March 2014 Adar I / Adar II 5774
Transcription
March 2014 Adar I / Adar II 5774
March 2014 Adar I / Adar II 5774 The newsletter of Beth El Synagogue Durham’s first synagogue FROM OUR RABBI: To What Do We Say Amen? Amen. Jewish tradition takes that word seriously. אמןis related to the word אמת, meaning “truth.” Amen declares, “What you have said is true!” Amen delineates the boundary of community. In his Laws of Blessings (1:13), Maimonides writes, “One should not respond Amen if the person reciting the blessing is a gentile1, an apostate, a Samaritan…” When I am with my Christian friends and they end their prayer, “in Jesus’ name,” I feel excluded from the community and I do not answer Amen. But if their prayer language is more general (“God” “Creator”), I answer Amen, grateful for their ecumenicalism and our religious common ground. The word Amen raises the issue: to what do we agree, consciously or unconsciously? I recently saw The Book of Mormon at DPAC. Without spoiling the plot, a group of Mormon missionaries arrive in Uganda and join a group of villagers who are singing and dancing to a song when, all of a sudden, one of them discovers that the words of the song curse God (Even in the month of Adar, I cannot reproduce the words here ). What I remember is how, at the end of the number, the audience, myself included, applauded. As we clapped – a modern Amen – many questions ran through my mind: “What am I applauding? The music? The actors? Am I saying Amen to the villagers cursing God? Am I comforting the villagers by allowing the villagers to give voice to their suffering as they cry out to (against) God?” The writers of The Book of Mormon quite brilliantly used humor to provoke important questions in the audience about what we agree to, wittingly and unwittingly. Purim is coming. We will dress in our costumes and drink our scotch, grog our groggers and read the book of Esther, in which it is written, “The Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew 300 men in Shushan; but on the spoil they laid not their hand. The other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of them that hated them 75,000 --but on the spoil they laid not their hand-- on the thirteenth day of the month Adar, and on the fourteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.” Like writers of a musical, The Book of Esther uses humor and fun to challenge our assumptions about ourselves and that to which we give our assent, wittingly or unwittingly. The megillah reading is a ritual enactment that pushes us from within to confront the possibility of Jewish annihilation and the ethics of protecting ourselves from those who want to kill us. 1 Rabbenu Asher (1259-1327, Germany/Spain) and Rabbi Moses Isserles (1520-1572, Poland) say that one should respond Amen to a gentile’s blessing as long as they are not known to worship any alien gods. (Continued on page 27) Purim 5774 Saturday, March 15 8:00pm: Gather in the Beth El lobby for havdalah. The Megillat Esther will be read in both the Main (8:15ish) & Orthodox Kehillah (8:30pm) Sanctuaries following the havdalah service. All are encouraged to attend in festive costume. Jew Man Group will perform during the megillah reading in the Main Sanctuary. Watts Nu? Haman's Gotta Go Dance Party Post megillah reading Saturday night in the Social Hall Our own Watts Street Band will once again rock our socks off with 50's & 60's rock & roll, jazz & of course, klezmer! Sunday, March 16 Services including Megillat Esther reading will start in the Orthodox Kehillah at 9:00am and in the Main Sanctuary at 9:30am Followed by our annual Purim Carnival Sisterhood-made hamentaschen! Exciting games & fun prizes! Inside this issue: Committee Contacts…………………………...….....2 Gabbaim Schedule…………….……………………...2 From our President…………………………………...3 From our Executive Director…………………….…..4 Shabbat 25…………………………………….....…...4 Social Action………………………………...…...…6-7 Sisterhood………………………………...…………...8 Hosts/Sponsors……………..…….…...…….………..9 Lifelong Learning………………..…….……………..10 B’nei Mitzvah...………………...…………………….12 Youth & Talmud Torah News…….………..…...13-15 Pesach………………………………………………...16 Contributions…...……...…....……....................17-18 Yahrzeit Reminders…………..……............…….…20 Letter from Valhalla………...………......…….........21 March & April Calendars…..………....…..........29-30 Community Connections………………………..….31 1 The Beth El Bulletin is the newsletter of Beth El Congregation. We appreciate any feedback and input. Non-members may request to join our mailing list for a $25 yearly contribution to help cover printing & mailing costs. Bulletins are also archived online three months at a time. The online version has some contact information omitted for the privacy of our members. Bulletin Deadline April Bulletin: Monday, March 3 Please submit items to krisha@betheldurham.org Rabbi Rabbi Daniel Greyber President Barak Richman First Vice President Rachel Galanter Second Vice President Noah Pickus Executive Director Casey Baker Education & Youth Director Elisabeth Albert Cong. Services Coordinator Sheri Hoffman Publicity Assistant Krisha Miller Rabbi Emeritus Rabbi Steve Sager Bulletin Advertising Manager Gladys Siegel Do you have news to share with your Beth El community? Graduation? Award received? Birth of a child or grandchild? Send notices to krisha@betheldurham.org and we’ll let everyone know by posting it in the bulletin. Gabbai Rotation YAHRZEITS: To arrange a yahrzeit minyan, please call the synagogue office (919-682-1238) at least one month in advance. To receive notification of a yahrzeit or to list a yahrzeit in the bulletin, call the synagogue office (682-1238). DO YOU HAVE AN ITEM FOR THE BETH EL BULLETIN? All items for the bulletin MUST be submitted by e-mail to Krisha Miller at krisha@betheldurham.org. The FINAL DEADLINE for items for the upcoming bulletin is the 1st workday of the preceding month. THANK YOU. COMMITTEE CONTACTS: Finance Maxine Stern Lifelong Learning Sheva Zucker Membership Sheldon Hayer Ritual Laura Lieber Social Action Debbie Goldstein Community of Caring Pekude Shekalim Sally Laliberte 3/08 Vayikra Diane Markoff 3/15 Tzav Zachor Shula Bernard 3/22 Shemini Parah Bernie Fischer 3/29 Tazria HaChodesh Anne Derby 4/5 Metzora James Tulsky 4/12 Aharey Mot Hagadol Jon Wahl 4/15 1st day Pesach Alan Mandel 4/16 2nd day Pesach Roger Perilstein 4/19 Hol Hamoed Pesach Roger Perilstein 4/21 7th day Pesach Shula Bernard 4/22 8th day Pesach Steve Schauder 4/26 Kedoshim David Rubin Eric Lipp Rhoda Silver CHEVRA KADISHA (BURIAL SOCIETY) Contact David Klapper 2 3/01 Andrea Ginsberg Orthodox Kehillah Va’ad haChinuch Please contact if you'd like to request an aliyah or help lead services. Please do not call on Shabbat or other holidays. The Gabbaim schedule through June 2014 is available online: www.betheldurham.org/rituallife/gabbirotation.html March 2014 / Beth El Bulletin FROM OUR PRESIDENT: (message sent to the congregation on 2/2/14) Thank You for a Remarkable January "You can never say 'thank you' too many times" This was one of the many memorable lines from January when we gathered to celebrate Beth El's Earl & Gladys Siegel Endowment. It was a piece of sage advice that Gladys Siegel passed on to her president successors, and advice that we all should live by. I'd like to follow that advice now, as so many members of our community deserve a "thank you" for their contributions this past month. I first want to thank the Building and Grounds Task Force for organizing a spectacular gathering on Sunday morning, January 19, entitled "Reimagining Our Beth El Home." Over 100 congregants gathered to think, dream, reflect, and imagine how we can have Beth El's physical plant reflect our values and enhance our Jewish experience. The energy from the committee infectiously spilled over into the congregation's energy, and we saw that Sunday just how dedicated so many of us are to Beth El. We all owe enormous thanks to the Task Force for leading and inspiring us in fruitful discussion. Thank you to Chairs Ilana Saraf, Caitlin Pitt, and Nathan Bearman, and to members Eric Meyers, Alexis Poss, Matthew Rascoff, Jennifer Resnick, Sandy Berman, David Klapper, Kevin Leibel, Meytal Cohen, Orit Ramler Szulik, Norman Weiner, and Rabbi Greyber. I also want to thank both the inspiration and the organizers behind our celebration of the Endowment on Saturday, January 25. The inspiration of course came 13 years ago, when Gladys and Earl Siegel gathered a generous collection of Beth El visionaries to start our endowment. Thank you to Gladys and to those who both founded and continue to support our Endowment. And we also owe enormous gratitude to: Hunter Levinsohn, Carol Haynes, and Michelle Schrott for organizing such a wonderful gathering, and to Don Mazzia, Susan Levy, and Sandy & Jim Fangmeier for being so instrumental in the event's execution Bob Gutman, Connie Margolin, and David Rubin for speaking so eloquently about the importance of past and future donors to the Endowment, and to Lucy Siegel for speaking beautifully about her parents Kevin Ginsburg and Steve Prince, for MCing and expertly balancing entertainment with public service messages, and to Eric Lipp and Jared Resnick for providing pointed visual aids Our uniquely-talented entertainers: Off The Top, The BoyChicks, and Jew Man Group. Henry Greene and Krisha Miller for capturing the evening in photos, which are available at http://bit.ly/BEEBM1-25-14 All the bakers for bringing a terrific buffet of desserts (and special congratulations go to Mardi Zeiger for winning the Golden Apron and to Judith Herman for bringing the dessert that earned the most cash votes!) And to all of those who joined us for the very special evening, including those who have made Endowment pledges (I am told that it is never too late to send in a contribution!) And a final thanks for our Endowment celebration goes to our Development Committee, which will put into action the aspirations and values captured that evening. For those interested in helping in our Endowment Campaign, please contact Bob Gutman at ragutman@thegutmans.net . Finally, our eventful January also included saying farewell to two beloved and longtime members of our community, Yetta Brandt and Herb Schatzman. Just as we can never say thank you too many times, we also can never say it too late. We thank both Yetta and Herb, and their families, for their many years of service, love, and dedication to Beth El. We continue to be thankful for Yetta's remarkable stewardship of Beth El's Sisterhood (especially our annual Memorial Book), for Herb's signature contributions to Beth El's last building renovation, and for the many other roles they each played in their active lives at Beth El. The month was a tough act to follow, to say the least! But we all know that Beth El continues as a vibrant place in so many of our lives, and we can look forward to many similar opportunities to express enormous gratitude to our fellow community members. Todah Rabah - thank you very much, Barak Thank you from Gladys Siegel We are a very special congregation and I thank you all and our rabbis for their leadership. I had some remarks in my purse on Jan. 25, but could not read them without crying. My family knows this is what happens when there is something special happening to me or my family. It would have taken away the hard work of the performers and preparers of the amazing evening. So forgive me for my late thank you. -- Hugs to all, Gladys Todah Rabbah! Thank you from Jasmina Galanter and Mir Starr Samuels to all those Beth El members who purchased bracelets from them to help Urban Ministries and Durham's Animal Protection Society to help homeless people and homeless animals. They were able to donate $17.50 to each organization. 3 FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Shalom Beth El! I am so glad to have the opportunity to experience the warm and welcoming community that you have built here on Watts Street. While my family and I have suffered quite a bit of culture shock by trading the craziness of New York City for the relaxed atmosphere here in Durham, we have really enjoyed our first few weeks in the South and look forward to taking advantage of all that life here has to offer. In just these few short weeks, I have been so impressed with the communal involvement and the willingness of volunteers to pitch in wherever they can help. A synagogue like Beth El could not survive or thrive without that attitude from the MoB and Sisterhood to the litany of committees and groups. I look forward to working together to provide and preserve the Beth El experience every time you walk through our doors. During my first week on the job, I had the opportunity to spend the day with Durham Congregations In Action (DCIA) and tour the beneficiary agencies of funds raised at the annual CROP Hunger Walk. I consider myself lucky for having had this opportunity to see a part of Durham that I would not have found on my own. The experience was overwhelming and I was blown away to hear how many fellow residents of Durham depend on the generosity of the Urban Ministries of Durham, Meals On Wheels and The Food Bank in order to even put the basic foods on the table every night. It's great to see the trunk in our lobby filling up with cans that allow us at Beth El to play our part in combating the needs of the hungry. In the coming weeks as I continue to get settled into life at Beth El, I would appreciate the opportunity to meet as many Beth El members as possible and have the opportunity to hear about your experience and things that we can do better. If you happen to pop into the synagogue during the week please take a moment to make your way back to the library and say hello. You will also see me on Shabbat along with my wife and probably chasing around our 17 month old daughter, Sadie. I have been so touched to be welcomed into this community so quickly (even after my singing performance with the Jew Man Group at the Shabbaton) and truly look forward to continuing to keep this a special place and making sure that everyone else in the area knows about the amazing community we have at Beth El. B'Shalom, Casey Beth El Memorial Board Plaques If you are interested in purchasing/reserving a Memorial Plaque, please contact Gladys Siegel. gladys5@earthlink.net or 919-942-5369 4 Mazel tov to Jaclyn Cohen, Nathan, & Eden Nussbaum on the birth of their son/brother Benjamin Martin Nussbaum on February 7, 2014! Mazel Tov to Mardi & Errol Zeiger on the wedding of their daughter Anita to Arthur Jacobs on February 16, 2014! Shabbat 25 March 7-8, & April 4-5 Our Shabbat 25 programming gives the community a chance to connect with Beth El throughout the 25 hours of Shabbat. We begin with Shabbat Shirah - a joyous Friday night service led by Rabbi Greyber using the melodies of the late Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach plus a separate service for our youngest members & their families. Both services begin at 6:00pm and are followed by a community Shabbat dinner*. Our celebration continues on Saturday with Shabbat morning services, followed by a kiddush lunch & often an evening study, meal & havdalah**. Shabbat 25 represents two important values: Welcoming and Tradition. By creating many moments throughout Shabbat to be with the community, we hope to welcome everyone giving as many people as possible a chance to participate. *Reservations for the Community Shabbat Dinner are due by the proceeding Monday. Cost is $18 per person 13 and older / $9 per child 7-12 / no charge for children under 7. Family maximum charge for dinner is $45. Please mail payment to Beth El Synagogue with ‘CSD” & the dinner date noted in the memo line. Any cancellations made after the reservations deadline will still need to be paid for in full. Thank you for your understanding. Beth El is committed to ensuring that everyone in our community can participate in all programming, regardless of financial circumstances. If you would like to help those in financial need attend dinner, please consider a donation of $18 or more. **There will not be an evening study, seudah sh'lishit, or community havdalah service as part of the March Shabbat 25. Instead, our celebration will conclude on Saturday afternoon with a guided discussion of the book My Promised Land by Ari Shavit (this is the first of a 2 part series, 3/8 & 3/15 at 1:15pm following kiddush lunch– see page for details, advance registration & reading of the book is required). www.betheldurham.org/rituallife/index.html#s25 March 2014 / Beth El Bulletin Hasan Bhatti Reporting in from Israel Dear Chevre, I write to you full of wonder and gratitude. On wonder: Today marks the beginning of the 33rd day of my time in Jerusalem and I am between two feelings: 1) because it doesn't feel like I've been here that long, but 2) in that time, I have felt as if I've undergone a year's worth of experiences (from days in Ramallah < http://bit.ly/HBram> to planting olive trees with Palestinians on Tu B'shvat <http://bit.ly/HBplant> to running with Bedouin children <http://bit.ly/HSfree> to roaming the alleys of the Old City <http://bit.ly/BHphotos> to studying the Tanya with an ultraorthodox yeshiva bocher). It's a dual feeling I'm sure I've felt some time before but have long forgot, and the contradiction leaves me with a sense of wonder. Then again, for those who have lived in Israel for a prolonged period of time and looked in all the corners of this deep land, a contradiction here should not be such a surprise. On gratitude: I could not have come here without the support of many in this community, and everyone's avid interest in my pursuits. This experience is a fulfillment of a dream for me to really get on the ground and see/experience the complexities of this situation that I have learned about in books and in conversations with folks back home. I really cannot express in words how grateful I am to everyone that has made this possible. Thank you all so much. I am keeping a blog while I'm here and I plan to write monthly bulletin posts to keep you updated on my whereabouts. My focus in both is on building relationships with the many people affected by this conflict, and in so doing, telling the stories that I find and reflecting on how it pertains to my Jewish identity. I look forward to continuing to share my journey, and to hearing from you regarding your reactions. — Hasan You can follow along Hasan's trip at http://jthegroundup.blogspot.co.il/ Feel free to drop Hasan a line at hasan.bhatti327@gmail.com should you have an interesting viewpoint to add to the mix. Congregational Meeting Sunday, March 9 10:30am Main Sanctuary A light nosh will be provided. Beth El Art Gallery Reproductions of Nature by Sheila Levine On display through March 10 Sheila has been painting for the last 10 years in both watercolor and acrylic. She focuses on the beauty of nature, often using images taken by her photographer husband, Sol. She enjoys traveling with him and painting the scenes, flora and fauna that they encounter. April 1 to June 30, 2014 Maria Savitsky, visiting artist Former Soviet Theater Costume Designer Enjoy her paintings of costumed figures, African figures and Judaic paintings of Mizra. There will be an artist’s reception held this spring—watch for details. If you are interested in exhibiting your artwork at Beth El, please contact Susan Rosefielde (srosefielde@nc.rr.com). Professionals, students and hobby artists are welcome. The Community is invited to the unveiling of the headstone for Eda Bloch on Sunday, March 23, 12:45pm at the Durham Hebrew Cemetery. 5 Social Action www.betheldurham.org/socialaction/programs.html CROP Hunger Walks Social Action Sundays March 2 & April 13, 10:30am-noon Come together to discuss future projects & activities. Light nosh provided. Questions? Please contact Debbie Goldstein (goldebbie@gmail.com) or Jacki Resnick (jacki_resnick@unc.edu) . Join a Beth El team in the annual CROP Hunger Walks. These events raise money to combat hunger both locally and throughout the world. Together, Beth El teams raised over $6000 through these two walks in 2013! Find the walk you wish to join and/or financially support at: http://bit.ly/nccropwalk Chapel Hill/Carrboro: March 23 Team Captains: Gladys Siegel, Sharon Halperin & Richard Cramer Knitting Chevra News Durham: April 6 March 9 & April 13 10:00am-11:30am Team Captain: Rachel Galanter Our fall and winter project has been knitting for those who do not use the shelters. We delivered the hats and scarves that we made to the Chapel Hill Police Department and our contact, Officer Allison Finch, gave them out for us. Susan Leeb, who first proposed this idea to us, recently received an email from Allison about the project. Allison had just received the second bag of hats and scarves. She said that the numbers of their chronically homeless population on the streets is down because the police work very hard to get people into several projects. However, she still has found grateful recipients for the hats and scarves. She said that she thought about snapping some pictures but in the end decided that would be too invasive of their privacy so she did not. Allison mentioned one young man in his mid-twenties who had obviously just arrived in Chapel Hill. When she first approached him he became defensive and guarded. She thought this was because he feared the hassling that traveling homeless people normally encounter from the police. She explained that she had some hats and scarves that he might chose from as the weather was about to turn very cold. He was surprised, but looked through her collection and chose a nice gray scarf. Allison continues “I just smiled and turned and left, expecting nothing in return. I can only imagine how differently Chapel Hill treated him than the treatment he has received in the past. That is one of the reasons I really like working for this town and this department. We really do care. And so do you and your friends. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to offer some small kindness out there.” Special thanks to Susan Leeb for suggesting this project and Allison Finch for delivering the goods! This spring, the Knitting Chevra will be making “Kaps for Kids” for young patients receiving treatment at the UNC Hospital's oncology department. Thanks to Roy Schonberg for his suggestion. If you'd like to join us, we meet the second Sunday of each month during the school year. By the way, our clothing drive is ongoing with a slightly different focus: when you begin shedding your winter layers we'd love to have any hats, scarves and gloves that you don't want or need anymore. It would be nice to have items ready to deliver to Allison earlier next winter for people who can’t come in from the cold. Just contact me, Hunter Levinsohn, at 919-929-6728 or hunter.levinsohn@gmail.com and I'll arrange to get items from you. Thank you! 6 Click on the link for either the Durham walk or Chapel Hill/ Carrboro walk then follow the onscreen directions: sign-up > join a team > Beth El (here you will find links for joining or donating). Beth El's Durham Team made it to the 2013 CROP Walk Honor Roll! What will we do this year? When I saw that Beth El's Durham team raised over $3000 for CROP Walk and was on the honor roll for tzedakah in 2013 I was very proud. I was invited to represent you at an awards banquet in January to hear about how your efforts made a huge difference. I hope that our honor roll status is something we can maintain. Whether you walked last year or not, I hope you consider walking or supporting us in 2014. Ask Sandy Kronick and Eric Cohen who brought their children Ella and Nathan to their first CROP Walk for an unbiased view on the joys and challenges of walking as a family. Thank you to those who helped us to make a difference in the lives of the hungry! Jasmina says of CROP Walk: "It's fun and I get snacks and to be with a friend and it feels good to help people who need food." --Rachel Galanter See link below for information on helping families in need of financial assistance with their water bills. This program is through OWASA & the IFC, but you do not need to be an Orange Co. resident to participate. If you are not an OWASA customer, scroll to the bottom of the linked page for instructions on sending direct donations. www.owasa.org/customerService/taste-of-hope.aspx March 2014 / Beth El Bulletin Register Now for the 8th annual Beth El Blood Drive Mitzvah Projects March 30 9:30am-2:00pm Playworks To schedule your appointment: Log onto: www.redcrossblood.org Click on "Enter a Sponsor Code” (dark blue rectangle on left side of page) Enter Sponsor Code: Beth El (please note the space). Leave dates blank. Hit “go”. Choose March 30, Beth El Synagogue: click “Click here to schedule an appointment to donate” (top row on right side). You will go to a page that says “Please Login or Register Now”. If you already have a user name and password because you have done this before, use that information. If you have not registered on line before, you will need to go to “New User?” on the right side of the page and click “Register now”. Create a user name and password and enter your name: phone number and email address. Click “Submit”. Once you log in or register, you will be taken to a page that says “Schedule an Appointment”. Click on the time you want from the time options available. Then click “Confirm” or “Schedule a new Time”. Your appointment will be confirmed in yellow boxes. You may want to write that down…we’re just saying. (N.B. “Double red” means you will donate two units.) Eliana Davis (who celebrated becoming a Bat Mitzvah in February) is collecting donations for Playworks as part of her Bat Mitzvah project. Playworks is an innovative program that aims to create a safe and healthy playing environment for children. It provides recreation equipment and trained “coaches” to help children play and resolve conflicts during recess. Playworks is a national organization that serves 14 schools in Durham. See www.playworks.org for more information! Eliana is collecting lightly used and new playground equipment. Playworks would appreciate donations of balls for different sports (soccer, basketball, kickball) as well as cones, hula hoops, jump ropes, tennis rackets, and more! Sign up NOW to ensure the time slot you prefer. To volunteer to help: contact laura.svetkey@duke.edu Other Questions: Contact Carla Fenson, carla.fens@gmail.com or Laura, laura.svetkey@duke.edu If you need help registering to donate, please contact Laura or Carla. Please keep in mind that Feb. 2 was your last day to give blood elsewhere if you plan to give at Beth El on March 30th. Food & Toiletry Drives Remember: our food & toiletry drives are year-round! Green River Preserve Craving a Treat? Need a dessert for Shabbat dinner or some other special event? Zosia Carson DeWitt, 13 years old, will make you delectable cookies, cupcakes, brownies, or other treats. Buying these baked treats will help a child in need go to summer camp at Green River Preserve (Zosia’s mitzvah project). Please contact her at zosiacarsondewitt@gmail.com with a cc to her mother at rcarsondewitt@gmail.com. Thank you! Almost everyday, people come to Beth El in need of food. Your donations are much appreciated! Pasta Canned soups (low sodium) Canned vegetables (low sodium) 100% fruit juice (pouches or boxes) Raisins or other dried fruit Granola Bars Pudding Cups Animal/Graham Crackers Trail Mix Peanut butter (plastic jars) Canned tuna, chicken or salmon Beans, peas & lentils (cans or dry) Canned fruits ( in 100% juice) Rice Oatmeal or other hot & cold cereals Macaroni and cheese Popcorn Food needs to be non-perishable and in non-glass containers. "A double-mitzvah": Link your Harris Teeter VIC card to our school (5883) and earn money for the Talmud Torah while helping others. VIC cards need to be re-linked each school year & can be linked to more than one school. See online for instructions: http://bit.ly/BETTVIC Need congregational support for your mitzvah project? Send project details to Krisha at Krisha@BethElDurham.org for inclusion in the monthly Bulletin. 7 Sisterhood www.betheldurham.org/synagogue/sisterhood.html Rosh Chodesh Adar with Elyza Richmon Halev & Rachel Bearman Sunday, March 2 Location: Social Hall / Time: 7:00-9:00PM Movie Night (Movie: TBD) Thursday, April 3 Location: Beth El Lobby & Library / Time: 6-9:30PM Sisterhood invites all its members for a Rosh Chodesh program next Sunday. Join members Rachel Bearman and Elyza Halev in crafts, conversation and cookies and learn a bit about this traditionally feminine oriented celebration. Hope to see you there! Mothers and their teens are especially welcome. We are reviewing Golden Globe, Oscar, and movie festival nominees now and will announce our movie selection soon. Stay tuned. Erev Shabbat Services & Oneg Friday, May 9 Location: Sanctuary, Social Hall / Time: 7:30PM Join us for Shabbat. Everyone is welcome. Hamentaschen Pick-up at the Purim Carnival Sunday, March 16 Location: Freedman Center / Time: 11-1:00PM This spring fundraiser benefits the Talmud Torah Religious School. Our delicious kosher parve hamentaschen cookies are made in the Beth El kitchen. We sell out every year, so it’s best to preorder: http://bit.ly/SHhaman Sisterhood Gift Shop Open during office hours, select special events, & by appointment. If you are interested in shopping outside of office hours, helping staff the Gift Shop or with shop related projects, please contact GiftShop@betheldurham.org. Beth El Sisterhood Kitchen Initiative Pledge Form Stocking and maintaining the kitchen is critical for weekly Kiddushim as well as other religious and social functions held at Beth El. Please help improve the kitchen by making a financial contribution to Sisterhood. The funds we collect will purchase professional quality knives, bowls, utensils, service ware, shelving, signage, minor servicing of equipment, and more. Please make checks payable to Beth El with “Sisterhood Kitchen Initiative” in the memo section. Thank you. Yes, I want to support kitchen improvements and can pledge… ___________________ $54 _______ $72 _______ $90 _______ $180 _______ Other amount $________ ____________________ Your Name E-mail Telephone Address (if not in Beth El Directory) I am interested in volunteering in the kitchen to implement improvements. 8 March 2014 / Beth El Bulletin Shabbat & Holiday Hosts and Sponsors March 1 Kiddush hosted by Scott & Sarah Bryce in honor of their daughter, Ani, becoming a Bat Mitzvah March 8 Shabbat 25 kiddush sponsored by Joel & Adele Abramowitz Edward Balleisen & Karin Shapiro Peter Goldberg & Susan Cohen Sharon Joffe Irwin & Deborah Kahn Alan & Maxine Stern April 5 Shabbat 25 honoring our High School Seniors kiddush hosted by Andrew & Debra Bird Stuart & Karen Factor Samuel Grossinger & Margaret Donnelly Len Singer & Deborah Hirsch Doris Iarovici Eric Mlyn & Judy Byck April 5 Shabbat 25 Seudah Shli’shit sponsored by Jack Leiss Laura Flicker Herbert (Z’L) & Eunice Shatzman Solomon & Sheila Levine March 15 kiddush hosted by Sheldon Becker & Rita Lichtman Gary & Beth Berman Steve Cassell Ron Grunwald & Lorisa Seibel Sandy Kessler & Sheva Zucker Bernard & Ada Most Jennifer Parkhurst April 12 Synaplex Shabbat honoring new drivers Kiddush sponsored by Howard & Marion Diamond Gary & Kelly Asher Michael Hershfield & Susan Brill Rosenthal Vince & Ivy Wingate Martha Hauptman Norman Weiner & Laura Leiber March 15 Erev Purim oneg sponsored by Bruce Guild & Linda Convissor Steven Bachenheimer Elliott & Sandy Portnoy Mills March 16 Purim kiddush sponsored by Mark & Diane Pozefsky Howard & Claire Rockman Darryl Zeldin March 22 Kiddush hosted by Beth El Ritual Committee in honor of our Gabbaim Doug Carlton & Lorri Gudeman Richard Hart & Sally Hicks Michael & Jennifer Kornbluth Sydney & Krisha Miller in honor of their 10th wedding anniversary Hal Sandick & Barbra Roberman Scott Schwartz & Tobin Freid in honor of their 10th wedding anniversary March 29 kiddush hosted by Galia Goodman & Meredith Emmett David Weaver & Laura Brody Weaver Anthony Weston & Amy Halberstadt Ralph & Renee Snyderman in honor of the birthdays of Ralph's brother Theodore (z'l) and of Judith Snyderman Laurie Wolf Barry Yeoman April 15, 16, 21, & 22 Pesach weekday kiddushim sponsored by Harvey & Sandra Cohen Thomas & Judy Coffman Ruth Dzau Brian & Brenda Ginsberg Philip Goodman & Mary Butler Barrie & Jean Hurwitz Robert & Lynn Lefkowitz Marjorie A. Satinsky Lawrence & Miriam Slifkin Gabriel & Orit Ramler Szulik April 19 Pesach V kiddush hosted by representatives of Chavurah Aleph: Sandra Berman Robert & Laura Gutman Annette Kirshner David & Susan Klapper Pearl Levine David & JoAnn Rubin Gladys Siegel April 26 kiddush hosted by Howard Bomze & Laura Quigley in honor of their son, Buddy, becoming a Bar Mitzvah Join us to honor & thank our Gabbaim during services and at kiddush lunch on Saturday, March 22! 9 Lifelong Learning www.betheldurham.org/adulted/courses.html Monthly Torah Study Do you sometimes wish there was more time to discuss the Parasha/Torah Portion of the Week? Well, there is! Approximately once a month we are offering Torah discussions led by various congregants. These are usually held held prior to the Main Sanctuary Torah reading (location & timing will differ). March 29 led by Don Goldstein April 12 (Synaplex) led by Steven Schauder May 3 led by Susan Breitzer Shabbat Mishnah Study Saturday mornings at 8:45am in the Freedman Center Feel free to attend at any time! Join Rabbis Sager and Greyber for coffee and discussions on text from the Mishnah. People new to Mishnah study are especially welcome. Where in the world is... Synagogue Life? The Synagogue Life Committee has been on hiatus this year. Some Synagogue Life programs have continued, such as Seder hosting and packages for college students (see page 16), thanks to efforts by former committee members and others. But in past years Synagogue Life has done much more, including Bulls games, Torah of the Elders, and the Salsa Dance. Info on some past Synagogue Life activities can be found at http://www.betheldurham.org/synagogue/ synagoguelife.html. If you would like to help the Synagogue Life Committee strengthen Beth El's sense of community through social, cultural, and hospitality programs, please contact Barak. Pesach schedule, chametz sale form, links to Conservative & Orthodox guides, as well as details on seder coordination & college student packages can be found on page 16! Healing Yoga Wednesday Morning Minyan & Text Study Services start at 8:00am on most Wednesdays & usually last about 45 minutes. Afterward, those who can stay gather in the social hall for coffee, treats, & a weekly study led by Rabbi Greyber or other members. All are welcome. My Promised Land The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel by Ari Shavit Join us for a two-part guided discussion of this controversial, thought provoking book. March 8 & 15 following Kiddush lunch (approx. 1:15-2:45pm) in the Beth El library Discussion guided by: Sandy Kessler and Bob Gutman You must read the book in order to participate in the discussions. On March 8 the group will discuss chapters 1-8; on March 15, chapters 9-17. Three copies of the book are available for loan in the Beth El Library. The book is also available for a reasonable price on Amazon etc. There is no fee for this program but you must register in advance. Please contact Sheri at sheri@betheldurham.org or 919-682-1238 x. 100 to let the office know that you will attend. More at: www.betheldurham.org/adulted/courses.html#shavit 10 Gentle Movement, Meditation, Relaxation 10:00–11:00am in the Freedman Center April 12* / May 10 / June 7 *Synaplex, start time may differ. Who Should Come? • Anyone who is looking for healthy ways to relieve the physical and mental stresses of illness – yours or that of a family member • Those who are grieving • Those with and without yoga experience (mats/props are available for your use) Benefits of Healing Yoga: • Helps the recovery process; addresses fatigue, soreness, stiffness, anxiety, and depression; deals with balance, bone loss, immunity, and flexibility; brings peace of mind. Participants should wear comfortable clothing. After the class, all are welcome to join the Beth El worship service and /or Kiddush lunch. With generous support, Beth El has raised the funds to purchase yoga mats, straps, foam blocks, blankets, bolsters, and eye bags. These props help participants feel comfortable as they sit, move, and meditate. Please join us, or if you know someone who might benefit from healing yoga, consider coming as a buddy. For additional information, contact Margie Satinsky, RYT, 919-383-5998 or msatinsky@nc.rr.com March 2014 / Beth El Bulletin Synaplex Shabbat is a morning of diverse Jewish experiences designed to speak to the heart. “Like” Beth El Synagogue at www.facebook.com/BethEl.Durham Join our discussion group at www.facebook.com/groups/BethElDurham and, check out Rabbi Greyber’s page: www.facebook.com/pages/ Rabbi-Daniel-Greyber/105866049455568 By offering many different prayer & study opportunities, Synaplex Shabbat gives everyone more ways to connect with Jewish life. Mishnah Study A Variety of Engaging Shabbat Morning Services Children's Programming Meditation Yoga In-depth Torah discussion with a local scholar AND MUCH MORE! Interested in reading the Haftarah or Torah during an upcoming Shabbat service? Congregants who do this regularly/semi-regularly/ every-once-in-awhile are greatly appreciated! Even if you've never chanted a Haftarah, if it's been a long time, or you have thought it would be a meaningful way to commemorate an occasion, you like the sound of the trope, or you would just like to learn this as a new skill, please contact Randi Smith - rbsmith.521@gmail.com. Our community will come together for a D’var Torah by Rabbi Greyber followed by a communal lunch where all are welcome. If you're interested in helping with this exciting program contact Rabbi Greyber at rabbigreyber@betheldurham.org. If you would like to read a Torah portion, please contact Jeff Derby - jhderby@us.ibm.com Eric Pas Jewish Camp Scholarship Please be reminded that applications are now available for partial scholarship funding for a Beth El family who needs financial assistance in sending a child to a Jewish camp. Funding will be made available on a need basis and information will be kept confidential. In the past 15 years the scholarship fund has distributed almost $31,400 and been able to sponsor 49 Beth El children. Our children have participated in our local Federation camp as well as Ramah Darom in Georgia, Young Judea, and two overseas programs. If you would like further information or an application please call Michele Pas at 919-493-3175, or email to mjbpas@aol.com. Also, please consider making a contribution into this fund, Beth El members’ continued financial support of this fund will allow more of our Beth El children to have a Jewish camp experience. Thanks, Michele Pas The Community of Caring We are here for YOU! For anyone in need of a meal due to illness, surgery, grief or other special circumstances. For anyone who needs a ride to/from a doctor's appointment, to the hospital or nursing home so you can visit a friend or loved one. For anyone who would like a friendly visitor to see you at home or in the facility where you live. And for anyone who would like to be a part of this wonderful organization by participating in any of the above. Please call or email Rhoda Silver at: 919-688-0077 / Rhoda.Silver@gmail.com 11 Meet our B’atMitzvah Please join us as our beloved Tatiana (Ani) Lia Bryce Ani Friday, February 28, 2013 6:00pm Saturday, March 1, 2013 9:45pm is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah Shabbat Shekalim February 28 & March 1, 2014 29 Adar, 5774 We hope that you will join us after the Saturday service at a kiddush luncheon in Ani's honor. We look forward to celebrating with you. Sarah, Scott, Elena, Nina and Ani Bryce My name is Tatiana Lia Bryce. Everyone calls me Ani though, because my older sisters started calling me that and it kinda caught on. I was born on January 24, 2001 at UNC Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC (in the same room both my sisters were born in). I am 13 years old. I spend my days acting, singing, playing the piano, dancing, reading, writing, drawing, laughing, hanging out with my friends and family, watching reruns of Disney Channel, and just being me. I participate in school musicals and plays, and go to piano lessons every Tuesday. I’ve been taking piano for eight years now. I go to Duke School Middle School, and I am in seventh grade. I have gone to Duke School since kindergarten. I don’t really have a favorite sports team, because I don’t really enjoy or even do sports myself. I have two sisters, Nina and Elena Bryce. Nina is 22 and works in Washington, DC, and Elena is 26, and is spending the year in Uganda doing medical work. My mother’s name is Sarah Bryce, and my father’s name is Scott Bryce. I have lived in Durham my whole life. And finally, I would like to thank Beth El, for making this possible, and for teaching me so much. You are invited to join us as Buddy Bomze is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah Friday, April 25, 6:00pm Saturday, April 26, 9:30am A Kiddush lunch will follow Saturday services. Laura, Howard, Buddy, & La 12 March 2014 / Beth El Bulletin Talmud Torah FROM OUR EDUCATION & YOUTH DIRECTOR We have finished reading the book of Exodus and have moved on to Vayikra, the book of Leviticus, the third book of the Torah. After the exciting escape from slavery, what exciting new topic awaits us? Sacrifices. Uchh. Well, this has to be better than the time I had to teach the entire book of Leviticus—full of all those riveting laws—for a whole year…to 4th graders! Not that sacrifices are boring, per se--I’m sure there are more than a handful of people out there who would be more than interested in talking about blood and gore--but that isn’t really what the sacrifices are about. Since the destruction of the Temple, we no longer participate in animal sacrifices, yet there is still a great deal we can learn from studying this text. God saw real value in it, so can we! I admit it is pretty hard to relate to the ritual sacrifice of animals for our own benefit. We’ve since replaced this tradition with prayers. Though services aren’t the most popular extra curricular activity for our students, I’d be willing to put good money on the fact that most of the kids here would rather sit through our 3 hour Shabbat morning services, than make regular animal sacrifices. But think about how difficult it must have been for B’nai Yisrael, to participate in such a ritual. To be so committed to a belief, to a new, organized religion and a higher power. The Hebrew word for this kind of offering is “Olah” which means “something that goes up.” It has the same root as the word “Aliyah,” which is also a form of the word “to go up.” We know that when we have an Aliyah to the Torah or someone makes Aliyah to Israel, they are participating in a holy act. We often think of God as being “above us” and therefore going “up” equals heightened holiness. So we can make the assumption that “Olah” the burnt offering, is a way of making ourselves holier or allowing ourselves to get a bit closer to God. Vayikra literally means “called” or “summoned”—so is sacrifice what we are being called to do? Is this what we are to believe is the essence of Judaism? Or does this “call” refer to an overall way of life and commitment to Adonai? I’m sure I’m not the only one who finds this practice of ritual sacrifice a bit troublesome, but is it unique to the Israelites? The answer is no. The idea of offering ritual sacrifice to please one’s God was extremely common among the cultures and religions of this time. During my research, I discovered that the Torah has examples of sacrifice from as early as the story of Cain and Abel! Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of sacrifices from over 70,000 years ago! But it doesn’t formally tell us why the practice of sacrifices started. Why does sacrifice show dedication and respect? I find it interesting that the book of Vayikra spends a great deal of time setting up rules and regulations that will distinguish the Israelites, from other cultures around them, yet we find ourselves reading this parsha about animal sacrifice at a time when much of the world around us is engaging in personal sacrifice, specifically Catholics giving up something of value during the time of Lent, leading up to Easter. Now that we no longer make sacrifices by giving a physical some-THING to God, are there personal sacrifices we can give to show our dedication to God now? By making a personal sacrifice, we are showing our dedication and commitment to this way of life. Think about what it feels like to put yourself in this kind of situation. Would you rather make a sacrifice or say a prayer? Is one easier than the other? Take a moment to think about what it means to sacrifice something that is important to you? Can you imagine sacrificing something you need to survive (like an animal that provided food, transportation and more), just like the Israelites did?! Are you able to come up with an example of modern sacrifices we make for the sake of our religion? Perhaps we sacrifice a few extra hours of sleep to come to shul on Shabbat. I often sacrifice going to see a movie that ends really late on a Saturday night since I have to get up early to come to Talmud Torah on Sunday morning. Sacrifices are obviously difficult, but the thing to remember is that they teach us to value what we do have. As we move towards celebrating Purim and Passover we are reminded of the struggles of our ancestors and what they endured in order to stay true to their faith. They gave up so much when they didn’t even have everything they needed to begin with. Though we no longer make animal sacrifices, perhaps the idea of a personal sacrifice can serve as a connection to our past and remind us of how far we have come as a people, as a religion, and as a culture. Elisabeth Albert, Education and Youth Director March in TALMUD TORAH MARCH ‘14 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 B’nai Mitzvah Peer Tutoring/JC 2 TT (PreK-7) 5 TT (2-6) 7 Kitah Zayin meets/Shabbat 25 Family service 8 B’nai Mitzvah Peer Tutoring 9 TT (PreK-7)/Kitah Zayin parent class/Kitah Bet Family program 12 TT (2-6) 15 B’nai Mitzvah Peer Tutoring 16 TT (PreK-7)/Purim Carnival 19 TT (2-6) 22 TS/JrJr/JC/B’nai Mitzvah Peer Tutoring 23 TT (PreK-7) 26 TT (2-6) 29 B’nai Mitzvah Peer Tutoring 30 TT (PreK-7)/Simchat Tot/Chadar Ochel 13 March in YOUTH & FAMILY PROGRAMMING MARCH ‘14 S M T W Th F S 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 1 JC AlephBet/Pre-Kadima AlephBet Shabbat 25 Family service Shabbat 25 Family service JC Pre-Kadima 16USY Purim Carnival 17 Tot 22Simchat TS/JrJr/JC Kadima USY 23 23TS/JrJr/JC Kadima 30 Simchat Tot 3 2 8 7 99 Aleph Bet Pre-Kadima (3rd-5th grade) (K-2nd grade) Goes to the movies! Rockin’ Relays & Creative Hamantashen Baking! Sunday, March 9th Sunday, March 2nd Kadima 12:30 PM-2:30 PM Simchat Tot (6th-8th grade) Ice Skating Simchat Tot is a special program at Beth El Synagogue for all families with children ages 4 & under. Join us for this fun introduction to Jewish education, complete with music, arts & crafts, hands-on projects, stories and more! Sunday, March 23rd Email our awesome youth advisor, Julie Halpert with any questions about upcoming events, program ideas or if you are interested in volunteering in the future. Youth@betheldurham.org 14 March 2014 / Beth El Bulletin Beth El Synagogue 1004 Watts Street Purim Carnival! Sunday, March 16th 11:00 AM-1:00 PM @Beth EL ostume! c n i e m o C ! Fun Carnival Games Prizes Delicious Food & Purim treats And more! There are no formal Talmud Torah classes on Sunday, March 16th. Families are encouraged to attend the megillah reading in the main sanctuary prior to the carnival. Carnival Admission: Purchase your tickets in advance or at the door! Tickets are 2 for $1 at the door or 3 for $1 in advance. ALL-DAY UNLIMITED wrist bands available for $18 (does not include food) **Help support this annual fundraiser for Beth El Youth and Family Programming! 15 Pesach 5774 Passover begins April 14, 2014 Let All Who Are Hungry Come and Eat Beth El wants to assure that all of our members are welcomed at a seder. As the Haggadah says, "let all who are hungry come and eat." That means, if you have extra places at your seder, please open your home to one or more members of the Beth El family. If you're a member--or a university student--who can't join relatives for this wonderful holiday, please give a member of your synagogue family the privilege of sharing a seder with you. The seder hospitality initiative is headed by former members of the Synagogue Life Committee while the committee is on hiatus (see article on page 10). We are pleased to arrange for hosts and guests to enjoy the seders together. To invite someone, or to request a place, please contact Sheri at Beth El (919-682-1238 or Sheri@BethElDurham.org) or contact Mardi Zeiger (919-932-5663 or mzeiger@nc.rr.com). Deadline for requests is March 31. Pesach 5774 Sunday, April 13: Search for Chametz Monday, April 14: 7:30am Main Sanctuary - Morning Services followed by a siyyum (study for the first born) & chametz burning Eat chametz until 11:05am - Burn/Sell chametz before 12:10pm Office closes at 12:00pm and remains closed until Thursday morning 7:30pm candle lighting First Seder Tuesday, April 15 (Pesach I): 9:00am Orthodox Kehillah & Main Sanctuary (childcare for ages 1-7 available in classroom #3) Second Seder / Begin counting the Omer Wednesday, April 16 (Pesach II): (childcare for ages 1-7 available in classroom #3) 9:00am Main Sanctuary - Morning Services TBD Orthodox Kehillah - Morning Services No Talmud Torah 8:32pm Havdalah Friday, April 18: 7:34pm Shabbat candle lighting Saturday, April 19 (Shabbat CH'M): 9:00am Orthodox Kehillah - Morning Services 9:30am Main Sanctuary - Morning Services (childcare for ages 1-7 available in classroom #3 10:30am-12:30pm) 8:34pm Havdalah Sunday, April 20 (CH'M): 9:30am Main Sanctuary - Morning Services / No Talmud Torah 7:35pm candlelighting The Beth El office will be closed Monday, 4/21 & Tuesday, 4/22 Monday, April 21 (Pesach VII): (childcare for ages 1-7 available in classroom #3) 9:00am Main Sanctuary - Morning Services 9:00am Orthodox Kehillah - Morning Services (Yizkor) Tuesday, April 22 (Pesach VIII): (childcare for ages 1-7 available in classroom #3) 9:00am Main Sanctuary - Morning Services (Yizkor) TBD Orthodox Kehillah - Morning Services 8:36pm Havdalah / Yom Tov ends 16 Parents of College Students Beth El will be sending out Passover gift packages (including a box of matzah) to first-year college students. Please be sure the office has your son or daughter's current college address (send to Sheri at Sheri@BethElDurham.org by March 28). If you would like your sophomore, junior or senior to receive a package too, please send a check for $25.00 to Beth El Synagogue. Let us know the name and address of the college student, and specify "Passover package" in the check's memo line. This tradition, started by the Synagogue Life Committee, will carry on this year while the committee is on hiatus (see article on page 10), thanks to Kadima and other volunteers. Chametz Burning For the fire-lover in all of us, we will hold a small "chametz burning" in our parking lot at approx. 8:45am on Monday morning (4/14). Bring your Chametz (ritual portions only please, larger quantities should be donated to local food shelters) that morning and take advantage of our communal fire to rid yourself of the chametz you found the night before and prepare to enter the Seder free from crumbs! Parents - please feel free to bring your kids (what kid doesn't love a fire?) but please watch them carefully to be sure nobody gets hurt! Online Pesach guides: Conservative: http://rabbinicalassembly.org/pesah-guide Orthodox: http://oukosher.org/passover/passover-guide Schedule & other resources are available online at www.betheldurham.org/calendar/pesach.htm In Preparation for Pesach It’s time to sell your chametz! You may return the following completed statement either by mail, drop off at the office, or send as a digital statement via e-mail. Bill of Authorization for Disposal of Chametz I /We ________________________________ hereby give Rabbi Daniel Greyber authority to sell all leaven bread (chametz) in my/ our possession as well as the place, or places, in which it may be stored. Signature (s) ______________________________ ______________________________ Date _____________ Mail to: Beth El Synagogue, 1004 Watts St., Durham, NC 27701 Electronic authorization is also acceptable and may be sent via e-mail to: info@BethElDurham.org March 2014 / Beth El Bulletin January Contributions Beth El Congregation gratefully acknowledges all contributions. Please send donations & dedications to Sandy Berman, our corresponding secretary, at the Beth El address. Donations may be made via check, cash, stock transfer, or Paypal. A full list of funds, donation forms & the direct Paypal link are available on our website’s development page & through the office. When making a donation to the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund, please write a separate check payable directly to that fund. Cemetery Fund (donations received in association with the recent campaign will be acknowledged separately) Nancy Perault in memory of her mother, Barbara Mildred Kraft Joel & Adele Abramowitz in memory of Sam Abramowitz Howard & Marni Wizwer in memory of Rob & Sheri Garf's father, Allen Albrecht & Nancy Strauss in memory of mother, Bertha Badt Strauss Chevra Kadisha Marshall & Rebecca Rohde in memory of their fathers Gerard Rohde and Sieg Parker Adele & Joel Abramowitz in memory of Herb Shatzman Earl & Gladys Siegel Endowment (a comprehensive listing of donations & pledges received in association with the recent celebration will be published separately) Barak & Laura Richman in memory of Harriet Bailin Hal Sandick in honor of his Shabbat cohorts, Gladys Siegel and Hunter Levinsohn Arie & Anita Lewin in honor of Gladys Siegel David & JoAnn Rubin in celebration of the birth of Zak Meyers Davino, grandson of Eric and Carol Meyers David & JoAnn Rubin in memory of Morley Fenson David & JoAnn Rubin in memory of Harriet Bailin David & JoAnn Rubin in memory of Paul Bossard David & JoAnn Rubin in memory of Irene Lyons David & JoAnn Rubin in memory of Ann Jackson David & JoAnn Rubin in memory of Yetta Brandt Lisa & Matt Zerden in honor of Gladys Siegel's service and philanthropy Margie Satinsky Rachel & Nathan Bearman Anne & Jeff Derby in honor of Arthur Axelbank performing the hatafat dam brit for their two grandsons, Jared and Caleb Derby Wright Sheldon Hayer in memory of William Hayer Anita & Paul Farel Nathalie Goodrich Harlan Gradin & Elise Goldwasser in honor of Gladys & Earl Siegel Gladys Siegel Alice & Sidney Levinson Ruth Dzau Stephen Jaffe & Mindy Oshrain in memory of Herb Shatzman Michaela Davidai in honor of Mardi & Errol Zeiger's daughter, Anita, getting married in February Michaela Davidai in honor of Hunter Levinsohn's 70th birthday Don & Sheila Goldstein in memory of Herb Shatzman Don & Sheila Goldstein in honor of Gladys and those who planned the Gala Miriam & Larry Slifkin Sandy & Harvey Cohen in memory of Irene Lyons Sandy & Harvey Cohen in memory of Yetta Brandt Education & Youth Director's Discretionary Fund Barbara Renner Sheva Cohen in honor of Ariella Richman's Bat Mitzvah Fink Programming Fund Margie Satinsky in memory of her father, Alex Satinsky General Fund Alan & Maxine Stern in memory of Irene Lyons, Carol Meyers' mother Watts Street Band Lesa Morrison to honor the memory of her father, Perry E. Morrison Alan & Maxine Stern in memory of Harriet Bailin Alan & Maxine Stern in memory of Morley Fenson Carol & Jimmie Haynes in memory of Mary Joan Mandel's brother Leslie Saper in memory of his beloved father, Louis Max Saper Lorraine Woodyard in memory of Henrietta "Yetta" Brandt Mary Joan & Alan Mandel in appreciation of bimah honors Annetta Cobb in memory of Henrietta "Yetta" Brandt Alan & Maxine Stern in memory of Ann Jackson, Beth Berman's mother Rachel & Nathan Bearman in memory of Ann Jackson Rachel & Nathan Bearman in memory of Irene Lyons Jean McCoy in memory of Yetta Brandt Rick Travis in memory of Yetta Brandt Carol & Jimmie Haynes in memory of Paul Bossard Robert &Bonnie Busby in memory of Yetta Brandt Robbie & Pauline Schultz in memory of Yetta Brandt Beth & Adam Goldstein in memory of Harold Goodrich Baker Roofing Company in memory of Henrietta Brandt Libby & Jim Hoffman in memory of Henrietta Brandt Beth & Adam Goldstein in memory of Sally Brown's mother Beth & Adam Goldstein in memory of Gabi Szulik's mother Carol & Jimmie Haynes in memory of Herb Shatzman Carol & Jimmie Haynes with wishes on a speedy recovery for the Klapper's son-in-law (Continued on page 18) 17 January Contributions continues…. (Continued from page 17) Gilbert Katz Scholarship Fund Rhoda Silver in memory of Leslie Winner's uncle Rhoda Silver in memory of Carla Fenson's father Rhoda Silver in memory of Herb Shatzman Library Fund Barbara Renner Mitzvah Fund Rachel Galanter in memory of Carla Fenson's father, Morley Fenson Barbara Renner Don & Sheila Goldstein in memory of Beth Berman's mother Don & Sheila Goldstein in memory of Carol Meyers' mother Harlan Gradin & Elise Goldwasser in honor of Rhoda Silver's devoted friendship and help during the past year Murry Stollwerk in memory of his wife, Carol Stollwerk Arthur & Judith Marks in memory of Yetta Brandt for her longstanding devotion to Beth El Synagogue Orthodox Kehillah Sharon Halperin in memory of her mother, Dora Rosenblatt Eric Pas Jewish Camp Scholarship Fund Arthur & Judith Marks in memory of Carol Myers' beloved mother Irene Lyons Phyllis Dworsky in memory of Yetta Brandt, a special wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend Phyllis Dworsky in memory of Ann Jackson Rabbi's Discretionary Fund Irwin Kahn in memory of his father, Leon Kahn Adam & Beth Goldstein in support of flood relief efforts for Congregation Bonai Shalom Harlan Gradin & Elise Goldwasser with deep gratitude and love for our remarkable community during Corey Gradin's illness Laura Flicker in honor of the Men of Beth El Barak & Laura Richman in support of flood relief efforts for Congregation Bonai Shalom Linda Convissor in honor of Hunter Levinsohn for making her year sweet and meaningful Rachel Galanter in memory of Sally Brown's mother, Harriet Bailin Harvey & Sandra Cohen in memory of Irving Levine Beth Goldstein in memory of her father, Harold Goodrich Gabriel & Orit Ramler Szulik in memory of Gabby’s mother, Mary Zeitune de Szulik Christopher & Natasha Blue in memory of their grandmother, Yetta Brandt Ruth Dzau Isaac Price Frine Carbonell with appreciation for Rabbi Greyber Sandra Lazarus Youth Activity Fund Laura Flicker in honor of Ariella Richman's Bat Mitzvah Barbara Renner Synagogue Art Fund Joel & Adele Abramowitz in memory of Beth Berman's mother, Ann Jackson Elaine Perilstein Memorial Fund Barbara Renner Prayer Book Fund Laura Flicker in memory of her mother, Carolyn Flicker Nancy Perault in memory of her mother, Barbara Kraft 18 March 2014 / Beth El Bulletin Beth El Funds During this programming year, we are running a series of articles highlighting various Beth El funds, many written by those who helped start them or who remember the honorees. As you read these articles please consider directing donations to these worthy causes to honor those who you’ve loved, but not forgotten. Let’s make sure that through the programs supported by our special funds, Beth El remains a “heart of many rooms.” You can celebrate a simcha, honor a loved one, or send “get well” wishes by contributing to Beth El. You may donate via our secure PayPal link or by check using the printable form online or below. www.betheldurham.org/development Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Todah Rabah! Thank You! Landscaping Fund The Landscaping Fund is intended to pay for the betterment of our Beth El grounds. Every year we budget for regular maintenance of the grounds, but money for improvements such as new plantings also come from this fund. This fund may also be used to for some of the landscaping issues mentioned in the architect’s report as part of the strategic plan. We have a number of needs to beautify the area around Beth El and the Landscaping Fund has been depleted over the years. We need to re- build this fund in order to take some pressure off of our operating budget, so please consider making a contribution to the Landscaping Fund the next time you honor a friend or loved one. Beth El Talmud Torah- 5883 “Tzedaka is equal in importance to all other commandments combined” — Talmud I am pleased to make a contribution to Beth El Synagogue My name Address City/State/Zip In Memory of In Honor of phone Please send acknowledgement to: Name Address City/State/Zip Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Speedy Recovery Best Wishes Happy Birthday Happy Anniversary Mail To: Sandy Berman, Corresponding Secretary 1004 Watts Street Please apply my contribution to: _____ Capital Maintenance Fund _____ Cemetery Fund _____ Chevra Kadisha (burial society) _____ Education & Youth Director's Discretionary Fund _____ Sam & Jeannette Fink Programming Fund Bar/Bat Mitzvah Other Durham NC 27701 _____ General Fund _____ Gilbert Katz Scholarship Fund _____ Landscape Fund _____ Sandra Lazarus Youth Activity Fund _____ Library Fund _____ LifeLong Learning Fund _____ Mitzvah Fund _____ Orthodox Kehillah _____ Eric Pas Jewish Camp Scholarship Fund _____ Elaine Perilstein Memorial Fund _____ Prayer Book Fund _____ Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund (please write a separate check for this fund) _____ Earl and Gladys Siegel Endowment Fund _____ Synagogue Art Fund 19 Yahrzeit Reminders Adar I March 29 Garvey Haynes 1 29 Joseph Klein 1 29 Martin Bishku 1 29 Sandra Pasternak 1 Adar II March 1 Robert Sager 3 2 Murray Fink 4 4 Leon Schoenfeld 6 7 James H. Rosenblum 9 8 David Bergman 10 11 Philip Cramer 13 12 Martha Veis 14 12 Sara Nachamson Evans 14 14 Eleanor Barclay 16 15 Samuel Lapook 17 15 Israel Freedman 17 18 Minnie Kaplan 20 19 Abraham Stollwerk 21 20 Rueben Leeb 22 20 Morris Saltz 22 20 Jace Kendrick 22 21 Harry Goldstein 23 25 Nathan Greene 27 25 Louis Guyes 27 28 Florence Margolis 30 Nisan April 1 David Spinner 1 3 Anna Switzer Meyer 3 3 Theresa Poleski 3 3 Edith Rapport 3 3 Gussie Zeiger 3 4 Tilly Hyman 4 4 Solomon Modell 4 4 Klara Tulsky 4 7 Randi Kodack 7 8 Joan August 8 8 Emma Cohen Kresses 8 9 William Ginsburg 9 9 Rebecca Shapiro Ornoff 9 9 Marion Poleski 9 9 Bernard Shane 9 10 William Shecter 10 10 Marcella Silver 10 10 Mary Weaver 10 11 Gertrude Carrington 11 12 Ruth Leeb 12 14 Edna Clifford 14 14 Louise Clifford 14 14 Richard Clifford 14 14 Leo Friedman 14 14 William Golden 14 14 Hannah bat Levin v'Devorah 14 14 Catherine Shawn 14 14 Nathan Strauss 14 15 Joseph Belenko 15 20 Traditionally, we light a memorial candle on the evening before the anniversary of a loved one's death. Nisan 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 18 19 19 19 20 23 23 23 23 24 24 25 25 25 25 26 27 27 27 28 28 28 29 30 30 Will Grossman Carl Samuel Murray Dronsky Jacob Kaplan Lena Goldberg Augusta Ornstein Louis Fishman Rosalie Macklin Ross Eleanor Winfield Benjamin Greenberg Raymond Morley Lily Poss Segar Bayla Finkel Seymour Adler Martin Cohen Lillian Gradin Saul Leibel Erwin Freedman Bettye Siegel Joe Cohen Marcel Davidow Ida Goldberg Helen Prakin Etta Bayer Liberman Ethel Berman Engel Gedale Man Mary P. Siegel Friedel Bachenheimer Bernard Epstein Benjamin E. Thurston Israel Rockman Sylvia Fridovich Martin Lakin April 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 18 19 19 19 20 23 23 23 23 24 24 25 25 25 25 26 27 27 27 28 28 28 29 30 30 Barukh Dayan Ha-emet “Blessed is the Judge of Truth” Beth El congregation extends condolences to The Family of Herbert Shatzman. May the Ever Present One comfort them among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. March 2014 / Beth El Bulletin Letter from Valhalla Edward's Adventures in Frummieland - I The Yiddish adjective "frum" for a male or 'fruma" for a female literally means "devout" or "pious" "faith" or "faithful". It is typically used to refer to an Observant Jew although in the later case in can be used as a woman's name. Used in a sentence it might go like this: "Did you hear that Stanley just came back from his study abroad year in Israel? I hear he became frum." I first encountered this work when I went off to college at the University of Pennsylvania. The Yinglish (Yiddish-English) hybrid of the words was "frummie". Used in a sentence it might go like this: Two people are sitting in the Hillel dining room eating dinner. One says to another, "Don't look now but the frummies are walking in. Ma'ariv must be over upstairs in the shul." The invented Yinglish word "frummieland" is analogous to Wonderland as in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" - frummieland is the place where the Observant Jews dwell. In the last few months I have had some excellent adventures in frummieland which I can share with you. Touro College has several undergraduate campuses. The undergraduate woman's college is called Lander College for Women and is located on the west side of Manhattan near Lincoln Center. The undergraduate men's college is called Lander College for Men and is located in Kew Garden Hills, Queens. Both of these colleges have a curriculum of Judaic studies for part of the day and secular studies the rest of the day. There are also undergraduate programs in Flatbush, Brooklyn, which cater to men who wish to pursue their Judaic studies at their own yeshivot and need secular coursework. I was invited to speak to the premedical and predental students at the Lander College for Men a few weeks ago so I accepted the invitation and headed off. I arrived about 45 minutes before my lecture and the Dean of the College invited me to join him in the Beit Midrash for minchah. If you've never seen a Beit Midrash, let me paint the picture for you: Imagine a room about the size of two basketball courts. The periphery of the room is ringed by bookshelves laden with tractates of the Talmud, Chumashim and commentaries, and other Judaica - almost none of it either in English or with English translations. The floor space is largely occupied by rectangular tables flanked by two to four seats each. The students are arrayed, two to four to a table, in study groups, pouring over and debating sections of the Talmud and Torah. At the front of the room there is an Ark with Torah scrolls for the times when the studying is put on hold for davening. One of the more common techniques of grappling with the Talmud is called "the Brisker method". It was developed by Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk. This is the same Soloveitchik Rabbinic dynasty as Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik of Boston, the famed leader of modern Orthodoxy and lecturer at Yeshiva University in the second half of the twentieth century. The Brikser Method is reductionist. It relies on very precise definitions of each concept in a Talmudic discussion rather than taking texts at "face value". Let me give you an example: Let us assume that two people engage in two different types of inappropriate behavior. The Brisker Method will make a distinction between a person who is forbidden (for engaging in some particularly egregious behavior such as incest) versus a person who engages in a forbidden act (a person who does something inappropriate but not a behavior which taints the person irretrievably). My host and I headed downstairs to the Beit Midrash as mincha was about to begin. There were one hundred open seats and I proceeded to plop myself down in one of them. "Oh no!", came the cry. "What's the matter?", I responded, "I was just going to sit down." "You can't sit there," I was told, "that's the Rabbi's seat." "What Rabbi?", I inquired. "I don't see anyone." "He's not here", was the response," but even when he's not here nobody sits in that seat. That's the Rabbi's seat." I retreated to another seat; not wishing to provoke controversy over the issue of where my backside resided. Mincha, otherwise, proceeded without a hitch. There are various ways to peg the perceived religiosity of the Orthodox boys and men based upon clothes. One system is the yamulke classification. Working your way from "the most modern" to "the most Observant" it goes like this: knitted colored yamulke, knitted black yamulke, velvet black yamulke. The knitted colored yamulkes are also sometimes referred to as "the Zionists". If you don't like that system, you can go to the hat system. Once again, working your way from "the most modern" to "the most Observant" it goes straw hat, black fedora, black fedora with very wide brim. In this last group there are several subtypes which can peg people to specific yeshivot or types of Hassidim - particularly when you start subgrouping the crowns of the hat. Finally, there is the full body scan. Going from "the most modern" to "the most Observant" you've got the shirt and jeans; cardigan sweater, shirt, and pants; colored shirt and pants; white shirt and pants; white shirt without tie and with black suit. Then, of course, you can subgroup based on whether or not the tzitsis are hanging out of the pants. My lecture concerned how one compared and contrasted different medical schools in the US and how to formulate and pursue an application for admission. When you speak to audiences of Orthodox students you have to address topics like how to grapple with a concern about shaking hands with or making physical contact with co-workers and patients of the opposite sex, working on shabbos, anatomical dissection by Cohanim, and how much interest the admissions committee will or will not show in the number of years of study in Israel the applicant has under his/her belt. After my lecture I was chatting with the Dean about why it was that it cost me $400,000 to subsidize New York Medical College's glatt kosher cafeteria but he broke even on his cafeteria. It turns out that it's simple: my cafeteria offers a variety of choices at each meal. His offers one. If you're not in the mood for what the one choice is for lunch at the Lander College for Men, you'd better be brown bagging it that day because otherwise you're going hungry. The Dean told me that this was the norm in yeshiva high schools in the New York metropolitan area so the students were used to it. I was hungry after my talk so he dispatched someone down to the cafeteria to bring me lunch. The student courier returned with a platter of macaroni and cheese, penne pasta and cheese, spicy french fries, and regular french fries: four types of carbohydrates and not a fruit or vegetable in site (okay, you can count the potatoes if you want). Next month I will continue telling you about my adventures in frummieland with the story of my recent trip to Monsey, New York. Until then, Regards from Valhalla, Edward Halperin 21 Chaverim "Chaverim" means "friends" in Hebrew. The Jewish Family Services Chaverim program is an opportunity for older adults to learn, meet new people, and schmooze over a meal . You can make new friends and connect with old ones. Programs scheduled monthly. Contact the Durham-Chapel Hill Federation for information. Need a Ride to Chaverim? Transportation is provided. Call Ric (919-354-4925) or Lisa (919-354-4923) by the RSVP date to schedule your ride. Programs are subject to change. If, on the day of the program you are feeling cold or flu like symptoms, please take care of yourself and your community members by staying home. Thank you. Elon University: Creating A Jewish Presence on a College Campus with Nancy Luberoff Wednesday, March 5th, 2014 Program: 11 a.m. – 12 pm; Lunch 12 pm-1 pm Location: Levin JCC Community Hall RSVP required by: Monday, March 3rd; Cost: $5 Please patronize our sponsors and let them know you saw their ads here. Sicha, Hebrew for "conversation," is an organization that promotes the vital ongoing dialogue between classical Jewish texts and modern life. Essays engaging modern and classical texts in conversations can be found on our website: www.sichaconversation.org. Bet Midrash/Evening of Learning: Please join Sicha for a conversation featuring Sicha Learning Partner, Rabbi Julie Kozlow, on Wednesday, February 26, 7:30-9pm in the Beth El Library. The theme will be “Hearing the Divine Voice in a World Without Prophecy.” More information can be found here: http://bit.ly/kozlow2-26 B’almah: Our next programs will be: February 27: A reprise of our January program in Durham, "From Breakdown to Breakthrough" will take place at 7:30pm at Beth Meyer Synagogue in Raleigh. Details can be found here:http://bit.ly/balmah2-14 March 18: “How much have I learned? How much have I learned?” Join Sicha at 7:30pm at Levin JCC for a conversation about the story of a sage who examines his life's yield as he yields life. The ancient storyteller offers a timeless account of anger and urgency, of regret and reconciliation. Details can be found here: http://bit.ly/ balmahlearned March 26: A reprise of “How much have I learned? How much have I learned?” at 7:30pm at Beth Meyer Synagogue in Raleigh (see link above for details). Sicha Interfaith Conference: “Doors and Doorways: An Interfaith Conversation about Thresholds and Opportunities for the Spirit.” Join the conversation at Temple Beth Or in Raleigh on March 10. Details and registration information can be found here: http://bit.ly/sichadoors Sicha Shabbaton in the Mountains 2014 will take place August 7-10. Details and registration will be available April 1, so be sure to mark your calendar! Be sure to check the Beth El website for details about community programs & events throughout the year! www.betheldurham.org/calendar/announcements.html 22 March 2014 / Beth El Bulletin Community Midrasha is Moving to Kehillah Synagogue On March 2, Community Midrasha will begin our spring trimester at Kehillah Synagogue in Chapel Hill. This is the first time that Midrasha will take place in Chapel Hill! You are invited to check out our program - if you know a teen who isn't enrolled - encourage him/her to attend on Sunday, March 2 or 9, 5:30-7:30pm. Come experience an evening on us - enjoy our classes and community dinner - trust us you'll want to return! For more information, contact Rachel Margolis (director@communitymidrasha.org or 919-695-3868). Raleigh Cary JCC Events 12804 Norwood Road, Raleigh 27613 3/3: Book Club, The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout 3/12: Brown Bag Speaker Lunch, Israel and the US 3/16: Jewish Film Series, Hava Nagila 4/6: Jewish Film Series, The Flat 4/7: Book Club, The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa 4/30: Brown Bag Speaker Lunch, Topic TBD 5/5: Book Club, And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini 5/18: Jewish Film Series, Avalon 5/21: Brown Bag Speaker Lunch, Topic TBD Duke Rudnick Lecture March 3, 6:30PM, Sarah P. Duke Gardens http://jewishstudies.duke.edu The Rudnick lecture series is proud to present Jeremy Ben-Ami, founder and president of J Street. Ben-Ami brings deep experience in American politics and government and a passionate commitment to the state of Israel. Ben-Ami's family connection to Israel goes back 130 years to the first aliyah when his greatgrandparents were among the first settlers in Petah Tikva. His grandparents were one of the founding families of Tel Aviv, and his father was an activist and leader in the Irgun, working for Israel's independence and on the rescue of European Jews before and during World War II. Ben-Ami's political resume includes serving in the mid-1990s as the Deputy Domestic Policy Advisor in the White House to President Bill Clinton and working on seven Presidential and numerous state and local campaigns. He holds a law degree from New York University. Jeremy was named one of the Forward’s 50 most influential Jews in America for 3 years in a row from 2007 to 2009, and The Jerusalem Post named him one of the 50 most influential Jews in the world in 2010 and 2012. This event is free and open to the public and is made possible by the Rudnick endowment, and the efforts of the Duke Center for Jewish Studies and Office of Global Strategy and Programs. A public reception will follow the event. Details at www.betheldurham.org/calendar/announcements.html#rcjcc Michael Aaron Cohen, CPA, CFE 1981 Duke Graduate Over 30 Years Experience Taxation & Small Business Accounting New Business Startups Entrepreneurs, Executives, Professionals Contact Michael for an Initial Consultation. Very Reasonable Rates! Toll Free 1.855.385.3272 (1-855-DUKE-CPA) michaelacohencpa@alumni.duke.edu 23 Lerner School Events Open to all! Jewish Sparks is a public access television program which is broadcast in Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Durham, NC. This program presents videos of major Jewish educational and artistic events together with interviews and recordings of Jewish scholars and important Jewish leaders. Our goal is to promote a better understanding of key Jewish concepts and issues within both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities. The Jewish Sparks 30 minute weekly broadcast schedule is listed in the table below: Chapel Hill (CH) Tues. 9:00PM Peoples Channel Time Warner Cable Channel 8 Durham (DR) Tues. 7:30PM Durham Comm. Media Time Warner Cable Channel 18 Raleigh (RTN) Wed. 7:00PM & Thurs. 8:00 PM Shabbat Together ~ Celebrate Shabbat with songs, movement and homemade challah at the Lerner School! For parents and their children, ages 18 months – 4 years old. 9am in the library. Most Fridays when school is in session. Free! RSVP at rsvp@lernerschool.org. February 28 / March 14, 21, 28 April 4, 25 / May 2, 9 Shmooze n'Play ~ A Jewish Play Group for families of preschoolers and kindergarteners! Schmooze with other parents while your children play on Lerner School’s beautiful playground! 10:30am – 11:30am at the Lerner School in Durham. RSVP at rsvp@lernerschool.org. March 9 / May 11 The latest program schedule is on the Jewish Sparks Website: www.jewishsparks.net. Jewish Story Time ~ Celebrate Jewish holidays with hands-on fun! Join us for stories, crafts and a light snack on the dates listed below at 10:30am (note various locations.) Sponsored by the Lerner School. Free! RSVP at rsvp@lernerschool.org. March 16 – Purim Costume Parade, Barnes & Noble, Southpoint April 6 – Passover, Barnes & Noble, Southpoint Week of February 25 Marcie Cohen Ferris “Matzoh Ball Gumbo” (CH, DR) Jewish Life in Raleigh – First 100+ Years (RTN) Check the Lerner website for information on these & more! www.lernerschool.org RTN Cable Channel 10 Jewish Sparks maintains a large archive of program material. If you miss a live broadcast, or do not have Cable, you can watch the programs on the internet site (www.jewishsparks.net.) Additional information is available from the website, or email the Jewish Sparks producer, Sheldon Becker, at jewishsparks@yahoo.com. Included in the Jewish Sparks archives: Triangle Jewish Chorale, Down Home: The Cantata In April & May of 2013, the Triangle Jewish Chorale presented three performances of a newly composed piece, “Down Home: The Cantata”, exploring the Jewish immigrant experience in North Carolina. There is a link to "Down Home - The Cantata" on the main Jewish Sparks webpage - www.jewishsparks.net - at the top center of the page. THE MAGNOLIA KLEZMER BAND! Dance, shake, or listen. All shows are free. Watts St. Band - March 15, Erev Purim Party (post megillah reading, approx. 9:30pm) at Beth El May 11, Combined concert w/ Triangle Jewish Chorale and Magnolia Klezmer, 3pm - Levin JCC, Durham June 1, Southern Village on the Green, 7-9pm, Chapel Hill June 8, Weaver St. Market Jazz Brunch, 11am-1pm, Carrboro www.magnoliaklezmerband.com 24 March 2014 / Beth El Bulletin Cultural Visit to Cuba Sponsored by the Triangle Area Jewish Community This is a unique opportunity to experience firsthand this beautiful yet mysterious island. Join us in a journey that will transport you to this mysterious/beautiful island, allow you to gain an understanding of Cuba’s rapidly changing relationship with the rest of the world, and in particular with the United States. Our journey will illuminate Jewish life in Cuba through the exploration of historical events, while enjoying the island’s rich culture, lush tropical environment, and most importantly, its warm and welcoming people. Along the way, you will be accompanied by a Cuban-born American who is well versed in Cuban history, has firsthand experience on pre-and post-Revolutionary Cuba, and insight into the current realities and possibilities for the future. The trip begins in Miami (The other Cuba) Trip Dates: Departure to Cuba: May 4, 2014 Return from Cuba: May 11, 2014 Approximate Cost: Depending on your choice of options, the cost will be $3,000/Person (double occupancy). Deposit of $500.00/Person required by March 15, 2014 to secure your space. Baby Boomers 101 Jewish Family Services is offering this free & informative lecture series to provide information for older adults and families. March 20: Downsizing, Decluttering and Relocating with Jodi Bakst and Susan Morris, Senior Real Estate Specialists April 17: Financing Long Term Care with Janett Greenberg, Retired LTC Executive, NY Life Levin JCC, 1937 W. Cornwallis, Durham 7-8 pm. Free admission, Light Refreshments will be served Please RSVP to Donna Rabiner, 919-354-4922, or email drabiner@shalomdch.org by the Monday prior to each event. Jewish Meditation at the Levin JCC 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. 10:45am-12:00pm No charge & no experience needed to attend. Always open to new participants. Sometimes a participant leads a guided meditation; other times it is a silent practice. Levin JCC, 1937 W. Cornwallis Road, Durham. Phone: 919-354-4936, info@levinjcc.org For further information and itinerary details, please contact Saul Berenthal Phone: (919) 618-5094 email: cubapomv@gmail.com www.cubanheritageexperiences.com 25 I ♥ Purim: Kings + Queens Saturday, March 22, 2014 7–10 pm (After-Party 9:30 pm–12 am) North Carolina Museum of Art, West Building $65 Per person Tickets on sale February 1 Join the Friends of the Judaic Art Gallery for a festive evening of food, music, dancing, and entertainment to celebrate Purim. Kings and Queens will enjoy tapas-style hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and a specialty cocktail. Crowns, masks, and other festive attire are encouraged, but costumes are not required. We’ll cap off the evening with a high-energy Purim After-Party geared toward young adults: Come and dance the night away with drinks and desserts (tickets are $25 per person)! Proceeds benefit the Judaic Art Fund. Advance reservations are required. To register, call (919) 715-5923 or visit www.ncartmuseum.org/purim. For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, call Mary Blake at (919) 664-6807. The Legacy of Sam Margolis JFS Men’s Group Presentation April 4, 2014 Howard Margolis will be giving a presentation to the Men’s Group on his father, Sam Margolis, at the Levin JCC on April 4 at 10AM. He will be sharing photos along with some of Sam's writings, & interesting Beth El memorabilia (including a booklet from the dedication of our current synagogue building). Eli Evans once characterized Sam as "the last of the great founders of the Durham Jewish Congregation." Sam was the son of one of Beth El's founding families, Michael & Tzviia Margolis and married the daughter of Joseph & Ida Goldberg (another founding family). He was active at Beth El from the mid-forties through the beginning of this century. Some outstanding contributions included helping to found the Beth El Sunday School as its first Superintendent and his sponsorship of the Haym Soloman Essay Contest which became the "Heroes in Judaism Essays." To read more about Sam, please see this News & Observer article: http://bit.ly/sam-no as well as Rabbi Sager's eulogy for Sam: http://bit.ly/smeulogy The JFS Men's & Women’s Groups meet on alternating Fridays, 10-11:30am at the Levin JCC. Attendance is free, however donations to JFS are welcome. More on these groups can be found here: http://levinjcc.org/calendar/mens-group-9-2-2-2/ http://levinjcc.org/calendar/womens-group-4-2-2-2/ Howerton Bryan Nazo Landscaping, Inc. Funeral Home COMMERCIAL and RESIDENTIAL Agricultural Engineering Since 1983 Serving the Hebrew Community Since 1874 Landscape Design & Installation • Landscape Lighting Water Features • Sprinkler Systems • Sodding Patios, Walkways & Stepping Stones • Retaining Walls Drainage & Ditches • Snow Removal Providing services to Durham, Wake & Orange Counties Wide variety of plants, bushes, trees, perennials and fruit trees Retail and wholesale Landscape supplies and natural stone 919-682-5464 1005 West Main Street, Durham, NC 27701 For professional service you can trust, call Philip Nazo, owner. Mobile: 919-524-8878 • Office: 919-309-2620 Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm • Sat. 8am-4pm • Sun.10am-4pm www.NazoLandscaping.com 26 March 2014 / Beth El Bulletin (From our Rabbi—continued from the cover) Such “Amen” moments confront us continually. Two recent examples will illustrate. Just before the Super Bowl this year, Arnie Eisen, Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, pondered the ethics of watching the NFL: The ethical issue is not viewers' pleasure at the injuries, but our enjoyment in and support of professional football, knowing full well the damage done in the normal course of a game to players' bodies and minds. Around the time the current season began, it was announced (Ken Belson, August 29, 2013, New York Times) that "The National Football League has agreed to pay $765 million to settle lawsuits brought by more than 4,500 players and their families, largely closing the legal front in the league's battle against accusations that it concealed what it knew about the dangers of repeated hits to the head." A judge recently threw the settlement into question, unsure that the money would be sufficient to cover the medical care required. The data on concussions seem irrefutable. All of us will be aware, as we watch Super Bowl XLVIII, that in [sports writer, William C.] Rhoden's words, "The NFL brand of football is a particularly violent game, and every time it is played, people get hurt." We accept that. We watch anyway. I write this column as hundreds of millions of people watch the Winter Olympics. Fifteen year-old Russian figure skater, Julia Lipnitskaia, will soon compete for gold and, according to news reports, her “signature piece”—one she'll likely perform in the Olympic long program—is set to John Williams' theme from Steven Spielberg’s 1993 Holocaust drama Schindler’s List. But that's not all: The routine features Lipnitskaia skating as the film’s iconic “girl in the red coat,” a young Polish Jew who is killed by Nazi soldiers. Writing about a long history of skaters incorporating Schlinder’s List motifs into their routines, Justin Peters asks in Slate magazine, “Why does something that seems so vulgar strike the figure-skating community as the best idea ever?” Peters notes that Lipnitskaia’s program was choreographed by Ilia Averbukh, a former Olympic ice dancing medalist who is himself a Russian Jew. Does that make a difference? An ice skating blog declares that “when she skates as the little girl in the red coat in Schindler's List, Miss Lipnitskaia's flaws become virtues that just work,” while USA Today called Lipnitskaia’s routine “spectacular but respectful.” But, Peters concludes, “The 15-year-old Russian skater is so beautiful and graceful on the ice, she ends up transcending material that she probably has no right using in the first place.” Why? Elie Wiesel once wrote, “[N]ot even the killers ever imagined that there could come a time when the merchants of images and the brokers of language would set themselves up to speak for the victims. The Holocaust has become a fashionable subject, so film and theater producers and television networks have set out to exploit it…They get a little history, a heavy dose of sentimentality and suspense, a little eroticism, a few daring sex scenes, a dash of theological rumination about the silence of God, and there it is: let kitsch rule in the land of kitsch, where, at the expense of truth, what counts is the ratings.” 2 I saw Lipnitskaia skate her short program a few days ago. I predict she will win the gold medal in the long program. Even if she does not, ratings will still be high. Millions of people will applaud her as she skates. What will they applaud? We will watch. When we do, to what will we say Amen with our applause? To great figure skating? To the story of a Jewish girl’s death that inspired Schindler to act and save others? Or are we allowing ourselves to be manipulated into the cheapening of the Holocaust in public culture? Amen moments surround us. Ancient stories and modern musicals. Violence and competition. Through humor and spectacle, moments holy and profane, others ask us to say, Amen! They urge us to agree that what they say is true. How we respond is serious business. — Rabbi Daniel Greyber 2 Wiesel, Elie. From the Kingdom of Memory, page 167. SAVE-THE-DATE Annual Community Yom Hashoah Commemoration Sunday, April 27, 2014, 6:30 PM This year’s service will be held at Kehillah Synagogue, 1200 Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill Beth El annually co-sponsors this event along with Generation to Generation: Triangle Area Sons and Daughters of Holocaust Survivors, Durham-Chapel Hill Jewish Federation, Durham Orthodox Kehillah, Chapel Hill Kehillah Synagogue, DurhamChapel Hill Chabad, Judea Reform Congregation, and Triangle Congregation of Humanistic Judaism Ellen Singer “In Tune With Your Real Estate Needs” Over 32 years as a full-time real estate broker serving the Triangle Area, including Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Orange and Chatham County ▪ Resident of Chapel Hill/Durham since 1973 ▪ Graduate Realtors Institute ▪ Member of Beth El Congregation ▪ Member of the Chapel Hill Kehillah ▪ Life Member of Hadassah ▪ NC Hillel Board of Directors ▪ Board of Directors Durham/Chapel Hill Federation 27 Join Ramah Darom for fun and inspiring programs and retreats year-round for all ages! Chapel Hill-Durham Hadassah Not a member? Why not? Everyone is welcome (yes, men too). For information, contact please contact Karen Betman at KBetman@aol.com or you may join online at www.hadassah.org (Chapel Hill/Durham branch). Visit www.ramahdarom.org/programs for registration & more information on these & other programs year-round. Passover Vacation April 13-23, 2014 During this all-inclusive Passover Vacation guests enjoy the rare opportunity to spend time learning and exploring Jewish life, culture, texts and history with a diverse mix of distinguished scholars, leaders and thinkers. And you won’t believe it’s Passover when you taste our food! Our Communal Seders are led by engaging, scholarly rabbinical leaders. Throughout the week your family can choose from hundreds of programs, trips, activities and lectures. The Duke Center for Jewish Studies & Duke Human Rights Center presents: The Jewish Tradition & Human Rights, a lecture series Monday, April 7, 2014: Zachary J. Braiterman of Syracuse University, “What’s Human? Who’s Right: Moses Mendelssohn and the Jewish Enlightenment” 5:30pm in Westbrook Building Room 0016 (Duke West Campus) Save the Date 32nd annual state of North Carolina's Holocaust Commemoration Sunday May 4, 3:00-5:00 pm Jones Auditorium, campus of Meridith College, 3800 Hillsborough St. Raleigh. Music, a play and speakers. Watch for updates: http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/holocaust_council/ Libi Eir Mikveh Art Gallery One of Libi Eir's seven founding principles is Hiddur Mitzvah / Beautifying the Mitzvah. Exhibiting the work of local artists is one of the ways they take this mandate seriously - and joyfully. Exhibits change every three to four months. Artists: If you'd like to feature your work at Libi Eir, please contact Rabbi Jenny Solomon at battorah@bethmeyer.org. Beth El is a partnering synagogue of our community mikveh, Libi Eir, which opened in September of 2011. Contact Duke Center for Jewish Studies for more information: 919-660-3504 Free lectures open to the public at local universities: UNC-CH Carolina Center for Jewish Studies & Duke Center for Jewish Studies Event information & and updates can be found at: http://jewishstudies.duke.edu & www.jewishstudies.unc.edu Was your family's property taken during the Holocaust? If you or your family owned movable, immovable or tangible property that was confiscated, looted, or forcibly sold in countries governed or occupied by the Nazi forces or Axis powers during the Holocaust era and you or your relatives received no restitution for that property, you may be eligible to participate in the Holocaust Era Asset Restitution Taskforce project (Project Heart). Call 800-584-1559 for more information or visit www.heartwebsite.org. 28 March 2014 / Beth El Bulletin BETH EL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Friday night services: Held only in conjunction with other programming or special events. Talmud Torah 7th grade meets 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. when services are held. Saturday morning services: Services in the Orthodox Kehillah begin at 9:00 a.m. Services in the main sanctuary begin at 9:30 a.m. Mon Tue Weekday minyanim in the main sanctuary: Wednesdays 8:00 a.m. followed by text study (7:45 a.m.-Rosh Chodesh) Sundays 9:30 a.m. Sun Beth El members cook and serve lunch at the IFC shelter in Chapel Hill the First Wednesday of every month. Contact Gladys Siegel to help. Beth El members cook and serve dinner at the IFC shelter in Chapel Hill the second Tuesday of every month. Contact Meyer Liberman to help. 24/22nd of Adar II, 5774 17/15th of Adar II, 5774 Shushan Purim 10/8th of Adar II, 5774 3/1st of Adar II, 5774 Rosh Chodesh Adar II 31/29th of Adar II, 5774 March 2014 26/24th of Adar II, 5774 19/17th of Adar II, 5774 7:30 Board Meeting 12/10th of Adar II, 5774 5/3rd of Adar II, 5774 Wed 27/25th of Adar II, 5774 20/18th of Adar II, 5774 1311th of Adar II, 5774 Ta'anit Esther 6/4th of Adar II, 5774 Thu www.betheldurham.org/calendar/index.html Listed Havdalah Times are 42 minutes after sunset Beth El event calendar online: 25/23rd of Adar II, 5774 18/16th of Adar II, 5774 11/9th of Adar II, 5774 4/2nd of Adar II, 5774 Beth El members serve Tuna Casserole Dinner at the Durham Community Kitchen the fourth Sunday of each month. Contact Erica Gringle to help prepare and/or serve. 2/30th of Adar I, 5774 Rosh Chodesh Adar II -10:00am Intro. to Prayer -10:30am Social Action Sun -Aleph Bet -7:00pm Sisterhood Rosh Chodesh event 9/7th of Adar II, 5774 2:00a.m. DST (Spring forward) -Bogrim -2nd grade Family Program -10:00am Knitting Chevra -10:00am Intro. to Prayer -10:30am Cong. Meeting -Pre-kadima 16/14th of Adar II, 5774 Purim -Megillat Esther reading -Purim Carnival 23/21st of Adar II, 5774 -Bogrim -10:00am Intro. to Prayer -Kadima -CROP Walk—CH/C 30/28th of Adar II, 5774 -Blood Drive -9:45am Simchat Tot -10:00am Intro. to Prayer cal Office Hours: Mon. through Thurs.: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fri.: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Talmud Torah: 8:16pm Havdalah 29/27th of Adar II, 5774 Parashat Tazria Shabbat HaChodesh -Monthly Torah Discussion 22/20th of Adar II, 5774 Parashat Shmini Shabbat Parah -Children’s Services (JC,JrJr,TS) -Honoring our Gabbaim 8:10pm Havdalah -USY event 15/13th of Adar II, 5774 Parashat Tzav / Shabbat Zachor -1:15pm Shavit Book disc. 8:04pm Havdalah Erev Purim -Megillat Esther reading/ costume parade -Party w/ Watts Street Band 6:58pm Havdalah 8/6th of Adar II, 5774 Parashat Vayikra -Shabbat 25 (no Jr. Cong.) -1:15pm Shavit Book disc. 6:52pm Havdalah 1/29th of Adar I, 5774 Parashat Pekudei Shabbat Shekalim -Ani Bryce Bat Mitzvah -Jr. Congregation -1:30pm Job class Sat Sun.: 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. preK-7th grades Wed.: 4:15p.m.-6:00p.m. 2nd-6th grades Sat.: 9:00a.m.-9:45a.m. & select Fri. 5:00-7:00p.m. 7th grade Mishnah Study: Sat. 8:45 a.m. Fri 7/5th of Adar II, 5774 Shabbat 25 6:00pm Shabbat Shirah: Erev Shabbat Services & Community Shabbat Dinner 5:57pm 14/12th of Adar II, 5774 7:04pm 21/19th of Adar II, 5774 7:10pm 28/26th of Adar II, 5774 7:15pm 29 30 BETH EL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES -Bogrim -9:45am Simchat Tot -Pre-kadima -6:30pm Community Yom Hashoah service (Chapel Hill Kehillah Synagogue) 29/29th of Nisan, 5774 14th day of the Omer 28/28th of Nisan, 5774 Yom HaShoah 13th day of the Omer 27/27th of Nisan, 5774 12th day of the Omer 22/22nd of Nisan, 5774 Pesach VIII 7th day of the Omer Office Closed 8:36pm Havdalah 21/21st of Nisan, 5774 Pesach VII 6th day of the Omer Office Closed 15/15th of Nisan, 5774 Pesach I Office Closed 8/8th of Nisan, 5774 1/1st of Nisan, 5774 Rosh Chodesh Nisan Tue 7:35pm Candle Lighting 20/20th of Nisan, 5774 Pesach VI (CH''M) 5th day of the Omer No Talmud Torah 14/14th of Nisan, 5774 Ta'anit Bechorot Office Closes at noon 13/13th of Nisan, 5774 -Bogrim -10:00am Knitting Chevra -10:30am Social Action Sun. -Aleph Bet Erev Pesach 7:30pm Candle lighting 7/7th of Nisan, 5774 Mon 6/6th of Nisan, 5774 -USY /Kadima event -CROP Walk-Durham Sun Weekday minyanim in the main sanctuary: Wednesdays 8:00 a.m. followed by text study (7:45 a.m.-Rosh Chodesh) Sundays 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning services: Services in the Orthodox Kehillah begin at 9:00 a.m. Services in the main sanctuary begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday night services: Held only in conjunction with other programming or special events. Talmud Torah 7th grade meets 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. when services are held. 30/30th of Nisan, 5774 Rosh Chodesh Iyyar 15th day of the Omer 23/23rd of Nisan, 5774 8th day of the Omer 8:31pm Havdalah No Talmud Torah 16/16th of Nisan, 5774 Pesach II 1st day of the Omer Office Closed 7:30 Board Meeting 9/9th of Nisan, 5774 2/2nd of Nisan, 5774 Wed 7:39pm 6:00pm services in the main sanctuary 25/25th of Nisan, 5774 10th day of the Omer Buddy Bomze Bar Mitzvah 7:33pm 18/18th of Nisan, 5774 Pesach IV (CH''M) 3rd day of the Omer 7:27pm 11/11th of Nisan, 5774 7:21pm 4/4th of Nisan, 5774 Shabbat 25 6:00pm Shabbat Shirah: Erev Shabbat Services & Community Shabbat Dinner Fri Mishnah Study: Sat. 8:45 a.m. 8:40pm Havdalah 26/26th of Nisan, 5774 Parashat Kedoshim 11th day of the Omer Buddy Bomze Bar Mitzvah 8:34pm Havdalah 19/19th of Nisan, 5774 Pesach V (CH''M) 4th day of the Omer 12/12th of Nisan, 5774 Parashat Achrei Mot Shabbat HaGadol -Syaplex Shabbat / Yoga -Monthly Torah Discussion -Children’s Serv.(JC,JrJr,TS) -Honoring our new drivers 8:28pm Havdalah 8:22pm Havdalah 5/5th of Nisan, 5774 Parashat Metzora -Shabbat 25 (no Jr. Cong.) -Honoring our High School Seniors Sat Sun.: 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. preK-7th grades Wed.: 4:15p.m.-6:00p.m. 2nd-6th grades Sat.: 9:00a.m.-9:45a.m. & select Fri. 5:00-7:00p.m. 7th grade Talmud Torah: Beth El members serve Tuna Casserole Dinner at the Durham Community Kitchen the fourth Sunday of each month. Contact Erica Gringle to help prepare and/or serve. Beth El members cook and serve dinner at the IFC shelter in Chapel Hill the second Tuesday of every month. Contact Meyer Liberman to help. Beth El members cook and serve lunch at the IFC shelter in Chapel Hill the First Wednesday of every month. Contact Gladys Siegel to help. 24/24th of Nisan, 5774 9th day of the Omer 17/17th of Nisan, 5774 Pesach III (CH''M) 2nd day of the Omer 10/10th of Nisan, 5774 6:00pm Sisterhood sponsored Movie Night 3/3rd of Nisan, 5774 Thu www.betheldurham.org/calendar/index.html Listed Havdalah Times are 42 minutes after sunset Beth El event calendar online: 2014 April Mon. through Thurs.: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fri.: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Office Hours: Cal. March 2014 / Beth El Bulletin Community JFS volunteers needed: Shabbat Outreach volunteers are needed to lead a short Shabbat service on Fridays for Jewish residents of an assisted living facility in Chapel Hill. Friendly Visitors are needed for isolated older adults living in the community. Not appropriate for volunteers who want to visit someone with their child. Friendly visitors will spend time with the person as friends do- talking, exploring common interests, or going for a walk. Minimum time commitment: 2-4 hours per month. For more information on these volunteer opportunities, please contact JFS Social Worker Jenny Schwartz at 919-354-4923 or jschwartz@shalomdch.org JFS Gift Card Program: JFS seeks gift cards to shops, movies, restaurants, shows, hair salons. Your gift will be apreciated by those in need. To make a donation or for more information, contact Jenny Schwartz at 919-354-4923 or jschwartz@shalomdch.org Tzedakah in Bloom Tzedakah in Bloom is a project started by the Jewish Family Service to raise money for local community members in need and food banks. JFS offers 13 different silk flower arrangements for use at your simcha. (on the bimah, at a reception or as a centerpiece). New arrangements are added periodically. Each arrangement rents for $150.00. Please call the Federation office at 919-489-5335 if you have questions about the project. Photos of the arrangements as well as a reservation form is online at: www.shalomdch.org/blooms.htm. To reserve an arrangement, contact Sandy Fangmeier, Project Coordinator: 919-489-0433 or sandyfang@frontier.com Jewish Family Services at the Levin JCC 1937 Cornwallis Road, Durham 919-354-4936 info@levinjcc.org www.levinjcc.org Contact Jenny Schwartz at 919-354-4923 or jschwartz@shalomdch.org for information on these & other JFS programs. Visti the JCC website for dates & details on these ongoing events & more: JFS Mitzvah Corps Bubbes and Zaydes Job & Networking Group Caregiver Support Group Chronic Connections Memory Café Chaverim JFS Clinical Connections Women’s & Men’s Groups BRIDGES Sensational Sundays Connections We need Beth El volunteers at the Chapel Hill Community Kitchen to cook lunch on the first Wednesday of each month from 9:30-12:30. Anyone able to help please contact Gladys Siegel (gladys5@earthlink.net) Servers & Tuna Casseroles Needed for Durham Community Café Dinner the fourth Sunday of each month! Several casseroles are needed for the Community Café dinner that is served on the fourth Sunday of each month. For your convenience, the recipe is printed below. Please deliver the casseroles to Judea Reform before the fourth Sunday of each month during their regular office hours. If you are unable to deliver the casserole, please contact Erica Gringle to make alternate arrangements. This mitzvah is an easy one in which to involve children. Besides making casseroles, Beth El's commitment is to provide servers for the community meal on the fourth Sunday of each month (5:30 PM - 7:00 PM). If you are interested in participating in this community service project, please contact Erica Rapport Gringle. Pre-teens through adult can serve so this too is great mitzvah to do with your older kids. TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE (use a very large rectangular or oval disposable tin) Please note changes for pasta & vegetables —2 lbs. of rotini (other pastas get mushy after being frozen, thawed and baked) —about 42 ounces of water packed tuna, drained —7 cans of cream of mushroom soup (about 70 ounces and low sodium, if possible) —8 carrots and 8 stalks of celery, diced —Boil the noodles in a large pot of water until al dente or almost done. Drain and place in casserole. —Add all other ingredients and mix well. —No need to cook. Just cover tightly with lots of foil and transport it to the Judea Reform freezer. Help our Jewish Elderly: Jewish Family Services provides a program and lunch for seniors in our community (Chaverim). This is a wonderful opportunity for our elderly seniors to get together on a regular basis, spending time together chatting over a good lunch. We are looking for small groups of friends, such as a family or two, a Hebrew school class or a B’nei Mitzvah student to consider preparing or sponsoring ($100 donation) a lunch in honor or memory of someone or just for the fun of it, for between 15 - 20 seniors. This is an easy and wonderfully rewarding mitzvah opportunity. For more information please contact Michele Pas at mjbpas@aol.com or 919-493-3175. Volunteer as a Guardian ad Litem: Help change the lives of Durham's abused and neglected children. For more information or to volunteer, contact Stephanie Kelly at 564-7289 or stephanie.l.Kelly@nccourts.org. Sandy Kessler can also give you information on what it is like to be a Guardian ad Litem. Duke Hospice Volunteers Needed: If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a hospice volunteer for Duke Hospice, please contact Carolyn Colsher at 919-6203859, ext. 235 or Carolyn.colsher@duke.edu. For more information on programs visit www.dhch.duhs.duke.edu. 31 BETH EL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Friday evening services: Services are held on Friday evenings only in conjunction with other programming or special occasions. See monthly calendars for noted dates and times. Saturday morning services: Services in the Orthodox Kehillah begin at 9:00 a.m. Services in the Main Sanctuary begin at 9:30 a.m. Weekday minyanim in the Main Sanctuary*: Sunday mornings at 9:30am Wednesday mornings at 8:00am *Please let the office know in advance if you need to say Kaddish, even if a minyan has already been scheduled. OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. / Fridays: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CONTACT INFORMATION: Office Rabbi Daniel Greyber, Rabbi Casey Baker, Executive Director Elisabeth Albert, Education & Youth Director Sheri Hoffman, Congregational Services Coordinator Krisha Miller, Publicity Assistant Rabbi Steve Sager, Rabbi Emeritus Bulletin Advertising Sales Manager (voice) 919-682-1238 (fax) 919-682-7898 919-682-1238 RabbiGreyber@betheldurham.org 919-682-1238 ext. 110 Casey@betheldurham.org 919-682-1238 ext. 170 Elisabeth@betheldurham.org 919-682-1238 ext. 100 Sheri@betheldurham.org 919-416-1397 Krisha@betheldurham.org 919-682-1238 ext. 195 Ssager18@gmail.com 919-942-5369 Gladys5@earthlink.net If the office phone is in use or no one is in the office, please leave a message on the voice mail. Your call will be returned in a timely manner. BETH EL WEBSITE: Barak Richman Rachel Galanter Noah Pickus Roy Schonberg President 1st Vice-President 2nd Vice-President Financial Secretary www.betheldurham.org The deadline to submit items for the Beth El Bulletin is the first workday of the preceding month. The deadline for the April issue is March 3; for the May issue, April 1. Send bulletin items and calendar dates via e-mail to krisha@betheldurham.org. Dated Material Beth El Synagogue 1004 Watts Street Durham, NC 27701