May 2016 - Temple Israel

Transcription

Temple Cares ~page 10
Temple Israel volunteers continue to
be a force for good
Judaism’s Best Ideas ~page 13
A storied past comes to life as we
count the Omer
Temple Israel / Memphis, Tennessee
May 2016 / vol. 70; no. 9 / timemphis.org
Southern Hospitality ~page 14
A new Memphian was embraced,
welcomed, and fit right in
voice
New
President
Sisterhood’s leadership
is in good hands
Bowled
Over
Help this Temple teenager
~page 13
build up to something ~back page
Shehecheyanu
Moments
Our Confirmation and
Graduation classes invite you
to share in their simchas ~pages 8-9
L’dor
Vador
New Temple Israel President Elkan Scheidt
and his father Rudi Scheidt share more than a name ~page 4
2
timemphis.org • facebook.com/templeisrael • @timemphis • instagram/templeisrael
SHABBAT SHALOM
We hope you find these Shabbat celebrations to
be soulful, thought-provoking, and uplifting.
PRENEGS
Fridays, 5:45-6:15 pm
Enjoy these light receptions before Shabbat
services. Thank you to Sisterhood for hosting the
prenegs, as well as Drs. Valerie and Thomas Arnold
(May 27, in honor of the upcoming marriage of
Lauren Arnold and Brandon Bell).
Please note: The prenegs on May 6 and May 13 will
be from 5:30-6pm.
TORAH STUDY
Saturdays, 8:45-9:45 am
All are invited and encouraged to participate in
these weekly stimulating discussions.
EVENING SERVICE
Friday, May 6, 6 pm
Temple’s Confirmation Class will be honored. Note
the earlier start time. See pages 8-9 for details.
MORNING SERVICE
Saturday, May 7, 10 am
Gavin Leonard, son of Dr. Gina Prigoff and Dr. Paul
Leonard, will become bar mitzvah.
EVENING SERVICE
Friday, May 13, 6 pm
Temple’s Graduation Class will be honored. Note
the earlier start time. See pages 8-9 for details.
MORNING SERVICE
Alexander LeVine-Miller, son of Samantha LeVine
Schmidt and Michael Schmidt and Lynsey and Ted
Miller will become bar mitzvah.
L’DOR VADOR SERVICE
Friday, May 20, 6:15 pm
See page 12 for details.
MORNING SERVICE
Alyssa Evans, daughter of Whitney Evans, will
become bat mitzvah.
HAVDALAH PARTY FOR TOTS
Saturday, May 21, 5:30 pm
See page 12 for details.
MORNING SERVICE
David Hahn, son of Sheila and Gary Hahn, will
become bar mitzvah.
Mazal Tov!
Congratulations to these
blessings who are becoming bar and bat mitzvah this month.
Gavin Leonard, son of Dr. Gina Prigoff and Dr. Paul Leonard, will become
bar mitzvah on May 7. As a 7th grader at Houston Middle
School, Gavin is a member of the National Junior Honor
Society, the National Junior Beta Club, and is a Duke TIP
Scholar. He participates in his school’s robotics program
and plays on the tennis team. For his bar mitzvah project,
he coordinated a neighborhood donation drive for the
Germantown Animal Shelter and has volunteered his
time at the shelter and adoption events. Gavin has two
brothers, and is the grandson of Bette Pollock, Morris and Michela Prigoff, and
the late Jean and Sheldon Leonard.
Alexander Lincoln LeVine-Miller, son of Samantha LeVine
Schmidt and Michael Schmidt and Lynsey and Ted Miller
will become bar mitzvah on May 14. Alex enjoys playing
center for the Riverdale Middle School basketball team
and excelling in all of his subjects at school. Alex is a
much-loved sibling, always there to help out his brothers,
Lennox and Julien, and now has a new stepsister, Alden.
When Alex isn’t playing basketball, he either is listening
to music or watching basketball games. He always is
willing to chip in around the house and lend an extra
hand. For his bar mitzvah project, Alex is collecting items for Dorothy’s Place,
an Alzheimer’s Day Center in Memphis. Alex is the grandson of Ricki and David
LeVine, Susan and Jeff Miller, and Linda and Robert Schmidt.
Alyssa Michelle Evans, daughter of Whitney Evans, and
granddaughter of Alyse and Philip Evans, will become
bat mitzvah on May 21. A rising 8th grade student at
White Station Middle School, Alyssa enjoys singing, is on
the Temple Israel Teen Team, and participates in the new
Music Hangouts with Cantorial Soloist Abbie Strauss.
She loves Henry S. Jacobs Camp and has been attending
every summer since the 1st grade. In addition, she has
been volunteering at Shabbat and holiday services at
Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab since she was 2 years
old. Alyssa chose as her bat mitzvah project to give back to the Temple she
loves by working in the office of the religious school, which she will continue to
do after becoming bat mitzvah. Alyssa is the great-granddaughter of Rae Jean
and Sandy Lichterman, Irving Evans, and the late Phyllis Bloom Evans.
David Hahn, son of Sheila and Gary Hahn, will become bar mitzvah on
May 28. A rising 8th grade student at Houston Middle
School, David is an avid lacrosse player, enjoys playing
basketball, and is a member of the Beta Club and
National Junior Honor Society. For his bar mitzvah
project, David is planning a social action event where
Jewish, Christian, and Muslim students will get together
to learn about each other’s religions and prepare care
packages for Syrian refugees. David is the grandson of
Evelyn and John Starkey and Larry and the late Judy
Hahn.
Torah • worship • loving deeds
VOICE
BETWEEN YOU AND ME
The greeting we exchanged over Passover was Chag Sameach! Literally translated as
“happy holiday,” these words hold a secondary meaning. The word for holiday, chag,
also can be translated as circle, and sameach, the Hebrew word for happy, can mean to
grow or to increase. Therefore, we could translate chag sameach as “increase a circle”
instead of “happy holiday.”
So, what does this matter, especially now that Passover is behind us?
In his book The Home We Build Together: Recreating Society, Rabbi
Lord Jonathan Sacks comments on the peculiar nature of the book
of Exodus. The second book of the Torah, named for the event we
commemorate at Passover – that of the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom – spends nearly a third of its word count discussing
the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary.
Rabbi Sacks argues, “A nation – at least, the kind of nation the
Israelites were called on to become – is created through the act of
creation itself. Not all the miracles of the Exodus combined, not the
Rabbi Bess Wohlner
plagues, the division of the sea, manna from heaven or water from
a rock, not even the revelation at Sinai itself, turned the Israelites
into a nation. In commanding Moses to get the people to make the Tabernacle, God was
in effect saying: To turn a group of individuals into a covenantal nation, they must build
something together.”
Rabbi Sacks’ interpretation embodies the alternative translation of the phrase chag
sameach. Building something together is what enabled each individual Israelite to increase the circle and include all those who were part of the building process.
As we enter into this season of confirmation and graduation*, we celebrate what it is we
have built together as Temple Israel-ites: a genuine community. As such, we celebrate
each other’s joys and accomplishments. There is no greater blessing to any community
than raising our children and sending them off into the world to spread goodness. Join
your community, your increased circle, as we celebrate the accomplishments of our 10th
and 12th graders this month. It will be a chag sameach, in both meanings of the phrase.
L’Shalom,
Rabbi Bess Wohlner
*See pages 8-9 for details regarding our celebrations with our confirmation and graduation families.
3
3
Like father,
like son
There are many ways to de-
scribe Rudi Scheidt and his son
Elkan: thoughtful, full of life,
introspective, kind-hearted,
playful, and compassionate.
However, perhaps more than
anything else – and like father,
like son – both are generous
family-oriented men.
But the similarities don’t end
there. When Elkan becomes
Temple Israel’s President at the
Annual Meeting Shabbat and
Dinner on April 29, he will join
his father in holding that title.
“One of the great things in life
is to have that experience, and
I am proud of him,” said Rudi,
who served in that capacity
from 1994-1996. “I like the concept that I have a son who is
doing the same kind of things
that I have done.”
The idea to serve the congregation really is an extension of
both men’s philosophy on life:
service to others.
“I appreciate those who serve
on the Temple board because
I think it does everyone a
whole lot of good to be
involved in many things in
this community. We all owe
an obligation, and we should
help wherever we can, and
Temple is a great place that
needs help and guidance,”
Rudi said.
continued on page 5
VOICE
5
continued from page 4
Elkan added, “It really is a sacred task. You’re
doing something that not only benefits the
congregation, but also yourself, and it’s part
of our message to repair the world.”
Rudi spoke at a gala in his and Honey’s honor at
the Germantown Performing Arts Center in 2015.
“Temple Israel has played an extremely important role in my life,” Elkan continued. “My
earliest memories of going to Temple as a
child and listening to Rabbi Wax preach, the
friends that I’ve made, all of the life-changing
religious experiences such as my bar mitzvah
and confirmation, formed my attachment to
Temple. That attachment, and the amount of
good that Temple does for so many people,
really attracted me to leadership at Temple
Israel.”
Rudi echoed those sentiments.
“I always have been involved deeply in Jewish congregations wherever I lived. My bar mitzvah, in San Francisco where I grew up, was a great occasion in my life.
I’ve always had deep interest in Jewish institutions and
wanted to belong to one.”
Rudi and Elkan reflected on what makes Temple Israel
meaningful to them.
“The community that we have, the relationships that
we make, the spirituality, and the partnership between
what we do for Temple and what the people do for us
really makes it special to me,” said Elkan.
Rudi added, “I’m the kind of person who needs, wants,
and appreciates a spiritual feeling, and this synagogue
gives me that feeling, that prayerful existence that
makes my life complete.”
And with giving to their numerous philanthropic
causes, they both are trying to help make others’ lives
complete too.
“Philanthropy is more than an obligation. It’s about a
sense of generosity, and generosity really comes from
the heart,” said Elkan. “Philanthropy without purpose
will never be fulfilling. If you really believe in what you
have a passion for, then philanthropy will be fulfilling.” Honey and Rudi Scheidt, with a portion of
For Rudi, the reason for his philanthropy is simple and
yet deep-rooted.
their extended family
“It gives me great satisfaction to be able to help someone’s needs,” he said.
continued on page 6
mishpacha
•
family
•
temple israel
Shalom!
6
“One of the things I’ve
learned in life is, as you grow
older, some of the things
you’ve done you appreciate
more,” Rudi continued.
“I was blessed when I was 14,
15, 16, 17 years old to be surrounded by family members
– distant cousins, actually
– who really were the super
generous givers to many
institutions where I grew up.
sign up for our weekly e-mails at timemphis.org
I think that example is what
set me off on doing these
kinds of things. It’s interesting to me that, not by intent,
we’ve gone down almost the
same paths, like giving to
the synagogues, universities, Rabbi Greenstein and Rudi Scheidt shared a moment
all these things my relawhen muscian Josh Nelson performed in Temple Israel’s
tives growing up supported
Scheidt Family Center in 2012.
strongly.”
For Rudi, who has been married to Honey for
61 years and has 4 children, 11 grandchildren,
and 3 great-grandchildren (with another on
the way), and Elkan, who has been married
to Laurie for 26 years and has 3 children, their
families are at the center of their lives.
When asked how he would like to be remembered, Elkan offered an honest and straightforward answer.
“I am not particularly legacy-driven. When
I’m done with my term as Temple Israel’s 50th
President, I want to think that I helped to perpetuate what we’ve created over our congregation’s long and proud history and make sure
that it’s relevant today and for future generations.
As far as my legacy in life? I just want to leave
the world a better place and to touch and inspire the people around me for greater good.
I think that’s what everybody wishes,” said
Elkan.
Elkan and his son, Logan; wife, Laurie; and
daughters, Mimi and Amanda
Voice • May 2016
If actions are greater than words, then Rudi
and Elkan are achieving those admirable goals.
VOICE
of note
HOLOCAUST VICTIMS REMEMBERED
On the Shabbat concluding Yom Hashoah –
Holocaust Remembrance Day – the names
of loved ones lost in the Holocaust for whom
there is no known yahrzeit date will be read.
Call Carol Geller in the Rabbis’ office, 937.2771,
by May 4, if you have names to be recited
during that Shabbat service on May 6.
SHOPPING HERE IS A WIN FOR ALL
7
SISTERHOOD HONORED
MIFA – Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association –
commemorated its 48th birthday at a Founders
Day celebration on March 31. During the celebration, which included a panel discussion entitled “Interfaith in Memphis: The Time is Now,”
WRJ-Temple Israel Sisterhood received MIFA’s
Pathfinder Award for their faithful support as a
MIFA partner organization for 15 years.
Our Judaica Shop has many great items that
make super gifts for high school graduates
and confirmands. As always, funds raised
through the shop are used for a huge number of projects, activities, services, events, and
other charitable initiatives year-round.
sisterhoodgiftshop@timemphis.org, 937.2782
RABBI GREENSTEIN IN THE NEWS
On March 30 in Cincinnati, the Hebrew Union
College-Jewish Institute of Religion conferred
upon Rabbi Micah D. Greenstein the degree
of Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, in
recognition of his “commitment, dedication,
and service to Judaism and the Jewish People
for the past 25 years.”
VISITS FROM TEMPLE
If people you know are hospitalized or at Memphis Jewish Home and Rehab and would like
our clergy to visit them, please call Carol Geller,
937.2771, in the Rabbi’s office.
LAST CHANCE TO SEE EXHIBIT
Visit the Temple Israel Museum now through
May 13 to see the Holocaust exhibit Fabric of
Survival: The Art of Esther Nisenthal Krinitz.
PRENEG HOSTS
Also, congratulations to Rabbi Greenstein
on his election to the National Board of the
NAACP. The photo below shows him with
Dr. Frank A. Thomas, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and
Shaila Karkera participating in a Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr., commemoration ceremony at
the National Civil Rights Museum in 2012.
Thank you to Sisterhood and all of our preneg
sponsors. Please call Sharon Nickol, 937.2797,
if you would like to sponsor a preneg before a
Friday night Shabbat service.
FLOWERS MAKE GREAT GIFTS
Purchase Holland bulbs from Sisterhood! Contact Judy Royal, jeroyal@aol.com or 683.7959, for
more information.
THANK YOU TO TEACHERS AND STAFF
On May 1, WRJ-Sisterhood will thank the
teachers and staff of our Wendy & Avron
Fogelman Religious School for a wonderful year
with a breakfast. Thanks to all!
mishpacha
•
family
•
temple israel
Shalom!
8
MOMENTS
Temple Israel’s Confirmation and Graduation Classes will be honored th
Dr. Brené Brown, bestselling author and research
professor, beautifully articulated a sentiment worth
considering when she said, “I believe a joyful life is
made up of joyful moments, gracefully strung together
by trust, gratitude, inspiration, and faith.”
When Temple’s Confirmation and Graduation Classes
are honored this month, they – and you – will have two
lasting joyful moments to enjoy and remember.
“One of the great joys of congregational life is that we
get to be a part of one another’s lives for many years,”
said Rabbi Katie Bauman. “And when it comes to our
young people, that joy is magnified tenfold for me.
Getting to know the children who walk into my office
when they’re 12 to study for bar or bat mitzvah and
then watching them become young adults at 16 or 18
years old is one of the most cherished parts of my job.
I marvel yearly at how they develop their voices, their
leadership skills, their strengths and special gifts and
how they overcome challenges to find their identities
as Jews and individuals.”
Rabbi Bauman continued, “Every year in May when
it comes time to celebrate this journey our young
people are on, I reflect on what a gift their presence is
in our congregation. Their energy is contagious, and
their laughter and questions add immeasurably to the
vibrancy of Temple Israel. I am so excited to share in
the prayerful, meaningful, and inspiring services that
sanctify our young people as the future of Temple Israel
and the Jewish world,” Rabbi Bauman said.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“I finally understand what it means to grow up as a Jew
and as a human being because of what the discussions in
this year’s Confirmation Class have taught me.”
“This quote,” said Rabbi Greenstein, who teaches
the class, “from one of the 21 members of the 2016
Confirmation Class affirms the essence of this milestone
in Jewish life: confirming one’s place as a young Jewish
adult. At age sixteen, driver’s license in hand and high
school graduation on the horizon, a child is in a much
different place than the seventh grade. The spiritual
growth that unfolds in one’s high school years is
staggering, deep, and sacred.”
Rabbi Greenstein added, “For all these reasons, Reform
Judaism instituted this ceremony – the first in Jewish
life in which girls participated equally with boys. For
over 150 successive years, Temple Israel has celebrated
its Confirmation Class, and this year’s extraordinary
group has written a creative service for the entire
congregation to enjoy. In a troubling and often dark
world, these bright lights bring hope to the future
of the Jewish people and all whose lives they touch.
Please make plans to meet and hear the members of
our Temple family who have reached this milestone in
their unfolding Jewish lives.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Julie Fortune, Temple’s Director of Teen Engagement,
oversees the graduation class.
“Graduation ceremonies are special because they mark
a moment in time that commemorates thirteen years
of learning,” Julie explained. “We have watched our
seniors grow from babies in the Barbara K. Lipman
Early Learning Center to young adults. We have helped
them with their Hebrew, traveled to New York and D.C.
with them, and attended NFTY regional events with
them. Now it is time for us to celebrate them and watch
them transition to the next stage of independence.”
continued on page 9
Voice • May 2016
VOICE
9
S TO SAVOR
his month. Share these shehecheyanu moments with them and their families.
“For Temple Israel’s graduation, we invite our seniors to respond to a prompt which asks them to talk about how they
understand their Jewish identity, faith, and community. While in years past we have asked our seniors to write an essay, we
now allow our students to answer the prompt in whatever way is meaningful to them,” Julie said.
She continued, “Last year, we received two musical pieces, one song, and one piece of art in addition to the essays written
in response to the prompt. In order to honor our teens, a member from the Board of Trustees, Brotherhood, and Sisterhood,
evaluate our teens’ work and, the seniors who receive the highest marks earn scholarship money for their next stage. Other
awards and honors also are given, including Temple Israel’s Devotion Award, the Harry W. Ettelson Jewish Study Award, the
Nachshon Initiative Award, the Elias Gates Youth Grouping Award, and the Emanuel Klein Senior Essay Award. Please join us to
honor our seniors and their dedication to Temple Israel, Judaism, and our larger Memphis community.”
TEMPLE ISRAEL’S
CONFIRMATION CLASS OF 2016
WILL BE HONORED AT THE
SHABBAT SERVICE ON
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 6 PM
Emily Barrach, daughter of Andrea & Brian Barrach
Max Blen, son of Marcy & Michael Blen
Sarah Boxer, daughter of Dorit & Paul Boxer
Madeline Bullard, daughter of Samantha & Brian Bullard
Ben Charney, son of Hallie & Marc Charney
Madeline Danziger, daughter of Shara & David Danziger
Hattie Fogarty, daughter of Cyndie & Larry Fogarty
Matthew Fogelman, son of Margo & Mark Fogelman
Jack Franklin, son of Stacy & Stephen Franklin
Nora Goodman-Bryan, daughter of Laura & Marc Goodman-Bryan
Sarah Guynes, daughter of Rebecca & Billy Guynes
Matthew Lazarov, son of Eve & Craig Lazarov
Jessica Lewis, daughter of Sarah & Jeffrey Lewis
Tyler Lubin, son of Sharon & Justin Lubin
Chloe McKessy, daughter of Melissa Buring McKessy/Brendan McKessy
Matthew Moskowitz, son of Debbie Moskowitz/Craig Moskowitz
William Royal, son of Natalie & Paul Royal
Andrew Sacharin, son of Pam & Lee Sacharin
Margo Shainberg, daughter of Karen & David Shainberg
Lena Soares, daughter of Kathy Steuer
Mason Weiss, son of Sheryl & Kenneth Weiss
Living Torah
Honor confirmands, graduates, or
one or both of the classes with a
sponsorship of Temple’s Living Torah,
which is permanently displayed in a
case outside the Danziger Chapel.
TEMPLE ISRAEL’S
GRADUATION CLASS OF 2016
WILL BE HONORED AT THE
SHABBAT SERVICE ON
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 6 PM
Ellie Ballin, daughter of Josie & Steven Ballin
Samantha Ballin, daughter of Josie & Steven Ballin
Hayley Bardos, daughter of Michelle & Istvan Bardos
Alexandra Basar, daughter of Kathryn Basar/Steven Basar
Joshua Bender, son of Susan & Mark Bender
Joseph Besser, son of Julie & Byron Besser
Paulina Bullard, daughter of Samantha & Brian Bullard
Leo Fargotstein, son of Leslie & William Fargotstein
Alexander Hunter, son of Karla Hunter
Chuckie Hunter, son of Karla Hunter
Hannah Jordan, daughter of Elise & Richard Jordan
Jacqueline Kamin, daughter of Dawn Butler/Ehud Kamin
Stephanie Lane, daughter of Suzanne & Steven Lane
Harrison Leitner, son of Helen Leitner
Daniel Levin, son of Audrey Zucker-Levin & Michael Levin
Sophie Levy, daughter of Shelley & Donald Levy
Katie Libby, daughter of Betsy & Stephen Libby
Blake Lindy, son of Wendy & Peter Lindy
Andrew Rogers, son of Michelle & Warren Rogers
Wise Rudolph, son of Elizabeth & David Rudolph
Rachel Seligstein, daughter of Marcy & Sidney Seligstein
Brett Silver, daughter of Lisa & Howard Silver
Lana Singer, daughter of Amy & Tod Singer
Ryan Steinberg, son of Suzanne Bagley/David Steinberg
Brittany Struminger, daughter of Terri & Scot Stuminger
Claire Tanenbaum, daughter of Laura & Alan Tanenbaum
For details, please contact Program
Director Jan Reisman, 937.2781 or
janr@timemphis.org.
mishpacha
•
family
•
temple israel
Shalom!
new name, same mission
10
On June 1st Nadine King
will be retiring after 26
years of devoted work
with God’s Unfinished
Business.
Dr. Nadine King
This committee was
created 34 years ago
following a sermon by
Rabbi Harry Danziger.
Deanna Kaminsky, Rabbi
Marc Belgrad, and Cantor
John Kaplan served as
key liaisons to this 1980s
initiative which continues
to do so much good for
members of our congregational family.
Through the years, what
was known as the “GUB”
committee has performed countless loving acts of kindness for
Temple Israel members.
Nadine would be the
first to acknowledge the
legions of volunteers she
has inspired, but without
her leadership the past
26 years, there would be
no followers. (Stay tuned
for an upcoming preneg
reception in honor of
Nadine.)
Cares
“A Jew,” Rabbi Abraham
Joshua Heschel taught,
“is required to take a leap
of action rather than a
leap of faith,” and I am
thrilled to announce that
our amazing outgoing
WRJ-Temple Israel Sisterhood President, Debbie
Jackson, has agreed to
succeed Nadine in taking
our caring congregation from strength to
strength.
Volunteers deliver meals for MIFA.
more of our members
and help connect
Temple members to
new areas of concern.
Debbie’s cabinet of
new “connectors” will
include, among others,
Waynette Besser, Sheryl
Gorden, Melissa Faber,
Barry Lichterman, Cathy
Poulin, Debbie Kriger,
and Kathy Wexler.
Temple Cares will
continue visiting the
Memphis Jewish Home
Debbie Jackson
and assisted living
The committee will not facilities, bringing meals
to those who need
change, and Temple
assistance during a
is so grateful for their
difficult time, delivering
commitment through
the years. However, there meals for MIFA,
will be some new faces preparing lunches for
hospital ICU families,
on the team to reach
The new name for this
committee as it continues
to grow is Temple
Volunteers make visits to assisted living facilities
Cares, Performing God’s
and Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab.
Unfinished Business.
Voice • May 2016
making bereavement
calls, and driving Temple
members to their doctor
appointments.
New directions include
one-on-one visits to Temple members aging in
place and to those with
limited mobility living
in other facilities. There
will also be a resource for
Temple families seeking
help for family members
in need of recovery from
drugs and other addictions.
If you are interested in
volunteering for Temple
Cares or know of someone who would not
otherwise reach out,
please contact Debbie at
djack327@bellsouth.net
or 901.604.1511.
The key to Temple, as this
rabbi sees it, has been
members like Nadine and
Debbie, whose leadership, initiative and new
thinking helps us fulfill
our mission to do the
most good for the most
people.
L’Shalom,
Rabbi Micah Greenstein
VOICE
ICYMI
in case you missed it
11
1) March 15, ConnecTI pasta making 2) March 20, Kids Purimspiel 3) March 20, Purim Carnival
4) April 6, Dr. Gary Zola lecture 5) Feb. 19, Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center Grandparents’ Day
6) April 2, Brotherhood dinner/scotch tasting 7) April 17, Noah Aronson concert/Havdalah
8) April 6, Music Hangout 9) March 23, Purimspiel 10) April 6, Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center
Temple Town 11) April 7, Prime Timers dinner/music 12) Feb. 20, Dan Nichols Music Midrash/Havdalah
mishpacha
•
family
•
temple israel
Shalom!
12
coming up... a chronological listing of selected upcoming happenings
NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM TOUR
CAREER TRANSITION GROUP
Sunday, May 1 and Sunday, May 15, 9:30 am
Receive help finding a job through resume writing tips, interview techniques, and other methods. The topic for May 1st is
“Following Up with Networking Contacts and Employers.” Ron
Hoffman will be the guest speaker on May 15th.
Barbara Hermann, barbhermann@aol.com
Rob Mann, robertdmann@gmail.com
LIFELONG LEARNING
Sunday, May 1, 11 am
Engage in Judaism through a meaningful course
with Dr. Joe Levy. The topic is: David: Warrior, Lover,
Fugitive, Father, Hero, and Poet.
MITZVAH OPPORTUNITY
Dr. Joe Levy
Prepare snacks for the students, plus
casseroles for them to take home to their
families, in the Temple kitchen at this Sisterhood sponsored effort for MIFA’s COOL
initiative. Children ages 12 and older are
welcome to participate.
Elise Meyer, imaginethatem@aol.com
GOLF TOURNAMENT
Monday, May 9, 12 pm
Ridgeway Country Club
Tee it up at MRJ-Temple Israel Brotherhood’s
13th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. The
fundraiser includes lunch from Corky’s and
dinner from Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
RSVP: QR code or timemphis.org
brotherhood@timemphis.org
ROSH CHODESH
Tuesday, May 10, 7 pm
So, what is this Rosh Chodesh, and why do we celebrate it? Join
us in May for a fun evening while we learn some of the history
and music surrounding this unique holiday.
LIVING WISELY
This month’s session of the Living Wisely series with
Rabbi Strauss, which explores how Jewish holidays
enrich our lives, is entitled, “How to Turn History into
Memory: How Memories of the Holocaust and Jewish History During the Omer Forge Jewish Identity Rabbi Strauss
and Meaning in Our Everyday Lives.”
Please bring your brown bag lunch; cookies and
drinks will be supplied.
RSVP (May 10): QR code, 761.3130, or timemphis.org
BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, May 11, 1:30 pm
The group will discuss Peony by Pearl Buck. All are
welcome to attend these book club meetings,
which are held on the second Wednesday of the
month. (Read Natchez Burning by Greg Iles for the
June meeting.)
Voice • May 2016
Ashley Tobias, chair of this program, invites
adults of all ages to join Rabbi Greenstein – who has served
on the Board and Executive Committee of the National Civil
Rights Museum since the 1990s – as he leads a thought-provoking tour of the museum through a Jewish lens.
Meet at the museum.
RSVP ($13/ticket) by May 9: QR code, timemphis.org,
or 761.3130
L’DOR VADOR SHABBAT SERVICE & DINNER
Wednesday, May 4, 5:30 pm
Wednesday, May 11, 12 pm
Sunday, May 15, 2:45 pm
450 Mulberry Street
Friday, May 20, 6:15 pm
This lively, music-filled,
Shabbat service is for
children to grandparents
and everyone in between.
After the service, enjoy
dinner together.
RSVP (by May 18): QR code or timemphis.org
Jackie Evans, 937.2777, jackiee@timemphis.org
HAVDALAH PAJAMA PARTY FOR TOTS
Saturday, May 21, 5:30 pm
Havdalah is the beautiful, short, sensory
service that ends Shabbat. Celebrate the end
of the day of rest with games, dinner, and a
musical Havdalah service, all in our jammies!
RSVP (by May 18): QR code or timemphis.org
Jackie Evans, 937.2777, jackiee@timemphis.org
MEET OUR LIVING TORAH ARTIST
Sunday, May 22, 12-5 pm
Bornblum Jewish Community School
Meet Living Torah artist Michal Meron and her
husband Alon Baker during this gallery show
and sale, which will feature an exhibit on the
500th anniversary of the Venice ghetto.
Prints and paintings from her collection will be
on display and for sale, as well as her collection
of handmade glass mezuzah cases.
co-sponsored by Temple Israel
Jan Reisman, 937.2781 or janr@timemphis.org
Michal Meron
ONGOING MITZVAH OPPORTUNITIES
Thursdays, 1:30-3 pm
Knit and crochet bears for children in emerging nations who
are affected by HIV/AIDS; and caps, scarves, and lap robes for
MIFA’s Love Caps Program and Wings at West Clinic.
Jenny Baer, jjb8126@aol.com
ONGOING MITZVAH OPPORTUNITIES
Tuesdays, 8-11:30 am
1268 Jefferson Avenue
Get involved at Manna House, a place of hospitality for the
homeless. Welcome guests who drop in for coffee and conversation, a change of clothes, and hygiene items. Donations
of t-shirts, baseball caps, jeans, and shorts are needed as well.
Ann Wilson, anndwilson41@gmail.com
VOICE
coming up... two featured programs
13
JUDAISM’S
BEST
IDEAS
INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM FOR ALL LEARNERS
According to the Torah, the Jewish people are commanded to count every day from the
second day of Passover (the day the Omer harvest offering was brought to the Temple) to the
festival of Shavuot, 7 weeks in total. The act of counting this 49-day period (7 weeks x 7 days)
is called Counting of the Omer. It is a time of contemplation and anticipation which represents
the journey of the Israelites from the Red Sea to Sinai, from Passover to Shavuot, the holiday
when we celebrate receiving the Torah. During this significant 7-week period, our Temple
clergy will offer a course entitled “Judaism’s Best Ideas.” We look forward to learning with you!
What: Judaism’s Best Ideas – an introduction to and exploration of several of the best ideas in Jewish religious
tradition – will be based on the book Judaism’s 10 Best Ideas by Arthur Green, PhD.
Who: This will be taught by Temple clergy and offered as an introduction to Judaism for those new to the religion
and as an exploration and refresher for those looking to deepen their understanding (and everyone in-between).
When: The classes will meet from 7-8 pm on these Wednesdays: May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, June 1, and June 8.
Why: The Counting of the Omer is a perfect time to deepen our relationship to the Torah and Judaism; to learn more
about ourselves and our neighbors, and to strengthen our community through learning.
How: To RSVP by May 3, scan the QR code, go to timemphis.org, or call 761.3130. The cost ($18/Temple
Israel member; $36/non-member) covers the book and other learning materials for the course and
supports Temple Israel’s educational initiatives.
Questions? Please contact Program Director Jan Reisman, 937.2781 or janr@timemphis.org.
Passing the Baton:
Installation of Sisterhood’s Board
Thursday, May 19, 6 pm
This wonderful occasion, which includes wine and appetizers in
Temple’s East Hall and dinner and the installation program in
Ettelson-Wax Hall, honors outgoing Sisterhood President Debbie
Jackson and her board and features the installation of incoming
President Nancy Kline and her new executive committee.
During the program, the Nominating Committee, chaired by Sue
Pfeffer, will present the following proposed slate for the 2016-2018
WRJ-Temple Israel Sisterhood Executive Committee:
President: Nancy Shainberg Kline; Vice Presidents: Melissa Faber,
Nancy Shainberg Kline
Elise Meyer, Cathy Poulin; Treasurer: Waynette Besser; Membership
Secretary: Rena Rose; Assistant Membership Secretary: Jennifer Ross; Recording Secretary:
Deborah Bilsky; Corresponding Secretary: Julie Boshwit; Parliamentarian: Wendy Lippin;
Directors: Sarah Eckstein, Bari Eiseman, Lisa Frisch, Phyllis Gregory, Cathy Kessler, Billie Pierce,
Natalie Royal, Barbara Towbin, Kathy Wexler
To RSVP (by May 15; $18/person) for this celebration, please call 937.2790 and send checks
(payable to WRJ-Sisterhood) to Temple. Also, please indicate if you have any seating preferences.
mishpacha
•
family
•
temple israel
14
THE CONNECTION POINT
A smooth transition
by ConnecTI’s Becci Jacobs
connectimemphis.org
I moved to Memphis about six months
ago, so I think that I still count as a “New
Memphian,” and I’ve loved getting to
explore everything this city and Jewish
community have to offer. ConnecTI programming has been an incredible gateway for me to meet other young Jewish professionals, learn about
Memphis, and most importantly grow my own Jewish identity in ways I never anticipated.
At my first Underground Shabbat in the fall, I shared that the highlight of
my week was being selected to participate in the URJ Roswell Klal Yisrael
Fellowship – an international Jewish leadership development program.
With this fellowship, I traveled to Israel and spent a
week with 17 other Jewish leaders from Reform and
Progressive communities all over the world. It was
incredible to meet Jews from places like Ukraine, Germany, and Hungary, and we spent the week critically
examining our own Jewish communities and what we can do to improve them.
During one session, the facilitator posed a very big, very difficult question to our group:
What are the three biggest challenges facing the Jewish world today? We sat silently
for a few minutes before the group slowly began to debate. The facilitator split us into
smaller groups to dissect one of the problems, and my group chose “the inaccessibility
Becci Jacobs
of religion,” as we called it – the idea that young adults are disassociating from religion
and religious communities because they see it as outdated and irrelevant in the modern world. Then the
facilitator told us we had to come up with a metaphor to represent the problem. Strange task, right?
After some brainstorming, someone suggested the metaphor of a really strict teacher – one who inhibits
creativity or change and requires students to perform a task a certain way. An art teacher, for example,
who asks students to draw a portrait of a model, but insists that is must be literal, realistic, using only ink
and paper, therefore restricting students’ ability to be innovative and imaginative. This teacher, we concluded, represents the population that says there’s only one way to be Jewish.
Here in Memphis, however, I’ve found a Jewish community that is quite the opposite:
ConnecTI has introduced me to a passionate group of young adults who build Jewish
community and identity in a way that’s applicable to every other facet of our lives.
We have endless opportunities to “be Jewish”: we participate in Judaism formally, in
settings like Underground Shabbat and in the generous invitations we’ve received
to join Temple Israel families for pre-holiday meals; we use our Jewish community
to grow professionally through the ConnecTI Mentorship Program and the incredible “grown-ups” we’ve been paired with, and we engage with the greater Memphis
community through social programming and volunteer opportunities.
I often say that I’m a Jewish professional and professionally Jewish: in working in
Jewish camping and youth programming, a big piece of my job is to foster and develop Jewish identity among our children and teen participants. Memphis has given
me a community that helps me practice for myself what I teach to others; ConnecTI
is an incredible example of what it means to adapt Judaism in a way that’s relevant and accessible in our
lives, and I’m grateful to have found a community that helps me grow my own Jewish identity.
Voice • May 2016
VOICE
15
According to the Talmud, giving is as important as all of the other commandments combined.
Thank you to those listed below who made donations to these Temple Israel funds in the month of March: Barbara K. Lipman Early
Learning Center, Cemetery, Clergy’s Discretionary, General, Grounds & Beautification, MeFTY, MRJ-Brotherhood, Museum, Service to
the Blind, Beulah R. Vosse Library, Rabbi Wax Memorial, WRJ-Sisterhood, and the Wendy & Avron Fogelman Religious School.
For the recovery of
Doris Z. Tenenbaum
Sonya Krivcher
Norman Kochman
Trudi & Reid Evensky
Bernard Lapides
Shirley Lapides
Mary Lapides Shela and Jason Shela
Cathy Lapides Weil
Joseph Aaron Lebovitz
Leonard, Ida, Alec & Paul
Engelberg
In memory of
Maxine & Mike Shepard
Ivy Miller Abel
Philip Levin
Sandra & Elliot Abel
Muriel Turner
Ceil G. Abraham
Kip Lichterman
Patty & Dr. Lee Abraham
Barrie & Kenneth Wurzburg
Adele Bedrin
Nathan Loskovitz
Michelle & Brian Blake
In honor of
Rena Wagner Loskovitz
Alexander Lee Bernstein
Sylvia Appleton
Myrna Thomas
Mr. & Mrs. Allan Bernstein
Jane & Dr. Gene Eckstein
Pauline Plesofsky
Dr. Burt Bodan
Vicki & Dr. Edward Lazarus
Sandy Kessler & Michael Woolsey
Christian Brothers of the Midwest, Inc. Brett Bernatsky
David Reagler, Sr.
Leo Brody
Hermine Davidson
Shirley & H. I. Summerfield
Natalie Graber & family
Gordon Louis Brode
Sam Rosenblum
Dr. Rick Cohn
Jeri & Allen Israel
Maureen Rosenblum
Nancy & Dr. Morris Stallings & family Stacy Canales
Ronna Wilons Sandler
Sara Natalie Cooper
Alvin Notowich
Rochelle & Elliott Wilons
Jeanne & Dr. Bruce Alpert
Jed Dreifus
Diana Sater
Trudi & Reid Evensky
Karen & Murray Riss
Rose Gerber Evans
Freddi & Joe Felt
Bob Brame
Paula & Joel Picker
Rachel Felt Tasch & Ted Tasch
UT Med Ed
Bill Felt
Avron Fogelman
Laura Edwards
Harriet Alperin & family
Ina & Dick Eiseman
Bruce Kahn
Jill Lyon Fisher
Inez Fried
Ellen Cooper Klyce
Marcia & Tom Fisher
Hallie Elliot
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Nathan
Charlee Gross Baer Fleischer
Sheryl Gorden
Carole & Dr. Charles Plesofsky
Aimee G. Ginsburg
Sharon Berman
Sylvia & Bill Ryan
Curt & Jeffrey Ward
Rabbi Micah Greenstein
J. Michael Shields
Ruth Cecelia Glass
Jean & Buddy Ballin
Zina Schaefer
Marianne & Berkley Wolff
Jim Craig
Yvonne & Paul Levine
Abe Goodman, Jr.
Hermine Davidson
Ruth Selvan
M. Bene Kaplan
Myrna & Ron Halpern
Irwin R. Hollander
Elaine & Dr. Robert Kaufman
Arlene Gritz & family
Wendy Kaplan, Harmon “Bubba”
Victor Stanley Shainberg
Marjorie Kohl Inglis
Miller & Susan Miller
Deanna & Dr. Albert Burson
Phyllis & Edward M. Kaplan
Mason Gronauer
Arnold Turner
Lewis “Pat” Isaacs
Janis & Pat Finan
Muriel Turner
Skip Gronauer
Sonia Van Buskirk
Sam Jacobs
Dr. Steven Gubin
Gail & Dr. Myron Lewis
Hermine Davidson
Judy Kaplan McCown & Pete Lemmon Welville H. Wolfson
Ernest Ray Kaplan
Zachary Herman
Deborah & Sam Brackstone
Adele Kaplan Kisber
Hud McGehee
Sandra Young
Morris Katz
Jay Kahn
Fay & Buddy Jason
Marilyn & Alan Magnus
Marilyn & Herb Notowich
Ezra Krivcher
Dot & Herbie Lipman
Annie P. Krivcher
Racelle Mednikow
Polly Dunn
Hermine Davidson
Marilyn Glazer
Hilda Kaufman
L. R. Jalenak
Faye Marks
Ron Perel
May Lynn Mansbach
Dr. Charles Plesofsky
Louise & Jerry Sklar
Rochelle & Dr. Avron Slutsky
Judy Ringel
Gil Travel
Raymond Shainberg
Deanna & Dr. Albert Burson
Judy & Nick Ringel
Linda H. Usdan
Aimee G. Ginsburg
Art Wolff
Bobbie & Herman Goldberger
We extend our sympathy
and condolences to the
families of these loved
ones of blessed memory:
Jack Drucker
Charlee Fleischer
Judy Goldfarb
Lawrence Korshak
Eunice Ordman
Lenette Weinrit Schranze
Scott Allen Terle
Mazal tov to:
Melanie Rudner Herron &
Brandon Herron on the birth of a
daughter; Cheri & Henry Rudner
& Karin Herron on the birth of a
granddaughter; Rosalie Rudner
& Doris Lansky on the birth of a
great-granddaughter.
Karen & Todd Bernstein on the
birth of a son; Linda Bernstein &
Crystal Cooper on the birth of a
grandson
Alyssa Dragutsky & Eric Wilson on
their marriage.
We welcome our newest
members to the Temple
Israel family:
Troy Greer
Suzanne Gruner & Morgan Tate
Amanda Druce & Mike Spinner
Leigh Eisenberg & Jeremy Less
Shira Shiloah & Matthew Arledge
Bryna Woodman
Bradley Roberts & Matthew Brewer
Jennifer & Jeff Kollath and Presley
Dr. Erica Kaye & Dr. Zach
Abramson and Eliana
Alyssa Dragutsky & Eric Wilson
Melanie & Brandon Herron and
Lailie
Temple Israel ~ 1376 E. Massey Rd. ~ Memphis, TN 38120 ~ 901.761.3130 ~ timemphis.org
Temple Israel is a sanctuary for prayer and inspiration,
a vibrant center for Jewish learning, and a congregational home
for living Torah. We are a source of strength and a force for good
for Reform Jews, the greater community, and the world.
Jonathan Frisch, President
E. Elkan Scheidt, Sr. Vice Pres.
Laurie Meskin, Vice Pres.
David Rosenthal, Vice Pres.
Alex Saharovich, Vice Pres.
Leigh Mansberg, Secretary
Mark Fogelman, Treasurer
David L. Bearman, Counsel
Paula Jacobson, Immediate Past Pres.
Debbie Jackson, WRJ-Sisterhood Pres.
Jeff Rosenberg, MRJ-Brotherhood Pres.
Andrew Rogers, MeFTY Pres.
Stacy Canales, Executive Director
Micah D. Greenstein, Senior Rabbi
Katie M. Bauman, Associate Rabbi
Bess B. Wohlner, Assistant Rabbi
Rabbi Feivel Strauss, Senior Educator
Abbie Strauss, Cantorial Soloist
Harry K. Danziger, Rabbi Emeritus
John M. Kaplan, Cantor Emeritus
Temple Israel is a member of the
Union for Reform Judaism.
reformjudaism.org ~ urj.org
mishpacha
•
family
•
temple israel
PERIODICALS
POSTAGE
PAID
AT MEMPHIS, TN
1376 East Massey Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38120
The Voice is published monthly (combined June/July issue) by Temple Israel.
Periodicals postage paid (USPS 780-460). Return service requested.
Knock ‘em down to build it up!
High school junior Marcus Gronauer first learned about Temple Israel’s partnership to
build a home with Habitat for Humanity this fall, in association with Sukkot, through
Ben Orgel, the coach of his Ragin’ Rabbis basketball team.
The conversation stuck with Marcus, and he knew he wanted to help in whatever
way he could. He considered several ideas for fundraisers, but he thought he
could incorporate his involvement with being on the MUS Bowling Team with an
opportunity to raise money for this effort to build a home for a family in need.
It took “forever” to come up with a name for a bowling fundraising event, but in
brainstorming with his dad, the name Frame it Up for Humanity emerged.
“The name is perfect, because of the bowling “It is important to be generous
term ‘frame’ and a house frame,” he said.
and help people out.”
~Marcus Gronauer
When asked what he hopes those involved
with Frame it Up for Humanity and the other upcoming fundraisers for Habitat
learn from these experiences, he was quick to respond.
“First and foremost, I want people to know how important it is to help
somebody in need. There are some parts in our Greater Memphis area that have
Strike! Marcus shows off his form. been struggling, and we need to help people there out.”
He pointed out that we all have a hand in tikkun olam, the repair of the world.
“It is important to be generous and help people out,” Marcus emphasized. “A little goes a long way, and every donation
counts because it all adds up.”
The Frame it Up for Humanity bowling fundraiser is on Saturday, May 7, from 1-3 pm at Cordova Bowling Center. The
$30/person admission includes shoe rental, pizza, and soft drinks.
Go to timemphis.org to RSVP and
to access a link to the website
Marcus created that is devoted to
Frame it Up for Humanity.
RSVP

May 2016 - Temple Israel

Transcription

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