Voices of Beth El - Beth El Synagogue

Transcription

www.bethel-omaha.org • Adar I - Adar II 5776 • March 2016 • 402-492-8550
2
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER
NBC News Correspondent and Author to Speak
Tuesday, March 8
7:00 pm
Author and award-winning NBC news correspondent Martin Fletcher will visit Beth El to
speak about his newest book, The War Reporter.
A tale of love, war, and redemption, and drawing upon his own experiences reporting on the
wars in Bosnia and Sarajevo, Fletcher has written a searing love story and a painfully
authentic account of a war reporter chasing down the scoop of a lifetime.
His decades long career as a war reporter was, in part, influenced by his personal life. Fletcher’s
parents are Holocaust survivors and his wife is Israeli.
Books will be available for purchase following his talk.
Fletcher’s visit is co-sponsored by the Center for Jewish Life and the Jewish Federation of Omaha
through its membership with the Jewish Book Council.
The Je wish F a mily Service
Food Pa ntry Needs Our Help
The Jewish Family Service Food Pantry is especially
looking for the following items to provide for the
community in need:
Toilet Paper
Kleenex
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Items should be brought to the collection bins at
Beth El Synagogue’s Community Court in March.
In Memoriam
Beth El extends profound
sympathy to the families of:
Beverly Fellman
Golda Mandell
Stuart Edward Muskin
Ruth Oruch
Ben Schwartz
May their memory always be
for a blessing.
Cantor’s Concert!..............................Page 1
Yad Squad Jan!.............................................Page 10
Martin Fletcher!.................................Page 2
Life & Legacy!...............................................Page 11
JFS Needs!...........................................Page 2
Voices of Beth El!.............................Pages 12 & 15
In Memoriam!.....................................Page 2
Birthdays/Anniversaries/Joy!..................Page 12
Rabbi’s Column!........................Pages 3 & 5
Minyannaires!...............................................Page 12
BESTT!.................................................Page 4
Detachable Calendar!.................................Page 13
Youth Group Programs!...................Page 4
Sisterhood!...................................................Page 14
President’s Corner!...........................Page 6
Shabbat’s Cool & Shul-In!.........................Page 14
Yad Squad Dec!..................................Page 6
Web Cemetery App!..................................Page 15
Mishloach Manot!..............................Page 6
Women’s Book Group!...............................Page 15
Dinner for Rabbi Azriel!..................Page 7
Purim!............................................................Page 15
Bar Mitzvah!.......................................Page 7
Candle Lighting & Service Times!...........Page 16
Cup of Coffee with God!..................Page 7
Rosh Hodesh Group!..................................Page 16
Contributions!..............................Pages 8-9
Passover Seder!...........................................Page 16
Men’s Club!.......................................Page 10
YOUR HOME FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM 3
Let the Journey Begin
By Rabbi Steven Abraham
At the
conclusion of
the High Holy
Days, Beth El
took part in a
survey put on
by the Gallup
Organization
that looked at
membership engagement. While
there were critiques of the survey,
we believed that it would help
guide the lay and professional
leadership in creating a more
engaged congregation.
As we looked at the data and spoke
to professionals at Gallup, it
became clear that engagement is
about how you feel and not how
much you do. A Beth El congregant
could show up twice a year and
feel completely connected to Beth
El, while on the other hand we
could have someone who is in the
building multiple times a week that
feels disconnected from their
synagogue community.
Attendance, while important, is
not all it’s cracked up to be.
“A synagogue that creates a
culture of radical hospitality
is one that is making an
investment in its most important
commodity -- its people.”
With that in mind, here are a few
items that we will be working
towards in the weeks, months and
years ahead.
community, you indicate your
acceptance of your spiritual and
financial obligations to your
synagogue community. In turn, the
synagogue and its leadership
pledge to live up to its covenantal
responsibilities.
Brit Kodesh – A Holy Covenant
A core of Jewish belief is the
concept of covenant. One covenant
exists between God and the Jewish
people, the other between the
people themselves. On a daily basis
we all have obligations, whether to
our parents, our spouse, our
children, our jobs...the list goes on
and on.
Over the next few months we will
begin to flesh out that relationship.
As a synagogue, we owe it to our
membership to create worship
services that reflect the love and
inspiration that are at the heart of
Jewish tradition. Our congregants
should expect their synagogue to
challenge them; emotionally,
spiritually and perhaps physically.
Like every American synagogue
and the vast majority of volunteer
organizations, there are dues to
belong to our congregation. We
exist through dues and donations
in order to run the wide variety of
programs and services our
congregants expect. In becoming a
member of our synagogue
(continued on page 5)
Gary Javitch, President
TONI ROSEN
9740 Brentwood Road
Omaha NE 68114-4925
Phone: 402-496-2021
Fax: 402-884-1599
Email: gary@mediation-omaha.com
CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST
402.630.8664
78th & Dodge Street
390-2000
Toni.Rosen@cbshome.com
Jeff and Mari Rensch
2255 So. 132nd Street, Suite 200
Omaha, NE 68144
Ph: 402-334-1122
Fax: 402-334-8171
123rd & K Plaza
334-9511
147th & Maple Road
491-0900
www.acpcounseling.com
Voted #1 in Real Estate 4 years in a row
Your West Omaha ENT & Audiology Connection
16929 Frances St., Suite 201
Omaha, NE 68130
402-758-5330
omahaentclinic.com
JEFFMARI
402-677-5333402-714-2662
www.391Jeff.commari@renschgroup.com
Thank you
Beth El Synagogue
For ad info. call Dan Hrdi at 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com
Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE
A 4C 02-1034
4
Be Happy - It’s Adar I & II
By Eadie Tsabari, Director of
Congregational Learning
As we reset our Jewish calendar by adding the leap
month of Adar II, we get the chance to reset our
commitment to Jewish life and learning. We are so
fortunate at Beth El Synagogue to have a multitude
of opportunities to do so.
On any given Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday or Shabbat, our adults come to
learn about a variety of subjects either with the clergy or through
independent classes. The library is always full with learners. We invite
you to check out the many classes that are offered or better yet, we ask
for your suggestions as to what you want to learn about as a Jewish
adult. We are hoping to complete our online learning center, so we can
bring in teachers and scholars from outside of the Omaha area. Look for
more new classes to be available in April and May.
BESTT is absolutely amazing this trimester. Music, art, Israel, Mishna,
Hebrew and Prayer – you name it and it is happening. Please come to
the school for a visit on any given Sunday. See, hear and smell the
activities that are taking place. Our students are learning so that they
can be contributors to our Beth El community. Our teachers are so
creative and do an incredible job with our kids. The singing and music
that pours out of our classrooms every Sunday is priceless.
Wednesday nights are a unique opportunity for our teens to participate
both in youth group activities as well as learning in the classroom. Our
teens are studying with both Hazzan and Rabbi, our Shaliach Eliad
Eliyahu, and our very own Glen Fineman. They come to learn and build
their own community. I am especially proud of Kadima and USY members
who have organized and put on more programs this year than ever
before. Those that come reap the benefits of learning leadership and
community, and they always have a great time. A special thanks to all of
the parents who have volunteered to help out our new Youth Advisor,
Amy Dworin, with the activities schedule.
BESTT Calendar
March 2016
2 Jewish History Tour at the JCC - Grades 6 & 7
4:00 - 6:00 pm
BESTT Hebrew School
4:15 - 6:15 pm
Hebrew High School Dinner & Classes
6:00 - 8:30 pm!
5 Jr. Congregation
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
6 BESTT Hebrew School
9:45 am - 12:15 pm
Kevah Program - Grade K
9:45 - 10:40 am
Torah Tots
10:30 am - 12:10 pm
Habonim Bowling - Grades K-2
12:15 - 3:00 pm
4:15 - 6:15 pm
Hebrew High School
6:45 - 8:30 pm !
12 Shabbat’s Cool - Grades K-7
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Shul-In - Grades 3-7
10:00 am Saturday - 9:00 am Sunday
13 Stay-at-Home Sunday
4:15 - 6:15 pm
Hebrew High School
6:45 - 8:30 pm
19 Jr. Congregation
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
9:45 am - 12:15 pm
It’s Adar! I’m happy! You should be happy, too!
Babies, Bigger Kids & Bagels
9:45 - 10:30 am
Eadie Tsabari
Torah Tots
10:30 am - 12:10 pm
Youth Group Programming
• Habonim Goes Bowling - Grades K-2
Sunday, March 6, 12:15 pm
• Purim Prep Days - USY & Kadima
Tuesday, March 22, 5:00 pm
• Purim Carnival - Everyone!
Wednesday, March 23, 4:15 pm
• USY Movie Madness
23 Purim Carnival & Megillah Reading
4:15 - 7:45 pm
26 Jr. Congregation
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
9:45 am - 12:15 pm
4:15 - 6:15 pm
Sienna Francis House - Grades 11-12
4:00 - 7:00 pm
Food Bank - Grades 8-10
Time TBA
Rabbi’s Column
(continued from page 3)
We should be a place you come
when you need to cry and when
you need to celebrate. In the same
breath, as a congregant of an
engaged synagogue, we expect you
to participate in prayer once a
month, both for your own benefit
and that of the community. We
also want you to feel empowered to
get involved outside the walls of
Beth El, to make Omaha a better
place to live.
A Covenant is a holy relationship
that depends on equal love and
support from both sides for it to
succeed.
House Parties
While we are not against planning
to bring a DJ to your house, our
hope is to create an atmosphere
where congregants can meet
outside of Beth El to discuss issues
and challenges that face them in
their everyday lives. At Beth El, our
goal is not only to bring you into
the building to do Jewish, but to
help bring Jewish into your
everyday lives. Perhaps a house
meeting will take place for those
who have lost a loved one in the
past year, or for those families who
are headed into their child’s b’nai
mitzvah year, or perhaps another
geared towards those with aging
parents. These sessions will be
hosted by congregants and open to
our entire congregation.
Radical Hospitality
It is clear from the survey that our
congregation is friendly; people feel
that when they come to Beth El
they see a welcoming face;
nevertheless it is time to up our
game. Over the past few years we
have been friendly. Now we must
practice radical hospitality. What
does that mean exactly? It means
that we must go above and beyond
to be welcoming to our fellow
congregants and guests. When you
see someone you don't know, go
introduce yourself (it’s ok to talk
during services). If after an event,
Mens Club, Sisterhood, Shabbat…
etc, there is someone missing who
would normally attend, give them a
call or drop an email. Let them
know you missed them. It
will mean the world to them.
A synagogue is only as strong as
the relationships it helps to cultivate
and maintain. A synagogue that
creates a culture of radical hospitality
is one that is making an investment
in its most important commodity -its people.
The Gallup Survey was a snapshot
in time. Some of the data affirmed
already held beliefs, while others
gave us insight into areas where we
still need to improve. We would not
be the loving, caring community
that we are without you, and we
appreciate your time and feedback
about your engagement at Beth El.
Rabbi Steven Abraham
Commercial • Industrial • Residential • Sheet Metal
Locally owned and operated
for over 95 years!
6102 Arbor St. • Omaha, NE 68106
Rotella’s Italian Bakery has built its
reputation on quality and service. Our eighty
plus years experience in the wholesale
bakery business has established us as one of
the premier wholesale bakeries in the industry.
402.348.0909
www.independentroofing.net
TILMER’S
Tree Care, Inc.
• Systemic Injection
• Fertilizing
• Spraying
1 st Class Licensed Aborist
Fully Insured • Free Estimates
• Pruning & Shaping
• Removal
• Shrub Care
Tilmer Stone
339-2569
An Omaha family tradition since 1921
6949 South 108th Street
La Vista, NE 68128
Phone: [402] 592.6600
Fax: [402] 592.2989
www.rotellasbakery.com
Tritz Plumbing Inc.
Family owned
since 1945
402-894-0300
www.tritz.com
Belgrade Company • (402) 393-6606
Repair • Remodel
B 4C 02-1034
6
We Thank Our Yad Squad President’s Corner
The following members read Torah/
Haftarah in December:
Vayeshev
• Yonatan Feldstern
• Ben Shapiro
• Lisa Marcus
• Marty Shukert
• Hazzan Krausman
• Haftarah - Hazzan Krausman
Miketz
• Hunter Tam
• Marty Shukert
• Dina Saltzman
• Eadie Tsabari
• Alan Shulewitz
• Laurel Krausman
• Phoenix Mavropoulos
• Haftarah - Ethan Spivack
Vayigash
• Spencer Gordman
By Joel Rich, President of the Board of Trustees
As winter moves along, we can look forward to some of the
funnest family times of the Jewish calendar, especially how we
celebrate them at Beth El.
The next major holiday for the entire family is Purim. This year, Purim starts
Wednesday evening, March 23. Beth El has a host of activities scheduled
that day, starting with the annual USY carnival. From 4:15 until 6:00, the funfilled carnival will be taking place with all kinds of booths and activities. If you
want to sponsor a booth, please let Eadie Tsabari know. There is also a signup
form online. BESTT classes will be attending the carnival. Dinner will be
available to purchase. The kids (and adults) will have a blast!
At 6:00 we’ll move to the sanctuary for the Megillah reading. At the same
time, Caryn Scheer will be leading “Tot Purim” activities while parents listen to
the first few chapters of the Megillah. Caryn will then lead the tots into the
sanctuary for a gala costume parade and to hear the remaining chapters of the
Megillah. All congregants (not just the kids) are invited to come in costume and
join the parade, and a free raffle ticket will be given to everyone in costume.
The exciting raffle will continue during the breaks of the Megillah reading. A
silent auction with special prizes will also be available for those who want to
take part. You can order game, meal and raffle tickets on the Beth El web site.
It promises to be a fun day for all who attend!
The annual Cantor's Concert to benefit the Youth Scholarship program for
children going to Jewish Summer Camps or Israel will be held on Sunday,
April 3. This event, chaired by Pam and Bruce Friedlander, features the a capella
musical group Six13. See the cover for details. Mark your calendar and plan to
attend this special event.
On Passover, you also will want to attend the Congregational Seder on the
second night with your Beth El family. It will be Saturday evening, April
23 at 6:30 pm. You will be receiving more information about this event, and
early-bird registration is already open on Beth El’s website. Sign up now and save!
• Haftarah - Marty Shukert
Spring is a fun time to be with family, both your immediate family and your Beth
El family. There are many special events planned and we hope to see you soon
at Beth El!
Vayechi
Joel Rich
• Marty Shukert
• Heather Kelln
• Glen Fineman
• Steve Riekes
• Marty Shukert
• Sharon Brodkey
• Haftarah - Patty Nogg
Bar Mitzvah
March 5, 2016
David Kay
Son of
Jennifer Kay
Have a Cup of Coffee with God
Saturday, March 12, 9:30 am
Join Rabbi Abraham and Hazzan Krausman for another session of this innovative learning service.
The coffeepot will be on and the sweets will be plentiful. Grab a nosh, fill your cup and satisfy
your appetite for knowledge and spiritual growth, as we daven and learn together.
INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING
Home Technology Tutor
Generations of Love - A Legacy of Excellence
Call 402.493.5807 today
to schedule your personal tour.
12606 W. Dodge Rd. | Omaha, NE 68154
www.remingtonheightsretirement.com
David M. Cohen, Ph.D.
President
Entertainment for
business events and
private parties
Personal Computers
Made Simple!
TTGShows.com
Phone/text:
402-637-3935
402-391-3153
Turf Care • Landscaping • Landscape Lighting
Irrigation • Tree & Shrub Care • Mowing
~ Serving the Omaha Community ~
Ray Ostronic, President
www.granulawn.com
Phone: 402-330-3511
Fax: 402-758-8934
C 4C 02-1034
8
Contributions to Named Endowment & Synagogue Funds
This Kol lists contributions received by February 8, 2016. Donations received after that date will be listed in the April edition.
Contributions to Named
Endowment Funds
Yahrzeit of: Harry Roitstein, Morris
Roitstein
21st Century Endowment Fund
In Memory of: Beverly Fellman
Yahrzeit of: David Epstein, Sonia Epstein
Joseph A. & J. Alvin Ginsberg
Endowment Fund
Yahrzeit of: Joseph Ginsberg
Lorri Anne & Saul Z. Davis
Endowment Fund
In Memory of: Ruth Oruch • Yahrzeit
of: George Shafer
Ann Goldstein
Endowment Fund
Yahrzeit of: Shirlee Hersch
Drazen Family Summer
Experience Endowment Fund
Harold & Frances Gottlieb
Endowment Fund
Donna Bernstien-Epstein
Endowment Fund
In Memory of: Lily Kay
Florence Hurwitz
Endowment Fund
Yahrzeit of: Louis Hurwitz
Harold & Etta Epstein Chapel
Endowment Fund
In Memory of: Ann Belmont, Jenda
"Etta" Epstein, Sherman Golbitz
Yahrzeit of: Fannie Abrahamson
Linda H. Lynn Kahn
Endowment Fund
In Memory of: Ruth Oruch
Willis Epstein Endowment Fund
In Memory of: Donald Hoberman,
Stuart Muskin • Yahrzeit of: Sarah
Epstein,William Epstein, David Hoberman
Dr. Leon Fellman
Endowment Fund
Barbara & Dean Frankel
Endowment Fund
Yahrzeit of: Rose Herzog, Benjamin
Segall
Magda Fried Endowment Fund
Isaac H. & Ruth S. Friedman
Endowment Fund
Birthday of: Amy Friedman, Sandy
Friedman • In Memory of: Beverly Fellman
• Marriage of: Donald Goldstein & Andi
Willensky • Yahrzeit of: Ruth Friedman
Freeda & Abe Gendler
Endowment Fund
General Endowment Fund
Marcel & Ilse Kahn
Endowment Fund
In Memory of: David Cohen, Beverly
Fellman
Forrest & Lisa Stewart
Krutter Endowment Fund
Yahrzeit of: Craig Stewart
Alan S. Kulakofsky
Endowment Fund
Anniversary of: Rabbi Steven & Shira
Abraham • Birthday of: Shira Abraham
In Memory of: Beverly Fellman, Stuart
Muskin • Marriage of: Michael & Dacia
Goldstein • Yahrzeit of: Frances Fox,
Dora Rosenblatt
Lucille White Kitchen
Endowment Fund
In Memory of: Beverly Fellman • Yahrzeit
of: Josephine Martin, Richard Martin
Milton Marcus Instrumental
Music Endowment Fund
Memory of: Beverly Fellman.Yahrzeit
of: Henry Krasne
Lee Jane Parsow
Endowment Fund
In Memory of: Caryl Greenberg
Ruth & David Platt
Endowment Fund
Yahrzeit of: Ruth Platt, Sam Platt
David & Ida Potash
Endowment Fund
Memory of: Beverly Fellman, Erika
Neumann, Ruth Oruch • Yahrzeit of:
Edith Cherwitz, Jacque Dolgoff, Ida
Potash, Leonard Potash,Yale Lawrence
Potash, Harlan Rosenblatt
David S. & Esther Zorinsky
Rice Endowment Fund
Yahrzeit of: Rose Rice, Sonia Zorinsky
Selwyn Roffman
Endowment Fund
Yahrzeit of: Rose Roffman
Jerold I. Rosen
Endowment Fund
In Memory of: Ann Belmont
Celia & Ben Schwartz
Transportation
Endowment Fund
In Memory of: Beverly Fellman, Carol
Greenberg, Lily Kay, Harvey Lipsman,
Harold Margolin
Stephen R. Skid
Endowment Fund
Arnold Stern Endowment Fund
Birth of: Samuel David • In Memory
of: Beverly Fellman • Yahrzeit of: Stuart
Rochman
Jerome & Rosalyn Zeffren and
Andrea Zeffren-Alter
Endowment Fund
In Memory of: Beverly Fellman, Stuart
Muskin
Contributions to Named
Synagogue Funds
Building Fund
Caring Committee Fund Fund
Yahrzeit of: Dorothy Kushner
(continued from page 8)
Cemetery Improvement Fund
Memory of: Beverly Fellman, Ruth Oruch
Early Childhood Fund
Yahrzeit of: Phill Laser
General Fund
Anniversary of: Joe & Maxine
Kirshenbaum • Birthday of: Maxine
Kirshenbaum • In Honor of: Helene
Lohman, Marti Nerenstone, Alice Weiss
In Memory of: Ann Belmont, Cantor
Gabriel Berkovits, Beverly Fellman,
Stuart Muskin • Recovery of: Sam
Eisenman • Yahrzeit of: Julius Barron,
Sarah Bernstein, Russell Blumenthal,
Anne Cohen, Louis Frost, Ida Frost,
Tibor Jaeger, Max Kirshenbaum, Boris
May, Gersh May, William Ostrow,
Dorothy Peltz, Philip Smith, Fannie Stein,
Morris Stein, Rosa Turetsky, Frieda
Weintraub, Max Weintraub, Maurice
Weiss, Norma Wucker, Paul Wucker
Mitzvah Meals Fund
Yahrzeit of: David Gordon, Hannah
Klawans, Alvin Nogg
Music Fund
In Appreciation of: Hazzan Michael
Krausman • In Memory of: Beverly
Scholarship Fund
Birth of: Ethan Solomon Kaufman &
Jonah Benjamin Kaufman • In Memory
of:Ann Belmont, Beverly Fellman, Golda
Mandell, Stuart Muskin • Marriage of:
Michael & Dacia Goldstein • Recovery
of: Sherman Brodkey, Dr. Moshe
Gershovich, Elaine Jabenis, Milton
Katskee • Yahrzeit of:Yehudah Ben
Shlomo, Zalman Friedman, Lillian
Hurwitz, Sophia Kaslow, Sam Silver,
Harvey Stern, Samuel Tannenbaum, Ira
Trachtenbarg
Fellman, Ruth Oruch • Yahrzeit of:
Pearl Hahn, Dorothy Kushner,
Norman Ruback
Prayer Book Fund
Yahrzeit of: Robert Lainof
Programming Fund
Birth of: Ibrahim Asif Kotok • In
Appreciation of: Beth El's community
programming • In Memory of:
Beverly Fellman
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
Bar Mitzvah of: Danny Denenberg • Bat
Mitzvah of: Isabella Cooper • In
Appreciation of: Rabbi Steven Abraham,
Beth El's warm welcome • In Memory
of: Beverly Fellman, Stuart Muskin,
Erika Neumann • Yahrzeit of:Yale
Gotsdiner, Dorlene Mae Graham,
Lillian Guss, Harold Kaplan, Ida Ruth
Meisels, Estelle Murow,Anne Rosenblatt,
Edwin Rosenblatt, Molly Sandler, Celia
Schwartz, Harry Schwartz, Lois Stern,
Hyman Swerdlin, Jennie Veitzer, Nathan
Veitzer, Sam Zweiback
Bert & Ruth Render
Memorial Fund
Recovery of: Eunice Denenberg
USY Fund
Yahrzeit of: Lottie Abramson
USY/Kadima Programming Fund
In Appreciation of: Mitzvah Meal
Delivery
Youth Education Fund
Birth of: Ethan Solomon Kaufman
& Jonah Benjamin Kaufman • In
Memory of: Hy DeBruin, Beverly
Fellman, Lily Kay, Harvey Lipsman,
Golda Mandell, Stuart Muskin, Carol
Schneider • Recovery of: Elaine Jabenis
Yahrzeit of: Isadore R. Bernstein,
Anne Blatt, Marci Blatt, Yefim Goldin,
Max Kirshenbaum, Dorothy Peltz,
Pearl Yager
Heartland Dental
Welcomes New Patients
Peter J. Gimenez, D.D.S.
132nd & Maple • 493-3636
Next To Old Chicago
West Maple
Dental Specialists
Lourdes M. Secola-Ocanto
DMD, M.Sc.D, DDS
We Specialize in Treating:
Infants • Children • Adolescents
Young Adults • Special Needs
14270 W. Maple Rd., Omaha, NE 68164
402-491-3100
Enterprise
Bank
4320 S 102nd St, Omaha, NE 6812
402.339.0440
800.578.4678
www.hostcoffee.net
Member FDIC
12800 W. Center Rd.
Omaha, NE 68144
Ph: 402-330-0200
210 Regency Pkwy.
Omaha, NE 68114
Ph: 402-392-0400
www.enterprisebankomaha.com
D 4C 02-1034
10
Men’s Club Corner
By Jason Blair
Men’s Club President
We Thank Our Yad Squad
The following members read Torah/
Haftarah in January:
Shalom Aleichem!
As we progress through the months of Adar I & II, I am
excited at the prospect of emerging into the spring after
a long winter, with a heart full of happiness and joy. I am
thankful for the many Men’s Club volunteers the synagogue can count on to
continue our tradition of selfless service to community. Over the past
couple of months, the Club has been able to contribute to the shul in
numerous ways. Whether it was serving food at the Chinese Dinner, or
helping Hamorah Eadie with programming in support of the Federation of
Jewish Men’s Club’s (FJMC) World Wide Wrap annual event, your support has
been invaluable. The club also served breakfast to BESTT students and
families, and longtime member Glen Fineman led a Hearing Men’s Voices
discussion for the congregation. A big Todah Rabah to Glen for his
continued service and dedication to the club! Keeping the momentum going, on March 19, the club will be leading Men’s
Club Shabbat. During this year’s service, the club will be honoring a “Man of
the Year” and a “Youth of the Year.” A representative from the FJMC will join
us for this important program. As everyone would expect, the number of
men and youth deserving of this award made the final selection extremely
difficult. All of you contribute to the club’s mission in so many different
ways, and we are thankful for your individual contributions. One thing I can
assure you all is that this year’s recipients can always be counted on to lead
by example, and both are well-deserving of the recognition. It would be
amazing if the congregation would show up in record numbers this year to
honor these deserving individuals, and did I mention the club will be
sponsoring a Kiddush lunch following the services? Please consider joining
us as we honor all the men of the congregation during shabbat services, with
a special focus on this year’s award recipients.
As we move out of Adar II and into Nissan, I will be stepping aside from my
role as Men’s Club president in order to make way for new leadership. I am
very thankful for the opportunity that was presented to me two years ago by
David Finkelstein to take the reins of the club, and for the relationships I have
been able to forge as a result of leading the club. I have learned more about
the shul and the level of dedication that members of the club and
congregation have than I could have ever imagined would be possible in such
a short timeframe. In addition to thanking Hashem, I want to personally
thank all of you for helping me succeed at keeping the club up and running
for the past couple of years, while meeting the many demands required of
the position. I am optimistic that someone is willing to step forward and be
the next person to lead by example and take the club to even greater
heights. With that said, know the men of the congregation and the countless
volunteers are waiting in the wings to support you! Shalom,
Jason Blair
Shemot
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Steve Riekes
Alan Shulewitz
Ophir Palmon
Yonatan Feldstern
Jim Fried
Ben Shapiro
Marty Shukert
Haftarah - Yonatan Feldstern
Vaera
• Haftarah - Zev Krausman
Bo
• Denenberg Family
• Haftarah - Danny Denenberg
Beshalach
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Laurel Krausman
Amy Nachman
Amy Reynolds
Roni Reiter-Palmon
Lisa Marcus
Lauren Tam
Liz Feldstern
Haftarah - Nancy Rips, Pam
Friedlander, & Eadie Tsabari
Yitro
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Yonatan Feldstern
Steve Riekes
Spencer Gordman
Howard Kaplan
Gabby Witkowski
Marty Shukert
Haftarah - Ben Shapiro
Life & Legacy Donors - Helping to Ensure Beth El’s Future
The community Life & Legacy Program is now in its second year. Beth El Synagogue is very fortunate and blessed to have
78 donors who have contributed to the Life & Legacy program. Through their generosity these donors are insuring the
stability and continuity of Beth El Synagogue for the future. As we conclude the second year of our campaign on April 30,
2016, we are very grateful and offer our most sincere and special thanks to our anonymous donor for the challenge match
grant of 1.5 million dollars. It’s not too late to pledge your Legacy gift to Beth El and maximize this generous gift. If you are
interested in learning more about how you can become a Life & Legacy donor, please contact either Lloyd Roitstein, Life &
Legacy Chair, at lloyd.roitstein@gmail.com or Larry DeBruin at exec@bethel-omaha.org.
We greatly appreciate our Life & Legacy donors listed below. Names in bold are new since the last listing in the Kol.
• Rabbi Steven & Shira
• The H. Lee & Carol
• Howard & Sharon Kooper
• Ari Riekes
! Abraham
! Gendler Charitable Fund
• David & Shane Kotok
• Carl Riekes
• Mike & Sheri Abramson
• Sherman* & Darlene
• Janie Kulakofsky
• Margo Riekes
• Joyce Ashley
! Golbitz
• David & Debi Kutler
• Steve Riekes
• John Atherton & Marti
• Alan Goodman*
• Howard & Nancy Kutler
• Zoe Riekes
! Rosen-Atherton
• Jay & Allison Gordman
• Scott & Felicia Littky
• Lloyd & Debbie Roitstein
• Bob Belgrade
• Thelma Lustgarten
• Andy & Carole Greenberg
• Ed & Carol* Schneider
• Sandra Belgrade
• Barton & Caryl*
• Neal & Jody Malashock
• Mr. & Mrs. Ben Shapiro
• Michelle Byrnes
! Greenberg
• Stanley & Evelyn Mitchell
• Larry Shapiro
• David & Karla Cohen
• M’Lee Hasslinger
• Allan & Janie Murow
• Sherry Shapiro
• Ron & Cheryl Cooper
• Jon Jabenis
• Allan Noddle
• Stanley & Norma
• Larry & Hanna
• Joan Sandler Jacobson
• Patty Nogg
! Silverman
! DeBruin
• Richard Jacobson
• Steve Nogg
• Nancy Skid
• Deborah Denenberg
• Sylvia Jess
• Alan Parsow
• Steven & Marilyn Tipp
• Norm & Eunie
• Marcel & Ilse Kahn
• Carol Parsow
• Irv & Gail Veitzer
! Denenberg
• Myron Kaplan
• Steve & Marcia Pitlor
• Norman & Joodi Veitzer
• Howard & Sharon Epstein
• Bea Karp
• Alan Potash
• Jim & Esther Wax
• Yonatan & Liz Feldstern
• Gloria Kaslow
• Joel & Mary Rich
• Jim & Sally Zipursky
• Glen & Hollie Fineman
• Howard Kaslow
• Phil & Diane Rich
• Morley & Charlotte Zipursky
• Sandy & Amy Friedman
• Donald S. & Delores Klein
• Marty & Iris Ricks
• Several Anonymous Donors
*of Blessed Memory
Fine Photography
402-333-8588
www.marcusofomaha.com
15% Discount
for Beth El Members
Bar Mitzvahs • Weddings
Senior Portraits • Special Events
Mathew A. Davey, M.D., FAAD
James M. Shehan, M.D., FAAD
Amy K. Price, PA-C
Counseling
Emergency
Financial Assistance,
Food Pantry
Parenting Class
Tzedakah
and
Project Dreidel
Professional Snow
&
Ice Management
(402) 598-4252
402-330-2024
ph 402-933-3770 | fax 402-933-3633
Contact Dan Hrdi to place an ad today!
DHrdi@4LPi.com or (800) 950-9952 x2562
12910 Pierce St, Suite 120 • Omaha, NE 68144
Just off of 130th and Pacific
www.midlandsderm.com
E 4C 02-1034
12
Listen to the
Birthdays
Voices from Beth El With 5-Year Multiples
Stories connect us to our
listeners and when we share our
own real life stories with others
our audience feels that they get
to know us as authentic people. This is the broad concept behind
“Voices from Beth El”, a storytelling series from Beth El
Synagogue.
“We want to tell our story, drive our message and
support the community conversation for synagogue life
and involvement,” said Beth El member Barry Zoob.
A 65 year member of the congregation, Zoob went to
Hebrew school, was a Bar Mitzvah and his daughter was
married at Beth El.
“I have fond memories of Beth El, l but as I reflect, I
realize that the synagogue wasn’t a presence in my life as
a young man. I recall feeling as if I was being preached to
as opposed to being educated. It didn’t resonate with
me,” Zoob reminisced.
“All that changed when I met Rabbi Abraham (I call him
Rabbi Steven). He is inspiring to talk with and I felt deeply
connected to him and his messages. So, it was the right
time to re-engage and devote this time in my life to the
synagogue.”
(continued on page 15)
John Atherton • Douglas Benn • Arlene
Cohen • Rabbi Paul Drazen • Leah Dysico
Tom Goodman • Preston Gordman • Jeremy Kader • Jori
Kravitz • Amy Nachman • Eva Phillips • Bruce Shackman
Patty Sherman • Amanda Simon • Blanche Wise
Anniversaries
With 5-Year Multiples
Ben Shapiro & Amy Reynolds
Lazar & Margaret Turetsky
We Share Your Joy
On the Engagement of:
• Colin Belmont & Amanda Bucher
Son of Mark & Jill Belmont
On the Birth of:
• Eli Mickey Abramson
Grandson of Steve & Marcia Pitlor
• Ethan Solomon Kaufman and
Jonah Benjamin Kaufman
Twin Grandsons of Bruce & Margie Gutnik
• Talia Nicole Shackman
Granddaughter of Ron & Harriet Epstein
• Connor Joseph Solls
Grandson of Ron & Harriet Epstein
Minyannaires
Thanks to the following members of Beth El who attended at least one daily service between
December 14 & February 8:
Rabbi Abraham • Brandy Bailey King • Jason Blair • Sharon Brodkey • William Cohen • Paul Cohen • Judy Cooper • Larry
DeBruin • Richard Diamond • Jay Durmaskin • Stanley Edelstein • Ellene Edelstein • Gary Epstein • Lisa Epstein • Helen
Epstein • Ronald Feldman • Yonatan Feldstern • Richard Fellman • Glen Fineman • Pam Friedlander • Morris Friedman • Art
Friedman • Jeremy Friedman • Michael Gerson • Irwin Goldenberg • Donald Goldstein • Ray Goldstein • Michael Goodman
Miriam Gottlieb • Lea Grunkin • M’Lee Hasslinger • David Herzog • Grant Jabenis • Jon Jabenis • Fred Kader • Ilse Kahn
Marcel Kahn • Howard Kaiman • Howard Kaplan • Myron Kaplan • Gloria Kaslow • Howard Kaslow • Judy Katskee • Milt
Katskee • Leslie Kay • Helen Kay • Steve King • Ari Kohen • David Kotok • Shane Kotok • Laurel Krausman • Hazzan
Krausman • Zach Krausman • Zev Krausman • Larry Kronick • David Kutler • Brad Kutler • Carole Lainof • Wayne Lainof
Joan Latchaw • Scott Lustgarten • Joan Marcus • Lynda Mirvish • Anna Mosenkis • Janie Murow • Steve Nogg • Dennis Paley
Ophir Palmon • Steve Pitlor • Oliver Pollak • Karen Pollak • Merle Potash • Roni Reiter-Palmon • Joel Rich • Mary Rich • Steve
Riekes • Caryn Rifkin • Gary Rifkin • Nancy Rips • Lloyd Roitstein • Marti Rosen-Atherton • Maureen Rosenblatt • Dottie
Rosenblum • Ed Schneider • Jessica Shandell • Ben Shapiro • Michelle Shkolnick • Simmy Siegel • Stanley Silverman • Tootie
Simon • Marsha Simon • Steve Simon • Nancy Skid • Zach Stein • Lauren Tam • Amy Tipp • Steve Tipp • Eadie Tsabari • Judy
Tully • Stewart Tully • Lucy Turetsky • Margaret Turetsky • Esther Wax • Jim Wax • Steven Wees • Richard Wiener • Audrey
Wiener • Gabby Witkowski • Susan Witkowski • Bob Yaffe
9:30 am - Shabbat Services
10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires
7:15 pm - Mincha/Ma’ariv
7:00 am - Shacharit Service
9:00 am - Nebraska AIDS
Luncheon
6:00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat
31
4:15 pm - Purim Carnival
6:00 pm - Megillah Reading
30
29
28
9:45 am - BESTT
9:45 am - Babies, Bigger
Kids & Bagels
10:00 am - Torah Study
10:30 am - Torah Tots
11:00 am - Adult B’nai
Mitzvah Class
27
9:45 am - BESTT
Mitzvah Class
6:00 pm - USY Movie
Madness
7:00 pm - Women’s Book
Group at the Home of
Judith Barnes
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
4:00 pm - Grades 11-12
go to the SIenna Francis
House
4:15 pm - BESTT
Grades 8-10 go to the
Food Pantry - time TBA
9:30 am - Men’s Club
Shabbat
10:00 am - Jr. Congregation
7:00 pm - Shabbat Dinner
Honoring Rabbi Azriel
4:15 pm - BESTT
5:00 pm - USY Board
Meeting
6:45 pm - Hebrew High
9:45 am - No BESTT Stay at Home Sunday
Mitzvah Class
7:00 pm - Board of
Trustees Meeting
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
We spring ahead
one hour on
March 13 at 2:00 am
BESTT Shul-In
9:30 am - Cup of Coffee
with God
10:00 am - Shabbat’s Cool
4:15 pm - BESTT
7:00 pm - Scholar-inResidence Martin
Fletcher
9:45 am - BESTT
10:30 am - Torah Tots
Mitzvah Class
12:15 pm - Habonim Goes
Bowling
12
11
9:30 am - Shabbat Services
10:00 am - Bar Mitzvah of
David Kay
5
Saturday
1:00 pm - Shanghai
7:00 pm - Women’s Rosh
Hodesh Meeting at UNO
4
Friday
10
4:15 pm - BESTT
4:00 pm - Jewish History
Tour at the JCC, Gr 6-7
6:15 pm - Who Wrote the
Bible Evening Class
dinner & Classes
7:30 pm - Pamela Berger
3
Thursday
9
2
Wednesday
8
1
Tuesday
7
Monday
6
Sunday
March 2016
14
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
Sisterhood Scoop
Beth El Staff
Steven Abraham!......................................Rabbi
rabbiabraham@bethel-omaha.org
By Linda Fischer
Sisterhood President
Michael Krausman!...............................Hazzan
hazzankrausman@bethel-omaha.org
Shalom!
Larry DeBruin!................Executive Director
exec@bethel-omaha.org
Eadie Tsabari!.................................Director of
Congregational Learning
etsabari@bethel-omaha.org
Margie Gutnik!..................Program Director
programming@bethel-omaha.org
Amy Dworin!............................Youth Advisor
a.dworin@bethel-omaha.org
Michael Gerson!..........Minyan Coordinator
mwgerson18@gmail.com
Melissa Massey!...........................Comptroller
bookkeeper@bethel-omaha.org
Laura Bair!............................Kitchen Manager
kitchen@bethel-omaha.org
Cait Leff!..................................Office Manager
secretary@bethel-omaha.org
Judy Tully!................Administrative Assistant
reception@bethel-omaha.org
Tamara Forte!................Executive Secretary
tforte@bethel-omaha.org
Officers
Joel Rich!..............................Beth El President
Jon Jabenis!................................Vice President
Ari Riekes!................................Vice President
I hope everyone is staying warm and surviving
Winter. Spring is right around the corner! It will be here
before we know it. Sisterhood Shabbat was a big
success. I want to give a huge thank you to Laurel Krausman and Heather
Kelln for planning and carrying out an enjoyable, and memorable service. The feedback I got from so many people was so heartfelt. Not only was
the service itself so incredible, the feedback about the kugel served for
Kiddush was also very positive. What a brilliant idea! Thank you to everyone
who participated in the service and the cooking.
Thank you to Alice Weiss for hosting a very lovely Tu B’Shevat Seder on
January 24. I had the pleasure of attending and this event was very
informative and tasty.
Thank you to Sandy Gordon for teaching “Keep it Simple Self Defense” at
the February Rosh Hodesh meeting. An important topic for women!
The Book Club met on February 9 and were fortunate in that they were
able to have a 45-minute phone conversation with the author during the
evening! Their next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 29. Details are
on page 15. Many thanks to Darlene Golbitz for managing the book club
each month.
Remember the Bucket Challenge for Beth El. I spoke at Sisterhood
Shabbat about this ongoing challenge to fill our Blue Buckets in the
entrance of the Synagogue. Let’s work together to do our share and
help those who are in need of food. Let’s help those out who need a
helping hand. Remember to grab a can before you come to synagogue and
drop it in the bucket. Let’s set an example for our young ones so that they
learn to be compassionate and helpful to others.
Stay warm until we speak again.
Sincerely,
Linda J. Fischer
Jim Zipursky!............................Vice President
Jay Gordman!.....................................Treasurer
Caryn Scheer!...................................Secretary
Lloyd Roitstein!.......................Past President
Shabbat’s Cool & Shul-In
Saturday, March 12
Shabbat’s Cool Purim Edition 10 am - 12:30 pm
Tutoring, Purim Learning Stations, Jr. Congregation, Lunch
For all students in Grades K-7
Lisa Marcus!.................................BESTT Chair
Jason Blair!...................Men’s Club President
Linda Fischer!..............Sisterhood President
Zev Krausman!......................U.S.Y. President
Shul-In - 10 am Saturday to 9 am Sunday
Games, Music, Havdalah, Evening Adventure & Waffle Breakfast
For all students in Grades 3-7 & Madrechim
Sunday, March 13 is Stay-at-Home Sunday for Everyone!
Voices of Beth El (continued from page 12)
Zoob says ultimately the goal is to provide a platform for everyone in the community to engage in Beth El activities. “The
energy level at Beth El is remarkable. Our clergy and educators are electric. You feel it as soon as you walk in the doors.
Our congregants and clergy are our greatest assets and we want to share them!”
Note: We will include excerpts of these Jewish Press articles in several issues of the Kol.The full articles
will be available to read online at www.bethel-omaha.org.
Check Out Beth El’s
Web Cemetery App
Our web cemetery application is now
fully operational. This exciting new tool
provides an opportunity for families to
add pictures, obituary information, life
history and personal memories about their loved ones. There is
also a link available that can be shared with family and friends
that maps the location of a gravesite.
To find the app, go to Beth El Synagogue Cemetery in the app
store. On the website, under Religious Services - Lifecycle
Events - Cemetery, you will find a link to Recent Burials and a
link to search Beth El Cemetery Records that will also provide
this information.
If you would like to learn more about how you can use Beth
El’s Web Cemetery App, contact Larry at 402-492-8550.
Women’s Book Group
Tuesday, March 29
7:00 pm
Home of Judith Barnes
This month, the Women’s Book Group will be
discussing, Jerusalem Maiden, by Talia Carner.
Newcomers are always welcome to attend. For
questions or directions, contact Darlene at
darlene.golbitz@gmail.com.
Purim Carnival & Megillah Reading
Wednesday, March 23
4:15 - 7:45 pm
Purim Carnival - 4:15 - 6:00 pm
Games * Raffle Tickets * Silent Auction
Dinner for Sale (falafel or hotdogs, a drink and Hamentashen)
Megillah Reading - 6:00 pm
Megillah Reading (boo Haman!) * Raffle Prize Drawings * Silent Auction Winners * Adult Beverages
Tot Purim with Morah Caryn - 6:00 pm (during first three chapters of Megillah Reading)
Make your very own groggers and watch a captivating Purim puppet show
Costume Parade - 6:30 pm (approximately)
For kids and adults - Free raffle ticket for everyone who comes in costume!
Reduced Price Tickets Available Online
Beth El Synagogue
14506 California St. Omaha, NE 68154
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
OMAHA, NE
PERMIT #138
402-492-8550
www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth El is a PROUD
member of USCJ
Rosh Hodesh Adar II
Thursday, March 10
7:00 pm at UNO
Join us at the University of
Nebraska at Omaha Strauss
Performing Arts Center to
hear Dr. Temple Grandin
speak.
This program is part of the
UNO Religious Studies
Department’s "Goldstein
Lecture on Human Rights."
Candle Lighting & Service Times
Dr. Grandin's lecture,
"Different Kinds of Minds
Contribute to Society," will
take place from 7:00 - 8:30
pm. This event is free and
open to the public. Friday Evening
Candle Lighting:
March 4!.......................6:01 pm
March 5!.........................6:00 pm
Questions? contact Margie at
programming@bethelomaha.org.
March 11!......................6:09 pm
March 12!.......................6:00 pm
March 18!......................7:16 pm
March 19!.......................7:15 pm
March 25!......................7:24 pm
March 26!.......................7:15 pm
Mincha/Ma’ariv!
Service Schedule:
The Beth El Judaica Shop
Gift Certificates Available
Judaica Shop Hours: Wed. 2:30 - 5:00 pm & Sun. 10:00 am - 12:15 pm
(when BESTT is in session)

Voices of Beth El - Beth El Synagogue

Transcription

Similar documents

Music to eax...eñres...insire!

print flyer - Rosh Pinah Chavurah

www.bethel-omaha.org • Av - Elul 5776 • September 2016 • 402

EXPERIENCE TISHA B`AB AT BEVIS MARKS SYNAGOGUE

PDF - Lisa Richmon Communications

Mary Beth Cross Mary Beth Cross

artists - City of Vancouver Home

IRebilatb Jesburun Bulletin Rabbi Lookstein