The Message
Congregation Beth Yeshurun March 2019
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From the Rabbi
Yet, over the years, when I started to do things for Lisa, I started to feel a different and more profound type of love. Like, when I offered to do the laundry and attempted to make dinner. For those of you who were not at services Or when we had three children under the age of five and I tried on the Shabbat morning of February 9, to share equally in the responsibilities of taking care of them. here is part of what I shared with our congregation: As our marriage progressed, I found myself offering to help out around the house more and more. It took me longer Last week, I asked our teenagers in my than I care to admit to understand what was happening. But sixth and tenth grade classes, “What does eventually it became clear. Through giving, through doing it mean to really love someone?” Most of things for Lisa, the emotion that I had been so desperately them gave me some very nice answers. seeking naturally came back. It was in the practicality that I But one student told me, “To love someone is when you don’t found the love I was looking for. hate their guts.” Not the most inspiring answer. I also heard from one male student, “Love is not going to last anyway, so Our tradition views love not just as an intense feeling of why does it matter?” He had just broken up with his girlfriend. deep affection. It’s not something we just feel inside. Love is an action, a verb better defined as giving as in putting someone Just like our teenagers, we too have many different answers else’s needs above your own. To love someone is to act upon to this question. After twenty years of marriage, let me share feelings, to go above and beyond for the one we love over with you my answer. years and years of a life together. That’s real love which our Twenty-two years ago, my wife Lisa and I met for the first tradition calls “covenantal love” - An unending love that truly time. When we were dating there was a certain indescribable does last forever but can only be found through our actions, excitement in the air. Every word I said was full of wisdom deeds, and conduct. and brilliance. Every joke I told was the best one ever told. As Golda reminded us in Fiddler on the Roof: Every move I made was one of grace and beauty. Then I did For twenty-five years, I’ve washed your clothes, something to ruin the perfection, I got married. Cooked your meals, cleaned your house, After the wedding, as we began to build our lives, we had Given you children and milked the cow. to care for a new baby in a small, run-down apartment in Los For twenty-five years, I’ve lived with him, Angeles. It was the normal and often challenging life for most Fought with him, starved with him. newlyweds. In the daily grind it was hard to find that emotion For twenty-five years, my bed is his. of love, that excitement that was so easy to find when we If that’s not love, what is? were dating.
What Does it Mean to Really Love Someone? by Rabbi Brian Strauss
We Value Our Members Beth Yeshurun is a community institution with a vital mission: to offer spiritual experiences that inspire and uplift all ages, to educate children and adults, and to provide a setting in which Judaism can be joyously lived and experienced.
Congregation Beth Yeshurun
Rhona & Bruce Caress Family Campus 4525 Beechnut St.│Houston, TX 77096-1801 713.666.1881│www.bethyeshurun.org
Interested in Joining? Our synagogue welcomes people of the Jewish faith and their families to make Beth Yeshurun their spiritual home. Mindi Stern, our Director of Member Relations, (713.666.1881) is here to welcome everyone interested in becoming part of our beautiful congregational family.
The Message Vol. LIV, No. 6 March 2019│Adar I - Adar II 5779
Do You Have a Question about Your Membership? Members who may have special needs, whose family situations have changed or who have questions about their membership in th-e synagogue will find a responsive and empathetic ear by arranging a visit with Mindi Stern, our Director of Member Relations, (713.666.1881).
The Message of Congregation Beth Yeshurun (USPS 968-
500) is published monthly August-July by Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut, Houston, Harris County, TX 770961801. Periodical Postage Paid at Houston, Texas.
Postmaster send address changes to Congregation Beth Yeshurun │4525 Beechnut│Houston, TX 77096-1801.
Front Cover Photos taken from our Facebook page from
February 2019 and by Michael Duke. Want to see your picture on the cover? Make sure to tag Beth Yeshurun when posting!
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Follow Us Online! Beth Yeshurun is an active and engaging congregation for members of all ages and backgrounds. To learn more about our ongoing and special programming, visit our website (www.bethyeshurun.org) or follow us on our Facebook page under “Congregation Beth Yeshurun.“
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Worship Services
It’s a Mitzvah
Interested in sponsoring a Chapel Minyan weekday breakfast, or a Chapel or Museum Minyan Shabbat Kiddush in memory of your loved one or in honor of a simcha? Please contact Eileen Pettigrew, Food Service Manager, at epettigrew@bethyeshurun. org or 713.666.1881, ext. 368. Sponsorships will be acknowledged in The Message. Standard breakfasts begin at $120 and kiddushes begin at $145. Special meals may be arranged with the Food Service Department and monthly sponsorships are available. All sponsorships must be paid in advance. Dates will be reserved in the order they are received.
FRIDAY EVENINGS March 1, 2019 Parashat Va-Yakhel | Shabbat Shekalim | CL 6:03pm 5:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service March 8, 2019 Parashat P’kudei | CL 6:08pm 5:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service March 15, 2019 Parashat Va-Yikra | Shabbat Zakhor| CL 7:12pm 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service 6:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel March 22, 2019 Parashat Tzav | CL 7:16pm 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service 6:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel March 29, 2019 Parashat Sh’mini | Shabbat Parah | CL 7:20pm 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service 6:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel SATURDAY MORNING 8:30 AM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15 AM - Museum Minyan Service 9:30 AM - Sanctuary Service 10:15 AM - Shabbat Shalom 11:45 AM - Torah Study SATURDAY EVENING SERVICES March 2, 2019 5:45 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel March 9, 2019 6:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel March 16, 2019 7:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel March 23, 2019 7:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel WEEKDAY CHAPEL SERVICES Week of 3/3 Mornings Sun 8:00am, Mon-Wed 7:00am, Thu-Fri 6:45am; Afternoon/Evenings SunThu 5:30pm Week of 3/10 Mornings Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings Sun-Thu 6:30pm Week of 3/17 Mornings Sun 8:00am, Mon-Thu 7:00am, Fri 6:45am; Afternoon/Evenings Sun-Thu 6:30pm Week of 3/24 Mornings Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings Sun-Thu 6:30pm Week of 3/31 Mornings Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings Sun-Thu 6:30pm
In honor of the Chapel sponsored by Sam Hill In memory of Larry Greene sponsored by Robin & Lu Dorfman In memory of Rhea C. Lane sponsored by Helaine and David Lane & Family In memory of Harold Herbert Levine sponsored by Martine Levine and Family In memory of Annie Nathan Schwartz sponsored by Annita & Newton Schwartz In memory of Roslyn Sofer sponsored by Roger Sofer In memory of Lena Zuber sponsored by Eleanor & Joe Zuber
Coming to See Us?
The Synagogue Office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30am to 5:00pm, and Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm. While members and guests are always welcome to visit with our clergy and staff as needs arise, we encourage members to make an appointment first, if at all possible, so that we can make sure you receive the time and attention you both require and deserve.
In need of Support? Our Clergy want to be with you and help you deal with life’s many challenges. If you have a death in the family, a loved one is in the hospital, or need a get well prayer for someone special, contact the synagogue at 713.666.1881 so that our Clergy can be a source of strength and support. 4
Your Gift Shop is stocked for all your needs! The Beth Yeshurun Sisterhood Gift Shop hours: Sunday: 10:00am - 1:00pm Monday: Closed Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00am - 4:30pm Friday: 10:00am - 2:30pm Saturday: Closed
weekly torah study 11:45am Shabbat Mornings
Wisdom of Torah with Rabbi Brian Strauss Tuesday Mornings, 8:00am Together, over breakfast, we will explore the ancient wisdom of Torah and how it can be applied in today’s modern world. All are welcome!
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Join our Weekly Torah discussions led by Rabbi Danny Horwitz each Shabbat to discern the simple and complex, the explicit and implicit of Torah Wisdom as it applies to our daily life.
KOL RINAH Friday, April 5, 2019, 6:30pm Guest Speaker Rabbi Sarah Fort kolrinah0419.eventbrite.com
THE CHAPEL COMMUNITY
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE MESSAGE! Contact: amills@bethyeshurun.org or 713.666.1881 for sizes & rates
We’re blessed to have many people who make a difference in the Greenfield Chapel on a regular basis. One of them is Malka Levy. She is a devoted and enthusiastic participant every Shabbat morning. She has served as “minyan captain” for one of our weekly services. She makes phone calls weekly to remind people to come to synagogue Rabbi Horwitz for a yahrzeit. And whenever something special happens in the Chapel community, she is always there. (Her husband Brad is always at Beth Yeshurun too, as one of our Sanctuary gabbaim.)
DETAILS MATTER. No matter how small, every detail that is important to you is important to us.
Malka happens to be a talented artist; ask her about the beautiful “mazel tov” and “todah” (thank you) cards she has designed! You can also see the lovely drawing she made of the ten sefirot in my Jewish mysticism reader. And every Friday, some of us get a special heartfelt text from Malka with her Shabbat prayers for us and for everyone at Beth Yeshurun.
With thorough and compassionate attention, we take care of the details so that you can focus on taking care of each other.
Syd Waldman, CFSP
Certified Funeral Service Practitioner Funeral Director / Owner
WE SERVE OUR FAMILIES FROM OUR HEART. Extraordinary Service. Compassionate Care.
People like Malka, each in their own way, make our community so special. We are fortunate to have her!
713-875-4811
Join with us for services in the Greenfield Chapel and find out more about what makes the Chapel a special place.
www.WaldmanFuneralCare.com Affiliated with Hardin Family Funeral Home Chevra Kadisha of Houston Approved
---Rabbi Daniel Horwitz
2018-2019 PROGRAM SCHEDULE 100 Jewish Men is a group of men dedicated to improving themselves and each other as men, fathers, husbands, brothers, sons, friends and Jews. Through controversial, thought-provoking speakers and small group discussions, we will explore what usually remains unspoken in men’s lives at work and at home. We have an incredible year planned and we hope you choose to be part of it. A complete schedule can be found on our website by visiting: bethyeshurun.org/100JM
Register & pay online at www.bethyeshurun.org/100JM or submit this registration form, along with a check payable to Beth Yeshurun, to Rabbi Brian Strauss Congregation Beth Yeshurun | 4525 Beechnut St. | Houston, TX 77096 Registration Cost*: $110/CBY Members; $125/Non-CBY Members *Financial Assistance is available - please contact Rabbi Strauss.
100 JEWISH MEN 2018-2019 REGISTRATION
Thank you to our Steering Committee! Michael Wiesenthal, Mark Newman, Wayne Arzt, Nir Grossman, Jerry Selzer, Michael Schwartzberg, Bill Schwartz, Paul Katz, Michael Lisch, Eric Gibbs, Marty Peskin, Reid Friedman, and Ryan Kagan.
Name_______________________________________
All dinners at 7:00 pm followed by program at 7:30 pm.
City/St/Zip_____________________________________
Wednesday, May 22 Doctor Panel with Clive Fields Staying Alive: Men's Health in the 21st Century
Contact Phone #__________________________________
TBA, April Men's Mock Passover Seder at UOS with Rabbi Brian Strauss & Others
Billing Address_____________________________________
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E-Mail__________________________________________ Optional Scholarship Donation $ ____
CBY Member __ CBY Non-Member __
2019 – PASSOVER – SHAVUOT 5779 With the approach of the Passover/Shavuot season, we recall the everlasting attachments to our beloved relatives and friends who have departed. We remember the bonds of kinship and friendship that linked their lives to ours. IN MEMORIAM is dedicated in reverent and grateful tribute to the loyal and courageous pioneers of Traditional Judaism, whose names will be forever enshrined in our hearts and in the annals of Beth Yeshurun. Yizkor will be recited on Saturday, April 27, 2019. To assure that the IN MEMORIAM book is printed and ready for distribution all names to be memorialized must be submitted on the form below to arrive in the synagogue office by Friday, March 22, 2019. Names received after March 22, 2019 might not be printed in the memorial book, but will be included on an addendum sheet. A minimum contribution of $18.00 per name is suggested. Your generosity in increasing your last year’s contribution will be greatly appreciated. A separate form is necessary for each contributor. New Option: Pay and complete this form online – www.bethyeshurun.org/yizkor Please PRINT the names to be remembered (in alphabetical order): 1)
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REMEMBERED BY________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________________________ DAYTIME PHONE NO: ___________________________________________________________________ AMOUNT OF CONTRIBUTION: $______________________ For Office Use Only Date Received ____/_____/ 2019
Questions: Please contact Jennifer Sutton at 713-666-1881 x 315 jsutton@bethyeshurun.org
Check #________________
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BYachad had a great time competing in the Chopped: Israel Challenge After a tasty Israeli lunch, teens were given 30 minutes to bake cookies with Israeli ingredients, like Bissli, halva, and Elite popping chocolate. While waiting for their creations to bake, everyone answered trivia questions about Israel. Teens then had a few minutes to plate and present to the judges their cookies, which were evaluated on taste and creativity. Congrats to the winning team for their cookie pizza, which included Bissli, Kariot, marshmallows, sprinkles, and chocolate spread. Surprisingly tasty!
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Saturdays from 9am - Noon Open to ages 1 & up No RSVP required
What to Bring?
If your child is still in diapers, be sure to send enough diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream. We do not provide food. You may send your child with nut-free, kosher snacks. Sponsored by the Rabbi’s Circle. For information and to learn about sponsorship opportunities contact Riana Sherman at 713.666.1881 or
rsherman@bethyeshurun.org
Join us Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:00pm in the Freedman Levit sanctuary. March 6th with Jan Silver: Mindfulness Meditation for healing and restoration March 13th with Ray Sher & Gary Edmondson: Meditation and Chanting centered around the week’s Torah portion March 20th Purim: No Meditation March 27th with Janice Rubin: Meditation and Chanting No experience is necessary. Newcomers are always welcome. Drop in anytime. For more information contact Karen Hurwitz at karenhurwitz@karenhurwitz.com 9
Family Album
Anniversaries 3/1 4 Brian Kelly & Karen Dow
3/12 13 Scott & Mindy Michelman 22 Scott & Melissa Selzer 13 Bruce & Anna-Marie 32 David & Mendy Mitrani Levy 3/2 6 Eric Haas & Courtney 30 Steven & Shelley Zubowski-Haas Davidoff 23 Bradley & Melissa 3/13 15 Sean & Edit Churchill Kalmans 25 Aaron & Leslie Roffwarg 44 David & Marcia 26 Ivan Gomez & Maria Solomon Duarte 47 Dror & Helene Zadok 3/14 15 Jonathan & Emily Lepow 3/3 7 Eric & Allison Danziger 27 Mitchell & Fanny 45 Aron & Amy Grenader Frederick 3/4 13 Bruce & Molly Frankel 43 Robert & Frances 31 Steven & Pepper Grossman Lieberman 3/15 22 Scott & Rachel Jacobson 40 Randall & Marcia 32 David & Paula Ginsburg Davidoff 3/16 5 Jonathan & Michelle 3/5 25 Andrew & Sarah Taibel Zadok 30 Gary & Gloria Lepow 17 Andrew & Rachel Toubin 31 Barry & Hallie Zietz 34 Felix & Evelyn Eyzaguirre 31 Todd & Carin Barth 39 Duane & Anna-Lee 3/6 3 Mark & Patricia Kamins Moussazadeh 58 Seymour & Josephine 9 Jamie & Debbie Sugar Haseltine 3/17 34 Andrew Fastow & Lea 20 Mark & Elise Newman Weingarten Fastow 48 Daniel & Ellen 34 Darrell & Helene Lubel Trachtenberg 3/18 18 Mark & Carrie Wolf 3/7 4 Zachary & Stacy Samet 43 Philip & Sharron 9 David & Teresa Vise Zeisman 10 Gregg & Melanie 46 Julian & Frances Koch Rosenberg 46 Geoffrey & Joan 10 Brian & Cara Striegold Schnider 10 Joshua & Stephanie 47 Roberto & Raquel Cohen Fleischer 20 Isaac & Stephanie 3/19 3 Daniel & Rachael Barrocas MacLeod 37 Richard & Deeanne 19 Paul & Leslie Strug Rosenberg 41 Michael & Sharon Krost 3/9 22 Robert & Suzanne 3/20 24 Paul & Susan Danziger Goldstein 26 Wayne & Fonda Arzt 3/10 7 Brian & Valeriya 26 Michael Grosser & Grabarnik Kate Birenbaum 12 Michael & Brooke Jones 36 Murray & Diane 18 Alan & Haley Finkelman Schoendorf 57 Eitan & Haya Kuperman 37 Mark & Judy Mucasey 28 David & Brenda Herzog 42 Allan & Dianna Margolin 3/11 13 David & Lindsey 3/21 9 David & Yosely Sheinbein Tanenbaum 19 Garth & Jessica Beinart 32 Steve & Susan Berdinis 19 Brian & Lisa Silver 49 Ed & Susan Septimus 24 Joshua & Gina Roberts 3/22 33 Todd & Silvia Riff 35 Cal & Helen Cohn 3/23 16 Asaf & Adrienne Glaich 10
17 Joshua & Rachel Jacobs 22 Jody & Sondra Ludwick 61 Melvin & Frieda Dow 3/24 34 Steven & Michele Strauss 45 Alvin & Kay Zeisman 62 Larry & Carol Fradkin 3/25 13 Neville & Libi Fleishman 40 Lee & Rochelle Wunsch 3/26 33 Michael & Shelly Alexander 47 Leonard & Susan Kammerman 47 Stephen & Cheryl Golub 53 Lary & Lois Kupor 3/27 15 Stephen & Dana Hakimi 20 Scott & Linda Newar 3/28 9 Ben & Obeth Avner 10 Brian & Amalia Stanton 21 Ari & Heather Purcell 48 Jonathan & Norma Hyman 49 Gary & Gail Swartz 60 Samuel & Roxanne Gold 3/29 10 Ron Misrack & Susan Schwaitzberg 10 Richard & Cindy Meador 22 Nir & Blythe Grossman 3/30 5 David & Jennifer Stockel 11 Elias & Kari Saratovsky 16 Bryan & Jamie Garrett 39 Jorge & Selma Guttin 3/31 29 Gary & Tracy Stein 34 Steve & Adele Croft 45 Sammy & Robin Fleschler 51 Mark & Carol Entman
CONDOLENCES The congregation extends its
sincerest condolences to the families of: Sarah Aronstein, Grace Benedikt, Robert L. Bernstein, Marshall Cantor, Michele Chimene, Rosita Gaon, Jeffrey Goldstein, Eugene Gruber, Joyce Ellen Anderson Holland, Phyllis Dattle Kalmin, Bennett “Buddy” Kalmans, Jo Kaplan, Myra Kaplan, Milton Lackowitz, Maury Magids, Morris Schultz, Sam Spain, and Dorothea S. Tanenbaum. May their memories be for a blessing.
B’nai Mitzvah
Nava Smith-Litvak (March 1/2) is the daughter of Angela and Jay Smith-Litvak and granddaughter of Miriam and Jose Litvak Yampolsky and Ruth Souperneau and Ray Smith. Nava attends 9th grade at Friendswood High School. For her Mitzvah project she will deliver Shabbat boxes each week to Jewish patients at MD Anderson. The deliveries are made weekly by the JFS hospital volunteers. This will be a three-month commitment for her. Emme Reese Hoover (March 8/9) is the daughter of Lisa Hoover and Michael Hoover, sister of Stone, granddaughter of Marlene and Chuck Tanner, Allen and Wendy Shapiro, and Mary Jo and Wayne Hoover, great granddaughter of Charlie and Evelyn Laviage and the late David and Udis Shapiro. Emme attends Trafton Academy. For Emme’s mitzvah project, she is volunteering at Brookdale Senior Living, where she visits with residents. She will donate a portion of her monetary gifts to The American Cancer Society. Emme is so blessed to be sharing her Bat Mitzvah with her life long friend, Dori Smith.
Jeffrey Evan Sorkin (March 29/30) is the son of Shelley and Jeremy; brother of Samantha and Sophie; grandson of Leah Premazon and Ron Braunfeld of Houston and Sandi and Howard Sorkin of Skokie, Illinois and great-grandson of Judy Bogos of Houston. Jeffrey is a graduate of Beth Yeshurun Day School and currently is a seventh grader at The Emery/Weiner School. For his mitzvah project, Jeffrey has been volunteering at the Jewish Community Center’s Sports Stars program helping young athletes with disabilities. He will donate a portion of his monetary gifts to American Lung Association in honor of his grandfather Howard Sorkin and to Seven Acres in loving memory of his great-grandmother Rose Braunfeld and in honor of his great-grandmother Judy Bogos.
Please contact Hilary Nitsun at hnitsun@bethyeshurun.org or 713.255.8005, for your submission deadline to list your Bar/Bat Mitzvah student’s parents, siblings, grandparents, school, and Mitzvah Projects.
3/2 Pre-Services Sit with Rabbi Sholklapper 3/3 Kosher Chili Cookoff @ Beth Yeshurun 3/8 Family Friday Night 3/9 Siddur GPS MyShabbat 3/10 No RS/Sulam 3/12 BYYA Purim Event 3/10 No RS/Kehillah High 3/16 Community Program with Arnie Eisen and David Ellenson 3/17 Purim Carnival No RS/Sulam 3/20 YES Group Megillah Madness No RS or Kehillah High 3/23 Siddur GPS MyShabbat 3/28 The Gathering Place 3/29 Shabbat in the Park Teen Shabbat 3/30 3rd-5th Grade Program/Havdallah 3/31 B’nai Mitzvah Meeting for 6th Graders Jews By Choice Brunch 4/4 Prep for Passover Meditation, part 1 4/5 Kol Rinah 4/6 Siddur GPS 4/7 Pesach 101 4/8 The Lu Dorfman Yiddishe Kup Every Tuesday: Wisdom of Torah with Rabbi Strauss at 8am Every Wednesday: Meditation & Israeli Dancing
Dori Jaden Smith (March 8/9) is the daughter of Julie and Greg Smith; sister of Cady; granddaughter of Sheryl and Larry Smith and Sylvia Wacher and the late Warren Wacher. Dori attends 7th grade at the Emery-Weiner School. For her Mitzvah Project, in memory of her grandfather, Dori is raising awareness for Staying Heart Healthy and Hands Only CPR by sharing her FUNraise for Heart Web Page. Dori will also participate in the Rabbi’s 10% plan and donate a portion of her monetary gifts to the American Heart Association. Leah Rachelle Cororve (March 22/23) is the daughter of Nirayl and Brian Cororve; sister of Joshua and Miriam Cororve; and granddaughter of Dr. Alan and Susan Cororve and Lester and Carol Sternberg. Leah is currently a 7th grader at The Emery/ Weiner School. For her mitzvah project, Leah will be participating in the the Mitzvah Volunteer Program with the Friendship Circle of Houston. Leah will be donating 10% of her monetary gifts to Camp Young Judaea and K-9 Angels Rescue Group. 11
Religious School
Religious School second grade students and parents came together for a fun and interactive Family Engagement Program that focused on Israel. Students and parents enjoyed learning three Israeli dances that were taught by Iris Toth, Assistant Director of Recruitment and Community Engagement at Camp Young Judaea – Texas. After dancing, everyone was happy to relax and visit while having the opportunity to taste a variety of Israeli snacks.
In conjunction with a unit on the Holocaust, Sulam seventh graders recently visited Holocaust Museum Houston. The visit was very meaningful for the students and helped them to deepen their understanding of the Holocaust.
The third grade Family Engagement Program was all about adamah—the earth. And what better way to appreciate adamah than to get your hands dirty with some strawberry picking! Students and parents had a blast together at Froberg’s Farm, from the bus ride there to picking lots of delicious strawberries to checking out the fantastic farmers market!
Kehillah High just completed the second trimester, which was held at Beth Yeshurun. The building has been filled with lots of energy and enthusiasm from our teens each Wednesday evening as they come together to socialize with each other and learn together. The teens often remain after class to extend their time to visit with their friends. On a Sunday in mid-February, Danielle Alexander, Director of Kehillah High, took a group of eleventh graders to Austin to visit The University of Texas at Austin. They toured the campus and visited Hillel to learn more about Jewish life there. Several Kehillah High alum who attend UT met with the students while there.
Sixth grade students and parents recently met to assemble the personalized yads that they originally created online earlier in the year. Students were excited to receive their yads, and they look forward to using them at their B’nai Mitzvah. The yads are a gift for each sixth grader in the Religious School. 12
paths that will teach them how to Jews By Choice: Join for Brunch! be aus part of the solution.
TWO JEWISH LEADERS ONE INCREDIBLE WEEKEND
Leaders in the Jewish community
tell us they want to find meaningful Your passion for ways to engage with young people Judaism (thank to ensure thatissynagogues and religious centers contagious. thrive. goodness) Those involved in Jewish social Your partseeking of justicebecoming work tell us they’re more opportunities to bring people the Jewish people has together to build relationships. enriched community. Most of our all, we hear countless voices across all demographics and And now we want to find faiths echoing fundamental values respect, peace, and love. aofway to do something to Listening constantly to partners give back to you, to offer committed to bettering the world, I want to findand the support. themes and something more for your commitment patterns within the sentiments We are planning three special Sunday morning expressed. When I think about what 31 achieving greater respect, brunches just for you on March and April 28.
ent
“THOUGHTS ON THE JEWISH FUTURE” MARCH 15 & 16, 2019 | HOUSTON, TEXAS
peace, and love would take, what
would have to be said, and what I Whats the plan? First, you will have an opportunity am listening for, I’ve come to realize all, it’s “yes.” to meet with other Jews that byabove Choice who have Yes to breaking bread with those joined over the past several years.There who are different from you. will Yes to inviting others to a program and be some informal socializing time to get to know looking at building partnerships others who may have similar interests or are in even if you don’t share the same denomination. Yes to thinking similar stages of life (newly married, with kids of outside the box and trying to find different ages, or empty-nesters, differentetc.). solutions that may make
AGE WHEN N
agement
Chancellor Arnold M. Eisen leads the Jewish Theological Seminary (Conservative). Rabbi David Ellenson is President Emeritus of Hebrew Union CollegeJewish Institute of Religion (Reform). When two of the people who have stood at the helm of contemporary American Jewish life come together in Texas to talk frankly about what’s on their mind when it comes to the future of American Jewry... you won’t want to miss it.
people nervous. Yes to showing
to making to truly Second, we want to hearup,from youa difference, what your engaging. experience has been since becoming Jewish. We are commanded to ask the Our Reading Family program and seek (a literacy In program involves(around a questions smallthat groups table) you willunderstanding; have an it is so fundamental to who we are the entire nuclear family), parents opportunity to share whatever that you it is are built comfortable into our holidays, shared how they feel as though even our jokes, but the schools are working hard to sharing about reactions fromtraditions, othersand (family, friends, that is only half of the equation. improve and are making important useful opportunity response you receivetoto strides butother need toJews). improve This their may be aThe is just as important as parental engagement efforts. share ideas with others whoquestions can identify with your the questions themselves. One of We hear over and over again from spiritual the lessons I have learned in this middle school studentsjourney. in our peer mediation program, TAP, express that they want more opportunities to be leaders at their school and in their community; similarly, our high school TAP participants tell us their wish for safer neighborhoods— and the seniors cite these wishes as their impetus to pursue career
FRIDAY, MARCH 15 6:30 PM Erev Shabbat Services followed by dinner at Congregation Beth Israel (Topic: The State of Our Union: Jews & Judaism in America Today). SATURDAY, MARCH 16 9:30 AM Shabbat morning services followed by luncheon at Congregation Beth Yeshurun (Topic: The Future of American Judaism). 6 PM discussion at Congregation Beth Yeshurun (Topic: Who We Are, What We Stand For, How We Lead) followed by Havdallah.
work is that if you are trying to move a mountain, talk to people, listen, build relationships, and then ask them to pick up a rock. Before you know it, pebble by pebble, you will get there, together. All year, and always, we’re listening. We look forward to hearing from you, and responding to communal needs with you.
Third, we would like to learn from you what else we can do for you. Perhaps you want to engage with our Sisterhood, or 100 Jewish Men, or be more involved in one of our new Social Action programs, or do Jewish mindfulness meditation. Or, you may email Dave: dmiller@isjl.org want to learn more about Jewish prayers, or how to cook Jewish foods, or prepare for certain Jewish holidays, or learn Hebrew. Whatever it is you would like to get involved in, we want to help make that happen.
RSVP TODAY AT WWW.ISJL.ORG/HOUSTON-MARCH-201919 SHALOM Y’ALL | SPRING 2019 • The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life
PLAY BALL!
I hope you are able to join us.
Beth Yeshurun is fielding a Men’s softball team to participate in a proposed synagogue league to start Spring 2019.
-Rabbi Steven Morgen
For more information and to register for one of the dates visit:
jewsbychoicespring2019.eventbrite.com
All positions are available. Contact Paul Katz for more information, pkatz88@comcast.net. Make sure to include the phone number and email address.
or contact Rabbi Steven Morgen at smorgen@bethyeshurun.org 13
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Wednesday, March 20, 2019 March YES Group
generously sponsored by: The Village of Meyerland and The Village of Tanglewood
RSVP required by: March 13, 2019 Lunch at 11:30 AM Program & Lunch $8 if prepaid by 03/13/19 $12 after 03/14/19 Please write “YES” on your check and mail to: Riana Sherman 4525 Beechnut Houston, TX 77096 Questions? (713) 666-1881 ext. 312
THE MEDALLION AND THE JEWISH COMMUNITY... WE HONOR AND NURTURE, TOGETHER The Medallion Jewish Assisted Living Residence is located on the Seven Acres campus providing a continuum of care that gives seniors the services they need while maintaining their dignity, quality of life and a sense of independence.
• Wellness Center and heated aqua therapy pool • Fine kosher dining • Jewish cultural programs and holidays observed • Active schedule of social and recreational programs
• A warm, friendly residence in an intimate setting • Access to on-site skilled nursing care/long term care services • Full personal care services • Spacious apartment styles
The Medallion and Seven Acres have 75 years of experience caring for seniors. Our staff, residents and families make The Medallion a special place to call home. Come join our family.
We invite you to visit us today. Contact Stephanie Barrocas at 713-778-5777 or sbarrocas@themedallion.org
Facility ID # 102491
THE MEDALLION JEWISH ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE 6262 North Braeswood Blvd., Houston, TX 77074 www.themedallion.org 15
Contact Us
SYNAGOGUE OFFICE bethyeshurun.org | 713.666.1881 4525 Beechnut St | Houston, TX 77096-1801 CLERGY Rabbi Brian Strauss bstrauss@bethyeshurun.org Assistant: Abby Rotenberg arotenberg@bethyeshurun.org | 713.255.8011 Rabbi Steven Morgen smorgen@bethyeshurun.org Rabbi Sarah Fort sfort@bethyeshurun.org Assistant: Lisa Unsell lunsell@bethyeshurun.org | 713.255.8017 Rabbi David Rosen, drosen@bethyeshurun.org Rabbi Jack Segal rabsegal@aol.com Rabbi Danny Horwitz rabbidanny@aol.com Cantor Meir Finkelstein mfinkelstein@bethyeshurun.org Asst. & B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator: Hilary Nitsun hnitsun@bethyeshurun.org | 713.255.8005
Time sensitive material - please deliver promptly!
SYNAGOGUE Jerrad Bloome, President
president@bethyeshurun.org
Andy Burger, Executive Director aburger@bethyeshurun.org
Mindi Stern, Membership
mstern@bethyeshurun.org
Jennifer-Joy Sutton, Director of Development jsutton@bethyeshurun.org
Riana Sherman, Programming Director rsherman@bethyeshurun.org
Ashley Mills, Marketing & Communications Manager amills@bethyeshurun.org
Arthur Miller, Cemetery
amiller@bethyeshurun.org
| 713.255.8076
WILLIAM S. MALEV RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS Sheryl Eskowitz, Education Director
seskowitz@bethyeshurun.org
| 713.255.8040
BETH YESHURUN DAY SCHOOL School Office 713.666.1884, 713.255.8045 Dan Ahlstrom, Head of School: dahlstrom@byds.org Read The Message online at bethyeshurun.org April deadline: March 1st to Ashley Mills 16