Congregation P'nai Tikvah June 2013 Newsletter by Congregation Pnai.Tikvah

CONGREGATION P’NAI TIKVAH (Formerly Valley Outreach Synagogue)

Kol Kiruv June 2013

Sivan/Tammuz 5773

Table of Contents

Cover Page Rabbi’s Message Cantor’s Notes President’s Message CPT Board Nominees Shabbos Joy Book Report by Samantha Marlene Silverman’s Pictures Women’s Rosh Chodesh Jewlicious Learning Mitzvah Envelopes MiShebeirach Updates & Fundraising Birthdays & Anniversaries Kidz Korner Yahrzeits Barclay Booksigning Bubbe Meises/Old Wives’ Tales

Inquiring Minds….. Answer Aleph Kallah is Coming Calendar at a Glance

1 2 3 4 5-8 9 9 10 11 11 12 12 13 14 14 15 16 17-18 18 19 20

Clergy and Staff Rabbi: Yocheved Mintz Cantor: Marla Goldberg Accompanist: Timothy Cooper Newsletter: D’vorah Turrentine, Educator: Rabbi Mintz Bookkeeper: Lynn Pisetzner Office Administrator: ‘D’vorah Turrentine pnaitikvahlv@aol.com www.pnaitikvahlv.com

CPT on the Web: www.facebook.com/ pnaitikvahlv www.twitter.com/ pnaitikvahlv www.pnaitikvahlv.org Social Network with CPT:

Vol. 19—No. 12

Elections! Graduation! Changing of the Guard...Oh My! Our June calendar is exciting. June 7th with be a very full and varied evening. We will begin with Tot Shabbat, at 6:30 pm. Then, we will hold a brief but important Congregational Meeting, at 7 p.m., when we will vote in our new Board and hear some of the exciting ideas that are being implemented in response to your suggestions and input. We will follow that with a very special Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat Maariv Service, during which three of our Jewlicious Learners, Danica Lockett, Samantha Holland, and Sabrina Linker will perform, share some of what they’ve learned this year and officially be promoted to the next level. On June 21, we will hold our final Shabbat service before the July break., and it’s going to be super! This one will honor the seven and a half years of service of our outgoing President, Sam Lieberman. Our special musical guest will be Steve Mintz, who will join Cantor Marla Goldberg and Rabbi Yocheved Mintz in a song , story and surprise-filled service. Topping off the evening will be a grand Oneg Shabbat, catered and sponsored by the Board of Directors in honor of Sam (haShmu), our out-going “fearless leader.” Join us!!< Congregation P’nai Tikvah will worship on Shabbat, June 7th and 21st, at Kraft-Sussman Chapel, in the Bank of Nevada Business Park at 3975 S. Durango, Suite 104, in Las Vegas. Tot Shabbat will be held on June 7th at 6:30 PM. Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv services will begin at 7:30 PM. Torah Study will take place at 10:00 AM on June 8th and 22nd at Rabbi Mintz’s home. A bagels and lox brunch is served. Please RSVP by calling the administrative office at (702) 436-4900 or by emailing gkmintz@aol.com.

Rabbi’s Message to the Congregation

Chevreh: June brings about the beginning of summer and hopefully some more relaxing, laid-back days; and it slao marks the beginning of a new leadership for our congregation. On June 7th, we will vote on a new slate of officers, including a new president, Barbara Holland. It is an exciting time, already filled with organizational changes, new committee heads-elect, and an outpouring of ideas to help grow our holy community. While Barbara is already running to do the mitzvah and assume the mantle of leadership, I will save my words of welcome until next month, once our elections have been tabulated.

.of also asking for and thanking us for giving of our time, talents, and treasure...and over the years, he has helped to develop a culture of volunteering and participation, each to his or her own ability.

While I have known Sam since he was a teen sorting and delivering mail in the Misrad/ office of Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute camp, some thirty-five years ago, and, yes, it’s true that my sons, Ari, Steve, Jeff, and Jon consider Sam the fifth Mintz brother, my admiration and respect for Sam has only grown over the years. His tireless perseverance has brought him to such amazing accomplishments as a leadership role in the Alumni Association But we stand on the shoulders of those who have of UNLV, honored leadership in H.E.L.P. of come before, and I’d like to devote this column to Southern Nevada, organizer of over three thousand volunteers who served the Las Vegas reflecting on what our out-going president, Sam Marathon, and Chairman of the Nevada Lieberman, hss done for the congregation and Demoratic Committee. He is now a liaison how dear he is to us and to me, especially. from Easter Seals, frequently traveling to Carson City, Washington, and all over the United Sam took on the position of being President of States. His pace would tire most of us….but the Board, seven and a half years ago, when we were still Valley Outreach Synagogue, and it was Sam takes it in stride. within the first year of my having been asked to Sam’s devotion to CPT has clearly been provsucceed its founder, Rabbi Richard Schachet en over the years. His devotion to Judaism (z”l). The congregation had previously been in a and Israel is also clearly evident by his contintask force model, with no 501C3, no books, and a ued support of OSRUI , Federation, and pretty loose organization. Responding to the Jewish education in Las Vegas.. need, we secured the 501C3 status, created a sound bookkeeping system , confirmed updated Iit has been my honor and joy to serve as the ByLaws, and created a Board of Directors. Prorabbi of this congregation, knowing that Sam gress , like birth, is often messy….and it was not was always there for us. Kol haKavod, Shmu! a smooth transition., but Sam led us through it From strength to strength! (To which same with the quiet dignity, calm demeanor, and good would, no doubt, add “Achshav!”) humor that we have come to love. L’Shalom, Sam has helped us establish ourselves as a heimishe, warm, welcoming little congregation….”the Congregration that Can,” he is fond

Cantor’s Notes:

Recently someone asked me, “How did I come to write my version of Mizmor Shir L’yom HaShabbat?” I told her how it was a part of a class I was taking for my studies to become a cantor. Our assignment was to take one of the psalms we use during Shabbat worship, and create a modern take on it. I chose Psalm 92. The first several verses talk about praising God with song, with harp and with lyre. The beginning of the psalm shouts praise and claims God’s work as great. These lines felt very joyous to me. As a cantorial student, I naturally went to a musical form. I jokingly call it my “Island Version” due to its rhythm, but at the time it had nothing to do with anything “Caribbean”. I got the rhythm by repeating the first line to my self, “Mizmor shir l’yom haShabbat….” The rhythm just seemed to fit the words. The melody I created from that rhythm seemed to fit the joy I found in the words. I did not include the whole psalm because I felt that my music didn’t really fit the rest of the words. Oh, and as for the “Caribbean” feel it must have been a premonition since my main student pulpit was in St. Thomas, USVI. I composed this song when I was in Jerusalem, two years before even knowing I would be in the Caribbean. Now, that is not always how I write a melody for Shabbat songs. Sometimes a melody just comes to me, and it just happens to fit the words to a certain prayer. I wrote an Oseh Shalom that way. That is an important part for me. Does the music fit? Having a slow melody for a song about dancing for joy is strange to me, or an upbeat song about something serious, can also sound strange. I think about so many of the songs that are used in t’filah, old and new. The songs that are truly long lasting have melodies that fit what the mood for that prayer is. Take the Mi Chamocha by Debbie Friedman that we sing each Friday. It makes me feel like dancing. I have heard many other melodies of it that are not so joyous, one sounds like a funeral dirge to me. Every time I hear that version of Mi Chamocha I think, “Why is this so sorrowful sounding, the words come from The Song of the Sea, where Miriam led the women in joyous dance?” That is why I love Debbie’s version. It is a dance, and goes so well into Miriam’s Song in which we do dance. Getting the music to fit the words well is not always easy, but when it is done, we can find a prayer that seems “Har Sinai”, something that has been with us forever, and will continue to inspire us in the times to come. L’Shalom, Cantor Marla Goldberg

Message from the President:

“To Every thing there is a season…” Our congregational family is about to experience a transition in leadership. It has been my pleasure to serve as President of this wonderful congregation for nearly seven years. In this time we have developed cherished friendships and built a holy community that is nurturing and loving to all involved. Please join us on June 21st when I will have the opportunity to share reflections and thank you individually and collectively for the time and talent you have given CPT in this era of growth and development. Please join us June 7th 7:00pm for the congregational meeting at which the recent announced leadership team will be considered. We are already working together to make the transition as seamless as possible for our congregational family. Our focus as always must be on growing our membership roster. You and your family play a vital role in helping secure our future and continued growth. Finally, please join us for Shabbat Across the Valley on various Friday nights in July. Watch your emails for membership and High Holiday information for the coming year. We look forward to a fabulous new season at CPT.

B’Shalom, Sam Lieberman President

CPT Board Nominees

Barbara Holland, President Background: I have been a Las Vegas resident for 36 years, originally from Baltimore, Maryland, via Glastonbury, Connecticut. My first school was a religious one, Bas Jacov. I graduated from University of Massachusetts with a BA in American History and an MA from University of Connecticut in American History. As to my career, I accidentally fell into professional management of real estate where I started my own company in Connecticut. Personal: I am married to Andy Holland. We have two adult children, Michelle and Danielle and two grandchildren, Samantha and Nathan. Andy is one of those hi-tech computer/system analyst. I own a full service commercial and residential real estate company which specializes in the management of real properties. How Did You Find Congregation P'nai Tikvah and Why Do You Love this Community? I have been a member of CPT for about five years when I first wandered into their High Holiday services in downtown at the Neonopolis. I was extremely surprised over the warm welcome that I received from the membership from day one. I was impressed with the HH prayer book-the prayers “spoke” to me as a person living in the 21stcentury, as their messages so easily blended with my beliefs and principles. From the very first meeting, I knew that CPT had a very special Rabbi. She has been not only a spiritual leader for our shul but has been there for my family and friends when we have faced our challenges with much wisdom and empathy. How Are Your Involved in Congregation P'nai Tikvah? I have been serving on the board for a number of years. First, I was a director, then the treasurer. I look forward to working with the Rabbi, Cantor, the Board and our membership as we continue to grow our shul.

Jacqueline S. Ackerman, Vice President Background: I grew up in Moorestown, NJ, near Philadelphia. After graduating from Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, I moved to Los Angeles, where I lived for 16 years before coming to Las Vegas 17 years ago. Personal: My daughter, Torrey, is graduating from Dartmouth College in June and moving to Northern Virginia to work in marketing for a fast-growing tech company. As for me, I am a commercial real estate and business attorney with my own practice. How Did You Find Congregation P’nai Tikvah and Why Do You Love This Community? I joined CPT seven years ago after getting tired of feeling anonymous and left out in a large temple. I was drawn to the warmth and caring of its members and Rabbi, it's down to earth vibe and the ease of getting involved. At the first High Holiday service I attended, I received an aliyah – that made me feel welcome! I love our twice a month Torah study and our monthly Rosh Chodesh get-together, along with our Holiday celebrations. This is my extended family! How Are You Involved in Congregation P’nai Tikvah? I have served on the Board of Directors of CPT for several years. Recently, I was nominated to serve as Vice President during the 2013-2014 fiscal year. Continued on page 6 5

Dale Gardner, Secretary Background: I am originally from Brooklyn, New York and graduated from Brooklyn College in 1975. I moved to Nevada in 1977. As an elementary school student, I went to Hebrew school a couple of days a week. My parents always belonged to an Orthodox synagogue, but my sisters and I only went to services on the High Holidays. Personal: I married my husband, Vince, in 1983. We never had children, but we are ‘pet people’. Vince is retired from real estate (before that he worked as a dealer in a few casinos). I worked as a dealer for 12 years before I became a teacher. For the last 6 years I have been teaching Middle School Math. How Did You Find Congregation P’nai Tikvah and Why Do You Love This Community? After my parents passed away, I decided that I wanted to get back into Judaism. My parents would have been so proud of me for this. I began my search for a synagogue and with great hesitation I went to my first Friday night service. A wonderful woman named Rachel approached me and shared her siddur with me. This woman later became one of my “Simcha Sisters.” From my first experience to the present time several years later, I have always felt welcomed by our congregants. Over the years relationships and a sense of ‘family’ has developed. What more can one ask for in a synagogue. Even after a long hard day of work, when I drag myself to Friday night services I always leave feeling uplifted from the spiritual experience of the service. If I had to pick the highlight of the time I have been a member of Congregation P’nai Tikvah, I would have to say it was when I became a Bat Mitzvah at the ripe age of 59.

Dave Clark Background/Personal: I'm a former journalist now immersed in the cause of making our society fully inclusive for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. When not fundraising/event planning for Best Buddies Nevada, I enjoy karaoke and adventure (ones that don’t involve heights): finding new bars, exploring state and national parks, road trips, ghost towns and seeking out the best pastrami. How Did You Find Congregation P'nai Tikvah and Why Do You Love this Community? When shul-hopping I was attracted to the intimacy and affordability, as well as the special ruach Rabbi Mintz brings to the services. This is a warm, engaging community where you are treated like family. I also greatly value the fact that Rabbi Mintz has been there to provide ready counsel when I have gone through crises in my personal life. How Are Your Involved in Congregation P'nai Tikvah? I am a board member focused on development and am a regular volunteer for cleanup after services.

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Jennifer Cohen Background/Personal: I was born and raised in Holland. We lived in Rotterdam which only had one, very orthodox shul. My sister and I attended Hebrew school till the age of 13. In 1972 we moved to Montréal, Canada and resided there for two years. Upon our return I attended nursing school and received my degree in nursing. After graduating nursing school in 1978, I made aliyah to Israel. I met my husband Jerry in the first month of living in a kibbutz. Our four children were born in Israel. I continued to work as a RN while living in Israel. We moved to Las Vegas in 1989 and O have been a home health nurse since moving here. We are so fortunate to have two gorgeous grandchildren, Tobin and Brooklyn. How Did You Find Congregation P’nai Tikvah and Why Do You Love This Community? For many years we belonged to another wonderful congregation but it was not meeting my spiritual needs. One summer night of last year I decided to call Rabbi Mintz. I cannot give you an explanation why I called Rabbi... I just did..Well the rest is history. One month later I joined CPT and it has been the most wonderful journey!! I feel that I finally found a home. Rabbi Mintz is truly my rabbi, mentor, teacher and friend!! My soul 'lights up' every time when our congregation gets together for prayer, worship and/or study. How are you involved in CPT's life? I joined the board a couple of months ago. Annie Goodrich and I planned this year's Seder. Currently I am Membership Chair. I am so looking forwards working with Rabbi, Cantor Marla and the board to increase our membership and to make new members feel welcome in our wonderful congregation.

Annie Goodrich Background/Personal: I am a single mother to Joey (18) and Alexandra (21) and Levi (almost 5- Woof)! I obtained my BSW from UNLV. I took silver & goldsmithing classes at CSN for several years. I enjoy art in general, reading, and writing. I am always fixing something--I am a woman with tools! Currently, I am obtaining my MSW from University of New England. I work in a foster care agency with children ages 10-16. I am also hospice volunteer. How Did You Find Congregation P’nai Tikvah and Why Do You Love This Community? I studied the Jewish Alive and American 2 year series with Rabbi Mintz starting in 2009. My first service at P'nai Tikvah was Purim (I dressed as Queen Esther and wore a blinking crown) where I was welcomed by Ken and Dotti Elgart. I became an official member in June 2010. I was drawn to P'nai Tikvah because the people were warm and welcoming. I have studied Hebrew with Roz Tessler, participate in Rosh Chodesh, attend Torah study, and enjoy shabbat dinners in July. I have served on the second night Seder committee, Purim committee, and MBFJW. Currently, I am a member of the second cohort of B'nei Simchat Chochmah and we are learning to chant from the Torah. We will be leading the services next February. I have found a home in the Jewish Renewal Movement and Congregation P'nai Tikvah is my family. My personal motto has always been tikkun olam (repairing the world) and I find my faith reinforces my career in social services.

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Kristen Jaeger Kristen Jaeger has been an active member of Congregation P’nai Tikvah for over 15 years. She discovered the congregation when she and her then fiancée, (who was not Jewish), were looking for a synagogue where both of them could participate and feel engaged in the Jewish community. Congregation P’nai Tikvah was the answer and they were married by the Rabbi Emeritus. Kristen has served in the Business and Professional Division, a networking group of the Las Vegas Jewish Federation and is a graduate of Jewish Emerging Leaders, also a unit of the Federation. While she served on the temple’s Sisterhood (now the Rosh Chodesh group), she lead the monthly efforts for feeding the homeless at St. Timothy’s church in Henderson. Currently, her daughter is enrolled in CPT’s Jewlicious Learner’s Program and attends monthly Tot Shabbat services. Kristen is employed by USA TODAY as regional sales manager, mother to a 6-year old daughter, Danica, and is married to Tim Lockett.

Sam Lieberman, Immediate Past President Sam has been involved in various community leadership positions for about 27 years, currently serving as the Government and Community Affairs Specialist for Easter Seals, Nevada, and Chair of the UNLV College of Liberal Arts Community Advisory Board. He is also serving as Director of Government and Community Affairs for PDQ Printing. Long committed to Jewish camping, congregational and community affairs, Sam is an alumnus of Olin-Sang-Union Institute camping and was also a member of Congregation Ner Tamid, as well as CPT. Sam, our “fearless leader” for over seven years, has served as Board President with integrity and devotion to the growth and viability of P’nai Tikvah.

Phyllis and Stan Zuckerman This dynamic duo is from Connecticut (Phyllis) and New York (Stan). Phyllis was born in Connecticut 63 years ago and attended Hebrew School starting in the 3rd grade and continuing with the High School of Jewish Studies until her senior year. Stan is 66 was very active in AEPi and is still very involved with his fraternity brothers. In college he was also involved with Hillel. While Stan also had a Jewish education, his wife shared that when he was dropped off, he would go in through the front door and then out the back door where he played basketball. Yet, he still completed his Jewish education and was honored as valedictorian of his Hebrew School class. They met attending college in Boston and when they became engaged, Phyllis began signing their names as "Thephyllisstan's." According to Phyllis, "People think we come from that country which neighbors Pakistan, Afghanistan, and other places including Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan." Both Phyllis and Stan have enjoyed volunteering their services to the community, but mainly the Jewish Community--as they are both strong believers in tikkun olam (repairing the world), and of course have been very involved with Congregation P'nai Tikvah. They enjoy making contact by phone and mail with CPT members and prospects, celebrating life's milestones and inviting people to join the synagogues' meaningful programs. They participate in the various clubs Sun City of Anthem has to offer, enjoying life (thank you Hashem!) and remembering to stop and smell the roses each new day.

Shabbos Joy

Cindy Fox at the Bimah

Book Report: Samantha Holland Jewlicious Learning – May 2013 Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, by Rabbi Malka Drucker Eliezer Ben-Yehuda was a medical student. He lived in Lushky, Lithuania. He went to Yeshiva in Polotzk. One day, Eliezer went into the rabbi’s study room. (The rabbi had been studying books with Eliezer.) The books he gave to Eliezer were very special. When Eliezer moved to what was then Palestine, he thought it was important for the country to have its own language, so he tried to take a dead language, Hebrew, and make it so people could speak it every day. Before then, people only had spoken Hebrew in synagogues and during Temple times to study and pray. Eliezer made his own family speak only Hebrew, but that was hard, because other people thought it should only be used in the synagogue. The people mostly spoke Yiddish, but Eliezer’s family didn’t. Eliezer’s wife, Devorah, died because of tuberculosis. The Sephardic Jews did speak Hebrew to Eliezer, but the pious Ashkenazic Jews then thought he might be Sephardic, because he wouldn’t speak Yiddish. Eliezer Ben-Yehudah wrote a Hebrew dictionary with almost 100,000 words. It took him a long time to finish it. 9

Marleneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Celebration

Women’s Rosh Chodesh Group

Jewlicious Learners

————————————————————ANNUAL CPT WOMEN’S RETREAT Thursday July 25th—28th Come and join us at Deer Valley Utah in Rabbi’s condo: A wonderful opportunity to refresh and renew, to re-soul and re-Jew. We’ll enjoy the galleries of Park City and the beauty of summer in the Uinta Mountains. We will eat, pray and play. Contact the office at 436-4900 so we can take advantage of Southwest web airfare of $99 each way plus $100.00 to cover costs of the retreat. We would like to fly on SW flt#1964 departing LAS at 8:35am and arriving SLC at 10:50am —Returning on SW Flight #3406 departing SLC at 1:25pm arriving LAS 1:45pm. Please feel free to check other airlines to compare prices. There is room for five more participants. Please contact the Rabbi for additional inquiries.

The end of the formal studies took place, May 20th, with a pool party at the Rabbi’s house. While MayLee was off to China for a month with the whole family, Sami, Sabrina, and Danica joined teacher’s assistant, Austin in a fun afternoon. Danica and Sami have learned the Hebrew alphabet and can recognize some rudimentary words. Sami and Sabrina are 3/4 through their Hebrew book and can write, read, and understand the basic root forms of words. Their increased participation in the family services shows their increased understanding. On June 7, the congregation will hold a little Siyum for the kids, acknowledging their accomplishments, hearing them read

Mitzvah Envelopes: Mitzvah envelopes are given out at services with the hope that they will be filled out and returned with a donation for the congregation. Honoring or remembering loved ones, giving tzedakah for a MiShebeirach, simply being thankful for meaningful services, and any other reason you can think of helps the congregation’s sustainability and funds future For details regarding current CPT fundraisers or suggestions for future fundraising opportunities, please contact Dale Gardner cabinutsky@aol.com

some of the work they’ve done this year, enjoying some of the songs and dances they’ve learned, and generally taking great pride in the accomplishments of our delicious Jewlicious Learners.

BaBreucha....in the pool 11

MITZVAH ENVELOPES Jane Kusel -In honor of Rabbi Mintz Annie Goodrich -In honor of Cantor Marla Goldberg -In honor of Sam Lieberman -In memory of Ken Elgart Dale Gardner -In memory of my mother Dotti Elgart -In memory of Louis Silverman -In memory of Lillian Elgart Scott Linker -In memory of Ken Elgart Sam Lieberman -In memory of Ken Elgart Jennifer Cohen -In memory of Ken Elgart

Phyllis & Stan Zuckerman -In honor of Stan's 66th Birthday -In honor of our 41st anniversary -All the best to Sam Lieberman and Marlene Silverman -MiSheBeirach speedy recovery Phyllis's knee surgery -MiSheBeirach to Phyllis's mom Edith Rome Annie Goodrich -In honor of Cantor Marla Goldberg -In honor of Sam Lieberman Rabbi Yocheved Mintz -In memory of her late husband, Dr. Alan Mintz -In memory of her mother, Sarah Stromberg -In memory of her father, Joseph Porath -In memory of her stepfather, Harry Stromberg -In memory of her mother-in-law, Ida Mintz -In memory of her father-in-law, Lee Mintz -In honor of Phyllis Zuckerman’s successful surgery -In honor of Sam Lieberman’s service to the synagogue as President of the Board since mid-2005.

Doris & Palmie Turrentine -In memory of Ken Elgart Lynn & David Pisetzner -In honor of our wonderful grandsons Michael & Jack David Aris Michael De Lee Gayle & Charles Mazursky Sharon & Elliot Karp -In honor of Dr. Lee Yaaei Harriet Bernstein -In memory of Yetta Tessler Roz Tessler -In memory of Yetta Tessler

Mi Shebeirach/”Get Well” Wishes to… Marie Ackerman Marjorie Lieberman Davida Lewin Schermer D’vorah Turrentine Edith Rome Gary Paykel Elliot Bender Paul Bodner Rocky Fazio Guy Fazio Olivia Bender Gittel bat Libba Heika Libba Heika bat Sima Wendy Linker Rabbi Rob Bonem Edward Rueben Patti Lade Fran Fine

Jerry Cohen Susan Bindhamer Danny Lev Aaron Shopnick Rozlyn Alexander Marilyn Kapel Marion Loeb Karl Reynolds Tony Reed Peter Hernandez Lou & Sonny Mayron Barbara Raben Phyllis Zuckerman Rabbi Stephen Robbins Craig Goodrich Connie Rivshun Gavriella bat Yisraella v’Yosef

UPDATES and

Fundraising Opportunities

On’gai Shabbat— Time to Sign up! We still have a few openings left for those of you who want to celebrate a simcha or commemorate the memory of a loved one by sponsoring an Oneg Shabbat. And for you foodies who want to get your Bobby Flay or Gordon Ramsey on, there’s still time! Check the schedule below; an opening is your opportunity: 

June 7

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June 21

Board of Directors—Sponsor & Caterer

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August 2

Month of July—Shabbat Around the Valley Sponsor Needed

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August 16

Ann Mandell —Sponsor Nancy Goldberg—Caterer

Caterer Needed

TORAH STUDY THIS MONTH: Rabbi Mintz will lead Torah Study for Parashat Korah June 8th, and Parashat Balak June 21st at the Rabbi’s home at 10:00 AM. If you wish to get a thought for the day, during the counting of the Omer, let the office know. And do RSVP for Torah Study at gkmintz@aol.com or call —the office at 436-4900.

Annie & Joey Goodrich

Annie & Joey Goodrich Call the office at (702) 436-4900 or email Doris Turrentine at cptdoris@aol.com for more information or to book your date now!

INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW: What happens to the kotel notes? Does a rabbi remove them weekly? Do they get shredded or buried? (see answer on page 18)

Box Tops For Education are an Easy Way to Support P’nai Tikvah’s Jewlicious Learning Program! Box Tops for Education is a very simple way for you to contribute to CPT’s Jewlicious Learning program every time you shop! Clip box tops from hundreds of products. Each box top is worth 10 cents for the program, and some products are offering double and triple box tops! Bring them to services with you and place them in the “Box Tops for Education” box. For a complete list of products bearing the Box Tops for Education symbol, go to: http:// www.boxtops4education.com . All Box Tops should be brought to Shabbat Services or sent to Dale Gardner cabinutsky@aol.com

BE A BIRD DOG?? If you refer someone to a car dealership, on behalf of CPT, we can receive a referral fee. This is a wonderful and easy way to do a mitzvah for CPT . More information contact Doris 869-2700.

Note URL for Congregation P’nai Tikvah , As well as Facebook and Twitter Addresses Make our web address, www.pnaitikvahlv.org , a favorite! Social networking with our shul is easier than ever! “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pnaitikvahlv and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pnaitikvahlv . Thanks to Cindy Fox, Jon Axelrod, and Danielle Holland—CPT’s social network mavens—for keeping us current!! Anyone else wish to volunteer? Just call 436-4900 to be our new maven!

Happy June Birthday!! HAPPY JUNE BIRTHDAYS Marc Fox Lynn Pisetzner Davida Lewin-Schermer Grant Ancman Emma Deal Rabbi Yocheved Mintz John Khoury Susan Bindhamer Hariet Miller David Piekarsky

June 1 June 5 June 6 June 7 June 8 June 10 June 14 June 17 June 24 June 27 June 30

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Cindy & Marc Fox Carol & Larry Bernstein Meera & Minao Kamegai

June 12 June 19 June 22

KIDZ KORNER for June

YAHRZEITS FOR JUNE

*Daniel Mintz *Dr. Joyce Brothers Malkah Ancman -Remembered by Eileen & Cort Ancman John Billingsley -Remembered by Lynda French Harry Gamerman -Remembered by Iris Katz Joseph Hewel -Remembered by Jackie Ackerman & family

Ann Moore Web -Remembered by Barbara Holland Ruth Zwick -Remembered by Lesley & Marvin Korach

Memorial plaques are available for your consideration, To honor the departed, To inspire the living. To be remembered in the hearts of those we leave behind is, In a sense, to live forever. For further information, call the Synagogue office at 702-436-4900 Mitzvah donations also appreciated

Jacob Kunis -Remembered by Arhur Kunis Irmagene Lockett -Remembered by Tim Lockett Dr. Alan Mintz -Remembered by Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Maxamillion Maurice Mintz -Remembered by Maxine Blechman Remembering Friends and Family:

Anna Berlund Rosin -Remembered by Maxine Blechman Joseph Sokole -Remembered by Dale Gardner Yetta Tessler -Remembered by Harriet Bernstein & Roz Tessler

If you know of someone who can use a little cheer in their life because of illness or a death in their family-or a simcha mazel tov celebration; the "Sunshine Ladyâ&#x20AC;? Phyllis Zuckerman would like to send a card. Please contact her at:(702) 617-0585 or phyllistan@cox.net

Bubbe Meises/Old Wivesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Talesâ&#x20AC;ŚA letter from Dawn in Israel Dear family and friends, Over forty years ago when I was a student at UCLA, I took a Folklore class. My term paper was on "Old wives' tales". Having become very familiar with Jewish "Bubbe meises" from my grandmother, may she rest in peace, I used her stories as the basis for the paper and contacted people of other races, religions, ethnicity, and age groups to make comparisons between Jewish old wives' tales and those of others. Since moving to Israel almost forty years later, I have had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Many customs are similar, but sometimes with unique twists to them. My grandmother never knew the reasons for the things she did and said, but they were passed down from her grandparents to her parents and in turn to my mother and to me. I have since learned that not everything was a superstition. Many things make a lot of sense to me. And I find that subconsciously I follow in my grandmother's footsteps. For example, when I moved to my new apartment a few months ago I was having a terrible time figuring out where to place my bed in relation to the other furniture in the room. Having lived through earthquakes in California, I did not want my bed under or near a window. I have never had my bed face the door in any place I had ever lived before moving here. Since the best location for my bed was facing the door, all of a sudden I found I was no longer relying on my subconscious to guide me. Luckily my neighbors reminded me that my feet should not be facing the door because when people died, traditionally they were carried out feet first. How could I forget this bubbe meise? But I found that this is not exclusively a Jewish old wives's tale. It seems that avoiding this "coffin position" is also considered by those who follow Feng Shui. My grandmother always told me never to sew something when someone is wearing the garment because it would "sew up their brains". She said it in Yiddish, "mir zollen nit farnayed der saychel". And she was right. I have lost my common sense after years of repairing buttons and hems on the clothes I was wearing. But the real reason for this old wives' tale is because burial shrouds are sewn around the dead before they are buried. Therefore, a little twist to this bubbe meise is to chew on a thread because dead people cannot still be chewing. In Israel, people are not buried in coffins/caskets like they are in the United States. It is customary to carry the deceased on a stretcher until he/she is placed in the grave. Because Judaism is concerned that the body returns to the earth as soon as possible, caskets are usually not used here. However, it is permissible to be buried in a coffin as long as it is a plain wooden one with holes in the bottom and no metal fittings so that the body can come into contact with the earth faster. Also if used, it must be a plain wooden one so that there is no distinction between rich and poor, as according to Jewish law we are all equal. And, it makes sense today because of the exorbitant costs in burying the dead. Jewish burial is supposed to be inexpensive and not burdensome on the families of the deceased. In fact, in Israel, there is no cost to be buried in the local cemetery in the city in which one lives.

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In Israel, not a day goes by without hearing "pooh, pooh, pooh" with an accompanying spit three times. I always heard my grandmother say it and thought it was uniquely hers. I have since learned that Jews have performed this ritual for centuries when seeing, hearing, or learning something bad, or when trying to prevent something bad from happening when seeing, hearing or learning something good. It kind of goes along with the automatic "bli ayin hara" ("without the evil eye") or "kennahara" ( the abbreviated way of "no evil eye"), Hebrew and Yiddish versions of protecting against the evil eye. The evil eye, however, is not just Jewish or Israeli. Other cultures in the Middle East seem to be obsessed with this as well. The only unique bubbe meise of my grandmother was her insistence at not looking directly at her father-in-law when she was pregnant with her children. It seems he had a big nose and she wanted her children to have nice small noses. She believed that by looking at something unpleasant would cause her unborn child to develop that particular physical trait. So she avoided looking at my great-grandfather. My grandmother's superstition enabled me to be blessed with a small upturned nose. Of course, I actually inherited my nose from my grandmother's mother. Some other traditions, superstitions, old wives' tales that are common with Jewish families include never buying anything for a baby before it is born. In Israel, and in religious Jewish homes, baby showers are given after the birth of the baby, not before. One bubbe meise my grandmother taught me and which I followed to the letter was not to step over my children if they were laying on the floor unless I walked back over them, otherwise the child would not grow anymore. Whenever I moved I would make sure I had a broom, salt, sugar, and bread. Also, when I recently moved to my new apartment, I had the moving company move me on a Tuesday because that is an auspicious day to move. In my family, bubbe meises seems to skip a generation. They have become part of my grandmother's and my daily life. But, my mother never followed any of my grandmother's traditions, except she was adamant about not having a baby shower before children were born. And my children also do not adhere to these bubbe meises except for one. They will give Tzedakah (charity) to someone going on a trip or flying somewhere to ensure the traveler's safety. The traveler becomes a "Shaliach Mitzvah" and donates the money when he/she arrives at the destination. This Jewish custom, superstition, or bubbe meise is practiced by most people in Israel, whether or not they are religious. L'hitraot. Shachar (Dawn) ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inquiring Minds Want to Knowâ&#x20AC;? So, what happens when those cracks get too full? Twice a year, the prayer slips are removed from the cracks between the old stones. Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch said no one reads the papers because they're notes between man and his Creator. Workers collect the notes, bundle them in bags and later bury them in the cemetery on the Mount of Olives. According to Jewish religious practice, it's forbidden to destroy anything on which the name of God is written.

ALEPH is proud to announce.....

Kallah 2013

Kol Echad: Connecting With the Divine, Within & Around Us July 1-7, 2013 Franklin Pierce University -- Rindge, NH

Join us in picturesque Southern New Hampshire on beautiful Pearly Pond at the foot of Mount Monadnock. This year, you will enjoy a retreat-like setting where Kallah is also a vacation. From mountaintop davvening to lakeside classes, this will be the one Kallah you'll want to be sure to attend!! Who Comes to the Kallah? Religious background and current practice run from a to z (assimilated to zealous!); singles, couples and families, with and without children; GLBTQ and straight; healers, teachers, artists, authors, information technologists, mothers, judges, students, religious leaders, consultants, accountants, business owners, designers, fundraisers, and mediators and more. Everyone comes to the Kallah for a different reason: community; rediscovering Judaism; experiencing Jewish Renewal; learning with a specific teacher; spirituality; learning in general; davenning (prayer); meeting a lifemate/soulmateâ&#x20AC;Ś the list goes on. Whatever YOUR reason, we hope that you will join us at the Kallah. 19

Shabbat

Father’s Day

Flag Day

CALENDAR AT A GLANCE: June 3 June 6 June 7 June 8 June 14 June 16 June 17 June 21 June 22 June 24

Simchat Chochmah 7:00 pm Committee Planning Meeting at Rabbi Mintz’s home 7:00pm—9:00pm Tot Shabbat 6:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv Services — Jewlicious Learning Siyum: 7:30 pm at Kraft-Sussman Chapel Torah Study at Rabbi Mintz’s home Flag Day Father’s Day Simchat Chochmah 7:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv Services in honor of Sam Lieberman. Steve Mintz, Guest Entertainer 7:30 pm at Kraft-Sussman Chapel Torah Study at Rabbi’s Mintz home Simchat Chochmah 7:00 pm

Blessing for the Month of Sivan/Tammuz After reaching the summit, receiving the Torah at Sinai, our ancestors had to work hard to find the inner strength to stay connected. At this point in the year, we, too, have to dig deep within to muster the strength of discernment, to keep focused, and stay connected on our spiritual path. May it be so for each and every one of us. Amen Kol Kiruv, the newsletter of Congregation P’nai Tikvah, is available on-line at www.pnaitikvahlv.org at no cost. If mailed, hard copy delivery is $36 annually. Please notify us and remit payment .