a message from our president - the temple, congregation b ......feb 01, 2020 · daniel toby...

Dear Friends, Recently, you received a letter from me outlining the timeline and initial decisions around our search for a new Rabbi. As you are aware by now, Rabbi Nemitoff will be retiring on June 30, 2021. While it will be a bittersweet time, we truly appreciate his forward thinking and

his desire to do what is right for our congregation, giving us the time needed to find our next spiritual leader. As I stated in my letter, this gift of time helps ensure our congregation will move toward our future in the healthiest way possible. We are in the initial stages of our search, and, as a brief recap of where we are to date: Our Board of Trustees has committed to three important initial decisions to get things started: 1. Based on our special Advisory Group’s

recommendations, we will focus our search on a settled rabbi, as we believe this will best meet the needs of our congregation.

2. Board member, Zach Bassin, will chair our Rabbinic Search Committee, which will focus on transparency, communication with the congregation about their work, and outreach efforts to ensure the committee gets input and representation across the congregation. 3. Board member, Tracey Litwin, will chair the Rabbinic Transition Committee, which is tasked with synthesizing our congregation’s wants and needs so we may find the best fit in a new spiritual leader. Please know that we are looking to each of you for input as we search for our new spiritual leader. Your insights and opinions will help us inform our decision for the benefit of the entire congregation. As the search efforts progress, know that we will share more information along the way. Jocelyn [email protected] (913) 908-8588

A message from our president

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FAQs about the Rabbinic Search Q: Why are we conducting a search for a Settled (Senior) Rabbi? A: After 4 months of calls, discussions with the CCAR, the URJ Advisory team, and research, a special Advisory Group brought a recommendation to the Board of Trustees, requesting that a search be conducted for a settled Rabbi. After reviewing all materials and an open, transparent discussion, the Board voted, unanimously, to begin a search for a settled Rabbi. Q: Who selects the Rabbi? A: The Rabbinic Search Committee selects the Rabbinic candidate to be recommended to the Board. Upon the approval of the candidate, the Board will schedule a Congregational Meeting where the congregation will make the final decision. Q: Will I be able to share my thoughts about the search process or other ideas I have with the Search Committee? A: Yes. We will share a survey with all congregants for input in the coming months. Q: What is the process for selecting a new rabbi? A: Our congregation’s process has just begun: 1. The Rabbinic Search Committee Chair, Zach Bassin, has been appointed.

2. The chair, with input from B’nai Jehudah’s Board President, will select a committee of approximately 12 - 15 congregants. 3. This Committee works on behalf of the congregation to select a candidate who best represents the needs and desires of the congregation. They will achieve this by preparing the application, reviewing resumes and conducting interviews. 4. Once a candidate is selected, the Rabbinic Search Committee will make a recommendation to the Board.

As a member of the Union for Reform Judaism (“URJ”), we are required to participate in a search process governed by the Rabbinical Placement Commission of the CCAR. The CCAR provides the application form for our Rabbinic search and posts the application to its online database of congregations searching for rabbis. Our application is prepared by the Search Committee to provide information about our Congregation’s shared values, philosophy, history, future goals, community, and staff. Before the application is sent to the CCAR it must be approved by our Board of Trustees.

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Daily Minyan Monday—Thursday 5:45 p.m., Sunday 9:45 a.m.

Federal holidays

(when the office is closed) minyan is held at 9:45 a.m. the morning of the holiday.

For Jewish holidays, holiday services replace daily minyan.

UPCOMING SERVICE TIMES

Saturday, February 1

10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service

Parashat Bo

Friday, February 7

5:15 - 6:15 p.m. - Share Shabbat for young families

5:30 p.m. Bisseleh Nosh

6:00 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, February 8


Parashat Beshallach/Shirah

Friday, February 14


6:00 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service



Bar Mitzvah: Daniel Spiegel Parashat Yitro

Friday, February 21





Parashat Mishpatim/Shekalim

Friday, February 28





Parashat Terumah

B’NAI MITZVAH

Daniel Toby Spiegel, son of Julie & Jeffrey Spiegel, will celebrate becoming a Bar Mitzvah during the 10:30 am Shabbat Service on February 15, 2020. Daniel is an honor roll student at Harmony Middle School. He participates in Kesher and BBYO Connect. At school, Daniel plays clarinet in the school band and plays basketball, baseball and soccer. He is active in Boy Scout Troop 10 where he is on his way to Eagle Scout. For his Mitzvah Project, Daniel volunteered on Christmas Eve at Ronald McDonald House to give the regular staff a night off so they could spend it with their families. He also collects pop tabs year-round for Ronald McDonald House.

Exploring the Klein Collection

Every family at B’nai Jehudah has a collection of Judaica at home, small or large. It might be just a Chanukah menorah and a mezuzah, or dozens of objects collected over generations. Seder plates, Kiddush cups, bags full of plastic dreidels: all are part of Jewish life at home. One piece of Judaica that was at one time regularly found in homes and now is uncommon, is a Megillah Esther, or Scroll of Esther.

Megillot Esther tell the story of Purim. Traditionally, the story is read twice on the holiday, in the evening and in the

morning. They can be large or small; there are examples in three sizes on display in Kikar Helzberg. A smaller Megillah would be useful at home while a larger one would likely belong to a synagogue. The large wooden Megillah currently on display is an example of a synagogue-sized Megillah. It dates to around 1900 and is from Safed, Israel.

The tradition of decorating Megillot dates back to late 16th century Italy, and the practice became especially popular in 17th and 18th century Italy, Germany and the Netherlands. Often both the case and the handwritten parchment scroll inside are decorated. Our wooden Megillah case features delicate marquetry (wood veneer patterns) and paintings in warm tones that illustrate the story of Esther.

Abby Magariel - Curator Educator

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Meet our Board of Directors 2020-2021

Officers: Steve Cohen, President; Kory Hochler, Vice President; John Waldron, Vice President; Mike Zevitz, Vice President; Gary Rogoff, Treasurer.

Board Members: Mike Axelrod, Zach Bassin, Bob Blander, Cal Cohen, Myron Goldstein, Matt Haar, Dan Hodes, Josh Hoffman, Mel LaForce, Joseph Martin, Chuck Morris, Ben Nathan, Aaron Rittmaster, Chuck Siegel, Jeff Singer, Ed Soltz, Hal Weintrub, Michael Weiss.

Past Presidents: Fred Goodman, Bruce Montgomery, Jerry Singer, Steve Wilson.

Not pictured: Bob Blander, Chuck Siegel, Jeff Singer, Hal Weintrub, Dan Hodes, Ben Nathan, Matt Haar.

Brotherhood held our Annual Meeting on Sunday, December 8, in the Social Hall. We started with a complimentary gourmet breakfast prepared by our ‘executive chef’ Mort Zevitz and featured a special kugel from Georgina. Highlights included learning about the Mitzvah Garden from Chuck Luchen and Ken Sonnenschein, and the development of a Brotherhood Book Club.

In other news, Brotherhood membership is growing significantly with a trend that includes an increasing number of younger (Shevet Achim) members.

Mitzvah Garden There are many volunteer opportunities at the Mitzvah Garden! Learn more or volunteer your time with Mitzvah Garden: contact Chuck Luchen at [email protected]

BROTHERHOOD BOOK CLUB Dig into a great book with Brotherhood Book Club! Gary Boxer, a recently retired child psychiatrist, is looking forward to developing and leading this group. The structure of this book club is still in discussion. Interested in joining? Contact Gary at [email protected] to learn more, and

follow Gary’s blog, On My Mind at garyboxer.blogspot.com.

We encourage you to check us out. Please visit us on Sunday Mornings at our Breakfast Cafe and/or contact us at [email protected].

B’nai Jehudah Brotherhood

“Living and strenghthening L’ Dor v’ Dor with family, B’nai Jehudah and Judaism.”

mailto:[email protected]

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Reaching In Yarn Spinners Join the Yarn Spinners!

Sunday Mornings Feb 2, 9 & 23

9:30 – 11:30 a.m. in Kikar Helzberg

We’ll work on group charity projects, or bring your own

project and kibitz with this fun, fluid group. Come once or

every Sunday – newcomers, seasoned crocheters/knitters

welcome.

Want to learn? We have experienced Yarn Spinners who would be happy to help and yarn & tools for you to use!

February’s Project: 4x4 or 5x5 100% cotton washcloths for St. Luke’s NNIC Unit – these are given by the nurses to the

parents of the NNIC Unit graduates. Patterns available! Contact Barbie Rogoff at [email protected] for more details.

"I wanted to reach out to let you know how much NICU families have appreciated the beautiful handmade

washcloths that the Yarn Spinners at Congregation B'nai Jehudah hand knit for them. Thank you again for all

the love and work that went into creating them, it brings such a beautiful and personal touch to the going home

bags that families receive when their baby dismisses from the NICU."

Chesed Meals On your own: Would you consider cooking a meal (portions for 2 people) that can be frozen, then re-heated? Simply cook

and bring the meal to B’nai Jehudah in a non-returnable container for storage in our freezer, and the Chesed Team will have

a small meal to bring to folks on the Mi Shebeirach list.

As a group: We will also have a group cooking session Sunday, February 9, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm in B’nai Jehudah’s

Kitchen. Join us anytime during the session: We’ll have the food and the containers...we just need the hands!

Use our Sign Up Genius link, available at bnaijehudah.org, or call the office to say YES! I want to participate! or email Barbie Rogoff

at [email protected]

for more information.

Reaching Out TTCBJ is tackling food insecurity in 2020 in a number of

ways. Specifically in February:

PB&J Sandwiches We’ll create 120 PB&J Sandwiches on Monday, February 17,

from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. for delivery to Micah Ministries. Use our

Sign Up Genius link or call the office to say YES! I want to

participate!

Children of all ages are welcome as we need someone to put

stickers on the sandwich bags! Email Barbie Rogoff at

[email protected] for more information.

Micah Ministries Mitzvah Meals If you have not taken a tour of Micah Ministries, you and

your children will be inspired by the complete care they

provide their marginalized neighbors. Offering their clients a

clothing ‘store’, backpacks, and tarps (for outdoor shelter)

and meals help as much as the spiritual guidance they offer.

It is our privilege to serve food to this community on the 3rd

Monday of most months. Our next meal will be served:

February 17

5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at

Independence Blvd. Christian Church

606 Gladstone Blvd, KCMO 64124

While we do not provide transportation, there are a group of dedicated volunteers who will give you the low-down on this particular Mitzvah. Please contact the main office, 913-663-4050 to sign up or for more information.

RABBI NEMITOFF'S DISCRETIONARY FUND

In Appreciation Of:

Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff

Evelyn Harris

In Memory Of:

Marilyn Hoffman

Betty Price

Paul Wacknov

Gerald Rabin

Anne Barnhill-Rabin

Lily Singer

Erica Bush

Alex Wacknov

Leonard Wacknov

Natalie Wacknov Sadie Wacknov Paul Wacknov For Tzedakah:

Joshua Hoffman

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection

Wally Weber

In Remembrance of theYahrzeit Of:

Hayman Barewin Lee Barewin

Lee Flappan Susan & Bob Flappan

Adaline B. Geisel Judy & Jon Geisel

Shirley Hammer Julie & Wayne Hammer

Linda Levine Lisa & Greg Kurz

Sam R. Price Susan & Bob Flappan

Anna Schiff Irene & Howard Weiner

Addie Shaffer Norm Shaffer

Bruce Siess Harriet Siess

Craig Alan Wacknov Paul Wacknov

Arthur Weiner Irene & Howard Weiner

RABBI SMILEY'S DISCRETIONARY FUND

In Appreciation Of:

Rabbi Sarah Smiley

Evelyn Harris

In Memory Of:

Rita Ann Kahn

Stuart Kahn

For Tzedakah:

Wally Weber

JACOB AND ELIZABETH BLUM TEMPLE CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In Memory Of:

Jenifer Blum's cousin, Judy

Janet & Bruce Baker

BRAEMAN FAMILY EDUCATION FUND

In Remembrance of theYahrzeit Of:

Hope Braeman

Roslyn Braeman Payne

GENERAL FUND

In Honor of the Birthday Of:

Thelma Byers

Barbara Heinrich

In Honor Of:

Vicky & Howard Mayer

Jacob Nussbaum

In Memory Of:

Fred Bordman

Ronna & Josh Garry

Donald Golden

Karin Golden

Tobie Horowitz

Earl Katz

Ronna & Josh Garry

Jimmy Nachman

David Nachman

Ellen & Irv Robinson

Neil Sullivan

Bronna & Spencer Gerber

For Tzedakah:

Alisa & Rick Meireis

In Remembrance of the Yahrzeit Of:

Nancy Abrams

Lisa & Mitchell Hamburg & Family

Shirley Lichterman Agron

Beverly Agron

Jerry Lee Barash

Rose J. Carr

Stanley Barnett

Lori & Paul Barnett

Alvin H. Berlau

Charles Berlau

Annie Bratman

Harry Bratman

Phil Bratman

Bruce Bratman

Anna R. Carr

Rose Carr

Elaine Choikhit

Steve Choikhit

Bunny Cohen

Cal Cohen

Joel Dyke

Michelle Davis

Charlotte Gilbert

Nathan Gilbert

Penny & Howard Gilbert

Stephen J. Greenstein

Marcia Schoenfeld & Fred Greenstein

Ida Hechtman

Nathan Hechtman

Elliot Hechtman

Margaret Henderson

Barbara & Scott Hecht

Betty Johl

Judy Johl

Beverly & Justin Johl

Rosette Koenigsberg

Sol Koenigsberg

Edith Latts

Bonnie & Herb Buchbinder

Herman Levikow

Richard Brockman

Betty Marie Levitt

Alexa & Michael Berman

Irving Liebenthal

Cindy & Arthur Liebenthal & Family

Sam Nelkin

Carol Weissman

Reva Oruch

Fayna Belzer

Max Perlman

Jacqueline Perlman

Bertha Rapschutz

Estelle Kincaid

Stephen Schoenfeld

Marcia Schoenfeld & Fred Greenstein

Ada Siegel

Dave Siegel

DONATIONS

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DONATIONS, continued

We Remember

Rita Ann Kahn

Don L. Hochler Cousin of Kory (Julie) Hochler and family

Charlene Meltzer

Jimmy Nachman

Brother of David Nachman (Sharon Liese)

Neil Sullivan Brother of Trudie (Greg) Goldberg

Ruthine Simon

Lori & Charles Siegel

Morris Stern

Gertrude Stern

Leonard Wilk

Phyliss & Bob Bernstein

Ralph C. Zarr

Ann & Jim Zarr

Paula Zarr

MITZVAH GARDEN

In Honor of the Marriage Of:

Ellen & Irv Robinson

Janet & Allen Agron

In Support of the Mitzvah Garden:

Abbie Rieber B’nai Tzedek Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City

Joey Rieber B’nai Tzedek Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City


Florence Kirschbaum George Kirschbaum

Susie Kirschbaum & Walter Stubbings

Steve Kirschbaum RENOVATION CAMPAIGN

In Memory Of:

Stanley Goldman

Carolyn Goldman

Neil Sullivan

Donna & Harvey Thalblum SHARED VISION FUND

In Honor Of:

Rabbi Josh Leighton

Wally Weber

SOCIAL ACTION/HUNGER FUND

In Honor of the Birthday Of:

Golda Mayer

Marsha Pinson & Family

Ann Stern & Leonard Glass

In Memory Of:

Neil Sullivan

Rene Goldman


Dorothy Dorfman

Marvin Dorfman

Elizabeth & Jeffrey Dorfman

Abe O. Sackin

Teri & Ken Sackin

Helen Schlachter

Elizabeth & Jeffrey Dorfman

Tea Stiefel

Joan Greenbaum & Family

Anna Katz Stone

Irma & Jack Katz

WENDY TALBOT MEMORIAL YOUTH-IN-CRISIS OUTREACH TEMPLE FUND


Ruth Lesky Planzer

Janet & Harold Price

JACK S. TRANIN SPECIAL PROJECTS FUND


Donna Reeve

Barbara & Ted O'Connor

YOUTH GROUP


Robert Sight

Thomas Sight

SISTERHOOD FUNDS

RUTH KAROL LEADERSHIP TRAINING FUND

In Memory Of:

Maurine Agron Alvin Clayman Enid Mooney Judy Parelman

Jill Jacob

New Members

Nicole & Aaron Baker Child: Mollie

Caroline & Luke Bockelman Children: Isaias, Millie & Leo

Ashlee Bressel

Andrea & Zach Fargo

Children: Brooke & Jacob

Lindsay & David Norber Children: Aubrey & Nolan

Returning Members

Stephanie & Richard Gatewood

Anne Rabin

DONATIONS Donations to the synagogue are

always greatly appreciated. Due to the increased administrative

and postage costs necessary to notify recipients of your generous gifts, we

ask that each donation be $18 or more per requested notification.

Thank You!

Celebrating 30 Years Nicole & Myron Wang

Celebrating 40 Years or More Phyllis & Bob Blander Barbara & Jerry Conser Marlene & Mike Fishman Gail & Harry Himmelstein

Joann & Phil Kinney Sunie & Lee Levin Beverly & George Lewis, Jr. Sandi & Jay Rozen Brenda & Allan Schifman Harriet & Mike Zakoura

Dear Congregants, We are proud of our renovation and very happy to be back in the building. Many congregants have been involved in the renovation in so many ways. And now, we

are ready to offer you opportunities to be involved at TTCBJ in new ways! How to Help

I am looking to build a group of tech volunteers who will help run audio, visual, or graphics for services.

Volunteers will: 1. complete two training sessions 2. be 14 or older 3. be fluent enough in Hebrew to follow along and keep pace with an entire Shabbat morning service, including Torah and Haftarah readings, on Saturday mornings.

As we continue to perfect our A/V systems and learn their many capabilities, it is a delight to have others join me in this fun and important job.

Want to learn more? Please contact me at [email protected].

All my Tech Ruach, Emily Williams

Friday, February 28 -

Sunday, March 1, 2020

JYG Chavurah is a wonderful opportunity for middle schoolers across the Missouri Valley NFTY (youth group) region to connect to each other and to their Jewish identity. Students from Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois will meet in Kansas City for a fun weekend of programs, tefilah, and an exploration of all that youth group has to offer. This year's Chavurah does not include travel fees, since it is in KC! However, there are scholarships available through B'nai Jehudah or the JYG region if needed. Learn more and register at missourivalley.nfty.org. Questions? Please contact Emily Williams, [email protected] for more information or to learn about the scholarship application process.

CALLING ALL 6TH, 7TH & 8TH GRADERS TO THE JYG CHAVURAH!

Tech Volunteers Wanted!

12320 NALL AVENUE OVERLAND PARK, KS 66209

PHONE: 913-663-4050 WEB: WWW.BNAIJEHUDAH.ORG

Dated material -do not delay. Return service requested.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Kansas City, Mo.

Permit No. 721

The next bulletin will be the March 2020 issue. The deadline for the March bulletin is February 5. If you have any questions about the Temple Bulletin please contact Jennifer Green Baer, at 913-663-2641.

RABBIS Arthur P. Nemitoff, Senior Rabbi Sarah Smiley, Rabbi Joshua Leighton, Rabbi

OFFICERS Jocelyn Fry, President Amy Bryant, Vice President Adam Cohen, Vice President Amanda Morgan King, Vice President Andy Navran, Secretary/Treasurer Ken Sigman, Immediate Past President ADMINISTRATION Jennifer Green Baer, Executive Director Michelle Cox, Music Director Dayna Gershon, Director of Formal & Informal Education Tricia Ghekas, Finance Director Abby Magariel, Michael Klein Collection Educator/Curator Jane Martin, Communications Director Emily Williams, Assistant Director of Education

EMERITUS Michael R. Zedek, Rabbi Emeritus

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a message from our president - the temple, congregation b ......feb 01, 2020 · daniel toby...

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