1. religion and spirituality
2. judaism

This event is generously sponsored by CBE Brotherhood and CBE Sisterhood
Saturday Evening, March 14
Congregation Beth Emeth’s
Annual Moveable Feast
to benefit the Einhorn Center
for Jewish Education
Mitzvah Day
Sunday, March 22
Beth Emeth
and Temple Israel
More information or to help out,
please contact Gail Kendall at
[email protected] or 505-4963.
The Bulletin this year is being generously underwritten by
Margie and Larry Kirsch
Mystical Seder
Led by Heather Mendel
Cantorial Soloist, Ricki Weintraub
Thursday, March 19
6 p.m. Seder
Followed by a
Pot Luck Dinner
(see flyer for details)
February 2015
Our Temple Family
A Message from the Cantor
Special Birthdays and Anniversaries
Dear Friends,
Two months ago I began a Bulletin
article with the words “change is inevitable
and usually a good thing”. I certainly hope
those words hold true as I have recently
made the decision to announce my retirement
as of July 1, 2016, which you have learned
from the letter you recently received from
President Lauren Iselin and Rabbi Shpeen.
After 42 years in the cantorate, spending the last 27 of those
here at our beloved Beth Emeth, Micki and I now look forward
to beginning a new stage in our lives as we plan for our
retirement years.
In the coming months, I know I will have many opportunities to reflect upon my cantorate here at Beth Emeth and how
much so many of you have meant to me and to my family. At
this point, I simply wish to thank Rabbi Shpeen and all of my
colleagues for their continued support and to the Officers and
Board of Trustees for their kindness and understanding.
Congregation Beth Emeth has always been an incredible
blessing in my life and that certainly includes each and every
one of you!
Harmoniously yours,
Cantor Glenn Groper
Beth Emeth wishes to congratulate the following on their
Special February Birthdays:
Rick Alfred
Leon Aronowitz II
Gary Bernardini
Dorice Brickman
Rena Button
Jonathan Fishbein
Harold Iselin
Bob Melby
Jana Ostroff
Judy Paster
Mike Pferr
Michael Rosenblatt
Bill Schiller
Phyllis Silverman
Bryan Staff
Harriet Weintraub
Michael Welton
Beth Emeth wishes to congratulate the following on their
Special February Anniversary
Bea and Sol Greenberg ~ 70 years
Ruth and Harold Rubin ~ 65 years
Kathy and Dick Kotlow ~ 40 years
It is our practice to acknowledge the milestones in the lives of our
congregants on special birthdays (starting at age 35) and anniversaries
(beginning with the 10th) in multiples of five years. If, for some reason, we
fail to acknowledge an occasion in your life or that of a member of your
family, please help us by informing the Temple office at 436-9761 ext 222.
In Our Community
New Members
Mifgash Jewish Community High School Program is
hosting a wine tasting event at Glennpeter Diamond Centre,
1544 Central Ave., on Saturday, February 7 from 7:30-10:30
p.m. The event will feature musical entertainment, a live
auction/silent raffle and appetizers, desserts and kosher wine
for tasting and ordering at a 15% discount. The cost is $18 per
person, $25 per couple. To make a reservation or request a
wine order form, email [email protected]. You
can also pay at the door. Proceeds benefit the Mifgash Jewish
Community High School Program, which provides educational
programming for Jewish teens from all over the Capital Region,
regardless of affiliation.
Support Group for Widows and Widowers: Grief and
bereavement are unique for each person, but there is mutual
understanding and help that people mourning the death of their
life partner can give to one another. This new support group for
widows and widowers will provide a warm, caring and safe
place to share feelings, learn coping strategies and brainstorm
ideas for facing holidays and anniversaries. Dates: Mondays,
January 19, February 2, 9, 16, March 2, 9, 2015. Time: 6 p.m.
Place: Jewish Family Services, 877 Madison Avenue, Albany
(ample parking in rear of building) Fee: $15 per session
(sliding fee available) Registration: for more information or to
register, please contact Jeannie Straussman at 518-370-1666
or [email protected].
The Spectrum Theatre on Delaware is showing a film for
one day only, Monday, February 9th at 7 p.m., entitled Little
White Lie. Skype Q&A with Director Lacey Schwartz following
the show! The film tells the story of a girl growing up in a
typical upper-middle-class Jewish household in Woodstock,
NY, with loving parents and a strong sense of her Jewish identity — despite the open questions from those around her about
how a white girl could have such dark skin. She believes her
family’s explanation that her looks were inherited from her dark
-skinned Sicilian grandfather. But when her parents abruptly
split, her gut starts to tell her something different.
We welcome to the Beth Emeth Family:
Elizabeth and Laura Albright
We also welcome back to our Beth Emeth Family:
Harriet Bougen
Jayne and Jeffrey Silver
Mitzvah Heroes
Here is this month’s Mitzvah Hero! If there is someone
(youth or adult) who you feel should be acknowledged for a
mitzvah, let me know and I will list them in this column.
Contact Debbie Sokoler at [email protected] or
436-9761 X228. It’s that simple!
Avery Miller wanted to honor people who have served in
our country’s military. He is volunteering at the Veteran’s Miracle Center, helping to pack boxes with donated items for sending overseas to active veterans.
In Memoriam
Beth Emeth recognizes with profound sorrow
the death of our members
Edward Gordon
Husband of Helene Gordon, Father of Lawrence (Kim) Gordon
and Marcy Gordon (Ira) Zoock
Beth Emeth extends sympathy to those in our
congregation who have lost a loved one
Richard Earl Gordon
Brother of Edward (Helene) Gordon (z”l)
Congregation Beth Emeth Bulletin
February 2015 - 5775
Published monthly except August
Congregation Beth Emeth
100 Academy Road, Albany, New York 12208
Volume LVIII, No. VI
Bulletin Deadline
All articles for the February Bulletin
should be submitted by February 9.
2
President’s Perspective
Worship Service Schedule
It was wonderful to see so many
people at our Chanukah dinner and
concert. It was a night filled with delicious
food, conversation, children, lights, music
and MANY GUESTS. Why so many
guests? We are making a special effort
to let everyone who is not affiliated with a
synagogue know that they are welcome
here. The Board and many congregants
invited our friends to join us for Chanukah. And from the
responses we received, they had a wonderful time.
The Chanukah dinner was just one example of our
new approach to strengthening Beth Emeth’s role in
connecting people. We know that some people come on
their own, but others need and want to be asked. That is
why we are committed to reaching out to our friends, coworkers, neighbors and relatives and inviting them to join
us for Friday night services, an outing with Brotherhood,
the Purim Carnival, yoga with the rabbi and all of the
other opportunities to participate in the CBE community.
During my Rosh Hashanah remarks, I spoke about
the Board’s commitment to help our congregants and
others feel more connected to Beth Emeth. The Chanukah dinner -- with record-breaking numbers of congregants and first-time visitors attending -- is evidence that
our efforts are succeeding. We will continue our efforts
to connect our congregants with each other and with others in the Jewish community, and I will continue to report
on how we are doing. But we hope you will help us by
inviting your friends and family to join us at Beth Emeth.
Lauren Iselin
475-0383,[email protected]
Shabbat Yitro
(Exodus 18:1-20:23)
First Friday - CBEYG Shabbat
Celebration of February Birthdays
Friday Evening, February 6
Pot Luck Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Service at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday Morning, February 7
Torah Study in the Larner Library at 9:30 a.m.
Shabbat MIshpatim
(Exodus 21:1-24:18)
Friday Evening, February 13
Service at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday Morning, February 14
Torah Study in the Larner Library at 9:30 a.m.
R o s h C h o d e s h W o m e n ’ s S e r vi c e a t 1 1 a . m .
Shabbat T’rumah
(Exodus 25:1-27:19)
Friday Evening, February 20
Service at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday Morning, February 21
Torah Study in the Larner Library at 9:30 a.m.
Shabbat T’tzaveh
(Exodus 27:20-30:10)
Friday Evening, February 27
Service at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday Morning, February 28
Torah Study in the Larner Library at 9:30 a.m.
Shabbat Shalom Yeladim at 11 a.m.
Sharing the URJ’s 2020 Vision
Tikkun Olam: Healing the World
Following in the footsteps of distinguished CBE
predecessors, I am proud to have become a member of the
North American Board of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)
this past December. The Union catalyzes congregational
change by assembling and sharing best practices, effective
tools and proven methods and models with its almost 900
member congregations across North America.
At our San Antonio meeting the Union senior staff and lay
leadership shared a powerful vision for 2020. The goal is
relevant, impactful congregations thriving for the next
generations and creating a world of wholeness, compassion
and justice. Our strategic priorities are clear: strengthening
congregations, audacious hospitality and Tikkun Olam. As I’m
sure you’ll recognize, these are goals that CBE is aggressively
pursuing.
In order to help our congregations meet these goals the
Union has reconfigured its staff. Our clear focus on strengthening congregations will be led by a new Vice President, Amy
Asin. Youth work will be led by another new VP, Miriam Chilton.
A new publication and study guide has been produced to assist
synagogue leadership with a focus on un/under affiliated,
especially families with young children.
It is a particularly exciting time to be part of the Reform
movement! The Union’s 2015 Biennial will be held in Orlando
from Nov. 4th-8th. From my past attendance I know it will be
enriching, moving and fun! I’ll share additional details as they
become available. I hope you’ll consider joining Rabbi Shpeen
and our CBE delegation for this meaningful opportunity.
Warm regards,
Jill Goodman
Plugging into the Social Action Network
Although this is the February column, my
focus will be on March and beyond. March 1-2
are Teen Advocacy Days sponsored by the Reform Jewish Voice of New York State and NFTY.
There will be a day of preparation and learning
and a day of practice. This is a great chance to
hone skills as social change agents that will be
used again and again and again.
March 22 is Mitzvah Day, jointly sponsored by CBE and
Temple Israel. It is a grand opportunity to do good work, build
community and have fun.
April 17 will be our Social Action Shabbat. It is a wonderful
chance to celebrate the spiritualty of Tikkun Olam. April 2628th is the RAC Consultation on Conscience in the Washington, DC area. Reform Jews from all over the country come
together to hear wonderful talks, learn to be effective change
advocates and meet some of our nation's leaders and representatives. I have already registered and I hope you will think
about joining me.
May 5 is RJVNYS Advocacy Day. It is a great opportunity
to meet with Reform Jews from around the state who join
together in the Capitol to talk to our state legislators about
important issues and to do advocacy work together.
Let's make a difference together!
Barry Z. Davis, 518-237-5553, [email protected]
3
What’s Happening in Brotherhood
What’s Happening in Sisterhood
Yes it is winter and it IS cold Outside…..
yet your Beth Emeth Brotherhood continues
to serve up warm dinners, friendship,
camaraderie and a whole lot more! Come
join us at these Brotherhood events
scheduled in February:
x Stay warm and come in for a FREE fresh
Bagel and Coffee after dropping your kids
off at Religious School on February 1 at
9:30 a.m. preceding our monthly meeting.
x Start Shabbat off in a warm place with a satisfying meal for
the whole family. Join us for First Friday Dinner, followed by
a CEBYG led Shabbat Service on Friday February 6th.
x Come join us on Tuesday February 10th at 7:30 p.m. for
92Y Live (see flyer) This event is sponsored by Brotherhood
and it is FREE to all paid members.
x Winning won’t get you rich and who said losing can’t be fun
also! Join us on Thursday February 12 for Brotherhood Card
Night. Space is limited so register early.
x Come to Jiminy Peak on Thursday February 19. Not a Skier
or Snowboarder? Try the mountain coaster, snowshoeing or
just come and join us for dinner at Christianson’s Tavern.
x Come join your friends and watch the Academy Awards on
the BIG SCREEN at CBE on Sunday February 22. This
event is FREE. Food provided compliments of Brotherhood.
This is a BYOB event.
x PURIM PALOOZA II is on Saturday Evening February 28.
This event is financially supported by Brotherhood.
Mark Swyer, President
[email protected] or 857.2850
Shalom! As the winter grows
colder, we often find ourselves thinking about warmth. Warm clothes,
warm fires and of course our warm
and loving friends and family. As a
Sisterhood, we hope that we can fill
that bill as well. We hope you will join
us in 2015 for one or more of our
wonderful programs and events. Why
not bring a friend who may not be familiar with the fun and
“sisterhood” we share at these events?
Sisterhood will be sponsoring a Mystical Seder March 19th
at 6:00 p.m., led by our own Heather Mendel and cantorial
soloist Ricki Weintraub of California. This very special event,
open to all over the age of 13 will be a special way to join in
fellowship, preparing us all for Pesach. Our Sisterhood calendar is filled with wonderful regular programs like Chapter One
Book Club, Rosh Hodesh, Mah Jongg and others. Our donation
drive to help Mary’s Corner is running through March. The
Mary’s Corner flyer enclosed in this month’s bulletin lists what
items are being collected. Check out our page on the Beth
Emeth website for a more complete list of all our wonderful
Sisterhood programs and events. Look for updates as well
about our other events such as our May 27th trip to New York
to see a Broadway show and our annual Susan Shpeen Donor
dinner on May 7th.
Robyn and I send warm wishes to all and hope to see our
friends, old and new, in the months ahead.
With warmest regards,
Lisa Finkle and Robyn Marinstein
We are pleased to announce the
launch of Beyond the Carpool,
CBE’s newest group for congregants whose lives have moved beyond their carpool years. We are a
diverse bunch but share a lot in
common – some of us are empty nesters, some are looking for
new social or educational opportunities or looking to find people of common experiences or interests - but we all share a
connection to our Temple.
We want Beyond the Carpool to be an opportunity to
have some fun, to renew old relationships, to make new
friends, and to strengthen the greater community that comprises the membership of CBE.
In a special monthly email and on the CBE website, we will
highlight upcoming events that are “adult friendly” and work
together to create new events tailored to the interests of this
group. We will also reach out to our fellow congregants for joint
volunteer activities or smaller social events, be it a friendly
round of golf, a night at the theatre or orchestra, a day on the
ski slopes or kayaking, or something as simple as dinner following Friday services.
To celebrate the launch of Beyond the Carpool, there will
be a wine and cheese party at the home of Susan and Joe
Schwartz in Menands on Sunday, March 8th at 3PM. Enrich
the event by bringing another couple or friend who you think
may be interested in meeting others. Please rsvp at
[email protected] by March 2nd. Directions will be
sent in advance.
This group, like any other, depends on your participation
and involvement. If you are interested in taking part in the
organization and planning of events or have ideas to suggest,
please send us an email at [email protected]
Please let us know what you think. We hope to hear from
you soon.
Joe Schwartz and Susan Hager
Sisterhood members and their families and friends
volunteer at the Soup Kitchen on the third Sunday of
each month from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Please join us! Contact Jane Sanders to choose a
date at 281-0991 or [email protected].
Sisterhood’s Chapter One Book Club
Join us on March 18th at 6:45 p.m. in the
Larner Library, as we delve into a fictional take
on an iconic marriage, The Aviator’s Wife by
Melanie Benjamin. This is the story of Anne
Morrow and her troubled marriage to pioneering aviator Charles Lindbergh. Mark your calendar for April 23
as we look forward to discussing My Beloved World by Sonia
Sotomayer.
Check BethEmethAlbany.org for continued
updates on our schedule. Please contact Nancy Lozman at
[email protected] with any questions. Check the website
for weather cancellations.
CBE Youth Group
Recently, we had CBEYG Alumni Night, and
we were glad to welcome back some old faces.
CBEYG is really excited to be leading this
month's First Friday Service on February 7th. We
invite everyone to come and join in the service.
Coming soon is NFTY's Spring Conclavette,
which we have members attending, to meet with
other Jewish teens.
Gabbi Schaffer, Executive V.P.
4
Programming: Something for Everyone
SHABBAT SHALOM YELADIM
Saturday, February 28 at 11:00 a.m.
Join Micki Groper for a celebration of Torah
through storytelling, music, crafts and of
course, a nosh! Today’s theme is PURIM and
we will be making special Purim crowns. Our
program is free and open to the community. Please RSVP to
Debbie Sokoler – [email protected]
Updates from our Programming Director
I was just listening to a story on NPR
about us empty nester folks (I say “us” as I
am in that group!) needing to take care of
ourselves physically, economically, spiritually, . . . . They mentioned a quote I had heard
when I was raising my 3 kids; “flight attendants instruct adults to adjust the oxygen
mask for themselves before taking care of
their children.” This is because, if the adult is
taken care of, they are in a better position to care for their
child.” So goes how we should approach parenting both our
young children as well as our older (some launched and some
not) children. Take care of yourself first; it will make you a better parent; spouse, citizen. So where am I going with this?
Well, I’m going to suggest that part of “taking care of yourself”
is to join communities that will support and energize you. Beth
Emeth is one such community. My head spins with all that
there is to do. So – take that oxygen mask; drop in at a Lunch
& Learn; come to a Movie Night or 92Y; learn to play Mah
Jongg; do Yoga with the Rabbi; have a fun night out at Purim
Palooza – it just might be just what you need!!
L’ Shalom
Debbie Sokoler
MAZEL TOTS IS OPEN!
Join teacher, Jen Steuer at our drop-in program located at
The Parenting Center. Come with your preschooler between
9:30 – Noon on Sundays; enjoy a bagel and a cup of coffee.
The room is filled with age-appropriate toys and Jen will have a
craft project ready to do! This month’s dates are: February 1
and 8; March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
Please note that the Parenting Center Room is available
for families to use during Saturday morning Services. Please,
no children without an adult.
FIRST FRIDAY at BETH EMETH - CBEYG SHABBAT
Friday, February 6; 5:45 p.m. Pot Luck Dinner;
6:30 p.m. Service (see flyer for more information)
LUNCH & LEARN
Wednesdays at Noon – you bring your lunch; coffee/tea
and dessert is on us! February starts off with Dick Feldman
continuing his wonderful “To Life” series. (see flyer for complete
February/March schedule)
Caring and Sharing
We are pleased to recognize
the outstanding leadership and
generosity of First Vice President
Lee Rosen and his wife Donna both,
of whom are very connected to their
Jewish roots.
Donna’s father, David, served
as the President of the Riverdale
Temple in the Bronx. At age 11
Lee’s mom, Lore, fled Nazi Germany with her parents and
started a new life, first in Panama, eventually moving to Albany
where Lee was born and raised and becoming both a Bar Mitzvah and Confirmand at CBE.
In excerpts from their moving explanation of their gift they
stated:
“We decided to make our gift to Beth Emeth in
appreciation of the hard work and sacrifice of those who came
before us, both known and unknown, who gave us our Jewish
heritage.
The lives of our children, David and Jamie, were greatly
enriched by attending CBE’s Religious School from Consecration to Confirmation, becoming B’nai Mitzvah and participating
in CBEYG. As a result of their enriching experiences, we also
want to ensure that CBE will be here for future generations.
Having made our gift, we feel even more connected to the
generations of Jews that have come before us and to those,
who God willing will follow us.”
We are very grateful to Donna and Lee for their gift which
has been added to our endowment to provide crucial financial
support to CBE.
Jill Goodman and Mark Rosen
Development Committee Co-Chairs
DELI & MOVIE NIGHT ~ “CAMERA OBSCURA”
Saturday, February 7 - 6:30 p.m.
Ben & Bill’s Deli and a beautiful story of a young woman
finding her true beauty.
(see flyer for more details and registration information)
DAVID AXELROD in CONVERSATION with
DAVID REMNICK - BELIEVER –
MY FORTY YEARS IN POLITICS
Tuesday, February 10 - 7:30 p.m. (seating
begins at 7:00 p.m.) (see flyer for complete 92Y schedule)
PURIM PALOOZA
Saturday, February 28 - 7:30 p.m.
A PURIM PARTY for adults of ALL AGES! Great food;
drinks and entertainment! (see cover for more details)
FIRST FRIDAY at BETH EMETH
Friday, March 6 - 5:45 p.m. Pot Luck Dinner;
6:30 p.m. Service (see flyer for more information)
MITZVAH DAY IS COMING!
Sunday, March 22. You can register for a project by
going to www.bethemethalbany.org. Scroll down to the
Mitzvah Day section for link to registration form.
Want to enjoy all of the photos of our
Beth Emeth events? They are all being
loaded to the Beth Emeth Shutterfly
account. You can view them as well as order photos. Interested in accessing this account? Send your e-mail address
to Deb Sokoler – [email protected]
5
Your Donations Make a Difference
Rabbi Shpeen’s Discretionary Fund
Renea Newbeck
Richard and Lois Rubin
in appreciation
Rabbi Shpeen’s Discretionary Fund
Judith Roth
in appreciation of
Joan Paley
Fund for Jewish Education
Joni Lieberman Basen and Don Basen
Bernard, Diane, Jennifer and Brian Kern
Nancy and Barry Simon
Bert Weinberg
Gail Caplan Memorial Fund
Leslie and Barry Feinman
Rabbi Shpeen’s Discretionary Fund
in honor of
Elaine Ainspan
60th anniversary of Carole and Ken Deitcher
Lori and Seth Field
birth of Avery Field,
great-granddaughter of Vivian Green
Victoria, Jed, Bonnie,
Glenn and Carly Goldberg
Chanukah
Anne and Michael Marmulstein
45th anniversary of
Bonnie and Stuart Rosenberg
Florence Speigel and Ed Sperber
marriage of Hillary Cooley
and Clayton McCraw
Sara Salitan-Thiell and Aaron Thiell
birthday of
Beatrice Glucksman
in memory of
Ed Gordon
Seymour Kern
Ed Gordon
Wendy Waplinger
in honor of
marriage of Lauren Ginsburg
and Trent Tennyson
General Fund
Barbara and Mike Scher and Guests
General Fund
Stanley Israel
Jacqueline Swartz
in appreciation of
Harry Rosenfeld,
discussion of his book
in memory of
Ida Markowitz
Sandra Patack
Larner Library Fund
Bonnie and Stuart Rosenberg
in honor of
95th birthday of Mollie Larner
Rabbi Shpeen’s Discretionary Fund
in memory of
Beatrice and Donald Cohen
Edward and Richard Gordon
Lori and Seth Field
Vivian Green
Carol and Alfred Landess
Sandra Patack
Marsha and Mike Levin
Michael J. Wicks
Gary Manasse
Richard Lichtenstein
Ellie and Leo Shpiz
Sandra Patack
Lorraine Paul Archive Fund
Dorry Kotzin
in honor of
90th birthday of Norman Paul
Rabbi Shpeen’s Distinguished Artist Fund
in memory of
Miriam and Marvin Grode
Sandra Patack
Kathie and Arnold Kaplan
Stephen Lahnstein
Susan Libby
Michael Wicks
Reyut/Caring Community Fund
in honor of
Patricia Snyder
wishing health and happiness to
Barbara Galanty in her new home
Rabbi Martin Silverman Inter-religious Fund in memory of
Phyllis Silverman
Michael Wicks
Reyut/Caring Community Fund
Dorry Kotzin
Sisterhood Fund
Nancy and Jeff Lozman
Rabbi Ross’s Discretionary Fund
in honor of
Cheryl Gelder-Kogan and Barry Kogan
naming of
Beau Sebastian Benedetti
Ann Ruge Musical Arts Fund
Patricia Snyder
in memory of
Michael Wicks
Food Pantry/Soup Kitchen Fund
Anonymous
Audrey and Les Fisher
Bert Weinberg
contributions
Sisterhood YES Fund
Wendy and Michael Keyser
Dorry Kotzin and family
Nancy and Jeff Lozman
Jan and Alan Rubensein
in honor of
special birthday of Norman Paul
in memory of
Michael Wicks
Michael Wicks
Michael Wicks
Michael Wicks
Sisterhood YES Fund
Dorry Kotzin
in honor of
the marriage of Rachel,
granddaughter of Elaine Burrick
Dorry Kotzin
30th anniversary of the Amy and Jim Milstein
Dorry Kotzin and family
special anniversary of
Carol and Ken Deitcher
CBE Sisterhood
special birthday of Sara Barr
CBE Sisterhood
special birthday of Jeanette Boyer
CBE Sisterhood
special birthday of Rena Button
CBE Sisterhood
special birthday of Rose Goldberg
Food Pantry/Soup Kitchen Fund
in appreciation of
Jane Loeb
Gloria and Sanford Krimmer
Food Pantry/Soup Kitchen Fund
in honor of
Sorelle Brauth
get well to Ronald Miller
Jason Rice and Roz Coleman
recovery of Ron Miller
Fran and David Dembling speedy recovery to Nancy Lozman
Joan Goldstein
successful recovery of Ronald Miller
Food Pantry/Soup Kitchen Fund
Fran and Dave Dembling and Family
Cindy and Neal Greenstein
Nan and Ron Miller
Harris Sitrin
Paula Winig
Bert Weinberg
in apreciation of
receiving prepared meals
Tree of Life Fund
Mim and Don Sommers
in memory of
Michael Wicks
Sandra Patack
Jack Sissman
Richard Gordon
Mae Hertzman
Irma Weinberg
in honor of
speedy recovery
to Melissa Levy
Joni Lieberman Basen and Don Basen birth of granddaughter
Liliana to Iris and Chuck Falk
Sue and Paul Lipman
birth of granddaughter
Liliana to Iris and Chuck Falk
in memory of
Sandi Patack
Yom Kippur Appeal Donors
Thank you to our additional Yom Kippur Appeal Donors
listed below, as of press-time. You are still welcome to join the
Yom Kippur Appeal. Your contributions are always appreciated
and welcomed. An updated donor list will appear in the next
bulletin.
Bennett and Deborah Liebman
Michael Schwartz and Patricia Green
Fund for Jewish Education
Joni Lieberman Basen and Don Basen
6
Tree of Life
Thank you for supporting our
Tree of Life Scholarship and Special Needs Appeal
(as of press-time)
Bequest
Caryl Newhof
Crown
Sara Lee and Barry Larner
Heartwood
Lauren and Harold Iselin
Tree Roots
Beth Emeth Sisterhood
Bertold E. Weinberg in memory of Irma K. Weinberg
Trunk
Eric M. Larner
Branches
Cynthia Shenker and James Campbell
Jill Goodman and Arthur Malkin
Leaves
Neil and Penny Manasse
Ronald Richardson
Shara and David Siegfeld
Acorns
Berg-Shumann Family
Susan and Joseph Bierman
in honor of Ron Miller's good health
Danziger Family
Joanne and Don Davidoff
Eitan and Malka Evan
Richard Feldman
Barbara Hai Freed
in memory of
Mae Hai Brecher and Joseph B. Hai
Robert and Elaine Freedman
Mark and Karen Friedman
Gail Kendall and David Galletly
Karen and Mark Glaser
Kathy and Bill Golderman
Denise and Steve Gonick
in memory of Stanley Gonick
Cindy and Neal Greenstein
in honor of Eric, Robyn and Adam
Greenstein
Dr. and Mrs. Michael Grenis
in honor of Emma Farman
Susan and Thomas Hager
Marge and Barry Hollander
Mark and Jane Levine
Melissa and Michael Lurie
Ruth and Benjamin Mendel, Jr.
in memory of their parents
Betty and Bill Nathan
Rochelle and Paul Riven
in honor of all children and instructors
Judy and Larry Rosen
Larry and Linda Schechter
Rabbi Scott Shpeen
Nancy and Barry Simon
Shirley and Fred Simon
in memory of Andrew Simon
Miriam and Donald Sommers
Miriam Swyer
Sally Tillman
Mel and Jane Waldman
Buds
Anonymous
Gloria and Alan Arnold
Sorelle Brauth
in honor of Joshua Brauth
Edith Burman
in memory of Paul Burman
Margie and Rob Dorkin
Ileen and Daniel Duffy
in memory of Roslyn and Sam Cohen
The Eisenberg Family
Gail Katzman and Bill Estes
Cynthia Freedman and Family
in memory of Sue Gersten-Becker
Marilyn Frisch
in memory of Joanne Kramer
Joan Goldstein
in memory of Daniel Goldstein
Dr. Ed and Helene Havan
Kathie and Arnold Kaplan
Wendy and Dan Keyser
in honor of Michael Keyser
Judy Koretz
in memory of Donald S. Koretz MD
Dorry S. Kotzin
Deborah and Bennett Liebman
Heather and Anthony Linsk
Sue & Paul Lipman
Judy and Stuart Madnick
Ron and Nan Miller
in memory of Tom Nathan
Jan and Alan Rubenstein
Nanci Saltwell
in honor of her 4th grade class
Roberta and Richard Seiden
in memory of Sharon Seiden Stein
Marilyn and Ron Silverman
Patricia Snyder
Sandi Storfer
Lynn and Andrew Warheit
Harriet B. Wicks
in memory of Michael J. Wicks
Sandi Zarch
in memory of Stacy Goldfarb Wood
To join these donors, please see the enclosed flyer or make your
Tree of Life contribution online at BethEmethAlbany.org
7
The Faces of Beth Emeth
For anyone who missed Chanukah at CBE this year, and there probably aren’t many, it was a roaring success. We had a record
number of congregants and guests who enjoyed our delicious Brotherhood Dinner served by both Brotherhood and CBEYG
volunteers. We can’t thank them enough for all they do. Dinner was followed by our endearing choir both children and adult. Then
there were our very own Israeli Dancers. What could be cuter than that?! The evening was quite a hit!
Shabbat Shalom Yeladim - with Micki Groper
8
The Einhorn Center for Jewish Education
Grades 3 through 7 at the Einhorn Center for
Jewish Education participated in an Iron Chef:
Latke Edition competition on the last Wednesday
of school before winter break. Rabbi Shpeen, Kathy
Golderman, Joni Lieberman Basen, Deb Sokoler
and Steve Squires acted as judges for the 10 teams
of students that competed in 3 events:
1.Potato Latkes
2.Other Vegetable Latkes
3.Dessert Latkes
The students selected and mixed ingredients and their teachers fried the latkes. The students also garnished the plates before
presenting them to the judges. Between events, the students
worked on creating posters for the theme “Chanukah is . .
.” These colorful and creative posters were displayed in Paul Hall
during the congregational Chanukah celebration.
February is a short, but jam packed
month and each week seems to build in
momentum and excitement! This year the
month begins with Tu B'shvat, our holiday
celebrating nature and the gift of trees. While
we are freezing in the bitter cold and buried
under snow, it's especially meaningful to
remember that spring is on its way and the
trees will be back in bloom soon. The second
and third weeks include a day dedicated to love and the
President's week vacation. And then we begin learning about
and gearing up for the holiday that is considered by many to be
the most fun of all, Purim! According to the rabbis, there are 4
mitzvot associated with the holiday of Purim: 1.The reading of
Megillat Esther which tells the story of Purim. 2.Mishloach
Manot, the sharing of treats with friends. 3. Matanot L'evyonim,
gifts to the needy. 4.Mishteh, a grand party to celebrate and be
so intoxicated with joy that one can not tell the difference between Haman, the villain and Mordechai, a hero.
Although Purim falls in the first week of March this year,
the CBE Mishteh begins early, on February 28th, at
Purim PALOOZA 2! This awesome adult party is not to be
missed! With generous support from the Brotherhood and
Sisterhood, along with ticket costs, the PALOOZA celebration
offers live music by the Audiostars, open bar, plentiful nosh
and dessert by Mazzone catering, and an overall fantastic
event for the whole community - and it's just a party, not a
fundraiser!
Not that I want to wish the month away, but I can't wait to
start the Purim festivities at the best party of the year, Purim
PALOOZA, and it will be a spectacular time!
Shara Siegfeld
Director of Education
See BE:
Opportunities for everyone:
New Year, New Start
Connect with CBE in 2015
Assist at Registration
for an event such as a First Friday Pot Luck Dinner.
Contact: Deb Sokoler – [email protected]
Yoga With Rabbi Shpeen
on Sunday mornings. See calendar at BethEmethAlbany.org for
times and dates.
Play Mah Jongg
or “Learn to Play” with Sisterhood.
Contact: Meryl Schwalb - [email protected]
Jewish Federation of Northeastern New
York 2015 Scholarships
Federation again will offer scholarships to area children and
college students to attend overnight Jewish camps, Jewish
summer travel experiences, and summer and year-long Israel
experience programs. Funding is also available for any
program that provides Jewish enrichment and inspires Jewish
continuity, which may include youth movement or organization
weekends and activities, leadership seminars, etc. Due to the
limited amount of funding, decisions are based on financial
need that will be determined by completion of a detailed
questionnaire, submission by both parents of the most recent
complete federal income tax return available, and possible
telephone follow-up. All scholarships awarded are based on
financial need. In considering an applicant’s need, we consider the program expense and any exceptional circumstances or
financial burdens or responsibilities that the immediate family
may have. If you have any questions, please call Deborah
Goldstein at the Federation, 783-7800 ext. 230, or email
[email protected]. Deadline for applications is
March 6, 2015 .
Selling or Trading-in your car?
Why not make it a tax-deductible
donation to Beth Emeth?
Contact Kathy Golderman
436-9761 ext 225
9
Yahrzeit
Kaddish will be recited for those beloved departed whose names are perpetuated in Permanent Memorials established by their
families. We invite your inquires about this thoughtful way of remembrance.
Shabbat of February 20-21
Shabbat February 6-7
Manuel Chartoff
Dr. Donald W. Cohen
Roy Cohen
Max Cohn
Sarah Mendel Cohn
Anne Coplon
Katherine Stein Fenster
Melville Fisher
Rose Forman
Josephine Fine Freedman
Merwyn Frisch
Dorothy Teichner Frommer
Dr. A. Milton Green
Celia Illch
Milton F. Levison, 3rd
Dina Wolfsheimer Mann
Joseph T. Miller
Dr. Gerson Packer
Dora Ettelson Aronowitz
Joyce Avrach
Mary Gunst Barnet
Peter Blacker
Bess Marks Bloch
Sender Borlawsky
Florence Livingston Marx Brody
Herman Bronstein
Frederick S. deBeer, Jr.
Murray Dorkin
Benjamin Louis Dubb
Ida Lillian Faber
Bernhard Fein
Anthony Rosenstock Fischer
Amy C. Friend
Leonora Goldberg
Harold H. Goodman
Adele L. Haven
Belle Schwarz Heiser
Marcus Hirschfeld
Sheila G. (Abrilove)
Richardson
Blanche Goldowsky
Rosenholtz
Miriam Schlesinger
Solomon Henry Schlesinger
Shirley Kaminsky Siegel
Louis Silberman
Estelle Lenore Sokol
Sharon Seiden Stein
Beatrice Steinberg
Rachel H. Stern
Myron S. Strasser, Jr.
Moritz-Rosa Strauss
Grace K. Swartz
Sophie Swartz
Morris Yaffee
Hannah Manel Zolzensky
Rhoda Zuckerman
Shabbat of February 13-14
Cordelia Spear Alexander
Fran Pennie Armm
Richard Basch
Nannene Fellman Bass
Charles Berinstein
Robert Blum
August J. Bolz
George Boochever
Linda Henson Bookstein
Mollie Boorstein
Selma Hotchkiss Boxer
Henry L. Braun
Adelaide Marx Einhorn
Frank Feldman
Marilyn Solomon Finkle
Joseph Goodman II
Esther E. Gould
Solomon Abraham Heiser
Isaac Honigsbaum
Amson Illch
Dr. Irving S. Kaskel
Leo Katzman
Dr. Franklin L. Kessler
Mark Alexander Larner
Robert M. Levine
David London
Harry Marks
Minna Barnet Nathan
Helen Bookheim Oppenheim
Morton Ratner
Satie Swartz Reinhart
Ruth Rosenblum
Harry Schuster
Edward Ernst Schwager
Jennie Solomon
Edward Taube
Isidor Thorn
Anna Tutshen
Ruth Kopp Urbach
Samuel Waldman
Harry E. Warsh
Robert Weinbloom
Rene Zamos Zoota
Lena Hyman
Esther Bookheim Isenbergh
Seymour Kern
Rose Kolp
Rebecca Newman Levison
Joseph H. Mann
Isidore Muhlfelder
Harry A. Raab
Rosalind Robinson
Leon Rosenberg
Max Rosenn
Sharon I. Siegal
Yetta Simon
Sunny Bauer Solomon
David Sonnenfeld
Harry Summer
Jeanette Egers Summer
Morton H. Swartz
Michael H. Urbach
Leo J. Wagner
Shabbat of February 27-28
Minna H. Bach
Louis Baere
Lawrence Bloomberg
Gertrude R. Bookstein
Louis Caplan
Marie D. Caplan
Nettye Anker Clapkin
Frances Lubin Cohen
Samuel Farfield
Reba H. Feldman
Dan Fishell
Stanley Freedgood
Abraham Illch
Julius Illch
Anna Friedlander Jackson
Bernie Meyer Levy
Frank S. Lyons
Henry Mann
Perpetual Memorial
Julius Miller
Lewis Muhlfelder
Sara Miller Newell
Muriel Parets
Irving Polk
Mollie Bookstein Rose
Herman Rosenbaum
Bernice F. Rosenstock
Hildred T. Rosenstock
Rae Friedman Rosenthal
Benjamin Roth
Abraham Safranko
Eileen R. Shields
Harry W. Sims
Adolph Sommers
Theodore Sonnenfeld
Fannie Tarsey
Harry J. Taube
Unused Graves in the Loudonville Cemetery.
Do you know of any family lots in our cemetery with graves
that are unlikely to be used for future burials? Many times, the
children and grandchildren of the original owner have moved
away and have no interest in purchasing privilege-of-burial in
their family’s lot in our cemetery. In some cases, there hasn’t
been a burial in a lot for over 50 years!
Rather than have these graves go unused, we’d like to ask
families to “release” the graves, where appropriate, for us to
add to our “inventory” for future needs. If you can help us with
this project by identifying people for us to contact, please call
the office 436-9761 ext. 225 and speak to our Executive
Director, Kathy Golderman.
The following Perpetual Memorials have been established:
The Family of Shirley, Sheldon and Richard Basch,
In their memory
The Family of Howard M. Kahn, in his memory
The Family of Anne and Harry Rosenfeld
in memory of Moritz-Rosa Strauss
When services are in the Chapel, yahrzeit plaques are
located in the alcove to the right of the ark. When services are
in the Sanctuary, yahrzeit plaques are on the rear brick walls.
10
Bima Flowers
Contributions can be made to the fund in memory of or in honor of a person or event. Please send all the information including
the name of the donor, and the name of the deceased (with date of the Yahrzeit) or the name of the honoree, with a check payable to
Congregation Beth Emeth to Lynn Warheit, 213 Colonial Ave., Albany, NY 12208.
Shabbat of January 2-3
Beatrice Hanft Glucksman
Beatrice Hanft Glucksman
in memory of
Samuel Goldberg
Alfred J. Hanft
Shabbat of January 9-10
David Ardman
in memory of
Arthur Ardman
Shabbat of January 16-17
The Friedlander Family
Beatrice Hanft Glucksman
A. Richard Goodman
Edwin H. Sperber and Family
The Spitalny Family
in memory of
Dorothy Friedlander
Robert Goldberg
Diane Goodman
Elizabeth Sperber
Miriam Spitalny
Shabbat of January 30-31
Harriet and Fred Ackerman
Mollie and David Shulan
The Spitalny Family
in memory of
Harry M. Ackerman
Jay W. Shulan
Dr. Jack M. Spitalny
Shabbat of February 6-7
The Locke Family
Shabbat of February 20-21
in memory of
Donna, Lee, David and Jamie Rosen
Joyce Avrach
The Fluster Family
Peter Blacker
Phyllis and Jeffrey Sperry and Maryann
and Mark Borlawsky and Families Sender Borlawsky
Elsa G. deBeer
Frederick S. deBeer, Jr.
Eleanor Breinan
Murray Dorkin
Margie and Rob Dorkin
Murray Dorkin
Gytelle Bloom
Ida L. Faber
Karen and Steven Fein
Bernhard Fein
Susan and Tim Fischer and
Mary Ellen and Alan Klein
Anthony R. Fischer
Helene and Ed Haven
Adele L. Haven
The Kern and Rousis Families
Seymour Kern
Carole S. Rosenblum
Sunny Bauer Solomon
Harvey Gold
Jeanette Egers Summer and Harry Summer
Beth and Andrew Swartz
Morton Swartz
Shabbat of February 27-28
Joyce and Sanford Bookstein
Lisa, Steve, Max and Will Brown
in honor of
Jessica Locke Richer
Lee St. John
Sandra Storfer
Dorry S. Kotzin
Shabbat of February 6-7
in memory of
James A. Cohen
Dr. Donald W. Cohen
Sue and Al Volo and
Harriet and Fred Ackerman
Roy Cohen
Alice Firsty and Family
Melville Fisher
Marilyn Frisch
Josephine Fine Freedman
Marilyn, Jim and Yvonne Frisch
Merwyn Frisch
The Ruslander Family
Blanche Goldowsky Rosenholtz
Roberta and Richard Seiden
Sharon Seiden Stein
Marion, Mickey, Shana and Evin Strasser
Myron S. Strasser, Jr.
Nancy and Eric Yaffee
Morris Yaffee
Martha and Arnold Slowe
Rhoda E. Zuckerman
Shabbat of February 13-14
in memory of
Lorelei and Sherry Armm
Fran Pennie Armm
Sherry and Steven Einhorn and Family
Adelaide M. Einhorn
Nancy and Arthur Roth and Family
Adelaide M. Einhorn
A. Richard Goodman
Joseph Goodman, II
Lynn Shaw and Paul Katzman
Leo Katzman
Jane and Mark Levine
Robert Levine
Merna and Lou Zinnershine and Family
David London
Anne and Michael Marmulstein and
Nancy and Eric Yaffee and Families
Ruth Rosenblum
Marian Schwager
Edward Ernst Schwager
Shelley Weinbloom
Robert Weinbloom
Please Help Us Keep Our Records Current
If you have a new phone number, cell number, email address,
home address, etc. please let us know. If you change your
locale during the winter, please let us know when you are
leaving and returning so that we can mail Beth Emeth
information to you. Please call or email Joan Paley at
436-9761 x222 or [email protected]
11
in memory of
Gertrude Bookstein
Stanley Freedgood and
Herman Rosenbaum
Sara Newell
Eileen R. Shields
Harry W. Sims
Insuring Beth Emeth and Its Families for Over 40 Years
129 Winnie Street Albany, NY 12208 * 518-253-1323
[email protected] * www.namascarservices.com
12
52 Holmesdale Street
Albany, New York 12203
518-728-0345
www.judyrosenre.com
Deborah Rosen Zamer, licensed salesperson
Anna Brickman, licensed salesperson
FRED B. WANDER, ESQ.
JAMI DURANTE ROGOWSKI, ESQ.
MATTHEW J. DORSEY, ESQ.
13
Michael S. Lurie, CPA
Gregory H. Lurie, CPA
518-456-4094
www.luriecpas.com
Tax, Accounting & Wealth Management
COMPLEXITY MADE SIMPLE
Proudly Serving the
Capital District for
Over 25 Years
www.stefanazzispargo.com
14
15
100 Academy Road, Albany, NY 12208
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Phone 518.436.9761
Fax 518.436.0476
The Einhorn Center for Jewish Education 518.432.1392
www.BethEmethAlbany.org
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen
[email protected]
Rabbi Dennis S. Ross
[email protected]
Cantor Glenn Groper
[email protected]
Kathy Golderman, Executive Director
[email protected]
Shara L. Siegfeld, Director of Education
Phone Calls for Clergy:
[email protected]
Please know that phone
Deborah Sokoler, Programming Director
messages left outside of
[email protected]
office hours are not forDebbie Schaffer, Bulletin Editor
warded to clergy until the
[email protected]
next business day. To
Lauren Iselin…..…..….….…………...President
leave a message outside
Lee Rosen...…...……..……..1st Vice President
of office hours: for Rabbi
Andrew Safranko.…….…...2nd Vice President
Shpeen use ext. 229; for
Michael Lurie ..………..…..……….….Treasurer
Cantor Groper ext. 226;
Robyn Marinstein.…..……..………….Secretary
and for Rabbi Ross ext.
Mark Swyer..……...…...Brotherhood President
230.
Robyn Marinstein……Co-Sisterhood President
Lisa Finkle…………...Co-Sisterhood President
Miranda Miller...………….....CBEYG President
The 2nd Annual CBE Night of
Dinner and Music
Albany Symphony Orchestra
An Americana-inspired program featuring,
Time for Three
Preceded by dinner at Yono’s
Saturday, April 18
Look for details at BethEmethAlbany.org
and in the March Bulletin
Seats are limited
CBE Volunteers serving for Christmas at the Soup Kitchen.
You spoke, we listened.
Please look for a new format for our fliers in the next Bulletin.
In an effort to become environmentally friendly, we will be reducing
the number of fliers that are included in your monthly Bulletin.