be like god: god’s to-do list for kidstemplebeth-el.net/wp-content/uploads/old_bulletins... ·...
TRANSCRIPT
December 2012 Kislev-Tevet 5773
The Spirituality of Welcoming: How to Transform Your
Congregation into a Sacred Community by Dr. Ron Wolfson
“The new synagogue we envision is a spiritual center for all those who set foot inside it. It is a
kehillah kedoshah, a sacred community, where relationships are paramount, where worship is
engaging, where everyone is learning, where repair of the world is a moral imperative, where
healing is offered, where personal and institutional transformation are embraced.
The times are ripe for this spiritual call.”
If this sounds like the synagogue you’d like to help create for yourself, your children,
and grandchildren, please join us for an important conversation
with Dr. Ron Wolfson, noted expert on synagogue transformation and author.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013 7:30 pm
Dr. Wolfson’s visit is funded through the generosity of Sallie and Bruce Downs.
BE LIKE GOD: God’s To-Do List for Kids
Temple Beth-El Religious School is proud to welcome visionary educator Dr. Ron Wolfson, to discuss his newest book
during a community-wide program for all Jewish students, ages eight through twelve.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013 4:00 pm
“Warm, wise and wonderful. This is the book that will energize young people to be God’s hands to
heal the world. (And it might even motivate the parents reading over their shoulders, too!)” —
Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, Dean, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
All students attending this program will receive a copy of Dr. Wolfson’s book through
a grant generously provided by the Birmingham Jewish Foundation.
If your child does not attend TBE Religious School, please RSVP to [email protected]
by December 21 to reserve a copy of the book.
In Honor of the 50th Yahrzeit of Rabbi Abraham Meschz”l
Temple Beth-El Welcomes Dr. Barry Mesch
Scholar-in-Residence
This Scholar-in-Residence
weekend is generously
supported by the
Temple Beth-El Foundation.
Friday, December 7th
Erev Shabbat—Mesch Memories: Reflections from a Son and his Father
Dinner to follow, $12/adults, $6/child
RSVP by Monday, December 3rd to [email protected]
Saturday, December 8th
Shabbat Morning—The Real Chanukah Story: Religion, Politics, and Money
Kiddush Luncheon following services
Shiur following lunch - Rabbi or Prophet: Who is Superior?
Perspectives from the Talmud and Maimonides
Sunday, December 9th
Sisterhood’s Annual Chanukah Latke Lunch from noon-2pm—$10/adults, $5/child
RSVP for latke lunch to [email protected]
PAGE 2 DECEMBER 2012 CONNECTION
Professional Staff & Board
Rabbi Michelle Goldsmith [email protected]
Cantor Daniel Gale [email protected]
Executive Director Bob Greenberg [email protected]
Executive Director Barbara Gordon TBE Foundation [email protected]
Bookkeeper Teresa Mason [email protected]
Communications Isa Dorsky [email protected]
Events Debby Thomas [email protected]
Administration Emily Gregory [email protected]
Education & Youth Maurine Halpern Administrator [email protected]
Youth Group Jennifer Spiegelman Coordinator [email protected]
Officers
President Arlene Fisher
Vice President Loraine Reznik
Vice President Dan Weinrib
Secretary Sue Lischkoff
Treasurer Bruce Downs
Board of Directors: Steve Altmann, Barbara Bonfield,
Peggy Clarke, Todd Doobrow, Sallie Downs, Edwin
Fineberg, Eric Goldis, Jessica Goldstein, Vikki Grodner,
Allen Halpern, Jacob Halpern, Naomi Ivker, Martin
Klinger, Billy Lapidus, Richard Lehr, Michelle Pake,
Toby Siegel, Natalie Sikora, Richard Smith, Tim
Thornton, Danielle Weintraub, Dorothy Ziff, Melvin
Zivitz
Past Presidents: Karl Friedman, Joe Reznik, Howard
Bearman, J.B. Mazer, Myron Radwin, Morton Stern,
Julian Brook, Norman Berk, Maurice Shevin, Joan
Lebow, Ron Froehlich, Ronald Shiland, Gary Gordon,
Jack Schaeffer, Martin Damsky, Jimmy Krell, Steven
Corenblum, Barbara Solomon, Seth Wolnek, Franklin
Tessler, Vikki Grodner
Sisterhood: President, Janet Reagan [email protected] Men’s Club: President, Eric Goldis [email protected]
Religious Service Schedule
December 2012
December 1 Saturday morning 9:30 am Parshat Vayishlah Maftir: Eph Mazer Shabbat Mincha 4:30 pm
December 7 Erev Shabbat 5:45 pm Candle lighting 4:21 pm
December 8 Saturday morning 9:30 am Parshat Vayeshev Maftir: Sharon Kahn Shabbat Mincha 4:30 pm
December 14 Erev Shabbat 5:45 pm Candle lighting 4:22 pm
December 15 Saturday morning 9:30 am Shabbat Chanukah Parshat Miketz Maftir: J.B. Mazer Shabbat Mincha 4:30 pm
December 21 Erev Shabbat 5:45 pm Candle lighting 4:25 pm
December 22 Saturday morning 9:30 am Parshat Vayigash Maftir: Roz Mannon Shabbat Mincha 4:30 pm
December 28 Erev Shabbat 5:45 pm Candle lighting 4:29 pm
December 29 Saturday morning 9:30 am Parshat Vayehi Maftir: Barry Dreayer Shabbat Mincha 4:30 pm
Weekday Service Schedule
Daily Morning Minyan 7:00 am
Sundays & Secular Holidays 8:00 am
Daily Afternoon Minyan 5:30 pm
Saturday Afternoon Minyan 4:30 pm
Chanukah
First candle is lit on Saturday, December 8th.
Please see page 10 for Chanukah blessings.
PAGE 3 CONNECTION DECEMBER 2012
Since my ‘under-the-radar” assuming of the presidency, a lot has been going on – the
High Holidays were a very busy time, from Selichot to Simchat Torah, and it is my hope
that you found the Holidays to be spiritually rewarding. I was surprised the second day
of Rosh Hashanah by Julian Brook who gave me my President’s Pin – so I am now
“official”!
As you know, Cantor Dan Gale has decided not to seek a renewal of his contract when it
expires June 30, 2013. I have expressed to him that we wish Maria and him well as they
seek new opportunities. I have communicated with those families that have upcoming
simchas through June 2013 that Cantor Gale intends to fully carry out his responsibilities.
Under the guidance of Ken Grodner and Evan Rhodes, our parlor meetings were well organized and
professionally conducted; Caryn Corenblum and Barbara Solomon ably facilitated some of the parlor
meetings as well. These meetings were your opportunity for us to listen to what you have to say so that
we can plan for our future, and over 100 of you attended one of the 11 parlor meetings that were held!
Between them and the surveys, I hope you feel that your voice has been heard.
While the number of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs for the next couple of years is low as compared to previous
years, I hope that new members will be joining, bringing with them lots of school-aged children! Each of
us is a member of the Membership Committee, so please let Bob Greenberg, Executive Director, Sue
Lischkoff, who oversees the Membership Committee, or myself know when you hear of a prospect so that
we can make the proper outreach. Also, think about inviting them to a Family Shabbat Ruach which is
lots of fun for the whole family, followed by a scrumptious dinner!
Our professional landscape is changing/has to change; the structure with which we have been
comfortable is being scrutinized. Unlike the times we live in – I call it the “instant world” - we are going
to take our time in making decisions that are right for US. So……….fair warning……….no instant world
here! The Rabbi Search Committee is being formed and an announcement will be forthcoming as to who
will be serving on it.
Bruce Downs, Treasurer, and Teresa Mason, bookkeeper, have been working to construct financial
reports that will reflect both a year-end picture as well as a budget vs. actual. This will help immensely
in the budgeting process. Dues Remediation requests are ongoing, and I encourage you to submit your
request as soon as possible. Forms are available by contacting Teresa Mason, who will gladly mail you
the form.
Thank you to David and Loraine Reznik, AAA Plastic Products, for donating the lucite hang tags and
Jared Nadler/Rhoda and Marvin Link, Levy's Fine Jewelry, for donating the sterling silver chains from
which the lucite tag hangs - together they are beautiful Torah “dressing” to denote which Torahs are to
be used for Shabbat and Holidays.
I want to encourage you to contact me when you have a question or comment – I would like the
opportunity to help solve problems or allay concerns you may have, but this can happen only when you
and I have a conversation. Have I stressed enough that the times they are a changin’, but, if we all pull
together, things will come right!
The contest continues: the first person (previous winners excluded) to find somewhere in the bulletin
and call the office will receive one adult ticket for the Sisterhood Chanukah lunch on December 9!
Warmly,
Arlene
Message From Our President
PAGE 4 CONNECTION DECEMBER 2012
Community Zoo Trip– Fun for All
Our latest trip to the Birmingham Zoo was a huge success. It was our first “community” religious school
trip of the school year which included children from Temple Emanu-El and Knesseth Israel. About 200
children participated in this fun event and learned how the zoo animals relate to Judaism. It was a great
opportunity for all of our children to meet other Jewish children their age from other synagogues. The
parents seemed to have just as much fun as the children mingling with parents from the other synagogues.
Our next “community” trip is scheduled in January for Tu B’Shevat.
Religious School Holiday Service Project
Our Religious School classes will be participating in a huge mitzvah with First Teachers @ Home, Temple
Emanu-El, and the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School to help others during this upcoming holiday season.
Each one of our Religious School classes will adopt one low-income family per class. Specific details,
including a wish list, will be given to each Religious School family. Please let your children participate in
choosing a gift to donate. We are encouraging our Religious School students to be involved in a variety of
mitzvah projects and know that they will get the most out of helping others if they participate in the
process. Unwrapped gifts need to be dropped off at TBE by December 6th. Thank you for your support!
Sisterhood Latke Lunch & Religious School Presentation
On Sunday, December 9, during the Sisterhood Latke Lunch, students in our Religious School classes will
be entertaining us with a variety of skills they’ve learned. The performance begins at 11:30am with lunch
following at 12:00pm. Please make every effort to make sure your child is present for the performance. It
promises to be a fun-filled, latke-eating day.
Upcoming Dates to Remember
November 19-27– No Jr. Congregation/School– Thanksgiving Break
November 30– Family Shabbat Ruach and Dinner
December 6– Gifts Due for Religious School Holiday Service Project
December 9– Sisterhood Latke Lunch (12:00-2:00pm) and Religious School Presentation (11:30am-12:00pm)
December 16– Chanukah Event at McWane Center (12:00-2:00pm)
December 21– Family Shabbat Ruach and Dinner
December 23– January 8– No Jr. Congregation/School– Winter Break
Maurine Halpern
Education and Youth Administrator
Message From Our Religious School
December Youth Group Events
Be sure to checkout all our great December Youth Group events!
11/30-12/2 Ein Gedi Regional Convention for Grades 6-8
Join fellow Kadimaniks from around the southeast at a convention
in Nashville, TN! More information coming soon.
12/2 Roller Skating for Grades 3-5
Come join us for a fun afternoon of roller skating at Skates 280!
Lunch will be provided.
12/16 Coffee Shop Study Session for Grades 9-12
Come study for exams in our own Youth Lounge Coffee Shop! Coffee and
snacks will be provided.
For questions or to RSVP, please contact Jennifer Spiegelman at [email protected].
In-Kind Sponsors:
Karen & Reuben Halpern
Homewood Family Practice Medicine
Limestone Springs Golf Course
Longest Drive Sponsor:
Allstate Insurance
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
½ Hole Sponsors:
Pedorthic Care
Samford Basketball
L. Kianoff & Associates, Inc.
Periodontal & Implant Associates, Inc.
Hole Sponsors:
Berk, Cleveland, Rathmell Wealth Strategies
Levy’s Fine Jewelry
Total Skin and Beauty Dermatology Center
Sirote & Permutt, P.C.
Major Promotions, LLC
Damsky Paper Company
Alscan, Inc.
Schaffer Eye Center
Red Wing Shoes
Servis First Bank
Taylor & Miree Construction, Inc.
DECEMBER 2012
Men’s Club
October was a busy month. The Men’s Club competed in the Atlanta
Kosher BBQ Competition and placed 4th in Beans and 5th in Team Name
(When Pigskins Fly). The Men’s Club had a great turnout for the 3rd
Annual Golf Tournament on October 28th despite the cold weather. We
appreciate all that participated and sponsored our event.
The winners were as follows:
1st Place—Jimmy Weil, Steve Leaf, Sheldon Black, Mike Weiner
2nd Place—Bob Greenberg, Jeff Spielberger, Keith Bernstein, Louis Tuck
3rd Place—Allen Halpern, Jacob Halpern, Tom Champagne, Richard Kahn, Eric Goldis
Longest Drive—David Lorberbaum
Closest to Pin—Jimmy Weil
Upcoming events:
Chanukah Happy Hour—Thursday, December 6th at 6:00 pm (Location TBD)
Blood Drive—Sunday, December 9th (9 am- 12 noon)
Winter husband/ wife bowling outing (Tentatively planned for late January)
Have a great December and join the Men's Club today if you have not done so already. Dues are very
affordable at $36/year. Contact Eric Goldis at 205-365-1285 with any questions, suggestions, or concerns.
Thanks,
Eric Goldis
PAGE 5 CONNECTION
Closest to Pin Sponsor:
Select My Space
Congrats to the winning team!
PAGE 6 DECEMBER 2012 CONNECTION
Year End Tax Saving and Tzedakah Opportunities
Our Temple Beth-El Foundation President, Jimmy Krell, gave a heartfelt speech during our recent Kol
Nidrei Services. It was also reprinted in last month’s bulletin. He spoke about the importance of making
family memories and the special memories he and his family made at his synagogue during his childhood.
He stressed the importance of preserving our Synagogue to insure that current families also have this
special opportunity. The following are relevant excerpts from his speech:
“If we want Temple Beth-El and Conservative Judaism to survive in Birmingham, we need to keep our
Foundation healthy and full of funds. We need to make certain that we are building strong Jewish
memories for the families of this congregation. There were several births in our Temple this last month. We
ALL must make sure - make absolutely certain - that we are in a financial position to create Jewish
memories for these newest members of our shul.
I am asking you to do what Sheri and I have already done. I’m asking you to consider LEAVING the
Foundation something after you are no longer here. Sheri and I have provisions to leave the Foundation
money for the future of this synagogue. We have plans to leave a significant gift – and it doesn’t depend on
whether or not our 3 sons will be here or not. We want this synagogue to be here for all families of
Birmingham and I am asking you to do the same.”
As the end of the year approaches, tax wise individuals are searching for methods to ease their tax burden
and to simultaneously do a mitzvah. The Temple Beth-El Foundation has some suggestions for your year
end donations that will leave a positive impact on Temple Beth-El’s future.
Listed below are a few methods for leaving a lasting legacy to Temple Beth-El, many of which can provide
tax benefits to the donor. Please consult your tax advisor for specific advice and recommendations:
Bequests: Through your will you can make a planned gift to the Temple Beth-El Foundation without
impacting your finances during your lifetime.
Life Insurance: Name the Temple Beth-El Foundation as beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Relatively
small annual premiums can result in a substantial gift to the Foundation.
Appreciated Assets: Selling stocks, bonds, securities, or real estate that have appreciated significantly in
value may trigger substantial capital gains tax. However, contributing them to the Temple Beth-El
Foundation may avoid the capital gains tax, and allows an income-tax deduction. Appreciated assets can
be a wise way to make charitable gifts. Again, please consult your tax advisor for advice and
recommendations.
Retirement Assets: Retirement Plan assets can generate significant taxes at death, and can therefore be
a wonderful vehicle for chartable endowment gifts. Your tax advisor can help you determine whether you
are a candidate for making a substantial retirement assets donation (pension, profit sharing, Keogh, IRA,
401(k), etc.).
Gift Annuity: Tax-deferred fund that generates a guaranteed income payable for the beneficiary of your
annuity. This is done in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.
For more information, please contact Barbara Gordon, TBE Foundation Director at the Temple Office, 933-
2740. Gifts must be postmarked before Jan.1, 2013 for 2012 tax credit.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Recent Donations
A donation was made by Karen and Reuben Halpern to the Religious School Fund.
In honor of her special birthday, the Foundation has received a donation from Dorothy Shiland and her
friends to the Dorothy and Meyer Shiland Program Enrichment Fund
Dorothy Shiland has made a donation to the Dorothy and Meyer Shiland Program Enrichment
Fund in honor of her parents, Ethel Berman’s and Robert Berman’s, Yahrzeit.
Joyce Spielberger has generously initiated the Tenenbaum/Spielberger Tikkun Olam Fund. This tile
will soon be installed on the Foundation’s Donor Wall.
Message From Our Foundation
PAGE 7 CONNECTION DECEMBER 2012
Preparations
Most people have a financial planning process to meet future inevitable events. Financial planning is one
of the most important and common methods used to prepare for the future. These life cycle events call for
financial planning:
Children (When you start thinking about having a baby, start a fund for the following
expenses):
Birth including infant necessities
Health care including dental and vision
Child care including early childhood and school aged programming/care
Education from early childhood through college
Life insurance to insure your child’s future should you not be there
Retirement (The earlier the better applies to planning for this segment of your life):
Income including pension plans, social security, personal savings
Health care including Medicare, private insurance, and long term care insurance
Estate planning
Housing
My job, as the Foundation Director, is to work as a team member with the Foundation’s Board of Directors
to plan for the Temple’s future financial needs. This is a process that takes the varied expertise of all the
individual Foundation Directors and financial support from the congregation. Many steps have already
been taken in this planning process. Listed below are some of those steps:
Fund Management (Previous and Recent)
Centennial Campaign raised funds to initiate a Deferred Maintenance Fund to maintain our building.
The Foundation and Temple Boards initiate the 2011 Repair and Renovation Campaign.
The 2011 Repair and Renovation Campaign will replenish the diminished Deferred Maintenance
Fund.
Investment Policy Statement is up-dated periodically to insure investments reflect the current
economy.
The Investment Committee periodically reviews the investments to measure their productivity and
make changes.
The Investment Committee hires an investment management professional to administer their
portfolio.
Individual congregants are encouraged to initiate named funds and designate testamentary gifts.
Strategic Planning
Founding Foundation Directors designed the legal structure that still directs this organization’s goals.
Foundation Directors have participated in a strategic planning process to provide direction for future
Boards.
Foundation Directors work to provide an annual allocation that augments TBE’s operating budget.
The Foundation and Temple Directors plan in tandem to up-date strategic plans to meet TBE’s future
needs.
The Foundation’s Mission Statement “To perpetuate the vibrancy of Judaism at Temple Beth-El by
sustaining a strong endowment”, continues to drive the Foundation’s future. The Foundation cannot
achieve its goal without the congregation’s support. Contact Barbara Gordon for information about how
you can participate in TBE’s future.
Message From Our Foundation
PAGE 8 CONNECTION DECEMBER 2012
Sisterhood Shabbat—January 19th, 2013
Every year, Sisterhood of Temple Beth-El celebrates a January Shabbat by totally conducting the
Service. On Saturday, January 19th, Sisterhood members will conduct the full service and treat the
congregation to a delicious Shabbat Kiddush Luncheon prepared by Nadine Cohen. Any Sisterhood
member is eligible to participate (we do have rehearsal if you need!), just contact Janet Reagan 956-
9946 or [email protected]. You may do any part of the Service you would like.
Casino Night—February 9th, 2013
BY POPULAR DEMAND, we are bringing back our most fun fundraiser from about 8
years ago! A full Casino Night with all the usual tables, including Poker Tables. Mahj
tables will be set up by reservation only. Of course there will be delicious food and
great music playing….and every dollar profit will be given directly to the synagogue
for programming and the Religious School. Bridget Sikora returns to repeat her
chairmanship, and she puts on a great party! Our synagogue men will run the tables …. And
everyone of you will have a great evening….BE SURE TO PUT THE DATE ON YOUR CALENDAR
NOW! Re-schedule that ski trip or cruise, ‘cause you won’t want to miss this night!
Sisterhood Prepares Shalach Manot Packages for You & Your
Family & Friends
Beginning February 7th, Judy Cullinan and a large group of volunteers will begin packaging
our 2013 Shalach Manot baskets. They will be working on 5 other dates to package, ship,
and deliver baskets. When we print the dates, we hope that you will come with your family
or Mahj Group to give us a hand…can’t let a holiday go by without something from the
Sisterhood in your house and available for you to send to family and friends! Along with the
Gift Shop and baked goods, this fulfills our commitment to providing Judaica for your homes.
Sisterhood
Gift Shop News
Menorahs, Candles, Dreidels, Gelt, and Gifts
The Sisterhood Gift Shop is ready for your Chanukah Shopping!
We have a huge selection of gifts and Chanukiah for sale & on sale NOW!
Items for home decorating and holiday rituals – from lighting the
Menorah and playing dreidels, to sharing chocolate gelt!
Chanukah gifts for everyone in the family – with huge variety of
children’s gifts – easy to buy each child gifts for eight nights!
The Gift Shop can be accessed whenever the synagogue office is open –
PLUS VERY SPECIAL EXTRA DAYS:
Sunday, December 2nd from 1:30 – 4:30…shop when you come to the Kevin Cole Concert
“ The Great Jewish American Songbook”
Sunday, December 9th from 9:00 – 1:30….on the biggest Chanukah Celebration EVER!
Now is the time to buy, buy, buy with 90% of the shop on sale!
PAGE 9 DECEMBER 2012 CONNECTION
Sisterhood Sunday, December 9th
The Only Place to be:
Temple Beth-El in
Birmingham
Young Folks, Old Folks, Everybody
Come! Come to our Synagogue and
have a lot of fun!
Follow the steps to a most enjoyable
Chanukah Celebration –
Saturday, December 8th is the first candle!
1. Begin at 9:00am with the Men’s Club Sponsored Blood Drive
in the Social Hall
2. Visit the Sisterhood Gift Shop for Chanukah gifts, dreidels, gelt, and beautiful
Menorahs from 9:30am–1:00pm — EVERYTHING in the Gift Shop is on sale and for
sale!
3. Head to the Religious School Chanukah Program beginning at 11:30 am
4. Stock up on Delicious Home Made Blintzes — $20 per dozen
5. Be sure you’ve purchased enough Raffle Tickets from Sisterhood to win one of 45
unbelievable prizes - You do not have to be present to win!!!
Available in Cultural Center Lobby - $2 for one ticket, $18 “chai” for 10
tickets, or $36 for 20 tickets
Whether mailing in or buying your tickets on the 9th, use address labels to
fill in ticket information quickly
6. At noon proceed to the Rose & Nathan Filler Cultural Center to join everyone at
Sisterhood’s Annual Chanukah Latke Lunch
Menu includes latkes, tuna salad, apricot noodle kugel, tossed salad, and dessert
$10 adults, $5 for kids 3-12; RSVP to [email protected] or 933-2740
PAGE 10 CONNECTION DECEMBER 2012
The Holiday of Chanukah
Why Do We Celebrate Chanukah? The Festival of Chanukah commemorates the successful
struggle for religious liberty led by the priest Mattathias and later by his son, Judah
Maccabee, against the Syrian oppressors in the year 165 B.C.E. The struggle culminated in a
great victory for the Jews which ended in the recapture of the Temple in Jerusalem. The
Temple was cleansed and rededicated to the service of God. The lights were relit in the
Sanctuary. The Festival is known in Hebrew as “Chanukah” which means “dedication”. It is
also known as the “Festival of Lights” because the Chanukah candles are lit each night for
eight nights in commemoration of this Feast of Rededication. The candles are lit in commemoration of the
miracle which, according to tradition, occurred when the Maccabees rededicated the Temple.
When is Chanukah Observed? Chanukah begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month Kislev, the day
on which the Temple was reconsecrated to the worship of God. (According to our tradition, the “day”
officially commences on the evening before). On each succeeding night of Chanukah, an additional candle
is lit, making eight in all.
Chanukah Practices: Each Jewish home should have a Chanukah Menorah. The Sisterhood Gift Shop
has many beautiful menorahs and other gift items available for Chanukah. Place the menorah in a public
place in your home, preferably near a
window that can be seen from the
outside. The lights should be lit as soon
as possible after nightfall. However,
every effort should be made to see to it
that all members of the family are
present at the ceremony of the lighting
of the candles.
The Chanukah candles are lit from the
“Shamash” (“serving” candle), which is
set apart on the menorah from the other
eight. The Shamash is lit first, then the
brachot are recited, and the candles for
each evening are lit.
On the first evening of Chanukah, one
candle (besides the “Shamash”) is lit. It
is placed on the far right side of the
eight-branched menorah as you face it.
Two are lit on the second night, and so
on. On each night the candle that was
added for that night is lit first. For
example, on the last night of Chanukah,
the eighth candle is lit first, then the
seventh and so on, moving toward the
right.
On Friday, the Chanukah candles are lit
before the lighting of the Shabbat
candles. On Saturday night, Havdallah
is recited first followed by the lighting of
the Chanukah candles.
BRACHOT FOR LIGHTING
THE CHANUKAH CANDLES
Barukh attah Adonai, Eloheinu melekh ha-olam, asher
kid’shanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel
Hanukkah.
Barukh attah Adonai, Eloheinu melekh ha-olam, she-asah
nissim lo-avoteinu ba-yamim ha-heim ba-z’man ha-zeh.
Praised are You, Lord our god, King of the universe whose
mitzvot add holiness to our lives and who gave us the
mitzvah of lighting the lights of Hanukkah.
Praised are You, Lord our god, King of the universe who
accomplished miracles for our ancestors in ancient days,
and in our time.
The following is said on the first evening only:
Barukh attah Adonai, Eloheinu melekh ha-olam,
She-he-heyanu v’kiy’manu v’higiyanu lazman hazeh.
Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, for
granting us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to
reach this day.
Light First Chanukah Candle:
Saturday, December 8, 2012
PAGE 11 CONNECTION DECEMBER 2012
Ramah Scholarship Committee
Camp Ramah Scholarships Available
Since the opening of Ramah Darom in 1997, we have given need-based scholarships to
Temple Beth-El members. The Temple Beth-El Ramah Scholarship Committee offers need-
based scholarships to any synagogue member who applies. There are certain requirements
to receive a scholarship including a financial evaluation from Collat Jewish Family Services
and application to Jewish Children’s Regional Service. The deadline for a completed JCRS
scholarship application is February 15, 2013.
If you are interested in applying for a need-based scholarship, please contact Jimmy Krell at 595-2411
or at [email protected]. If you are interested in contributing to the Temple Beth-El Ramah
Scholarship Fund, please send your contribution to the synagogue and note that the donation is for
Ramah scholarships.
Chesed Committee Update
The Chesed Committee celebrated Sukkot with our community’s senior friends with a
music filled program at Brookdale Place on October 19. Cantor Gale, with the help of
Kay Virago, and accompanied by Maria Bitran on guitar, and Holly Gettinger on flute,
led residents in joyous songs for the holiday. In addition, delicious refreshments were
enjoyed by all.
Our dedicated corps of volunteers then visited 30 seniors in 8 facilities and 4
individuals at home with smiles and goody bags filled with home-made honey cake as
well as other treats.
Many thanks to the following volunteers: Carol Tuck, Margy Rosenbaum, Janet Reagan, Karen Halpern, Anne
Cohn, Micky Rubenstein, Marian Radwin, Holly Mazer, Marsha Asman, Hannah Helman, Tobie Bogart, Bari
Roseman, Sheri Krell, Sybil Michalove, Amy Peetluk, Ruth Siegler, and Natalie Sikora.
Thanks to our bakers Margy Rosenbaum, Donna Schiff, Carol Tuck, Toby Siegel, Dorothy Ziff, and Cindy May
and to our photographer Barbara Bonfield, and to our “bag lady”, Sandra Gilbert.
Chesed has also been busy baking cakes to take to congregants who have lost a loved one. Many thanks to
Shirley Froehlich, Phyllis Berk, Arlene Shelsky, Renee Singer, and Dorothy Ziff for their skilled baking.
If you would like to assist Renee Singer and Sheri Epstein to bake Shiva cakes or join us in our Chanukah visits,
please let us know.
Dorothy [email protected] Sandra [email protected] Cindy [email protected]
Beth-Elegant is Coming!
Temple Beth-El’s latest fundraiser is a hand-crocheted Kippah crafted by experienced artisans from
our Temple Beth-El community. A sample will be available for viewing in the next bulletin. Each
Kippah will be crocheted in navy and silver yarn, with a Star of David.
Kippahs will be available for purchase for $100. They make wonderful birthday, anniversary, father’s
day, etc. gifts!
If you would like to be one of our exclusive members of our crochet team, please contact Natalie Sikora
at 956-6288. We will provide yarn, crochet hook, and instructions.
Ladies’ Kippahs will also be available.
PAGE 12 CONNECTION DECEMBER 2012
Donations to Sisterhood
A Chai donation in loving memory of Barry Roseman
A Chai donation in loving memory of Barbara Tenenbaum
A Chai donation as thank you for the honor of an Aliyah on Yom Kippur
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to Bridget & Steven Sikora on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Max
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to Natalie & Albert Sikora on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson,
Max A Chai donation wishing speedy recovery to Len Levin A Chai donation wishing speedy recovery to Jimmy Filler A Chai donation wishing speedy recovery to Norman Berk A Chai donation in loving memory of Marjorie Weinstein A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to Stuart & Blythe Shiland on their marriage
From: Pam Ruttenberg & Arnold Shiland
A Chai donation wishing speedy recovery to Jimmy Filler
A Chai donation wishing speedy recovery to Len Levin
A Chai donation wishing speedy recovery to Norman Berk
A Chai donation in loving memory of Barbara Tenenbaum
A Chai donation in loving memory of Marjorie Weinstein
A Chai donation in loving memory of Eddie Ceitlin
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to Bridget & Steven Sikora on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Max
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to Natalie & Albert Sikora on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson,
Max
From: Hannah and Colin Helman
Leagrams
Jay & Sheryl Perlstein: Condolences on the loss of your Mother, Selma Perlstein
From: Max & Ceil Herzel
Susan Padove: Condolences on the loss you’re your Mother, Mildred Turetzky
Joyce Spielberger: Condolences on the loss of your Mother, Barbara Tenenbaum
Richard & Sally Friedman: Mazal Tov on the engagement of your daughter, Liora to Brett Chessin
From: Jerry & Esther Brown
Contact Ceil Herzel at 871-5125 or [email protected] to have a beautifully handwritten note sent for
simchas, get wells, or losses for a $3 contribution to Sisterhood.
Sisterhood
Torah Fund 2013 Uri Uri—Awake: Greet the new dawn! Chanukah is just around the corner, and we would like to suggest that you surprise your wife,
mother, daughter, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, or niece, with a unique gift – a beautiful Torah
Fund pin, pictured above!
Our new Torah Fund pins are here, and we would love to deliver a gift package which includes
your pin and a few donation cards! Levels of giving are:
Associate Patron - $600 (Pin has a ruby)
Guardian - $300 (Pin has a pearl)
Benefactor - $180
Payments can be made over the next seven months. We also accept all major credit cards as well as checks. The
money that we raise – we are at $16,000+ and counting - goes directly to The Jewish Theological Seminary and
supports scholarships for our future rabbis, cantors, educational directors, etc. We invite you to join us!
NEW BENEFACTOR – FELICE HIRSCH
Hannah Helman, 967-9659 Arlene Fisher, 967-5459
PAGE 13 DECEMBER 2012 CONNECTION
Share the Spirit: FAMILY TO FAMILY Chanukah Program
While most of us are blessed with comfortable lifestyles, we know others are not as blessed. Only
minutes from our Temple there are families in desperate need of our help. With this in mind, Temple
Beth-El is pleased to partner with First Teachers @ Home, Temple Emanu-El, and the N.E. Miles
Jewish Day School to help others during this season of giving. We are going to be part of an exciting
and meaningful program called Share the Spirit: Family to Family Chanukah Program.
First Teachers @ Home will give each participating group a list (with numbers not last names) of low-income
families who participate in their innovative parent-centered education program for preschoolers in Jefferson,
Walker, and Tuscaloosa Counties. These families need our help to make their holiday a happy one!
Here’s what YOU NEED TO DO:
1. Email Amy Strickland: [email protected] to sign up to Champion a family.
2. You’ll get a return email that details the ages and gender of each of the members of a family for whom you
will purchase a gift for Christmas. Please do not wrap!
3. Then, bring your family’s gifts by December 6th to Temple, marked with the assigned family number, and
put them into the matching carton in the sanctuary.
Calling All Volunteers for Christmas Day!
Come serve lunch to the less fortunate on Christmas Day at Grace Episcopal Church in Woodlawn. A great
mitzvah for the entire family!
2 shifts:
1st Shift: 9:30am-11:30am (setting up and cooking)
2nd Shift: 11:30am-2:30pm (greeting, serving, and cleaning up)
Call Eva Wilensky at 967-3340 or email [email protected] to let her know what shift you can volunteer for.
Thanks for sharing your smiling faces and helping hands for those less fortunate, showing them the warmth of
our community.
Please bring any cosmetic, perfume, toiletry samples or travel sizes to be distributed to our meal guests when we
feed the homeless. There will be a basket at the synagogue in the entry by the office…it’s always nice to add
little surprises for those less fortunate than we!
Birmingham Hospitality Network Gift Wrapping
The holiday season is almost here. Members of Temple Beth-El and members of Temple Emanuel-El
will again staff the Birmingham Hospitality Network gift wrapping booth at Colonial Brookwood
Village. The booth will be in the food court once again and our assigned dates this year are Sunday,
December 23th and Monday, December 24th.
Birmingham Hospitality Network (BHN) strives to help families in need. As one of the two organizations in
Birmingham that serves homeless families as a unit, BHN is a community non-profit organization with a
mission to rescue homeless families. Not only are food and shelter offered, but BHN also helps in developing a
stable lifestyle. To learn more, go to www.birminghamhospitalitynetwork.com.
We are in need of volunteers to help throughout the two days in two hour shifts. If your wrapping skills are
limited, cashiers are also needed to receive the items to wrap and interact with our customers, and to explain the
fund raiser. All interested parties over the age of 16 years old are welcome and should contact Toby Siegel at
[email protected] or Bert Siegel at [email protected] or you can call at 205-967-2229.
DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 14 CONNECTION
Directory Changes
Sharon & Nir Menachemi Gail & Abe Schuster Jeff Stern
Please join us the 4th Saturday of every month for Simcha Shabbat as we recognize everyone who has a
simcha in the current month… birthday, anniversary, baby,
B’nai Mitzvah, etc.
TBE Anniversaries
December 2012
May you go from strength to strength.
If your anniversary or special birthday is not listed above, please let us know so that we may update our records. Please contact Emily at 933.2740 or [email protected].
Special Birthdays
Mazal Tov to the following on their Special Birthdays for the month of December 2012:
Lisa Engel, Alan Kianoff, J.B. Mazer,
Stuart Padove, Stanley Rubenstein, Gary Trachtman
*Special Birthdays are published in the bulletin beginning with
age 50 and every 5 years thereafter.
Mazal Tov
Mazal Tov to Stuart Shiland on his marriage to Blythe Bravaldo. Mazal Tov also to his father, Arnold
Shiland.
Mazal Tov to Don Levy and Renee Levy on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson Austin Blase, of
Atlanta, GA. Proud parents are Helen Levy Blase and Craig Blase.
Mazal Tov to Louise and Jim Abroms on the birth of their twin grandchildren, Claire Hannah and
Simon Richard Levin. Proud parents are Michelle and Jon Levin.
Angela & Steven Becker (10)
Jodi & David Benck (18)
Miriam & Steven Bleich (3)
Barbara & Scott Brande (24)
Katherine & Steven Bromberg (2)
Elenor & Sidney Conn (49)
Cathy & Irwin Fingerman (32)
Susan & Gary Goldstein (43)
Hannah & Colin Helman (43)
Rivalee & Herb Husid (59)
Meg & Marc Krawitz (9)
Pat & Neal Miller (46)
Andi & Joe Preston (46)
Micky & Stanley Rubenstein (59)
Lora & Lenny Schwartz (48)
Susan & Ronald Shiland (40)
Lynette & Alvin Slaughter (57)
Linda & Howard Wiener (13)
Masha & Boris Yampolsky (25)
Welcome New Members!
Virginia & Jason Oleinick Terri Heiman
Georgia & Jackson
Condolences
With sympathy, we wish the following families peace and love during their time of sorrow:
Edwin “Eddie” Ceitlin Father of Harold L. Ceitlin, Margaret C. Biller, and Bonnie C. Nickol
Bill Goddard Step-father of Nan Unkenholz and Barry Ginsburg
Ralph Perry Jaffe Husband of Barbara A. Jaffe, Father of Nikki Jaffe Crawford, David Jaffe, and Philip Jaffe,
Brother of Alfred Jaffe and Shirley Jaffe Kraselsky
Marjorie Ellman Weinstein Mother of Steve Weinstein and Nanci Halper
May the families be comforted among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
PAGE 15 DECEMBER 2012 CONNECTION
Speedy Recovery
Best wishes for a speedy recovery and continued good health to:
Harvey Benjamin, Eileen Curtis, Jimmy Filler, Laura Gordon, Len Levin, Gail Schuster, Anne Shiland
Guess who I am!
Last month’s picture was…
Barbara Bonfield
Got Perfect $en$e? She Does...Do You?
Grocery Store Gift Cards Available!
Make your grocery shopping easy and help TBE at the same time!
Purchase grocery store gift cards from TBE ($ for $) and the Temple
makes money from your purchase.
Order your Perfect $en$e grocery store gift cards
(Publix, Western, & Winn-Dixie)
by calling the office at 933-2740 or order online at
https://www.templebeth-el.net/perfectsense/
Thank you from Bari Roseman
To My Beth-El Family,
For all the many, many kindnesses
You’ve shown me, I am truly grateful.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart
For everything.
Love,
Bari Roseman
PAGE 16 CONNECTION DECEMBER 2012
Community Conversations Series: Roy Hoffman on December 1st
"A Jewish Writer in the Bible Belt South" -- Join TBE as we welcome acclaimed novelist
and journalist Roy Hoffman Shabbat morning, December 1st. Hoffman, a native of Mobile,
is the author of several novels including Almost Family and Chicken Dreaming Corn.
His non-fiction collections include Alabama Afternoons: Profiles and Conversations and
Back Home: Journeys through Mobile. Hoffman, a former staff writer for the Mobile
Press-Register, has also had his works appear in the New York Times, Newsday, Garden
and Gun, and Southern Living.
Hoffman’s talk is the latest in Temple Beth-El’s Community Conversations series, designed to offer
our congregation the opportunity to learn from, and engage with, interesting personalities as part of
our Shabbat morning service. Previous speakers included Mayor William Bell and composer Yotam
Haber. The Congregation is encouraged to invite friends and colleagues to join us for this special
event.
Program supported in part by the Joe & Morris Sirote Enrichment Fund of the TBE Foundation.
Family Shabbat Ruach—A Family Friendly Shabbat Experience
Join us December 21st for TBE's Family Shabbat Ruach. Our casual service
begins at 5:45pm.
Family Shabbat Ruach is an hour-long Friday evening service for both children
and adults guaranteed to uplift your Ruach (spirit) and enliven your soul.
Each service begins with our children welcoming the Shabbat in song, after
which they will follow Rabbi Goldsmith to the Chapel for a children's service and
activities.
Cantor Gale continues the service with the TBE Shabbat Ruach Band.
Bring your entire family as we joyously welcome the Sabbath in song and prayer. Dinner to follow
services. Cost is $10 per person/$25 per family.
To reserve your spot, please email or call the TBE office at [email protected] or 933-2740.
150th Anniversary: The Expulsion of Jews from Southern Territories
Saturday, December 15th Rabbi Goldsmith will share a thought provoking sermon about
General Order #11. This order, signed on December 17, 1862, by then Major General
Ulysses S. Grant, ordered the expulsion of all Jews in his military district, including areas
of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky. The order’s purported purpose was to aid in a
Union campaign against a black market for cotton in Southern states. Following public
outcry from the Jewish community, members of Congress, and the press, President
Abraham Lincoln revoked the order a few weeks later. Make sure to mark your calendar to attend!
TLC for TBE Members: Did You Know That…
The new Reading and Resource Room (R & R!) has WiFi service, a computer station for surfing the
web, and comfortable reading/laptop chairs and couches? Come in for schmoozing and a coffee klatsch,
and enjoy a fresh-brewed cup of coffee or hot chocolate. During Religious School, before or after
minyan, or during lunch, we would love to see you!
DECEMBER 2012 CONNECTION PAGE 17
Good Fortune Fund A Very generous donation in honor of Dorothy Shiland’s special birthday From: Nancy Hamborger & Joe Barton A Very generous donation in honor of Rabbi Eugene Borowitz From: Zoey Glick & Matt Swerdlin A Double Chai donation in honor of Bella Weisbrodt From: Tatiana Shitsel A Double Chai donation as thank you for an Aliyah From: Naomi Feldman & David Gorelick A Double Chai donation wishing thanks to Betty & Bob Anfanger for having our beloved Marshall’s Shiva in your home From: Penny Gordon & family A Chai donation in honor of Asaf Stein, PhD, son of Susan & Michael Stein, upon receiving his Doctorate in Environmental & Biomedical Health Sciences, from UAB School of Public Health A Chai donation in honor of Yona Stein, son of Susan & Michael Stein, upon the completion of his two year service in the 424th Shaked Infantry Battalion, Givati Brigade Israel Defense Forces (IDF) From: Susan & Michael Stein A Chai donation wishing thanks to Eph Mazer for his kindness and support during this difficult time From: Penny Gordon & family Mazal Tov to Debbie & Glenn Geldzahler on the engagement of their daughter, Stephanie, to Matthew Ladden From: Sheryl & Jay Perlstein
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to Vicki & Art Lewis on the marriage of their daughter, Alexis A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to Lisa & Alan Engel on the birth of their grandson, Oliver Joel Haines From: Sheri & Jimmy Krell Mazal Tov to parents Brooke & Justin Kaplan and grandparents Beth & Jack Schaeffer on the birth of, Samuel Lee Kaplan Mazal Tov to Lisa & Alan Engel on the birth of their grandson, Oliver Joel Haines From: Barbara & Eric Solomon Mazal Tov to Pat & Alan Geldzahler on the engagement of their granddaughter, Stephanie, to Matthew Ladden From: Ilse Nathan Mazal Tov to Ellen & Jerry Sokol on the engagement of their son, Kevin, to Amanda Weil Mazal Tov to Susan & Steve Greene on the engagement of their daughter, Robin, to Michael Wall From: Penny Gordon Mazal Tov to Natalie & Albert Sikora on the Bar Mitzvah of your grandson, Max Sikora From: Barbara & Henry Helzberg Ruth Siegler Marian & Myron Radwin In honor of the Krell family, the Ron family, all the volunteers, staff and clergy for making the High Holidays meaningful From: Simmy, Phillip, & Lyle Barrocas
Temple Beth-El General Fund Wishing a speedy recovery and
continued good health to: A Chai donation wishing Eileen Curtis speedy recovery From: Dolly & David Staff
A Chai donation wishing Len Levin speedy recovery A Chai donation wishing Jimmy Filler speedy recovery From: Susan & Stuart Padove A Chai donation wishing Jimmy Filler speedy recovery From: Lynette & J.B. Mazer Ilse Nathan Sherri & David Romanoff Eileen Curtis From: Marian & Myron Radwin Jimmy Filler From: Marjie & Myron Butler Frieda & Eph Mazer Marian & Myron Radwin Len Levin From: Lynda & Fred Kemeny Gail Schuster From: Charlotte Corenblum & Karl Friedman Sherri & David Romanoff Ellen & Jerry Sokol
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
A donation to Rabbi Goldsmith From: Eugene Minyard
A donation to Rabbi Goldsmith for your kindness and support during this difficult time From: Penny Gordon & family A donation in appreciation of Rabbi Goldsmith’s education and support of Meyer becoming a Bar Mitzvah From: Michelle & Seth Bearman- Wolnek A donation to Rabbi Goldsmith for all the help with my father’s Yahrzeit A donation to Rabbi Goldsmith in honor of our son Dr. Brett Gerwin’s Aliyah during Rosh Hashanah From: Beth & John Gerwin
A Leaf on the Tree of Life was donated in memory of
Barry Roseman
From the Thursday Morning Minyanaires
Donations
Suzanne & Howard Bearman
Heidi & Martin Damsky
Shirley & Ron Froehlich
Ilene & Martin Klinger
Judy & Ed Rutsky
Esther Schuster & Allen Shealy
Arlene & Marvin Shelsky
Melissa & Melvin Zivitz
PAGE 18 CONNECTION DECEMBER 2012
Cantor’s Discretionary Fund A donation in appreciation to Cantor Gale for conducting a private memorial service at Elmwood for our daughter Jill From: Marian & Myron Radwin A donation in appreciation of Cantor Gale’s training and support of Meyer becoming a Bar Mitzvah From: Michelle & Seth Bearman- Wolnek A donation as thank you for having Daniel read Torah for the past 5 years on Rosh Hashanah From: Debbie Rich A donation for your kindness and support during this difficult time From: Penny Gordon & family
Elmwood Cemetery Fund A Chai donation in loving memory of Ralph Jaffe From: Melba Epsman
Rita Laufman Youth Fund Mazal Tov to Dorothy Shiland on her special birthday From: Ellen & Jerry Sokol
Chesed Committee Fund A Generous donation in appreciation for the High Holiday activities TBE & CJFS have provided From: Albert Cohen A Double Chai donation in loving memory of Barry Roseman From: Gina & Rex Boyd A Chai donation in loving memory of Barry Roseman A Chai donation in loving memory of Morton “Jerry” Marks, beloved father on his Yahrzeit In loving memory of Ben Levy, beloved grandfather on his Yahrzeit From: Julie Marks In appreciation of Cantor Daniel Gale, Maria Bitran, Holly Gettinger, & Kay Virago for entertaining our senior friends at Brookdale Assisted Living From: Dorothy Ziff, Cindy May, & Sandra Gilbert In loving memory of Ella Bloomston, beloved aunt on her Yahrzeit From: Mervyn Epsman
In loving memory of Barry Roseman From: Dorothy Ziff
Mazal Tov to Natalie & Albert Sikora on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Max Sikora From: Dorothy Ziff
Keith Altman Camp Ramah
Scholarship Fund
A Chai donation in loving memory of our beloved son, Keith Altman, on his Yahrzeit From: Carole & Charles Altman
Edie Wilensky Memorial Fund
Wishing Eileen Curtis speedy recovery From: Eileen & Len Levin Wishing Len Levin speedy recovery Wishing Jimmy Filler speedy recovery From: Susan & Gary Goldstein In loving memory of Barry Roseman Mazal Tov to Lisa and Alan Engel on the birth of their grandson, Oliver Joel Hanies From: Diane & Howard Slaughter
Robert Spielberger Memorial Fund In loving memory of Barbara Tenenbaum From: Joan Langer
A Double Chai donation as thank you for the honor of an Aliyah on Yom Kippur In loving memory of Molly Isenberg, beloved mother-in-law on her Yahrzezit In loving memory of Barbara Tenenbaum From: Lynn & Bert Bloomston
Chico Bomchel Memorial
Social Action Fund A Generous Donation in honor of Annie Rotenstreich’s Bat Mitzvah From: Ester B. Winston
A Chai donation in loving memory of Bert Biel, beloved mother on her Yahrzeit A Chai donation in loving memory of Frank Brook, beloved father on his Yahrzeit From: Adrienne & Julian Brook
In loving memory of Mary Fields, beloved aunt on her Yahrzeit In loving memory of Ethel Barrineau, beloved aunt on her Yahrzeit In loving memory of Louise Fields, beloved grandmother on her Yahrzeit From: Mira & Eddie Griffith In loving memory of Mildred Turetzky Wishing speedy recovery to Len Levin From: Chita & Howard Weintrob
In loving memory of Bill Goddard From: Karen & Dan Weinrib
Bill Bernstein Memorial Fund
In loving memory of the beloved father of Dr. & Mrs. Russell Kramer In loving memory of the loving brother of Susan & Bob Brourman From: Sharon & Michael Corenblum
Religious School Fund A Generous donation in loving memory of Barbara Tenenbaum From: Debra & Steve Weiss Chai donations in loving memory of Barbara Tenenbaum From: Beverly & Stewart Aaron Simmy & Phillip Barrocas Janet & Steven Cadranel Lisa & Alan Engel Blair Eurton Nancy Frankel & Lennie Siegel Faye & Robbie Rosenbaum Linda, & Karl Rosenbaum & Schnittke Wendy, Jonathan, Ida Rose, & Bobby Rutkoff A Chai donation in loving memory of Barry Roseman From: Lisa & Alan Engel A Chai donation in appreciation of Joe Preston for his kindness From: Joyce Spielberger In loving memory of Barbara Tenenbaum From: Donna Berry Nadine, Louis, Brandon, & Alex Cohen Sally & Richard Friedman Cherie & Bob Greenberg Sheri & Jimmy Krell Marian & Myron Radwin Debbie Rich
Donations
PAGE 19 CONNECTION DECEMBER 2012
Memorial Fund In loving memory of
A Most Generous donation in loving memory of Barry Roseman From: The Google Team A Most Generous donation in loving memory of Irby Cohen on his Yahrzeit From: Bettie & Merv Torme A Most Generous donation in loving memory of Barry Roseman From: Rob, Bogdan, Issao, Michihiro, Johnny, Ming, Trevor, Erik, Zuguang, and Sunil A Most Generous donation in loving memory of Lee Schaeffer From: HNM, Inc. A Most Generous donation in loving memory of Ralph Jaffe From: Authentic Entertainment A Generous donation in loving memory of Selma Perlstein From: Sharon & John Gaydon A Generous donation in loving memory of Ralph Jaffe From: Sophia & Jeff Green Elizabeth & Steven Harris A Generous donation in loving memory of Lee Schaeffer From: Gordon J. Kirshberg A Double Chai donation in loving memory of Marshall Gordon From: Pat A. Saul A Double Chai donation in loving memory of Eddie Ceitlin From: Phil Lander Chai donations in loving memory of Marshall Gordon From: Dale & Jimmy Glenn Irene Raymond Gail & Abe Schuster Melvin Sokol A Chai donation in loving memory of Jean Blitz From: Lee Greenberg A Chai donation in loving memory of Eddie Ceitlin From: Sandra Jaffe & Barry Dreayer
Chai Donations in loving memory of Mildred Turetzky From: Jean & Ira Levine Lynette & J.B. Mazer Pam Ruttenberg & Arnold Shiland Sam Zuckerman A Chai donation in loving memory of Barbara Tenenbaum From: Ricki & Lanny Kline Chai donations in loving memory of Barry Roseman From: Tobie & Bernard Axel Mira & James Griffith Sheri & Jimmy Krell Esther Schuster & Allen Shealy Sue & Albert Tuck A Chai donation in loving memory of Joyce Benjamin From: Jon Lewis A Chai donation in loving memory of Selma Perlstein From: Karen Johnston A Chai donation in loving memory of Ralph Jaffe From: Elaine & Al Mitleider Marjorie Weinstein From: Penny Gordon Lee Litvine From: Barbara Randman Marshall Gordon From: Barbara Randman Barbara & Eric Solomon Phyllis Weinstein Barry Roseman From: Sherry & Jerry Cherner Cherie & Bob Greenberg Katherine & Bruce Greenberg Sheree & David Kanter Thea Ostroy Marian & Myron Radwin Sherri & David Romanoff Donna & Gary Schiff Debbie & Martin Sher Lynette & Alvin Slaughter Ellen & Jerry Sokol Susan & Michael Stein Mildred Turetzky From: Phyllis & Norman Berk Sherry & Jerry Cherner Arlene Fisher Susan & Michael Stein
Irma Olshan From: Penny Gordon & family Sherri & David Romanoff Ellen & Jerry Sokol Claire Simon From: Avie & Ron Cohen Selma Perlstein From: Cecille & Max Herzel Barbara & Eric Solomon Millie Levy From: Ilse Nathan Howard Jaffe From: Paul Grodner Nathan Glick From: Maxine Sklute Barbara Tenenbaum From: Sherri & David Romanoff Ralph Jaffe From: Tobie & Bernard Axel Marian & Myron Radwin Rhoda Rubenstein Maxine Sklute Joyce & Gaston Stein Eddie Ceitlin From: Arlene & Milton Goldstein
On Their Yahrzeits In loving memory of
A Most Generous donation in loving memory of Herbert Besser, beloved father on his Yahrzeit From: Beth & Jack Schaeffer A Very Generous donation in loving memory of Irby M. Cohen, beloved brother on his first Yahrzeit From: Mayer Cohen A Very Generous donation in loving memory of Irby M. Cohen, beloved father on his Yahrzeit From: Victoria Baldwin A Generous donation in loving memory of Charles Kimerling, beloved father on his Yahrzeit From: Faye Kimerling A Double Chai donation in loving memory of Jean Ginsburg Goddard, beloved mother and grandmother on her Yahrzeit From: Nan, Doug, Jesse, & Joey Unkenholz
Donations
PAGE 20 CONNECTION DECEMBER 2012
Donations
A Double Chai donation in loving memory of B.J. Goldstein, beloved mother on her Yahrzeit From: Michael Goldstein A Double Chai donation in loving memory of Irby Cohen, on his first Yarhzeit From: Linda Ehrlich A Double Chai donation in loving memory of Sam Lapidus, beloved nephew & cousin on his Yahrzeit From: Scott, Aimee, Josh, & Ben Harris A Double Chai donation in loving memory of Sam Lapidus, beloved grandson on his Yahrzeit From: Sandra & Robert Schulman A Double Chai donation in loving memory of Harold Weinstein, beloved husband & father on his Yahrzeit From: Charlotte Weinstein & family A Chai donation in loving memory of Lena Radwin, beloved mother on her Yahrzeit From: Marian & Myron Radwin A Chai donation in loving memory of Rose Pisetzky, beloved mother on her Yahrzeit From: Murray Pizette A Chai donation in loving memory of Yetta Stein, beloved mother on her Yahrzeit From: Lenora Buchalter A Chai donation in loving memory of Muriel L. Degen, beloved mother on her Yahrzeit From: Ellen Bruck A Chai donation in loving memory of Anne Greenberg, beloved mother on her Yahrzeit From: Marcia & Harry Kuniansky A Chai donation in loving memory of Meyer Binstock, beloved father on his Yahrzeit From: Diane Smith A Chai donation in loving memory of Boris Guberman, beloved grandfather on his Yahrzeit From: Diane Smith
A Chai donation in loving memory of Molly Shiland, beloved mother on her Yahrzeit From: Dorothy B. Shiland & family A Chai donation in loving memory of Joseph Blotner, beloved father on his Yahrzeit From: Shirley Hasson A Chai donation in loving memory of Lena Lipsitz, beloved grandmother-in-law on her Yahrzeit From: Anne E. Cohn A Chai donation in loving memory of Jano Luck, beloved aunt on her Yahrzeit From: Dick Berkowitz A Chai donation in loving memory of Isadore Rotenstreich, beloved father on his Yahrzeit From: Joy Fleisher A Chai donation in loving memory of Louis Overbach, beloved father on his Yahrzeit A Chai donation in loving memory of Helen Cohen, beloved mother on her Yahrzeit From: Avie & Ron Cohen A Chai donation in loving memory of Joel Brown, beloved father on his Yahrzeit From: Jerome Brown A Chai donation in loving memory of Morris Rosenthal, beloved father on his Yahrzeit From: Pat Miller A Chai donation in loving memory of Selma Damsky, beloved mother on her Yahrzeit From: Deena Dell A Chai donation in loving memory of Diana Nathan Goldstein, beloved daughter on her Yahrzeit From: Ilse Nathan A Chai donation in loving memory of Louis Akseizer, beloved father on his Yahrzeit From: Lynda & Fred Kemeny A Chai donation in loving memory of Paul Froehlich, beloved father on his Yahrzeit From: Shirley & Ron Froehlich
A Chai donation in loving memory of Bert Biel, beloved grandmother on her Yahrzeit From: Ginger, Larry, James Henry, and Eli Brook A Chai donation in loving memory of Joseph Blotner, beloved father on his Yahrzeit From: Lynette & Alvin Slaughter A Chai donation in loving memory of Joseph Singer, beloved father on his Yahrzeit From: Fern Singer A Chai donation in loving memory of Shirlee P. Levine, beloved mother on her Yahrzeit From: Felice Hirsch A Chai donation in loving memory of Richard Jaffe, beloved husband on his Yahrzeit A Chai donation in loving memory of Morris Rousso, beloved father on his Yahrzeit From: Sue Jaffe David Dubbs, uncle From: Dede Lurie Abe Stein, brother From: Gaston Stein Ben Goldstein, uncle From: Sherry K. Hoffman
Shana Cohen From: Shirley & Paul Schlaff
Jack Slaughter, father From: Diane & Howard Slaughter
Johnny Toranto, brother From: Razelle Toranto
Anne Greenberg, mother Rosebelle Greenberg, aunt From: Sybil & Larry Michalove
Ben Feldser, uncle From: Sharon & Steve DeShazo
Akiva Ostrovsky, father From: Judy Morris Raphael Ostrovsky
Sura Weisberg From: Irina Sapozhnikov
Gertrude Grodner, mother From: Paul Grodner
PAGE 21 CONNECTION DECEMBER 2012
Donations Memorial Plaques
In the book of Psalms we read: "The light of the Lord is the soul of man." These words are so significant that they are engraved in the Ner Tamid, the eternal light in our sanctuary. Each Shabbat, and every Festival, we light candles to mark the holiday and bring a symbol of God's light into our hearts and into our homes. Five times a year we light a Yahrzeit candle. The light of the candle reminds us of our departed loved ones and our faith that their spirits live in the presence of God. A memorial plaque dedicated to your loved one is a lasting tribute that will reside in our sanctuary forever. On the day of their passing, and on each Yizkor day, the light will glow, reminding us of their lives and our love for them. For more information, please contact the memorial light committee: Lynette Mazer (205.967.5270), Lynda Schnier (205.977.9183) or Vicki Flax (205.967.1243).
Todah Rabah!
Many thanks to Collat Jewish Family Services for sending teens to Elmwood Cemetery’s Block 40 to rake leaves on their annual TLC Day. Participating teens included: Seth Perlman, Mack Krell, Meyer Wolnek, Matan Abrams, Jordan Weisberg, and Ethan Elgavish.
Buzya Vaysbroyt, mother From: Yevgeniya Sheludko
Buzya Vaysbroyt, mother From: Raizol Mitzinol
Buzya Vaysbroyt, wife From: Yos Vaysbroyt
Ida Koshina, aunt From: Genya Safyanova & Zinaida Golubova
Rella Kline, mother From: Maxine Sklute
Rebecca Green, grandmother From: Ann Goldman
Mayta Gulman, grandmother Noson Pishchik, father From: Irina Sapozhnikov
Chana Z. Berman, grandmother From: Ann Z. Cohen
Roger M. Katz, husband From: Fanny Katz
Mikhaylov Treyger, father From: Yefim Treyger
Vicki Mead, aunt From: Natalie & Albert Sikora Hyman Tishler, grandfather From: Karen Weinrib & family David Mazer, father Sidney Mazer, brother From: Manon & Rhodes Mazer
*Donations received after November 6 will be included in the January bulletin.
Memorial Plaques
Edith Alpert—June 13, 2012 From: Tobie & Michael Bogart
Marshall Gordon—September 7, 2012 From: Penny Gordon and family
Norman Niren—July 29, 2012 From: The Niren Family
Harold Stein—September 9, 1975 From: The Butrus & Stein Families
Mildred Turetzky—October 2, 2012 From: Susan & Stuart Padove and Pat & Neal Miller
Yahrzeits
Shabbat Vayishlah
November 30-December 1
Faye Aizar
Max Baer
Fred Bans
Pearl Brawer
*Frank Brook
Helen Bunkin
*Gertrude Cohen
*Marcia Cohen
Fanne Cook
*Bert Damsky
*Abe Epsman
Louis Fingerman
*Murray Fisher
Aron Gershengorin
Isadore Goldstein
*Joe Goldstein
*Sol Goldstein
*Jack Greenberg
*Mayer Greenberg
Barnett Grodner
Leonard Hackman
Shirley Heil
Leah Hoosak
Abe Horowitz
*Rae Kimerling
Ester Kopf
*Ann Levin
*Beatrice Levy
Harry Levy
Norma MacIver
Henrietta Michalove
*Sydney Mitchell
Abraham Odrezin
Bill Peetluk
Malka Pelikhova
Jack Perrin
*Minnie Philips
Rose Pincus
*Nathaniel Rubin
Dorothy Sickels
Shirley Singer
*Morris Slaughter
Albert "Buddy" Sokol
*Dorothy "Lovey" Sokol
Goldie Spiegelman
Isidore Steinman
Solomon Volosov
Molly Warren
Max Weintrob
Ida Wolf
Alik Zinger
Shabbat Birkat
Hahodesh
December 7-8
Rose Adler
*Bessie Allen
Amy Allenberg
*Frank Berman
*Robert Berman
Joseph Brawer
Ruth Alys Brown
Louis Budnick
Ilia Burtman
*Abi Conn
*Fannie Cooper
Sam Coplon
Marcia Davidson
*Hymen Dorsky
*Jake Euchvitz
Faye Fasner
Seymour Feinstein
Nathan Fleisher
Elsie Fleisig
*Lena Goldberg
Jake Goldstein
Mildred Goldstein
Paul Goldstein
Grigory Golubov
*Robert Green
*Deanie Greenberg
Al Grodner
*Julia Grunfeld
Sadie Hochberg
Minnie Horowitz
*Sholom Jaffe
Rosalie Kaltman
Abraham Kanter
Philip Klein
*Fannie Kulpe
Rose Laskowitz
*David Levine
*Esther Levy
*Henry Levy
*Sam Lichter
*Necha Light
Anna Link
*Betty Lupescu
Vicki Mead
*Rabbi Abraham Mesch
*Fannie Mihalovits
Bessie Moster
I. Joseph Nissenbaum
*Sallie Olshan
*Sylvia Pearlman
Anna Raymond
Minna Roobin
Murray Rotenberg
*Arnold Royal
*Jack Rubin
Betty Russell
*Harold Ruttenberg
*Neal Sarasohn
*Erna Satori
Jean Schulman
Sara Schwartz
Sylvia Schwartz
Manuel Shelsky
*Victor Sher
*Tillie Silverstein
*Joe Sirote
Lena Solinsky
Harry Stein
Rebecca Stern
*Bertha Weintraub
*Florence Zarovsky
*Samuel Zemurry
Shabbat Miketz
December 14-15
Itsek Aleksandrovich
Julian Allenberg
Herbert Applebaum
Bessie Bank
*LeRoy Bearman
*Sadie Bearman
*Isaac Bernstein
William Bernstein
Helen Blackwell
Bernard Blatt
Ruth Browdy
Saul Bruchis
*Aaron Cohen
Frank Cohen
Harold Colb
*Zac Damsky
Pearl Dim
Mildred Dimenstien
Mavis Doty
*Alton Dreayer
*Sylvia Epsman
Becky Fingerman
Bess Gattanio
*Louis Geldzahler
Samuel Ginsburg
*Meyer Goldberg
Alan Goldman
*I. Goldner
Abraham Goldsmith
Joe Goldstein
Rosalind Goldstein
*Simon Goldstein
*Max Gordon
Sarah Greenberg
Martha Hamburger
Vera Iosifovna Iacubovich
*Helaine Jacobs
*Perry Jaffe
Mollie Joseph
Sarah Klein
*Rella Kline
Morton Kravitz
Isadore Lassen
*Louise Levin
*Nechama Levin
*Bertha Levine
Joyce Levine
*Bea Levy
Hyman Levy
*Ike Levy
*Rosa Levy
*Ruth Lewis
*Philip Light
*Mose Lischkoff
*Chic Lupescu
Vladimir Lyublinskiy
Moseley Meer
*Annie Miller
Sam Miller
*Edward Minnen
*Bessie H. Niren
Emanuel Olshan
Mildred Preston
*Morris Randman
*Elaine Hirsch Rosen
Albert Rosenbaum
Menucha Rosenthal
David Shapiro
*Murray Siegal
*Melvin Singer
*Margie Sokol
Nathan Stein
*Irving Stiegel
Helen Warchaizer
Tybie Warner
*Sam Weintraub
Leon Wheeler
Sanuka (Sonyuka) Zeltser
Shaika Zeltser
Rosalie Zimmerman
Shabbat Vayigash
December 21-22
*Abraham Adelman
Sarah Axel
Lewis Baer
*Rose Baker
Gertrude Bank
*Abe Berkowitz
*William Bernstein
PAGE 22 CONNECTION DECEMBER 2012
Community Announcements
LJCC Joy Club: Join the Joy Club every Tuesday for a delicious kosher lunch and program at 12:15 pm. For
more information, contact Mindy Cohen at 879.0411.
Collat Jewish Family Services Caregivers Support Group: December 19th. “Meaningful Activities for
Your Loved One”. LJCC Senior Lounge from 6:00-7:30pm.
Visit Israel Next Summer with Rabbi Brian Glusman: The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta
and Congregation Beth Shalom are co-sponsoring a Multi-Generational Family Trip to Israel next summer. This
wonderful tour is scheduled to leave Atlanta on June 11, 2013 and return on June 24. The trip is open to all
members of the Temple Beth-El community. Rabbi Glusman and Rabbi Mark Zimmerman will serve as trip
leaders. For additional information, please contact Rabbi Glusman, 678-812-4161 or send an email to
3rd Annual Birmingham Jewish Film Festival: SAVE THE DATE! January 12-13, 2013, sponsored by the
LJCC
Mark Your Calendars: Jewish Genetic Disease Screening: What's in Your Genes? Get Screened! 1 in 4
Jews is a carrier for at least one of 19 preventable genetic diseases. A simple blood test is all it takes to find out
if you are a carrier. Get screened on Sunday, January 13, 2013 from 11:00am to 4:00pm at the Levite JCC (3960
Montclair Road). Already been screened, but not for 19? Update your screening. Pre-register at https://
www.victorcenters.org/screenings/default.aspx?eid=76. For further information contact Caren Seligman at 205-803-
1521 or email [email protected].
PAGE 23 CONNECTION DECEMBER 2012
*Shulamith Brateman
*Sam Brick
Jacob Brittain
Meyer Bunkin
Eli Capouya
Alfred Cohn
Kenneth Curtis
Bernard Daitz
*Florence Damsky
*Oscar Davis
Morris Epsman
*Sarah Erdberg
*Philip Feigelson
*Herman Feinberg
*Abraham Feldstein
Jerry Fishman
Max Gerson
*Louis Gingold
Hershey Glantz
Ida Goldberg
Mona Goldberg
*Rachel Goldberg
*Ralph Gouse
*Lillie Greenwald
Nuchim Gulman
Sid Jaffe
*Bessie Joffe
*Lena Kadis
Rose Kaplan
*Minnie Kisber
Louis Kolodkin
Fannie Kulpe
Fannie Lerner
Harold Levy
*Molly Lewis
*Morris Lux
Rita Maisel
*Lillian Markowitz
David Mendel
Joe Padawer
*Anna Randman
*Julius Routman
Itzhak Schuster
Bertha Shapiro
Donald Shulmister
Beatrice Steinberg
Grigory Tsinis
Joe Tuck
Eph Tunkle
Henry Warner
Sydney Weinstein
*Saul Wertheimer
Manuel Wildstein
*Philip Wilensky
Celia Wilson
*John Zeidman
*Minnie Ziff
*Harry Zimmerman
Shabbat Vayehi
December 28-29
Eula Jean Bachmuth
*Levi Becker
Freida Berk
Anita Faye Black
Charles Block
Nathan Boxer
Katherine Brande
Irving Buchalter
Margaret Castell
Dona Cohen
Jackie Danneman
*B. Dennis
Molka Draluk
Dan Fink
Milton Finkelstein
Sylvan Gershon
*Ida Goldberg
*Sadie Goldberg
Helen Goldman
Stephen Goldman
Fannie Goldstein
David Greenberg
James Griffith
Lev Gutman
Alfred Jacobs
*Sadie Jaffe
Shirley Kimel
*Emil Klein
Samuel Lerner
Fannie Levy
*Morris Levy
*Pauline Levy
*Nathan Lewis
Ernest Marks
*Hyman Mayberger
*Ida Miller
Ethel Mutchnick
George Nadel
*Irving Nimeroff
Mildred Packler
Harry Padrusch
Arthur Perlstein
Rose Perrin
*Bernard Randman
Sidney Rosenberg
*Aaron Rosenfeld
*Harry Routman
*Edwin Rubenstein
*Chaim Schniper
Abraham Schulman
Helen Schulman
Rubin Serwitz
Harry Simon
Jeffry Sinclair
*Vitteh Skalet
*Nathan Solomon
Beatrice Stark
Leah Stark
*Lottie Stein
Esther Stelman
*Jennie Weber
*Denotes a perpetual memorial plaque in the Sanctuary given by family members.
TEMPLE BETH-EL
2179 Highland Avenue
P.O. Box 550220
Birmingham, AL 35255-0220
(205)933-2740
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID Permit No. 889
Birmingham, AL
DON’T FORGET TO ATTEND
Kevin Cole, America’s Pianist: The Great Jewish American Songbook
Sunday, December 2
2:00pm
Sanctuary
Please join us for what is sure to be an afternoon of what the
Chicago Sun called “pure show-biz virtuosity that would have
had Vladimir Horowitz smiling with envy.”
“Kid, if I could have played piano like that, I would never
have become a song writer!” - Irving Berlin to Kevin Cole
Program funded through the generous support of
The Brenda and Fred Friedman Foundation
Thanks to our many patrons who are also supporting this event
TBE Sisterhood Chanukah Luncheon & Raffle
Sunday, December 9
Noon-2:00pm
Rose and Nathan Filler Cultural Center
Our Religious School children will be performing a
Chanukah program from 11:30 to noon
We’ll enjoy a delicious luncheon ($10/adults, $5/kids)
with latkes, tuna salad, apricot noodle kugel,
tossed salad, and dessert
RSVP to the Temple Office [email protected] or 933-2740 by November 30
The Men’s Club will be holding their annual blood drive
from 9:00am-2:00pm