Temple Beth Sholom
The Shofar ___________________________________________________________________ Tevet/Shevat 5777 January/February 2017 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Reflections from Rabbi Estelle
Most Jewish parents hope to raise their children to first and foremost be menshes, good kind people, but additionally they hope their children will themselves identify as Jews. In a time of widespread intermarriage and many secular activities conflicting with the traditional, but no longer sacrosanct, “Jewish time” of Shabbat and Jewish holidays, it is not an easy task nor a given that one’s child will identify as a Jew in adulthood. There is no formula that guarantees our children, no matter how much exposure to Jewish experiences they have, will remain Jewish. However, research has shown certain factors are more likely to lead to a young person continuing to identify as a Jew into adulthood. Some of these factors are self-evident; namely that a child raised in a home that practices and models Judaism daily is more likely to remain Jewish. But as we pick and choose which Jewish experiences we will invest our money and time in; certain ones seem to yield a higher “return rate”. To be more specific; when raising our children if we are fortunate we and they can pick and choose any combination of the options listed below: Formal Jewish education as exemplified by Sunday religious school and mid-week Hebrew school Jewish day school Synagogue attendance Informal Jewish education such as Jewish Camp Jewish Youth Group Israel Trip
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What is surprising is that research on this topic has consistently shown the activities listed under informal Jewish education, although often shorter in duration than those listed under formal Jewish education, have a much greater long term impact on an individual’s Jewish identity. Even one summer at Jewish camp has been shown to be more influential on long term Jewish identification than years of formal religious school and teens who are active in a Jewish youth group carry that involvement over to participating in Jewish groups in college and then often also in synagogues. The long term strong positive impact on Jewish identity from an Israel trip has been a more recent insight, but one that the North American Jewish Community has acted upon in a dramatic fashion: by the founding in 1999 of a program called Birthright Israel. Birthright Israel began with a bold idea: offering a free, 10-day life-changing trip to Israel to young Jewish adults between the ages of 18 and 26. Birthright’s founders, committed Jewish philanthropists Charles Bronfman and Michael Steinhardt, claim the program they have generously funded for nearly twenty years has “transformed the Jewish future.” Their stated mission is “to give every Jewish young adult, especially the unaffiliated, the opportunity to visit Israel.” Today, Birthright Israel is the largest educational tourism organization in the world. It has grown because it has in ways even unforeseen by its founders, and has been remarkable in its ability to strengthen Jewish identity and Jewish communities, and deepen the connection of American Jews with Israel and its people. The goals of the trips are “to motivate young people to continue to explore their Jewish identity and support for Israel and to [upon their return] take active roles in Jewish organizations” and institutions. Over 500,000 young people have already enjoyed this amazing opportunity. Today these trips are available through many sources including college campus Hillels and NFTY, the youth arm of the Reform movement. Most trips run over winter break, spring break, or in the summer months. It has come to my attention that Temple Beth Sholom has quite a few young people who are currently eligible to participate in these free trips. It is an opportunity that should not be passed up. Please let me know if you or a young person you know would be interested in more information on one of these trips. I can put your name in for priority registration on a Reform movement trip. As you read this article, my husband Steve, our youngest daughter Noa and I, along with Jo Ann and Peter will be enjoying the wonderful experience of being in Israel. Whether it is a first-time visit (as it is for Peter and Jo Ann) or a return trip as it is for my family, being in Israel cannot be compared to travel in any other country, for as a Jew there is a sense of deep connection to the land that is not possible when visiting other countries. I know I will return with a renewed and deepened connection to our Jewish homeland. I urge any of Beth Sholom’s youth not to miss the wonderful opportunity of a FREE BIRTHRIGHT TRIP. Please let me know if you are interested in my passing your name and email along for one of the upcoming spring break or summer trips!
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YAHRZEITS May Their Memories Be a Blessing January 6/8 Tevet 1 – Shirley Levy 1 – Ella Friedman 1 – Jacob Cohen 3 – Jacquie Koplen 5 – Aaron L. Bane 5 – Selig Heiner Kingoff 5 – Trudy Silverman 6 – Daniel Barrs 6 – Russell Denny 6 – Betsy Fresco 6 – Henry Nakdimen
January 13/15 Tevet 8 – Jennie Rossnier Costin 9 – Jacob Hoffman 9 – Herman Mueller 9 – Herbert “Hup” Sater 10 – Hyman Jacobs
January 20/22 Tevet 15 – Irving Maxwell Heiner 16 – Sol J. Levy 19 – Dr. Henry Moskowitz 20 – Sol Kingoff 20 – Celia Barg Jacobs
January 27/29 Tevet 21 – Jane Carol Harris 21 – Edna Brodkin Goldstein 21 – Kate Lazarus 22 – Isaac Berman 23 – Dora Lubin 24 – Barnett Katzman 24 – Alvin H. Rosenstock 25 – Sylvia Heyman 25 – Minnie Miller 26 – Helene Koplen Navell 27 – Harry Abrams
February 3/7 Shevat 28 – Lillian W. Kramer 28 – Dora R. Rosenstock 28 – Elias Salamon 29 – Hyman Kravitz 1 – William H. Kay 1 – Edna LeBof 2 – Esther Newman
February 10/14 Shevat 4 – Yetta S. Schreibfeder 9 – Bessie Berman 10 – Mary Abrams
February 17/21 Shevat 13 – Sonia Lubin Rippe 15 – Dr. Louis Herman Calisch 16 – Aaron Lazarus 16 – Hyman Nakdimen 17 – Henry Lowenstein
February 24/28 Shevat 18 – Fannye Sater 21 – Rosa Bane 21 – Anna K. Kelson 22 – Albert Koplen 24 – Mayme Newman
March 3/5 Adar 28 – Julius Kaufman 28 – Annie Newman 29 – Jacob Goodfriend 1 – Beatrice Newman Stoner
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Temple Beth Sholom Donations Lo Lehitalem (Building Fund) From Sam and Faye Kushner In Memory of Beloved Aunt Jean Kushner; Rabbi Ben Kelson; Dear friends Sigurd Navell, Al Newman, Mary and Ellis Halperin; Dr. Samuel Newman, the Temple’s former member and beloved pediatrician To Ben and Debbie Rippe, “May your new home always be filled with good health and happiness” From Peter and Jo Ann Howard To Bernard Baker, Mazel Tov on receiving the Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Award To Debbie and Ben Rippe, “May love and happiness abound in your new home!” To Denise Johnson, “Enjoy your new home and the chance to create countless recipes of chicken surprise!” From Reverend Kathleen Monge - Thank You Offering From Allison, Neil, Diane, Sara, Ben, Nick, and Noah – In memory of our Dad, Gerald Gordon
Sisterhood Building Fund Contributions Susanne Singer, 822-1114 Please remember the Building Fund for such things as Sympathy, Mazel Tov, Thank You, and Speedy Recovery. The list is endless. Your contributions are used to beautify our temple. Thank you! From Steve and Ronnie Mand To Ann Gottman – Thinking of You and Wishing You a Speedy Recovery To Charles Silverman – Happy Birthday! To Peter Howard – In Honor of Your Most Deserved Retirement – Enjoy! To Jo Ann and Peter Howard – Enjoy Every Minute in Eretz Yisrael! From Jo Ann and Peter Howard To Judy and Stephen Salamon – Mazel Tov on Your New Home To Stephanie and Chris Harness – In Loving Memory of Your Precious Riley 4
To Darcy and Michael Amick – In Memory of Your Beloved Mother, Faith
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
(If you are unable to conduct your service, it is your responsibility to find a substitute) JANUARY 2017 Friday, 6th
7:30 p.m.
Shabbat Service: Ronnie Mand and Susanne Singer
Friday, 13th
7:30 p.m.
Shabbat Service: Jo Ann Howard
Monday, 16th
5:00 p.m.
Sisterhood Meeting
Friday, 20th
7:30 p.m.
Shabbat Service: Rabbi Estelle Mills Bonnie Brumfield and Jo Ann Howard, Oneg Hosts
Saturday, 21st
10:00 a.m.
Nosh and Knowledge
Friday, 27th
7:30 p.m.
Shabbat Service: Jo Ann Howard
FEBRUARY Friday 3rd
7:30 p.m.
Shabbat Service: Rabbi Estelle Mills Melanie Vaughan and Bernard Baker, Oneg Hosts
Saturday, 4th
10:00 a.m.
Friday, 10th
Nosh and Knowledge No Service Scheduled
Saturday, 11th
6:00 p.m.
Havdalah/Tu B’Shevat Seder Bonnie Brumfield and Jo Ann Howard, Chairmen
Friday, 17th
7:30 p.m.
Shabbat Service: Michael Caplan
Friday, 24th
7:30 p.m.
Shabbat Service: Jo Ann Howard
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WITH OUR CONGREGATION Congratulations to Bernard Baker on receiving the Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Award! He is the first in the Danville Valley Study Group to receive this award. We are so very proud of you! Congratulations to Charles Silverman on the celebration of his 85th birthday. We hope you had a marvelous time with your family. Congratulations to Peter Howard on his retirement from the Securities part of his business. We know you will still have a lot on your plate, but now you can linger over your morning cup of coffee and take a trip on almost a moment’s notice! Congratulations to Sam Kushner and Melanie Vaughan for each of you having three pieces of art displayed in the Hues and Views Juried Art Exhibit. Congratulations to Barry Koplen, for his photography on display in an additional exhibit, plus the pieces for sale in the gift shop. Our wishes for good health are extended to Michael Becher, Ben Fraifeld, Patrice Kramer, Arnold Manheim, and Esther Rippe. We know that some of our congregants become ill, have surgery, or suffer an injury between The Shofar publications, so please know that we extend a prayer of comfort and continued recovery to those who are not specifically named. Corrections and Additions for the Activities Booklet Under Former Members, correct: Denise Johnson: 1560 Central Avenue, Unit 177, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Dovie Melnick: 13392 Coronado Drive, Naples, FL 34109
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES January Birthdays: 10 – Don Loper; 13 – Robert Fryman; 17 – Susanne Singer; 21 – Bernard Baker; 22- George Brumfield; 23 – Belinda Baker January Anniversaries: none February Birthdays: 6 – Mira Becher; 8 – Hank Dufour; 9 – Carol Caplan; 17 – John Wills; 27 – Michael Caplan; 29 – Rebekka Stanley February Anniversaries: Patrice and Stuart Kramer
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Congregational Activities – Looking Ahead and Back Temple Beth Sholom This is Your Spiritual Home
Invest In It for Now and for the Future Keep our Temple and Judaism Alive!
The campaign for the funding of the Temple’s Endowment Fund is still underway. If you have not been already, you will soon be contacted by a member of the Board to set up an appointment to discuss the Endowment. Please welcome him/her into your home. The Endowment must be fully funded to provide funds for the maintenance of the Temple and to help insure its continuity. The Board rarely asks the Congregation for financial support above and beyond the payment of dues. But we must do so now. When you meet with your Board representative, PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY!
TU B’SHEVAT SEDER – FEBRUARY 11TH Tu B’Shevat or the "New Year of the Trees" is Jewish Arbor Day. The holiday is observed on the 15th (tu) of the Hebrew month of Shevat. Scholars believe that originally Tu B’Shevat was an agricultural festival, marking the emergence of spring. In the 17th century, Kabbalists created a ritual for Tu B’Shevat that is similar to a Passover Seder. The holiday also has become a treeplanting festival in Israel, in which Israelis and Jews around the world plant trees in honor or in memory of loved ones and friends. Plan to attend our annual Tu B’Shevat Seder on Saturday February 11 th. It’s full of imagery and symbolism, and helps you appreciate what the earth gives to us and why it’s so important to be eco-friendly. We will drink four cups of wine or grape juice, but in varying shades of red, which represent the seasons eat various fruits are grouped into three types.
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Our evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a short Havdalah service, followed by the Tu B’Shevat Seder and a delicious meal. Mark your calendar today and watch for a flyer which will provide all the details.
JOIN US FOR NOSH AND KNOWLEDGE Saturdays mornings with Rabbi Estelle are aways a learning experience. In December we learned about and shared our feelings about what spirituality is. We will expand this to include an understanding of Kabala. To practice? No…to understand and perhaps better understand the Kabalistic teachings in Judaism. So, join us at 10:00 a.m., the weekend Rabbi Estelle is with us. You’ll be glad you did!
SISTERHOOD NEWS FROM RONNIE MAND, PRESIDENT Our “small but mighty” Sisterhood group came through once again, this time performing our annual mitzvah of providing meals for The Free Clinic volunteers. Over the past 15+ years, we have fed the doctors, nurses, and others who give of their time on Tuesdays during December. Most of these people have worked all day at fulltime jobs and then volunteer for several hours at the Clinic; they are so appreciative of the food and beverages. I think I speak for all of our members when I say it is gratifying to be able to do our small part for these dedicated volunteers and for such a needed organization. Some of our Sisterhood members shopped, baked, cooked, and delivered the food, while others made monetary donations…………….to ALL of you, I offer a hearty Toda Raba. We may be small in number, but we continue to be mighty in our deeds. I hope each of you and your loved ones have a Happy Hanukkah and a happy and healthy 2017.
HANUKKAH IN MARTINSVILLE What a wonderful time we had at Ohev Zion Synagogue on December 16 th. Nine of us enjoyed an early Hanukkah celebration, an absolutely delicious meal, which of course included latkes and donuts, and a very meaningful Shabbat service. We look forward to having our Martinsville neighbors join us in the spring. 8
Check out our website: tbsdanville.org
Bonnie’s Book Beat Lewis Weinstein has authored two vivid and compelling novels set during a time that many of us are unfamiliar with. Fourteenth and Fifteenth Century Spain, and Fifteenth Century Italy are the settings for The Heretic and its sequel The Pope’s Conspiracy. The Heretic follows a fictional family of ‘conversos’ during the late 1400’s and early 1500’s in Catholic Spain, where both Jews and Moslems are frowned upon and are suspect for not being ‘true believers’. The Catalins obediently convert to Catholicism, and follow the Church’s practices in daily life. Weinstein draws a complex tapestry of how simple actions can point to ‘secret Jews’ who covertly practice their faith. Although conversos hold high positions in court, they are not trusted by the general populace. Tomas Catalin meets Esther Ardit, a young Jewish woman, and from her, he learns about Judaism and its wonders. He falls in love with her. Meanwhile, his father, Gabriel Catalin, is approached by the German printer Johan Gutenberg, and together they begin printing Hebrew books, hoping to preserve and save Jewish prayer books from extinction. The senior Catalin is sought after by the presiding Rabbi to print Judaism’s most valuable books. Although a goldsmith, he quickly learns the skills of creating print, ink, and manuscripting. With the aid of his son and Esther, they begin the printing of Jewish texts. The tale is based on historical events and characters, although the Catalin family is fictional. Note that the book contains vivid and often ‘R’ rated scenes. However, the plot will better enable the reader to understand the persecution of Jews by Christians during this time in Spain. The Pope’s Conspiracy is the sequel to The Heretic and continues the story of Tomas (now Benjamin) and Esther Catalin, and their miraculous escape from the Inquisitor’s flames to Italy under the patronage of Lorenzo de Medici. They continue the printing of books to the great satisfaction of the de Medici family, and Florentine Jews. They meet and befriend Leonardo da Vinci, and the child Michelangelo, and are involved in the intrigues of Pope Sixtus IV, and his minions. Characters are meticulously drawn, and one can sense the intrigue, conspiracies, courage, bravery and honor, as well as the talents and perseverance of the characters.
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A Bit of Jewish Humor More Chelm Stories NOW WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT? A young housewife living in the town of Chelm had a very strange occurrence. One morning, after buttering a piece of bread she accidentally dropped it on the floor. To her amazement, it landed buttered side up. As everyone knows, whenever a buttered piece of bread is dropped on the floor, it always lands buttered side down; this is like a law of physics. But on this occasion it landed buttered side up, and this was a great mystery which had to be solved. So all the Rabbis and elders and wise men of Chełm were summoned together and they spent three days in the synagogue fasting and praying and debating this marvelous event among themselves. After those three days they returned to the young housewife with this answer: "Madam, the problem is that you have buttered the wrong side of the bread." I’LL SHOW YOU! A man was married to a shrew who ordered him around the livelong day. Once, when she had several women friends calling on her, she wanted to show off before them what absolute control she had over her husband. “Schlemiel,” she ordered, “get under that table!” Without a word the man crawled under the table. “Now, schlemiel, come out!” she commanded again. “I won’t, I won’t” he defied her angrily. “I’ll show you I’m still master in this house!” WHAT TO DO? The sexton of the synagogue decided to install a poor box so that the fortunate might share their wealth with the needy. On shabbes eve, he announced to the congregation that a new opportunity for mitzvoh was available. "But," one member complained, "it will be so easy for the goneffs (thieves) to steal from the box." The sexton thought long and hard that night, and announced the next day that he had found a solution. Pointing upward, he showed, the poor box was now 10
suspended from a chain at the ceiling, high, high, high overhead. "But now how do we put money in the box?" The next week, the congregation saw the wonderful solution. A lovely circular stairway now ascended to the poor box making it easy to contribute.
January/February 2017 Danville The winter holidays are behind us, and as my eternally optimistic mother would remind me, we are getting a minute or two more of daylight every day. However, the long months of winter are still ahead of us and it’s hard to think about celebrations when the environment is cold and often dark. Fortunately, Hadassah can come to the rescue! There are not many observances in January, but it’s been designated as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Human trafficking includes both sex and labor trafficking; women and minors are especially vulnerable. Hadassah has been a tireless advocate for human rights and has become a significant partner in the efforts to address human trafficking and the suffering it causes. Due in part to our efforts, Congress passed the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act in 2015, but further legislation is pending. To bring this matter close to home, Atlanta has been identified as a major hub of human trafficking. Hadassah encourages everyone to become more informed about this topic and to encourage both grassroots and legislative action to combat what amounts to involuntary servitude. February brings Valentine’s Day (not a Jewish holiday, but widely celebrated!) and of course, February has been designated as American Heart Month. There has been growing awareness that women experience different cardiac symptoms than men do, but this awareness took too long, because most medical research has been done on men. Health care is not a “one size fits all” endeavor! Hadassah has created the Gender Equity in Medical Research initiative to help ensure that medical research benefits women and men equally. You can join Hadassah in advocating for the Research for All Act, which represents a critical step towards ensuring effective, non-discriminatory medical research. Finally, Hadassah has long been a partner with the Jewish National Fund. Tu B’Shevat begins Friday evening, February 10th, so please consider buying a tree in Israel as an 11
expression of “practical Zionism.” All you have to do is contact Jo Ann Howard at 434799-3505. Thank you for all you do in support of Danville Hadassah, “the little chapter that could!” Martha Woody, Chapter President
Happenings with our Members
*Mazel Tov to Flossie Tavss on the celebration of her 90th birthday! * Mazel Tov to our newest Child Life Member, Eleanor Becker-Cassalotti, daughter of Adrian Cassolotti and granddaughter and apple of her eye, Martha Woody. *Mazel Tov to our newest Life Member, Julie Levey, daughter-in-law of Lindy Levey. *Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Darcy Amick on the recent death of her motherin-law, Faith Amick. Take out your December 2016 issue of Hadassah Magazine and turn page 1, which is an ad for the American Hebrew Academy. Joan Fraifeld was kvelling because her son Sam is the young man in the yellow shirt. Today, of course, he wears an IDF shirt. Did we miss your news? Be sure to contact Martha Woody, 276-638-4316, and we’ll include you in our next newsletter!
We wrapped up our 2016 year on December 12th with a delicious covered dish dinner, an exciting report on our contributions for the year, and a most informative program on the top five women’s health issues. Now we’re ready for 2017!
Thank You to…
Our members, families, friends, and businesses who contributed over $13,700 to our Angels of Mercy project! Our members and friends who contributed over $1,000 to our Youth Aliyah birthday and anniversary card project! Our members who contributed over $1,700 to our Donor project! Our members and friends who contributed over $1,600 for the Tower through our Tower of Love project and other donations Our friends who contributed $900 in special contributions! Our members and friends who contributed to over $600 to our 5777 New Year Card! Our members who contributed over $450 to our Candle Lighting project! 12
Our members who have contributed $2,360 to Silver Chai Society and Keepers of the Gate
Yes, we’re the little chapter that made a difference in 2016!
Candle Lighting – A Danville Tradition
This is an opportunity for every Danville Hadassah member to participate in our beautiful candle lighting tradition! At the end of every meeting members light a Hanukkah menorah and share what is happening with their family and friends. Now, whether you can attend a meeting or not, you can light a menorah for just $18 and your contribution will be recognized in our next newsletter. Take this opportunity to support Hadassah and at the same time participate in a wonderful tradition! Send your check, made payable to Hadassah, to Jo Ann Howard, 326 Rosemary Lane, Danville, VA 24541. From Darcy Amick: In memory of my mother-in-law, Faith Amick, and in honor of and for good health for my parents, David and Cecile Hartman.
You’re invited! Watch your mailbox for our Tower Of Love “No Show Ball” to support the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower. It was such a hit last year that we’re doing it again. It’s a wonderful way to support Hadassah without having to dress up for the occasion! Be sure to join the fun and make a difference!
The December 2016 issue of Hadassah Magazine is packed with interesting articles. Be sure to read “Unifying for Change: Gender Equity in Medicine”, which begins on page 21. This article shows why we must speak up for ourselves when 13
we know our body is telling us that something is wrong. We need to be vocal and show why gender matters!
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