The Message - October 2015

The Message

Congregation Beth Yeshurun Houston October 2015

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This beautiful Torah shield, hand-carved in gilded 0sterling silver in 1819, shows hoopoes -- signs of God’s blessings and the national bird of Israel. One of many extraordinary items on display in tMollie & Louis Kaplan Museum of Judaica.

1. Jewx Kick Off Event: A “TEDx” style program of Jewish ideas worth spreading. Thursday, October 22, 7:00-9:00. Eight speakers, including all our rabbis and our cantor and three special guest speakers. Topics will include: Is Anybody Listening? What I Get from Prayer; Were the Prophets of the Bible Psychotic … or What?; A Window into the Next World; Am I a Good Jew? And What Does That Mean in the 21st Century?; The Rainbow After

the Deluge (Houston’s Jewish community after the Memorial Day Flood); How Yiddish Influenced My Jewish Identity. Guest speakers: Allie Danziger, Dana Katz, Linda Burger.

2. Sunday Jewniversity A wide range of classes and teachers, including topics like: Six Rebels and Reformers: Great Jews Who Made the World a Better Place; Jews in the Civil Rights Movement; Judaism and Christian Beginnings; Digging up the Past in Jerusalem; Wisdom and Wonder: Reading the Rabbis for Inspiration; Let’s Get Mystical: Lurianic Kabbalah; Walking with Justice; and many more.

3. Community Learning Havurot Meet neighbors and make new friends. We have had a Sugar Land havurah meeting monthly for a few years. We will now add one in the Memorial/Galleria area which will meet at Kenny and Ziggy’s on October 18 at 6:00.

Register on line, call our office, or send an email to ngonzales@ bethyeshurun.org. Cost $22 for dairy buffet. We will be starting another one for people in the Bellaire/Meyerland area shortly. To sign up for any of our Havurot, go to the Beth Yeshurun web site: www.bethyeshurun.org, email ngonzales@bethyeshurun.org, or call the office. One of our rabbis will present a topic for discussion at each havurah meeting. Food for your palate and food for thought!

4. Lunch and Learns: Genesis Steakhouse on Thursdays, and Tony’s on Tuesdays. Check our web site for dates and to register for lunch. Our rabbis will again provide the nourishment for your soul, while these two outstanding restaurants will fulfill your appetite.

5. Morning Cup of Torah on Wednesday mornings after Chapel minyan (around 8:00 am) with Starbucks® coffee, bagels and more.

More informal discussions on topics of interest. Get your espresso shot of Torah to go.

6. Book Reader’s Corner Four books presented by four different discussion leaders. Check it out on our web site.

These are only a few of the new innovations in Jewish learning this year. For a complete catalog, visit our web site or come in for a special brochure. I hope you will take the opportunity to learn in one or more of these new stimulating venues.

Congregation Beth Yeshurun

We Value Our Members Beth Yeshurun is a community

From the Rabbi Rabbi Steven Morgen Introducing the new Jewish Learning Project @CBY This year we are introducing a new, updated, enriched Jewish learning program at Beth Yeshurun that we are calling the Jewish Learning Project @ CBY. The Jewish Learning Project is a multi-faceted program of engagement in Jewish tradition designed to meet your needs and interests. Stimulating programs meet at Beth Yeshurun, or in family living rooms, or in any of a range of public spaces across the Houston Metropolitan region – or even in your den or study area at home through podcasts and webinars.

Come as often as you wish and are able to do so. Choose from monthly, weekly, single-event, or short-term topics. Mix and match your own program so you can enrich your Jewish life. We are here to offer you guidance and encouragement in your Jewish growth and learning. Elements of the Jewish Learning Project include:

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.

Rhona & Bruce Caress Family Campus 4525 Beechnut St.│Houston, TX 77096-1801 www.bethyeshurun.org │713.666.1881

Interested in Joining? Our synagogue welcomes people of

The Message of Congregation Beth Yeshurun

the Jewish faith and their families to make Beth Yeshurun their spiritual home. Ellen Petras, our Membership Services Manager (713.666.1881) is here to welcome everyone interested in becoming part of our beautiful congregational family.

(USPS 968-500) is published monthly August-July

by Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut, Houston, Harris County, TX 77096-1801. Periodical Postage Paid at Houston, Texas.

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 the synagogue will find a responsive and empathetic ear by arranging a visit with Ellen Petras, our Membership Services Manager (713.666.1881) .

The Message Vol. LI, No. 3

October 2015│Tishrei-Heshvan 5776

send address changes to Follow Us Online! Beth Yeshurun is an active and engaging congregation for members of all ages and backgrounds. To Congregation Beth Yeshurun learn more about our ongoing and special programming, 4525 Beechnut visit our website (www.bethyeshurun.org) or follow us on our Houston, TX 77096-1801.

Facebook page under “Congregation Beth Yeshurun. “

POSTMASTER

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Shabbat Services

Chapel Services Thursday, October 1: 6:45am & 6:30pm Friday, October 2: 6:45am & 6:30pm Saturday, October 3: 8:30am & 6:30pm Sunday, October 4: 8:00am & 6:30pm Monday, October 5: 8:30am & 6:45pm Tuesday, October 6: 8:30am & 6:45pm Wednesday, October 7: 7:00am & 6:30pm Thursday, October 8: 7:00am & 6:30pm Friday, October 9: 7:00am & 6:30pm Saturday, October 10: 8:30am & 6:15pm Sunday, October 11: 8:00am & 6:30pm Monday, October 12: 7:00am & 6:30pm Tuesday, October 13: 6:45am & 6:30pm Wednesday, October 14: 6:45am & 6:30pm Thursday, October 15: 7:00am & 6:30pm Friday, October 16: 7:00am & 6:30pm Saturday, October 17: 8:30am & 6:15pm Sunday, October 18: 8:00am & 5:30pm Monday, October 19: 7:00am & 5:30pm Tuesday, October 20: 7:00am & 5:30pm Wednesday, October 21: 7:00am & 5:30pm Thursday, October 22: 7:00am & 5:30pm Friday, October 23: 7:00am & 5:30pm Saturday, October 24: 8:30am & 6:00pm Sunday, October 25: 8:00am & 5:30pm Monday, October 26: 7:00am & 5:30pm Tuesday, October 27: 7:00am & 5:30pm Wednesday, October 28: 7:00am & 5:30pm Thursday, October 29: 7:00am & 5:30pm Friday, October 30: 7:00am & 5:30pm Saturday, October 31: 8:30am & 6:00pm

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 - Candlelighting Time 6:48pm 6:00pm Friday Night Alive! - with Rick Recht 6:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 - Parashat Sukkot VI 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service 10:30am 2nd Chapel Service - Bat Mitzvah: Marisa Loev 6:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 - Candlelighting Time 6:30pm 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - with the Berry Family 6:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 - Parashat Bereshit 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service - B’nai Mitzvah: Aaron & Peter Berry 6:15pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 - Candlelighting Time 6:33pm 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - with the Kalmans Family 6:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 - Parashat Noach 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service - Bar Mitzvah: Matthew Kalmans 6:15pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 - Candlelighting Time 6:25pm 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - with the Irvine & Kaplan Families 5:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 - Parashat Lech-Lecha 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service - B’not Mitzvah: Emory Irvine & Rachel Kaplan 6:00pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 - Candlelighting Time 6:19pm 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - with the Jacobson Family 5:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 - Parashat Vayera 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service - Bar Mitzvah: Mitchell Jacobson 6:00pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel 3

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A great way to meet new people!

Upon first hearing about Beth Yeshurun’s new program Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas?, my first thought was that I would love to volunteer to host a Shabbat dinner in my home and be a part of what seemed to me to be a great idea! I did not really understand what it was or who I was supposed to invite, but I knew that hosting BY members who had never been to our home for Shabbat dinner was something we’d love to do.

However, before I could get it together, we were invited to be a guest at Susan and Michael Klaiman’s home as they had also volunteered to be a part of Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas?.

And we had never had Shabbat dinner with the Klaimans, so we readily agreed to go and were excited to do so. It was a super lovely evening with old and new friends and I was sold. I knew that this program, with the singular goal of encouraging our congregants to celebrate the beauty of Shabbat with each other, was something Mitch and I wanted to be a part of.

We then decided to host on the next Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas? date. We had a wonderful Shabbat with some family members and also some congregants new to Beth Yeshurun.

How awesome for us to make new friends and welcome new members to Beth Yeshurun in such a personal way. We loved it and we think they did too!

Mitch and I have already signed up to host several dates this year. I strongly encourage you to sign up to be a GUEST or a HOST. You will not regret it! Go online to bethyeshurun.org/ guess-whos-coming-shabbas to register for one or more of our five dates!

~ Diane Levy

BY Future Leaders Caucus

Members of the new Beth Yeshurun Future Leaders Caucus met with Rabbi Brian Strauss and President Alan Levin Sep. 2.

The goal of the program is to identify and comprehensively train young leaders who can bond over time and potentially represent congregational leadership for decades into the future. The group meets monthly for dinner and discussion.

Pictured above (left to right) Top Row: Elias Camhi, Romy Kaplan, Steve Axler, Rabbi Brian Strauss, Jeff Anapolsky, Doug Freedman, Ryan Steinberg, Alan Levin and Scott Kammerman; Bottom Row: Sylvia Dauber, Rachel Zuckman, Courtney Zubowski, Donna Lane, Allie Danziger and Heather Rasowsky; Not pictured: Shay Kuperman, Avi Rasowsky and Jessica Zoller.

HMH offers discounted rates for Seniors Thanks to a new partnership between Holocaust Museum Houston and AARP, all senior citizens age 65 or older and AARP members with a valid ID card will now receive discounted admission to the Museum. This discounted rate of $8 is only offered to seniors, active military and AARP members with ID card present. Museum members, students, college-level students with valid ID and children are always free.

Holocaust Museum Houston is dedicated to educating people about the Holocaust, remembering the 6 million Jews and other innocent victims and honoring the survivors’ legacy. Using the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides, the Museum teaches the dangers of hatred, prejudice and apathy.

Holocaust Museum Houston’s Morgan Family Center is located in Houston’s Museum District at 5401 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004. For more information about the Museum, call 713.942.8000 or visit www.hmh.org.

It’s a Mitzvah

jewish meditation group Together we’ll explore tools for mindfulness, find a different way to talk to God and deepen our prayer with meditation and chanting. RSVP to karenhurwitz@karenhurwitz.com.

7:00-8:00pm Wednesdays october 14, 21 & 28 6

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 $100 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. Recent sponsored breakfasts and kiddushes have been generously given by those listed below.  Jack Camhi in memory of Solomon Levy  Linda & Joel Chess in memory of Shirley Rosenberg  Sandra Smith Herzstein in honor of Ethel & Benard Nelkin’s 50th wedding anniversary  Jay Hoffman in memory of Kathy Stafford  Jerry & Marjorie Kosoy  Jimmy Lass in honor of the Chapel Minyan, Office Staff, Rabbis, Cantor & Kitchen Staff  Roger Sofer in memory of Jacob Sofer  Sam & Elaine Spain in memory of Rose Spain  Marvin Worth in memory of Albert Worth

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS In honor of Parashat Noach Join us as we celebrate and bless our furry, fuzzy, and feathery family members

RSVP for Blessing of the Animals, October 17th: CBYAnimals2015.eventbrite.com RSVP for Pajama Havdalah, November 14th: CBYhavdalah2015.eventbrite.com

5:00 pm, Saturday, October 17th Sukkah Courtyard

See the Family Life Program Book for 2015-16:

Bring your pets (on a leash or in a cage) We will provide treats for pets and their owners

www.bethyeshurun/our-community/family-life

SHABBAT IN THE PARK Join us at the Bellaire Town Square Pavilion For a Shabbat celebration!

Schmooze and relax as we welcome Shabbat and enjoy the outdoors with Rabbi Brian Strauss and Kari Saratovsky Open to all ages and to the community.

Questions about Family Programming at CBY? Please contact: Jennifer Rosenzweig (cbyfamilylife@gmail.com) or Rabbi Brian Strauss (bstrauss@bethyeshurun.org)

October 30 5:30 pm Schmooze 6:00 pm Service

Pavilion is behind the Bellaire Rec Center

What’s more fun than Pajamas?

Celebrate Shabbat in October

Bring Shabbat to a close with a beautiful Havdalah service.

Then enjoy dinner, dessert, and Havdalah activities

Every Saturday at 10:15 am

5:45 pm, Saturday, November 14th

October 2, 6:00 pm October 9, 6:00 pm October 10, 9:30 am October 10 & 24, 9:00 am

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Congregation Beth Yeshurun • Pulaski-Rauch Auditorium 4525 Beechnut Street • Houston, Texas

HaZamir-International Jewish Teen Choir

HaZamir Houston: the International Jewish High School Choir, is launching its 201516 season under the direction of Avital Stolar, an alumnus of HaZamir Houston and lifelong member of BY! HaZamir is a Jewish musical youth movement that provides a unique opportunity for Jewish teens of all denominations and backgrounds to sing high level Jewish choral music in a fun, social environment. The Houston chapter is part of the HaZamir network of over 30 HaZamir chapters throughout the U.S. and Israel. Individual chapters meet weekly in their local cities to learn a common repertoire, then gather together to polish and perform that repertoire at regional, national and international events, culminating in a gala concert with over 350 performers from America and Israel. Last year’s sold-out gala concert was in Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center and this year’s concert will be at Carnegie Hall April 3rd.

Rehearsals for HaZamir Houston are Sundays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon at the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC. HaZamir is open to Jewish teens in grades 8 through 12 who meet the HaZamir musical eligibility requirements. HaZamir is now in its 23rd year and is a project of the Zamir Choral Foundation, Matthew Lazar, Founder and Director. For more information on HaZamir, please visit www.zamirchoralfoundation.org/programs/hazamir. For information about the Houston chapter, contact Avital Stolar at hazamirhouston@gmail.com and 713.725.5341.

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Scholarship grant award to BYDS Beth Yeshurun Day School has been selected to receive a matching grant from The Helen and Samuel Schaffer Jewish Education Fund of the Houston Jewish Community Foundation.

The grant will be used to extend financial assistance to families committed to a Jewish day school education. BYDS remains strongly committed to offering financial assistance to those families in need.

Through this grant, BYDS will expand its educational and social environment to all Jewish families. Our greatest responsibility is to give our children the opportunity to become successful and involved Helen & Samuel Schaffer, z’l in the Houston Jewish community. Helen and Samuel Schaffer’s philanthropy provides a gateway to lifelong Jewish engagement by students to integrate Jewish ideals and Jewish education into their daily lives.

Beth Yeshurun Day School, currently in its sixty-seventh year, is the oldest Jewish Day School in Houston, Texas. A preeminent Jewish Day School for ages 15 months through fifth grade, the program integrates general studies which are rooted in Jewish tradition and community. If you would like to contribute to this important fund contact Guido Setton, Director of Advancement at gsetton@byds.org or call 713.666.1884.

This page sponsored by Houston Jewish Funerals. Interested in sponsoring a page? Contact ngonzales@bethyeshurun.org 9

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Family Album

Engagement

Paula and Steven Soffer are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelli Erin Rudelson to Ivan Neel.

Kelli is also the daughter of Cara and Michael Rudelson. Ivan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Neel. Kelli is the granddaughter of Eileen Reed and the late Alan Reed, and Naomie and Harry Rudelson. Ivan is the grandson of Marion and James Neel. Kelli and Ivan are planning an early December wedding.

Anniversaries 10/1

10/2

10/3 10/5 10/7

10/8

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10/12

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27 4 33 32 46 40 36 8 8 59 24 21 9 49 22 16 40 19 14 59 21 3 25 20 4 65 66 32 38 48 17 6 35 57 24 19 14 25 42 27 5 15

Shimon & Linda Atzil Steven & Elizabeth Bender Norman & Deborah Rappaport Alan & Pamela Reingold Leonid Zilberfayn & Talina Luchenitser Steven & Eileen Lee Jeffrey & Kathryn Brown Karen Finkelman Hasson & Steve Hasson Ryan & Hydee Kagan Gerald & Elaine Kisluk Myron & Suzanne Rosenberg Paul Horwitz & Denise Rashti James & Ronit Mele Julius & June Sadowsky Ronnie & Cynthia Mark Max & Rae Uzick Frederick & Karen Buckwold Marc & Stefanie Plotkin John & Candice Frank Howard & Gladys Kaplan Larry & Lisa Nates Ryan & Lindsy Steinberg Max & Trudi Esses Roland & Susan Hartzog Jason & Stephanie Kohll Sam & Charlene Segal Irwin & Fay Miller Yahya & Ellen Moussazadeh Bryan & Suzanne Siegel Stuart & Barbara Aaron Marvin & Michelle Blum Clive & Lisa Fleishman Kenneth & Paula Singer Harold & Celene Chasen Edward & Sabrina Engel Scott & Randi Rubenstein Matt & Tamara Cohen Charles & Jill Talisman Glen & Esther Jenkins Yuriy & Yelena Krupnik Alford & Marilynne Bleeker Alan & Natasha Hananel

23 68 49 47 41 42 28 53 9 21 20 20 57 9 11 27 55 22 16 10 23 22 17 50

Eric Schoen & Susan Rosenbaum Fred & Dorothy Yondorf John & Carol Hess Bubba & Maxine Silberstein Ronnie & Judy Yambra Phillip & Lynn Abrams David & Ora Farchy Harvey & Mireille Katz Jason & Kimberly Schlanger Gene & Alexandra Burd Donald & Dorene Cohen Mike & Sarah Deitch Lanny & Marilyn Glick Mark & Missi Shapiro Sean & Nola Brody Daniel Epner & Linda Epner Simon & Rhoda Fredricks Danny & Danielle Kuperman Brad & Iris Sherman Benjamin Shani & Michele Tesciuba Clive & Margie Fields Larry & Elisha Selzer Paul & Donna Silverman Michael & Judy Weingart

Mazal Tov To Dr. Irving Rothman, professor of English literature and Jewish studies at UH, on his recently published paper linking the “nonsense language” of Gulliver’s Travels to Hebrew: “The ‘Hnea Yahoo’ of Gulliver’s Travels and Jonathan Swift’s Hebrew Neologisms.”

Condolences

The congregation extends its sincerest condolences to the families of Sidney Bertram Aron, Elliott Barlin, Stuart M. Brown, Sarah Merovitch Dubman, Norman Guzick, Sidney Morgen May their memories be for a blessing.

Are you in special need of a Rabbi?

If you have a death in the family, a loved one in the hospital or need a get well prayer for someone special, please contact Rabbi Rosen and let him know.

Our Senior Rabbi wants to be with you and to help you deal with life’s many challenges. Please call him at 713. 255.8011, or write drosen@bethyeshurun.org.

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Exciting News About Kehillah High

BY teens who are registered for Kehillah High recently enjoyed a dinner/games night. Daniel Wachsberg, Joseph Schwartzberg, Marissa Kapp, Ilana Inselbuch, Seth Lieberman-King, and Ari Schwartzberg are shown enjoying a game of “Apples to Apples” after dinner.

We are excited to update you on Kehillah High - a new and innovative educational program for Jewish students in grades 8-12. In this first year, Kehillah High is a multidenominational partnership that includes Congregations Beth Yeshurun, Beth Israel, and Brith Shalom, and is partly funded by Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and Houston Jewish Community Foundation. Enrollment in Kehillah High is also available to any Jewish teen whose affiliated synagogue does not have a formal teen educational program, and to any teen whose family is not affiliated with a synagogue.

We are thrilled to welcome Danielle Alexander, the new Director of Kehillah High, to Houston. Danielle has a master’s degree in Jewish education with a focus on experiential and informal education from the Jewish Theological Seminary and a great deal of experience working in the Jewish community and specifically with Jewish teens. She is excited to be in Houston and is looking forward to this first year of Kehillah High.

A Teen Leadership board, consisting of four teens from each of the three partnering synagogues, has been established. These teens have met twice and took a leadership role in the Kehillah High kickoff on September 30, as well as in future planning for the program as a whole.

Beth Yeshurun teens on the Teen Leadership Board are: Aryeh Gruber, Jamie Penn, Joseph Schwartzberg, and Sydney Sweeden.

The goal of Kehillah High is for our teens to become inspired and engaged lifelong learners, committed to living a Jewish life guided by Jewish values and traditions as expressed in our diverse and pluralistic Jewish world. More information about Kehillah High can be found at our new website - www.kehillahhouston.org.

It’s not too late to join us at Kehillah High! Beth Yeshurun families should contact Education Director, Sheryl Eskowitz, at SESKOWITZ@BETHYESHURUN.ORG or 713.255.8040 for registration information.

ISRAEL-A-PALOOZA Receives Award Congregation Beth Yeshurun has been selected to receive a 2015 Solomon Schechter Artisan Award for ISRAEL-APALOOZA, an interactive family program held for Religious School families last spring that celebrated Israel. This award recognizes congregations for innovative initiatives that shape the center of the dynamic experience of Conservative Judaism. The initiative was chosen by an international committee as an exemplar of this goal in the Israel Education category.

The award will be presented to Congregation Beth Yeshurun at the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) Biennial Convention in Chicago this November.

Arlene Staller, Beth Yeshurun, will present this initiative during a workshop session at the convention.

More than 275 people participated in ISRAEL-A-PALOOZA, which was generously sponsored by Joyce and Arthur Dauber.

We are looking forward to ISRAEL-A-PALOOZA 2, which is scheduled to be held in May, 2016.

Religious School students and parents are shown using a giant Israel map borrowed from the Jewish Federation to learn more about Israel at last spring’s ISRAEL-APALOOZA.

On the first day of Religious School, kindergarten students discussed the story of “Jonah and the Great Fish” that is read on Yom Kippur, and they made paper cup fish to go with the story. Shown clockwise from front left are: Savannah Rudoff, Zoe Newman, Mia Pickelner, Shira Kagan, Avery Wigder, Sophie Churchill, and Lila Goldfarb.

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Matthew Joseph Kalmans (October 16/17) is the son of Melissa and Brad Kalmans; brother of Andrew Kalmans; and grandson of Rosalind and Melvin Kalmans, Byron Capito and the late Jo Capito. Matthew attends The Emery/ Weiner School. For his Mitzvah Project, Matthew volunteered at The River Performing and Visual Arts Center and will donate supplies for their programs.

He will also participate in the Rabbi’s 10% Plan by donating to the Jo Capito Memorial Fund for Volunteers at Seven Acres, in memory of his grandmother.

B’nai Mitzvah Marisa Grace Loev (October 3) is the daughter of Hannah and David Loev; sister of Jordan; and granddaughter of Rosie and Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen , Dr. Irv Loev, and Joanie and Stephen Pechenik. Marisa attends The Emery/ Weiner School. For her Mitzvah Project, Marisa volunteered with the Gymnastics Super Stars special needs program at HGC. She will donate a portion of her monetary gifts to help support special needs programming at the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC and to The Houston Hebrew Free Loan Society.

Emory Brooks Irvine (October 23/24) is the daughter of Karmi Irvine and Keith and Kara Irvine; sister of Korbin and Ellis Irvine; and granddaughter of Jerry and Kerry Hoffman, Nancy and Ami Fishman, Wayne and Diane Blanks, and Cindy Blanks. Emory attends Pin Oak Middle school. For her MItzvah Project, Emory worked with Count Me In, Inc., collecting gift items and assembling Hannukah gift bags for distribution to children.

Aaron Baruch Berry (October 9/10) is the son of Robin and Joshua Berry, of blessed memory; brother of Peter and Willa Berry; nephew of Matthew and Simone Berry; cousin of Noah and Misha Berry; grandson of Sue Perlo, Phillip Perlo, of blessed memory, Della and Stanley Angel, and William Berry, of blessed memory. Aaron attends Trafton Academy. For his Mitzvah Project, Aaron, his brother and two cousins started a distracted driving program named OLIE (One Life Is Enough).

Together they partnered with Shriners Hospital for Children and StopDistractions.org to raise awareness on the dangers of distracted driving.

Rachel Madison Kaplan (October 23/24) is the daughter of Teresa and Jeff Kaplan; and granddaughter of Ginger Kaplan and Jerry Kaplan.

Rachel attends Trafton Academy. For her Mitzvah Project, she worked with Count Me In, Inc., collecting gift items and assembling Hanukkah bags for distribution to children and adults.

She also designed and assembled JFS Shabbat boxes for hospital patients. Rachel will donate a portion of her monetary gifts to the BY Mollie and Louis Kaplan Museum of Judaica in honor of her great-grandparents Mollie and Louis Kaplan and to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of her great-grandparents, Madeline and Henry Spira.

Peter Bram Berry (October 9/10) is the son of Robin and Joshua Berry, of blessed memory; brother of Aaron and Willa Berry; nephew of Matthew and Simone Berry; cousin of Noah and Misha Berry; grandson of Sue Perlo, Phillip Perlo, of blessed memory, Della and Stanley Angel, and William Berry, of blessed memory. Peter attends The Emery/Weiner School. For his Mitzvah Project, Peter, his brother and two cousins started a distracted driving program named OLIE (One Life Is Enough).

Together they partnered with Shriners Hospital for Children and StopDistractions.org to raise awareness on the dangers of distracted driving.

We are happy to list Bar/Bat Mitzvah students, their parents, siblings, grandparents, school and Mitzvah Projects. Please contact Hilary Nitsun at hnitsun@bethyeshurun.org or 713.255.8005, for your submission deadline.

Mitchell Peter Jacobson (October 30/31) is the son of Rachel and Scott Jacobson; brother of Jordan and Ariel; grandson of Sue and Stuart Jacobson, and Florence (of blessed memory) and Menachem Grossman. Mitchell attends First Colony Middle School. For his Mitzvah Project, Mitchell decorated and stuffed Nosh Bags for Jewish Family Service. He will participate in the Rabbi’s 10% Plan by contributing to the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Maccabi Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for kids to attend the J’s Maccabi Games.

Braille Shabbat siddurim available 12

The Inclusion Committee has acquired two Braille Shabbat siddurim for use by our congregants. These siddurim must be reserved in advance by calling Marsha Weiss at at 713.666.1881.

New Members Welcome to our wonderful new members!

Michael & Rochelle Alexander Alec Becker & Ellen Freudenberg Matthew Bernstein & Tanya Todd Jean Blumenthal Adam Brand & Maya Kriseman Beau & Millicent Briese Dena Buchalter Jason & Laura Buchman Grayson & Joanne Bush Loraine Cline Deborah Cohen Jacob Cohen & Amy Gilbert Andrew & Erin Dickerman Joshua Falk Travis Fleishman George & Andrea Forbes David Friedman Mikhail Fukshansky Dorit Golan Daniel & Melissa Gutman Shaye Horwitz Cory & Leslie Itkin Michael & Bichael Jones Steven & Monique Kaufman Emily Klein Michael & Elissa Laviage Evan & Lisa Lee Bryan & Eleonora Leibman Aaron Lewis Daniel MacLeod Robert & Cynthia MacLeod Stanton & Jessica Malowitz Merri Rae Michaels Dana Molinsky Amy Neskar Jeffrey Plastrik & Mara Gittess Mario & Stephy Reimers Nancy Reingold Joshua & Sarah Reinitz Andrew Rochman Hayley Rosenberg Todd & Debra Rosengart William Rosenstein Greg & Carolyn Rubenstein Zachary & Stacy Samet Rene Shapiro Guy & Cora Sharfman David & Lindsey Sheinbein Jacob & Tiffany Siegel Myles Siegel & Beth Rubin Brett Stettner Matthew & Deborah Strauss

Join our amazing Ambassadors!

As many of you know, on Friday nights as you enter the Bender-Levy lobby, there are two wonderful people standing at the entrance, weekly bulletin in hand, and a smile on their faces. Fran Spector and Roslyn Unger are here, almost every Friday night, with open arms to welcome all for Shabbat Renewal services. Friday nights are not the same without them.

They are two of our original

BY Ambassadors Roslyn Ambassadors, and the stalwarts Unger (left) & Fran Spector of the program. So much thanks goes to Fran and Ros for all they do. Our Ambassadors serve a vital role to our synagogue: greeting guests, wishing “Happy Birthdays” and “Happy Anniversaries,” and helping people find their way around our building.

We always have room for more ambassadors. The only requirement is a warm smile, an outstretched hand and a desire to be a part of a caring group. If you would like to become an Ambassador, please let us know. I must let you know though, our Bender-Levy Lobby is already spoken for - by Fran and Ros and we are very thankful for that! To be an Ambassador, please contact us at sjrudoff@gmail.com.

We apologize for omitting Roslyn and Fran from the Donor/ Volunteer Book. They are very much valued by the synagogue!

J.B. Greenfield Chapel MVP

One of my favorite stories is about the late Houston Oilers coach, Bum Phillips, and his star running back Earl Campbell. Asked if Campbell was in a class of his own, Phillips replied: “I don’t know, but it wouldn’t take long to call the roll.”

Although this will appear in The Message after Yom Kippur, I am writing this about five weeks before Rosh Hashanah. There is a lot I will not venture to predict about how services will proceed in the Greenfield Chapel. I can’t tell you how my sermons will be received (as of now, they’re not written) or how many people will be there for Neilah. But I can tell you that if people felt the services were meaningful, inspiring, and well-organized, a lot of the credit for that is due to one person.

Michael Lewis is that person. He organizes the services, he leads services, he reads the Torah (as he does each Shabbat and Festival all year). He is extraordinarily knowledgeable and goes the extra mile to make sure that our Chapel provides Jewish direction and inspiration. And I take this opportunity to thank him especially for his efforts on our behalf.

If we had such an award, I would nominate Michael for Beth Yeshurun’s “Most Valuable Player.” We might have others in his class who do as much...but it wouldn’t take long to call the roll.

Rabbi Daniel Horwitz 13

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed SH New Member Event BYDS Kindergarten Consecration & Breakfast Grief Support Group

Sukkot IV (CH''M)

Friday Night Alive! with Rick Recht RS 6th Grade/Sulam 7th Grade Shabbaton Evening Chapel

Sukkot V (CH''M)

Morning Chapel BM: Marisa Loev Museum Minyan Sanctuary Service Shabbat Shalom Torah Study Evening Chapel

Sukkot VI (CH''M)

Thu Fri Sat 1 18 Tishrei 2 19 Tishrei 3 20 Tishrei

October 2015 Tishrei/Heshvan 5776

DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR AN UP-TO-THE-MINUTE CALENDAR OF EVENTS, PLEASE GO ONLINE TO: WWW.BETHYESHURUN.ORG

NO BYDS/EDC/ASA Morning Chapel

Erev Simchat Torah

4 21 Tishrei 5 22 Tishrei 6 23 Tishrei 7 24 Tishrei 8 25 Tishrei 9 26 Tishrei 10 Bereshit 27 Tishrei Morning Chapel

Hoshana Raba Shmini Atzeret/Yizkor Simchat Torah Museum Minyan JLP: Morning Cup of Torah Sukkot VII Synagogue Office Closed Synagogue Office Closed Sanctuary Service

Jewish Learning Project Cemeteries Closed Cemeteries Closed BM: Peter & Aaron Berry RS JLP: Kick‐Off Event

RS/Sulam NO BYDS/EDC/ASA Tot Shabbat Kehillah High Shabbat Renewal

Shabbat Shalom

BM: Peter & Aaron Berry Torah Study Kinder Shabbat Evening Chapel Evening Chapel

Erev Shmini Atzeret

11 28 Tishrei 12 29 Tishrei 13 30 Tishrei 14 1 Heshvan 15 2 Heshvan 16 3 Heshvan 17 Noach 4 Heshvan Morning Chapel Jewish Learning Project

Rosh Chodesh Rosh Chodesh

Junior Congregation RS/Sulam

SH Board Meeting

Museum Minyan

Grief Support Group

Shabbat Renewal JLP: Club Ed Sanctuary Service

RS JLP: Lunch & Learn BM: Matthew Kalmans BM: Matthew Kalmans

JLP: Lunch & Learn 100 Jewish Men @ Genesis Evening Chapel Shabbat Shalom Guess Who's Coming Budget Committee @ Tony’s Kehillah High Torah Study to Shabbas?

Education Committee Meditation Group Blessing of the Animals Future Leaders Caucus Evening Chapel

Morning Chapel Museum Minyan Sanctuary Service BM: Mitchell Jacobson Shabbat Shalom Torah Study Evening Chapel

31 Vayera 18 Heshvan

18 5 Heshvan 19 6 Heshvan 20 7 Heshvan 21 8 Heshvan 22 9 Heshvan 23 10 Heshvan 24 Lech‐Lecha 11 Heshvan Morning Chapel Jewish Learning Project

Junior Congregation RS/Sulam

JLP: Morning Cup of Torah Museum Minyan

YES Lunch & Program Grief Support Group

Sanctuary Service

Gathering Place Shabbat Renewal BM: Emory Irvine &

CBY Executive Committee

BM: Emory Irvine & Rachel Kaplan

CBY Board Meting RS

Rachel Kaplan Shabbat Shalom BYDS Board Meeting YA Spirits & Spirituality Kehillah High Shalom Y’all Evening Chapel Torah Study

Meditation Group

Shabbat in the Park Evening Chapel

25 12 Heshvan 26 13 Heshvan 27 14 Heshvan 28 15 Heshvan 29 16 Heshvan 30 17 Heshvan

Jewish Learning Project

BYDS Market

RS/Sulam

BYDS Fall Book Fair

RS NO BYDS/EDC/ASA Grief Support Group Kehillah High Parent Conferences Inclusion Committee Investment Committee Shabbat Renewal Technology Committee BM: Mitchell Jacobson Meditation Group Evening Chapel

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Sisterhood Gift Shop

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Celebrating a Simcha?

Come & see our large selection of tallit!  SUNDAY 10:00am - 1:00pm

Please contact Lisa Unsell, The Message editor, at lunsell@bethyeshurun.org or (713) 255-8066.

Let us share your news!

MONDAY CLOSED

TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY 10:00am - 4:30pm FRIDAY 10:00am-2:30pm

713.255.8021

Contact Us

giftshop@bethyeshurun.org

Synagogue Office 4525 Beechnut St * Houston, TX 77096-1801 www.bethyeshurun.org 713.666.1881

Donations

Clergy Rabbi David Rosen: drosen@bethyeshurun.org Asst: Abby Rotenberg: arotenberg@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8011 Rabbi Steven Morgen: smorgen@bethyeshurun.org Rabbi Brian Strauss: bstrauss@bethyeshurun.org Asst: Gayle Schnurr: gschnurr@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8017 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

Beth Yeshurun is a community institution with a vital mission: to educate children and adults, to offer spiritual experiences that inspire and uplift all ages, and to provide a setting in which Judaism can be joyously lived and experienced. We welcome your support. Online donations can be made at www.bethyeshurun.org. Donations may also be made in the synagogue office or by mail to Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut St., Houston, TX 77096-1801.

A minimum donation of $10 per listing is required to have your donation published in the weekly bulletin and a notification letter sent to the honoree or a deceased person’s family member. One such notification letter will be sent per donation. The deadline for donations to be published in the weekly bulletin is the previous Friday at 4:30pm. Donations are published upon submission and will not be “held” for future publication. When you make a donation to Beth Yeshurun, please be sure to provide all of the necessary information: who the donation is in memory of, who or what the donation is in honor of, who needs to be notified of the donation (name and complete address) and by whom the donation is given. When this information is incomplete, we are unable to process your donation efficiently. Donations with no specific fund indicated will be credited to the Synagogue General Fund. Beth Yeshurun appreciates your generosity and support.

Synagogue Alan Levin, President: alevin@levin-legal.com Luis Dorfman, Executive Dir: ldorfman@bethyeshurun.org Ellen Petras, Membership: epetras@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8060 Arthur Miller, Cemetery: amiller@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8076 William S. Malev Religious Schools Sheryl Eskowitz, Ed. Dir: 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 More contact info at www.bethyeshurun.org Read The Message online at www.bethyeshurun.org *Dec deadline: Oct 19 at themessage@bethyeshurun.org 17

Time sensitive material - please deliver promptly!

Weekly Torah Study

11:45am Shabbat Mornings

Join our Weekly Torah discussions led by Rabbi Diana R. Siegel each Shabbat at 11:45am to discern the simple and complex, the explicit and implicit of Torah Wisdom as it applies to our daily life.

2017-2018 B’NAI MITZVAH DATE ALLOCATION MEETING* 7:00PM TUESDAY NOVEMBER 3, 2015 If you have a student who will be having a B’nai Mitzvah between September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018, please mark your calendar to attend the B’nai Mitzvah Date Allocation Meeting Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at 7:00pm in the Freedman Levit Sanctuary. *This meeting is for parents only!

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