April-May 2016 Newsletter - Traditional Congregation
Transcription
April-May 2016 Newsletter - Traditional Congregation
שרשרת המםורה “Chain of Tradition” The Newsletter of Traditional Congregation April-May 2016 Adar II—Iyar 5776 אדר ב—אייר‘ תשע‘‘ו FIRST FRIDAY: A Traditional Shabbat Experience April 8, 2016 (reservations are closed) May 13, 2016—Reserve now! Florence Gaponoff Mother’s Day Mitzvah Project Assembly Day Sunday, April 10 10:15 AM All hands on deck to assemble over 300 gift bags! PESACH 5776 —April 22-30, 2016 Schedule of Services, page 6 Last Day of Pesach Kiddush Luncheon Cards v Phillies Details TBA Shabbat, April 30 May 3 in the Party Suites!! Graduation Shabbat Celebrate our Grads on Shabbat, May 28 Mark your calendars! Shavuot services and Luncheons with Special Guest Speaker Rabbi Jonathan Porath June 12-13 Watch for details From the Desk of Rabbi Gordon... TEAM A s you know, there is a popular saying that there is no “I” in “team.” This is countered by the clever rejoinder, that there is, however, “me.” The truth is that a strong team also allows a little “me” to shine. The special attention to this season comes amidst our daily and weekly living: Morning and evening minyanim, Torah teaching every day and classes several times each week, and our monthly “First Friday” Shabbat Dinners. It includes our regular appeals and responses to feed the hungry and clothe those in need in our local community as well as to donate financial support to those who need it. And we maintain our support for Israel and for the Ethiopian students we’ve “adopted.” Among the proudest times in our congregation are those that happen during this season. Aside from its lightheadedness, Purim at Traditional is a team production with several who shine. Without naming names, it required the preparation and skills of five megillah readers, The thrust of the Pesach team is inter“Among the proudest nal, within your households. Some two chairpeople of our Mishlo’ach Manot program, several dozen astimes in our congrega- bear the majority of the responsibility, semblers, a card and delivery route but we may ask, “How can we help?” tion are those that compiler, a number of drivers on PuIs there cleaning, shopping, cooking, rim day, and eight Not-Ready-forsetting up that we can do? And of happen during this Purim players who were directed by course, as we look inward, we are reseason.” yet another. It is also the season minded to look outward – can we host when we receive your donations for someone who needs to be hosted? I and assemble hundreds of Mother’s am often touched by the stories of Day gift bags for those who need a little special attenthose who now take it upon themselves to host, like tion. Here we fulfill both sides of our religious heritage their parents or grandparents who some time ago – faith and practice of our particular holydays and their hosted people for the seder. traditions, and also show our kindness to the welfare of And although it is still some time away, Traditional our American community. Congregation will be welcoming a special speaker for We see this dual response reflected in the Talmudic each of the Shavu’ot lunches (Sunday and Monday, teaching (Shabbat 127a) that we recite here every June 12 and 13) – Rabbi Jonathan Porath. As Shavu’ot is the holyday which celebrates the receiving of the Tomorning, a favorite of Frank Altman, “ :ע"הThese are rah, let it be noted that the Talmudic teaching cited the things whose fruits we eat in this world and whose above concludes with “…and the study of Torah equals principle remains in Olam ha-Ba (the World-tothem all.” Come): Honoring father and mother; rising to Torah study morning and evening; welcoming guests; visiting The popular saying about team has its counterpart in the sick; dowering a bride; accompanying the dead to Hebrew. Few prayers in Hebrew employ the “i” – the grave; devotion in prayer; bringing peace between a “me”; nearly all use the “nu” form – “we.” Every sucperson and his fellow – and the study of Torah equals cessful and proud achievement of Traditional Congrethem all.” gation is a “nu” – so, NU, come join us. 2 From the President I drags my thoughts to a crucial aspect of the Passover story— the departure of the Hebrews from Egypt. f you’ve seen my car the past three months you know exactly why I’ve chewed my fingernails up to my elbows: Liat received her learner’s permit in January and has been in the driver’s seat—as it were—since then. Although I’ve been impressed with her composure behind the wheel, when I came across a piece in last month’s New York Times entitled “Teenage Drivers? Be Very Afraid,” a shiver went through my spine. The last thing I needed to see was this article. Within the first few paragraphs, the author’s main contention exploded open like an air bag: our children's safety is greatly at risk the moment they step on the gas. One researcher quoted in the article put things as bluntly as imaginable: “the most dangerous two years of your life are between 16 and 17, and the reason for that is driving.” Such thoughts hardly comfort a 48-yearold man with a 16-year-old daughter. The other great dangers of our era— the terrorism of ISIS, the rhetoric of Donald Trump, and the tooth decay from the candy Jerry Chervitz ladles out each Shabbat—seem like distant mirages here in sleepy St. Louis. But each time she grips the wheel, Liat takes her life into her own hands. As our ancestors embarked towards Canaan, they turned towards freedom. But leaving Mitzrayim meant abandoning the structure, stability, and rhythm of their lives. The Torah, of course, makes life in Egypt nothing short of rotten. But it was a life with an order to it. And then out of the wilderness comes Moses, demanding that the Israelites give up their order. A newfound freedom awaits, but stability as they knew it, maybe everything as they knew it, will disappear. From the moment that he returned to Egypt—with his theological learner’s permit in hand—Moses sat in the driver’s seat. “Leaving Mitzrayim meant abandoning the structure, stability, and rhythm of their lives.” And so when I settle in the car and watch Liat readjust the rear view mirror, I feel a strong connection with the Hebrews in Egypt. As she backs out of the driveway, I lose my hold on my order, and in its place is something like...faith. A life greater than anything they could find in Egypt awaited the Hebrews, but they had to trust in hands other than their own. Every time she drives, I put my faith—and my life—in Liat’s hands. I definitely need to ask Rabbi Gordon about an appropriate bracha! Please don’t think for a second that I equate Liat with Moses (trust me, that’s the last sort of encouragement any of my headstrong children need!), but as she has begun driving, I feel a spark of kinship with our ancestors. For eight days in April, I hope we’ll all feel this kinship, although matzah will have a great deal to do with it. As you and your family recreate that bond at your seder table, Jane, Liat, Sela, Orli, and I wish you all a Chag Pesach sameach v' kasher, and please keep a wide berth of any car you see on the highway doting along at 40 mph while the passenger has both arms covering his eyes. Now to be fair, I find Liat to be a thoughtful, careful driver...so far. Yes, she’s too slow on the highways and too fast on Olive Boulevard, but she keeps her eyes on the road when someone talks to her, her phone is tucked away and in silent mode, and she starts a music playlist before pulling out of the driveway. On this last point she gets bonus points: often she’ll turn on my Simon and Garfunkel playlist. Smart kid! Lately when we’ve driven, however, my thoughts haven’t been focused on any possible danger. Over the past month or so, driving with Liat makes me think about one thing: Pesach. Boaz Roth has just received the Congressional Medal for Bravery in recognition for not buying a gallon of milk in preparation for last January’s two-inch blizzard. He only purchased a half-gallon. I’m sure you’re trying to piece this one together. The plague of darkness when Liat forgets to turn on her high beams? The wicked child when cutting off an 18-wheeler furiously honking at her? The bitter herbs when she floors it at a red light, straining my Altima’s transmission? All close candidates, but none that really hit the mark. Liat’s driving Next month: It’s time to hit those weights. 3 From the Executive Director Marian S. Gordon I One of the most important new roles I will take on is that of community involvement. Even after 50 years, Traditional remains the best-kept Jewish secret in St. Louis, and I aim to change that. To that end, I’ve become involved with JProSTL, a wonderful organization for like-minded Jewish professionals; and the Women’s Philanthropy arm of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, which gives Jewish women the opportunity to connect with each other and become full partners in the St. Louis Jewish community. These organizations provide excellent opportunities to represent Traditional at community events, meet and work with new people, and let them know what we’re all about and why they should check us out. t is with great excitement that I increase my involvement with Traditional Congregation by becoming the first Executive Director in our 50-year history. And why, you may ask, do we need an Executive Director at this stage of the game? I’m glad you asked. The first, and perhaps most obvious, reason is that like many synagogues, we no longer have the cadre of volunteers available to us that we used to. With many Double Income households, in which neither spouse has the time or energy to do much volunteering, as well as an aging population no longer able to give their Additionally, I hope to increase the involvement of you, time and expertise, synagogues increasingly must rely our members, in whatever areas you’re interested in on paid professionals to keep them running on a daily and able to connect. As a wise and accombasis. And not just plodding along—but running in good health: spiritually, socially “Even after 50 plished person reminded me, ‘Some people can give time but not money, and some and financially. years, Traditional can give money but not time.’ I’m asking Furthermore, as is true in almost every envi- remains the best- you—and will continue to ask you—to give ronment today, day-to-day functioning inkept Jewish se- to our synagogue, often, in whatever way cludes a heavy reliance on technology and you can. cret in St. Louis, social media. This has expanded our opporAbout six months after I started working at tunities—along with our workloads and I aim to someone (I’m channeling you, (websites which must be designed, updated change that.” Traditional, Annabelle) called me “our shul’s best and analyzed, not to mention email, blogcheerleader.” Eight years later, I’m still leadging, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, flickr, ing the chants, and hope to continue doing so for many tumblr, foursquare, Instagram—you get the point). years to come. I invite you to join our team, to talk us Thirdly, I don’t think that anyone involved with our conup in the community, to invite your friends to join us gregation—and I do mean anyone—has as much interfor services and events, and to make Traditional Conest in the success of our organization as yours truly— gregation an integral part of your life. after all, my family’s entire livelihood depends on it! To that end, please join us on Monday, April 4, from So after 8 ½ years of wearing many different sheitels at 7:00-8:30 PM. Purple Cows and Other Game Plans Traditional, the time has come for me to let go of some will be facilitated by Marci Mayer Eisen, Director of of the things I’ve been doing; take on other, more chalJProSTL. It’s an opportunity for you to let us know lenging responsibilities; and procure an office assistant what’s working at TradCong, and where we might do to help with administrative tasks and that modern better. nemesis, social media. I look forward to continue working with each and every I assure you that we are not the first synagogue to be one of you, and to listening to and helping to implelate joining the Executive Director’s party; many of ment your ideas. If you have suggestions for programs, them do the best they can for as long as they can with fundraisers, etc., please contact me. If you have a comvolunteers, and then come to the realization that proplaint, President Boaz Roth opens his office every Shabfessional help would be beneficial. bat during kiddush. 4 HOME PAGE In This Issue: Rabbi’s Message - p 2 ...And Around the World—p 11 President’s Message—p 3 We Get Letters—p 12 Executive Director’s Message—p 4 Birthdays/Anniversaries—pp 13-14 Mother’s Day—p 6 Contributions—pp 15-16 Pesach Schedule—p 6 From the EZ Life—p 17 Human Trafficking Prayer—p 7 April Calendar—p 18 First Friday; Graduation Shabbat—p 8 May/June Calendar—p 19 In Our Community...—pp 9-10 Shabbat Services/ Candle Lighting—p 20 Kiddush Sponsorships are Available! What’s YOUR reason to celebrate? Birthday, anniversary, new job, new baby—or just to take a turn sponsoring our kiddushim. Opportunities are available! Call Marian at 314-576-5230 to reserve your date. Want someone to do the preparing for you? Here are some caterers to choose from: A & B, Barb Levin, 314-434-2810 Kohn’s, 314-569-0727 Amazon’s Rewards program is so easy to use. Just log in to http://smile.amazon.com when you’re ready to shop at Amazon and choose Traditional Congregation of Creve Coeur as the charity you want to support. One-half percent of the amount of your eligible purchases will go to Traditional—at no cost to you! That makes us smile! 5 Board of Traditional Boaz Roth, President Cyndee Levy, Immediate Past President Steve Bell, Executive VP Ellis Frohman, Financial VP Marty Levy, Ritual VP Florence Schachter, Education VP Elaine Farkas, Membership VP Ken Bohm, Administrative VP Steve Roufa, Building & Grounds VP (Open) Fundraising VP Lori Tesser, Treasurer Mimi Levy, Secretary Christy Brick, Sisterhood Rep. Members at Large Sid Bennett Chris Brown Bill Gold Tobie Hupert Ari Levy Steve Puro Dina Rinder Iris Salsman Jerry Tullman Rabbis/Staff Rabbi Seth D Gordon Rabbi Ephraim I Zimand, Emeritus Marian S Gordon, Executive Director You can help women in shelters know that they are cared about with a beautiful Mother’s Day gift bag. Volunteers are needed to assemble gift bags on Sunday, April 10, 10:15 AM—1:00 PM (High school students can receive credit for volunteer hours) For more info, contact Barbara Gaponoff Berson, 314-740-3043 or Claire Hack, 314-401-8914 Thank you to everyone who has dropped off items all year long. Please continue to bring toiletries and personal care items right up until assembly day. PESACH— PESACH—April 2222-30, 2016 Thursday, April 21 At dusk Friday, April 22 6:45 AM Friday, April 22 7:00 AM Shacharit/Siyyum b’chorim Friday, April 22 Latest time to eat chametz 10:44 AM Search for chametz Last chance to sell chametz through Rabbi Gordon Schedule of Services/Candle lighting: Fri. April 22: Shacharit/Siyyum b’chorim 6:45 AM; Minchah/Shabbat 7:00 PM; Candles 7:26 PM Shabbat April 23: Shacharit 9:00 AM; Minchah/Arvit 7:15 PM; Candles 8:26 PM Thurs. April 28: Minchah/Arvit: 7:00 PM; Candles: 7:32 PM Fri. April 29: Minchah/Shabbat 7:00 PM; Candles 7:33 PM Shabbat April 30: Shacharit 9:00 AM; Shir HaShirim; Yizkor; Kiddush Luncheon; Minchah/Arvit 7:15 PM. Chametz may be eaten after 8:26 PM, Saturday night, April 30 6 7 Friday, May 13, 2016 6:30 PM – Kabbalat Shabbat Service 7:15 PM - Dinner Share Shabbat with friends, old and new! Delicious, kosher full-course meal Friendly company, lively conversation $12/person No charge for first-time non-members and kids under 6 RSVP for May 13 by 5/6/16 tradcong@sbcglobal.net or 314.576.5230 Celebrate the Class of 2016! Shabbat, May 28 Join us to honor our graduates from high school, college and grad school Festive kiddush following Shabbat services If someone in your immediate family is graduating this year, please let Marian know so we can include him/her in our program. 8 In Our Community... The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is looking for these specific items in order to provide well-balanced nourishment for the community in need: 1. Canned Beef Stew/Chili/Pasta with Meat 2. Any Kinds of Canned Vegetables 3. Kosher Food 4. Canned Tuna Fish 5. Peanut Butter 6. Canned Fruits 7. Healthy Soups 8. Toilet Paper, Deodorant and Detergent The Jewish Food Pantry feeds over 8,000 individuals in a month. The need is great so please help in any way you can. Thank you. Items should be brought to the food pantry cart in our lobby. For information, contact Louise Levine, 636-227-1259. A BIG THANK YOU to all who made generous donations of blankets to our recent drive. The following organizations were thrilled to receive the blankets just as the temperatures were dropping once again. Even though Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, meaning an early Spring, we still live in St Louis where the weather changes on a whim. ~ Opal’s House is an emerfor abused women and their eliminate the effects of domesintimate partner relationtiming was perfect, because nitely needed the blankets. gency agency providing shelter children. Their mission is to tic violence within families or ships. Their contact said the they had a full house and defi- ~ Winter Outreach in the City of St Louis consists of volunteers who collect donations of blankets, coats, hats and gloves, then venture out on the streets in search of homeless individuals, as well as going to homeless shelters, to provide the items to those in need. With the warmer weather, their inventory was low, and they were in need of donations for the expected cold weather. Thank you for your generous hearts, Mindy Strauss and The Chesed Committee 9 In Our Community... Thank you to all* who drove, schlepped, stuffed, shopped, wrapped, tied, checked, decorated, fluffed, labeled and helped with the Mishloach Manot project! This fundraiser for the shul was truly a success on many levels. Alberta Berger Bill Gold Gil Melnick Sarah Sanders Barbara Gaponoff Berson Gary Golden Nitai Melnick Florence Schachter Joan Block Paul Goldstein Lois Ockner Elissa Schachter Ken Bohm Micah Gordon Barbie Perlmutter Lori Tesser Christy Brick Rabbi Gordon John Perlmutter Gail Tullman Chris Brown Ranana Gordon Anat Reschke Jerry Tullman Eric Farkas David Holden Donna Rosenberg Bettina Weinberg Joshua Farkas Ora Kent Boaz Roth Jeff Weisman Zach Farkas Zippy Kent Jane Roth Margie Weisman Shelah Feldman Marty Levy Sela Roth Ellis Frohman Mimi Levy Iris Salsman *apologies if your name was inadvertently omitted—please let us know! And many thanks to those who purchased and participated by financially supporting the effort…..it could not happen without you. Elaine Farkas and Nikki Goldstein Thank you to our Not-Ready-For-Purim Players for a delightful Purim Shpiel!! Doug Berson, Marty Levy, Jerry Chervitz, Stan Estrin, Christy Brick, Elizabeth Berson, Barbara Gaponoff Berson, Jack Heller, and Mark Weinstein on keyboard. 10 ...And Around the World February 2016 To Traditional Congregation of Creve Coeur Giving is a godly quality. There's a proverb that says that a person is born with closed hands—meaning that giving isn't natural for him. Therefore, in order for a person to give he must overcome nature. He must educate himself to give. How does one educate a person to give? One way is to teach the person that giving pays off—if you will give, you will receive. One thing relates to the other—if you will give to others, others will give to you. I would like to thank you, the Traditional Congregation of Creve Coeur, for 25 years of giving to us the students in any way you can. With God's help, we will give as you are giving in order to expand the cycle of helping others. In this way we will be able to show you the good things that develop by giving to us. I would like to thank you by using one word that is known to all: "thanks". From me: Ysayas Amana ————————————————————————————————————————————————- GIDEON TRUNECH LAW OFFICES To: Traditional congregation of St. Louis Hello, I was glad to hear that you are interested in knowing the status of students, who studied at the University of Haifa, today. First of all, I want to thank you again for the support and care. Thanks to you I was able to concentrate on studies and be successful. As you probably know, I am a graduate of Haifa University Law School in 2011. I am happy to tell you that today I am married and have two sons. Also, I am a member of the Israel Bar Association from 2012, and I work as a lawyer in a law firm that deals with labor law and Insurance Claims. In the near future I plan to open my own private office. I wish you all the best!! Best regards, Gideon Trunech, Adv. 13-A Remez David St. Mobile : +972- 50-2341231 Kfar Saba 443213 Fax: +972-72-3707899 tru.gidon@gmail.com 11 We get letters... Dear Rabbi, Marian and Congregation, What a fun, yummy evening sampling and enjoying the soups! I know how much work that effort took! I was thrilled to be invited! I left with a full and “happy” tummy! We want to thank you for the tribute in honor of the birth of our granddaughter, Paige Rachel. We feel very blessed to be able to share our simcha with our Traditional family. Fondly, Bettina and Mel Weinberg Thank you, Dear Friends at Traditional Congregation – Fran Wilner (friend of Carol Max) Dear Traditional Congregation and Comedy Night Committee Members, Thank you for allowing A&B Catering to be a part of the Comedy Night Dinner. I appreciate the opportunity, and most especially, everyone’s hard work to make the night successful. I hope you will consider A&B Catering in the future. I would love to cook for you again! Respectfully, Barbara A. Levin, Manager A&B Catering, LLC Dear Traditional, I’m grateful to the Congregation for the mishloach manot we received this Purim. From wine to water and many goodies in between, it was a munificent gift. Eve couldn’t understand the source of the bounty, but she was thankful for the Hamantashen. Thank you all. Saul Klein What a wonderful surprise to receive the beautiful Shalah Manot basket from our “St. Louis Shul.” Please accept our very sincere thanks for this wonderful gift. While we enjoy many aspects of Florida life, we certainly miss the very special warm and caring friends at Traditional Congregation. While not the same as being an “inhouse” member, we are happy to be counted among the “Friends of Traditional” members. We look forward to seeing everyone in August for the 50th anniversary celebration. Warm regards, Susan and Stuart Boxerman Dear Elaine, Mishloach Manot team, and Traditional Congregation, A huge thank you to Elaine and Nikki for their heart-healthy and Thank you so much for the lovely and clever goodies. They wellness-themed Mishloach Manot! arrived today in good condition and your note of explanation As a physician and a nurse, we apis very funny (and true!) We heard that the "spiel" was hipreciate your creativity to help our larious and everyone had a happy Purim. Traditional family celebrate from We hope that you have a joyous Pesach. We look forward to 50 years to 120!! seeing you again in August. Doug & Barbara Gaponoff Berson Thank you so much! Our love, Joan and Jules 12 Show You Care with a Card from Traditional Sending a tribute card is a great way to acknowledge someone’s special day. Cards are available for a minimum donation of $5 each to either Traditional Congregation or Sisterhood. You’ll save time, postage, and get a tax deduction—what could be better? All you have to do is call Marian Gordon (314576-5230) for a shul tribute or Gloria Friedlander for a Sisterhood tribute (314-469-3274), and we’ll take care of the rest. May Birthdays April Birthdays Alan Levi Jeanette Seigel Marty Levison Marla Zimmerman Margarita Weinstein Cecilia Soibel Ron Abeles Nate Rosenberg Debra Hauptman Mauricio Lisker Suzanne Mosher-Kopp Gail Tullman Irving Diamant Joshua Farkas Andy Zimmerman Aaron Levy Adam Levy Benjamin Levy Sandra Rich Phil Brick Annabelle Chapel Mindy Strauss Maureen Brodsky Gloria Ezekiel Kweskin Traude Wilson Cyndee Levy April 1 April 1 April 2 April 2 April 4 April 5 April 7 April 7 April 10 April 10 April 13 April 14 April 19 April 20 April 20 April 21 April 21 April 21 April 22 April 23 April 25 April 25 April 27 April 27 April 27 April 28 Daniel Brick Paul Brick Robbyn Roth Norma Kaplan Morris Mandel Randy Zimring Mallory Matson Frederick Chait Stanley Becker Ann Bohm Gloria Golbart-Marks Noga Melnick Jerry Tullman Carol Max Linda Bell Jeffrey Rosenblum Jennifer Tobias Nancy Feldman Gary Wilson Tobie Hupert Nina Radman Shirley Becker Sandy Pomerantz Norton Kronemer May 1 May 1 May 1 May 2 May 5 May 5 May 6 May 7 May 8 May 8 May 8 May 8 May 9 May 14 May 18 May 20 May 20 May 21 May 24 May 25 May 26 May 28 May 29 May 31 May Anniversaries Alan & Vilma Levi Ken & Ann Bohm Steve & Sandy Bell Randy & Terri Canis Robert & Myra Perlman April Anniversaries Mel & Bettina Weinberg Phillip & Nina Radman Bernie & Ceil Tobin April 4 April 7 April 29 51st 53rd 60th 13 May 7 May 15 May 24 May 27 May 29 50th 33rd 18th 15th 61st Show You Care with a Card from Traditional June Birthdays Sidney Bennett Susie Lippmann Noah Ockner Lily Hauptman Daniel Rinder Ophira Melnick Jeff Weisman Barry Witten Zumi Brody Lauren Friedman Robert Becker Adam Lieber Lois Elfanbaum Alexander Levy Jane Roth Jack Heller Lucille Tullman Mike Schwartz June Anniversaries June 2 June 4 June 8 June 12 June 14 June 15 June 16 June 21 June 22 June 22 June 23 June 23 June 24 June 24 June 25 June 27 June 28 June 29 Something to celebrate in your family or circle of friends? Gary & Traude Wilson Richard & Claire Hack Paul & Nikki Goldstein Mel & Louise Saltzman Herb & Suzanne Gilden Gary & Karyn Wilson David & Gail Berwald Stuart & Judy Kaufman Stuart & Susan Boxerman Irv & Kay Diamant Andy & BelleAnne Curry Doug & Barbara Gaponoff Berson Jerry & Zeta Chervitz David & Liz Holden Michael & Robbyn Roth Marty & Linda Bell Randy & Muriel Zimring Marty & Mimi Levy John & Barbie Perlmutter Richard & Joyce Becker Marty & Marilyn Levison Gary & Nancy Feldman Leonard & Norma Kaplan Jeffrey & Sharon Rosenblum June 5 June 9 June 10 June 10 June 12 June 13 June 14 June 14 June 16 June 16 June 17 June 19 June 20 June 20 June 20 June 24 June 24 June 25 June 26 June 27 June 27 June 29 June 30 June 30 50th 31st 37th 43rd 61st 34th 52nd 57th 53rd 59th 14th 28th 51st 24th 34th 55th 32nd 27th 39th 51st 40th 36th 59th 47th Purchase an everlasting leaf on our Simchah Tree Birthdays, anniversaries and yahrzeit observances for the coming week as well as names of those who are ill in our community are listed in our weekly Shabbat Bulletin. Send a tribute card or give someone a call—it means a lot! Large leaf $150 Small leaf $75 Contact Annette Heller to order 314-576-5111 or hellerap@aol.com 14 Thank you to our contributors! Tribute donations are a wonderful way to show you care by making a charitable gift to our congregation, The following donations were received recently by the Congregation/Sisterhood. Please send recipient information and your donation (minimum of $5 per card) to Marian Gordon at Traditional Congregation, or to Gloria Friedlander for Sisterhood tributes, 14284 Forest Crest Dr, Chesterfield MO 63017. In Memory Of: Paul Figot, Mirna Figot, Moises Lisker Mauricio & Marcia Lisker Alvin Rabinoff, Morris Rabinoff Rafi Rabinoff Bob Rubin Carol Max Tillie Lapin Miriam Pessin Ida Dolgin Robert & Myra Perlman Hans Bloch, Chaim Krut Leib & Esther Abramson-Krut Anna Schuver, Gus Kaplan Marty & Mimi Levy Shirley Fish Bookman David & Gail Berwald Philip Handelman, uncle of Sherri Lopatin Jerry & Gail Tullman Ken & Ann Bohm Dorothy Levison, mother of Marty Levison Jerry & Gail Tullman Carol Max Mauricio & Marcia Lisker Ken & Ann Bohm Ellis Frohman Paul & Lori Tesser Doug & Barbara Gaponoff Berson Harry Shore Ruth Tockman Ben Ginsberg John & Barbie Perlmutter Anna Lee Brown Alan & Donna Rosenberg Sorel Davidson Harris Lynn Harris Leo Lowentritt Marty & Mimi Levy Jacob Frohman, Lillian Goldberg Ellis Frohman Rachael Gilden Herb & Suzanne Gilden Cecile Raskas Norton & Shirley Lieber Kronemer Frank Curry Andy & BelleAnne Curry Ellen Deutsch Dick & Dianna Fine Barbara Price, sister of Judy Kaufman Jerry & Gail Tullman Ellis Frohman Carol Max Ken & Ann Bohm Mitchell Dolgin Robert & Myra Perlman Gussie Lefkowitch Bill & Nanci Gold Edward Strauss Mindy Strauss Woodward Wilson Gary & Traude Wilson Norman Guralnick Rafi Rabinoff Wolf Federman Barry Schapiro 15 Shmuel & Gittel Gersten, Moishe Gersten; the Eichner Family Abe & Frances Gersten Ida Pogrelis Marilyn Jacobs Ruth Schwartz Benjamin & Susan Schwartz Nathan Young Paul & Nikki Goldstein Estelle Diamant Henry & Marlene Diamant In Honor of: Birthdays of Richard Hack, Orli Roth, Joshua Zeid, Alan Rosenberg, Desi Holden, Sue Friedman, Gil Melnick, Ari Levy, Boaz Roth, Ranana Gordon, Jeffrey Melnick, Judy Becker, Mark Weinstein, Marty Levy, Bernie Tobin Chris & Anne Brown Bar Mitzvah of Elie Altgold, grandson of Bill & Nanci Gold and nephew of Gary & Alayna Lerner Ellis Frohman Arlene Fox Birth of Barry Schapiro’s granddaughter Sherri Lopatin Jerry & Gail Tullman Ellis Frohman Birth of Bernie & Ceil Tobin’s greatgranddaughter Ellis Frohman Birth of Mel & Bettina Weinberg’s granddaughter Hal & Ellen Rosen Jack & Annette Heller Paul & Nikki Goldstein Carol Max Birthday of Cecilia Soibel Jack & Annette Heller Anniversary of Mel & Bettina Weinberg Jack & Annette Heller Birthdays of Manfred & Libby Katz Ilse Altman Promotion of grandson Eli Abeles Ilse Altman Engagement of Anat Reschke & Brad Fink Carol Max Susan Fleminger Jerry & Gail Tullman Ilse Altman Marty & Mimi Levy, Rededication Shabbat Honorees Miriam Pessin Jerry & Gail Tullman Mauricio & Marcia Lisker Paul & Nikki Goldstein Sherri Lopatin Jerry & Elaine Levy Arlene Fox Doug & Barbara Gaponoff Berson Susan Fleminger Ellis Frohman Mindy Strauss Earl & Iris Salsman Rebecca Levin making the Dean’s List Lois Elfanbaum Wedding of Miriam Fishman Ilse Altman Special Birthday of Judy Becker Paul & Nikki Goldstein Marty & Linda Bell Mindy Strauss Gary & Marilyn Ratkin Bar Mitzvah of JJ Lerner, son of Gary & Alayna Lerner and grandson of Bill & Nanci Gold Paul & Nikki Goldstein Elizabeth Berson’s lead role in The Addams Family Show Doug & Barbara Gaponoff Berson Birthdays of: Frances Gersten, Hal Rosen, Bill Gold, Myra Perlman, Dick Fine, Miriam Roth, Nikki Goldstein, Claire Hack, Anat Reschke, Dikla Roufa, JJ Lerner, Ken Levy, Mimi Levy, Laurie Bennett, Joan Block, Kay Diamant Chris & Anne Brown Anniversaries of: Eric & Elaine Farkas, Lenny & Renee Kohn, Boaz & Jane Roth, Adam & Jenny Bell, Phil & Christy Brick Chris & Anne Brown Birth of my grandson, Theodore Marcel Rabinoff Wickelgren Rafi Rabinoff Birthdays of Sue Friedman and Nikki Goldstein Mindy Strauss Anniversaries of Phil & Christy Brick and Shelby & Suzanne Mosher-Kopp Mindy Strauss Purim Paul & Nikki Goldstein Marian Gordon’s new role Paul & Nikki Goldstein Birth of Ellis Frohman’s granddaughter Jack & Annette Heller Ilse Altman Anniversary of Steve & Debbie Altman Ilse Altman Anniversaries of Boaz & Jane Roth, Shelby & Suzanne MosherKopp, Leib & Esther Abramson16 Krut, Mel & Bettina Weinberg Carol Max Birthdays of Miriam Roth, Mimi Levy, Marty Levison, Irv Diamant, Kay Diamant, Cecilia Soibel Carol Max Refuah Sh’leimah for: Norton Figot Mauricio & Marcia Lisker Miriam Roth Mauricio & Marcia Lisker Gloria Friedlander Jerry & Gail Tullman Carol Max Mel & Louise Saltzman Barbara Mirowitz Susan Fleminger Ken & Ann Bohm Sue Friedman Jerry & Gail Tullman Barbara Mirowitz Barry Schapiro Ken & Ann Bohm Special Contributions Virgil Wiles Kevin Heuser Gloria Sirkin Fran Wilner Altman Torah Fund Bernie Tobin’s 85th Birthday Ilse Altman Marty & Mimi Levy, Rededication Shabbat Honorees Joe & Florence Schachter Miriam Roth In memory of Jerold Goldenhersh Ilse Altman Packs of cards purchased by: Colman & Diann Bank Rabbi Seth & Marian Gordon Anat Reschke FROM THE LIFE T these seem to be contradictory signifihe Pesach Seder is replete with symbolism, the significance of cances for the symbolism of the matzah. which is a gold mine for indiPerhaps the resolution of the seeming vidual interpretation. Since evecontradiction lies at the very center of the ryone’s interpretation reflects his/her perPesach message. Historically we have sonal point of view, it is difficult for me to seen formerly oppressed peoples who see how it can possibly be mistaken. i have gained their liberty who have done a would therefore like to suggest that one of turnabout and in their independence opthe areas for discussion at the seder might pressed others. Unfortube what each person’s – nately, this is all too true especially the children in “The eating of matzah, reof our own American foreattendance – opinion is reminds us, with each mouth- bearers who, with their garding the significance ful, to rejoice in being free freedom to expand across of any of the seder symand remember what it was the continent, did so by bols in relation to the exolike before we were liberdeceiving and decimating dus, particularly and/or to ated.” the indigenous population. him/her personally. (The term ‘Indian giver,’ to describe a person who grants someFor a very long time i have found the symthing and then takes it back, does not rebolism of matzah intriguing. What infer to the American Indian, but to the U.S. trigues me about matzah is the seemingly government.) In contrast to this, the Torah contradictory manner in which it is treated consistently relates our relationship toby the text of the Haggadah. At the beginwards others to our remembering our own ning of our re-telling of the exodus experience (Maggid) we refer to matzah as experience of oppression in Egypt so as to avoid duplicating it. Our elation of having “… – לחמא עניאlachma anya…” -“ …the gained freedom must never erase our provision (lit. bread) of the impoverished sense of past deprivation. The eating of that our ancestors ate while in Egypt…” matzah, a central mitzvah of the seder and i.e., a symbol of our being oppressed in Pesach, reminds us, with each mouthful, Egypt. Yet by the close of the re-telling, it to rejoice in being free and remember is referred to as the provisions we prepared for our desert journey upon leaving Egypt, what it was like before we were liberated. which because of our rush to freedom, was With wishes for a joyful and thoughtful unable to bake long enough to rise, i.e., it celebration of Pesach and the seder, has been transformed into a symbol of our liberation from Egypt. On the surface אז 17 TRADITIONAL CONGREGATION Calendar of Events April 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 Shabbat 2 Bar Mitzvah of JJ Lerner Candles 7:06 PM 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 First Friday Shabbat Experience 6:30 PM Candles 7:13 PM 10 11 12 13 Mother’s Day Gift Bag Assembly 10:15 AM 17 18 24 25 Pesach 2 Pesach 3 19 20 14 15 General Board Meeting 7:30 PM Candles 7:20 PM 21 22 23 Candles 7:26 PM Pesach 1 First Seder Second Seder 29 30 26 27 28 Pesach 4 Pesach 5 Pesach 6 Pesach 7 Candles 7:33 PM 18 16 Pesach 8 Last Day of Pesach Luncheon TRADITIONAL CONGREGATION Calendar of Events May-June 2016 Sunday May 1 8 15 Monday 2 9 16 Tuesday Wednesday Friday 5 6 Yom Hashoah Candles 7:39 PM 11 12 13 Yom Hazikaron Yom Haatzma’ut First Friday Shabbat Experience 6:30 PM General Board Meeting 7:30 PM Candles 7:46 PM 19 20 3 Cardinals Game! Details TBA 4 10 17 Thursday 18 Shabbat 7 14 21 Candles 7:52 PM 22 29 23 30 24 31 25 June 1 26 27 Lag B’Omer Candles 7:58 PM 2 3 Candles 8:03 PM 6 5 Yom Yerushalayim 7 9 8 10 Candles 8:07 PM Movie Night TBA 12 13 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 24 Candles 8:11 PM 26 27 4 Bar Mitzvah of Matthew Levy 11 Erev Shavuot 18 Candles 8:10 PM Shavuot w/ Shavuot w/ Rabbi Jona- Rabbi Jonathan Porath than Porath 19 17 28 Graduation Shabbat 28 29 30 19 25 Traditional Congregation of Creve Coeur THE CHAIN OF TRADITION 12437 Ladue Rd, St Louis MO 63141 (314) 576-5230 www.traditional-congregation.org Rabbi Seth D Gordon Rabbi Ephraim I Zimand, Emeritus Boaz Roth, President Marian S Gordon, Executive Director RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED DEADLINE FOR SUMMER NEWSLETTER: WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 Dated Material Please Deliver Promptly PESACH April 22-30 SHAVUOT June 12-13 Shabbat Services & Candle Lighting Candle Lighting (18 minutes before sunset) Kabbalat Shabbat Talmud Class with Rabbi Gordon 1/2 7:06 6:30 5:30 6:45 8:06 8/9 7:13 6:30 5:45 7:00 8:13 15/16 7:20 6:30 5:45 7:00 8:20 22/23 7:26 7:00 6:00 7:15 8:26 29/30 7:33 7:00 6:00 7:15 8:33 6/7 7:39 6:30 6:15 7:30 8:39 13/14 7:46 6:30 6:15 7:30 8:46 20/21 7:52 6:30 6:30 7:45 8:52 27/28 7:58 6:30 6:30 7:45 8:58 3/4 8:03 6:30 6:30 7:45 9:03 Weekday 10/11 8:07 6:30 6:30 7:45 9:07 arvit 17/18 8:10 6:30 6:45 8:00 9:10 6:45 PM 24/25 8:11 6:30 6:45 8:00 9:11 April May June 20 Shabbat Shabbat Minchah/Arvit ends Services (not before) Shacharit Services: 7:00 AM Monday– Friday 9:00 AM Shabbat, Sundays and Holidays Arvit 6:30 PM Monday— Thursday Sunday evening upon request