Temple Topics Jan.-Feb. 2012
Transcription
Temple Topics Jan.-Feb. 2012
Beth Haverim Shir Shalom EMPLE BETH HAVE VERI RIM M SHIR SHALOM TOPIC TEVET/SHEVAT/ADAR 5772 Friday, January 6 VOLUME 28 NO. 3 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 8:00 PM Saturday, January 7 10:00 AM Friday, January 13 7:00 PM Oneg Shabbat Hosts: the Konikow family Bar Mitzvah of Matthew Konikow Family Service Oneg Shabbat Hosts: the Kossar and Mittleman families Please note the early start time. Birthdays in January will be celebrated. Saturday, January 14 Friday, January 20 10:00 AM B'nai Mitzvah of Dylan Kossar and Jordan Mittleman 11:30 AM Tot Shabbat 8:00 PM Saturday, January 21 10:00 AM Friday, January 27 Saturday, January 28 Friday, February 3 Oneg Shabbat Hosts: the Miller family B'not Mitzvah of Sarah Miller and Tracy Miller 8:00 PM Oneg Shabbat Hosts: the Barr and Scholl families 10:00 AM B'nai Mitzvah of Jeremy Barr and Amanda Scholl 8:00 PM Shabbat Shirah Oneg Shabbat Hosts: the Peller family Saturday, February 4 10:00 AM Friday, February 10 7:00 PM B'not Mitzvah of Alexandra Peller and Fallon Peller Please note the early start time. Birthdays in February will be celebrated. Saturday, February 11 Friday, February 17 11:30 AM Tot Shabbat 10:00 AM Friday, February 24 8:00 PM Saturday, February 25 RAMAPO VALLEY MAHWAH, NEW JERSEY Shabbat Morning Service 8:00 PM Saturday, February 18 280 10:00 AM 10:00 AM ROAD 07430 PHONE: FA X : Shabbat Morning Service Oneg Shabbat Hosts: the Sipper family Bar Mitzvah of Andrew Sipper 201-512-1983 201-512-1586 www.BethHaverimShirShalom.org BETHHAVERIM @ OPTONLINE . NET President’s Message As our tour bus approached the Lebanese border during our congregation’s Israel trip this past summer, with a bit of anxiety in my voice I asked our guide, “How close to the border will we be going?” She casually replied, “Within a stone’s throw.” Given the images dancing in my head of Palestinian youth hurling stones at Israeli soldiers, “a stone’s throw” was not the metric for distance that I was looking for at that moment! But indeed, as I look back on my first trip to Israel, “stones” were at the centerpiece of so many aspects of our visit and Israel’s history. From the top of Masada, we learned about the rolling of stones down upon the oncoming armies. At the Western Wall, we heard about the precision of cutting, transporting and aligning the tremendous stones at the foundation of the wall. And in one of the most touching moments of the trip for me, during our visit to a military cemetery in Jerusalem, when our group learned that Israeli children come each year to place small stones on the tombstones of those fallen soldiers who have no one to visit them, one of our young BHSS members asked, “Can I also do that?” and with tears in my eyes I watched several of our youth put small stones to this most passionate and significant purpose. support them in every way we can. But that’s only one piece of the puzzle, as we need to devise programs, services and activities (Exciting programming) that engage all segments of our congregation, from young parents attending Family School to empty nesters who enjoy a Sunday afternoon trip with our Lifelong Learning team. As the engagement from such activities builds bonds within and across our membership, people choose to stay as members, meeting the critical goal of Member retention, the third element of the circle. And, quite simply, the #1 driver of our financial soundness (the final element of the circle being Solid finances) is a growing membership base. Coming full circle, that financial soundness enables us to attract and retain superior pulpit leaders, and provide the types of services and programming that are valued by our members. It sure sounds simple, doesn’t it? If you think so, then I welcome you to come to an upcoming Board meeting where we wrestle with constrained dollars to spend on so many different initiatives that we believe will advance our congregation. Which brings me to one final point: easy ways that you can add to our financial soundness. In my last column, I encouraged you all to support the TDBank initiative where BHSS gets compensated merely if you link an account, on a confidential basis, to our affinity program. This month, I’d like to ask you to please support our scrip program, which has no cost to you, but potentially huge gains for BHSS. See the link in our weekly email or on our website, and jump into the program. There are hundreds of vendors that we all use regularly, and merely purchasing gift cards for these stores (at face value) will be a big win for BHSS. And in my efforts to ensure we maintain this virtuous circle for years to come, I dare not leave any “stone unturned.” Back here in Mahwah, “Harvey, is it always about the money?” was the legitimate question that a Board member raised when we were discussing a new fundraising idea recently. This question caused me to wonder whether my focus was misplaced, as indeed I do put great emphasis on ensuring the financial strength and integrity of our congregation. But as I thought further, it became clearer that there is an intimate and critical linkage between that which a lay leader such as me can influence (i.e. our finances) and the vital programs and Superior services delivered by Rabbi, Cantor, pulpit Rebecca and our various committees. Graphically, my sense is that as a Board and as a congregation we need to continue to focus on all elements Solid of a “virtuous circle,” as delineated: finances Without question, this virtuous circle begins at the top with our rabbi and cantor (Superior pulpit). As a congregation, we are blessed to have them as our leaders, and we will continue to 2 Member retention As always, I seek your input and involvement in all that we do at BHSS. If you see the picture as I do, let me know. And if you see it differently, and would like to help advance our Exciting thinking, for sure give me a call or program- drop me an email. ming Have a Happy New Year! —Harvey Weinberg, President Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Temple Topics From the Rabbi’s Study “If not now, when?” Near as I could tell, my parents had never discussed organ donation. actor in Los Angeles, one an accomplished boxer. So 13 years ago this January 19, as my father lay suddenly dying, my mom turned to me for my opinion as the Organ Transplant Team awaited her answer: Would we like his organs to be donated? Lisa shared with us stories of her competing at the Transplant Games, a quadrennial sporting competition for organ donor recipients. She gave us a donor quilt she had received at the Games-- a quilt she had kept in hopes she'd meet us someday. Lisa now speaks regularly on behalf of Gift of Hope, urging others to become donors so that others in need of donations might be as blessed as she considers herself. My parents thought they had all the time in the world; no one ever wants to have these "what would I want at the end of my life?" conversations, and so they just hadn't gotten around to it. In the fog of it all, I couldn't be the son and the rabbi, so we called our family rabbi. He strongly encouraged us to consider donation. "When Jews can save a life, we do, period," Rabbi Wolkow said. We decided that, if my father's death could save life, we would allow his organs to be donated. Nothing could bring him back, but perhaps, despite it all, something good could come from something awful. Lisa had lived from age 21 to age 30 with kidney disease, on dialysis, nearly giving up hope of ever receiving a transplant, of ever having a normal life. And then on January 21, 1999, while at the dialysis center, she received the call that would change her life. There was a kidney that was a match for her. "Do you want it?" she was asked by the representative of Gift of Hope, the organization in charge of facilitating organ donation in Illinois. "What kind of question is that? Of course I do!" she said. And last month, on the day before Thanksgiving, a great miracle happened. We met Lisa, the recipient of my father's left kidney. When Lisa first contacted us by mail last winter indicating her desire to meet us, we were hesitant. Did we want to meet her? What would it be like? How would it feel? Would it change anything? We decided, in the end, to give it a try. After many months of communication, first by snail mail, then by phone, we finally arranged to see one another. We met at Lisa's Baptist church in inner city Chicago, a place that is clearly a second home to her. She sings in the 100member choir each Sunday, where some 1200 parishioners attend the Sunday service. The meeting began awkwardly. What should we say to each other? Where to begin? We were all so nervous, so anxious. I know that I was so full of mixed emotions. Nothing could have prepared us for this encounter. Eventually, we began to speak of our families, of my father. We shared pictures of my dad from various stages in his life; she shared pictures and newspaper articles of her two grown sons-- one an aspiring She expressed her deeply emotional and endless gratitude for our and my father's generosity; she invited us to feel where the kidney had been placed in her body. We took pictures, shared tears and contact information. We promised to come to church some Sunday when we are in Chicago. It was truly an amazing, emotional, and unforgettable encounter. I felt God's presence in the room, and my father's as well. And I know that Lisa felt the same. I share this story in part because you are my extended family, and many of you have shared chapters in my story with me these past 10+ years. But more, I share it because I want to urge you, plead with you, really, to sign your donor card today, and tell your loved ones your desires so they'll know what you want. There are thousands of Lisas on waiting lists today. You and your loved ones should live long and healthy lives, and then, when the time comes, your Jewish tradition calls upon you to perform an act of pikuach nefesh, of saving life, even beyond your own if it is possible to do so. It was a rare and special moment that took place in the social hall of the Baptist church on erev Thanksgiving 2011. Rarely do donors and recipients have the opportunity to meet face to face. But it shouldn't be rare for our fellow human beings, in need of organs, to receive life-saving treatment. For the sake of giving the ultimate gift to someone in need; for the sake of your Jewish tradition; for the sake of all the Lisas in the world who may or may not ever be given the opportunity to say thank you, commit to becoming a potential donor today. It's a gift the rabbis call chesed shel emet—of pure kindness, because, in most cases, the recipient will never be able to thank you. What more pure and generous gift could there be? —Rabbi Joel Mosbacher 2 3 2011/2012 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Rabbi Joel Mosbacher Cantor David Perper Educator, Rebecca McVeigh PRESIDENT, Harvey Weinberg VICE PRESIDENT, Evelyn McGilloway VICE PRESIDENT, Jen Cole VICE PRESIDENT, Nancy Levene TREASURER, Mitchell Miller ASST.TREASURER, Michelle Cassel Siegel SECRETARY, David Birnbaum TRUSTEE, Eric Aronson TRUSTEE, Marc Weiss TRUSTEE, Gary Sheppard TRUSTEE, Joe Berkofsky TRUSTEE, Andy Schechter TRUSTEE, Beverly York URJ LIASON, Al Levene PAST PRES., Ritch Yanowitz SISTERHOOD Co Pres, Linda Vogel SISTERHOOD Co Pres, Mona Lefkowitz BROTHERHOOD Co Pres, Ian Coyne BROTHERHOOD Co Pres, Erb Cooper SR. YOUTH ADVISOR, Stacey Butler JR. YOUTH ADVISOR, Leah Rosenberg 201-337-4803 201-934-1894 201-512-1983 646-364-8417 201-934-5474 201-891-2438 201-236-6059 201-337-4503 201-612-4389 917-273-2682 201-962-2641 201-848-0929 201-956-0585 201-825-1382 201-825-2651 201-760-1636 201-236-6059 201-445-3613 845-357-5640 201-236-9490 845-368-2830 845-357-2703 845-629-8069 845-517-5224 rabbimosbacher@yahoo.com cantorperper@earthlink.net schoolatbethav@optonline.net harvey.weinberg@oliverwyman.com evelynmcg@verizon.net m.c.cole@att.net nancy_boyle_levene@hotmail.com mlctsmiller@verizon.net benmichelle99@yahoo.com david.birnbaum@bankofamerica.com aronsonE@gtlaw.com weissm@marcalan.com gary@sheppardhale.com joemegb@optonline.net agsdoc@optonline.net beverlyork@aol.com alleve1@aol.com ryanowitz@divatex.com lsv0407@aol.com doclefko@optonline.net icoyne@ercsd.k12.ny.us erb@cooperdooper.org stacey_a_butler@yahoo.com lwoolisrosenberg@yahoo.com 2011/2012 COMMITTEE CHAIRS Life Long Learning, Co Chair, Lori Yanowitz Life Long Learning, Co Chair, Leslie Sapienza BUILDING & GROUNDS, Art Weber CARING, Co Chair Sheri Schott CARING, Co Chair, Gail Wichler COMMUNICATIONS, Lisa Lamster DUES ACCOMMODATION, Iris Greenberg ENDOWMENT, Chair, Ranan Wichler EDUCATION, Terry Sitomer LIBRARY, Sheila Groskin LIBRARY, Ruth Turner MEMBERSHIP Co Chair, Lisa Barrack MEMBERSHIP, Co Chair, Jennifer Cole MUSIC, Chair, Evelyn McGilloway MUSIC, Co Chair, Nora Berger OUTREACH, Mark & Jane Young RITUAL, Co Chair ,Nancy Levene RITUAL, Co Chair, Stacey Coyne SOCIAL ACTION, Ken Goldstein TEMPLE TOPICS, Temple Office WAYS & MEANS, Jeff Nimerofsky 201-445-3613 201-760-8972 201-818-0858 201-236-1167 201-934-9239 201-760-1935 201-512-1983 201-934-9239 201-236-4886 845-351-4375 845-351-5732 201-760-0785 201-891-2438 201-934-5474 201-703-0132 201-327-1281 201-236-6059 845-368-2830 201-677-0799 201-512-1983 201-995-0042 lori.yanowitz@njmeadowlands.gov sapienz@optonline.net artieboy37@optonline.net sschott@optonline.net gwichler@gmail.com lisalams@optonline.net irisgreenberg@optonline.net rwichler@wichlergobetz.com twin468@aol.com sgroskin@optonline.net rggt@optonline.net dbarrack@verizon.net m.c.cole@att.net evelynmcg@verizon.net niberger@aol.com jnapfy@aol.com nancy_boyle_levene@hotmail.com staceycoy@aol.com kfgold@optonline.net bethhaverim@optonline.net jeff@theorchard.com Candlelighting times: January 6 - 4:25 pm Vay’chi January 13 - 4:32 pm Sh'mot January 20 - 4:40 pm Va’eira January 27 - 4:49 pm Bo 4 February 3 - 4:57 pm B’shallach February 10 - 5:06 pm Yitro February 17 - 5:15 pm Mishpatim February 24 - 5:23 pm T’rumah January Birthdays Tyler Adler Michelle Bechtel Todd Bechtel Logan Buchalter Sophia Cohen Ashley Crystal Nicole Crystal Olivia Eisberg Jack Halpern Jacob Hoffman Matthew Konikow Dylan Kossar Lauren Landis Jarrad Levy Samantha Levy Téa Marder Sarah Miller Tracy Miller Jared Moss Shyia Prizel Hailey Rodriguez Branden Rothenberg Jack Rothenberg Samantha Rowbottom Amanda Scholl Drew Schwartz Emily Scuderi Evan Simon Jordan Stone Eli Toomey Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Temple Topics Cantor’s Corner Thanks to all who aided in producing the BHSS Israel Festival. The Junior Choir rocked out, and Itay Goren played a fantastic program. And then, the food, I should tell you? Falafel, and awesome hummus. And slides of the congregational trip to Israel this past summer. And enough Israel flags made in religious school to completely ring the social hall. It was a glorious event. To all those who attended and supported us, thank you. Braeden Harris, my voice teacher, is the source for so much in my life. Faith and I are entirely grateful to him for the time he gives us each week in Greenwich, CT. Belated Thanksgiving to the Brad man and his wife, Brenda Harris, today’s leading American soprano. Look her up on www.youtube.com. Lovers of great singing, you'll thank me. The music department, the music committee & I, have been busy during a wonderful fall and beginning of winter. We shared a concert with Temple Beth Rishon of the wonderful Israeli pop star from the ‘60s and ‘70s, Shuly Natan. The concert was a sell out, and all those present sang and loved it! A couple weeks later, the Sunday after Thanksgiving to be exact, Faith and I and a group of our colleagues sang a great program at the JCC on the Palisades. Again, a sold out house! During these times, the adult choir was preparing to sing two programs for assisted living communities. Again we joined choral forces with Beth Rishon. At the first concert, any resident who was not able to attend in person could turn on their television set and watch as the concert was broadcast to all the rooms of the facility. Cantor Mamber and I conducted, and Itay Goren played for us as well. So you see the moral of this story is…. ***** Each year around Chanukah, Braeden gives us a list of quotes that he gathers throughout the year. This year’s was a wonderful list, so here are a few: “All art requires courage.” - Anne Tucker “They know enough who know how to learn.” - Henry Adams “After silence, that which come nearest to the inexpressible, is music.” - Aldous Huxley “You owe it to us all to get on with what you’re good at.” - W. H. Auden Cantor David Lessner Perper THE CHOIR AT BHSS ROCKS! JOIN US!! Cantor’s Young People’s Concert January 8, 3 p.m., Free An hour with Cantor Perper, and the youngest of the young people in and around our community. We'll sing and move together! 5 From the Educator’s Office 2011 URJ Biennial Yes, my husband and I were there when President Obama gave a “shout out” to the NFTY teens, and our son was there in the NFTY crowd screaming with pride. We were there when Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak thanked the Reform movement for their support of our homeland, and we were there when Rabbi Eric Yoffie gave his final, inspirational, biennial Shabbat morning sermon. We were there to learn, and pray, and laugh, and remember Debbie Friedman - and so we sang - a lot. And we experienced it with one of the largest contingents that our congregation has ever sent to a biennial, at the largest biennial that has ever been held. Although I am sharing a photo here, you should visit the URJ’s Biennial video collection website, http://urj.org/biennial11/webcast/ for a better “feel” for those amazing days and nights. With less than 6 hours of sleep each night, constant movement (running, sometimes) from workshop to plenary session to services to meals, you might think (as I did) that I would sleepwalk through our Monday and Tuesday school sessions and Chanukah celebrations! However, our K - 3 concert and party, our Kadimah D.A.R.E. gift sorting and Chanukah learning (thanks to Rabbinic Intern Jen Gubitz), and Tuesday's students participating in the community menorah lighting - all went off without a hitch. And it was great. Thank you to parent volunteers and to our teachers, and I personally thank the URJ Biennial - for inspiring in me, appropriate to this season, a “rededication” to this congregation. —Rebecca McVeigh Much of the BHSS contingent had Shabbat dinner together at the URJ Biennial in National Harbor, Maryland. We were two tables strong in a crowd of over 4,000 - it was amazing! Standing, l to r: Rod McVeigh, Al Levene, Nancy Levene, Rachel Crouch, Jane Young, Ed Vogel Seated, l to r: Rebecca McVeigh, Ari McVeigh, Rabbi Joel Mosbacher, Ian Coyne, Stacey Coyne, Linda Vogel Also at Biennial but not in the photo: Cantor David Perper & Mike Sternlieb 6 February Birthdays Lucien Adler Samantha Baker Jeremy Barr Harrison Bograd Lily Brickman Lauren Byrne Amanda Clark Cora Einhorn Harrison Flynn Ryan Grossman Dylan Kelman Jillian Konikow Jolie Krieger Samantha Lamster Jared Marder Samuel Mintz Andrea Mitchell Benjamin Mitnick Jordan Mittleman Lev Mosbacher Alexandra Peller Fallon Peller Heather Romoff Leah Rosen Noah Rostolder Olivia Rowbottom Harlee Shirvan Joshua Simon Andrew Sipper Hunter Surgan Jessica Tarriff Brielle Wiener January Calendar 7 2 February Calendar 8 Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Temple Topics ...will be called to the Torah... Matthew Konikow - January 7, 2012 Lives in Mahwah, New Jersey. Mother, Leslie, Father, David, Sister, Jillian, 10 ..................... is a 7th grader at Ramapo Ridge Middle School ............ His interests include baseball, skiing, and most sports. “I would like to do something in the area of sports management. I look forward to having my entire family and friends together to share this important day with me.” Dylan Kossar - January 14, 2012 Sarah Miller - January 21, 2012 Lives in Oakland, New Jersey. Mother, Laura, Father, Mitchell, Sisters, Caroline, 16, and Tracy, 14 ..................... is a 7th grader at Valley Middle School ........... Her interests include dance, soccer, flute, and camp (Eisner!) “I would like to go “on pointe” in ballet. This day is going to be exciting and fun. The studying and learning of Hebrew will all be worth it.” Lives in Allendale, New Jersey. Mother, Missy, Father, Rob, Brother Ryan z"l, Sister, Emme, 3 1/2 ..................... is a 7th grader at Brookside School ........... Her interests include softball, basketball, acting, singing, and waterskiing. “I would like to become businesswoman or a teacher or a chef. I feel lthat this experience is a very exciting process that I can share with my family and friends.” Tracy Miller - January 21, 2012 Jordan Mittleman - January 14, 2012 Lives in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. Mother, Jennifer, Father, Alan, Sister, Emily, 10 ..................... is a 7th grader at Woodcliff Middle School ............ His interests include basketball, Raquette Lake Camps, and Syracuse. “I would like to go to an Ivy League college and be a bond trader like my dad. I am psyched to be celebrating this special occasion with my family and friends.” Lives in Oakland, New Jersey. Mother, Laura, Father, Mitchell, Sisters, Caroline, 16, and Sarah, 13 ..................... is an 8th grader at Valley Middle School ............ Her interests include karate, guitar, video games, and archery. “I would like to earn a Black Belt in karate. I am excited, yet a little bit nervous.” 9 ...will be called to the Torah... Jeremy Barr - January 28, 2012 Lives in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. Mother, Mary, Father, Stuart, Brother, Jacob, 17 and Sister, Margaret, 16 .................... is a 7th grader at Cavallini Middle School ............ His interests include sports, reading, and hanging out with friends. “I am very excited to become a part of the Jewish community.” Alexandra Peller February 4, 2012 Amanda Rose Scholl January 28, 2012 Lives in Suffern, New York. Mother, Kristen, Father, Hal, Brother, Zachary, 14 ..................... is a 7th grader at Suffern Middle School ............ Her interests include dance, singing, guitar, reading, reading Hebrew, writing, shopping, and crafts. “I would like to become an English teacher, marine scientist, doctor or an author. I feel like this is a huge step up for me as a person, and as a Jew. This is a memorable time, and I hope it’ll be perfect.” Andrew Sipper - February 25, 2012 Lives in Ramsey, New Jersey. Mother, Debra, Father, Bill, Sister, Carly, 9 ..................... is a 7th grader at Eric S. Smith Middle School ............ His interests include lacrosse and bass guitar. “I would like to be a professional bass guitar player. I’m excited to share this special day with family and friends.” Lives in Ramsey, New Jersey. Mother, Melissa, Father, Jay, Sister, Fallon, 13, and Brother, Ryan, 8 ....................... is a 7th grader at Smith School ............ Her interests include soccer, going to Mets/Jets games, and hanging out with friends and family. “I would like to be a good person and be proud of my accomplishments. I feel proud to have reached this stage in my life.” Fallon Peller - February 4, 2012 Lives in Ramsey, New Jersey. Mother, Melissa, Father, Jay, Sister, Alexandra, 13, and Brother, Ryan, 8 ..................... is a 7th grader at Smith School ............ Her interests include soccer, going to Mets/Jets games, and hanging out with friends and family. “I would like to be a good person and give back to my community. I feel happy and excited to become a woman in the Jewish religion.” Does your family have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah coming up? In order to be included in the appropriate issue of Temple Topics, your child's brief "bio" and photo are due as follows: For a March or April date, by February 1, For a May or June date, by April 1 If you need a form, or have any questions, please call or email to the synagogue. 10 Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Temple Topics High Holy Day/Yizkor Appeal Marc & Elizabeth Abel David & Sarah Adelson Jack & Carol Adelson Ashley Ames Marc Appelbaum Eric Aronson Sidney & Hermine Aronson Norman & Alison Axelrod Cathy Baglin Michael & Juliet Barr David & Lisa Barrack Joel & Irma Becker Rich & Bonnie Berens Harold& Nora Berger Jeffrey & Dana Berkowitz Ira & Marilyn Bernstein Joseph & Meg Berkofsky Gary Bettman Bert & Susan Binder David & Bette Birnbaum Robert Blau Gary & Cindy Buchalter Charles & Barbara Burghardt George & Karen Charne Jesse & Terri Coffel Michael & Dorothy Cohen Melvin Cohn Stephanie Cohn Matthew & Jennifer Cole Herbert & Melissa Cooper Josh Daniel Marc & Laurie Daniel Bill & Gail Darrow Gerald & Florence David Marc Davis David & Carol Diamant Joel & July Dorfman Arlene Duglin Felix & Diana Gampel Gary & Renee Garbus Lawrence & Marsha Gluck Jeffrey & Susan Goldstein Kenneth & Diana Goldstein Richard & Karen Gordon Leonard Greer Larry & Sheila Groskin Sylvia Groskin Martin & Merri Gurian Joseph & Gabrielle Gutierrez Kim Hausner & Marilyn Gross Barbara Heitman Emanuel & Irma Hirsch Martin Hymowitz & Rhonda Goodman Roy & Marilyn Israel Joel & Sheryl Ives Robert & Sandi Jeanette Ronald & Sue-Ellen Johnson Ron & Elyse Jonas Laurence & Robin Kahwaty Linda & Richard Kaplan Wayne Kaplan & Steven Goldberg Michael & Candy Kassover Marc & Robyn Katz Helaine & Brian Kay George & Joan Kessel Alan & Sanda Kessler Jerry & Kathleen Kirshman Stuart Kirshner & Ethel Rosen Jeffrey & Deborah Klein David & Leslie Konikow Robert & Michelle Kossar Stephen & Anita Kossar Noel & Lisa Lamster Jeffrey & Mona Lefkowitz Peter & Kathy Liebmann Al & Nancy Levene Chaim & Randi Levin Steven & Amy Littman Martin & Rhoda Lonow Jonathan & Suzanne Lynn Michael & Jennifer Marder Robert & Ellen Mass Jim & Evelyn McGilloway Rod & Rebecca McVeigh Jay & Joy Meisner Madeline Meltzer Bob & Pearl Meyers Mitchell & Laura Miller Helen Milstein Hal & Allison Mintz James Morgan Ari Mosbacher Joel & Elyssa Mosbacher Nyles & Jennifer Moser Stanley & Marilyn Moser Phyllis Okon Newt & Sandra Parks Harry & Debra Perper Charles Pesin Steven & Lisa Potter David & Susan Price Jay & Laurie Rabin Harris & Susan Reinstein Jerry & Arlene Rock Nathan & Michelle Rosenberg David & Lisa Rothenberg Peter & Marissa Sacher Anthony & Leslie Sapienza Andrew Schechter & Shari Slavin Keith & Cathy Schlanger Craig & Ruth Schoenrock Allan & Sheri Schott David Schwartz Lois Schwartz Tom & Nina Scuderi Cynthia Seidman Michael & Meri Senchak Rick & Randy Shill Andrew & Roni Silver Bruce & Karen Silverman Richard & Jane Silverman Jan & Jane Simon Steven Simon Stuart & Phyllis Simon Mark & Robin Slakter Floyd & Ilyse Smith Richard & Gail Sobel Richard & Chris Soleimani Betty Spellman Daryl & Gail Spencer Michael & Bonnie Stark Adam & Laurin Steiger Richard & Kristi Steinberg Nathan Stern & Whitney Speer Kevin & Leslie Strauss Scott & Marsha Tarriff Judith Teich Jack & Nancy Teichman Mel & Paula Tenenbaum Sheryl Thailer Jonathan & Lauren Theodore Michael & Elyssa Toomey Herbert & Randi Trepper Edward & Linda Vogel Aaron & Lia Waitz Elizabeth Wandelmaier Art & Stephanie Weber Harvey & Marci Weinberg Michael & Linda Weinstein Marc & Barbara Weiss Gerald & Lynn Weston Fred & Ariela Wichler Ranan & Gail Wichler Michael & Beth Wiesner Douglas & Julie Wright Ritch & Lori Yanowitz Beverly York Mark & Jane Young Michael & Lynn Zall Howard & Kathryn Zukoff 11 Brotherhood News We ended the secular year on a high note, with our first Brotherhood Raps of the fiscal year at the end of November, followed soon by our Holiday Party at Waterwheel in Tallman, which was well-attended and fun as always. Thanks to all who came, and to all who wanted to come but were unable. Coming up, we have some very special events. At our general meeting on Tuesday, January 10, our guest will be Brotherhood member and local practitioner Dr. Michael B. Schachter, who will be presenting an alternative look at men’s health care. The location is still being determined; please check the Brotherhood website at www.bhssbrotherhood.org for details, or our Facebook page (search for Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Brotherhood, because the link is too long to print). Or for those of you not online, you can call Erb at 845-357-2703. In February, we will be having a Poker Night on the 13th at 7. RSVPs are a must, and we will send details to those attending. Contact us by e-mail to Secretary@BHSSBrotherhood.org or call Erb at the above number. (Better plan a nice Valentine’s Day to make up for your boys’ night out!) Our Brotherhood Raps events also continue on January 29 and February 26, both Sunday mornings at 9:30 at Panera in Ramsey. These are informal and generally smaller gettogethers (for some of us, while waiting for Sunday school to end). If you have not yet attended one, come on by and check it out. Finally, our Executive Board meetings are scheduled for January 5 and February 7 at 7 p.m. The January meeting will be offsite (check the above sources for location as we get closer) and February will be at temple. Brotherhood members are welcome to attend. Hope to see you along the way! - The BHSS Brotherhood Board Sisterhood News Thanksgiving and Chanukah have come and gone. We enjoyed our Carousel cakes and pies on Thanksgiving and had a wonderful time at the Chanukah brunch, where we feasted on amazing food and collected gift cards for the Tomorrow’s Children’s Fund. As the cold weather settles in, we now focus on our biggest fundraiser of the year, TRICKY TRAYS!! Come join us on March 25, 2012, for the chance to win many wonderful prizes! Doors open at 1 p.m. Please help us make this event a success by donating a new item (contents of a gift basket or gift card) with a value of at least $25. Your name will then be noted in the Tricky Tray program. We request that items be brought to the BHSS office by March 2, 2012. 12 You may also make a cash donation (checks made out to BHSS Sisterhood, and note that it is for Tricky Trays) and we will make a basket for you. If you have any empty baskets, we would appreciate them as well. If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Wandelmaier at 201-529-2399, email: ELevW@optonline.net, or Beth Wiesner at 201-857-2272, email: brw2003@gmail.com. Please help us continue to contribute to programs at BHSS and beyond by supporting Tricky Trays! Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Temple Topics Life Long Learning Our learning closed 2011 with a BANG! In November, over 25 members traveled to Philadelphia for an incredible visit to the National Museum of American Jewish History. The unanimous feedback was that it’s a “must see,” and one afternoon wasn’t enough to take in all there was to learn about Jews in America, from Colonial times to the Gold Rush to today…. In December, Life Long Learning hosted our Kugel Oneg and Book Discussion. We offer many thanks to the wonderful cooks who shared their talents and family recipes. During services, we had a spirited discussion about the One Book, One Community book selection: My Father’s Paradise, by award-winning journalist Ariel Sabar. Books can still be purchased at the synagogue office at a discount for only $6.75, or borrowed from the temple library. FAMILY PORTRAITS: IMAGES OF FATHERS, MOTHERS, SONS, AND DAUGHTERS IN JEWISH TEXTS AND TRADITION. A four-session course taught by educator and temple member Bette Birnbaum. Her last offering in the fall, “Keys to Bible,” was filled to capacity. Dates: Tuesday 2/28, Tuesday 3/6, Tuesday 3/13, Tuesday 3/27 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. All materials provided. No prior Jewish study necessary. Cost is $20 for all 4 sessions. Please RVSP to the temple office – space is limited. April: Mahjong Lunch ‘n Learn – Sunday April 1, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 2012 looks to be just as fulfilling and fun as we continue to examine our theme for the year: Families and Family History. Here are some of our upcoming events: January: BHSS One Book One Community Event: Jewish Families around the World Sunday, January 29, 2011, 12:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Create your passport and travel to other countries where you will explore the customs and traditions of Jewish families around the world. Learn about the music, food, stories and holiday, and ritual traditions of other Jewish families and discuss how it compares to your family traditions. Feb./March: “A Conversation with Ariel and Yona,” author of My Father’s Paradise, Ariel Sabar, How did Mahjong become so popular among Jewish women? Did you ever want to learn how to play? Already play and looking for new partners? Join us for an afternoon where some Mahjong Mavens will give us the real deal on the game. RSVP to the temple office by March 15. will visit the Northern New Jersey on Thursday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Emeth in Teaneck. The program will be followed by an open reception, where guests will be able to meet Ariel and Yona and have books signed, while enjoying dessert and coffee. 13 Michelle Mitzvah & Social Action As you all know from reading Temple Topics and from speeches delivered at holiday services, the Michelle Mitzvah Group, along with other committees at BHSS, can probably be said to represent the social action arm of the synagogue. We’re just regular folks who take very seriously the importance of reaching out to those in our community who are in need of a helping hand. Sometimes we wonder if we really are making a difference…and then there are times, such as the past few months, when we find out that we really are. For years we have collected food for the Center for Food Action, an amazing organization with a Mahwah facility that helps feed over 700 Bergen County residents. In these tough economic times that number is growing at a rate of two families a week. At our High Holiday services we filled up two van loads with bags of food…more than 450 bags! That’s a lot of food…and it was an unbelievable experience to see shelves at the Center that had been running dangerously low suddenly overflow thanks to BHSS and other organizations such as ours. And yet the winter and summer months are difficult ones for the Center, and we are constantly looking for ways to do more to help them. New initiatives will be unveiled in the coming months. For several years now the Michelle Mitzvah Group has awarded scholarships to graduating students at East Side High School in Paterson in an effort to encourage these challenged kids to continue their education into a two- or four-year college. Last month we had an award ceremony in our temple during which checks were issued to four young people who are currently enrolled… and announced that we were enhancing the program so that another check will be waiting for them upon graduation. Tears flowed, there was lots of hugging, and we all knew that indeed we had made a difference. See photo. If we learned anything over the past years, it is that there is so much that needs to be done in our community, so we decided to explore new areas that we may contribute to. One we found was the Children’s Aid and Family Services of Paramus. For over 100 years this amazing volunteer organization has been 14 providing life skills counseling, educational workshops, coaching parents on nurturing healthier babies, and arranging over 10,000 adoptions. When we visited their facility for the first time, we were literally surrounded by dozens of preschool day care children eagerly reaching out to shake our hands. Then we walked into the building’s lobby and on the wall was a crude hand-made poster with the words of Margaret Meade: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” We knew immediately we had found a new community partner to work with. There are so many other initiatives we as a temple family have undertaken… and so much more that is just waiting for willing hands. So, another joyful occurrence in recent weeks has been the number of BHSS members who have reached out to join in our efforts and provide us with the means to further expand our work. We have an extraordinary membership at BHSS with varied skills and big hearts. There is no limit to the positive impact we can have in our community, and it is such a rewarding endeavor. If you want to join us, please call the office and we will return your call… with open arms. Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Temple Topics Music Committee This last month was full of music. The Junior Choir, with members old and new, sang wonderfully throughout the November Family Service and again at the fundraising concert for the New Israel Fund on November 13. For this, they learned two new Israeli songs, one in Hebrew and one in English, but first, they led everyone in the singing of “Hatikvah.” This concert, in which our own Itay Goren played the starring role, was in aid of the New Israel Fund. The Music Committee supports this fund almost every year, and this year we were able to send $2,000. Itay gave a marvelous recital, introducing and playing diverse works by Beethoven, Chopin, Mendelssohn and Bernstein. A highlight of the program was the first performance of a Ballade by the American composer David Winkler, who was in the audience. After the recital, we adjourned to the social hall for great Israeli style food, generously underwritten by a donation from Sisterhood. All the while, photos from the BHSS Israel trip were shown and, in honor of Israel, there was an exhibition of Israeli flags as seen through the eyes of the younger members of our religious school. It was a truly wonderful afternoon. We look forward to the first of Cantor Perper’s Young People’s Concerts, to take place on Sunday, January 8 at 3 p.m. This concert will be specifically for the younger members of the congregation, so look for the link to more details on the weekly email. On February 3, the choirs will sing at the Shabbat Shirah service, so please mark your calendars and come along. The Music Committee thanks all those who support our programs. We meet on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. Come along and join us! Evelyn McGilloway and Nora Berger Music Committee Co-Chairs BHSSTY Shalom BHSSTY! We hope you are all having a great school year so far. The Youth Group has been having a wonderful first semester! Our Pizza in the Hut with the Brotherhood was awesome. Everyone had a great time on our hike at the Ramapo Reservation after some delicious pizza. Although our Gravity Vault event was cancelled due to the crazy early snowstorm, it WILL be rescheduled for the spring. Thank you to everyone from the congregation who came to the Spaghetti Dinner to raise money for Nechama. We raised over $250 to help this great organization! Lastly, the TYG had a blast at Medieval Times! We are gearing up for our next events. The TYG will be going tubing at Campgaw Mountain on Sunday, January 8. We will also have a senior youth group Mall Scavenger Hunt at the Palisades Mall on Sunday, January 22. More information about the January events can be seen on our Facebook page, BHSSTY GER (friend us!), or in our monthly mailings. February events will be announced shortly. The Board is getting ready for our mid-year planner, so if any TYG-ers have suggestions for future events, do not hesitate to let us know! Simply send an inbox to our Facebook or email your co-presidents. Eiley Stern eileystern@gmail.com Ashley Ellis are20006@hotmail.com 15 Contributions Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Thank you for everything! - Nita & Eddie Klaskow With thanks for all you did for Matthew during his Bar Mitzvah - Sheryl Thailer Thanks for all you do! - Marilyn & Roy Israel Thank you for your kindness and warmth this past year! - Joyce Rosenblatt, the Eisberg family, & the Blandi family In appreciation and in memory of Jack Sprung - Nesha Sprung With thanks for all your support and kind words - the Kaplan family With Thanks and appreciation and in honor of Matt Stein’s Bar Mitzvah - Lois & Marty Klapper Educator’s Discretionary Fund In appreciation of your outstanding work and your friendship - Evelyn & Jim McGilloway To Laurie Scher-Israel - in memory of Howard Israel, a real mensch! - Marilyn & Roy Israel To Joel and Judy Dorfman in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary - Barbara & Phil Moss With gratitude for your help in preparation for Matthew Stein's Bar Mitzvah - Lois & Marty Klapper Life Fund in honor of our dear friend Barbara Moss - Judy & Joel Dorfman in memory of Jerome Weinberg Thank you for your friendship and beautiful High Holy Days - with love - Evelyn & Jim McGilloway - Marci & Harvey Weinberg Cantor’s Discretionary Fund to Stacey Coyne and family, in memory of her brother, Eric Steinman - Evelyn & Jim McGilloway - Phyllis Okon - Linda & Ed Vogel - Gail & Ranan Wichler - Helen Milstein - Sheri & Allan Schott - Lois & Ira Grumet In honor of Emily Perper's work and devotion to her community - Donald Hurwitz to Barbara and Phil Moss - wishing you good things! - Evelyn & Jim McGilloway With thanks and appreciation for being you and in honor of Matthew Stein’s Bar Mitzvah - Lois & Marty Klapper to the Liebmann family, in honor of Kelsey's Bat Mitzvah - the Gurian family With thanks for all you did for Matthew for his Bar Mitzvah - Sheryl Thailer to Eddie Saiff and Rick Levine, in honor of their becoming directors of the NY-NJ Trail Conference - Gail & Ranan Wichler For grateful thanks for all your help! - Marilyn Taylor To Susan Beerman, Meyers Lurie and Minnie Klaskow, well wishes. - Nita & Eddie Klaskow With thanks and love for the beautiful High Holy Days - Evelyn & Jim McGilloway in honor of the Daniel family - Sonni & Lawrence Greenberg In appreciation of your talent! - Marilyn & Roy Israel Thank you for your kindness and warmth this past year! - Joyce Rosenblatt, the Eisberg family, and the Blandi family In appreciation and in memory of Jack Sprung - Nesha Sprung 16 to Susan Gralla and family, in memory of her father, Jack Sprung - Marci & Harvey Weinberg to Barbara Weiss and family, in memory of her mother, Marilyn Kennedy - Marci & Harvey Weinberg Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Temple Topics Contributions in memory of Norman Novak - the Daniel family to Caroline Meyers, in memory of my cousin Norman Meyers - Pearl & Bob Meyers in memory of Pearl's father, Daniel Zahm, and Pearl's brother, Milton Zahm - Pearl & Bob Meyers in memory of Norman's mother, Adele Axelrod - Alison & Norman Axelrod in memory of Morris Goodman - Carole Goodman to Joel and Judy Dorfman in honor of their golden wedding anniversary, with love - Beverly & Sid Groffman - Carol & Jeff Press - Lesley & Bob Glasgow in honor of the Caring Committee - Marilyn Taylor Center for Food Action donated by their families in honor of the following simchas: Bar Mitzvah of Mitchell Falkow Bar Mitzvah of Matthew Zavist Bar Mitzvah of Jason Shill Bar Mitzvah of Adam Clark Bar Mitzvah of Jack Darrow Ramapo Bergen Animal Refuge donated by their families in honor of the following simchas: in memory of Blanche Feldman - Marilyn & Ira Bernstein to Jim McGilloway in honor of his 80th birthday - Barbara & Phil Moss in memory of Erna Tuteur - Sheri & Allan Schott thanks to Beth Haverim Shir Shalom for hosting the Dartmouth Aires winter concert - The Dartmouth Club of Northern NJ Brick Fund to Stacey Coyne and family, in memory of her brother, Eric Steinman - Mona & Jeff Lefkowitz in memory of Esther Moss Barbara Weiss Scholarship Fund - Barbara & Phil Moss to Charlie Romano - wishing improved health and recovery in the days ahead - Barbara & Joe Friedman to Gaye Tiesler, for a full and speedy recovery - Marsha & Larry Gluck Bar Mitzvah of Ian Cohen Bar Mitzvah of Joshua Widawsky Bar Mitzvah of Max Ditkoff Bat Mitzvah of Bridget Bierfass Tree of Life in honor of Joel and Judy Dorfman’s 50th wedding anniversary in honor of Jack Darrow’s Bar Mitzvah on October 22, 2011 Prayer Book Dedications to the Gralla family, in memory of Susan’s father, Jack Sprung - Sheryl Thailer & Michael and Matthew Zavist - Gail & Ranan Wichler to the Pegulis family, in memory of Harriet Carp - Marsha & Larry Gluck to Jay Lensky, for a full and speedy recovery - Marsha & Larry Gluck 17 Yizkor IN LOVING MEMORY OF: Bernice Gruber - Dede & Richard Levine George Adlman, and the Premselaar family - Natalie Adlman Florence Lefkowitz Marsa Ethel and David Saltzman, Samuel Bonstein, and Marian Friedman - Sandy & Bill Arlington William Kaplan and Adele Axelrod - Alison & Norman Axelrod Yola Gewelb - Denise Marsa Sadie and Jacob Widman, Nathan Widman, and Aphie Squires - Bernice Medici Daniel and Rose Zahm, and Harry and Celia Meyers - Pearl & Bob Meyers - Lisa & Terrance Byrne Monya Clarke - Lorraine & Harold Clarke Ruth Ansin, Manny Ansin, and Margo Ansin Simmons - Helen Milstein Victor and Phyllis Cohen - Dorothy & Michael Cohen Nancy Morgan Edward S. Cohn - Stephanie Cohn Annette and Jesse Sills, and William and Hattie Galland - Joanne & Lee Ehlermann Douglas Freeman and Leizer Alperstein - Nicky & Eric Freeman Esther Moss, George Moss, Beatrice Lerner Moss, Victor Levy, Sarah Blacher, Ethel Pesin, and Irving Pesin - Barbara & Phil Moss Irwin Orshalick and Muriel Feinrod - Claire Orshalick Seymour Oventhal - Joanne Oventhal Joseph Isaac Goldstein - Steven Goldstein Arnold Peller Irv Goodman - Carole Goodman Alberta Meltzer Jack Sprung - Susan & Dennis Gralla all who have passed - Rhonda Goodman & Marty Hymowitz beloved Parent, Grandparents, Brother, Relatives, and Friends - Marilyn & Roy Israel Sarah Iskowitz - Sheryl & Joel Ives Morris and Edith Roth, and Gertrude and Paul Jeanette - Sandi & Robert Jeanette - James Morgan - Melissa & Jay Peller - Kim & Bill Pressman Leatrice Erlman and Bernard Rosenberg - Michelle & Nathan Rosenberg Max and Pearl Schwartz, and Max and Sally Shulman - Lenore & Larry Schwartz David Schwartz - Meredith & Burton Schwartz Simon and Blanche Seidner, Harry and Florence Gordon, and Diane Molz - Ann & Barry Seidner Alek Shlahet - Carmela Shlahet Clarence F. Shapiro, father of Nancy Kahn - Nancy & Danny Kahn Stanley Spellman Max Rosenberg, Lillian Rosenberg, and Ruth Reid - Claire Klein William D. Cassel, Bernard Goldberg, and Shae Goldberg - Michelle Cassel & Benjamin Siegel Paul Levitt, Eva Steadman, Beatrice Levitt, Benjamin Levitt, Thelma Levitt, and Stanley Mirsky - Sherry Levitt Mildred Landau 18 - Carol & Robert Shulman - Geri Squire Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Temple Topics Yizkor IN LOVING MEMORY OF: Max Granat, Bernard Waxenbaum, and Diane GranatYalowitz - Mimi & Steven Waxenbaum Morris Itner, grandfather of Glen Stettin, great grandfather of Sarah, Benjamin, and Elana - Sharon & Glen Stettin Vernon Taylor, and Leon and Dorothy Auerbach - Marilyn Taylor Dorothy and William Thea, and Edward Shandell - Carol & Joel Thea Celia, Florence, and Jack Turner, Marilyn Friedman, Jacob Robinovitz, and Anne Robinovitz - Ruth & Stu Turner Jerome Weinberg and Saundra Arons - Marci & Harvey Weinberg Melvin Katz, father of Helaine Wohl - Helaine & Alan Wohl David York and Morton Fuchs - Beverly York High Holy Day Appeal in honor of the birth of Benjamin Yanowitz - Phyllis & Bruce Meller XàxÜÇtÄ _|z{àá W|ÇÇxÜ On Thursday evening November 17, 2011, fifty people gathered at the River Palm Terrace in Mahwah to celebrate the thirteenth annual Eternal Lights Dinner. This major fundraiser was initiated in 1999 when over twenty couples donated $1, 000 each and enjoyed cocktails and dinner together, creating the foundation for this wonderful evening. More than a decade later, we are pleased that many of these same families still gather for this event, and are even more pleased that several new members have joined this dedicated group. This year we are grateful to our co-hosts Ritch and Lori Yanowitz and David & Lisa Barrack. Everyone had a wonderful time, and again dinner was a large financial success, netting over $18,000 of support to our congregation. Eternal Lights is a celebration of a community, our leaders, and those who work every day to make Beth Haverim Shir Shalom such a terrific place for everyone. We list below, and gratefully thank, all those who supported our fundraiser this year. If you can, please join us next year for the fourteenth annual Eternal Lights Dinner. Bill & Sandra Arlington Eric & Dina Aronson Juliet & Michael Barr David & Lisa Barrack David & Bette Birnbaum Barbara & Charles Burghardt Terri & Jesse Coffel Dorie & Seth Cohen Eric & Lauren Einhorn Gary & Renee Garbus Andrew & Sylvia Goldmann Ken & Diana Goldstein Steve Hittman Ron & Sue Ellen Johnson George & Joan Kessel Jeff & Deborah Klein Kathy Liebmann Jonathan & Suzanne Lynn Arlene & Rich Mandel Jim & Evelyn McGilloway Rod & Rebecca McVeigh Bob & Peal Meyers Phil & Barbara Moss Kim & Bill Pressman Eddie & Robbie Saiff Rob & Carol Shulman Ilyse Smith Glen & Sharon Stettin Sheryl Thailer Harvey & Marci Weinberg Ranan & Gail Wichler Ritch & Lori Yanowitz Beverly & Harlan York Jane Young 19 Ritual Committee Tu B’Shevat: The New Year for Trees Tu B’Shevat, the 15th of Shevat on the Jewish calendar, is the day that marks the beginning of the “New Year for Trees.” This is the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the land of Israel merge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. Legally, the “New Year for Trees” relates to the various tithes that must be separated from produce grown in Israel. These tithes differ from year to year in the seven-year Shemittah cycle; the point at which a budding fruit is considered to belong to the next year of the cycle is the 15th of Shevat. We mark Tu B’Shevat by eating fruit, particularly from the kinds that are singled out by the Torah in its praise of the bounty of the Holy Land: grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. Bokser- carob- is also a popular holiday treat. This day is also known as “Arbor Day” and is celebrated by school-children in Israel who plant trees. Michelle Mitzvah Party at Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, NJ Join Us & Do a Mitzvah !! Sunday, February 5 All volunteers will meet in the temple parking lot at 11:15 a.m. We will drive to the hospital in Mountainside and have our party from 1-3 p.m. Join us and Cantor Perper as we sing songs and bring smiles to children in need! Volunteer Now For more information or to sign on as a volunteer, email Bobby Mass at bobby@comfortconcepts.com 20 Send Your Kids to Eisner or Crane Lake Camp! Once again the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, in partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Camp, is providing a limited number of grants to encourage children to attend overnight Jewish camp for the first-time. Financial incentives of $1,000 will be awarded to first-time campers who attend a nonprofit Jewish overnight summer camp for at least 19 days. Eligible campers must be entering grades 4-12 (after camp) and attending a camp listed on the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s website (www.jewishcamp.org/camps). This program is an outreach initiative for children who are not currently receiving an immersive, daily Jewish experience. As such, children who attend Jewish day school or yeshiva are not eligible for this incentive program. As only a limited number of first-time camper incentive grants will be distributed this year, and they will be distributed on a first-come first-serve basis, we encourage your families to apply at www.onehappycamper.org asap. Food Stamp Challenge Response Like many families in the BHSS community, we too donated a bag of groceries during the High Holidays. While making the purchases, I found myself thinking about each food choice. Should I choose foods that I would eat, or should I choose from the typical American diet? I was raised on the typical American diet: processed foods, over-salted and sugared treats and lots and lots of animal protein. and artisanal cheeses? If these choices reflect our expectations, those which define our sense of happiness and freedom, then these will surely come at a serious cost to our health and prove unrealistic to sustain. Judaism commands us to heal the world. In my heart, tikkun olam is the most beautiful life-affirming aspect of our faith. Our concern for the hungry can extend much further. Our impact can be more profound. What we eat matters! Our food choices are like ripples in the water beginning from the center, out to our communities and extending globally. Before we purchase our food, before we sit down to eat, we can ask ourselves this question: Just because I can monetarily afford to eat anything, does it mean that I should? If you would like to learn more about the benefits of a vegan diet, you can check out my top book picks on the subject: The Bond, by Wayne Pacelle; Diet For A New America, by John Robbins; The World Peace Diet, by Will Tuttle; The Kind Diet, by Alicia Silverstone; Sistah Vegan, by A Breeze Harpe; Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer; Veganist, by Kathy Freston; and Animal Liberation, by Pete Singer. I participated in the Food Stamp Challenge to show my solidarity with those who are hungry. From the outset, I knew that I would be able to prepare nutritious meals on thirty-one dollars and fifty cents a week. It required planning, but I was able to eat well. My outcome does not negate the fact that thousands of Americans are hungry and even more suffer from diet-related illness. I personally follow a plant-based vegan diet. My organic produce is cheaper than most meat and dairy, and even if it wasn’t, I would continue to buy it. Here’s why. Growing organic produce is gentler on the planet and does not require the exploitation and horrendous suffering and killing of millions of animals each year. I am not making the argument that $31.50 is an acceptable allotment for Food Stamp recipients. Nor am I implying that if we If you wish to contact me, I can be reached at could, we should mandate veganism for everyone receiving seidjewel@aol.com or through the temple. Please feel free to public assistance. Real change occurs when we choose for introduce yourself and to discuss this issue, which is so near ourselves. and dear to my heart. My hope is that it will become so for I guess what I wish to express is that we are profoundly you, too. fortunate to live in America; the land of heated car seats and -- Julie Seidman talking “smart” phones. For those of us who are the most entitled, we have a responsibility to ask ourselves why it is important to selfregulate our desires in an age of excess. How do our choices impact other living Our Tree of Life commemorates joyous family life cycle events. The brass leaves are things? Many of us are able to purchase waiting for YOU to inscribe anything, yet we still have no idea as to its them with your memories! actual cost. The “typical” American diet is cruel, unsustainable, unhealthy and As we come to the end of killing our planet. I am not advocating each book of the Torah, we self-denial, but rather suggesting an say, “chazak, chazak, affirmation of self that is developed by v’nitchazeik” – be strong, weighing short-term pleasures against be strong, and we shall be long-term consequences. How do we strengthened. May our understand this question in the greater Tree of Life be a symbol of the context? Do we feel impoverished if we strength of our community for many years. can’t consume meats, ocean life, fast foods Tree of Life Leaves are $100; to order, please call Iris in the office; 201-512-1983 21 Good Welfare from & for the congregation Condolences Speedy Recovery to Stacey Coyne, on the loss of her brother, Eric Steinman Marilyn Israel to Marc Abel, on the loss of his father, Steven Abel Barbara Moss to Hal Scholl, on the loss of his father, Sheldon Scholl Dalia Leibowitz to Estela, Jaime, Jacob, Jonathan, and Jules Blaustein, on the loss of husband and father Ron Blaustein to Leonard Kaplan, on the loss of his father, Samuel Kaplan Marlene Belohoubek Jane Simon Rose Wandelmaier to Kathleen Kirshman on the loss of her brother, John Kreiss Mimi Waxenbaum to Barbara Friedman, on the loss of her brother, Burton Freeman to Claire Orshalick, on the loss of her great aunt, Miriam Werner to Walter Vasquez, on the loss of his aunt, Angel Jara to Ashley Ames, on the loss of her father, Herman Orth Mazel Tov to Ethan Weinberg and the Dartmouth Aires on being finalists on The Sing-Off! to Rabbi David Segal and Cantor Rollin Simmons on the birth of their son, Levi Simmons Segal to Dana & Jeffrey Berkowitz on the birth of their son, Ethan Benjamin Berkowitz The BHSS Brotherhood had a blast at our annual Chanukah party. We stole some gifts from each other and enjoyed an evening together! 22 GOT SCRIP? Beth Haverim Shir Shalom now has it available! Need convenient gift cards and want to help BHSS? Great for all kinds of gifts, including B’nai Mitzvahs, birthdays, teachers, thank you gift, holidays, and your personal shopping. Participating retailers include: There are over 350 retailers participating in this program. There are no activation fees when you purchase these cards. Beth Haverim Shir Shalom receives a percentage each time a card is purchased. So why pay extra fees at the store when you can just order your gift cards from your synagogue! Please contact Lisa Lamster at 201-760-1935 or lisalams@optonline.net. East East District District URJ URJ Shabbaton…January Shabbaton…January 28, 288, 2012 2 0 12 Congregation Co ngregation B’nai B’nai Jeshurun Jeshurun • 1025 S. O Orange range A Avenue, venue Short venue, Short Hills, Hills, New N JJersey ersey 07078 070 8:45 8: 45 AM AM Registration Registration 9:30 9: 30 – 10: 10:20 20 Torah Torah Study Study Sessions Sessions 10:30-12:30 10: 30-12:30 Shabbat Shabbat Worship W o r s h ip wi th Guest Guest Da rshan Rabbi Rabbi El liot Kl einman with Darshan Elliot Kleinman 12:4512: 45- 2:15 2:15 Ki Kiddush, ddush, Lunch, Lunch, aand nd Z Z’mirot ’mirot 2:30 2: 30 – 3: 3:25 25 Wo Workshop rkshop Aleph A le p h 3:35 3: 35 – 4: 4:30 30 Wo Workshop rkshop Bet B et 4:40 4: 40 – 5: 5:00 00 5:00 5: 00 S’ S’udah udah Shlisheet Shlisheet ending Shabbat Shabbat with with story story & song song ending Havdalah Havdalah wi with th Singer/Songwriter Singer/Songwriter Peri Peri Smilow Smilow this day of food for the the body, mind & soul $36 for this (includes a 3% donation donation of our food costs to MAZON)) (includes click cl ick http://urj.org/east/calendar/shabbaton ht tp://ur urjj.org/east/calendar/shabbaton !"#$%"#&$'(!"$)(*$#&+',-#)-'"( !" #$%"#&$'(!"$)(*$#&+',-#)-'"( anuary ahrzeits Mark Abramson Herman Ackerman Leah Adlman Norman Arkawy Donna Barrack Max Barrack Barry Barron Esther Bernstein Howard Bettman David Bleiberg Stanley Brauner Claire Brender Ronald Brenner Allan Browne Vincent Brunhard Bella Cohen Stewart Cohen Gerald Deforest Crouch Ruth Doblin Florence Eichner Sophie Eisenstein William Eisenstein Julia Fihrer Walter Fondiller Miriam Gebrowitz 24 Sidney Goldstein Esther Goodman-Zaslow Ely Gordon Regina Gunther Aaron Hall Shirley Jacobs Phoebe Jaffe Gerald Klein Milton Klein Sarah Knox Harry Krupnick Sylvia Lacher Harry Litman Thelma Litman Vali Manzon Celia Meyers Jodi Monash Lester Mosbacher Milton Nachinson Claire Novak Hilda Opell Amalia Pavlovec Benjamin Rabin Frank Reich Sadie Rix Samuel Rosenzweig Mary Rudnick Eileen Schachter Mollie Scher Mildred Schiff Ruth Friedman Seager Sam Segal Katherine Siskin Milton Sitomer Bernard Smolinsky Ariel Soriano Edward Spencer Suzanne Steinberg Judith Steinman Rebecca Stukalin Florence Turner Sumner Victor Bernard Waxenbaum Rose Weinstein Robert Weiss Karl Wildman Bob Witt Milton Yanofsky Shirley Sue Young Mark Zavist Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Temple Topics ebruary ahrzeits Irene Bernstein Ida Bloom Samuel Bornstein Alice Brickman Molly Chertoff Gary Coffel Justin Colten Margarita Coyne Mary Eisenberg Alter Gebrowitz Berdie Gelfenbein Betty Winkler Gluck Alvin Goldberg Ida Goldberg Mitch Goldman Carol Goldstein Graff Reuben Gruber Arthur Gunther Walter Hausner Anna Heffler Max Heffler James Hession Ira Hieger Harrison Sidney Hoffman Bertha Israel Paul Jeanette Paula Kaplan Melvin Katz Gloria Kirshner Joseph Kossar Ethel Krupnick Seymour Landau Jack Lazar Billye Levine Thelma Levitt Alex David Levy Miriam Lichtenfeld Jeane Lisk Irving Mallow Sylvia Mandel George Mendelsohn Gloria Mendelsohn Harold Millman Charles Mitchell Nancy Morgan Dorothy Nachinson Irwin Orshalick Jardena Pavlovec Louis Piper Kenny Plunchio Ruth Zwecker Rockwell Melvyn Romoff Leo Rosengarten Mollie Rosenzweig Jack Roth Samuel Roth David Saltzman Estelle Samuels Harry Sault Morris Schwartz Louis Segal Arthur Sherry Margo Simmons Marilyn Solomon Eva Stedman Samuel Surkes Nick Susa Herbert Verter Louis Wagman Walter Wallison Archie Weber Lillian Weber Sidney Weicher Jeffrey Wein Jacob Weinberg Jacob Widman Nathan Widman Betty Wildman Harry Zall Leonard Zinn YOUR AD HERE! Each issue of Temple Topics is read in almost 400 households. Advertising space is available for business card, quarter page, half page, and full page sizes, at reasonable rates. There's still time to get your message out, with prorated billing for the remainder of the publishing year. Call the office for details - (201) 512-1983. LAW OFFICE OF JEFFREY S. LIPKIN Ɣ General Litigation Ɣ Insurance Claims Disputes Ɣ Partnership Disputes Ɣ Employment Disputes Ɣ Contract Drafting and Disputes Ɣ Landlord-Tenant Disputes Ɣ Commercial Litigation/Collection Ɣ Real Estate Disputes Ɣ Bad Neighbor Disputes Ɣ Municipal Court Ɣ Personal Injury Ɣ Medical Malpractice Ɣ Products Liability Ɣ 20 years of “big firm” experience at affordable rates Ɣ Business MONTHLY TOT SHABBAT SATURDAYS 11:30 A.M. - 12:15 P.M. A Shabbat morning experience for children ages 0-6 and their families including singing, storytelling, and snacking January 14, February 11, March 10, April 21, May 12, June 9 1000 C Lake St., Ramsey, NJ Ɣ (201) 962-3876 www.jefflipkinlaw.com 25 M & M Video Productions Specializing in videotaping of “Simchas” since 1985 Bar / Bat Mitzvah Services & Receptions Weddings Family Parties Testimonials Photo Montages Dance Recitals Legal Video Large Screen Production *Discount on all 2012 Receptions* *Photography services also available* Office: (908) 668-0793 Email: marc@mmvideoproductions.com Website: mmvideoproductions.com $ In Its 20th Year! $ In One Afternoon, You Will Meet s$*Ss&AVOR3UPPLIERSs%NTERTAINERSs6ENUESs*UDAICA0ROFESSIONALS s#ATERERSs0HOTOGRAPHERSs6IDEOGRAPHERSs$ECORATORSsAND-ORE TER REGIS SITE R ON OU FREE iPod IN A TO W Nano! IT’S FREE - KIDS WELCOME Sunday, January 29th, 2012 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Marriott at Glenpointe (I-95 at Exit 70) Teaneck CelebratePartyShowcase.com 646.652.7512 Facebook.com/CelebrateShowcase A Davler Media Group Event HERE’S AN EASY WAY YOU CAN HELP SUPPORT OUR TEMPLE……. +(;17*#8'#$#0-#%%1706 %*'%-+0)5#8+0)514 %&9+6*6&$#0-#..;170''&61&1+5%#..;174 .1%#.6&$4#0%*141741904#/5';$4#0%* #0-6*'/61.+0-#0;1(;174 #%%17065616*'ĝ#((+0+6;241)4#/ĝ#0&$*559+.. 4'%'+8'#%1064+$76+10#601%15661;17<285 2:1$&&28176$5(127$))(&7(',1$1<:$<$1'$// ,6&203/(7(/<&21),'(17,$/ 3OHDVHFDOO,ULV*UHHQEHUJLI\RXKDYHDQ\TXHVWLRQVDERXWWKLV VLPSOHDQGVDIHZD\WRKHOSRXUV\QDJRJXHILQDQFHV,Q DGGLWLRQWRKRXVHVRIZRUVKLSORFDOVFKRROVDOVRKDYHKDG JUHDWVXFFHVVZLWKWKLVSURJUDPIURP7' /DVW\HDURXUIULHQGVDWWKH+LQGX6DPDMDFURVVWKHVWUHHWKDGD SDUWLFLSDWLRQUDWHDQGWKHLUWRWDOFRQWULEXWLRQIURP7'%DQNZDVDQ DVWRQLVKLQJ Daniel “Dann “Danny” y” Kahn, SRS REALTOR REALT REAL TOR®//Sales Sales Associate Associate Prominent Properties Prominent Proper ties Sotheby’s S otheby ’s International International Realty Realty 65 E East ast Allendale Allendale R Road oad Saddle River, S addle R iver er,, NJ 07458 Office: 201 O ffice: 2 01 825-3600 825-3600 825-9208 FFax: ax: 201 201 82 5-9208 Direct: 201 230-6467 D irect: 2 01 2 30-6467 daniel.kahn@sothebysrealty.com daniel. kahn@sothebysrealty.c www.dankahnrealestate.com www .dankahnrealestate.com prominentproperties.com pr ominentproperties.com EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY OPPOR TUNITY “Marketing “Ma rketing rk eting Ne New w Jersey Jersey R Real eal Estate Estate att the Highest LLevel a evel” sm REALTOR REAL TOR ® Robert Schoem’s Menorah Chapel, Inc. 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Lic. 3811, Funeral Director Conveniently Located W-150 Route 4 East Paramus, NJ 07652 201-843-9090 Outside NJ 1-800-426-5869 Gwen G wen Cohen D DDS DS Specialist Sp ecialist in Orthodontics for Children and A Adults dults s#OMFORTABLE2ELAXEDATMOSPHERe s#OMFORTABLE2ELAXED ATMOSPHERe s(ELPFUL&RIENDLY3TAFF s(ELPFUL&RIENDLY3TA FF s$IGITAL8 s$IGITAL8-RayS - RayS s'RADUAT ED&IRSTIN#LASSAT#OLUMBIA$ENTAL3CHOOL s'RADUATED&IRSTIN#LASSAT#OLUMBIA$ENTAL3CHOOL s)NvISALIGN#ERTIFIED0ROvIDER s) NvISALIGN#ERTIFIED0ROvIDER 156 1 56 Ramapo V Valley alley Road s NJ Specialty Permit #5084 Mahwah, Mahwa h, NJ 07430 201-828-9188 2 01- 828 -9188 www.cohenortho.com ww w.cohenortho.com DANIEL FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC DR. MARC DANIEL — DR. JOSH DANIEL 65 N. Franklin Tpke. Ramsey, NJ 07446 Office: 201-934-1166 Fax: 201-934-8170 Making people feel beautiful is my passion. I love helping my clients develop their own individual style. I am a professional hair stylist trained in Moscow and licensed in NY & NJ. 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Main Street, Ramsey Michelle Cassel Siegel BETH HAVERIM SHIR SHALOM 280 RAMAPO VALLEY ROAD MAHWAH, NJ 07430 Rabbi Joel Mosbacher Cantor David Perper Rebecca McVeigh, Educator CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Synagogue Office Closed: Monday, January 16 and Monday, February 20 No Religious School: Sunday, January 1, Monday, January 2, Tuesday, January 3 Sunday, January 15, Monday, January 16, Tuesday, January 17 Sunday, February 19, Monday, February 20, Tuesday, February 21 To do in January & February: Torah Study beginning at 8:45 a.m. - Saturdays, January 7, 14, 21, and 28 Young People’s Concert - Sunday, January 8 beginning at 3:00 p.m. Senior Youth Group Snow Tubing - Sunday, January 8 Tot Shabbat - Saturday, January 14 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Senior Youth Group Mall Scavenger Hunt - Sunday, January 22 Lifelong Learning Presents: Jewish Families Around the World (a hands-on learning experience for everyone of every age!) Sunday, January 29 beginning at 12:15 p.m. Shabbat Shirah (Sabbath of Song) - Friday, February 3 beginning at 8:00 p.m. Torah Study beginning at 8:45 a.m. - Saturdays, February 4, 11, 18, and 25 Tu B’Shevat Oneg following services - Friday, February 10 Tot Shabbat - Saturday, February 11 beginning at 11:30 a.m.
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