March 2016 - Temple Beth Am

Shabbat Services
In This Issue
Shabbat Services 2
Friday evening, March 4, 2016
25 Adar I
6:00 p.m.
Pre-Neg
6:30 p.m.
Shabbat Services
with Day School 1st grade
Purim 3
From Strength to Strength 4
Clergy’s Corner 5
President’s Message 6
Sister Congregation 7
Membership 8/9
Youth Engagement Religious
School 10/11
Day School 12
Admissions 13
Programming 14-16
Campus Activities 17
Denim & Diamonds 18
Concierge Judaism 19
Sisterhood 20/21
Families w/Young Children 22
BADC 23
B’nai Mitzvah 24/25
Taecher Appreciation 25
Tikkun Olam 26
Our Jewish Heritage 27
Auction 28/29
Seder Plate Fundraiser 30
Committee of 100 Brunch 31
Saturday, March 19, 2016
9:00 a.m.
Torah Study
Morning Minyan
10:30 a.m.
Torah Portion – Vayikra
Leviticus 1:1 – 5:26
Haftarah Esther 7:1 – 10, 8:15 – 17
or I Samuel 15:2 – 34
Saturday, March 5, 2016
9:00 a.m.
Torah Study
10:30 a.m.
B’nai Mitzvah of Aaron Holtz
WedneSday evening, March 23
and Lauren Holtz
10:30 a.m.
Bat Mitzvah of Sofia Pique – Chapel Purim
13 Adar II
5:30 p.m.
Bar Mitzvah of Jesse Weingarden
6:00 p.m.
Megillah reading with
Billy Joel inspired Purim Spiel
Torah Portion – Vayakheil
7:00 p.m.
Purim dinner and Adult Study
Exodus 35:1 – 38:20
Haftarah II Kings 12:5 – 16
Friday evening, March 25, 2016
16 Adar II
Friday evening, March 11, 2016
6:00 p.m.
Pre-Neg
2 Adar II
6:30 p.m.
Shabbat Services
6:00 p.m.
Pre-Neg
8:00 p.m.
Pop Up Shabbat – Off Campus
6:30 p.m.
Shabbat Services with Religious
School 3rd & 4th grade
Saturday, March 26, 2016
9:00 a.m.
Torah Study
Saturday, March 12, 2016
10:30 a.m.
Morning Minyan
9:00 a.m.
Torah Study
10:30 a.m.
Morning Minyan with
Torah Portion – Tzav
Bar Mitzvah of Austin Berman
Leviticus 6:1 – 8:36
– Chapel
Haftarah Jeremiah 7:21 – 8:3; 9:22 – 23
5:30 p.m.
Bat Mitzvah of Emily Cohen
Sunday, March 13, 2016
11:30 a.m.
Purim Puppet Show – Auditorium
12:00 p.m.
Purim Carnival
Torah Portion – Pekudei
Exodus 38:21 – 40:38
Haftarah I Kings 7:51 – 8:21
Friday evening, March 18, 2016
9 Adar II
6:00 p.m.
Pre-Neg
6:30 p.m.
Shabbat Services with
Shabbat Tropical
Professional Directory 36
New Members
We Give 32/33
In Loving Memory 34
Mazel Tov 36
Current of Life 36
our advertisers for March
Howard Wolofsky, Realtor ..........................35
Miami Prep, LSAT/GMAT Tutor................35
Ed Joffe, Keyes Realty...................................37
Truly Original, Gift Baskets ........................37
Occasionally Yours, Stationery ..................37
Smile Miami....................................................37
Claudia Storper, Photographer...................38
Hollub Homes ................................................38
Fare to Remember Catering ........................38
Rita Diaz, Estate Sales ..................................38
Paper Pigeon Stationery .............................38
Tracey Spiegelman, Realtor.........................39
Jerome Poliacoff, Ph. D.................................39
Accessible Home Health Care ....................38
PREEMO, IT Consultants ............................40
Cemetery Plots for Sale................................41
Bea Citron, Realtor .......................................41
Chef David Schwadron ................................41
Pioneer Luxury Homes ................................42
The Palace ......................................................43
Lexus of Kendall ............................................44
March 2016 • Page 4
Commentator
From Strength to Strength
rabbi Jeremy Barras
jbarras@tbam.org
igniting the Sparks
This past January many of us had the opportunity to hear
Rabbi David Wolfman speak during Sisterhood Shabbat. He
talked about the major shifts that have taken place throughout
Jewish history, and challenged us to confront where the future
of Judaism is headed and how we will meet the needs of future
generations. I am thankful that Rabbi Wolfman provided the
impetus for so many of us to think about how our world is
changing and where Temple Beth Am is going. In many ways
our congregation has benefitted from visionary leadership that
has always remained on the cutting edge of efficiency and
service. Our physical plant is a marvel and the envy of many
an institution. We continue to develop tools such as our recent
Temple app, our live streaming capabilities and our great
attention to the needs of so many congregants in myriads of
ways. Our operation is professional and our staff is dedicated
to ensuring that we continue to operate at the highest levels in
every area.
As Rabbi Wolfman pointed out in his presentation, our people
have gone through various transformations. From the period of
our Patriarchs and Matriarchs and the Abrahamic Covenant to
revelation at Sinai to the periods of the Two Holy Temples and
the Talmudic Period that followed, and on and on, our people
have faced grave challenges that threatened our existence in a
variety of milieus. In each time and place, Jewish leaders and
thinkers were forced to adapt their way of life and their communication and relationship with the Divine to fit the challenges that they faced. Yet, no matter how our religion evolved,
one constant bound one generation to the next. One constant
guided our ancestors through the periods of the Babylonians,
Romans, Greeks, Assyrians, Romans, Cossacks, Nazis, and the
assimilationist temptations that pervade every era. And that
common thread has always been, and will always be, the
wisdom of the Torah.
as we look out towards the future at temple Beth am, our
path forward in our own unique milieu must be sparked by
a re-engagement to torah, to the traditions of our faith, to the
inspiring words of our Sages that have burned in the hearts
of the faithful for the last four millennia. it is time for my
vision for how we plan to do this to come to the forefront.
We are currently, under the auspices of our Religious Practices
Committee, establishing a new steering committee that will
reimagine how we do Shabbat at Beth Am and will consider
ways to make Shabbat the focal point of each and every week at
Beth Am. We are contemplating innovative and cutting edge
ways to bring real comprehensive Jewish education and
experiences to each of our children that will inspire them and
ignite the sparks inside their souls. We are imagining a whole
variety of ways for members of Temple Beth Am to “do Jewish
together!” by taking advantage of our close community and
bringing every member into the fold in engaging and exciting
ways, including synchronizing our Social Action agenda,
developing a robust pro-Israel advocacy platform, and rethinking how we engage our youth and bring Torah into their lives.
We have ordered the new High Holy Day Prayer Book of the
Reform Movement and will begin using it this coming year. We
will have practicums and workshops for anyone interested to
come and learn about it well before the High Holy Days begin.
The programs that emanate from Beth Am in the coming
months and years will be well coordinated so that they consistently offer our members a plethora of opportunities to embrace
spirituality, enrich our Jewish identities and deepen our Jewish
education. The time has come for a new wave of inspiration;
an inspiration that meets the challenges of our day, an inspiration that draws its meaning from the wisdom of the Torah.
The time has come for all of us to “do Jewish together.” I am
looking forward to taking this journey with you!
L’shalom,
rabbi Jeremy Barras
Brotherhood Steering Committee
calling all men interested in the
future of our Brotherhood!
Join donald Mcclaskey
and rabbi Barras
for an informational meeting
on March 16 at 7:00 pm.
rSvP to Mindy robbin at
mrobbin@tbam.org or 786.364.9446.
Clergy’s Corner
cantor rachelle nelson
rnelson@tbam.org
“The people gave the music life, and the music in turn pulsated in the people, passing from parent to child, and from
land to land. The joys and triumphs, the tenderness and the
warmth, the agony and sorrow, the prayer and the protest,
which were shared by Jews, and made them one, were poured
into music; and where they are still felt, that process continues today. When we live for a moment with that music, we
are touching the pulse itself, and our own is quickened in
turn.” (Judith K. Eisenstein, 1972) I share this truly magnificent quote with you as I am continually in awe by the power
of music.
Just a few weeks ago, we heard the chanting of the Song of
the Sea from parshat Beshallach. (Exodus 15:1-18:21). Can you
imagine our people, who were fleeing from slavery, filled
with trepidation and fear, crossed over the sea to safety and
began to sing? Why didn’t they rest, or dry their clothes for a
few hours? How about a snack and a snooze?
In Judges 5, we read about the Song of Deborah and Barak.
Deborah, a prophetess, leads a small Israeli militia against
their Canaanite overlord’s well-armed forces. Her field officer
Barak meets the enemy commander, Sisera, on the battle field.
Barak wipes out Sisera’s forces, but Sisera escapes on foot.
Fortunately, he is found and killed.
In another bibilical story young David kills Goliath and he
and King Saul triumphantly return from the battle. The
women of the cities are ecstatic about their return from
victory, and they greet David and King Saul with musical
instruments, dancing, and singing a new song.
Why does music have so much power over us in the most
emotional and vulnerable times in our lives? Why would
Miriam, Barak, Deborah and the singers that greet David and
Saul, break out in song after such intensely difficult times?
Anthony Storr, in his book “Music and the Mind”, stresses
that in all societies, a primary function of music is collective
and communal, to bring and bind people together. People sing
together, dance together, in every culture, and one can imagine them doing so, around the first fires, thousands of years
ago. This is music in its most primal state. This is why we
can be so easily moved to sing and dance after some of the
most impassioned and impulsive moments in our lives.
It is no wonder that after the waters parted allowing the Jews
to cross in safety that Miriam took her timbrel in her hand
and all the women followed her. They danced and sang in
ecstasy, celebrating their first freedom and the beginning of a
whole new journey. It is no wonder that Deborah and Barak
composed a song praising God when their lives could have
ended if not for the mud that trapped the chariots of their
enemies. Saul and David were greeted with women dancing
and singing in the streets after a major defeat. Have things
changed that much? Don’t we still celebrate victory from
war and suffering with music? Haven’t some of the most
magnificent songs been composed during some of the most
painful times in history?
Music is something magical. The voice is never more emotional than when raised in song, as the meaning of words is
heightened. Music is greater than however we may feel at the
moment we sing it, as words are lifted up into the power of
pure sound. It is no wonder that our people have their own
song, one filled with pathos and joy, struggle and conquest,
miracles and liberation.
May we never lose our melody of struggle and celebration.
Our music is like a magnificent tapestry that is woven into
the hearts of every Jew. “Every people has its own melody...
but Israel sings all of them in order to bring them all to God”
(Abraham Yaakov)
Love,
cantor nelson
Save the dates!
december 1-5, 2016
“Temple Beth Am’s Mission to Cuba” led by
Cantor Rachelle Nelson. Space will definitely be
limited so please call Brit Olom Tours if you are
interested to learn more at 305.403.7548.
informational meeting on
ursday, Mar 31 at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel.
Page 5
March 2016 • Page 6
Commentator
Message
from the
president
William Grossman
wgrossman@tbam.org
I can’t believe it’s March already. We are two months into
2016 and what a start!
On Friday, January 8 our Youth Engagement Religious
School (“YERS”) did a fundraiser after services called YERS
Live. Thank you to dan Levine, Fred Fein, Larry
Misrahi, Billy Whitman and cantor Lisa Segal for bringing their bands and making the 1st annual YERS Live
fundraiser so much fun and a great success. We sold out
at 175 attendees. I can’t wait for next year!!
The following Friday night, we honored the memory of
Martin Luther King, Jr. with a Motown-themed Shabbat.
As always, cantor nelson did a tremendous job of fitting
prayer into popular Motown tunes. Again, the Old Skool
Gang was a hit at services and after. It was another great
night at Temple Beth Am.
If that weren’t enough, the following Friday night was our
Sisterhood Shabbat. What a Friday night service! We
heard heart felt stories from our own Sisterhood members
and the soulful sounds of our own Karen Pincus. Over
200 members stayed to eat fresh challahs baked by our
sisterhood ladies and listen to Rabbi David Wolfman talk
about “Judaism 5.0 & Human Side of Change.” It was a
great Sisterhood weekend and a fantastic year for our
Sisterhood. President Pamela Lear and her board
members and volunteers have done incredible work in
building on the infrastructure provided by previous
presidents, boards and volunteers.
It was three incredible weekends. Three very different
programs but something for everyone.
In February, we started the month with a Tikkun Olam
Shabbat. It was an awesome service, David Lawrence, Jr.
was fantastic. Jake Wolfe, as part of his Mitzvah project,
brought at least a dozen not for profit organizations
involved with disadvantaged youth together to provide
valuable information to our members. It was truly amazing to see what our youth are doing and how they can and
are impacting our community in such a positive way.
Two weeks later was our 3rd grade Shabbat. I find it inspirational to hear our children singing the liturgy. Thank
you Jackie Berney for all you do with our children. Many
of us stayed for Shabbat dinner which included a sing
along with the same 3rd graders.
The following Friday night, February 26 will be our Social
Action Shabbat featuring guest speaker Mark Hetfield, President and CEO of HIAS (formerly the Hebrew Immigrant Aid
Society). Mr. Hatfield will be discussing the increase in
refugees and displaced persons around the world and what
HIAS is doing about it.
Again, three very different programs but something for
everyone.
This doesn’t include torah study, Saturday morning minyan,
Sunday Salon, Java & Haftorah, Krav Maga Israeli Martial
Arts, Canasta, Maj Jong, the Shul of Rock, Israeli Dance all
which occurs each and every week here at Temple Beth Am.
We also have the monthly Lunch n’ Learn with Rabbi Barras,
Sisterhood’s Monthly Book Club, Spanish Survival Course,
Socol and Axler Speaker Series, Jewish Film Festival, Tuesdays
with Manny and on and on.
There is much to choose from here at Temple Beth Am. Pay
attention to the weekly email blasts, visit the website.
Hopefully by now, you have downloaded our app on your
smartphone.
Lastly, if you have an idea or a group of you would like to do
something, don’t be shy, reach out to me or reach out to our
clergy. Your engagement is important to us.
L’Shalom,
Bill
New Members
elyse Lopez and family
alberto Wiener & rose cardoza-rosario
*eric goldstein & annette taddeo and Sofia
andrew Berkowitz & Felicia gould and Kaia and alora
*alex & elle Schreer and hannah
allen S. & arlene Furst
claire alpert
ettie Koeppel
daniel & amanda gluck, reese and Brooks
hannah Low
david Montano & yana rusanova, ynessa, Michael and Samuel
*Jacques & Leah Bentolila, Mikayla and Matthew
nathan & taly Kogon, Leo and allie
eduardo & Orli Krajewski, david, ethan and nathan
*Jessica Fremson-Khamvongsa, remi, Bram, Misha and Xander
Jacobo Wajner and Berta Pita, rebecca and Bertha
*Returning members to Temple Beth Am
List reflects new members as of February 2, 2016.
From our sister congregation in Israel
To our Dear Friends at Temple Beth Am,
It is with great pleasure that we begin writing this column, sharing
with you what's happening at your sister congregation in Jerusalem,
Kehilat Har-El. As we compose these words in the middle of January,
we are in the final touches of our preparations for our congregation's
58th birthday on Shabbat parashat “Bo,” which falls this year on the
weekend of January 15-16, 2016. 58 years may be an odd number to
celebrate, but as the founding congregation of the Israeli Reform movement, each year is a celebration not only for our synagogue but for the
movement itself throughout Israel!
Rabbi Ada Zavidov and Cantor Evan Cohen leading
a bat mitzvah at "Ezrat Yisrael", the egalitarian
section of the Western Wall, December 2015.
On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank
rabbi Jeremy Barras for all he has done to build this connection in
such a short time, kicked off with my very intensive visit to Beth Am
this past October-November 2015. It was a pleasure meeting so many
of you, both clergy and members of Beth Am, from the honor of participating in your Shabbat worship, to teaching in both the religious school
and day school, and having the opportunity to get to know many you
on a personal level outside of the synagogue walls.
Tuesdays with
Manny
Since my (Cantor Evan’s) return to Israel, we'd like to share with you
two of the highlights of our congregation's activities. First, during
Chanukah, we formally dedicated our new accessible entrance to the
synagogue. Our congregation’s building was originally a private
dwelling which we purchased in the early 1960s, with all the physical
limitations therein. For many years we had dreamed of making our entrance accessible to both those with limited mobility and to the many
young families in our baby nursery and preschool. After many years of
planning and preparation, we were finally able to embark on this
significant project, culminating in a special ceremony this past
Chanukah to thank everyone involved, among those the architects
who did the work pro bono to assist us in fulfilling the important
mitzvah of hachnasat orchim, of audacious hospitality.
The second highlight was ironically Christmas! Christmas season
means lots of visitors to Israel from overseas, among them six families
from North America who came to celebrate their bar and bar mitzvah
through our congregation. It was a record year for our congregation,
with 39 overseas bar/bat mitzvah ceremonies from all over the world.
We truly enjoy these opportunities to create a personal connection
with our brothers and sisters living overseas, and view our role with
sense of mission in helping to create a meaningful Jewish experience
that lasts a lifetime.
emerging artists
from the
With our very best wishes and looking forward to seeing you in
Jerusalem,
Opera Studio of Manny Perez rabbi ada Zavidov and cantor evan cohen
March 22, 2016
at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Join us for an evening of lush music and artistry.
Refreshments to follow.
$10 donation at the door.
Kehilat Har-El, Jerusalem
www.kharel.org.il
Find us on Facebook: Kehilat Har-El
Page 7
March 2016 • Page 8
Commentator
Membership
rita diaz
Membership Director
rdiaz@tbam.org
new Beginnings – divorce Support group
tuesday, March 15
7:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m. • Meeting room 3
Temple Beth Am is reaching out to members and non-members who are
newly (or not so newly) divorced who would benefit from active participation in a divorce support group co-facilitated by a psychologist and
marriage and family therapist.
A group setting can provide a comfortable and accepting setting in which
persons who have experienced divorce (whether recent or not so recent)
can come to share their story, can meet people who are at different stages
of coming to terms with their loss, and can learn from each other about
how to moved ahead no matter how heavy their heart.
Facilitated by dr. Jerome Poliacoff Ph.d and Joann Lederman, LMFt
If you are planning to attend, please RSVP to rita diaz, rdiaz@tbam.org
Join us for a Beth uMers
dessert reception
March 2
7:30 p.m.
a Social gathering
of our members who make their professional home
at the university of Miami and their spiritual home at temple Beth am.
enjoy an evening with members of temple Beth am’s clergy,
professional staff, and lay leaders and schmooze with temple members
also affiliated with uM at the home of cantor rachelle nelson.
Please respond to ashley trent at 305.668.5312 or atrent@tbam.org
Chai Member Shabbat
“Blessed are those who enter this house of Prayer”
Join Us for an Evening of Celebration as we honor
our “Chai” members with 18-36 years
of membership and counting!
Friday, april 15, 2016
6:00 p.m. Pre-neg
6:30 p.m. Shabbat Service, Sanctuary
7:30 p.m. Oneg, Social hall
Celebrate together at a special Shabbat service
where a blessing will be offered in their honor.
Join us after services at a festive Oneg Shabbat
and visit with old friends, members of your
Clergy and Beth Am Temple community
in the Social Hall.
Hosted by the Membership Committee
Please invite your family and friends!
RSVP to Rita Diaz, Director of Member Services
at 305.667.6667 ext 107
or by email rdiaz@tbam.org
For more information on any Membership Department activities, to join, volunteer or chat with Rita,
please contact her at 786.364.9434 or email her at rdiaz@tbam.org.
Page 9
March 2016 • Page 10
Commentator
tamara donnenfeld
Director of Lifelong Learning
tdonnenfeld@tbam.org
the Message of Purim
Jewish history and Jewish holidays are full of stories of
villains and heroes. Oftentimes, the stories tell the struggle
of the few versus the many. Chanukah recounts the story of
the powerful army of the Assyrians against the Maccabees
in the land of Israel, Passover, my favorite holiday, retells
our story as slaves in Egypt, a neighboring land, and Purim
takes us to the land of Persia, where we learn about our
heroes Esther and Mordecai who save the Jewish people
against all odds. Whether we were in our own land or living
in the diaspora, Jews had to cope with difficult situations
and face their own ‘Hamans’, individuals who sought to
injure or banish the Jews.
Though the story of Purim is over 2400 years old, it still
provides us with contemporary lessons. One of the sheroes
we don’t usually talk about is Vashti. We all know Vashti
was King Achashverosh’s first wife who refused to display
her beauty in front of her husband’s friends. Her actions
reveal the character of a strong woman, more specifically,
courage to defy a royal order. She had dignity. She had
self-respect. She is a model for women today and a strong
guardian of modesty and morality. Vashti's refusal to obey
the directives of her drunken husband has been regarded as
heroic in many feminist interpretations of the Book of
Esther. Harriet Beecher Stowe, an American abolitionist in
the 19th Century and author of Uncle Tom's Cabin called
Vashti's disobedience the "first stand for woman's
rights." Elizabeth Cady Stanton, an American social activist,
and leading figure of the early women's rights
movement, wrote that Vashti "added new glory to her day
and generation...by her disobedience; for "Resistance to
tyrants is obedience to God.” Vashti brings us the opportunity to examine women rights and conditions in many
non-Western cultures today. Perhaps, Vashti’s discussion
can lead you to learn about the fragility of women’s life in
many countries and appreciate the blessings we have to
live in America.
Purim’s story also teaches us about prejudice. When
Mordecai refuses to bow down to Haman, he designs a plan
to punish all the Jews (Esther 3:6). Thus, the rage at one
man becomes the excuse to conspire against ALL the Jews.
Unfortunately, the prejudice seen in the Book of Esther is
one of the many examples throughout history when Jews
have experienced prejudice. We continue to encounter
prejudice, hatred and intolerance in our world. Jews are not
the only group targeted. Discrimination comes in different
shapes and forms. Take some time to discuss with your
family today’s world’s forms of prejudice. How, if possible,
are we able to eliminate these behaviors?
For all the questions we may have about prejudice,
inequality and unfair treatment, I have one simple answer:
EDUCATION. Education is the key to eradicate hatred and
ignorance. It is the chance to get a decent job, to escape
poverty, to support our families, and to develop our
communities. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is
the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the
world. No one is born hating another person because of the
color of his skin, or his background, or his religion.”
Judaism places the highest value in the study of Torah. The
rabbinic expression “v’talmud torah k’neged kulam”–usually
translated as “…and Torah study is equivalent to all of (the
other mitzvot)”–attests to the importance Jewish tradition
assigns to learning. For the Rabbis, Torah study is a supreme
value in itself because, through it, one encounters God. The
rabbis believed that study would lead to action and that
study was crucial for inculcation Jewish values into our
lives. Likewise, Temple Beth Am honors the expression by
offering our students and their families a space to learn our
tradition and our heritage and be elevated.
It is our responsibility to educate and become educated
ourselves. Torah, as its Hebrew root implies, is a form of–
–teaching. It teaches man the path one should
follow, and is indeed a guide to fulfilling the
commandments.
As Purim approaches this year, let us exemplify Vashti’s
courage, defy prejudice, and continue our lifelong learning
so that the Purim story teaches us to become kinder and
more tolerant with one another.
tamara
Jacki altman
Youth Engagement Director
jaltman@tbam.org
March calendar
Left: Sabrina Fradette,
newly elected regional
Social action vice
President robert Feder
and geoffrey Bendell,
representing BaFty at
nFty-Str Winter
regional!
Wednesday, March 2
Friday, March 4
- Sunday, March 6
Friday, March 4
- Monday, March 7
Saturday, March 12
Sunday, March 13
Monday, March 14
Friday, March 18
- Monday, March 21
thursday, March 24
Saturday, april 2
Sunday, april 3
BaFty 34 (3:15-3:45 p.m. in the café!)
nFty-Str Spring Kallah at camp
geneva
L’taken Social Justice Seminar in d.c.
(confirmation class)
BaFty (9th-12th) iKea
Scavenger hunt
Purim carnival!
BaFty Presents Purim Masquerade for
7th-12th graders during Mnc
BaFty’s nyc trip!
chag Purim Sameach!
BaFty (9th-12th) Key Biscayne
havdalah
BaFty K-2 (12-1:30 p.m. at tBaM)
Page 11
March 2016 • Page 12
Commentator
day school
dr. deborah r. Starr
Head of Day School
dstarr@tbam.org
the purpose of man’s life is not happiness, but worthiness.
F. Adler, Creed and Deed
I have been an educator in two completely disparate worlds (although they both had students and both had schools). I have taught
and lived in the inner-city neighborhoods of New York City (South
Bronx, Harlem, East New York, and Brownsville) and the wealthy
suburbs of numerous states (West Hartford, CT; Longmeadow, MA;
Pinecrest, FL). Surprisingly, both types of communities have their
educational challenges. “Ghetto” neighborhoods are oftentimes
known for high rates of crime, dysfunctional families, poverty, and
drug and alcohol addiction. The child that presents in the classroom
may come lacking many academic skills and oftentimes, social
graces. The child may be hungry, lack proper clothing (such as
socks and winter coat), and may face basic neglect and abuse. (I had
a student covered in cigarette burns. Yes, I brought a PINS–Person
In Need of Supervision–charge against that home.) But, surprisingly, the opposite world, wealth, has its issues, too (albeit different
ones).
Citing ASU professor of psychology Suniya S. Luthar and
Barry Schwartz of Swarthmore College:
"High-risk behavior, including extreme substance abuse and
promiscuous sex, is growing fast among young people from
communities dominated by white-collar, well-educated parents.
These kids…show serious levels of maladjustment as teens, displaying…marijuana and alcohol abuse, including binge drinking [and]
abuse of illegal or prescription drugs…What also stands out is the
type of rule-breaking–widespread cheating and random acts of
delinquency such as stealing from parents or peers–among the
affluent.”
And, finally: “serious depression or anxiety among affluent kids is
two to three times the national rate.” Unfortunately, I hear from our
surrounding schools that there is truth in the above statements.
What is going on here? What is it about growing up with
advantage that predisposes so many children to the above outlined
behaviors? Are our children suffering from a new malady,
“affluenza,” as identified by Washington Post editor Fred Barbash
and Judge Jean Boyd (and is all over the news)? Is it “affluenza,”
or is it, as Rabbi Yonason Goldson claims, just children who are
“spoiled rotten.”
Does any of the following sound at all familiar? Are our children
doing any kind of required chores? Are they expected to clean up
their own room? Set the table? Wash dishes? Load the wash? Weed
the garden bed? Tend to a younger brother or sister? Earn their
spending money? Or, is everything just given to them or done for
them? Do we give our teenagers birthday presents of cars and also
pay for the gas, repairs, and insurance? Is the teen expected to earn
any of that? Do we bail them out when they receive a traffic ticket?
Do we demand “extra credit” and a “re-do” on a test so the student
does not have to accept initial responsibility for a failing grade and
acknowledge that the lack of effort and interest in the first place
caused the failure? How many of our children have lost their
iPhone or iPad and we immediately replace it with no consequence
or demand of responsible behavior? Then how can our children be
expected to acquire any kind of work ethic or any understanding
that there are consequences for carelessness and irresponsible
behavior? This may be why children growing up in advantaged
homes often have no sense of appreciation for what they have and
no concern for how they act. “We are not cultivating a sense that
prosperity is a function of discipline and hard work. And, it is
certainly why they [privileged youth] possess no concept of
noblesse-oblige, the implicit awareness of the duty that accompanies
privilege.” (Rabbi Yonason Goldson)
How to curb or even reverse this? What can parents do? What can
the school do? First, parents must take on “responsible parenting.”
Set expectations and responsibilities for your children and then
hold them to it. Stop making exceptions and excuses (except in
limited instances). Do not constantly pick up, tend to, fix, and
intervene with every problem. I know, I know, you want your child
to be happy. But, have you considered that real happiness comes
from a job well done? From taking on a task and really completing
it on one’s own? On accomplishing something all by oneself? This
may also then segue into being a giver instead of a taker. One can
only give when one has something of oneself to offer.
I constantly look at the school’s role in combating affluenza. Are
we teaching our students responsibility and holding them accountable for their actions? Are we teaching them that the choices they
make have consequences and they should choose their actions and
words wisely? I think that through our commitment to the Open
Circle program and our Middot curriculum, we are on the right
path. But, I worry more about really teaching our students that they
have so many blessings and advantages and therefore they have an
obligation to raise up themselves and their world to a higher
ground. We do our monthly Tzedakah projects and I am proud that
our Student Council, under the leadership of craig Mankoff and
rabbi greengrass, considers many causes and determines where
our dollars, clothes, shoes, books, etc. should go. But, I am not
certain we are really touching our children’s souls. How to do that
better? I know that is what we all want for them; for us.
I welcome further dialogue on this all important topic. After all,
together, we hold their future, and the world’s future, in our hands.
Tell Your Friends About Us; We Have Room to Grow
(on some grades)
dr. deborah r. Starr
Admissions
cari altman
Admissions Director
caltman@tbam.org
Page 13
March 2016 • Page 14
Commentator
programming
Lunch
‘n Learn
with rabbi Jeremy Barras
From haman to hitler: Shocking
Foreshadowing in the Book of
esther
tuesday, March 8, 2016
12:00–1:30 p.m.
Chapel, Lewis Family Religious Life Complex
Bring your own lunch or preorder lunch provided by Fare to Remember
Catering for $11.00 at tbam.org/lunchandlearn.
PURIM CARNIVAL!
See page 3 for details on the
March 13 Purim carnival
teMPLe Beth aM cOnteMPOrary FiLM SerieS
and
MiaMi JeWiSh FiLM FeStivaL
present
Vice Versa
tuesday, March 15, 7:00 p.m.
Java and haftarah with rabbi greengrass
tuesdays, 8:45 a.m-10:00 a.m. • Meeting room 3
the Shul of rock
Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m. • youth Lounge
contact: Fred Kettler 305.785.8101
fred@kettlerfinancial.com
Operative israeli Krav Maga (OiS) Men & Women
12 Mondays, through March 28, 7:00-8:30 pm • Social hall
For fees and registration contact Janice Baisman jbaisman@tbam.org
Auditorium,
Hessel Family Youth Complex
An innocent and honest relationship between a
religious Yeshiva scholar and an 18 year old cancer
patient, turns into an intimate and passionate love
story that transcends the rules of religion, society
and faith.
Festival screenings include:
Official selection, Warsaw International Film
Festival 2015
Religion Today Film Festival, Italy 2015
Miami Jewish Film Festival, January 2015
Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival, January 2016
Dallas Jewish Film Festival, September 2015
AICE Film Festival, August 2015
Free and open to the community. Popcorn for all!
israeli dancing
Wednesdays 8:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. in the Lunch room
Free of charge
To RSVP see page 15
Join us in the Adult reading room at 10 a.m.
for these Sunday Salon programs
March 6
Preview: The Passenger
A behind the scenes peak of a masterpiece
opera before it makes its Miami debut at the
Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Representing the Florida Grand Opera, our guests
will preview The Passenger, which takes place
in the '60s and tells the story of Liese, a passenger on an ocean liner with her husband, who are sailing to Brazil, where he
has accepted a diplomatic post. She recognizes one of the other passengers,
Marta, from Auschwitz, where she had once served as an SS guard. Marta was
one of her prisoners, who Liese presumed was dead. Liese’s husband knows
nothing of her past, and she finds herself in a harrowing, perilous situation.
This promises to be one of the most important musical events of the year. It
has made its way from Bregenz, Austria to Warsaw, Madrid, London to Tel
Aviv, Houston, Chicago, NY and now Miami, The Passenger will have 8
performances at the Arsht from April 2-9, 2016.
March 13
Dr. Marsha Cohen
"Jews News"
Sunday Salon speaker favorite Dr. Marsha Cohen offers
stimulating, enlightening and varied presentations on various
subjects of interest to Jews everywhere.
For Miami Jews 22-39
Treat yourself this Passover!
afternoon israeli Movie club
igor & the Cranes'
Journey
March 17
2:00 p.m.
A charming fable about
migration and the meaning
of home. 11-year old Igor
moves from Russia to Israel
when his mother, a divorcee, gets a new job.
Unsettled by his new situation, Igor feels
abandoned by his father, an ornithologist,
who is following the migration of cranes from
Russia to Africa. Every year, thousands of
cranes visit Israel on their perilous journey
south meanwhile Igor and his father are
reunited in their search for Karl, a crane they
started tracking as a hatchling.
A touching fable, Igor & The Cranes’ Journey
addresses the plight of children in divorced
families, the struggles faced by migrants and,
ultimately, our adaptability to change.
Adult Reading Room Library events are
coordinated by etta gold, Congregational
Librarian, egold@tbam.org.
An Amazing Seder Experience in Downtown
Miami with gourmet food, open bar and
amazing company.
Led by Rabbi Judy Kempler and Janu Mendel.
Email miamijews@tbam.org for more info
and to get on the guest list.
For more information on any Program department activities,
please contact Janice Baisman at 786.364.9445 or email her at jbaisman@tbam.org.
March 2016 • Page 16
Commentator
Shabbat Tropical
Experience a Special Congregational
Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Add a little salsa to your Shabbat, and enjoy a Latin spiritual
feeling at Shabbat Tropical — Shabbat with a Latin twist.
Following services, join us for a tasty dinner, spicy music and
lively dancing to the sounds of Gozando con Gonzalez!
Friday, March 18, 2016
Dinner — Adults: $30 • Children 5–12: $10
Details and RSVP at www.tbam.org/tropical
SEC ON D N IGHT
A FA M I LY- F R I E N D LY T R I V I A I N S P I R E D C E L E B R AT I O N !
Saturday, April 23, 2016
5:45 p.m. sharp
Adults: $50 | 7 – 18 years old: $18 | 6 years and under: No Charge
RSVP online at tbam.org/Passover
For more information contact Janice Baisman at jbaisman@tbam.org or 786.364.9445
Campus Activities
Michelle cohen
Campus Activities Director
mcohen@tbam.org
happy
everything!
you dream up the
perfect event–
we have the
perfect space!
emed parties (sports,
cooking, movies) or
meetings, we have the
space you need.
Choose from our state-ofthe-art gymnasium,
teaching kitchen,
auditorium, social hall,
chapel, field, and outdoor
basketball court.
We’ll connect you with
the people you need
to make your event
a success.
Contact Michelle
Cohen, 786.364.9432
or mcohen@tbam.org
BrIDGE
For more
information,
please call the
bridge information
line at 786.264.6613
or visit our website
at miamibridge.net.
Page 17
We’re taking our clergy and educators on the road, into your home,
where you and your friends may hand pick a topic for an evening of study.
Experience the richness and rewards of informal Jewish learning
among friends and in the personal comfort of your home.
4 easy steps...
a topic and teacher from the menu of
¶ Choose
offerings and contact the Temple to schedule
a Wednesday evening date.
15—20 friends into your home to share
· Invite
an exciting evening of Jewish learning.
the coffee, chill the wine and settle in
¸ Brew
for inspired conversation and rich Jewish
¹ Repeat with a new topic!
study with your friends and teacher.
our distinguished faculty...
Rabbi
Jeremy Barras
Rabbi
Rachel Greengrass
Rabbi
Judith Kempler
Cantor
Rachelle Nelson
Dr. Deborah Starr
Head of
Day School
Tamara Donnenfeld
Director of
Lifelong Learning
including many new offerings for 2016
< The Original Zionists:
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
< A New Jewish Year with a new Machzor
< A Voice of Torah from the Warsaw Ghetto
< From Johnny Cash to Bob Dylan: Two American
Songwriters/Musicians and Their Journeys
< Are the Reform and Conservative Movements
Sustainable in the Long Run
< Ryan’s Well: A Story of One Boy’s Passion
to End Suffering in the World
< The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Why God
Doesn’t Want You to Overprotect Your Child
< What is the Open Circle Program and
What is Your Child Learning?
full information and registration at www.tbam.org/concierge
Page 19
March 2016 • Page 22
Commentator
Families
with Young
Children
rabbi rachel greengrass
rgreengrass@tbam.org
a long time ago, the land of Persia was ruled by King Achashverosh.
Boy did that King know how to have fun!
carnivals, entertainment, food, drink, and dancing for months on end...but he was lonely.
dignitaries’ daughters and darlings throughout the kingdom lined up in hopes of becoming his queen.
esther came too, brought by her uncle Mordecai, hoping to win the King’s favor.
Falling in love never happened so fast for the King- it was love at first sight!
great celebrations were had for the King had found a new Queen! But
haman, the evil second in command, hated the Jews because Mordecai had refused to bow to him.
in a rage, he convinced the King that the Jewish people needed to be eliminated.
Just like that, the Jews went from celebrating Queen Esther’s marriage, to fearing for their lives.
King Achashverosh did not know his Queen was a Jew.
Looking for someone to save the Jewish people from their fate
Mordecai asked Esther to use her power to save her people.
never had Esther been so scared and nervous, she and the Jews fasted in preparation.
On the third day, Esther threw the King and Haman a private party.
Pleased and full, the King asked her what he could do for her.
Queen Esther replied, “Come to my party again tomorrow night.”
returning the next evening, the King asked again, “What can I do for you my Queen?
Say it and anything you desire is yours!”
then, the brave Esther told the King that someone was trying to kill her and her people...Haman!
“usurper!” cried the King.
“villain!
When you planned to kill the Jews, on that very day, you will be hanged!”
Xenophobia, prejudice and hate, was Haman’s undoing.
years later, we tell this story of beautiful brave Esther defeating the evil Haman’s plot on Purim.
Zany carnivals and costumes remind us that all it takes is one person to stand up and speak out to
change the world for the better.
rabbi rachel greengrass
summer 2016
June 13th thru July 29th 2016
9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Complimentary early drop-off at 8:30 a.m.
2 years old through entering 2nd grade
Here is just a taste of some of our fun and
exciting activities being offered this summer:
Glow in the dark mini-golf
Lagoon Watertown
Shrinkydinks
Mini Chefs
Weird and Wacky Science
Pizza Mondays
Carnival Days
TBAM-Ville Play Town
Cookie Crafts
Friday BBQs
Musical Theater
Swimming
and so much more...
www.tbam.org/summercamp
Early Registration Opens December 15th
For more information please contact, Michelle Cohen,
Campus Activities Director 786.364.9432 or mcohen@tbam.org
Page 23
Commentator
March 2016 • Page 24
Mazel Tov B’nai Mitzvah
Lauren holtz
March 5, 2016
Lauren is currently a 7th grade Honor roll student at Ransom Everglades. She loves lacrosse, skiing and
spending time with friends. Fashion and writing are her passions. Lauren is committed to build 33 homes
along with family and friends in Costa Rica beginning March 18. They have raised over $35,000 so far. The
organization is called Techo, a youth-run nonprofit which has a goal of eliminating poverty throughout
Latin America. She is a kind and loving sister, friend and daughter. Lauren’s family is very proud of her and
excited about celebrating this day together.
aaron holtz
March 5, 2016
aaron is an Honor student at Ransom Everglades. He is in 7th grade. Aaron loves all things sports. Basketball, football, skiing, fishing and cross country. Aaron is committed to build 33 homes along with family
and friends in Costa Rica beginning March 18. They have raised over $35,000 so far. The organization is
called Techo a youth-run nonprofit which has a goal of eliminating poverty throughout Latin America.
Aaron is an amazing friend; he is trustworthy, honest and loyal. He is an old soul with a big heart. Aaron’s
parents cannot wait to see him chant his portion and are very proud of everything he is becoming.
Sofia Pique
March 5, 2016
Sofia, alum of TBA’s Day School, is currently a 6th grader at Palmetto Middle School. She is an accomplished gymnast (practices weekly at Florida Gymnastics Training Center), and a member of PMMS’ Dance
Team. Her Bat Mitzvah project is at the friendship circle. The friendship circle is a community that works
with special needs kids and kids with problems. Dad, Sandy, brothers Sebastian and Stephan, are very
proud and look forward to celebrating with her.
Jesse Weingarden
March 5, 2016
Jesse is a seventh grade Honor student at Palmetto Middle School. He loves spending time with his large
family and amazing group of friends. He enjoys playing and watching sports. Jesse will be hosting a two
hand touch football tournament with his friends to raise money for “Morry's Camp” a program for under
privileged kids to attend summer camp. Camp is Jesse’s home away from home! He's very excited for this
project. Jesse, along with his brother dylan and parents Melissa and Scott are very excited to celebrate this
special occasion.
austin Berman
March 12, 2016
austin is a 7th grade student at George Washington Carver Middle School. He is a sweet, caring, athletic,
compassionate young man. Austin's mitzvah project, Scoops 'N Hoops, benefits Give Kids the World
Village, a magical place that hosts families during their Make-A-Wish escapes to Disney World. Parents,
Paul and Jodie, big sister, Jessie, and little brother, colby, are super proud and look forward to celebrating
this Simcha.
Mazel Tov B’nai Mitzvah
emily cohen
March 12, 2016
emily is a 7th grader at Palmetto Middle school. She is on the Principal’s Honor Roll and part of the
National Junior Honor Society. Emily is a graduate of Temple Beth Am Day School. She enjoys spending
time with her family and friends. Emily’s mitzvah project was a gift card drive and toy drive to benefit the
children of JAFCO during Chanukah. Her parents, Michelle and Stephen, and little sister, alexis, are
thrilled and excited to celebrate her upcoming Bat Mitzvah!
The Temple Beth Am Board of Directors
cordially invites you to a special
Teacher Appreciation Shabbat
HONORING OUR
Day School and Religious School Educators
FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016
5:30 pm — Pre-Neg Reception, Sanctuary Lobby
6:30 pm — Kabbalat Shabbat Service, Sanctuary
Lauren Amron & Dan Levine, Co-Chairs
...........................................................
5 YEARS OF SERVICE
Alyssa Allen, Cari Altman, Allison Bernstein and Deborah Starr
10 YEARS OF SERVICE
Susan Grossinger and Jeremy Ivans
15 YEARS OF SERVICE
Nancy Berry, Ellen Blumenthal, Eilat Schmalbach and Laurel Schwartz
20 YEARS OF SERVICE
Wendy Perlman
40 YEARS OF SERVICE
Jackie Berney
...........................................................
RSVP ONLINE AT TBAM.ORG/TEACHERSHABBAT
March 2016 • Page 26
Commentator
Tikkun
Board vice President:
Lisa Heller Green
chair:
Susan Rosenthal
olam
Mitzvah day 2016: a great day of Service
More than 300 Beth Am members enjoyed an impactful morning of community service at our 2016 Mitzvah Day.
Thank you to Mitzvah Day Chairs
Stacey Jones and Melissa Peerless, teri
clergy:
golden, and professionals rabbi
Rabbi Rachel Greengrass greengrass and Janice Baisman for
making this great event possible.
Debbie Benitez
Marlo Byrne
Suzanne Calleja
Jacqueline Crabill
Marc Dachs
Marny Dixon
Gary Eisenberg
Teri Golden
Myriam Grad
Stacey Jones
Dan Levine
Jeff Marcus
Shelley Payne
Thank you to Project Chairs: april
Stuzin, and Brad and Jackie crabill
(Good Hope Equestrian Training
Center), The hollub and Siegel Families
(Kosher Food Bank), and audrey
Phillips and Jill reiter (Redland Middle
School).
Three of our clergy–rabbis Barras,
greengrass, and Kempler–participated
in Mitzvah Day with their families.
We thank them for their leadership!
tikkun Olam Shabbat: an inspirational evening
Beth Am members were inspired by South Florida children’s advocate david Lawrence Jr. during the
wonderful Tikkun Olam Shabbat. They also enjoyed an opportunity to learn about
Melissa Peerless
the many organizations providing services and support to disadvantaged youth in
our community.
Rachel Robbins-Turetsky
Jackie Rose
Many thanks to Jacob Wolfe and his parents christie and Jeffrey for making this
Rosemarie Roth
informative and energizing evening possible. As part of his Bar Mitzvah project,
Jacob wanted to learn about how real tikkun olam is done. He wanted to learn
April Stuzin
about organizations that are pushing the needle and changing the world. This
Paul Weiss
soon to be Bar Mitzvah reached out to every organization present and learned
Rose Weiss
about why and how they do their work to support disadvantaged youth. The
whole family helped to make the evening a success, from creating a brochure, to
calling organizations, to donating the wine. They deserve a Kol Ha Kavod!
community of Practice update:
Speaking truth to Power
rabbi rachel greengrass, Beth Am Vice President for Tikkun Olam
Lisa heller green, and Melissa Peerless had productive meetings
with our representatives in Washington, DC, during the Religious
Action Center Advocacy Training. They met with staff members for
our Senators Rubio and Nelson, and Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen
herself stopped by for a chat!
Stay tuned for an exciting event in conjunction with this initiative:
the Nets for Nets Basketball Tournament, which will take place on
April 24–just in time for World Malaria Day.
By dr. Lenore c. Kipper, rJe, Judaic Studies director, emerita
American Jewish Leadership and President roosevelt
One of the most important achievements of the children of the immigrants was to play a significant role in the political and judicial
developments of the country. This would not have been possible in
Europe. This new opportunity gave them a path to higher education and recognition of their abilities to be important advisors as
well as become elected officials in government. Today we take it
for granted, but in the 1930s it was more difficult.
herbert henry Lehman, 1878-1963
Herbert Lehman’s story is an important example. He served as a
governor, senator, statesman and director-general of the first
United Nations relief organization. Born in New York, his family
established the Lehman Brothers banking firm after the Civil War.
Herbert became a partner in the firm, but his lifelong interest in
public welfare began when he became a volunteer at the Henry
Street Settlement House on the Lower East Side. At the beginning
of World War 1, he was one of the founders of the Joint Distribution Committee. When the U.S. entered the war, he volunteered
for duty. He first served as an aide to Franklin D. Roosevelt, who
was then Assistant Secretary of the Navy. After the war, he helped
in the rebuilding of Jewish life in Europe.
He entered politics in 1926 as manager for Alfred Smith for
Governor of N.Y. Two years later, he accepted the position of
Lt. Governor with Roosevelt as elected governor of the state. This
began the close and enduring friendship between the two men.
When Roosevelt was elected President, Lehman succeeded him as
governor. In ten years as governor he fought for liberal legislation
and progressive state government. Roosevelt appointed him director of Foreign Relief and Rehabilitation, and with the establishment
of UNNRA, he was elected by 44 nations to be the DirectorGeneral. In 1949 he defeated John Foster Dulles for the senate.
He was an outspoken critic of Senator McCarthy during those
hearings after the war, and he was an advocate for liberal
legislation. He always remained active in Jewish life.
Bernard Baruch, 1870-1965
prodigy. He became Assistant U. S. Attorney in N.Y. In 1914 he
started his 25 year tenure as law professor and dean of the Harvard
Law School. Frankfurter was appointed to the Supreme Court in
1939, where he served until 1962. He was known as part of the
“brain trust” for Roosevelt. A longtime Zionist, he was a member of
the delegation to the Versailles Peace Conference in 1917. Through
his connection to T. E. Lawrence, he met with Emir Feisal, head of
the Arab delegation. In 1919 Feisel wrote to Frankfurter stating
that he considered the Zionist proposal as moderate and proper.
He believed that the two movements and peoples complete one
another, and that “neither can be successful without the other.”
henry Morgenthau Jr. 1891-1967
Morgenthau came from a prominent Jewish family. He owned a
dairy and apple farm in Dutchess County, N.Y., where his friend
and neighbor, Franklin Roosevelt also lived. When Roosevelt
became governor of N.Y. Morgenthau joined his administration.
When Roosevelt became President, he appointed him as Secretary
of the Treasury, from 1934-1945. Morgenthau became the driving
force for the creation of the War Refugee Board in 1944. After
documenting that the State Department had actively blocked efforts to admit Jewish refugees who could be saved. He convinced
the President to establish the War Refugee Board which succeeded
in rescuing around 200,000 Jews, mostly from Hungary, the last
substantial community left in Europe. He wrote his report to the
President about the situation.
“One of the greatest crimes in history, the slaughter of the Jewish
people in Europe, is continuing unabated. ...You are probably not as
familiar as I with the utter failure of certain officials in our State
Department, who are charged with actually carrying out our policy to
take any effective action to prevent the extermination of the Jews in
German controlled Europe….It is well known that since the time when
it became clear that Hitler was determined to carry out a policy of
exterminating the Jews of Europe, the State Department officials have
failed to take any positive steps to save these people...”
Bernard Baruch was born in South Carolina, the son of a Confederate surgeon during the Civil War, but moved to New York and
attended City College. After graduation he worked on Wall Street
for $3.00 a week, and within five years, he was worth $3.5 million.
He saw the signs of trouble before 1929, and sold his stocks,
keeping it all in cash. During World War 1 his career as an advisor
to Presidents began with President Wilson. He was appointed to
several important commissions and received the Distinguished
Service Medal. Presidents Roosevelt and Truman turned to him for
advice. Baruch prepared the report on postwar industrial conversion, and was the U.S. representative to the U.N Atomic Energy
Commission. He said of himself, “An elder statesman is somebody
old enough to know his own mind and keep quiet about it.”
The report continues to identify some anti-semitic attitudes in
the State Department, and it called for other ways to address the
critical problem.
Fortunately, when he was called upon as an advisor, he did not
keep quiet.
May we hope that the new generations of American Jews will do
the same.
Felix Frankfurter, 1882-1965
B’shalom,
In 1894 Frankfurter, at age 12, came to the U.S. from Austria. Fortysix years later, he was appointed to the Supreme Court by President
Roosevelt. He attended City College of N.Y. and graduated from
Harvard Law School in 1906. He had a reputation as a legal
After his retirement, Morgenthau devoted himself to Jewish welfare
relief and support of Israel. He became chairman of the United
Jewish Appeal, active in the Israel Bond Drive, and served on the
Board of Governors of Hebrew University.
During this critical time in history, the many American Jews who
played an important role in shaping the ideas and values of the U.S.
maintained their concern for the welfare of the Jewish Community
while serving the American Community.
Lenore
Page 27
committee of 100 annual Brun
Join members of your community,
Clergy, and professionals for a reception
in honor of our families who participate
at the following levels:
Committee of 100
Presidents honor Circle
rabbis honor Circle
Circle of Blessing
Circle of Life
Sunday, march 6, 2016
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
at the home of
Jack and Jill reiter
tzedakah is one of our most important traditions
–an obligation to give, each in our own way,
to help others. it is what makes us a strong,
a united, and a just people.
Please rSVP to rita diaz
305.667.6667 ext. 107
the entire family is welcome!
Children’s activities!
thank you for supporting temple Beth Am at the Committee of 100 levels
and making membership affordable to all.
Page 31
Commentator
dr. morton m. AxLer
SChoLAr-in-reSidenCe Fund
Linda M. Robinson in memory of Dr. William Ditkowsky
CAntor neLSon’S diSCretionArY Fund
We Give Thanks
Ilene and Jonathan Aronson with thanks for guiding our
family through a meaningful service for Dr. Hubert Aronson
Joyce and Bob Biederman in loving memory of
Harry Koenigsberg
The family of Dr. Bill Ditkowsky in appreciation of the
funeral service
Ilene Herscher in loving memory of my sister, Susan Rosenthal
Ilene and Milton Hirsch in loving memory of Sidney Schreer
Dr. Barry and Judi Katzen in loving memory of Mildred
Steinbook
Judith and Paul Korchin in loving memory of Arthur Goldstein
Susan and Michael Linder with gratitude for your guidance,
friendship and love at my father’s funeral
Edith Osman and Paul Pataky with thanks for making our
wedding so very special
Steve Rossman in loving memory of Sylvia Rossman
Lynn Shapiro and Family in loving memory of my mother,
Claire Friedlander
Perri Young and Sean Simon with thanks for taking the time
to share your music and in honor of Riley’s Bat Mitzvah
Donna and Craig Zimmett in loving memory of Blair Zimmett
CAring Committee Fund
Linda M. Robinson in loving memory of Ken H. Robinson
dAY SChooL Fund
The Bailine Family in memory of Dr. William Ditkowsky
Jan and Albert Cohen in memory of Dr. William Ditkowsky
The Cohen Family–David, Kathy, Kaylie and Jordie in
memory of Dr. William Ditkowsky
Michelle and Stephen Cohen and Family in memory of
Allen Bernkrant
Michelle and Stephen Cohen and Family in memory of
Dr. William Ditkowsky
Albert (Skip) Goldman in memory of Dr. William Ditkowsky
Sondra Weiss-Goldman and Evan Goldman in memory of
Bill Ditkowsky
Adele Hertz and Family in memory of Dr. William Ditkowsky
Doreen and Byron Krulewitch in memory of Dr. William
Ditkowsky
Philip Leitman in memory of Dr. William Ditkowsky
Robert and Mary Margolin in memory of Dr. William
Ditkowsky
Amy and Rickey Mittelberg in memory of Dr. William
Ditkowsky
Joyce and Jeff Spar in memory of Dr. William Ditkowsky
Dr. Deborah and Howard Starr in memory of Dr. William
Ditkowsky
Harold and Joyce Yamron in memory of Dr. William
Ditkowsky
Richard and Janet Yulman in memory of Dr. William
Ditkowsky
the JoAn KrAmer gALLAnt And mArtin
gALLAnt ChiLdren'S Fund
In memory of our papa, Martin Gallant with love from Jane,
Mack and Sunny
Brian Gallant in loving memory of his parents
Tracy Gallant Brody in loving memory of her parents
generAL Fund
Wayne and Judy Barlin in memory of Doreen Bitterman
Edward Beiner and Daniela Zanzuri in memory of
Doreen Kaplan Bitterman
March 2016 • Page 32
Murray and Florence Birchansky in loving memory of
Betty Birchansky
The Bleiberg-Faust Family in loving memory of Edward and
Nettie Bleiberg
Jacqueline and Barry Brant in loving memory of Harvey Brant
Barry Bush and Family in memory of Louis Bush
Harriet Feinglass in loving memory of son, Stuart Feinglass
Janice Feld in loving memory of Albert Perez
Karen and Jeffrey Freedman in memory of Dr. William
Ditkowsky, father of Ellie Freedman
Michael and Susie Gelman in honor of the marriage of
Annie Berenson and Michael Reiner
Bill and Dilia Grossman in memory of Robert Littauer
Bill and Dilia Grossman in memory of Ester Neuhaus
Bill and Dilia Grossman in memory of Richard Morrison
Bill and Dilia Grossman in memory of Allen Bernkrant
Mindy Hersh and Jacob Solomon in memory of
Doreen Bitterman
Richard, Ilisa, Robert and Michael Hoffman in memory of
Felicia Deutch
Richard, Ilisa, Robert and Michael Hoffman in memory of
Peter Wolofsky, Uncle of Rhonda Burstein, Mimi Levine
and Howard Wolofsky
Mara Mades in memory of Felicia Deutch
Barbara Merkle in loving memory of Henry V. Merkle
Susan and Jeffrey Nullman in memory of Dr. Bill Ditkowsky
Karen J. Orlin in memory of Robert M. Levine
Karen J. Orlin in memory of Hyman Orlin
Karen J. Orlin in memory of Lenore Orlin
Lillian and Jeffrey Rosenberg in memory of Arthur Rosenberg
Estelle and Ira Segal in loving memory of Fred Fleischman
Lily and David Serviansky in loving memory of
Bernardo Serviansky
Jackie and Richard Siegel in honor of David and Jared Ertel
The Solares Family in memory of Sidney Nullman
Joan Swain in memory of Sydney Altman
Joan Swain in memory of Reva Moulton
Jack Ziffer in memory of Albert Ziffer
Karen and Robert Zinn in loving memory of Dr. Solomon
Lanster, beloved father and grandfather
howArd & ShAron gurmAn SoCoL
FAmiLY FoundAtion SPeAKerS
SerieS Fund
Sharon and Howard Socol in loving memory of Rose Gurman
iSidor oren CAmP SChoLArShiP Fund
Nedra and Mark Oren in loving memory of
Belle Zuckerman Oren
LeSLee AronoVitz Youth
SChoLArShiP Fund
Karen and Barry Baker in memory of Sidney Nullman,
beloved father and grandfather
Karen and Barry Baker in memory of Dr. William Ditkowsky
Adrian and Ken Dubow in memory of Richard Morrison
Adrian and Ken Dubow in memory of Dr. William Ditkowsky
Adrian and Ken Dubow in memory of Sidney Nullman
Adrian and Ken Dubow in memory of Robert Littauer
Adrian and Ken Dubow in memory of Allen Bernkrant
Elaine and Gene Glasser
Milton and Ilene Hirsch in loving memory of Ida Kaplan
ShePArd King SChoLArShiP Fund
Bernita King, Russell King and Tamara King Stark in memory
of our beloved Shep, who continues to inspire us in
everything we do
LiBrArY Fund
rABBi KemPLer’S diSretionArY Fund
Sally and Paul Freedman in memory of Sidney Nullman, beloved
father and grandfather
Etta and Don Gold in memory of Ester Neuhaus, mother of
Genia Neuhaus
Etta and Don Gold in memory of Ronald Levy, brother of Sandy Levy
Marion Gold in appreciation of Etta Gold
Milton and Ilene Hirsch in loving memory of JodyAnn Hirsch
Milton and Ilene Hirsch in loving memory of Beatrice Kelner
Milton and Ilene Hirsch in loving memory of Charles Hirsch
Roberta Rand in appreciation of Etta Gold
Bernice Sandler in loving memory of husband, Robert Sandler
Bernice Sandler in loving memory of Minerva Graff, mother of
Bernice Sandler
Bernice Sandler in loving memory of Henrietta Anapol, mother-in-law
of Bernice Sandler
Susan and Richard Skor in memory of Henry Landen
Susan and Bob Bodansky
Noga and Paul Hoffer in loving of memory of Dorothy Hoffer
Barbara and Sandy Levy in memory of Ronald Levy
mAtthew KASS SChoLArShiP Fund
C. David Davis in memory of Richard Davis
Larry and Sheila Forman in loving memory of Harriet Foreman Yam
Susan Anne Grad in loving memory of Brian Balkany
Warren and Elizabeth Janowitz in memory of Dr. William Ditkowsky
Laura and Dan Koffsky in memory of Sidney Nullman, father of
Jeffrey Nullman
Marian Linoff-Thornton in loving memory of my wonderful parents
Jack Gottlieb and Anne Meirovitz Gottlieb
Ira and Carol Pozen in memory of Henry Michaels
Sherry and Harley Tropin in memory of Doreen Kaplan Bitterman
Mark and Bonnie Webman in memory of Doreen Kaplan Bitterman
Michael Weisberg
Carlos and Meredith Wolf and Ruth Leshaw in loving memory of
Jay Leshaw and Anna Leshaw
Steve and Jackie Yablonsky and Family in memory of
Claire Friedlander
Renee Zwerner in memory of Sidney Nullman, father of Jeffrey Nullman
Karen and Mort Kass on the passing of beloved husband,
Fred Kaufmann
Karen and Mort Kass on the passing of beloved husband, Allen
Bernkrant
rituAL/PrAYer BooK Fund
Steven Herman in loving memory of Ethel Herman
The Nankin Family in memory of Bette Lackritz
Joan Swain in memory of Irl Marcus
Lynn, Richard and Jamie Gelman in memory of Howard Harnik
Juliette Glasser in beloved memory of mother, Elise Akouka
Susan and Robert Price in memory of Claire Roemer Blazer
Joan Morrison in memory of Albert Morrison
rABBi BArrAS’ diSCretionArY Fund
Sandy, Shel, Rob, Suzie, Daniela, Doug and Jen Baer in loving memory
of Dr. Kenneth Baer on his first yahrzeit
Rosemarie Roth in honor of Marty Liebling’s special birthday
Gloria and Burt Sapurstein in appreciation for the beautiful service
for Shirley Sapurstein
Beverly and Byron Sharp in loving memory of Dr. William Ditkowsky
Donna and John Shepard and Family at the time of mom/nanny’s
passing, your love and kindness were a blessing to us
Steven W. Simon in loving memory of Sol Simon
Elise and Danny van der Reis and Family in memory of
Dr. Sidney Nullman
rABBi BooKmAn’S diSCretionArY Fund
Phyllis Goldstein in loving memory of Sydney Goldstein
rABBi rACheL greengrASS’
diSCretionArY Fund
Martin and Suzzi Glaser in appreciation of officiating at our
daughter's wedding
Jill Gross and David Roberts in appreciation of the baby naming of
Ryann Harper Kramarz
Gayle Handshu in loving memory of Abraham and Beatrice Reitman
and Marilyn Warwick
Steven Handshu in loving memory of Abram Handshu
Silvia Kaminsky in appreciation of officiating at Paul Kaminsky’s
funeral
Marian Linoff-Thornton in loving memory of my wonderful
parents Jack Gottlieb and Anne Meirovitz Gottlieb
Jay Rossin
Donna, John, Jillian and Jaimie Shepard in appreciation of your love
and kindness at the time of mom/nanny’s passing
Dean and Jennifer Warhaft in appreciation of officiating at Piper's
baby naming
Perri Young and Sean Simon in appreciation of officiating at Riley's
Bat Mitzvah
SiSterhood Fund
Susan and Larry Golinsky in loving memory of Doreen Bitterman
Susan and Dick Lampen in loving memory of Doreen Bitterman
Susan and Dick Lampen in loving memory of Ester Neuhaus
Pamela and Brett Lear in loving memory of Doreen Bitterman
Pamela and Brett Lear in loving memory of Ester Neuhaus
Daniela Zanzuri and Ed Beiner in loving memory of Ester Neuhaus
Rita and Bernie Swichkow in loving memory of Ester Neuhaus
StePhen ArKY FAmiLY CAring Fund
Joyce and Tom Lewen
tiKKun oLAm Fund
wendY LeSter Fund For BreASt
CAnCer eduCAtion Fund
Susan Helfman in loving memory of her father, Herbert Sherman
Sandra and Stanley Levitt in loving memory of Evelyn Levitt
YAhrzeit Fund
Ann Aibel in loving memory of Loisbeth Emanuel
The Freedman and Berman Families in loving memory of Irene Berman
Tema Burk in loving memory of Max Rubenstein
Dr. Stuart and Dianne Gottlieb in memory of Alan and Lena Homer,
parents of Dianne Gottlieb
Dolly Harris in loving memory of Malvin Weiss Harris
Adele Hertz and Family in memory of Lillian Hertz
Michele Horovitz in memory of Betty Hilf
Helen Orlin Donaldson in loving memory of Frances Orlin
Lily and David Serviansky in memory of Manuel Stern
Rita and Bernie Swichkow in loving memory of Allen Bernkrant
Rita and Bernie Swichkow in loving memory of Allen Bernkrant
Claudia Van Essen in memory of Hans Van Essen
Terri Warhaft Simon in loving memory of Joseph Keane
Terri Warhaft Simon in loving memory of Rose Warhaft Sherbal
Ruth and Michael Wasserman in memory of Bertha Stern
Ellen and Glenn Widom in memory of Arthur Rubin
Suzanne and Mark Zientz in loving memory of Albert Rosenbaum
and Meyer Zientz
Page 33
March 2016 • Page 34
Commentator
Week ending
March 4, 2016
In Loving Memory
Ann Aibel*
Lawrence Aibel
Jeane Apperman
Milton Bauling
Sidney Adrian Berkowitz*
Estelle Bernstein
David Blumenthal*
Martha Blumenthal
Isaac Busch*
Jeffrey Citron
Terry Davidson
Judith Deutsch*
Isadore Diamond
Rosette Douek
Jack Eskenazi*
Victor Eskenazi*
Robbie Fine
Regina Fisher
David Frank*
Stephen Frank*
Samuel Fried
Leonor Gabay
Dr. David G. Gerof*
Esther Globus*
Richard Goldstein
Leonora Gottlieb
Pearl Greenwald
Irving Gross*
Alexander Grossman*
Sallye Harber*
Sidney M. Harris
George Haskins
Murray Hellinger*
Abraham Hyman*
Samuel Hyman
Sarah Jackson
James Jacoby
Rosalind Johnson*
Ida Kaplan
Barbara Kasmir
Ruth Kass
Louis M. Katz*
Melvin Kaufman
Dr. Louis Kaywin
Richard Kilmer
Beverly Kislak
Harry Kramer
Gussie Lash*
Justin Leighton
Esther Levi
Albert Levick*
Dexter Libby
Bella Liebhober*
Hyman Herbert Lieblein*
Sylvia Roberts Liebman*
Bernard Litman*
Sara Litt*
William Namath*
Jerry Passer
Angelina Pina
Beatrice Rabinovitz*
Roza Raszynski*
Linda Reisman*
Cupertino Rodriguez
Sarah Marcia Ross*
Dora Schwartz*
Dr. Joseph Schwartzberg
Jill Selevan
Muriel Solomon*
Benjamin Spar*
Lillian Stubins
Maurice Swichkow*
Jean Walter*
Milton Wechsler*
Rosalind Rackow Weinberg*
Esther G. Leppel Young*
Benjamin Zimmerman*
Annabelle Weinstein
Dr. Harry Weisberg*
Louis Weiser
Estelle T. Zand*
Theodore Zellner*
Nathan Ziegler*
Oscar Ziff*
Week ending
March 11, 2016
Goldie Klugman Adelman
Ann Berent*
Rudy Berger
Abraham “Al” Bleeker*
Marion Bleeker*
Claire Topper Boland
George Bosin*
Philip Brooks
Bernice Cahan
David Coburn*
Neil Davis*
Benjamin Debowsky
Ida Drescher*
Sarah Feinstein*
Harry Fenster*
Marilyn Jablo Flam
Florence Fox*
Solomon Fried
Elias Friedman*
Austin James Gilbert*
Morton T. Goldman*
Seymour Goldstein
Marvin Gordon*
Rose Gorsetman*
Gerald H. Gould*
Richard A. Grossman
Harry Hersch
Sol Ivanitsky*
Edward Izen*
Mollie Kaiser
Arnold L. Kane
Bernard Kaplan
Faye Kline*
Cliff Kornfield
Sol Langlieb
Rosalie Vivienne Lester
Mary Markowitz
Arthur Meier
Gary Lee Neufeld*
Dr. Irwin Perlmutter
Henry Aaron Rosen*
Ruth Rosenberg*
James S. Roth*
Charles Rubenstein
Abraham Sakson*
Mary Salzman*
Samuel Schinoff*
Etta Schuham*
Evelyn "Boo" Shapiro*
Irving Simovitch*
Samuel S. Smith*
David Stein*
Rose Sussman
Alan M. Venzer
Sylvia Weisberg
Henry Norman Wiener*
Leon Zadoff
Sophie Zimmett*
Earl Biederman
Anita Buchbinder
Matt Burstein
Arthur Clark
Stanley Cohen*
Kitty Coleman*
Nathan Dankner
Pearl Dubois
Gilbert Fein
William Feldman
Hannah Finkelstein*
Jack Futernick*
Norma Glass
Irving “Bucky” Goldman*
Lilian Gregg
Ethelle B. Gunther*
Max Haber*
Ann Harrison*
Brent Hershman
Rose Keane
Sylvia Krakovitz
William Krieger
Bessie Kurtz*
Hattie Lapidus*
Bernard Lash*
Joyce Tillie Davidson Lassk
Winnie Lebowitz
Daniel Lee
Morris Leibowitz
Michael Lubin
Bill Lynn
Macklen Maizel*
Margie Greene May*
Bruce McClaskey
Beatrice Moldavsky
Stanley Newmark
Herb Oppenheimer
Amy Katz Pincus*
Nathan Rabinowitz*
Patte Roberts
Miriam Sandberg*
Jacob Satenstein
Jack Saul
Thelma H. Schreer*
Bertha Schwartz*
Samuel Shonbrun*
Menachem Shosfy
Shirley L. Silver*
Irving Snow
Morris Sokol
Jeanne B. Stapleton*
Lillian Stieglitz*
Edward Joel Suss*
Betty Wasserman*
Charles Wasserman*
Morrey Weinberg
Week ending
March 18, 2016
Week ending
March 25, 2016
Morton J. Adels
Monica Benjamin
Sonia Foosaner Bloom*
Alfred Breslaw*
Leonard Caplin
Irwin Dubick*
Eugene Dubois
Albert Epstein*
Louis Feller*
Allen First
Marvin Florman*
Adeline Frey
Herman Fried
Ellen Gelband*
Fannie Glickman*
Kenneth Gold
Zelik Goldfarb*
Harold Goldstein*
Harry A. Goodman*
Leon Gottlieb*
Barbara Grussmark
Jeanne H. Harvest*
Irene Kagan
Melvyn Katzen
Hyman Abraham Kirsner*
Morris B. Klein
Marty Lederhandler
Elliott Leighton
Nancy Lipp
Clement Littauer
Carl Metzger*
Rae L. Mintzer*
Michael Osman
Harry Pato*
Mercedes Posada- Navarro
Audrey Pritikin*
Jean Rabinowitz
Tobie Ida Raff*
Alfred B. Reischer*
Samuel J. Rossman
Francien Ruwitch
Benjamin M. Seidner*
Marvin Sheldon*
Betty W. Simon*
Alfred Wasserberger
Albert S. Werner*
Harold R. Winer
Commentator
commentator (uSPS: 0052-060) is Published Monthly
except July by temple Beth am, 5950 north Kendall
dr., Pinecrest, FL 33156-2068.
Periodicals Postage Paid at Miami, Florida.
POStMaSter: Send address changes to
cOMMentatOr, teMPLe Beth aM, the Janet (z”l)
and richard yuLMan caMPuS, 5950 n. KendaLL
drive, PinecreSt, FL 33156-2068.
volume 25 number 8.
Senior rabbi: Jeremy Barras
rabbi: Rachel G. Greengrass, MARE, RJE
rabbi: Judith Kempler
chazan: Cantor Rachelle F. Nelson, D.M.
Founding rabbi emeritus: Herbert Baumgard, D.H.L., D.D.
rabbi emeritus: Terry A. Bookman, D.D.
President: William Grossman
executive director: Robert Hersh
Membership director: Rita Diaz
Finance director: John Wenzel
campus Logistics director: Shari Debowsky
campus activities director: Michelle Cohen
Security director: Sharone Levi
head of day School: Deborah R. Starr, Ed. D.
director of Lifelong Learning: Tamara Donnenfeld, MARE, RJE
hebrew/Judaic Studies director: Rabbi Marc Kasten, M. Ed., RJE
admissions director, day School: Cari Altman, M.S. Ed.
elementary School director: Susana Novak, M.S. Ed.
youth engagement director: Jacki Altman
administrative Office: 305.667.6667
early childhood Program/day School Office: 305.665.6228
early childhood Program/day School Fax: 305.668.6340
religious School Office: 305.667.6667 ext. 119
religious School Fax: 305.666.2536
administration Fax: 305.662.8619
clergy Office Fax: 305.667.1390
email: info@tbam.org
web: www.tbam.org
AFFILIATED WITH THE:
Union for Reform Judaism
Mission Statement
Temple Beth Am embraces Jewish life
through lifelong learning, spiritual
growth and community engagement.
Page 35
Commentator
March 2016 • Page 36
Temple Beth Am
professional Directory 2015/2016
accOuntant - JKO Professional Services, LLc
Janet Kredi-Oberstein
certified Public accountant • attorney at Law
9404 SW 88 Place, Miami, FL 33176
Phone: 305.753.2107 | Fax: 305.675.9268 | Email: jkredi@a.net
Sat act PreP
HS Math & Science Tutoring
Zachary B. Poliacoff
Tel: 305.965.0826
aSK MrS. KatZ!
Identify Learning Challenges • Implement Educational Solutions
Coordinate Academic Progress • Get School Placement Advice
KATZ EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING GROUP • Susan Moss Katz, Director
susan@katzeducational.com 305.710.5002 | www.katzeducational.com
the hOMeWOrK heLPer
eState SeLLing & e-SaLeS By rita.
turn yOur traSh intO caSh $$$
Will sell antiques, collectibles, designer handbags & shoes and jewelry, all
on my online store in addition to doing complete estate sales. Call me for
an appointment. Excellent references.
Rita Diaz 305.323.9322 | ilovestores@aol.com
Writing and OrganiZatiOnaL SKiLLS cOaching FOr
StudentS - Leah Messing, admission ignition LLc
Work on admissions essays, research papers, book reports, and
more! Learn how to manage time effectively and prioritize
homework. 305.213.8397
leah@admissionignition.com | www.admissionignition.com
FuneraL ServiceS
EDEN FUNERAL SERVICES - Professional, Compassionate,
Affordable, Local, out of state burials, pre-planning,
Veterans service, Serving all cemeteries.
Family Owned and Operated
305.257.8110 or aribo@aol.com | ari Oberstein, LFd - Owner
gynecOLOgy & WOMen'S heaLth
randye Karmin, M.d.
Town Center One At Dadeland
8950 SW 74th Ct., Ste. 1705, Miami, FL 33156
305.670.0010 | www.miamiwomencare.com
MOheL - certified reform Mohel - Bris doctor, Jason James Md
Dr. Jason James is a board-certified Ob/Gyn and a certified reform mohel
through the National Organization of American Mohalim (NOAM). Pro
viding a family-centered focus for a beautiful, inclusive ceremony for your
son's bris (brit milah). 305.778.5157 | facebook.com/brisdoctor
nannieS, hOuSeKeePerS, BaBy SPeciaLiStS
& eLderLy cOMPaniOnS
Class Act Nannies, LLC - Jennifer Medwin
11767 South Dixie Highway, Miami
305.302.9777 | Fax: 305.662.6400
www.ClassActNannies.com
PinecreSt SPeech theraPy
Susan Steinhart, Ma, ccc
9719 S. Dixie Hwy, Pinecrest, FL 33156
305.669.4474
Pinecrestspeechtherapy.com
Pre and POSt divOrce cOunSeLing
Expert Witness & Evaluations – Family and Civil
Jerome Poliacoff, Ph.d.
FL Psychologist PY3449
Tel: 305.624.7900
reLatiOnShiP eXPert- cOuPLeS and FaMiLieS
roberta gallagher, LcSW
Heart Aching-No Communication-Trust
I can help. Over 35 years of experience.
305.663.0584 - S. Miami | www.robertagallagher.com
Barbara B. Poliacoff
Retired DCSB Elementary Teacher
K - 6 Subjects & Organizational Skills
Tel: 305.206.6096
Mazel TOV to
adele hertz on the birth of a grandson,
Kaden dale Firestone
Karen and Paul Kade on the birth of their first grandchild,
Jasper greenbaum
Jason and Laura haim and big brother Oliver on the birth
of charlies Louis haim and to grandparents Bruce and
evelyn greer
Joshua and Kerri Stone and big brother dylan on birth of
Marlee dina Stone
The Current of Life
We mourn the passing of
allen Berndrant, husband of Bea Bernkrant
dr. William ditkowsky, husband of Joanie Ziegler
ditkowsky, and father of dr. rosie Simon
and ellie Freeman
Felicia deutch, mother of ellen Wolfson,
david deutch, and richard deutch, Jr.
ester neuhaus, mother of genia neuhaus
doreen Kaplan Bitterman, mother of donna Shepard
robert c. Littauer, uncle of neil Littauer
richard allen Morrison, son of Joan Morrison
Sidney nullman, father of dr. Jeffrey nullman
claire Friedlander, mother of Lynn Shapiro
Stuart diamond, cousin of Marlene Kohn
Paul Kaminsky, husband of Silvia Kaminsky
Lillian Wilensky rosen, mother of dr. Kenneth rosen
Eternal light is the soul of man
cemetery Plots
Temple Beth Am has very few remaining
gravesites available at Lakeside. e graves are
located in a beautiful section, perfectly
landscaped, and can be marked with either a
monument or a memorial plaque. We think this
is a wonderful, one-time opportunity for our
community. Making a pre-need investment
of this sort is a wise decision for you and a
comfort to your extended family. If you were
to purchase these graves on your own, and at
time of need, they could cost thousands more.
We see this as a way to give you and your
family some peace of mind.
If you are interested in purchasing a plot,
please contact Mindy robbin at 786.364.9443
or mrobbin@tbam.org.
A Focus on the Highest Level of Quality and Trust
Let Our Family Care
For Your Family
Dr. Jack Cohn
Dr. Adam Cohn
Dr. Aaron Cohn
We provide Preventive,
Restorative, and
Cosmetic Dentistry for all ages!
305-598-1428
9840 SW 77 Ave, Suite 201
Miami, FL 33156
smilemiamidental@bellsouth.net
www.smilemiami.com
Page 37
March 2016 • Page 34
Commentator
10600 SW 61 Avenue, Pinecrest
Unique Opportunity to Customize
Amy Hollub - 305.305.0813
hollubhomes.com
305.665.4275
Pioneer Member of Beth Am
Food is the Heart
and Soul
of Entertaining.
Your Choice of a Caterer is Crucial
to the Success of Your Event.
Fare to Remember works wonders with
Private Parties • Corporate Events
B’nai Mitzvahs • Weddings
Cocktail Parties • or Any Occasion
Fare toRemember
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E . info@faretoremember.com
www.faretoremember.com
INVITATIONS
Linda Mann
• save-the-dates & announcements
• ceremony programs & menus
• seating items & napkins
• stationery, pads, favors & gifts
• sign-in books & boards
• specials & clearance items
• in-house printing & calligraphy
305.235.7887
paperpigeon@comcast.net • www.paperpigeonmiami.com
Tracey Michelle Spiegelman, PA
Realtor - Associate
786-356-9228
traceyspiegelman@gmail.com
2015 TOP PRODUCING AGENT
OVER $30 MILLION IN SALES
Providing utmost professional residential real estate
expertise to all of my clients, focusing on my knowledge,
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Jerome H. Poliacoff, Ph.D.
FORENSIC
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The right choice for you!
We’re an approved provider to over 50 network insurance providers and 3rd-party payment sources.
Serving Miami-Dade
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Josh Laurence
305.627.3103
Vice President
Page 39
Commentator
March 2016 • Page 40
Great Products and Exceptional Service
Shelley Tunis
305.238.6399
occyrs1@aol.com
occasionallyyours.net
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business has grown organically each year due to her
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Email: Bea@RileySmithGroup.com
Cell: 305-606-7993
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Page 41
Commentator
The Janet (z”l) and Richard Yulman Campus
5950 N. Kendall Drive, Pinecrest, FL 33156
PERIODICAL
POSTAGE PAID
MIAMI, FLORIDA