrey & Shelley Aboloff Michael & Minette Hiller Richard & Ruth Hirschfeld Scott & Jayme Morgan Mazal Tov To Marvin Rosenberg who was appointed by Mayor Annise Parker to the Houston Police Department Oversight Review Board. Condolences The congregation extends its sincerest condolences to the families of Hymie Abramson, Tessie Binstock, Fred Heyman, Blanche Lang, W. Earl Morrison, Maurine Nichols, Rakhil Perelshteyn, Ruth Stern, Rachel Walker May their memories be for a blessing. THE MESSAGE of Congregation Beth Yeshurun (USPS 968-500) is published monthly August-July by Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut, Houston, Harris County, TX 77096-1801. Periodical Postage Paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER send address changes to Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut, Houston, TX 77096-1801. 15 B’not Mitzvah Marisa Hope Reichstein (February 6/7) is the daughter of Heather and Randy Reichstein; sister of Lexi; and granddaughter of Patsy and Lawrence Reichstein, Harris and Barbara Hauser, and the late Jackie Hauser. Marisa attends The Emery/Weiner School For her mitzvah project, Marisa collected toys for the Cancer Center at Texas Children’s Hospital. She will participate in the Rabbi’s Ten Percent Plan for charitable giving. Abigail Sophie Kleban (February 13/14) is the daughter of Janet and Daniel Kleban; sister of David and Lillian; granddaughter of Judy and Robert Komorn, Carol Kleban and the late Donald Kleban. Abbie attends The Emery/Weiner School. For her Mitzvah project, Abbie volunteered with the TOPSoccer program at the ERJCC helping individuals with disabilities enjoy the game of soccer. Abbie will donate a portion of her monetary gifts to the American Cancer Society in memory of her grandfather, Donald. She will also participate in the Rabbis Ten Percent Plan for charitable giving. Taylor Hadley Kalina (February 27/28) is the daughter of Ali and Jeffrey Kalina; sister of Gabriel (Gabe) Kalina; granddaughter of Maxine and Merwyn (Murray) Kalina, Lynn and Garry Tobin, and Rob Schenberg; and greatgranddaughter of Molly and Richard (Dick) Frohlichstein, Gerry and Joseph Schenberg, and Ceil and Bernie Tobin. Taylor attends The Emery/Weiner School. For her Mitzvah Project, Taylor both helped and performed for residents at Seven Acres. She will donate a portion of her monetary gifts to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Leah Eve Fields (February 13/14) is the daughter of Marjorie and Clive Fields; sister of Marah and Joseph; and granddaughter of Susan Edwards, Lawrence Sass, and Sandra and Harold Fields. Leah attends The Emery/Weiner School. For her mitzvah project, Leah, along with her Bat Mitzvah partner Abbie Kleban, volunteered at TOPSoccer. Leah will donate a portion of her monetary gifts to Neema International. We are happy to list Bar/Bat Mitzvah students, their parents, siblings, grandparents, school and Mitzvah Projects. Please contact Cheryl Rose Nitishin at [email protected] or (713) 255-8005, for your submission deadline. Support the Social Action Committee through the Homeless & Hunger Fund Every other week, the Social Action Committee (SAC), a dedicated group of congregants, prepares sack lunches for delivery to the homeless. The synagogue is able to do this through your generous donations to the Homeless & Hunger Fund. We thank you for your continued support and encourage others to participate in this mitzvah of feeding the hungry. Send donations to the Homeless & Hunger Fund at CBY, 4525 Beechnut, Houston, TX 77096. To join the committee, please contact SAC Chairs Vicky and Michael Richker at vicky.richker@ gmail.com or (713) 305-0151. Volunteers pictured here preparing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are (clockwise beginning in lower left corner: Libby Lieberman, Vicky Richker, Kelly Gerstenhaber, Max Esses, Debbie Gottesman, Buddy Gerson, Miriam Rosenbloom, Celine Hecht, Marsha Abramson, Michael Richker, Stephen Rosenbloom, Blanche Rose, Dena Segal and Ronnie Foreman. 16 Family Mission to Israel 2014 Members of the Biennial Beth Yeshurun Family Mission to Israel with Rabbi Brian and Lisa Strauss pose for a picture before Shabbat services at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on December 26, 2014. Parents and children connected with the extraordinary people, land and holiness of Israel together for 10 days. For information on the next Beth Yeshurun Family Mission to Israel, please contact Rabbi Strauss at bstrauss@ bethyeshurun.org. New Gift Shop Hours Sunday: 10:00am-1:00pm Mondays: Closed Tuesdays: 10:00am-4:30pm Wednesdays: 10:00am-6:00pm Thursdays: 10:00am-4:30pm Fridays: 10:00am-2:30pm (713) 255-8021 [email protected] 17 “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn” - Benjamin Franklin. 713-771-8000 Yom Limmud brings the community together for a day of learning, the exchange of ideas and shared experience. www.theplumbingguy.com Waldman Funeral Care is proud to support this wonderful community event. A Full Service Residential and Commercial Plumbing Company Congratulations to all the organizers, educators and participants. Paul Weitz MPL 37548 Your neighborhood Plumber and BETH YESHURUN DAD! Syd Waldman Funeral Director /Owner Extraordinary Service. Compassionate Care. Call “The Plumbing Guy” The plumber your friend’s recommend! We do it right and are reasonably priced 713-875-4811 www.WaldmanFuneralCare.com Affiliated with Hardin Family Funeral Home Licensed and Insured [email protected] Brena Moglovkin REATOR-ASSOCIATE® Call the Best We’ll do the Rest! With over 30 years experience, I am committed to providing Unstop Drains ✯ Replace Sewer Lines Tank & Tankless Water Heaters Live Video Camera for Line Breaks Repair and Replace Faucets & Toilets the finest service to each of my clients. Please contact me for your real estate needs. Mention our ad for $15 off any service. 832.264.6007 Gary Bloch [email protected] FREE Estimates MLP#17021 www.plumbcohouston.com 18 Advertise in The Message Would you like to write fewer checks? Here’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss: The Message is a monthly publication and has an approximate circulation of 2,200 issues. To place an ad, send a “camera ready” .jpg to themessage@ bethyeshurun.org. Ads must comply with postal service regulations. The deadline to place an ad is the 1st of the preceding month (i.e., January 1st is the deadline for the February issue) and payment must be included with ad submission. Rate Schedule per issue (10% discount for four or more consecutive issues - prepaid): Business Card: $40; Quarter Page: $80; Half Page: $150; Full Page: $250. Direct Debit for Dues Payments Through ACH (Automated Clearing House) Look for details in your statement or contact the Synagogue Office at (713) 666-1881! Questions? Email us: [email protected] Donations How To Contact Us Beth Yeshurun is a community institution with a vital mission: to educate children and adults, to offer spiritual experiences that inspire and uplift all ages, and to provide a setting in which Judaism can be joyously lived and experienced. We welcome your support. Online donations can be made at www.bethyeshurun. org. Donations may also be made in the synagogue office or by mail to Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut St., Houston, TX 77096-1801. A minimum donation of $10 per listing is required to have your donation published in the weekly bulletin and a notification letter sent to the honoree or a deceased person’s family member. One such notification letter will be sent per donation. The deadline for donations to be published in the weekly bulletin is the previous Friday at 4:30 p.m. Donations are published upon submission and will not be “held” for future publication. When you make a donation to Beth Yeshurun, please be sure to provide all of the necessary information: who the donation is in memory of, who or what the donation is in honor of, who needs to be notified of the donation (name and complete address) and by whom the donation is given. When this information is incomplete, we are unable to process your donation efficiently. Donations with no specific fund indicated will be credited to the Synagogue General Fund. Beth Yeshurun appreciates your generosity and support. Synagogue Office 4525 Beechnut St * Houston, TX 77096-1801 www.bethyeshurun.org Ph (713) 666-1881, Fax (713) 666-7767 Clergy Rabbi David Rosen: [email protected] Asst: Abby Rotenberg: [email protected] (713) 255-8011 Rabbi Steven Morgen: [email protected] Rabbi Brian Strauss: [email protected] Asst: Gayle Schnurr: [email protected] (713) 255-8017 Rabbi Jack Segal: [email protected] Rabbi Danny Horwitz: [email protected] Cantor Meir Finkelstein: [email protected] Asst. & B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator: Cheryl Rose Nitishin: [email protected] (713) 255-8005 Synagogue Alan Levin, President: [email protected] Luis Dorfman, Executive Dir: [email protected] Ellen Petras, Membership: [email protected] (713) 255-8060 Arthur Miller, Cemetery: [email protected] (713) 255-8076 William S. Malev Religious Schools Sheryl Eskowitz, Ed. Dir: [email protected] (713) 255-8040 Beth Yeshurun Day School School Office (713) 666-1884, (713) 255-8045 Dan Ahlstrom, Head of School: [email protected] For a complete contact list, please go to www.bethyeshurun.org Read The Message online at www.bethyeshurun.org *Apr issue deadline: Feb. 9 at [email protected] 19 Time sensitive material - please deliver promptly! Together we’ll explore tools for mindfulness, find a different way to talk to God and deepen our prayer with meditation and chanting. Please RSVP to [email protected]. 7:00-8:00pm Wednesdays FEBRuary 4 & 18 We’ll also be honoring SHEILA FRANKLIN & SYLVIA WILKENFELD for their hard work and devotion to The Gathering Place See page 9 for more details! 20
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