September 2016 Newsletter - Temple Beth El Bradenton

Temple Beth El Bradenton
September 2016
A REFORM CONGREGATION
4200 32ND STREET WEST
BRADENTON, FL 34205
www.TempleBethElBradenton.com
941.755.4900
TBEBradentonFL@yahoo.com
“News and Views”
By Rabbi Michael Sternfield
At a recent Shabbat eve service, at which we had a
Questions & Answers session, I was asked: “Do you
believe that Reform Judaism has a future?” My
response was that I am skeptical. As a life-long
Reform Jew and a Reform rabbi for 43 years, this
was not an easy or pleasant response for me to
give. Still, it would have been dishonest to sugar
coat my answer. There are several factors that
weigh heavily on this matter.
Shabbat Services are
every Friday night at
7:30 pm; Saturday
morning at 10 am
followed by
Torah Study
First, let us consider …(con’t on page 2)
President’s message
By Sandra Clark
Dear TBE Family,
The Clark's are home and happy to be with all of you
again. As the High Holy Days approach, the office staff
and the Ritual committee are working hard to get all of
the information packets out to members and guests
alike. Some of you may have heard that you will need
"entry tickets" so let me try to explain. The entry tickets
are really for information as to who might be coming - not necessarily for
members entry. Please know that no one will ever be turned away from
praying at Temple Beth El. Members, we will be using extra ushers this
year so if you can usher. please sign up as soon as you get the packets.
There is a new excitement among us entering this new year. We are
having a special children’s service for Rosh Hashanah out East, we
have been working closely with the Federation and we have had many
new people coming to services. Looking forward to seeing you at
Services or High Holidays!
See you all soon, Sandy Clark
Who wants to join us
for Religious or
Hebrew School?
Call the Temple for
more information!!
941-755-4900
The over-all birthrate of American Jews is well below ZPG. We are an aging population, not only
here in Florida, but throughout the U.S.
Second, the preponderance of interfaith marriage, now at close to 80% among non-Orthodox Jews,
is resulting in the vast majority of young families opting to forgo religious identity altogether. Yes,
there are many couples that choose to raise their children as Jews, but not the preponderance.
Third, in a broader general sense, the generation that is known as the Millennial mostly is forgoing
organized religion. If a family or an individual chooses not to belong or even to identify with a
particular religion, this is regarded simply as a matter of personal choice, without anyone thinking
less of them. This is the case with almost all of the mainstream religious communities:
Presbyterians, Methodists, Episcopalians, and Catholics as well. The only denominations that are
showing vitality are at the extremes: Evangelicals, Muslims and Orthodox Jews. I purposely do not
include the Mega-churches since these are not religious movements, but a form of entertainment, in
the guise of feel-good religion.
Fourth, it is simply too expensive to affiliate with most synagogues. It is not uncommon for a family
to be asked to pay $2000 to $3000 a year just to belong to the congregation and send their children
to religious school. Given the many financial demands on young families, it is not surprising that,
given the choice between affiliation and, for example, a nice family vacation, many will choose the
latter.
I do not intend for this to be a doom and gloom message. Rather, it should be a wake-up call. There
are positive responses to most of these issues, except for the matter of the birthrate. We need to
embrace the situation, as it is, and not as we wish it would be. Gone are the days when it was
simply expected that a family would join a congregation.
The good news is that the vast majority of younger Jews continue to feel proud to be Jewish,
regardless of their lack of observance.
A concept that is gaining traction is “Big Tent Judaism,” which I definitely favor. What is means is
that Jewish congregations and communities must draw a very wide circle, forgoing judgment and
expectations, both explicitly and implicitly. It means opening our doors widely, and removing as
many obstacles as possible, including financial ones. Essentially, the key to a vibrant Jewish future
is inclusivity. Fortunately, liberal attitudes and openness are long-standing ideals of Reform
Judaism. We must now demonstrate that our actions need to match our attitudes.
That is my vision for Temple Beth El and I hope it is yours as well. A well-used slogan in Reform
congregations is: “My house shall be a house of prayer for all people.” (Isaiah 56:5) We need to
demonstrate that we mean it.
Shalom,
Rabbi Michael P. Sternfield
Rabbi Michael Sternfield is available to meet with you for counseling, guidance or to discuss issues or concerns.
He is also available for Jewish and interfaith weddings; funerals and memorial services, and other life cycle events.
Call the temple to make an appointment.
Ritual
Kate Richmond, Ritual Chair
Shabbat Live! continues to be a wonderful
addition to our Services. It is a once a month
musical, Friday night, Shabbat. The TBE
musicians will be taking a summer break. The
next Musical Shabbat will be on Friday,
September 23rd. Although, with our cantorial
Soloist, Deborah Suta, it is always a musical
Shabbat!
Our Havdalah services are a great way to
end Shabbat and start the week off right.
We have a dairy pot luck meal and a
wonderful music followed by a short
Havdalah service. It is a very special
evening. Would you like to invite your
Temple family to Havdalah in your home?
Contact Kate.
Mark your calendars for the HHD’s.
Sunday, Oct 2nd - Erev Rosh Hashanah 7:30 pm
Monday, Oct 3rd - Rosh Hashanah and lunch 10:00 am
Tuesday, Oct 4th - Tashlich 5:30 pm At Bradenton Riverfront Amphitheater
Wednesday, Oct 11th - Kol Nidre 7:30 pm
Thursday, Oct 12th - Yom Kippur including Yizkor 10:00 am
Wednesday, October 12th 4:30 pm Musical Interlude. 5:30 pm Neilah & Havdalah Service
Break the Fast to follow at IMG Golf Club
Membership
Leonard Shlain, Membership Chair
Membership in a synagogue represents a commitment to the community. It means that you are
involved in keeping Jewish life alive and seeing it continue to the next generation. It also gives
you a framework of giving and contributing to the Shul, and it means that you are a partner in
supporting the financial needs of the Synagogue which we are all part of. If you are interested in
joining Temple Beth El Bradenton, please contact Lenard Schlain at 941- 359-8997.
Our Calendar
Friday, September 2nd - Shabbat Service 7:30 pm
Saturday, September 3rd - Shabbat Service and Torah Study 10 am
Wednesday, September 14th - Beth El International Jewish Film Series
Friday, September 16th - Men’s Club Shabbat Service 7:30 pm
Saturday, September 17th - Shabbat Service and Torah Study 10 am
Sunday, September 18th - Trip to Bunker Hill Winery, 12 pm at TBE to carpool
Wednesday, September 21st- Sisterhood Meeting (Time TBD)
Friday, September 23rd - Shabbat Live, Musical Service for Selichot 7:30 pm
Saturday, September 24th - Shabbat Service and Torah Study 10 am
Saturday, September 24th - Selichot Service 7:30 pm
Wednesday, Saturday, September 28th - TBE Board Meeting
Friday, September 30th - Shabbat Service 7:30 pm
There's more! Check out ALL the TBE EVENTS and details on the websiteview in either list or calendar view.
AND print for your records!!
www.templebethelbradenton.com
BETH EL Jewish Film Series
Join us as we have dinner together and then
watch the movie…Dinner will be prepared by
our resident chef, Rabbi Michael Sternfield.
(nothing spicy) $7 pp.
Mark your calendars!!
September: La Rafle
(France) French dinner
October: The other son
(Israel) Israeli dinner
November: The wedding
song (Tunisia) caution:
some nudity, Tunisian
dinner
The Musical Havdalah was wonderful! Thank
you Florence Schulman for opening your
home to us.
Education
Susie Konicov, Educational Chair
Our Hebrew & Religious school is an interactive, hands-on teaching experience. We are currently
enrolling children for both Religious and Hebrew School. If you are interested in registering your
child for Hebrew or Religious school, please contact Miss Susie.
ADULT HEBREW:
Beginner and Intermediate. Classes led by Susie Konicov. Mondays at
11:30 am to 12:30 pm. NEW TIME. Please call
Susie or the Temple for more information on classes.
Donations
TBE SISTERHOOD INCLUDING CHALLAH, WINE, ONEG & KIDDUSH
Jean Shames in memory of Jerry Shames and Robert Dunn.
YARZHEITS
Linda Hoffman in memory of Lawrence Slavin & Lillian Samson; Eunice Bruton in
memory of Jerry Shames and Anette Shames; Jean Ellis in memory of Sarah Ellis
and David Levy; Sandy & Neil Clark in memory of Seymour Kleinman.
IN MEMEORY OF DICK NORRIS, CELIA STRICKLER’S HUSBAND
Len Schlain, Marlena Johnsky; Jean Ellis.
MISCELLANEOUS
Lisa & David Harris in honor of Eunice Bruton’s 90th Birthday; Gary Konicov.
SIMCHA GRAM CARDS FOR BIRTHDAY, ANNIVERSARY, GET WELL, OR
CONGRATULATIONS
Sandy & Neil Clark; Jean Ellis; Marlena Johnsky; Beverly Safron.
Send a Simcha Gram!!
TBE sends Birthday, Anniversary, Bar/Bat Mitzvah and other celebration “Simcha-grams” to
members in honor of their special day. This is a wonderful way to contribute to your Synagogue
and to send your TBE family good wishes. This is also an easy way for our Synagogue to make
extra money, so please take the time to fill this out. To have your name included in the
congratulatory card, just print this form and circle those names you wish to be included on and
enclose $2.00 per name. A card will be mailed to those individuals prior to their special day.
Names must be received at the office by the 20th of the month prior
to the birthday or anniversary.
SIMCHA GRAM FORM
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OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
3
Joy Shames
19
Micah Aaron Metcalf-Clark
29
Stephanie Peshek
OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES
11
Julius & Sophie Reiner
30
Joshua & Lisa Leuchter
Your Name ____________________________________________
How would you like your Signature on card? ________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________
# of Names Selected @ $2.00 each _________
Check total:______________________
In the memo area of your check write: Simcha Gram
and send by the 20th of the month prior to the simcha month to:
Temple Beth El
Attention: Simcha Gram
4200 32nd Street W.
Bradenton, Fl 34205
If we have somehow overlooked your Simcha or made an error in printing the date,
please accept our apologies and call the temple office at 941-755-4900 so that we may
update our records.
Sisterhood News
Marilyn Steinberg, Sisterhood Co-President
Our Sisterhood is exploring a service project which will include volunteer opportunities of several
kinds. SELAH FREEDOM is an organization who's mission is the rescue of girls and women from
human trafficking. The initial encounter we had with the organization was following our July
luncheon meeting when we visited the thrift shop, in Bradenton, which raises money to support
their work. Some volunteer opportunities are within various aspects of the shop. At our September
meeting on Sept 21, a speaker from the Educational Department of Selah Freedom will talk about
the organization's work and how Sisterhood members may fit into the many volunteer
opportunities. Don't miss this important meeting. Watch for further announcements as the time
has yet to be fixed. We will have lunch either following the speaker or on another day. Pay
attention to get further details.
Want to have a say in what's happening with Sisterhood? Attend these luncheon meetings and
bring your ideas.
Co-chairs: Susan Shipotofsky 941-798-3514 shipotofsky@aol.com and Marilyn Steinberg
352-530-7725 marilyn.steinberg7@gmail.com
Men’s Club News
Neil Clark, Men’s Club President
The Men's Club has events scheduled for this already. The first one is, Men’s Club Shabbat. This
will be on Friday, September 16th at the Synagogue at 7:30 pm. The Men of TBE will be
participating in the service.
Then! On Sunday, September 18th, there will be
an exciting trip to the Bunker Hill Winery in Duette
for wine tasting, tour and luncheon. Last year's
trip was a huge success and full of fun. Space is
limited, so call ?? To RSVP We will be meeting at
the temple at noon to car pool. $18 pp includes
wine, lunch and tour of the winery.
Sunday, September 18th at 1pm. Open to the
entire congregation!
Memorial Plots
available from Temple Beth El
Please remember TBE in your will,
there is no greater gift.
Located in Palmetto, Florida, Skyway
Memorial Gardens has been serving the
residents of Manatee County since 1952. The
tranquility of Skyway ensures a peaceful
resting place for years to come. Call TBE for
more info on the "Garden of Abraham"
Monthly payment plans now available through
TBE
A project of the sisterhood is to feed the
hungry. There is a food barrel in the foyer,
waiting for your contribution. Please bring your
nonperishable food items as often as possible.
Hunger has no season.
Office
Got pocket change? Remember Pushke
money? Put your change each day in a
ziplock bag, then bring the bag to the
Temple as a donation. Every little bit
helps! It is a great way to get the kids to
contribute too!
Jean Ellis, Office Manager
The TBE office is available to you or for your questions. We are open
Tuesdays thru Fridays, 9:00 am - Noon.
For Rabbi or Temple information or to RSVP for an event, please call the Temple office.
941-755-4900
The Office is located at Temple Beth El, 4200 32nd Street West, Bradenton 34205
Got pocket change? Remember Pushke money? Put your change each day in a ziplock bag, then bring the bag
to the Temple as a donation. Every little bit helps! It is a great way to get the kids to contribute too!
Sponsor the Challah and wine, the Oneg (Friday night) or the Kiddush (Sat. morning) for a
birthday or anniversary, in memory of someone or 'just because'.
Contact the office, 941-755-4900 for more information.
Please make checks for Oneg and/ or Challah and Wine to: Temple Beth El Sisterhood
Friday & Sat Wine & Challah- $25 each. Friday Oneg- $30 Saturday Kiddush -$35
Friday, wine and challah and Oneg combined is $55. Saturday, wine and challah and Kiddush $60.
If you are making a Yahrzeit donation, please send it with the Yahrzeit letter so that it can be posted in memory of the person you are honoring.
Make checks out to Temple Beth El
“It is a Tree of Life to those who hold fast to it.” Proverbs 3:18
Purchasing a leaf (or leaves) is a wonderful way to mark and sanctify precious life
events, such as: B’nai Mitzvah, engagements, weddings, birth of a child or
grandchild, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion. It I also a loving way
to remember those who have gone before us.
Call the TEBE office for more info 941-755-4900
TEMPLE BETH EL DIRECTORY
www.templebethelbradenton.com
www.facebook.com/TBEBradenton
4200 32nd St W. Bradenton, FL 34207
(941)-755-4900
TBEBradentonFL@yahoo.com
Office hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Staff
Rabbi
Michael Sternfield
Cantor Emeritus
Alan Cohn
Deborah Suta
Cantorial Soloist
Jean Ellis
Office Manager
Religious Education Director
Susie Konicov
Executive Board
Sandy Clark
President
Karen Knoell
Exec. Vice President
2nd V.P. Community
Dr. Irving Zamikoff
Treasurer
Stacie Rosenstein
Secretary
Celia Strickler
Immediate Past President
Dr. Lois Gerber
Board Members
Katherine Richmond
Ritual
Susie Konicov
Education
Publicity & Social Media
Dr. Robyn Spirtas
Leonard Schlain
Membership
Social Events
Marilyn Steinberg/Susan Shipotofsky
Sisterhood
Neil Clark
Men's Club
Board Members at Large
Michael Polin
Betty and Arnie Klein
This entire newsletter and additional photos are available on our
website: www.templebethelbradenton.com
IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE TEMPLE E-MAILS PLEASE
e-mail Robyn Spirtas at drrobyn1202@gmail.com so she can
make sure you are included.