1. religion and spirituality
2. judaism

May 2015 — Iyyar & Sivan 5775
RABBI’S MESSAGE
Dear Friends,
Much of May falls during the Jewish month of Iyyar. The spelling of the word Iyyar in Hebrew is
aleph, yud, yud, reish. The sages noticed that these letters form an acronym of a phrase found in
Exodus, chapter 15: Ani Adonai Rofecha ­ I am God Your Healer. The sages intuited that this month is
therefore associated on a deeper level with healing and self-care. What is the context of the phrase “I
am God Your Healer”? It comes from a brief episode which occurs immediately following the
splitting of the Red Sea. The Children of Israel arrive at Marah, an area where all of the water is too
bitter to drink (the name Marah, in fact, means bitterness). God shows Moses a particular type of tree, and instructs him to throw
its wood into the water, and the water is sweetened enough to become potable.
What is this mysterious tree which is thrown into the water? The sages are in disagreement (how typical!): Rabbi Yehoshua
believes that it was a willow tree, Rabbi Natan believes it was a type of bitter ivy, and Rabbi Yehoshua ben Karcha opines that it
was a thorny bush. What is odd about all of these opinions is that none of the three of these trees and plants have the property of
being able to sweeten water? So what gives? Nachmanides, the great 13th cent. Spanish sage, posits that this teaches us a deep
lesson about God’s healing ways: God sweetens the bitter... With bitter! How counterintuitive is this?
On one level, this can be seen as a theological statement ­ only God has the Power to heal us in such a miraculous way, by
“sweetening with bitterness.” But this can also be seen as an insight into the amazing curative powers of the natural world,
containing traits which aren’t apparent at first blush (and could be seen, perhaps, as “bitter towards bitter”). Nature produces a
wealth of trees and plants which, amongst their many inherent properties, can provide great healing for humans from a variety of
ailments. One great example is that of the willow tree, which contains in its bark acetylsalicylic acid, which was ultimately
processed into aspirin!
The 19th cent. Chassidic Rebbe Nachman of Breslov noted that “Iyyar is a month to go out into the fields, and harvest those
plants which are being imbued with energy from above.” May this be a time of healing, and connection to and appreciation for
the natural world, and all that it provides for us!
Be in touch,
R’ Gabe
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the
Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans
As many of you know, during the 2014-2015 school year Rabbi Gabe has had weekly Hebrew and
Jewish studies lessons with many of the children of our congregation. That educational program is the
recipient of the Communal Voucher program, distributed to us by the Jewish Federation of Greater
New Orleans and thanks to the generous contributions of the Federation's Annual Campaign
donors. We are grateful for their support, and know that this gift will allow us to expand and continue
the Jewish education that we provide our synagogue youth for years to come.
4004 West Esplanade Avenue, South - Metairie, LA 70002 - Phone: (504) 454-5080 - Fax: (504) 883-8010 - www.BethIsraelNOLA.com
Page 1
NEWS & HAPPENINGS
Ongoing Classes:
Mondays 7:00PM through May 18th - What is Modern Orthodoxy?
Join us for a five-part series that will explore the mission, values, and history of Modern
Orthodox Judaism, and how it has manifested in both the US and Israel.
Thursdays 7:30PM - Parshat HaShavua with R’ Gabe
Saturdays 5:00PM - Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah with Dr. Yehuda Halper
Friday, May 1st, 5:30PM - Family Shabbat at Beth Israel
Join us for an evening of family friendly crafts, prayers, stories, and dinner in
celebration of Shabbat. Suggested donation $18 per family. Regular Shabbat
services will take place immediately following.
Sunday, May 10th, 9:30AM - Mother’s Day Brunch
If you are a mother, or if you’ve ever mothered others, then it’s your day!
celebrate with waffles and mimosas and have a nice morning at the shul.
Come
Sunday, May 17th, 9:00AM - 1:00PM - Ochsner BloodMobile
Join us as we partner with Gates of Prayer for a blood drive. The mobile blood bus will be
parked in Gates of Prayer’s parking lot off Richland Avenue.
Tuesday May 19th, 7:30pm at the Greenbergs’ Home
Rosh Chodesh Women’s Gathering
Join together with the women of Beth Israel as Rebbitzen Abby Streusand leads an evening
of CHEESE-MAKING!! In honor of the upcoming holiday of Shavuot.
Friday, May 22nd - Shabbat Dinner and Speaker - Following 7:00PM Services
Eiton Levon, Israeli Consul-General to the Southern Region
Join us for a Shabbat dinner, welcoming the new Consul-General to our region.
We will learn about the challenges and opportunities facing Israeli right now, and
how US Jewry can and should be involved. Please RSVP by calling the office or
emailing [email protected].
Members - Adults $18, Children over 5 $9
Non–Members—Adults $25, Children over 5 $18.
Tuesday, June 2nd, 12:00PM - Lunch & Learn
Come learn about an aspect of Jewish Law and its comparison in US Law at the Gertler Law
Firm (935 Gravier St #1900, New Orleans, LA). $10 donation for lunch.
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PASSOVER
20142015
5774
PASSOVER
2014
// 5774
SHAVUOT
SCHEDULE
/ 5775
- COMMUNITY Tikkun Leil With gates of prayer and shir chadash
SATURDAY Night, MAY 23rd
Saturday, May 23rd (Erev Shavuot)
8:30pm - Maariv (Candle Lighting after 8:33PM)
8:45pm - Dairy Dessert
Tikkun Leil Event
9:15pm - Learning Session I
Choose to learn from one of the following community educators:
- Sharon Pollin, Head of School, JCDS
- Deborah Mintz, Director of Education, Shir Chadash
- Rabbi Gabe Greenberg, Congregation Beth Israel
- Rabbi Bob Loewy, Congregation Gates of Prayer
- Rabbi Ethan Linden, Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation
10:15pm - Learning Session II
The same sessions will be taught again so that folks can learn from multiple
facilitators.
11:00pm - Rabbinic Panel with Rabbis Greenberg, Linden, and Loewy
12:00pm - 5:00am - The learning continues into the night...
Sunday, May 24th (Shavuot - Day 1)
**Festival Minyan with Hallel**
Monday, May 25th (Shavuot - Day 2)
9:00am - Shacharit
10:30am (Approx) - YIZKOR Service
8:33pm - Yom Tov Ends
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DONATIONS TO BETH ISRAEL MARCH 20 - APRIL 21 2015
Kiddush Fund
General Fund
Anonymous
Dr. Alvin Cotlar
NCSY/UOJCA Etz Chaim Region
Vincent Bruno
Philip & Linda Pink
In honor of…
Joel Picker's Birthday……………….by Reuben & Marlene Friedman
His Aliyah on Shabbat………………………………by Jacob Kottle
Joel Picker's Special Birthday………………….Joel & Toby Mendler
Shirl Watsky's special birthday
Joseph B. Merlin……………………………by Jack & Rachel Merlin
Fannie Regenbogen's birthday……………….by Joel & Paula Picker
Mildred Zoller's birthday
Joel Picker's Birthday………………………...by Fannie Regenbogen
Rabbi David Posternock's Birthday………….by Shirley R. A. Watsky
& Bar Mitzvah Anniversary
Fannie Regenbogen's 98th Birthday
Joel Picker's Bar Mitzvah Anniversary
In memory of…
Eleanor Alexander ………………………………by Kenneth Barkoff
Denise Caplane
Zlata D. Levin…………………………………..by J. Joseph Blotner
Sophie Weinstein………………………………by Beverly Brickman
Dr. Isidore David Brickman
Bessie Flaster Davis…………………………………..by Doris Davis
David Gansar…………………………..by Hannah and Jordan Katz
Margot & Leopold Mendler………………...by Joel & Toby Mendler
Lena & Israel Trestman
Libby Gordon………………………………………by Sam Menszer
Harry Finkelstein………………………………M. Chadwick Pellerin
In honor of …
Lillie Katz…………………………………………...by Miriam Katz
Benah Klafert's Birthday……………………by Irwin & Judy Lachoff
Joel’s Bar Mitzvah Anniversary & Birthday…..by Joel & Paula Picker
In memory of …
Louis Barder………………by Barry & Alona Katz and Richard Katz
Samuel I. Katz
Sol Teles……………………………………..by Joel & Paula Picker
Sadie Gertler………………………...by Judge Steve & Lynn Plotkin
Refuah Sheleimah of …
Karen Soll…………………………………….by Gertrude Beerman
Jackie Gothard………………………………by Joel & Paula Picker
Jackie Gothard…………………………..by Stephen & Frieda Ritter
Building Fund
Bradley & Daniela Bain
Barry & Alona Katz
Mark & Keri Pollock
Alvis & Jessie Wilson
Jacob & Lee Kansas
Leon & Ava Nowalsky
Stanley & Roselle Ungar
Programming Fund - Passover
Elizabeth Cato
Alan & Diane Franco
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
Refuah Sheleimah to...
Jackie Gothard……………………………..by Joel & Toby Mendler
In honor of…
Joel Picker……………………………..by Albert & Charlene Pukof
Prayer Book Fund
In memory of…
Israel Trestman……….by Robert & Fran Lenter and Roslyn Trestman
Annie Klemes Dulitz…………………….by Albert & Charlene Pukof
In memory of…
Gertrude Pailet Singer………………….by Marshall & Jane Gerson
Joseph B. Merlin……………………….by Dr. Carl & Shirley Merlin
Rabbinic Home Hospitality Fund
Joe & Lee Blotner
Judge Sol & Jackie Gothard
Rabbi Barbara Metzinger
Maot Chitim
William & Sandra Goldsmith
Joel & Ruth Loeffelholz
Orthodox Union
Youth Programming Fund
Joel & Paula Picker
Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans
Please consider sponsoring a Kiddush in honor of a loved one’s Yahrtzeit.
Please support our congregation by sponsoring a Kiddush Lunch to honor someone, remember someone, celebrate a
simcha, or even just enhance our Shabbat celebration. If you cannot sponsor a complete kiddush, you may be a
partial sponsor through a donation to our kiddush fund.
There are three levels of Kiddush sponsorship:
$180 for a Basic Dairy Kiddush
$270 for a Deluxe Dairy or Basic Meat Kiddush
$360 for a Deluxe Meat Kiddush
Contact the synagogue office today to reserve the date for your special Kiddush or to make a donation!
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MAY 2015 YAHRTZEITS
In memory of…
Remembered by…
In memory of…
May 1 (12 Iyyar)
Natan Ganitsky
Miriam Weiner Glynn
Miriam Davidson Herman…………….Jack & Joan Ginsburg
Birdie Pailet
J. Jack Pastel
Marx Rosenzweig
Samuel Rothenberg……..Stuart & Cooky Gross
Rabbi David & Jessica Posternock
Isadore Wasserman………………..Albert & Charlene Pukof
Remembered by…
May 11 (22 Iyyar)
Mary Middleberg…………………….Ira Middleberg
Stanley & Roselle Ungar
George Shushan
May 13 (24 Iyyar)
Shirley Meisel
Esther Pukof Moore……… ………...Albert & Charlene Pukof
May 14 (25 Iyyar)
Samuel Lassen
May 15 (26 Iyyar)
May 3 (14 Iyyar)
Dr. Isidore Brickman………………………...Beverly Brickman Rea Hendler……………………….Lori Ann Hendler
Dr. Marc & Esther Hendler
Harry Lopp……………………………….Gary & Sonya Batten
Sylvia
Isaacs
Fay Shiff
Fannie Karnovitz Shiff
May 4 (15 Iyyar)
Herman Yuspeh
Thelma Speirs Cohen
May 16 (27 Iyyar)
Rachel Weiner Laufer
Lyna Sachs Dogulov………………...Stephen & Barbara Katz
May 5 (16 Iyyar)
Jacob Eli Goldblum
Louis Isaac Berlot
Mania Parnes
Meyer Bienn
Robert Rodos………………………...Harvey & Devvie Harris
Ida Kansas Smith…………………….Joseph & Janice Nodvin
Henry Kahn
May 6 (17 Iyyar)
Evelyn Rodos
Isadore Friedman
Marlene Trestman
Rebbetzin Blanche Gewirtz
May 17 (28 Iyyar)
Miriam Smith Bronik Blum…………………..Annette Smason Annie C. Fishman
Herman Rosenberg………………………Shirley R. A. Watsky
May 7 (18 Iyyar)
Gitel Selzer
Sigmund Sinauer
Gertrude Witkowski
May 8 (19 Iyyar)
Charles Carp
Max Cohen
Rebbetzen Gloria Cohen………………………...Isaac Cohen
Benjamin Goldman
Hannah K. Handelman
George Lew
Dave Rosenblum
Dorothy Offner Wetsman…………..Howard & Ellie Wetsman
May 9 (20 Iyyar)
Estelle A. Bruchis
Linda Dulitz Hirsch………………….Harris & Rosalie Dulitz
Albert & Charlene Pukof
Leah Winsberg Friedman
Louis Gertler……………………...Mike & Marcie Gertler
Judge Steve & Lynn Plotkin
Edith Lieb
Irvin Weintraub……………………Alan & Danielle Weintraub
May 10 (21 Iyyar)
Bernard J. Aronson
William Bruchis
Bessie Pailet Feldman
Arthur Leiva…………………………Ira & Walkira Rosenzweig
Lester S. Pailet
May 18 (29 Iyyar)
Louis L. Gertler…………………..Mike & Marcie Gertler
Judge Steve & Lynn Plotkin
Sadie Kleinfeldt Lubritz………………………...Mildred Covert
May 19 (1 Sivan)
Phillip Bronfin
Max Redman
May 21 (3 Sivan)
Jack Bonnett……………………………………...Tova Bonnett
Clarence Davidson
Abraham Orlick
Sheri Fay Regenbogen…………………Stephen & Mery Blitz
Fannye Rubins
May 22 (4 Sivan)
Louis Buderman…………………………Gary & Sonya Batten
Gerald Hellman……………………………..Kelly Nowlakowski
Herbert Pailet………………………...Mildred Pailet Schiffman
May 24 (6 Sivan)
Max Covert……………………………………...Mildred Covert
May 25 (7 Sivan)
Nathan Picker……………………………..Joel & Paula Picker
Roslyn K Rubins
Harry Schiffman……………………...Mildred Pailet Schiffman
Martin Zuckerman……………………..Dr. Eddie & Karen Soll
Page 5
MAY 2015 YAHRTZEITS
In memory of…
In memory of…
Remembered by…
May 26 (8 Sivan)
Harry Katz………………………………….Barry & Alona Katz
Richard Katz
Goldie A. Spizer
May 27 (9 Sivan)
Anna Fisher Watsky Berniker………….Shirley R. A. Watsky
Barnett Blitz……………………………..Stephen & Mery Blitz
Ninnette Koretzky………………………………….Sarah Carp
Louis Yuspeh
May 28 (10 Sivan)
Louis Botkofsky
Jacob Sachs…………………………...Dr. Ben & Tina Sachs
Jeanette Strug……………………..Michael & Janice Zazulak
Esther Kansas Trestman…………..Freida Mae Gottsegen
Joseph & Janice Nodvin
May 29 (11 Sivan)
Thelma Joseph Goldman
Jenny Kirschman Weil
Elsie Schorr Weinberg
Remembered by…
May 30 (12 Sivan)
David Glinky
Beth Alicia Lubran……………………………..Barbara Gervis
Gus Pailet
Esther Steinman Shushan…………….Sue Rae Fleischer
Joel & Toby Mendler
Jack Thomason…………………………………..Anita Arcana
May 31 (13 Sivan)
Phillip Fisher
Emanuel Geiger…………………..Harold Geiger
Michael & Deborah Geiger
Hannah Offner
Janice Ross………………………………….Sherri Hernandez
Phillip Wayne Sandberg………………………...Benah Klafert
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES

To Gary Remer & Toni Weiss on the loss of Gary’s father, Natan Remer, z”l.

To Elliot Lew & Sandy Lassen on the loss of Elliot’s sister, Rose Resnick, z”l.
MAZEL TOV!

To Alan and Annette Smason on the birth of a grandchild and great-grandchild, respectively: Sally Rose Smason

To the newest members of the Katz-Phillips Leadership Development Class of 2015-2017 (formerly LemannStern). The members from Beth Israel are Bradley & Daniela Bain, and Jason & Rachael (Kansas) Feder.
SHOP & CONTRIBUTE TO BETH ISRAEL
We are pleased to announce that Congregation Beth Israel has partnered with AmazonSmile.
AmazonSmile has the exact same prices and product selection as Amazon.com. The
AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible
AmazonSmile purchases to Beth Israel.
Access AmazonSmile at smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. On your first visit
to AmazonSmile, you will need to select “Congregation Beth Israel Menorah Institute” as your charitable organization.
You can use your same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile, and your shopping cart, wish list, wedding or baby
registry, and other account settings will be the same for both. Please go to smile.amazon.com for questions and additional
AmazonSmile program details.
Page 6
COMMUNITY NEWS
COMMUNITY GROUPS WELCOME
As we did on Canal Boulevard, our new building is available to the community for use
by civic and neighborhood groups and service organizations as well as by our members
for various professional, social, or life cycle functions, etc. We have technology for
business meetings with video conferencing, high definition movie display, versatile
space for your group or organization’s needs and much, much more. All groups and
organizations are welcome to use our facility regardless of religious affiliation. Contact
the synagogue office for more info or to schedule your event!
In April we hosted:
Jewish Family Service - Passover Food Basket Preparation, Nation Alliance of Mental Illness Support Group,
Mishneh Torah Class with Tulane Jewish Studies Professor Dr. Yehuda Halper, Torah Study and Jewish
Learning Series: “What is Modern Orthodoxy?” with Rabbi Gabe, New Orleans Music Lessons Recital,
AVODAH Annual Event and Yoga with Janice Oppenheim
Sisterhood Presents...
Book Dedications
Dedicate a book in honor of a
loved one, in memory of someone
special, or for a happy occasion!
Only $36 each!
Contact the synagogue office to
dedicate a prayer
book or Chumash!
Thursdays, 5:30PM at Beth Israel
YOGA WITH JANICE OPPENHEIM
Open to men and women of all ages
$6 sisterhood members - $7 non-members
The Sisterhood continues to
grow! If you haven't joined
yet, it's never too late, and we'd
love to include you. You can
join by sending a check for $18
to Beth Israel made out to Beth Israel Sisterhood
(and note that it is for sisterhood dues) or join at the
next function.
Thank You to our Volunteers
For more information, please contact our President:
To our Holy Kitchen Krewe: Jackie Gothard, Blayne
Gothard, Judy Antin Lachoff, Chink Lepow, Shula Fuchs,
Gertrude Beerman, Lee Beerman Blotner, Jessie Wilson &
Jessy Posternock
Lee Miller Blotner
(504) 834-2312, [email protected]
To our committed office volunteers:
Paula Picker & Shirl Watsky
Beth Israel is a proud
member of the Orthodox
Union and a supporter of
YCT Rabbinical School!
To our garden cleanup volunteers:
Judy & Irwin Lachoff
Page 7
May 2015
Sunday
12 Iyyar - 12 Sivan
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
16 Mar Cheshvan
1
Code of Jewish Ethics
at GoP 11:00AM
Women’s Tehillim Circle
8:00PM
Parsha Study at
Rabbi’s Home 8:00PM
14 Iyyar
19 Mar Cheshvan
4
3
Pesach Sheni
15 Iyyar
4
16 Iyyar
5
17 Iyyar
6
What is Modern
Orthodoxy? With
Rabbi Gabe 7:00PM
18 Iyyar
7
Saturday
Friday
2
1
12 Iyyar
5:54
7:20
Family Shabbat
5:30PM
Mincha / Kabbalat
Shabbat / Maariv
7:00PM
8
19 Iyyar
Lag B’Omer
7:25
Torah Study with Rabbi
Gabe at BI 7:30PM
Mincha / Kabbalat
Shabbat / Maariv
7:00PM
18 Mar Cheshvan
13 Iyyar
3
2
Acharei Mot /
Kedoshim
Shacharit 9:00AM
Mishneh Torah
5:00PM
Shabbat Ends:
8:18PM
20 Iyyar
9
Emor
Shacharit 9:00AM
Mishneh Torah
5:00PM
Shabbat Ends:
8:23PM
10
21 Iyyar
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day Brunch
9:30AM
2 Iyyar
11
12
23 Iyyar
24 Iyyar
13
14
25 Iyyar
Torah Study with Rabbi
Gabe at BI 7:30PM
What is Modern
Orthodoxy? With
Rabbi Gabe 7:00PM
26 Iyyar
15
7:29
27 Iyyar
16
Behar /
Bechukotai
Mincha / Kabbalat
Shabbat / Maariv
7:00PM
Shacharit 9:00AM
Mishneh Torah
5:00PM
Shabbat Ends:
8:28PM
17
28 Iyyar
Yom
Yerushalayim
Ochsner Blood
Mobile
9:00AM - 1:00PM
24
6 Sivan
Shavuot - Day 1
Festival Minyan with
Hallel - time TBD
29 Iyyar
18
What is Modern
Orthodoxy? With
Rabbi Gabe 7:00PM
7 Sivan
25
19
1 Sivan
2 Sivan
20
13 Sivan
3 Sivan
Torah Study with Rabbi
Gabe at BI 7:30PM
Rosh Chodesh Sivan
Rosh Chodesh
Women’s Gathering
at the Greenbergs’
home 7:30PM
26
8 Sivan
22
7:15
4 Sivan
Mincha / Kabbalat
Shabbat / Maariv
7:00PM
Shabbat Dinner with
Eiton Levon following
services
9 Sivan
27
28
10 Sivan
Torah Study with Rabbi
Gabe at BI 7:30PM
Shavuot - Day 2
Yizkor
11 Sivan
29
7:38
Mincha / Kabbalat
Shabbat / Maariv
7:00PM
Memorial Day
Shacharit 9:00AM
31
21
Yom Tov Ends:
8:33PM
Page 8
5 Sivan
23
8:33
Bamidbar
Erev Shavuot
Shacharit 9:00AM
Maariv 8:30PM
followed by the
Tikkun Leil Event
30
12 Sivan
Naso
Shacharit 9:00AM
Mishneh Torah
5:00PM
Shabbat Ends:
8:28PM