June 2016 - Temple Beth El

MEMBER OF THE
REFORM MOVEMENT
In this issue
Rabbi Ourach’s Interim year
is coming to a close. Please
join us for a Goodbye Oneg
following services on:
Advertising………………20-22
Anniversary/Birthday….......13
Bat Mitzvah…………...……....4
Calendar………………...……12
Caring and Sharing….….…...8
Contributions……...…….18-19
June 24th
Etx Chaim Award…………….9
Guest Speaker………………11
King David Society…..……...6
Library/Book Club …….......10
Mah Jongg…………………….7
Meet Our Member……………6
FRIDAY JULY
1ST
Membership………….….....…7
Mens Club……………….……9
President’s Message……......3
Public Relations…………....12
Rabbi Ourach………………...2
Religious School…..……..….4
Ritual…………………………...6
Schmoozers……………...….11
We are delighted to welcome Rabbi Nicole Luna and family to Temple
Beth El on July 1, 2016. In her honor, we will be producing a special edition
newsletter for Summer which usually has a hiatus for July and August.
This special edition will include interviews with Rabbi Luna as well as a schedule of events and classes over the summer.
While we look forward to the traditional Midrash, Lunch and Learn, Torah Study and Adult Education, we are excited about the new ideas, programs
and opportunities brought to us by Rabbi Luna.
Shiva Committee………...…16
Sisterhood………………...…..8
Temple Directory…………...23
TBE Cemetery…………….…16
TBE Commemorative
Plaques………...17
TBE Gift Gallery…….………24
RABBI’S MESSAGE
As I conclude my time with you as your interim Rabbi I want to express my
thanks and appreciation to all of you who have enriched my life and strengthened the
congregation during the past year. It has been a privilege to serve as your Rabbi. I also
want to offer a prayer for all of us and especially for all of you and Rabbi Luna as you
begin a new era in the life of Temple Beth El.
As we seek to experience your presence in our lives, God, help us understand, once
again, the great potential that is in each of us. Help us to accept ourselves, our faults and our failings, as well as
our goodness, and help us to accept the goodness and the faults and failings of others. In order to be more like
you oh God, we must find the compassion, wisdom and understanding that is deep within each of us. Help us to
speak the kind word and to do the generous deed that will enlighten and invigorate our congregation. Help us to
bring strength to Temple Beth El by reaffirming the value of each individual and recognizing the great gifts that
each of us have to share.
Truly sharing our gifts and the resources of our hearts will help us lighten the burdens that we carry and
will help us lift up those who are in need. Let us promote harmony within our walls and in our hearts for there
is much work ahead for us to do. Help us master ourselves for if we really choose to make progress in the art of
living then we must recognize once again that to be more Godlike we must act with love and respect. We are
not perfect but we are capable of building much that is beautiful and worthwhile. Help us find the Divine that is
within each of us. Challenge us, mold us, guide us, and command us as we do Your work in this community.
Purify us, lift us up and lead us into the future, happy and with this new era, let us internalize these words from
our prayer book, “There are moments when we hear the call that links us to the Divine. Then we know how
blessed we are with life and love. May this be such a moment, a time of deeper attachments to the Godlike in us
and in our congregation for which we shall give thanks and praise!” Dear God, grant all the members of Temple Beth El and Rabbi Nicole Luna the strength and vision to inspire and lead this Kehilla Kedosha in the days
and years ahead. Amen -
IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE TEMPLE E-MAILS
PLEASE e-mail Inna Vasser SO WE CAN MAKE SURE YOU ARE INCLUDED:
inna@templebethel.com.
We send out weekly announcement reminders about upcoming and future events.
The entire contents of this newsletter and additional
photos are available on our website:
www.TempleBethEl.com
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
by Russ Bogen
Consider the question: When in modern history has there been a need to grow a Jewish community? Answer: in 1948 in the State of Israel. Aliyah, the Hebrew term meaning “ascend”,
was a plea for Jews to return to their ancient homeland and build a modern state. Aliyah literally means ascending to a higher place, a place of meaning and purpose. We crave an Aliyah
to Temple Beth El – a call to born Jews, to Jews by choice, to members, and to not-yetmembers to affirm their desire to be within our Jewish community and to build a modern
Synagogue.
How do we adapt a plan to meet such a need to the Jewish community of Southwest Florida
and to Temple Beth El? When a Jewish community is intentional about growing itself, it can be done. Our future depends on our ability to address the needs and desires of every Jewish constituency, from toddlers to elders and every
group in between.
June is the final stage of TBE’s transition between permanent rabbis. The arrival of Rabbi Luna is a happening
glowing on the morning horizon. We enthusiastically welcome her.
There is an analogy to be made to when students graduate at each stage of the academic ladder (Jews tend to
celebrate multiple graduations). The ceremony is known as “Commencement”, beginning. We are at the dawn of the
next level of the Temple Beth El journey. The sense of optimism and energized excitement is palpable.
My plea to all fellow members; active, inactive, on hiatus or sabbatical, potential, or even as yet unidentified;
is to ignite each of your personal flames of participation in TBE spirit, ritual, and social affairs.
Our new day will open opportunities wherever anyone wants to contribute, whether it be time, money, expertise or countless other instrumental ways. Membership, Ritual, Social Action, Religious School, Public Relations,
Men’s Club, Sisterhood, just to name a few, and every other committee, club, and activity (some as yet unformed)
have avenues to involvement and influence. The roof and air conditioning of our building are being made ready for the
next twenty years.
Heartfelt thanks are expressed to every member of the congregation and staff who have “held us together” during our epoch (sometimes it feels that long) of transition and especially those who lead us forward into our bright future. Thank you Victor, Dale, Jesyca, Inna, Karen, Lydia, Fabian, and Jose for your past, present, and upcoming service to TBE.
The act of hospitality improves the lives of those who offer it. Generosity of spirit, sharing what we have, and
caring for others when they are in need. Aliyah is for everyone; a warm, hospitable invitation to our Temple family.
Aliyah is a spiritual act. An infusion of the spirit of hospitality will nourish the growth of our Temple Beth El community.
P.S. Thank you to Roz Shraiar for lending her book titled “The Spirituality of Welcoming”, How to Transform
your Congregation into a Sacred Community by Dr. Ron Wolfson, from which I have quoted and paraphrased parts of
this message. The Temple Beth El community sends our prayers and sympathies to the VanderWoude family at this
time of grief and loss.
The TBE Gift Gallery invites you to a fantastic SALE the
entire month of JUNE !!
20% off your Entire Purchase
.
IN ADDITION THERE WILL BE $1, $3 & $5 TABLES
HOURS: Mon-Thurs 10:00am-4:00pm
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Friday: 6:30pm-7:15pm
by Dale Cohen, Religious School Director
During the summer months, The Religious School will be busy planning new and wonderful programs as well as ordering materials. In addition, we will be reviewing and revising the curriculum,
conferencing with teachers and assistants, and undoubtedly planning for another great year!
Ariel Baldinger will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, June 18, 2016.
We are so proud of Ariel’s achievements and accomplishments. We wish her much mazel and
naches on one of the most meaningful days of her life!
We are thrilled to be welcoming Rabbi Nicole Luna to Temple Beth El beginning on July
1, 2016. We are looking forward to working with Rabbi Luna for many years to come!
You will be receiving your registration forms for the 2016/2017 school year.
Please fill them out at your earliest convenience so that we can order the appropriate
amount of books and materials for the students. Your continued cooperation is greatly appreciated!
We hope you all enjoy a happy and a safe summer and look forward to seeing you
in
August. Our first scheduled day of Sunday School will be on Sunday, August 21, 2016.
Our first scheduled day of Wednesday School will be on Wednesday, August 23, 2016.
We will be thrilled to welcome back (B’rucheem Ha baeem) all of the students and
their families as we forge ahead with another school year.
B’Ezrat Hashem
Ariel Baldinger
June 18th, 2016
Ariel Olivia Baldinger will be called to the Torah on June 18, 2016 as a Bat Mitzvah.
She is the daughter of David and Dana Baldinger and sister to big brother Marcus.
Ariel started at Temple Beth El by attending the Learning Tree when she was 18
months old. She spent her preschool years being educated by the wonderful teachers
that helped start her journey in learning. She is currently a seventh grade student at
Lexington Middle School.
Ariel has stayed busy over the years doing karate, dance, horseback riding lessons,
softball, gymnastics, swimming and piano.
She loves spending time with her friends, playing with her dogs and cat, shopping,
going to the beach, and doing arts and crafts.
For her Mitzvah project Ariel volunteered as a Salvation Army bell ringer for the
2015 holiday season. This is one of the biggest and important fundraisers the Salvation Army holds to raise
money for people in need.
Ariel is very grateful and would like to thank Ms. Dale, Cantor Victor, Rabbi Ourach and all her religious
school teachers for providing guidance and instruction every step of the way on her journey to becoming a Bat
Mitvah. Without their help this day would not be possible.
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May was a very exciting month for Temple Beth El. Lora Vatalaro
and Luisa Burgos became consecrated as Jews by Choice. Most of
Lora's journey to conversion was conducted by Rabbi Barras before
he left Temple Beth El and Luisa's journey was conducted by Rabbi
Lief in Jacksonville before Luisa moved to Fort Myers two months
ago.
Cantor Geigner conducted Luisa's immersion with Doris Loigman
as her witness and Cantor conducted Lora's immersion with Laurie
Morris as her witness. Both ladies felt that they had Jewish souls
and were very emotional about their conversions. On Friday May
13, 2016 Rabbi Ourach called them both to the Bema to bless them
and recite their Hebrew names. Lora's is Shulamit and Luisa's is
Naomi. The two ladies each had the honor to carry a Torah around
the Synagogue so that the entire congregation could wish them
Mazel Tov. It was a very emotional evening for all concerned and the congregation gave them a standing ovation. To
complete the ceremony Lora and Luisa also undressed and dressed the Torah, something they could not do before their
conversions.
Lora has been active in Temple Beth El, attending services, volunteering in the gift shop, being part of the TBE choir and participating in all activities offered for at least two years.
Luisa, who has recently relocated to Fort Myers, quickly started attending classes and services. Mazel Tov to them both and to Temple Beth El.
CAROL KANN
OUR NEWEST TBE BAND MEMBER
I was asked many questions about learning to play accordion and what kind of accordion
I am playing during Friday night service, but I’d like to explain how this all came about before I
describe the accordion. My husband Lance and I enjoy listening to the talented musicians Randy
Kashi, Hal Eskin, Beth Bogen, Mark Stein, and of course Cantor Geigner. Lance must have
been thinking about my accordion for a long time. One Friday after service, about a year ago, he
told Randy that I was going to join the band. I was surprised to hear him say that because I had
not played my accordion since elementary school. Lance said, “You’ve had that accordion in
your closet for our entire married life. Are you ever going to play it?”
I thought deeply about it. I decided to teach myself again. I am playing a new and one
of the latest models of digital technology in accordions. It has a separate computer and amplifier.
It has all of the mechanical parts but no speakers. Eliminating the speakers makes the accordion lighter at about 20 lbs. It is
heavy for me at 20 lbs. and this is why I remain seated. The amplifier and computer are in a small cart next to me and, yes, I
need to be plugged into the electric. There are over 100 different musical sounds. I’ve played the violin, cello, saxophone,
French horn, bells, orchestra and drums during services so far.
This accordion is right up my alley. I have been an Assistive Technology Professional for over 25 years. I work with
people with disabilities and technology to help them be able to do things they otherwise cannot do; using and teaching many
different computer related technologies. The digital accordion is perfect for me.
I could not have learned the Friday night service tunes without the help of talented Randy Kashi. She helped me to
coordinate the sheet music and understand the tunes. After I practiced each of the songs I played along with the Friday night
service LiveStream on the website. Thank you Rich Chaet for bringing Friday night services to so many people who can’t be
at Temple and now here is another great benefit to viewing the videos. I must reveal that I was very nervous the first few
times I played and will always probably be, but I really am truly enjoying sharing my accordion music at Temple Beth El.
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MEMBERSHIP
by Jeff Avon, VP of Membership
Jeffavon50@gmail.com
Let's Get To Know Each Other
New TBE members Susie & Art Kravetz reside in Gateway. They moved to Fort Myers
eleven months ago to be near family. Seeing their three sons and two grandsons frequently
brings another type of Florida sunshine to Susie and Art. Susie is a retired speech pathologist
and substitute teaches locally. Art is a semi retired insurance consultant in Florida and New Jersey.
Susie, originally from Chicago moved to Beverly Hills at age 12. She was just a little to early
to be cast in the television show Beverly Hills 90210. However, she was not too early to be a
contestant on another television show based in Los Angeles. The program was The Dating
Game, and she won! Now, that's not how she met Art, but it is how she was able to go on a
dream date to Cedar Point, an amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio.
My, how game show travel prizes have changed over the years!
Susie and Art met while on vacation in Hawaii. In short order they moved to New Jersey where Art's parents lived,
were married, and stayed there until relocating to Fort Myers.
Art is a huge sports fan, especially hockey, along with pro and college football.
Susie enjoys swimming, and is a master scrabble player. They like the beach and boating as well as the theater, movies,
and concerts. You won't find them sitting at home. They are always on the go!
Susie and Art are a delightful couple and delighted to be members of TBE! They look forward to meeting more fellow
congregants. When you see them, please introduce yourself. You'll be glad you did!
The membership committee is always looking for ways to enhance the social experience
of TBE congregants. If you have a suggestion or would like to join the membership
committee please contact me at Jeffavon50@gmail.com or239-834-7106. The committee
meets for an hour once a month and is flexible with the amount of time you can devote
based on your other commitments.
KING DAVID SOCIETY
There are many creative ways you can choose to support Temple Beth
El; ways which will benefit our temple, you and your loved ones…all at
the same time. These acts of giving are called “planned gifts”.
You can:
* Make a gift that costs nothing during your lifetime.
* Give stock and realize large tax savings for you
* Receive income for life in return for your gift.
* Donate your house, continue to live there and get a tax break, all at the same time.
Start a conversation with us about planned giving. Call Doug Gribin at 239-561-2900 or Linda Sweet
linsweet8@gmail.com OR go to www.TempleBethEl.com and download the form.
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SISTERHOOD
by Bernice Turner, Sisterhood President
btcansing@hotmail.com
“Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the
most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement."
Golda Meir
It is now June or almost June and I am completing my first year as President of Sisterhood.
Wow! Time has gone by so quickly. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for
making this year run smoothly and for doing all they have done. The women on the executive
board: Jewel Faerber, Nancy Armocida, Dottie Ruberto, Bev Banks, Phyllis Aronson, Sharon Bosworth and our board: Judy Satin, Linda Bonito, Leslie Vollmer, and Shelah Luber have worked hard
together to bring you programs, raise funds for Temple and our Religious School, and support our community.
I want to thank all those who helped with keeping our Maj Jong games going, those in the front and those who
worked so diligently in the kitchen making lunch for so many players, those who worked and supported our
fund raisers and those who helped with our meetings. You are all terrific. Golda would be very proud.
We will be slowing down a bit until the fall but we will be working very hard preparing interesting meetings
as well as great fun and fund raisers. I wish all our Snowbirds a wonderful summer and we all look forward to
your return.
Temple Beth El Sisterhood
MAH JONGG TOURNAMENT
Future Dates:
July 10, 2016
August 10, 2016
September 14, 2016
2nd Wednesday of every month
Upcoming Tournament: Wednesday June 8th, 2016
Morning and afternoon prizes
BREAKFAST: 8:15 A.M.
PLAY BEGINS AT: 9:00 A.M. SHARP.
PLACE: Temple Beth El 16225 Winker Rd, Ft. Myers
The fee is $35.00. Your fee includes continental breakfast, beverage service all day, lunch and
prizes.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 2nd. If received after June 2nd, you will be placed
on a waiting list. Please call Karen at 239-689-4720 or Bernice at 239-693-0692 to register or
with any other questions.
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MENS CLUB
by Richard Chaet, Men’s Club President
richch8@earthlink.net
In addition to all the fund raisers and fun events the Men’s Club sponsors during the course of any
given year, we are responsible for the Livestream, broadcasting, installation, and upgrading of the
Audio/video system in the Temple. It is through this Livestream broadcast we bring our TBE
Shabbat service live and instantly into the homes of our viewers. Our viewing audience has grown
from its humble beginning of 2 to 5 viewers per week to our present average of 233 families per
week. Over the past 52 weeks we have been viewed by 12,116 families all over the world. If it
were not for the Temple Beth El Livestream broadcast, these 12,116 families would not have been
part of a Shabbat service.
The High Holy Days are rapidly approaching. During last season’s High Holy Days we broadcasted to 1,800 families.
This coming year we will go over 2,000 families.
This Mitzvah is unmatched by any Temple in the country that I’m aware of. If this were the only thing the Men’s Club
accomplished every year, you would think that every male member of the Temple would stand in line to join the Men’s
Club, in order to be part of this great service we are providing to the Jewish Community. Stand tall, and be proud. Join
the Men’s Club and stick your chest out and say, “I’m a proud member, and I help our Jewish community by being part
of the group of men that care about providing Shabbat services to the people who cannot get a service any other way.”
Stop procrastinating. Stop saying: “Let somebody else do it, I do enough, maybe I’ll join next week, or next month, or
next year.” Isn’t it time you came out of the shadows and stand in the light and be identified, and be part of this great
group of Temple Beth El Men. Call the Temple office today and tell them you want to join the Men’s Club.
Caring and Sharing by Dani Weiner
cbweiner@embarqmail.com
Happy Summer!
As always, cards go out to members celebrating milestone birthdays, anniversaries and
those in need of our healing prayers, hugs of
condolence, blessings and love.
If you have any news to share with the congregation, please
forward it to me at cbweiner@embarqmail.com.
Please stop by the gift shop to see my new Israeli Shekel jewelry..I appreciate everyone bringing me their spare coins.
While I have your attention: Next time you clean out your jewelry drawer, please don’t throw away the broken
pieces or items you are tired of. I would love to have them! I take old pieces apart and repurpose them into
brand new creations..or as I like to call them: ReCreations! Nothing is too old, broken or outdated..that extra
earring, broken chain, spare charm..I will make use of it. Jewelry can be dropped off at the gift shop or put into
my mailbox in the main office. Thanks you much to all my friends who have donated and continue to donate
to this cause!!!
I care, therefore I share.
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Etz Chaim Volunteer of the Year Award Winners:
Phyllis and Berny Aronson
This year Berny and Phyllis Aronson were named the Etz Chayim award winners as Temple Beth El’s Volunteers of the
Year. It came as no surprise to those who work with Phyllis
and Berny on the many committees and projects they are involved in. And while many of us deserve awards for our commitment and dedication to TBE, the Aronsons take it one step
further.
Besides their roles on the Board (Berny as our Ritual VP),
Membership Committee, the newly formed Safety Committee,
Sisterhood, Men’s Club and active participation in almost all
of the temple’s programs and activities, it is their warmth and
enthusiasm which set them apart.
Phyllis and Berny, the definition of a true partnership, have
been happily married for 19 years although they have known
each other since they were 7 years old! Berny’s uncle and
Phyllis’ aunt were married to each other. They were friends
during early years in the Bronx but lost touch when Phyllis’ family moved to Queens and Berny’s family
moved to Yonkers. They were reunited years later at Berny’s parents’ 60th wedding anniversary celebration.
Both were single and it was beshert they would re-connect, fall in love and get married.
How lucky for us that they finally settled down in Ft. Myers, thanks to Berny’s childhood friend who lived
here. They came for a visit and were so impressed with the cleanliness and slower pace compared to Long
Island where they had been living for the past 16 years. They found the people here to be kind and friendly
and committed to moving to Florida by buying a house in the Legends.
The Aronsons’ volunteer experience prior to moving here was limited as they were both working full time
jobs. They had done volunteer work in their younger years however, they had not volunteered in their married
life until joining TBE. When they moved here in 2013, they immediately set out to find a synagogue to call
their spiritual home. Fortunately for us, they discovered a lot more. On their first visit to check us out, Berny
and Phyllis were lucky enough to meet Jodi and Rabbi Barras at a Religious School event. Consequent visits
found us to be a warm and welcoming congregation and they were convinced they had found a spiritual home
and family at TBE.
Our religious school children are one of their top priorities. Our children are our future and Berny and Phyllis
work to make certain they feel important, loved and, Jewish. They work hard to keep the children involved by
giving them roles during services, attending and supporting their events, including their B’nai Mitzvahs and…
offering lots of love and hugs, something Phyllis, especially, is very good at and famous for!
Phyllis and Berny’s hope for the future of Temple Beth El is that we grow and keep our young families involved. “Every congregant must feel that they belong and that TBE is their extended family, whether young,
middle aged or ‘more experienced’. We, as a people, must show caring to all our
congregants through joyous times and times of stress.”
We are so glad they found SW Florida, a place where, according to Phyllis and
Berny, “you can be yourselves, enjoy being alive, see less traffic, have places to go
for entertainment, enjoy nature and the friendly and helpful people.” A place, according to Berny, where “you never have to shovel sunshine”!
And we are grateful they found us. Congratulations to a shining example of volunteerism at Temple Beth El.
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TBE LIBRARY AND BOOK CLUB
Barbara Wasserman Vinson
barbarawvinson@yahoo.com
We Can Use: Children and juvenile books of
Jewish content.
Members: To join the Library Committee contact Barbara Vinson
Machers & Mavens Book Club meets the 1st
Wednesday of every month at 2 PM. Everyone
is welcome to come. For further information
please call Candace Patton, Chair at: cpatton712@aol.com.
Library Donations Welcome: Designate “Library Fund” on your check, made out to Temple Beth El.
TBE 9th GRADE CONFIRMATION SERVICE
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JUNE CALENDAR
Wed 1st
Staff Meeting
Ritual Committee
11:00 am
7:00 am
Fri 3rd
Shabbat Services
*Speaker: Consul General
Secretary Of Israel
7:30 pm
Mon 6th
Current Events
11:00 am
Wed 8th
Staff Meeting
Maj Jongg Tournament
11:00 am
9:00 am
Thu 9th
LT Graduation
5:30pm
Fri 10th
Confirmation Service
Shabbat Rocks-Birthdays &
Anniversaries
7:30 pm
Mon 13th
Shavuot/Yiskor Service
Current Events
9:30 am
11:00 am
Tue 14th
Men’s Club Meeting
7:00 pm
Wed 15th
Staff Meeting
11:00 am
Thu 16th
Membership mtg
10:00 am
Fri 17th
Shabbat Service
7:30 pm
Sat 18th
Ariel Baldinger
Bat Mitzvah
10:30 am
Shavuot/Yiskor
Service
Monday June
13th 9:30 am
Friday, June 3rd
Shabbat Services
***
Sun 19th
Fathers Day
Mon 20th
Current Events
Finance Meeting
Exec Bd Meeting
Tue 21st
Israel Scouts @ Temple Judea
Wed 22nd
Staff Meeting
Board Meeting
11:00 am
6:30 pm
ONEG SPONSORS:
Fri 24th
Shabbat Service
Rabbi Ourach’s last day
7:30 pm
Mon 27th
Camera
11:00 am
Wed 29th
Staff Meeting
11:00 am
June 3rd Temple Beth El
June 10th Confirmation Class
June 17th David & Dana Baldinger in honor of
their daughter Ariel’s Bat Mitzvah
June 24th
Martin & Judy Zfaz in honor of Rabbi
Ourach’ last Shabbat
Guest Speaker:
CONSULT GENERAL
OF ISRAEL
11:00 am
5:00 pm
6:00 pm
If you would like to sponsor an Oneg, please contact Karen
Kagan 433-0018 ext 201 or Inna Vasser ext 203.
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Allison
Richard
Michelle
Eugene
Bill
Dorothy
Ruth
Ellen
Claire
Dolores
Judi
Shelby
Ileane
Harley
Nanci
Stephen
Keith
Marvin
Andrew
Steve
Melissa
Jon
Carolyn
Alan
Caren
Barbara
Saul
Dr Ronald
Chuck
Lowell
Judi
Daniel
Dr Marvin
Jerry
Steven
Chiger
Olitsky
Schoenfeld
Solomon
Berke
Ruberto
Ehrreich
Pensky
Shapiro
Krupin
Bayer
Goldman
Flores
Greenberg
Weaver
Zellner
Benbenisty
Gilman
Calder
Guterman
Kramer
Rubinstein
Mirowitz
Rubinstein
Haiken
Tursky
VanderWoude
Arenstein
Massie
Schoenfeld
Davis
Krauss
Porter
Snyderman
Sager
1-Jun
1-Jun
1-Jun
1-Jun
2-Jun
4-Jun
5-Jun
5-Jun
5-Jun
6-Jun
7-Jun
7-Jun
8-Jun
8-Jun
10-Jun
10-Jun
11-Jun
11-Jun
12-Jun
12-Jun
12-Jun
12-Jun
13-Jun
13-Jun
14-Jun
14-Jun
14-Jun
15-Jun
15-Jun
15-Jun
16-Jun
16-Jun
16-Jun
17-Jun
18-Jun
Jeffrey Bayer
Lance Seiser
Wendy Shraiar
Dr Michael Sills
Nancy Diamond
Barbara Lieberman
Barbara Schwartz
Martin Sherman
Edward Drucker
Valerie Weinberg
Sylvia Brenner
Lisa Tolep
Lora Vatalaro
Penny Lustik
19-Jun
19-Jun
19-Jun
19-Jun
20-Jun
24-Jun
24-Jun
25-Jun
26-Jun
26-Jun
27-Jun
27-Jun
27-Jun
30-Jun
HAPPY
ANNIVERSARY
Keith & Debbie Miller
Richard & Judith Rosenbaum
Robert and Carol Levine
Howard & Brenda Sheridan
Robert & Barbara Sher
Max & Karen Liberles
Solomon and Arline Agin
Davd and Dana Baldinger
Steven & Merrill Paletsky
Richard & Dee Olitsky
Bruce & Harriet Lipschutz
Stan & Lee Warshaw
Ellis & Karen Rabinowitz
WHY IS MY NAME NOT ON THIS PAGE
?
If your name does not appear in our newsletter monthly listing of birthdays
and anniversaries, it is usually because we do not have this information.
Many members have left blank spaces on their application or sometimes a
one (1) looks like a seven (7) and sometimes we type in a four (4) instead of
a three (3).... Please e-mail us and let us know if your information is missing or incorrect it is very easy for us to update your records, but we need
you to let us know.
Please help us update our records. Send your changes to:
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1-Jun
1-Jun
2-Jun
4-Jun
5-Jun
10-Jun
13-Jun
14-Jun
18-Jun
24-Jun
26-Jun
27-Jun
30-Jun
Achieving a Warm, Welcoming and SECURE
Temple Beth El
Important information – please read
Over the past few months, like many other synagogues
across the country, we have been re-examining our
security protocols with a focus on how we manage and
monitor access to our building to ensure the safety and
security of our members and our school children. In
today’s environment, where there is so much unrest in
the world, creating and maintaining a welcoming synagogue while placing a
new emphasis on our security, is an increasing challenge.
For reasons we hope are obvious and necessary, we will be locking the front doors to our Temple each Friday
evening for Shabbat services. While this is a work in progress, we hope you will be patient and join us in both recognizing this need and supporting the solutions to achieve new goals.
Under the leadership of our Administrative Vice Presidents Robin Jacobs and Barbara Gribin, our board and
other members have been meeting with representatives from our local sheriff’s offices and were given a long list of
recommendations to enhance our security. One of these was identifying “safe-rooms” within our building the locations of which you will be advised of. These rooms will be equipped with flashlights, first aid kits, bottled water and
phones designed to dial 911. To this end, we are asking members to donate water and unused cell-phones which we
will program for this purpose
Thanks to our annual mandatory security contributions of $118 per membership, we were able to update our
security cameras and monitors as well as install panic buttons in various locations throughout our building… essential
measures according to the professionals here to evaluate us.
Our decision to enhance security is not meant to invoke fear. While Temple Beth El of Ft. Myers is not one
of our nation’s high profile synagogues, we would be remiss in not paying attention to what is happening in the world
around us. Security and safety are processes which involve every member of our congregation. Everyone, from leadership to congregants, must learn to think security while maintaining a welcoming environment. Our newly formed
Security Committee and our Safety Committee, under the leadership of Berny Aronson and in conjunction with members of the Board of Directors, are making decisions that are prudent and not reactive and that do not place an unreasonable financial burden on the congregation. Our goal is to make our congregation aware of the security and help
you understand that “we are doing this because we want you to be safe”.
No system is perfect and we welcome your input and your feedback. Please contact Berny Aronson, BernyAronson@gmail.com , or Barbara Gribin, barbaragtbe@gmail.com if you feel there is a place for you on these
newly formed committees. While the list for enhanced security provided by the Sheriff’s Department is long, the
question is: what should leadership do first, considering the financial impact of this decision.
We ask for your help by making a voluntary financial contribution to: “Temple Beth El - Enhanced Security”. Achieving a warm, welcoming and SECURE place to worship is a priority.
Welcoming and community are the necessary partners for a successful security program. Thank you for your understanding and assistance as we strive to provide an environment that is both safe and
welcoming for our entire community.
If TBE has played a role in your past, play a role in SECURING its’ future.
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VP of ADMINISTRATION
Robin Jacobs robinjtbe@gmail.com
Barbara Gribin barbaragtbe@gmail.com
Please plan ahead: For security reasons the
front door will be locked at 8:00pm on
Friday evenings.
YAHRZEITS
Yahrzeits listings will now be available in three ways:
1) Temple Beth El website: TempleBethEl.com (you can see 2 months at a time)
2) Personal letter to your home with the information prior to the yahrzeit date
3) Every Shabbat we will read the yahrzeits from that date and the 6 days prior.
Harry and Claire Shapiro would like to thank our Temple Beth El Family for the
Love and Support you gave us during the recent loss of our son, Professor Ed
Shapiro, and Claire’s sister, Marilyn Feinberg .
We will treasure that love forever.
Thank you, thank you, thank you
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TBE SHIVA COMMITTEE
by Dottie Ruberto dotbob1@comcast.net
AT YOUR TIME OF LOSS IT IS DIFFICULT TO FOCUS ON shiva FOOD AND
Preparations for family and friends. LET US HELP YOU.
This committee is available to help anyone who needs assistance in arranging the Shiva meal or memorial during
their time of sorrow. Food will be provided after the funeral for the family wherever the Shiva is being held. We will
bring the food, set up and clean up, we are very unobtrusive.
Three choices will be offered:
(1) A sweets table for 50 people consisting of cakes, finger cakes, candy, nuts and fruit.
(2) A dairy meal for 50 people consisting of: lox, bagels, cream cheese, tomatoes, onion, whitefish salad, herring, egg
salad, cheese platter, vegetable platter, and potato salad.
(3) A combination of numbers one and two for 50 people.
Cost to the family will be based on which choice is selected.
For more information or to volunteer to help, contact Dottie Ruberto, (239) 482-2552 or dotbob1@comcast.net
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Please call the office, or check our website for forms
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Contributions…It’s Your Choice:
Honor a loved ones achievement, honor a volunteer or staff member...make a donation in
memory of a loved one or a friends loved one, Get Well (Misheberach) for a friend or family
member….donations start at $18, and every donation counts no matter how big or small.
Do you know where your money goes when you select a specific fund for your generous donations made in
memory or honor of a loved one or occasion? Below are brief explanations of the variety of opportunities
which appear on our Temple Beth El Contribution Form, available online and in the temple lobby. We hope
you will choose to support those which appeal to you. All contributions are appreciated and appropriately
acknowledged.
GENERAL FUND - Donations to this very important option helps supplement our general operating expenses and allows the temple the most flexibility in directing your contribution dollars.
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND - Contributions to this fund are distributed to worthy and charitable causes at the discretion of the Rabbi.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND – These donations help to maintain our high level of commitment to our
students by supplementing expenses such as curriculum improvements and teacher development.
LINDA SWEET RELIGIOUS SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND – Donations to this fund provide financial support to a qualified student to assure every student receives a Jewish education.
CANTOR FUND – These funds help to support the expansion of musical programming at Temple Beth
El.
CARING AND SHARING – Contributions to this fund help support a greater sense of community, support and outreach to member families in their times of need.
ONEG FUND – Donations to this fund help make our temple a welcoming place for members and
guests by defraying the cost of refreshments provided by the temple for Oneg Shabbats.
CEMETERY FUND – These contributions help to enhance and maintain the beauty and integrity of
our Temple’s Garden of Memories Cemetery.
KITCHEN FUND - These funds are used to supplement supplies and maintain the appliances and appearance of this valuable and often used space in our building.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE - Distinct from the mandatory building and maintenance fund, this voluntary fund is designated for substantial renovation, repairs and improvement expenses as well as the
furnishing and beautification of our facilities.
LANDSCAPING- Donations to this fund are used to enhance and maintain our temple grounds.
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CONTRIBUTIONS
YAHRZEIT FUND
In memory of Samuel G. Wetzler Jr.
From: Allen & Elizabeth Shevach
In memory of Madeline Schatz
From: Mark & Lisa Stein
In memory of Florence Pisacano
From: Linda Sweet & Dan Zevin
In memory of Samuel Zellin
From: Rosalyn Shraiar
GENERAL FUND
In memory of Edward Shapiro
From: Bruce & Robin Jacobs
In memory of Edward Shapiro
From: Linda Sweet & Dan Zevin
In memory of Lawrence Ruberto
From: Robert & Dorothy Ruberto
In memory of Edward Shapiro
From: Rhoda Coben
In memory of Jay Horenstein
Doreen VanderWoude
From: Linda Sweet & Dan Zevin
In memory of Ella & Charlotte Arkin In memory of Edward Shapiro
From: Harold & Pam Arkin
From: Berny & Phyllis Aronson
In memory of David Banks
From: Seymour & Beverly Banks
In memory of Leah Faerber
From: Joseph & Irene Faerber
In memory of Elizabeth Elkowitz
From: Edward & Pamela Elkowitz
In memory of David Elovitz
From: David & Sara Adelizzi
In memory of Gerald Price
From: Carol Price
In memory of Eve Magram
Murray Weiner
From: Louise Weiner
In memory of Herman Kalminson
Max Karpel
From: Larry & Sindee Karpel
In memory of Harry Zellner
From: Stephen Zellner
In memory of Saul Bernstein
From: Fred Bernstein
Get well to
Paul & Marilyn Tenenbaum
Eva Gordon
Thank you Temple Beth El
From: Norman & Marlene Estrin From: Linda Sweet & Dan Zevin
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND
In memory of Doreen VanderWoude In memory of Florence Pisacano
From: Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Cabilo From: Renee Davis
In memory of Doreen VanderWoude In memory of Florence Pisacano
From: Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Freedman
LINDA SWEET SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In appreciation for Howard
Siegel being given the honor of
reading from the Bima
From: Howard & Verna Siegel
In memory of Edward Shapiro
From: Louise Weiner
In honor of Phyllis & Berny Aronson
From: Louise Weiner
Mi Shebeirach to Eva Gordon
From: Louise Weiner
In memory of Arthur Lipschutz
From: Bruce & Harriet Lipschutz
From: Barbara Tursky
CANTOR’S FUND
In memory of Edward Shapiro
From: Lisa & Mark Stein
In honor of Cantor Victor Geigner
From: Lora Vatalaro
CEMETERY FUND
In memory of Doreen VanderWoude
Morris Solomon
Phyllis Hersch
Raisa Gora
From: Harold & Pam Arkin
In memory of Doreen VanderWoude
From: Max & Karen Liberles
In memory of Rabbi, Dr. Joseph
Liberles
From: Max & Karen Liberles
SAFETY & SECURITY FUND
In memory of Doreen
VanderWoude
From: Doug & Barbara Gribin
In memory of Abraham Blitefield
From: Bari Blitefield
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KING DAVID
SOCIETY
LEAVE A LEGACY
Add Temple Beth El
to your Estate Plan
21
New & Established
patients Warmly
Welcomed
ASK YOUR FRIENDS:
ISN’T THIS WHAT YOU
EXPECT FROM YOUR
DERMATOLOGIST ?
SANDY MARTIN, MD, FAAD
13641 Metropolis Ave, Suite 102
239-208-4408
Fort Myers 33912
www.MartinDerm.org
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TEMPLE BETH EL DIRECTORY
(239) 433-0018 • Fax (239) 433-3235
Religious School (239) 433-9808
The Learning Tree (239) 433-5499
E-Mail: temple.info@templebethel.com
Web site: www.templebethel.com
16225 Winkler Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Office hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
STAFF
Rabbi
Cantor
Office Manager/Bookkeeper
Office Assistant
Religious Education Director
Preschool Director
House and Grounds
BOARD MEMBERS
Robert Ourach
rabbiourachtbe@gmail.com
Victor Geigner
cantor.victor@templebethel.com
Inna Vasser
inna@templebethel.com
Karen Kagan
karenktbe@gmail.com
Lydia Rivera
lydiartbe@gmail.com
Dale Cohen
dale@templebethel.com
Jesyca Virnig
learningtree15@yahoo.com
Fabian Ruiz
fabian2748@yahoo.com
BOARD MEMBERS
President
Immediate Past President
Executive Vice President
Treasurer
Vice President/Administration
Vice President/Education
Vice President/House & Grounds
Vice President/Membership
Vice President/Ritual
Vice President/Fundraising
Secretary
Parliamentarian
Social Action
Public Relations
Garden of Memories Cemetery
Caring & Sharing
TEMPLE ORGANIZATIONS
Volunteer Coordinator
Sisterhood President
Men’s Club President
Russ Bogen
russtbe@gmail.com
Harriet Lipschutz
hlipschutztbe@comcast.net
Ellis Rabinowitz
Y7510@aol.com
Roger Satin
jayrsatin@gmail.com
Robin Jacobs
robinjtbe@gmail.com
Barbara Gribin
barbaragtbe@gmail.com
Vanessa Sax
jayvan2009@gmail.com
Soren Shamblott
sorenshamblott@ymail.com
Jeff Avon
jeffavon50@gmail.com
Berny Aronson
BernyAronson@gmail.com
Linda Sweet
linsweet8@gmail.com
Susan Ferkel
susief@embarqmail.com
Lise Plattner
Harley Greenberg
harandel@aol.com
Karen Weiss
Karenwtbe@gmail.com
Pam Arkin
parkintbe@gmail.com
Dani Weiner
cbweiner@embarqmail.com
Senior Youth Group Advisor
Junior Youth Group Advisor
PTO Advisor
Learning Tree Representative
Gift Gallery
Laurie Morris
laurie2287@gmail.com
Bernice Turner
btcansing@hotmail.com
Rich Chaet
richch8@earthlink.net
Elana Beame
sheasa13@att.net
Michelle Schoenfeld
michellejbgr@comcast.net
Karen Kagan
kaganfam@aol.com
Betty Massie
betty@cpamassie.com
Louise Weiner
sweiner420@aol.com
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
All news materials must be submitted by the 7th of each month
prior. karenwtbe@gmail.com (Karen Weiss)
Content Approval: Karen Weiss
Production/Design:
Karen Kagan
Editors:
Judy Williams, Linda Sweet, Louise Weiner
Advertising Representative
Printing/Mailing:
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TEMPLE BETH EL STAFF
Palm Printing Printer’s Ink
2400 First Street, Suite 102
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