Sizzlin` Through the Summer at TBA

Voice of
the People
OGV KUE
TEMPLE BETH AM
AFFILIATED WITH THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM • VOL 16, NO. 8 • Tamuz/Av 5776 • August 2016
FROM THE PRESIDENT
T
he summer months are a special time
at Temple Beth Am, and it is a wonderful
time to begin a season of leadership.
Summer is an opportunity for transition –
loosening of regular formalities, and a bit of
experimentation while laying foundations
for the coming year.
Shabbat Tefilot have included a Friday evening
Sovev service in the park, Shir Hadash & BAIT Tefillah
collaborations in the ballroom, and a relaxed summer
“vibe” all around. Then by mid-July – the energy shifts
further with many of our youth at Camp Ramah in
Ojai and Colorado, and other Jewish summer adventures.
I hope you will join us for Kabbalat Shabbat under the
stars on August 19, when we welcome everyone back
from their summer experiences, and our space and
hearts are filled anew with the enthusiasm our young
people bring back to us. This summer cycle has a rhythm
of calm and joy that blesses our multi-generational
community. Indeed, what a beautiful blessing!
I am excited to present the newly adopted mission
statement for Temple Beth Am. Much work has been
done over years to revise the mission statement, which
has been considered somewhat “clunky”, into something
concise that captures the spirit of our community. More
than one mission statement committee has tried to
accomplish this task, each committee inching closer
to something that resonates. The Board spent time in
workshops distilling the essence of Temple Beth Am,
identifying and consolidating the key characteristics
that describe our community. Then a mission statement
team convened to craft this new statement. Having been
involved in this process I can honestly say that I didn’t
know how hard it was to get it right – until we went a
few rounds! Many thanks to Mike Cohn, who lead this
team and the committee: Tom Fields-Meyer, Gabriela Litov,
Ben Reder, Linda Salem, Marnie Stiglitz and myself.
The Board enthusiastically and unanimously adopted
this new mission statement:
“Temple Beth Am celebrates traditional and innovative
Judaism and inspires lifelong learning in a warm embracing,
community.”
You will start to see our mission statement appearing
everywhere. It is exciting to roll-it-out. As we have
begun to share it, we have found that it makes people
smile and nod. Perfect!
On a personal note, it is an honor and a privilege to
begin my term as President of Temple Beth Am. I am
excited for the possibilities of all we can build and ways we
can grow and strengthen our community together. I look
continued on page 8
Sizzlin' Through the
Summer at TBA
I
t’s summer! That means exciting
opportunities for communal prayer
and learning. Here are a couple of
highlights we wanted you to know
about that will be taking place at
Temple Beth Am in the coming month.
Shir Hadash and BAIT Tefillah will combine for most of August (except
August 6). Shabbat morning services take place in the ballroom. Beginning at
9:30 a.m. (note special time!), these services will have a full p’sukei d’zimrah, a
full Torah reading, and an interactive Torah study.
Shabbat Sovev Friday Night services will continue throughout the summer
on August 12 and 26. Neshama Minyan will meet on all other Friday nights.
We look forward to welcoming lay leaders to offer d’rashot at several Friday
night services.
OTHER DATES TO NOTE
Friday Night August 19 - A special Shabbat Under the Stars - Friday night
services on the Pilch Rooftop to welcome back those who were away (and their
families!) at Jewish summer camp and Israel programs this summer. Everyone
is welcome! Dinner will follow, with lots of ruach! Make your reservations at
www.tbala.org/communityshabbat
SHABBAT MORNING PROGRAMS
August 13 - Our next Hama’alot (10:30 a.m.)
August 20 - Hama’alot workshop
Stay tuned to our weekly Shabbat e-mails for updates
about particular dates, times, and locations.
We can’t wait to see you around TBA during this season
of meaningful prayer, learning and community.
It’s that time again...
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL!
By now you should have received your
membership packet in the mail. Return
your forms by August 30 to secure your
High Holiday Tickets!
Contact Membership Coordinator Ariana Shane with any questions:
ashane@tbala.org or ext. 223
Kol HaRav
By Rabbi Adam Kligfeld
A
TEMPLE BETH AM
1039 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035
310.652.7354 • 310.652.2384 (fax)
To reach an operator,
dial 310.652.7353
SCHOOL PHONE LINE
310.652.2002
School Fax: 310.360.0850
betham@tbala.org
www.tbala.org
Temple Beth Am celebrates
traditional and innovative Judaism
and inspires lifelong learning in a
warm, embracing community.
Susan Hetsroni, President
Rabbi Adam Kligfeld, Senior Rabbi
Rabbi Ari Lucas, Associate Rabbi
Rabbi Hillary Chorny, Cantor
Sheryl Goldman, Executive Director
Rabbi Yechiel Hoffman, EdD
Director of Youth Learning & Engagement
Dr. Erica Rothblum, Head of School
Rabbi Joel E. Rembaum, Emeritus
Rabbi Harry Silverstein, Emeritus
Rabbi Jacob Pressman z”l, Emeritus
Copy Editor
KOL HA’AM
Ellen L. Jacobs
Graphic Designer
Jeff Baughman
Kol Ha’am (USPS 008-599) is published monthly
except June/July & November/December
by Temple Beth Am,
1039 South La Cienega Blvd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507
Annual Membership Dues
include $5.00 subscription
Periodicals Postage Paid at Los Angeles, California
and additional mailing offices.
Postmaster – Send address changes to:
Temple Beth Am,
1039 South La Cienega Blvd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507
Phone: 310.652.7353 • www.tbala.org
Kol Ha’am 2
lahu akhbar. In certain moments those words strike fear in hearts,
auguring an imminent act of terror in the name of radical Islam. But
when I heard them intoned in Adelson Hall at TBA a few weeks ago,
they were nourishing, hopeful, pious and representing an elusive bridge
straddling a chasm one could not be faulted for considering unbridgeable.
The circumstances were unique and wonderful. Through a contact I
made via the Hartman Institute’s MLI (Muslim Leadership Initiative)
we organized a gathering with members of the local Pacifica Institute, a community
of largely Turkish Muslims whose leader, Atilla Kahveci, is a graduate of MLI. They
would join members of TBA for a Friday night experience, linking Shabbat services and
dinner with an Iftar, the traditional meal eaten by Muslims to conclude each of 29 or 30
consecutive daylight fasts that are observed during Ramadan.
The first awkward/bonding moment came at 8:11 PM. That was the precise moment
when my friend Kamal, whom I met in Jerusalem last summer, said that we must interrupt
our icebreakers in order for him to begin the Call to Prayer. He felt sheepish that the timing
was so specific, wondering if we would understand such ritual persnickety-ness. I set him
at ease when I told him that one of the few ritual snafus for which I could possibly lose my
job was if I were to blow the shofar that ends the fast of Yom Kippur even one minute late.
In other words, Kamal, we get it, and the religious obsession with the ticking clock.
At 8:11 on the dot, Kamal began to pray. Our guests had spread prayer rugs on the
floor. Kamal cupped his hands to his face, artfully amplifying his sonorous voice as he
sang Alahu Akhbar, echoing the sounds of the muezzin whose calls to prayer you may
have heard emanating from mosques around the world, particularly in visits to Israel.
The words, tunes and language were foreign, and yet familiar. Though I am a Jew through
and through, I felt personally called to prayer, called to pray.
After the initial burst of liturgy, we paused so that our guests could formally end
their fast. Dates were distributed, as their sweet endorphin-rushing first bite are the
traditional morsels with which Ramadan fasts usually end.
Then our guests returned to the prayer rugs for the evening service, maghreb, a word
which evokes the Hebrew ma’ariv since the two words are cousins, both emerging from
ancient semitic words for sunset. When prayers concluded, we went through the full
complement of Friday night blessings and rituals, and then shared a Shabbat/Iftar meal
together. Our “dessert” was a joint teaching from our two religious traditions. First,
Rabbi Lucas shared wonderful rabbinic texts on the character of Moses, and then one of
our guests brought texts from the Koran and commentaries, linking Moses with some of
the dominant themes of Ramadan.
This remarkable night ended rather unremarkably, with new friends sharing
handshakes and hugs, and promising to “keep in touch.”
No major geopolitical breakthroughs were achieved. We did not mention Israel,
Palestine or BDS. We stayed in the realm of the shared and the mutually evocative
rather than digging into sensitive terrain. We were hosting Muslims who themselves
considered ISIS to be radical and dangerous perversions of Islam whose reign of terror
deserves only opprobrium and ultimately defeat. But our tradition reminds us that
redemption takes place in stages, with each one deserving of a dayenu, an awareness
of its unlikely, and thus miraculous, status. And in this era of cynicism, earned and unearned fear, religious extremism, communal silo-ism, and, yes, of enormous work that
still must be done in order for tolerant and open-hearted (and, some might say, truly
traditional) Islam to eclipse or at least outlast fundamentalist and hateful expressions
of Islam, one step is no small accomplishment. In the words of my colleague Atilla, and
echoing the rabbinic teaching exhorting us not to desist from the task even if we are
not sure we can complete it, that night we turned a wall into a table. A vertical barrier
became a horizontal convener. Suspicion was invaded by intimacy. It is a start.
What is next for this partnership? The details are still being worked out. But all who
were present expressed unanimity that this seed must be nourished and grown.
Three days later, Alahu Akhbar again pierced the world’s heart with murderous impact.
Three terrorists, either inspired or directly sent by ISIS, wreaked havoc upon the Istanbul
airport, killing dozens. In complete candor, and reflecting how numb we can all become
continued on page 8
A
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
t the Temple Beth Am/ Pressman Academy Spring
Gala Under the Stars, 350 people at of all ages and
demographics of our community, joined together to celebrate
and honor Dvorah Colker with the Lou Colen Ma’ayan Legacy
Award, and laughed the night away to the comedy of Kevin
Nealon and the Sklar Brothers. Yasher Koach to Gala Co-Chairs,
Jacqui Jacobs and Joanna Taitz, our gracious hosts Natasha and
Ilan Sharone, along with the entire Committee and Staff for a
fun, festive evening to support our shul and schools.
Photo Credit: Steve Cohn Photography
3 Kol Ha’am
Jewish Learning Community What’s Coming Up!
By Lisa Clumeck, JLC Director
T
he JLC is gearing up and preparing for the 2016-2017 school year! We are excited for returning and new students and
families to join our JLC community for our Sunday and Tuesday Jewish learning program. We will kick off the year with a
special Family Welcome Program, Sunday August 28th from 10:00am-12:00 pm, stay tuned for more details. Tuesday classes
for all 2nd and 3rd-6th grade begin August 30th, 4:00-6:00 pm. Sunday classes for K-6th grade begin September 11th,
9:00 am-12:00 pm.
3rd grade through 6th grade students can look forward to exciting ways to experience Judaism hands on and immersively.
On Tuesdays, they spend their hours after-school learning and exploring new Jewish skills and ideas in areas of interest and
passion through another exciting year of Learning Labs. Each year we offer labs that include art, cooking, drama and some new exciting labs
this year. Our 3rd-6th grade students will launch the year with a return to Camp Ramah for our annual JLCN Shabbaton, Friday, September
23rd-Sunday, September 25th. In addition to this fall’s Shabbaton, JLC students will participate in two other specially planned excursion
days, just for JLC@TBA students, to explore Judaism beyond the walls of our synagogue.
Other Great Opportunities for JLC Family Involvement and Participation:
• Sukkot Around JLC - Sunday, October 16; Friday, October 21; Saturday, October 22; Sunday, October 23.
The JLC strives to bring JLC families together and celebrate the holiday of Sukkot. Do you live within walking distance
of Temple Beth Am? Do you have a sukkah? Do you want to host JLC families for a Sukkot celebration? Please email email
Lisa Clumeck, JLC Director today!
• Annual JLC Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Dinner - Friday, February 24, 2017
• JLC Family Pesach Program - Sunday, April 2, 2017
• Kitah Bet (2nd Grade) Hagigat Ha Siddur Ceremony - Sunday, April 30, 2017
• JLC Siyum - Sunday, May 21, 2017
We look forward to a terrific 2016-2017 year with the JLC!
For questions or more information about classes or programming, email Lisa Clumeck, JLC Director
lclumeck@tbala.org 310-652-7354 ext. 248
How’d we do it?
The Camp Keshet Experience Includes:
13 Field Trips to great destinations such as, Seaside Lagoon,
Knott’s Soak City, Pump It Up, Kid’s Space & Knott’s Berry Farm.
11 afternoons in the Pool
12 Dress-up days
6 Theme Weeks
15+ Specialty Electives (with dives into sports, lego robotics,
Best of Camp Keshet
2016
Over 250 campers, ages 2-11
experienced a summer to remember.
The Summer of ‘16 brought fun, creativity,
community, enrichment and even more fun.
Kol Ha’am 4
theater, art, photography and more!
6 Interactive Shows for our 6 and under kids!
12 days of water play; water slides, bouncies; and more!
1 Overnight at Camp Ramah
Don’t forget...Camp Keshet Color Wars!, Camp Keshet’s
Top Chef!, and Camp Keshet’s Got Talent Show!
AND MUCH MORE!!!
We can’t believe it’s already over...we look forward to next
summer at Camp Keshet. Look out for Summer ‘17 registration
to sign up for Camp Keshet, June 19th - July 28th, 2017!
SEE CAMP KESHET PHOTOS ON THE BACK COVER!
Our
B’nei Mitzvah
YONATAN PETEL
Son of Eli and Liora Petel
August 27, 2016
Bris and Baby Namings
Judah Harrison Sachs
Son of Rachel & Todd Sachs
Born on April 23, 2016
Given the name Yehudah Dov
Asher Micah Spiwak
Grandson of Sheila and Alan Spiwak
Nephew of Sarah and Josh Gelbart and cousin of Emma
Son of Alissa and Aaron Spiwak and brother of Ava
Born on May 21, 2016
Given the name Avraham Baruch
Oliver Shaya Rosenzweig
Son of Mojdeh and Yonaton Rosenzweig
Born on May 23, 2016
Given the name Yishayahu
Rivka Glastein
Granddaughter of Nadine Gerson
Daughter of Rita Carla and Zack Glastein
Born on May 24, 2016
Given the name Rivka
Yehonatan Yisrael Bodenstein,
Grandson of Dale and Mark Bodenstein,
Son of Tamar and Adam Bodenstein,
Born on May 29, 2016
Given the name Yehonatan Yisrael
Eden Daisy Hiller
Daughter of Leah & Alan Hiller
Sister of Celia
Born June 4, 2016
Given the name Eden Ziva
Michaela Isabel Bergmann
Great-grandaughter of Bel z”l and Jack z”l Ostrow
Granddaughter of Laurie and Meir Gabbai
Niece of Hayley and Ray Tizabi
Daughter of Estee and Craig Bergmann
Born on June 8, 2016
Given the name Yael Michal
Asher Levi Stark
Grandson of Dianne Shershow
Son of Nira and Jacob Stark
Brother of Tani and Yishai
Born on June 21, 2016
Given the name Asher Levi
Yahrzeit Donations
We thank those who support the synagogue community
in memory of their loved ones named below:
Lucien Abenhaim, Benjamin Altman, Irwin Bales, Basil Banks, Sara Lee Barnes,
Rose Bernstein, Mary Kaplan Blank, Ibi Blau, Mike Blau, Bertha Bodian, Harry Braun,
Leo Braun, Barry Breskin, Karol Brill, Bertha Broudy, Gertrude Bunnage,
Freda Cantor, Gertrude Chorna, Lottie Citron, Rose Cohen, Alfred Cohn, Jack Cole,
Abraham Colker, Meyer Colker, Esther Cooper, Samuel Crane, Stanley Dvorak,
Elazari Eyove, Simon Feinberg, Max Fineman, Jennie Finkle, Frances Friedman,
Hyman Friedman, Robert Friedman, Bertha Goldsmith, Mervyn Goldstone,
Aaron Gootkin, Lilly Green, Harry Greenberg, Lee Greenberg, Sadie Greenstein,
Ronald Grinel, Milton Gritz, Anne Grossman, Gloria Grossman, Klaus Haendler,
Howard Horner, Marsha Jacobs, Samuel Jacobson, Ira Jacoves, Mary Jannol,
Minnie Jerusky, John Kalman, Benjamin Kapp, Baruch Katz, Irving Katzef,
Gershel Kaunator, Jacob Kichaven, Mildred Kittenplan, Eva Konheim, Hedy Korman,
Irving Kornfeld, Naomi Leevan, Nellie Lefkowitz, Ben Levins, Sarah Levins, Rifca Lovinger,
Edgar Maas, Martha Maas, Jacques Mamann, Gertrude Manoli, Gertrude Melnick,
Sally Miller, Bessie Millet, Jacob Mintz, Sharon Mintz, Ephraim Moed,
Pearl Moldovan, Harvey Morse, Goran Nisell, Mary Paikow, Morris Pellow,
Dena Post, Aaron Pretsky, Sonya Rakhshmir, Ester Reznik, Ida Rockmaker,
Phillip Rockmaker, Michael Rome, Anne Rosen, Harry Rosenblatt, Rose Rosenfeld,
Ceil Rothstein, Neal Rubin, Abraham Rucker, Lillian Saiger, Jacob Samuel, Grace Sanders,
Tillie Schechner, Celia Schulman, Irving Schulman, Ruth Sheade, Berta Silagi,
Borouch Sirebrenik, Alex Sperling, Dora Stein, Beatrice Farkas Stone, Amalia Szkolnik,
Suzie Temkin, Celia Thomas, Paul Thomas, Lois Tochner, Jerome Ungerleider, Sol Wagner,
Nathan Weisdorf, Paul Weissfeld, Alfred Weit, Pearl Witas, Ruth Wolfe
Engagements and Weddings
Mazal Tov to Lindsey Sundy and Yaron Shani on their engagement!
Lindsey is the daughter of Ronna Sundy and Jeff Sundy.
Mazal Tov to our Grads!
It’s not too late to share graduation news! Email editor@tbala.org
and we will be happy to include additional names in our next issue.
Talia Cohen, daughter of Alisa Shudofsky and David Cohen, graduated from
Washington University in St. Louis.
Sofia Davis, daughter of Julie Shuer and Steve Davis, graduated from Barnard
College with a dual degree in art history and visual arts. She will be travelling and
working on various art oriented projects.
Maya Freeman, daughter of Beth & Rodney Freeman, granddaughter of Shoshi and
Izydor Wilchfort, graduated de Toledo High School and will be attending University
of Colorado, Boulder.
Rachel Kapp, daughter of Bella and Howard Kapp, graduated CSUN with a Masters
degree in Educational Therapy. She is in private practice in the Beverly Hills area.
IN MEMORIAM
We mourn the passing of:
Faye Nisenbaum Gelb, mother of Paul (Lida Baker) Nisenbaum
Frances Goodman, wife of Milton, mother of Irene Goodman
and Roger (Melody) Goodman
Marvin Kahn, father of Richard (Carole) Kahn
Danny Nemetz, father of Howard (Susan) Nemetz
Nette Ross, mother of Dale (Mark) Bodenstein
Harry Swerdlow, father of Jonathan (Sharon) Swerdlow
Eliyahou Taban, father of Nazzi (Elliot Benjamin) Taban Benjamin
Shirley Weissberg, mother of Jack (Wendy Binder) Weissberg
Dottie Fields Wheeler, sister of Del (Sandey) Fields,
aunt of Rabbi Shawn (Tom) Fields-Meyer
5 Kol Ha’am
AUGUST 2016 CALENDAR
CLASSES OF THE REMBAUM INSTITUTE OF ADULT
EDUCATION AND FAMILY PROGRAMMING
For information and class sign-ups, visit www.tbala.org/classes,
or contact Rabbi Ari Lucas at alucas@tbala.org or
310-652-7354 x210.
13
14
HUMASH WITH RASHI WITH RABBI ADAM KLIGFELD
Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m.
Study Rashi’s original Hebrew commentary on the text of the Torah.
THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH WITH RABBI ARI LUCAS
Thursdays, August 4, 11, 25 at 8:30 a.m.
Jeremiah lived through the destruction of the first temple and the
beginning of the exile. He contends with theological issues that
emerge from destruction – outrage at God, hope in return and
rebuilding, criticism of the people of Israel. Join Rabbi Lucas as we
study this Biblical text together in Hebrew and English. No prior
knowledge necessary.
19
MINI SIDDUR CLASS WITH RABBI AVI HAVIVI
Tuesdays after morning minyan, 8:10 – 8:25 a.m.
LIBRARY MINYAN MISHNAH STUDY
Rabbis, teachers, and other members of the Library Minyan take
turns teaching a weekly session in Mishnah. We study in both
Hebrew and English and use commentaries. This year we are
studying Pirkei Avot.
Shabbat mornings 9:20 - 9:45 a.m.
ECC PARENT AND
ME CLASSES
Are you looking for a wonderful, stimulating and
exciting experience to share with your baby or toddler?
The Pressman Academy Early Childhood Center is offering
many terrific classes this fall. Check our website for a complete
schedule of classes ranging from Infant and Me, “Imma and
Me” Hebrew, Music, and our amazing Shabbat class! For more
information on any of our Parent and Me classes
or to register, contact Debi in the Pressman ECC office:
dlozano@pressmanacademy.org or call (310) 652-7354 x228.
www.pressmanacademy.org/parentandme
28
Saturday Night
EREV TISHA B’AV
Sunday
TISHA B’AV
8:00 a.m. SHAHARIT AND CHANTING OF EICHA
AND KINNOT
1:30 p.m. EARLY MINHA
5:45 p.m. MINHA, followed by special community-wide
learning
Friday - 6:30 p.m.
A SPECIAL SHABBAT UNDER THE STARS
Friday night services on the Pilch Rooftop to welcome back
those who were away (and their families!) at Jewish summer
camp and Israel programs this summer. Everyone is welcome!
Dinner will follow, with lots of ruach! Make your reservations
at www.tbala.org/communityshabbat
Sunday - 9:00 a.m.
JLC OPENING FAMILY PROGRAM
We are very excited to announce...
The launch of our new website!
www.tbala.org
The site has some new key features:
• Responsive design, which will work beautifully on your
mobile and tablet devices, as well as desktop computers.
• Easy left-hand navigation
• Modern, updated look and feel
• Humans of Beth Am (blog):
God made man because he loves stories. - Elie Wiesel
Stories. Everyone has one, and every story matters. Through storytelling,
we get closer to an understanding of what an all-encompassing image of
God is, by looking around and celebrating the wide spectrum of who is in
our community.
Similar to the bestselling book and blog, Humans of New York, our
Humans of Beth Am project is intended to bring to light the tapestry of
unique stories that exist within our community, and illustrate how people’s
genuine, and sometimes vulnerable stories, can be such a powerful tool for
creating connection. We’ll be sharing the stories of congregants, staff, and
visitors through our weekly bulletin, and the Humans of Beth Am blog
located on our new Temple Beth Am website.
The ultimate goal for this project is to generate storytelling’s most
remarkable gifts- the power to connect. Please use these stories to reach
out, spark dialogue, and build community. Visit www.tbala.org/humans
Your feedback is welcome! We want your user experience on our website
to serve you well. Please contact Communications Associate Reyna Zack
with your comments: rzack@tbala.org
6 Kol Ha’am
6
Daily
Minyan
Times
MORNING MINYAN:
EVENING MINYAN
SHABBAT SOVEV
Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m.
August 1-31
7:00 p.m.
August 14 Tisha B’Av - 5:45 p.m.
August 12, 26
Sunday & Federal Holidays: 8:00 a.m.
Rosh Hodesh & Hol Ha-Moed: 7:15 a.m.
SATURDAY: 90 minutes before
the end of Shabbat
Special Minha time on August 13,
Erev Tisha B’Av: 6:45 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT NESHAMA MINYAN
August 5
August 19
6:30 p.m.
6:15 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
ohtcv ohfurc
We welcome the following New Members
to our Temple Beth Am family (as of 7/14/16):
Saturday Morning Services
Yigal & Keren Abramowitz
Eliot & Natalie Bencuya
Michael & Tara Bokman
Avi & Tamar Braz
Ron & Lindsey Gad
David & Jody Ghozland
Andrea Kasowitz & Andrew Goldberg
Emily Holtzman
Jeni Rohlin & Amit Itzkovich
Alan & Erica Kaplan
Richard Levey
Sean & Rebecca Levy
John & Rana Lustyan
Brian & Karen Madden
Lia Mandelbaum
Jonathan & Annie Marquit
Natalie Milberg & Ryan O’Nan
Jason & Amanda Paru
Adena Silberstein & Levi Pinsky
Julie Miller & Matthew Risman
Sayeh Farivar & Matthew Rosenmayer
Jacqueline Redner & Scott Shapiro
Darlin Noghreheian & Dalen Shoemaker
Aron & Dalia Youngerwood
Richard & Sydney Zelichov
9:15 a.m. - Whiteman Conference Room
SAVE THE DATE
The Men’s Society of Temple Beth Am
Meditation Plus
Shir Hadash/Bait Tefillah
August 20
9:30 a.m. - Combined in Ballroom
Shir Hadash
August 6, 27
9:15 a.m. – Sanctuary
Bait Tefillah
August 6, 27
9:45 a.m. – Pilch Hall
Library Minyan
9:45 a.m. - Dorff Nelson Chapel
Hama’alot
August 13
10:30 a.m.
Hama’alot Workshop
August 20
Watch for details!
Rabbi Joel and Fredi Rembaum
Report on their Time in Germany
After Kiddush on Shabbat morning, August 6, come and hear
from Rabbi Rembaum and Fredi about their recent time living in
Germany. The Rembaums will share their reflections on
the legacy of the Holocaust, as memorialized and honored
in modern German culture, the revival of liberal Jewish
life in Europe and the Masorti community of which they
were a part, as well as their experience in witnessing
the challenge of absorbing refugees into German society.
Torah Portion
August 6
August 13
August 20
August 27
We look forward to welcoming new and
returning members alike, all while
we grill Kosher Steaks and enjoy fine
wines and spirits together!
Stay tuned for more details!
Matot-Masei, Rosh Hodesh Av
Devarim, Erev Tisha B’av
Vaethanan, Shabbat Nahamu
Ekev
Candle Lighting
August 5
August 12
August 19
August 26
7:31 p.m.
7:24 p.m.
7:16 p.m.
7:07 p.m.
7 Kol Ha’am
FROM THE PRESIDENT
continued from page 1
forward to welcoming many of you to new and/or ongoing roles in
leadership and invite those of you who are interested in jumping
in, to let me know – send me an email at shetsroni@tbala.org
Lastly, our membership renewal information has been mailed
out and is in your hands. Please fill it out and send it in before it
accidentally gets shuffled to the bottom of a “to do” pile.
Enjoy the rest of summer – and see you in shul!
– Susan Hetsroni, President
HABITAT
MITZVAH DAY
O
n Sunday June 5, over 30 congregants of Beth Am and
B’nai David-Judea, joined forces for a Habitat Mitzvah
Day. Toiletries and other essential items for the future Habitat
residents were donated and packaged in hand decorated gift
bags. Planters were filled with different types of herbs and
vegetables, to help the new families start their own edible
garden! It was a wonderful morning! If you would like to get
involved with future Habitat programming, please contact
Jordan Markovic at jmarkovic@habitatla.org.
– Leah Jacobson
J
PROJECT HOPE
oin TBA in partnership with B’nai David Judea
and Jewish Family Service in supporting the
refugees who are being resettled in San Diego.
These asylum seekers include genocide survivors from Somalia
(Darfur), Democratic Republic of the Congo (6 million dead), Syria
and Iraq (ISIS perpetrated genocide continues in these countries
against Yezidis, Christians and Shia Muslims). San Diego is the
nearest Jewish Family Services venue for absorbing refugees.
Join us in giving these families a new future and providing
parents and their children with dignity.
Deposit your donations in the boxes/bins in the
Temple lobbies by Monday, August 8
NEEDED ITEMS:
SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Paper, pens and/or pencils, Backpacks,
Rulers, Notebooks, Children’s books
BABY ITEMS: Car seats, Strollers, Bottles, Diapers, Baby
clothing, Bibs
CLOTHING FOR MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN: Socks,
Undergarments, Men’s jeans, Business clothing for men and
women, Dresses, Blouses
LINENS/HOUSEHOLD: Hand & bath towels, Set of sheets and
blankets, Pillows/pillowcases, Light bulbs TOILETRIES: Toilet
paper, Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, Men & women razors,
Hand soap, Toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash , Feminine
hygiene products, Lotion, Q-tips
CLEANING SUPPLIES: Dish soap, Bathroom/kitchen cleaner,
Sponges, cleaning rags and/or paper towels, Laundry detergent,
Waste baskets, Mop, broom, bucket, Trash bags, Trash cans
KITCHEN ITEMS: Forks, knifes, spoons, Plates, bowls, cups,
Pots and pans, Mixing/serving bowls, Kitchen utensils (spatula,
wooden spoon, serving utensils, etc.), Can opener
KITCHEN APPLIANCES: Microwave, Rice cooker, Toaster,
Coffee maker
OTHER: Clock
For more information, please contact
Tyson Roberts tyson@cohenroberts.com and
Kathy Rosenblatt kathy.rosenblatt@gmail.com
Kol HaRav
continued from page 2
to the staccato, non-stop reports of such bloodshed, usually news
like that will evoke a weary sigh from me, a momentary sadness, but
nothing close to the outrage and personal pain that wells up when
I hear news about terror in Israel. I defend that parochialism. We
cannot love all of humanity equally, much as our morals might direct
us to. Human relationship is a concentric reality. While there is no
ethical argument that defends our caring less about murder in the
Congo, or homeless people who freeze to death in Chicago winters,
or babies who die from the Zika virus in Brazil than we do about
our own family, we cannot flagellate ourselves when relationship,
momentarily, trumps ethics. But this time, I felt the proximity of
the terror. I called Atilla, sensing (correctly, it turns out) that every
Kol Ha’am 8
guest of ours on Friday night had, many times, stood in the exact
spot where the gunmen shot and exploded bombs. I conveyed to
him and his community my condolences. And while he assured me
that no one present that night had any personal friends or family
directly implicated by the incident, I felt the heavy hearts within his
community, not unlike the mourning we felt when we learned that a
12-year old girl was stabbed in her bed in Kiryat Arba.
When we hung up the phone, it seemed to me that though we
were speaking from across the city, separated by hundreds of walls,
it felt as it we were around the same table.
– Rabbi Adam Kligfeld
A FEW WORDS OF APPRECIATION FOR MY
MORE THAN 23 YEARS WITH TEMPLE BETH AM
I
wish to thank the Administrative, Rabbinical and Pressman Academy
staffs for their contribution, assistance and attendance in the planning
and preparation of my beautiful retirement luncheon on June 28th. I
especially want to thank Sheryl Goldman, Executive Director of TBA, for
her generosity in helping to make this event so special and meaningful.
They thought of everything. The delicious lunch, gifts, decorations, and
especially the love they have shown me, left me speechless. That’s no
small thing...I can’t ever remember being speechless. I was truly shocked,
surprised and very happy. Thank you again. I will miss you. And I promise
to get to that “bucket list” as soon as I can.
With lots of love,
Audrey Cohn, Mailroom Coordinator, Emeritus
Dear Sisters and Friends,
I
t’s the simple things in life that make it good and meaningful:
new experiences, new friends, new relationships, and personal
development. What is remarkable is all these things are created
each year in our TBA Sisterhood.
Ultimately, it is your experience that matters. The opportunities
are everywhere and you should take advantage by joining us.
Become part of this great, warm, welcoming group of women and
you will strengthen your connection to our beloved Sisterhood and
our Shul. It will give you a sense of belonging and community which
are core Jewish experiences. That in itself is a blessing! We have
been waiting for YOU!
At TBA Sisterhood we are in a constant pursuit of what it takes
to remain vibrant: our knowledge is growing as we study, learn,
pray and be together. Our creativity is flourishing from the efforts
of all our members. Our Girls Night Out was a great success: we
painted, met new and old friends, we learned, we laughed, we
schmoozed, and we ate tasty sushi to make a memorable evening. A
big thank you and yasher koach to Sandra Braun and Sherri Cohn for
organizing this fabulous event. Our Programming and Membership
committees are at work already planning an exciting calendar of
events and rich menu of experiences for the coming year. We have
goals and we have vision, it is likely to be an amazing year ahead for
the TBA Sisterhood and I look forward with enthusiasm as we are
off to a great 2016-2017.
Please join us, it is important for our collective future and
community! Check your Newsletter and Shabbat Bulletin for
upcoming Sisterhood events.
August 23 -MYSTERY BOOK CLUB will be discussing
Robert B Parker’s, The Devil Wins by Reed Farrell Coleman
at the home of Jackie Weiss. For information, please contact
Marlene Braer at: mbraer2@ca.rr.com.
Join TBA Sisterhood online at: www.tbala.org/sisterhood
B’Shalom
Stella Ezros
Sisterhood President
9 Kol Ha’am
Temple Beth Am Gratefully Acknowledges Donations through July 5, 2016
GENERAL FUND
IN HONOR OF
The birth of Yehonatan Bodenstein
Susan Laemmle & John Antignas
The birth of Azalea Peters
Lida Baker & Paul Nisenbaum
Talia Cohen’s graduation Alisa Shudofsky & David Cohen
Mike Cohn
Rachel Rubin Green & Norman Green
James Collins
Adir Yolkut
The birth of Rivka Glastein
Lida Baker & Paul Nisenbaum
Dahlia & Isla Karp
Alana & Jonathan Rotter
Rabbi Adam Kligfeld
Lola & Ron Halpern
The birth of Oliver Rosenzweig
Mojdeh & Yonaton Rosenzweig
Lindsey Sundy & Yaron Shani’s engagement
Susan Laemmle & John Antignas,
Susan & Ofer Hetsroni, Regina & Steven Silver
Mark Wolf
Lola & Rubin Halpern
IN MEMORY OF
Marian Casden’s yahrzeit
Claire & Dennis Singer
Myron Casen’s yahrzeit
Claire & Dennis Singer
Faye Nisenbaum Gelb
Susan Lammle & John Antignas,
Melissa & Michael Berenbaum, Sandra & Robert Braun,
Sandy & Mayer Brenner, Chermisqui Family,
Tobie & Larry Schwimmer
Frances Goodman
Mimi & Howard Landres, Tobie & Larry Schwimmer
Danny Nemetz
Pam, Amanda, Lianna & Eddie,
Karen & Steven Grey, Kathe & Howard Pilch
Annabelle Singer’s yahrzeit
Claire & Dennis Singer
Harry Swerdlow
Melissa & Michael Berenbaum,
Jeffrey A. Dinkin, David Kekst, Pam, Amanda,
Lianna & Eddie, Mallory & Greg Lee & Family,
Laurie Lustig-Bower, Paulette & Ron Nessim
Eve Alter Tobin
Susan Laemmle & John Antignas,
Sandy & Mayer Brenner, Miriam & Herschell Elkins
Dottie Fields Wheeler
Susan Laemmle & John Antignas
DONATION
Irving Szkolnik
BILL STRICK MEMORIAL HELPING HAND FUND
IN HONOR OF
The birth of Yehonatan Bodenstein
Mike Cohn’s tireless efforts & dedication to our community
Benji Davis & Rachel Greenberg’s marriage
Stan Eisenberg’s good health
The birth of Asher Micah Spiwak
IN MEMORY OF
Frances Goodman
Marvin Kahn
Faye Nisenbaum Gelb
Danny Nemetz
Lillian Sherr’s yahrzeit
Harry Swerdlow
Suzie Temkin’s yahrzeit
Dottie Fileds Wheeler
ROBERT FRIEDMAN MEMORIAL FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Frances Friedman’s yahrzeit
Hyman Friedman’s yahrzeit
Robert Friedman’s yahrzeit
Annabelle, David and Sophia Krischer
RABBI MALKUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Violeta “Bobe Ivy” Klein
Caryn & Rabbi Mitch Malkus
Dottie Fields Wheeler
Caryn & Rabbi Mitch Malkus
PRAYER BOOK FUND
IN HONOR OF
Ian Temkin’s Bar Mitzvah
IN MEMORY OF
Faye Nisenbaum Gelb
Harry Swerdlow
Susan & Arthur Mishler
Vivian & Ron Alberts, Karen & Steve Grey
Sandy & Mayer Brenner
PRESSMAN ACADEMY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
IN HONOR OF
The birth of Farnaz & Shahram Hazany’s daughter
IN MEMORY OF
Florence Cohen
PRESSMAN ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
IN HONOR OF
Mike Cohn
Dr. Erica Rothblum
Josh Warshawsky
IN MEMORY OF
Fay Hoffman
Beatrice Farkas Stone’s yahrzeit
CAMP RAMAH SHOLARSHIP FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Harry Swerdlow
Kathe & Howard Pilch
Susan Brook
Sara & Jay Sanders
Benjamin & Tali Zelkowicz
Susie & Josh Pretsky
Sherri & Mike Cohn
Laurie & Stephen Parker
Lisa Feldman & Brian Greene
Susan & Ofer Hetsroni
Pam, Amanda, Lianna & Eddie
REMBAUM INSTITUTE FOR ADULT & FAMILY PROGRAMMING
IN HONOR OF
Mike Cohn
Lisa Feldman & Brian Greene
Rebecca Schatz Rachel Weber & Ephraim Pelcovits
Sherri & Mike Cohn & Family
Natalie Roberts
Natalie Roberts
MITZI & NORMAN ROSENBLATT FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Harry Chait’s yahrzeit
Susan & Ofer Hetsroni
Rosanne Keynan & Elizabeth Flier
Lisa Feldman & Brian Greene
Vivian & Ron Alberts, Lisa Feldman &
Brian Greene, Rosanne Keynan
Natalie Roberts
Vivian & Ron Alberts, Debbie Rich
Natalie Roberts
Natalie Roberts
Elaine and Larry Friedman
Elaine and Larry Friedman
Elaine and Larry Friedman
MARCY COLKER KLEIN/BARRY SHAPRIO MEMORIAL FUND
IN HONOR OF
The birth of Rivka Glastein
Dvorah Colker
The birth of Frances Odette Rehak
Karen Kass & Michael Berlin,
Kathe & Howard Pilch
IN MEMORY OF
Abraham Colker’s yahrzeit
Dvorah Colker
Frances Goodman
Dvorah Colker
Nellie Lefkowitz’ yahrzeit
Dvorah Colker
Danny Nemetz
Dvorah Colker
Kol Ha’am 10
LAINER LIBRARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Ezra Goldscheider’s upsherin
Barry Rosenblatt
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TEEN PROGRAMS IN ISRAEL
IN HONOR OF
Lindsey Sundy & Yaron Shani’s engagement
Lisa Feldman & Brian Greene
IN MEMORY OF
Danny Nemetz
Fran & Joel Grossman
DAILY MINYAN
IN HONOR OF
Aliyah & Hagbah
Robert Bird
RABBI KLIGFELD’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Dvorah Colker
Rabbi Kligfeld
Participating in Yom Hashoah
Sheila and Alan Spiwak’s grandson
Frances Odette Rehak
Rabbis Kligfeld, Lucas, Chorny & Hoffman
Our grandchildren’s babynamings
IN MEMORY OF
Del Field’s sister
Jack Irwin Morris, on his yahrzeit Iyar 17
Danny Nemetz
Chaya Bluma Neumann Doris Greenberg
Frances Goodman
Lillian Barry
Marlynn & Elliot Dorff
Annette and Abe Berman
Rachmil Hakman
Rosana & Edward Chermisqui
Rosana & Edward Chermisqui
Judy Weintraub and Joel Warren
Sheila and Alan Spiwak
Marlynn & Elliot Dorff
Michelle Menna
Rosana & Edward Chermisqui
Rosana & Edward Chermisqui
Mark Greenberg
Fran and Arnie Stengel
Cathy and Michael Barry
Temple Beth Am Gratefully Acknowledges Donations through July 5, 2016
RABBI LUCAS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Doris Greenberg
Faye Gelb
IN HONOR OF
Our wedding
Ari’s Bar Mitzvah
RABBI CHORNY’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Doris Greenberg
IN HONOR OF
Ari’s Bar Mitzvah
Mark Greenberg and Elaine Barnett
Marilyn Fogel
Shayna & Michael Shefrin
Eric and Rishelle Maman
Mark Greenberg and Elaine Barnett
Eric and Rishelle Maman
LIBRARY MINYAN FUND
IN HONOR OF
Rachel Schlossberg’s graduation from dental school Abraham & Darlene Schlossberg
Birthday of Bob Roosth
Bob & Diane Roosth
Birthday of Yonatan Landau
Bob & Diane Roosth
Aliyah to the Torah
Baruch Link
R. Elliot & Marlynn Dorff’s 50th anniversary
Rabbi Elliot & Marlynn Dorff,
Del & Sandey Fields, Judy & Louis Miller
Melissa & Michael Berenbaum’s 21st anniversary
Judy & Louis Miller
Jules Kamin & Cathie Lippman 45th anniversary
Jules Kamin & Cathie Lippman,
Judy & Louis Miller
Rabbi Adam Kligfeld’s graduation from Judy & Louis Miller
Shalom Hartman Institute
32nd anniversary of Bat Mitzvah of Rina Carmel
Rina Carmel
New grandson of Alan and Sheila Spiwak
Jules Kamin & Cathie Lippman
New son of Aaron & Alissa Spiwak
Jules Kamin & Cathie Lippman
New grandson of Dianne Shershow
John Antignas & Susan Laemmle
New grandson of Dale & Mark Bodenstein
Del & Sandey Fields
Mike Cohn, mazel tov on an outstanding presidency
Del & Sandey Fields
IN MEMORY OF
The 100th birthday of my mother, Grace Friedman
Jonathan Friedman
Sister of Del Fields
Jules Kamin & Cathie Lippman
Mother of Jeff Altman
Jules Kamin & Cathie Lippman
Faye Gelb, Paul Nissenbaum’s mother
Jules Kamin & Cathie Lippman,
Judy & Louis Miller
Mother of Allan Tobin
Jules Kamin & Cathie Lippman
Nette Ross, mother of Dale Bodenstein
Mayer and Sandy Brenner,
Del & Sandey Fields
Barbara Wertheimer, mother of Marlynn Dorff
Del & Sandey Fields
SISTERHOOD DONATIONS
To place a Sisterhood Tribute, contact Marlene Glaser
at 310-550-1738 or email: hagesq@aol.com
Dale and Mark Bodenstein
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Birth of Grandson, Yehonatan Yisrael
Dvorah Colker
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Birth of Great-Granddaughter, Frances
Joanne and Paul Klein
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Birth of Granddaughter, Frances
Dvorah Colker
Elaine and Richard Gross
TBA and Pressman Academy Lou Colen
Ma’Ayan Award
Nadine Gerson
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Birth of Granddaughter
Irene and Norm Saiger
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Engagement of Son Micah to Anna
Dianne Shershow
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Birth of Grandson
Barbara Blake and Michael Silvera
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Birth of Granddaughter, Azaelea
Sheila and Alan Spiwak
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Birth of Grandson
Jessica, Mark, Chason, Eleanor & Sienna Samuel
Ronna Sundy
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Lindsey’s Engagement to Yaron Shani
Darlene and Abe Schlossberg
SPEEDY RECOVERY
Joan Karchem
Jerry and Susan Wasserman
CONDOLENCES
Dale Bodenstein
Loss of Mother, Nette Ross
Del and Sandey Fields
Loss of Sister, Dottie Fields Wheeler
Rabbi Shawn Fields Meyer
Loss of Aunt Dottie
Milton Goodman and Family
Loss of Wife, Mother and Grandmother,
Frances
Roger and Melody Goodman
Loss of Mother, Frances
Richard and Carole Kahn
Loss of Father, Marvin Kahn
Howard and Susan Nemetz
Loss of Father and Grandfather, Danny
Paul Nisenbaum and Family
Loss of Mother, Faye Gelb
Jonathan and Sharon Swerdlow
Loss of Father, Harry
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Elaine and Richard Gross
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Darlene and Abe Schlossberg and Family
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Marla and Stuart Weiss
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Shirley Ashkenas and Family
Elaine and Richard Gross
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Darlene and Abe Schlossberg and Family
Marla and Stuart Weiss and Family
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Marlene and Harvey Glaser
Darlene and Abe Schlossberg and Family
Agnes and Semyon Emert
Darlene and Abe Schlossberg and Family
SPECIAL
Mike Cohn
Jessica, Mark, Chason, Eleanor & Sienna Samuel
YASHER KOACH – Thank you for your many years of leadership and love for our
community!
THE EZRA NETWORK
W
orking with synagogues, The Ezra Network is an initiative of
the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles in partnership
with Jewish Family Service, Bet Tzedek Legal Services and Jewish
Vocational Service. If you’re going through a major transition or
difficult life event, you don’t have to do it alone. Ezra Network
support groups can help you gain insight, motivation, and
encouragement. Support groups provide an opportunity to
be with others who are in a similar situation. You can make
connections, share feedback, and get advice. Through the
Ezra Network we offer the following professionally facilitated
support groups on the westside:
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP (focus on memory impairment
and Alzheimer’s) at Temple Emanuel on Tuesdays at 11;00 a.m.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP at University Synagogue
on Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. (Call Nina Reinis (323) 600-5722 for
more info about Caregiver/Bereavement Support)
MENTAL WELLNESS SUPPORT GROUP
Briyut HaNefesh is a mental wellness support group. The first
of its kind in the Pico area, it is a holistic fusion of Torah and
psychology for those in need of emotional, social, and spiritual
support. Facilitated by Morateinu Alissa and JFS-Ezra Network
Social Worker Rochelle Shapiro, MA, MFT Intern. This is a closed
group and will be a safe and confidential space.
Prior consultation is required.
At B’nai David-Judea, 8906 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
Contact: Morateinu Alissa at MorateinuAlissa@bnaidavid.com
or Rochelle Shapiro (323) 229-0235
11 Kol Ha’am
Kol Ha’am (USPS 008-599)
Temple Beth Am
1039 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507
Periodicals Postage Paid at Los Angeles,
California and additional mailing offices.