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BULLETIN
OF
BETH EL CONGREGATION
FEBRUARY 2015
AKRON, OHIO
Beth El’s
Annual Adult Purim Party
Saturday Night, February 28, 7-11 PM
SHEVAT • ADAR 5775
February
Table of Contents
At the home of Kevin and Lori Sandel
753 Kennsington Way, 44321
(Many thanks, Kevin and Lori!)
Purim Events ..................... 1
The evening’s theme is “School Colors.” Wear your hats,
sweatshirts, sweatpants, headbands – anything that will show off
your alma mater. You can even wear your children’s colors (after all,
you paid for them) or maybe your grandchildren’s.
Milestones......................... 2
We will have plenty of hors d'oeuvres and a wide variety of Adult
Beverages (with red wine for Lori!).
Schedule of Services ......... 2
We will have a great time playing board games (bring your favorite
with you), black jack, pool in the Sandel basement, as well as a great
amount of schmoozing and relaxing.
In Memoriam .................... 2
Please RSVP to Erin Katz Ford ([email protected]) by
February 23 so we can plan for a great evening.
Thank You to ..................... 2
Anniversary ....................... 2
Severe Weather Notice ..... 2
Mark your Calendar .......... 2
K’Riat Hatorah ................... 2
Save the Date .................... 2
Yahrzeits ............................ 3
Calendar ............................ 3
Rabbi’s Message................ 4
Rabbi’s Reminders ............ 4
President’s Message ......... 5
Dinner and Purim Megillah Reading
Wednesday Night, March 4
For the most fun, come as your favorite Sesame Street cartoon
and/or superhero. Adults are encouraged and dared by Rabbi
Grundfast to join in the costumed festivities.
Cantor Berman’s CD .......... 5
Upcoming Events .............. 5
Contributions .................... 6
Passover Candy ................. 7
Education Program ........... 7
6:00 PM Dinner-Pizza, Salad bar, and Hamantachen
Tu B'Shevat ....................... 7
(made by Leora Cohen & The Baking Crew)
Passover Candy ................. 8
6:45 PM Interactive Megillah reading
Please RSVP for the dinner no later than Friday, February 27 so we
will be better able to prepare. Please email Erin at
[email protected] or call the office at 330.864.2105 x118.
Sisterhood News ............... 8
Page 2
BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION
Thank You to…
Beth El Congregation
750 White Pond Drive
Akron, OH 44320
www.bethelakron.com
Office: (330) 864-2105
[email protected]
… Esther and Jacques Sardas for
sponsoring the Bimah flowers on Dec.
20 in memory of Raphael Pesso.
… Gloria and Tom Treiber for sponsoring
the Bimah Flowers on Jan. 3 in memory
of Morris Cohen.
… Clara Berns and family for sponsoring
the Bima flowers on Jan. 10 in memory
of Herb Berns.
Anniversary
14 Judith and Harvey Finkel ...................45
Affiliated
with
The United Synagogue of
Conservative Judaism
The Jewish Theological
Seminary of America
Stephen Grundfast
Rabbi
[email protected]
Stephen J. Stein
Hazzan
[email protected]
Erin Katz
Director of Synagogue Education
[email protected]
Beth El Office
[email protected]
Martin Oppenheimer
President
[email protected]
Dr. Harvey Sterns
President Elect
Patricia Crane
Vice President
Michael Rabe
Treasurer
Jerry B. Nelson
Secretary
Laurel Gress
Baalat Koreh
Leonard Rose
Editor
This bulletin is published
12 times per year by
Bulletin of Beth El Congregation
(USPS 052-100)
Vol. LXX No. 6
The Bulletin is published by
Beth El Congregation
750 White Pond Dr., Akron, Ohio 44320
Periodicals postage paid at Akron, Ohio.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Bulletin of Beth El Congregation,
750 White Pond Dr., Akron, Ohio 44320.
FEBRUARY 2015
SHEVAT • ADAR 5775
Sunday – 8:30 AM
Weekdays – 7:30 AM
Friday Evening – 6:15 PM
Saturday Morning – 9:15 AM
Please note:
• Evening services, other than Friday
YEARS
FEBRUARY
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
Milestones
Engagements
Martin and Sheila Gottlieb announce the
engagement of their daughter, Francine to
Brian Jakicic, son of Jerry and Jean Jakicic
of Pittsburgh, PA. A spring wedding is
planned.
Dr. Robert and Loretta Stein announce the
engagement of their son, Neil to Ms. Jenny
Kirsch, daughter of JoAnn and Howard (of
Blessed Memory) Kirsch. The couple resides
in Chicago and a fall 2015 wedding is planned.
Severe Weather Notice
During the winter months, please be aware that
there will be no morning minyan when the Akron
Public Schools are closed due to the weather.
evenings, will be held only by
request and special arrangement.
Please call the office one week in
advance to make arrangements.
• There will not be a Friday Evening
Service at Chambrel this month.
Candle Lighting
Feb. 6 ....... 5:31 PM
Feb. 13 ..... 5:40 PM
Feb. 20 ..... 5:48 PM
Feb. 27 ..... 5:56 PM
Havdalah
Feb. 7 ....... 6:33 PM
Feb. 14 ..... 6:41 PM
Feb. 21 ..... 6:49 PM
Feb. 28 ..... 6:57 PM
k'riat hatorah
January
Steve Botnick
Laurel Gress
Rabbi Grundfast
Janet Helfgott-Emmer
Hazzan Stein
Mark Your Calendar!
Beth El Congregation
Community Pesach Seder
reading the torah
Saturday, April 4, 2015, 7:00 PM
Catering by Emily Schurr
Seder led by Rabbi Stephen
and Judy Grundfast
More details to follow
Beth El Congregation notes
with sorrow the passing of
Save the Date
in memoriam
Jeanette Zalob
March 13
Togetherness Shabbat
Save the Time
7:30 PM
Hosted at Temple Israel
BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION
YAHRZEITS
Jan. 31-Feb. 6
Sol Auerbach
Abraham Belsky
Samuel Botnick
Hyman Desure
Deborah Feingold
Donald Fuchs
Nathan Galin
Melvin Glicksteen
Nathan Gordon
Harry Gross
Bertha Handler
Abe Helper
Anna Horn
Elaine Kofsky
Sophie Lasoff
Carolyn Lockshin
Clara Londa
Norman May
Bessie Medvin
Randy Mermelstein
Kerry Migdal
Betty Minkin
Morris Mostov
Milton Opas
Bernice Rabinovitz
Anna Raipstein
Irene S. Sarbey
Eva Schneiderman
Charles E. Schwartz
Thelma Sholiton
Minnie Sitzkin
Herbert Skall
Nellie Stein
Samuel Swedler
Max Weinberger
Pauline Zudick
February 7-13
Edward Abramson
Rosa Bane
Evelyn Cheplowitz
Marvin Gertz
Edward Glass
Daniel Goldstein
Constance Gomberg
Simon Gottlieb
Clare Greenbaum
Fradel Haber
Karl Hacker
Nancy Jo Harris
Sophie Kay
Ben Kodish
Leo Kodish
Jean Leonard
Dr. Richard Leshin
Margaret Levine
William Loeb
Anna May
Gerald Millman
David Moritz
Cyrl Moss
Ella Rein
Judith Resnik
Beatrice Sarlson
Rebecca Sarlson
Helen Savage
Rae Schneier
Brian Senser
Jay Shulan
Charles Simpson
Lily Sokol
Hy Weiss
Max Wyant
Morris Goldberg
Roseline L. Kodish
Sadie Levin
David Lieb
Herman Miller
David Mirman
Isadore Monosoff
Harold Neiman
Burton E. Portnoy
Sonia Rippe
Larry Rudick
Raphael Leon Sardas
Harold Savage
Pauline Schneir
Nathan Schwartz
Windsor Smith
Samuel H. Stone
Donald Wish
Bernard Zetzer
February 14-20
Peter Abramson
Elaine Apelbaum
Alfred A. Axner
Morris Berzon
Nathan Borodkin
Arlene Cohen
Samuel Federman
Randy Geller
February 21-27
Jerry Bass
Israel Borodkin
Morris Brown
Milton B. Cohen
Molly Cohen
William A. Dreyfuss
Jeanette Emmer
Mildred Federhar
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Services
2
13 Shevat
Fundraiser
11:30 AM
8
19 Shevat 9
Preschool 9:30-11:30 AM
Talmud Class 10:30 AM
15
26 Tevet 16
3 Adar 23
Preschool
9:30-11:30 AM
Talmud Class 10:30 AM
3
14 Shevat
4
15 Shevat
Hebrew School
Schlichim Program
7:00-8:30 PM
20 Shevat
Judaism 101
7:00-8:30 PM
27 Tevet
Knitzvah 9:30 AM
Taste of Torah 7:00 PM
Talmud Class 10:30 AM
Presidents Day
22
Thursday
Adar 5775
Friday
Saturday
Rabbi Grundfast and Cantor Stein are eager to visit congregants in the hospital, but can't
go if they don't know. If you or someone you know is in the hospital or sick at home and
would appreciate a pastoral visit, please let us know.
Sunday........ 8:30 AM
Weekdays ... 7:30 AM
Friday .......... 6:15 PM
Saturday ..... 9:15 AM
12 Shevat
Jack Minc
Morris Minster
Rose G. Morris
Eva Neiman
Mickey Nusbaum
Joe Rapport
Pearl Rosen
Anna Rosenthal
Feb. 28-March 6
Isidor Roth
Ida Apelbaum
Albert Rubens
Beatrice Belsky
Irene Sanders
Ellie Bissenger
Sam Sarbey
Sidney David Cheplowitz Edward Savage
Morris Cohn
Ronald Schneiderman
Ovadiah Geller
Max Aron Schuldiner
Molly Heisler
Ellis Schwartz
Abraham Kalish
Rae N. Schwartz
Harry Katz
Jacob Shapiro
Rebecca Kaufman
Rose Vigder
Phillip Kropko
Hannah Weinstein
Richard M. Levin
Aaron Weiser
Fannie Levine
Yetta Weissfeld
Melvin Levy
Fred Lieberman
Jack Luck
Belle Luckey
Hyman Medvin
Minnie Mervis
Rachel Miller
Let Us Know
(unless otherwise noted)
1
Bob Sugerman
Simon Talis
Fany Weinberger
Joseph Weinstein
Francis Weiss
Jennie Winer
Minnie Wolfe
February 2015
Shevat 5775
Sunday
Betty Gertz
Sylvia Gilbert
Elnora Glicksteen
Abraham Green
William Heisler
George J. Heller
Milton Kades
Edward Katz
Evelyn Katz
Max Leeper
Sally Lesowitz
Rose Leubitz
Harry Levy
Sam Loeb
Minnie Manes
Paul G. Martin
Lillian Medoff
Abraham Miller
Max Minkin
Ruth Toledano Moss
Gary Nelkin
Joseph S. Palazzo
Jack Recht
Randy Recht
Harry Richman
Albert H. Robbins
Charles Schneir
Ben Shecht
Gussie Sokol
Page 3
4 Adar
Judaism 101
7:00-8:30 PM
10
21 Shevat
5
16 Shevat
22 Shevat
17 Shevat
Jewish & Public Affairs
Forum and Shabbat
Dinner 6:15 PM
Services 7:30 PM
Tu B’Shevat
11
6
12
23 Shevat
13
24 Shevat
Lunch & Learn
12:00 Noon
Hebrew School
Board Meeting 7:30 PM
17
28 Tevet
18
29 Shevat
19
30 Shevat
Rosh Chodesh
5 Adar
Hebrew School
18 Shevat
Yitro
Mini-Minyan 10:30 AM
14
25 Shevat
Mishpatim
Shabbat Shekalim
Schlichim Program
7:00-8:30
24
7
25
6 Adar
Sisterhood Donor
6:00 PM
26
7 Adar
20
1 Adar
21
Young Family Shabbat
5:30 PM
Rosh Chodesh
27
8 Adar
2 Adar
Terumah
28
9 Adar
Tetsaveh
Shabbat Zachor
Adult Purim Party
Page 4
BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION
The
Green Line
and
Tu B’shvat
Stephen Grundfast, Rabbi
We’ve often heard of the Green
Line when it comes to the map of
Israel. After the War of
Independence of 1948, the 1949
Armistice Agreements between
Israel and her Arab neighbors
established the “border” of Israel. It
was referred to as the Green Line
since green ink was used to draw
the line on the map.
Just after New Year’s day this
year I opened my e-mail from the
Jewish Forward with an article
titled, “Astronaut Snaps Stunning
Photos of Israel: Spot the ’67 Lines
from Space”. The photos are quite
beautiful (to see the photos, go to
the Beth El Website, www.bethel
akron.com) especially the one that
“really” depicts the imaginary
Green Line. The photo is of Israel
from below the Dead Sea all the
way north to the Galil and beyond.
What is striking is the dense patch
of green that is within the “Green
Line” of Israel. It’s even dramatic
in black and white.
you see dark green surrounded by
brown desert. JNF since its founding
in 1901 began purchasing land in
Palestine for a future Jewish State.
For more than 100 years JNF has not
only planted most of the trees you see
in Israel today (more than 250 million
and counting) but also parks, dams,
reservoirs, and developing over
250,000 acres of land in Israel. For
those of a certain age, there are vivid
memories of the JNF stamps that we
purchased for 25 cents in Hebrew
school and pasted them in our JNF
booklets. When we reached ten
stamps we were able to “purchase” a
tree in Israel.
Wednesday, February 4, is Tu
B’shvat – the so-called Jewish Arbor
Day. Many of us have had the
opportunity to actually plant a tree in
the soil of Israel and have purchased
additional trees along the way.
In ancient times Tu B’shvat was
the time when farmers offered the first
fruits of the trees they had planted
four years earlier. The Talmud refers
to Tu B’shvat as Rosh Hashanah
La’Ilanot – The New Year For Trees.
The mystics of the middle ages
developed a Tu B’shvat Seder to
highlight the seven “fruits” of the
Holy Land and to consume four cups
of wine.
Today, Tu B’shvat is a way for us
to acknowledge our responsibility to
the world’s environment and that it is
up to us to care for it.
It also affords us an additional
opportunity to strengthen our ties to
Israel.
So this year, purchase another tree
for Israel or purchase and consume
products produced in Israel. Why
don’t you purchase one of Israel’s fine
kosher wines and have it with your
dinner.
What a great way to
commemorate Rosh Hashanah
La’Ilanot 2015.
Shalom,
Rabbi Grundfast
Rabbi’s Reminders
Talmud Class
Sundays, February 8, 15, & 22, 10:30 AM to 12 Noon
We will begin studying in Talmud from the 10th chapter of Massechet
Sanhedrin. The subject matter deals with the resurrection of the dead,
what the days of the Messiah will be like, and other topics dealing with
heaven and hell. New students are always welcome.
For more information contact Rabbi Grundfast at 330.864.2105 or
[email protected].
Lunch and Learn
February 10, 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM
At the Law Offices of Goldman-Rosen
If you want to order lunch, the cost is $11. Please contact Karen
James at [email protected].
Wikipedia states, “According
to Hebrew University Geographer
Ilan Salomon, the Green Line can
be discerned via satellite, marked
by the Jewish National Fund pine
forests planted to demarcate Israeli
space.” When you view the photo
Young Family Shabbat Program and Dinner
February 20, 5:30 PM
A Shabbat program for families with school age children up to fourth
grade. Shabbat dinner sponsored by The Lippman Kanfer Family
Foundation. Please RSVP to Erin Katz Ford at
[email protected].
BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION
Love
is in
the Air…
Martin Oppenheimer, President
As the Torah states, "you shall
love one another as you love
yourself...” Love is the glue, the
nurturer, and its meaning reflects
respect, working and building
together and caring for our
congregational family. Love means
building a long term structural
foundation, making adjustments for
betterment, demonstrating
flexibility and finding compatible
solutions when change is necessary.
At Beth El, we are experiencing
many manageable adjustments
whose benefits will be appreciated
by the entire congregation.
As you already know, Marsha
Friedman has accepted the position
of transitional consultant and will
function as the interim office
administrator for 90 days as of
January 5, 2015 with an option for
renewal. She will assist us in
evaluating and determining the
needs of the permanent position
and will work closely with the
officers and staff while reporting to
me. This transitional approach is
consistent with Rabbi Herring's
earlier recommendations.
Erin Katz Ford, Director of
Synagogue Education and
Programming, is an outstanding
employee and will begin full time
Cantor’s
CD
employment with us as of February
2, 2015 in the same position. Prior to
this, she split her time with Beth El
and the JCC. Now Erin can spend
additional time in the areas of
marketing, outreach and long term
planning, and will provide backup to
the office administrator position.
This change again is consistent with
Rabbi Herring's suggestions and will
greatly benefit our congregation.
Our long time computer
volunteer, Dr. Leonard Sweet,
has developed a summary
recommendation on the needs of
our system which would upgrade its
capabilities. Dr. Sweet has been our
quiet mainstay for many years and is
retiring from this task. All of us are
greatly indebted to him for his
efforts, vision, patience, training and
generosity. Our systems will
continue to function while a task
group will review alternatives in
conjunction with Marsha's
recommendations.
In order to secure our future as a
congregation and promote positive
change, we have developed a culture
to deal with each other with
patience, respect and loving
kindness. Loving kindness in our
relationships with one another,
flexibility and sharing ideas and
understanding in this time of
necessary change yield growth
toward our future. Of course, your
spirit of volunteerism is needed
more than ever and is most
appreciated as we evolve.
Thanks for your support.
Shalom.
Marty
Cantor Karen Berman enriched us with her
participation for Sisterhood Shabbat. Anyone
interested in purchasing her CD can contact Andrea
Rabinovitz
at
920.366.2426
or
e-mail
[email protected]. The price is $18 and checks
can be made payable to Congregation Shalom.
Page 5
March
1
4
6
7
8
8
9
10
10
10
13
15
15
16
17
20
21
22
22
23
24
28
29
Talmud Class
Megillah Reading
Services at Chambrel
Mini-Minyan
Preschool
Talmud Class
Judaism 101
Hebrew School
Lunch & Learn
Board Meeting
Togetherness Shabbat
Knitzvah
Talmud Class
Taste of Torah
Hebrew School
Young Family Shabbat
Synaplex Shabbat
Preschool
Talmud Class
Judaism 101
Hebrew School
Bat Mitzvah of Sarah Sterns
Talmud Class
April
4
5
10
10
11
12
12
13
14
14
14
17
18
19
19
20
25
26
26
27
28
Community Seder
Passover Service, 9:15 AM
Office Closed
Passover Service, 9:15 AM
Yizkor
Preschool
Talmud Class
Judaism 101
Lunch & Learn
Hebrew School
Board Meeting
Young Family Shabbat
Bat Mitzvah of Emma Henry
Knitzvah
Talmud Class
Taste of Torah
Bat Mitzvah of Olivia Mastrantonio
Preschool
Talmud Class
Judaism 101
Hebrew School
May 1 Jewish & Public Affairs Forum
May 2 Mini Minyan
Page 6
BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION
Contributions
ALEXANDER & LILLIAN MEDOFF
MUSIC FUND
LOUIS & BECKY LOCKSHIN
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
STEPHEN M. GROSS
MEMORIAL FUND
In Memory of
In Memory of
In Memory of
Michelle Levin from Mr. and Mrs. Emory
Michelle Levin from Susan and Jim Osherow,
Lillian Gross from Sharon and Marvin Halpern
Geller, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Stein
Linda and Michael Osherow
Stephen Gross from Sharon and Marvin
Dorothy Schwartz from Bernard and Charlotte In Honor of
Halpern
Schwartz
Michelle Levin from Mr. and Mrs. Scott Gross
Marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Nelson from
Ruth Unger from Mr. and Mrs. Emory Geller,
Ruth Unger from Mr. and Mrs. Scott Gross
Susan and Jim Osherow
Sedell and Bernard Kamenir
Marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Steinberger from
SYNAGOGUE
In Honor of
Susan and Jim Osherow
FUND
50th anniversary of Harvey and Ronni Sterns
Barbara Good for her many wonderful years of
from Dr. and Mrs. Robert Stein
service to Beth El from Jim and Susan
In Memory of
In honor of the 60th anniversary of Sid and
Osherow
Helen Benson from the Benson family
Shirley Zetzer from Dr. and Mrs. Robert Stein
Herman Benson from the Benson family
PRAYER BOOK
Barbara Good for her many years of service to
Jay Bernten from Dr. John and Patty Saks
FUND
Beth El Congregation from Dr. and Mrs. Robert
Maurice Bleiman from Arnold Bleiman
Stein
Jean Broida from Laurel Gress
A Prayer Book has been inscribed:
In honor of Cantor Stephen Stein for his many In Memory of
Francine Freedman from Ellie and Jay Minkin,
years of service to Beth El Congregation from
Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Richman
Raphael Pesso from Esther and Jacques
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Stein
Sarah Goldstein from Elinor Borodkin and
Sardas
family
CANTOR’S
Michelle Levin from Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon
RABBI’S
DISCRETIONARY FUND
Saferstein, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Stone, Sid and
Shirley Zetzer, Laurel Gress, Joy Epstein,
In Memory of
DISCRETIONARY FUND
Marilyn Mirman, Hal and Greta Foster, Bill
Michael Cutler from Hope Winer and family
In Memory of
Levenson, Kim Strausser and Michael Miller,
Michelle Levin from Hope Winer
Michelle Levin from JoEllen and Joe Kodish
Bonnie and Randy Cohen, Rachelle Korland
In Honor of
CHOIR
and Jerry Wolf, Shirley Snyder, Sylvia
Rabbi and Mrs. Grundfast and Beth El
FUND
Malcmacher, Marsha Friedman, Libby Portnoy,
Congregants from Kevin S. Adelstein
David Sokol, Gayle Nelkin, Joyce and Martin
In Memory of
55th anniversary of JoEllen and Joe Kodish
Levin, Robert and Charlotte Pollock, Susan
Michelle Levin from Harriet and Sherwin
from Ted and Rolinda Schneiderman
Kellner,Sandy and Jerry Schneier, Lynne
Ruben, Ted and Rolinda Schneiderman
In Appreciation
Weinberger, Ellie and Jay Minkin, Sid and
Helen Tucker from Kevin Tucker
Many thanks for all of the Leagrams and good
Shirley Zetzer, Sheila and Marty Gottlieb,
th
Kate Yablon from Warren and Joie Yablon
wishes on our 55 wedding anniversary. Your
Martha Jenkins, Patti Lampert, Phil and Livia
thoughtfulness
is
greatly
appreciated
from
EDUCATION
Kades, Alice and Ed Schneider, Sandra
JoEllen and Joe Kodish
Levenson, Bob and Eileen Blattner
FUND
REMO 2000
Miriam Mermelstein from Sid and Andrea
In Memory of
Steinberger
BUILDING FUND
Marcus Cohen from Esther and Larry Hexter
Manny Nackes from Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence
Michelle Levin from Carl Lieberman
In Memory of
Richman
Sadye Mirman from Sybil Gertz
Michelle Levin from Dr. John and Patty Saks,
Frances Peiner from Jackie Derron
Ruth Unger from John and Beth Lawton, Burt
Esther and Larry Hexter
Meyer Rein from Sheila and Marty Gottlieb
and Lois Nobil, Carl Lieberman
REVEREND PHILLIP SALZMAN
Bernard Steinberger from Andrea and Sid
For Recovery of
Steinberger
Ellen Winer from Lillian Katz
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Ruth Unger from Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon
Sanford Rose from Burt and Lois Nobil
In Memory of
Saferstein, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Stone, David
In Honor of
Irving Kallick from Myrna Berzon
Sokol, Andrea and Sid Steinberger, Marty and
th
50 wedding anniversary of Harvey and Ronni
Jeannette Kallick from Myrna Berzon
Sherry Hellman, Hal and Greta Foster, Phil and
Sterns from Laurel Gress
Bertha Kodish from Roslyn and Gerald
Livia Kades, Sandy and Jerry Schneier, Sid
Thingelstad
HAKOAH CLUB
and Shirley Zetzer, Dick and Arlene Rossen,
Ruth Unger from Charlotte Heisler and family
Sheila and Marty Gottlieb, Joy Epstein, Sandra
EDUCATION FUND
For Recovery of
Levenson
For Recovery of
Ellen Winer from Herb Wise
Tikvah Weis from Laurel Gress
Ellen Winer from JoEllen and Joe Kodish
For Recovery of
SIMON KOPELSON
IRVING BOTNICK
Steve Botnick from Sid and Andrea Steinberger,
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Marty and Sherry Hellman Alice and Ed
EDUCATION FUND
In Memory of
Schneider, Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Richman
For Recovery of
Michelle Levin from Gloria Slavin
Ellen Winer from Sid and Andrea Steinberger,
Steve Botnick from JoEllen and Joe Kodish
BULLETIN OF BETH EL CONGREGATION
Alice and Ed Schneider
Debbie Zelin from Alice and Ed Schneider, Dr.
and Mrs. Lawrence Richman
In Honor of
Special birthday of Berny Gertz from Maxine
Gertz
Special birthday of Dr. Irv Kauvar from Sid
and Andrea Steinberger, Steve and Leslie
Lapidus
Special birthday of Bud Sabetay from Sid and
Andrea Steinberger
60th anniversary of Ted and Rolinda
Schneiderman from Sid and Andrea Steinberger,
Steve and Leslye Lapidus, Randy Barnett
Engagement of Rachel Zelin from Sid and
Andrea Steinberger
Marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Steinberger from
Dr. John and Patty Saks
90th birthday of Lillian Katz from Edith Zwiebel
Engagement of Francine Gottlieb from Dr.
and Mrs. Lawrence Richman
Birth of great grandson, Jack, to Beverly
Rose from Ed and Alice Schneider
Engagement of Deana Stein and Joe
Page 7
Grundfast from Sid and Shirley Zetzer
Special birthday of Rita Lockshin from Sid
and Shirley Zetzer
55th anniversary of JoEllen and Joe Kodish
from Rick and Perach Kodish
Marriage of Emily and Mike Prioletti from Dr.
and Mrs. Lawrence Richman
Thank you for your
generous contributions.
Audrey York, Sarah Sterns, Olivia Mastrantonio,
Maya Cohen, Rachel Simonton, and Sam York
Education
Program Notes
Audrey and Sam York
Join us as we celebrate Tu B'Shevat on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 7 PM
SHEMITA – DOES IT STILL HAVE MEANING IN 2015?
The sabbath year (shmita Hebrew: ‫שמיטה‬, literally
"release") also called the sabbatical year or sheviit
(Hebrew: ‫שביעית‬, literally "seventh") is the seventh year of
the seven-year agricultural cycle mandated by the Torah
for the Land of Israel, and is still observed in contemporary
Judaism.
fruits which grow of their own accord are deemed hefker
(ownerless) and may be picked by anyone. A variety of
laws also apply to the sale, consumption and disposal of
shmita produce. All debts, except those of foreigners, were
to be remitted.
(Wikipedia)
During shmita, the land is left to lie fallow and all Our teacher for the evening will be Rabbi Eddie Sukol and
agricultural activity, including plowing, planting, pruning, we will discuss:
and harvesting, is forbidden by halakha (Jewish law). Other
How does Israel, a modern day country deal with the
Other cultivation techniques, such
ancient laws of shmita?
as watering, fertilizing, weeding,
What lessons might we learn from the law of shmita as it
spraying, trimming and mowing,
relates to modern day farming and providing food for all
may
be
performed
as
a
of us?
preventative measure only, not to
And is Tu B'shvat much more than simply planting trees
improve the growth of trees or
in Israel?
other plants. Additionally, any
Rabbi Eddie Sukol founded The Shul, Cleveland's Open Synagogue, in 2007. His previous
rabbinical appointments include service as the Hillel Director at Ohio University, the Director of
Pastoral Care at the Montefiore Home and NCJW Hospice and as a congregational rabbi for twelve
years in the Cleveland suburbs. And he loves the fresh eggs he gets from his own chickens.
And there will be plenty of tu b'shvat goodies to enjoy!
Judy Grundfast will liven up the evening with songs and ruach.
Please RSVP to Erin at 330.864.2105 or [email protected]
PERIODICALS
POSTAGE PAID
AKRON, OHIO
BETH EL CONGREGATION
750 WHITE POND DRIVE
AKRON, OHIO 44320
Passover
Candy
Fundraiser
Beth El will be selling
Passover Candy this
year during the month
of February and the
beginning of March. All
proceeds will go towards
youth activities.
Order forms are
available in the office.
Out of town? Want to
send some Passover
treats? Orders can also
be completed on line at
www.misschocolate.com.
Visit the online store and
use code 703250 along
with your order so Beth
El receives the credit
Sisterhood News
What a beautiful and inspiring Shabbat we had this year
for Sisterhood Shabbat! Thank you to all of our
congregants who braved the cold to come out Friday night
and Saturday morning. As always the Potluck was
delicious. Thank you to Andrea Rabinovitz for chairing the
event and helping arrange for her sister to be our guest
Cantor. I especially want to thank Cantor Karen Berman,
from Congregation Shalom in Milwaukee, for sharing her gifts of music
and thoughtful words of Torah. I know that many of us had the melodies
singing in our heads for the rest of the weekend. It was also wonderful to
hear how warmly welcomed our congregants made Cantor Berman feel.
Please remember that the third Monday of the month is our Sisterhood
Torah Study Group, Taste of Torah. On February 16th we are honored
to have Rabbi Joan Friedman as our guest teacher. The topic is Miriam,
her many gifts and challenges as a woman leader in the Torah. Please
join us at 7:00 PM at the home of Julie Katz, 3869 Royal Rock Road, Copley.
Looking ahead to March, we will be meeting on March 16th. Our topic will
be Esther, location to be announced.
Mark your calendars for our Sisterhood Donor Event on Wednesday
evening, February 25th at 6:00 PM at Beth El. Please join us for a
delicious dinner with a speaker. This event is open to everyone. Please
support this important fundraiser for Sisterhood.