Temple Beth Sholom
The Shofar Tammuz/Av/Elul 5778
July/August 2018
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Reflections from Rabbi Klirs
Shalom, everyone! I am so excited to be able to serve as your new rabbi, and can’t wait to meet all of you in person when I come for my first visit the weekend of August 3-5. A little background: I was born in Vancouver, BC and raised in Seattle, WA. After receiving my BA I attended Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem and Cincinnati. I began my career serving small congregations as a rabbi and then shifted to Jewish education. I have served as rabbi and/or Jewish educator all over the US and Canada in both Reform and Conservative congregations, as well as in a Jewish Day School. My husband Elisha and I have three adult children and are blessed with five grandchildren. The only title that’s more important to me than “Rabbi” is “Savta” (Grandma in Hebrew). We moved to Charlotte in 2012 where I took a position as the Director of Education at Temple Israel, the Conservative congregation. After serving in that position for three years I joined the clergy team, and have found great joy in returning to my rabbinic roots. Some aspects of my rabbinate that I find most meaningful and profoundly fulfilling are teaching adults; music (singing, leading services, teaching prayers and Jewish music both old and new, playing guitar and ‘cello); leading services and preaching; visiting the sick and elderly; officiating at life cycle events and comforting the bereaved. I do my best to follow events in the Jewish world, as well as the greater world, though they happen at such a dizzying speed it’s not always possible to keep up! As a rabbi, I constantly think about how we as Jews should relate to social, political and economic events and movements in the world around us, and how our Jewish values, traditions and sensibilities can inform and guide our actions and decisions as we try to make sense of, navigate through and have a positive impact on our communities and society. When studying and teaching Torah, it is always with an eye to drawing out deeper lessons that we can apply to our lives today. I am eagerly looking forward to this new adventure in beautiful, historic Danville, and having all of you join me in exploring the riches of Judaism together! B’shalom, Rabbi Tracy G. Klirs 1
YAHRZEITS May Their Memories Be a Blessing July 6-7/23-24 Tammuz 1 – Abe Koplen 3 – William Albert Nakdimen 6 – William Marks
July 13-14/1-2 Av 8 – Irving Goldstein 9 – Harry S. Greenberg 11 – Jonathan David Manheim 12 – Samuel Aaron Lantor 13 – Joseph Stendig 14 – Sarah K. Harris
July 20-21/8-9 Av 15 – Walter J. Feibelman 15 – Joseph Gleicher 15 – Mrs. Jacob Hoffman 16 – Barbara Manheim 19 – Sam Lazarus
July 27-28/15-16 Av 22 – William Herbert Hoffman 23 – Ruth Abrams Koplen 24 – Helen Kramer 27 – Janet Harris Lewis 28 – Cyla Gleicher 28 – Bessie W. Koplen
August 3-4/22-23 Av 31 – Margaret B. Kushner 1 – Adam Becher 3 – Jennie S. Lantor 4 – Sydelle Gerber 4 – Carol Conner Popek
August 10-11/29-30 Av 5 – Herman G. Koplen 9 – Goldie Levine 10 – Kate Cohen 11 – Henry Rubin 11 – Julian Sater
August 17-18/6-7 Elul 12 – Fannie Kirsten Platt 17 – Bertha Warshaw
August 24-25/13-14 Elul 20 – Ben B. Fuchs (Fox)
Aug. 31-Sept.1/20-21 Elul 20 – Ruth Feibelman 27 – Jerome B. Kushner 28 – Rose Schein Manheim 29 – Mamie Zietz Singer 30 – Bessie Halperin Jaiven 30 – Rabbi David M. Kushner 31 – Harry Harris
September 7-8/27-28 Elul 2 – Sarah Heiner 3 – Ida Novakoff 4 – Josephina Sierra de Loper 7 – Gertrude S. Kushner 8 – Dr. Robert L. Kushner
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Temple Beth Sholom Donations From Jo Ann and Peter Howard To Susanne Singer in honor of adopting Mosbey, such a sweet and beautiful kitten
In Honor of and Thank You to the members of the Temple Board for all they do to keep our doors open: Mike Caplan, Bonnie Brumfield, Ronnie Mand, Sam Kushner, Ben Rippe, Susanne Singer
In Honor of and Welcome to new Board Members Bernard Baker (elected) and Sam Rippe (appointed)
In Honor of and Thank you to Carol Caplan for all her time given to the Building Committee
Sisterhood Building Fund Contributions Susanne Singer, 822-1114
Please remember the Building Fund for Sympathy, Mazel Tov, Thank You, and Speedy Recovery. The list is endless. Your contributions are used to beautify our temple. From Jo Ann and Peter Howard In Memory of Louis Sager, Lee Evan Howard, Morris Sager, Lee David Howard, Eleanor Howard
In Honor of and Thank you to the Members of Sisterhood for all they do for our Temple: Mira Becher, Bonnie Brumfield, Carol Caplan, Joan Fraifeld, Faye Kushner, Lynne Loper, Ronnie Mand, Joan Newman, Susanne Singer, Melanie Vaughan 3
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JULY Friday, 13th
7:30 p.m.
Shabbat Service – Jo Ann Howard
Saturday,
7:30 p.m.
Dessert and Havdalah TBA
AUGUST Friday, 3th
7:30 p.m.
Shabbat Service – Rabbi Tracy Klirs Oneg to follow the service
Saturday, 4th
7:30 p.m.
Dessert Social and Havdalah with Rabbi Klirs
Saturday, 18th
7:30 p.m.
Dessert and Havdalah at the Howard’s
Torah Portions You might want to check out the Torah portions when we do not have Shabbat services July 6-7 July 13-14 July 20-21 July 27-28 August 3-4 August 10-11 August 18-19 August 24-25 Aug. 31-Sept. 1
Pinchas: Numbers 25:10 – 30:1 Matot - Masei: Numbers 30:2 – 36:13 Devarim: Deuteronomy 1:1 – 3:22 Vaetchanan: Deuteronomy 3:23 – 7:11 Ekev: Deuteronomy 7:12 – 11:25 Re’eh: Deuteronomy 11:26 – 16:17 Shoftim: Deuteronomy 16:18 – 21:9 Ki Tetze: Deuteronomy 21:10 – 25:19 Ki Tavo: Deuteronomy 26:1 – 29:8
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WITH OUR CONGREGATION Our wishes for good health are extended to Mildred Barth, Carol Caplan, Patrice Kramer, Faye Kushner, Charles Silverman, John Wills, and Gordon Lyles. 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.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES July Birthdays: 10 – Susan Dufour; 14 – Michael Amick; 15 – Faye Kushner; 18 – Estelle Mills; 20 – Darcy Amick; 21 – Rita Green; 21 – Mark Stanley; 22 – Melanie Vaughan July Anniversaries: none August Birthdays: 3 – Sam Kushner; 18 – Noah Kramer; 23 – John Lantor; 29 – Matt Harris August Anniversaries: 6 – Samantha and John Wills; 19 – Rita and Rabbi Morton Green; 20 – Joan and Eddy Fraifeld
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN JULY and AUGUST
Havdalah during the summer months is a wonderful way for our temple family to get together and at the same time experience the moments before we enter a new week. The Howards are looking forward to hosting on August 18 th, but we need a volunteer for July. Please let Jo Ann hear from you if you’d like to host and lead this simple, but meaningful service.
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Mark your calendar for the weekend of August 5th when our congregation will officially meet Rabbi Klirs and her husband Elisha for a joyous Shabbat weekend! Plan to attend Friday night services (yes there will be an oneg) and then a dessert social and Havdalah on Saturday night. Her day will be filled in with meeting with various people, allowing time for her and Elisha to become acquainted with the River District. Rabbi Klirs will also meet with the choir on Sunday.
WHAT WE DID IN MAY and JUNE
On Friday night, May 4th we welcomed Shabbat and also learned about Lag B’Omer. For those of you who weren’t able to attend, here’s some interesting information: Lag B’Omer is the one day during the 49 days of the Omer (which is considered to be a period of semi-mourning) in which celebrating is allowed. What is Lag B’Omer? Lag B’Omer literally means the 33rd day of the Omer. The Omer is counted for 49 days between the end of Passover and the holiday of Shavuot (derived from the practice of counting the days from the barley offering at the Temple to the day of the wheat offering on Shavuot, in the Torah). The holiday celebrates a break in a plague that is said to have occurred during the days of Rabbi Akiva. The Talmud states that the great teacher of Jewish mysticism Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai died on Lag B’Omer, and in modern times the holiday has come to symbolize the resilience of the Jewish spirit. What happens on Lag B’Omer? Lag B’Omer is the one day during the 49 days of the Omer (which is considered to be a period of semi-mourning) in which celebrating is allowed. Many Jews like to plan weddings on this date for this reason. However, the most popular activity on the holiday is creating a bonfire (this is particularly popular in Israel). Other activities include having picnics and playing sports. What kinds of foods are eaten on Lag B’Omer? There are not many traditional Lag B’Omer foods, but in Israel, typical foods eaten on the holiday include kebabs (roasted skewered meat or vegetables), pitas, eggplant salad, potato salad, tehina, etc. Otherwise, any foods that would go well at a picnic or bonfire are great options for Lag B’Omer. When is Lag B’Omer? Lag B’Omer is observed on the 18th day of the month of Iyar. 6
Shabbat/Shavuot Services were held on Friday, May 18th with special readings and music. A special thank you goes to Bernard Baker, Peter Howard, and Eric Steckler for their participation. In honor of the anniversary of Bernard’s conversion he helped lead part of the service and also read selections from the Book of Ruth, especially from Ruth 1:16–17, which has been understood to be Ruth’s conversion statement. “Entreat me not to leave you or to return from following after you. For wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. Thus and more may God do to me if anything but death parts me from you.” We all agreed that it was a beautiful service.
Congregational Meeting – Our annual Congregational Meeting was held on Wednesday, May 30th. We had ten families represented and a very productive meeting with reports, discussions, and of course, the annual election. Our officers for our 2018 -2019 fiscal year are Jo Ann Howard, President, Michael Caplan, Vice President, Bonnie Brumfield, Secretary, Peter Howard, Treasurer, and Ronnie Mand, Sisterhood. Our Board members are Bernard Baker, Sam Kushner, Sam Rippe (appointed), and Susanne Singer. Everyone is looking forward to a productive year.
Dessert and Havdalah – On Saturday night, June 30th, we gathered at the home of Jo Ann and Peter Howard for dessert and a beautiful Havdalah ceremony. We enjoyed the delicious treats everyone brought, welcomed Cheryl Terry and Denise Johnson, and then at just the right time for sundown we explored our senses with light, wine, and spices and said good-bye to Shabbat. Be sure to visit our websitetbsdanville.org
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Bonnie’s Book Beat
The author, Hans Fallada, who had been imprisoned in an asylum for the criminally insane when he refused Goebbels’ order to write an anti-Semitic novel, did not live to see his book, Every Man Dies Alone, published. He wrote the 555 page book in 24 days in November of 1946. It is translated from the German, and at book’s end contains photographs of Gestapo investigative records as well as photographs of the doomed couple. He died in 1947, just a few weeks before the book’s publication. As one literary critic writes: “A one-of-a-kind novel … Fallada can be seen as a hero, a writer-hero who survived just long enough to strike back at his oppressors.” —The Globe and Mail Based on a true story of a middle aged couple, who, in their quiet and unobtrusive way, defied the Nazi- run government by placing postcards with anti-Nazi messages throughout Berlin. For two years without detection, the couple placed postcards in office building staircases and other public places. For detection meant arrest, torture, and death. In telling the story of the couple, Fallada describes the menacing life in Berlin for German citizens during the early 1940’s Nazi reign, where neighbor spies on neighbor, and punishments for infractions against the government were harsh. Fallada introduces various characters living in the apartment building where Otto and Anna Quangell reside, as well as the woman postal worker. The book combines many characters beyond the couple’s neighbors. All characters have a place in the telling of the story, allowing the reader insight into the environment of Germany. Cowardice, betrayal, envy, fear, courage, heroism, distrust, intimidation, oppression, regret, and above all belief in what is right are depicted in this novel. As the reader will be made aware, the couple are arrested, interrogated, tortured, imprisoned, tried, convicted, and executed by beheading. Although knowing the outcome, the reader will hope that the couple will not be discovered, that the postcards will promote resistance, that the German people will find the strength to fight. Fallada maintains the reader’s anticipation and amazement during the couple’s incarceration. Otto Quangell, a quiet man, a loner without friends, learns to play chess with one of his prison cell mates, and has a moment of epiphany when he realizes how much he has missed in life without friends and interests outside of his job. Anna Quangell, while in prison, finds solace in knowing that Otto is nearby and she will not let him down. This book will be in your Temple Library for check out. A New York Times Book Review Notable Book of the Year
“The greatest book ever written about the German resistance to the Nazis.” —Primo Levi “One of the most extraordinary and compelling novels ever written about World War II. Ever. ... Please, do not miss this.” —Alan Furst "It has something of the horror of Conrad, the madness of Dostoyevsky and the chilling menace of Capote’s In Cold Blood.... In the quiet Quangels, Fallada has created an immortal symbol of those who fight back against 'the vile beyond all vileness' and so redeem us all." —Roger Cohen, The New York Times
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A Bissel of Yiddish You won’t believe how much you already know… The Yiddish language is a wonderful source of rich expressions, especially terms of endearment (and of course, complaints and insults). Here’s the next installment of words. 1. Maven - Pronounced meyven. An expert, often used sarcastically. 2. Mazel Tov - Or mazltof. Literally “good luck,” (well, literally, “good constellation”) but it’s a congratulation for what just happened, not a hopeful wish for what might happen in the future. When someone gets married or has a child or graduates from college, this is what you say to them. It can also be used sarcastically to mean “it’s about time,” as in “It’s about time you finished school and stopped sponging off your parents.” 3. Mentsh - An honorable, decent person, an authentic person, a person who helps you when you need help. Can be a man, woman or child. 4. Mishegas - Insanity or craziness. A meshugener is a crazy man. If you want to insult someone, you can ask them, ”Does it hurt to be crazy?” 5. Mishpocheh - Or mishpokhe or mishpucha. It means “family,” as in “Relax, you’re mishpocheh. I’ll sell it to you at wholesale.” 6. Nosh - Or nash. To nibble; a light snack, but you won’t be light if you don’t stop noshing. Can also describe plagiarism, though not always in a bad sense; you know, picking up little pieces for yourself. 7. Nu - A general word that calls for a reply. It can mean, “So?” “Huh?” “Well?” “What’s up?” or “Hello?” 8. Oy vey - Exclamation of dismay, grief, or exasperation. The phrase “oy vey iz mir” means “Oh, woe is me.” “Oy gevalt!” is like oy vey, but expresses fear, shock or amazement. When you realize you’re about to be hit by a car, this expression would be appropriate. 9. Plotz - Or plats. Literally, to explode, as in aggravation. “Well, don’t plotz!” is similar to “Don’t have a stroke!” or “Don’t have a cow!” Also used in expressions such as, “Oy am I tired; I just ran the four-minute mile. I could just plotz.” That is, collapse. 10. Shalom - It means “deep peace,” and isn’t that a more meaningful greeting than “Hi, how are ya?” Watch for more Yiddish words in our next issue of The Shofar. 9
JULY/AUGUST 2018 Danville In May I was privileged to attend the Hadassah Women’s Health and Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC, which focused on advocating for gender equity in medical research among other issues, and also celebrated the centennial of the Hadassah Medical Organization and the Henrietta Szold Hadassah-Hebrew University School of Nursing. From a symposium on nurses’ roles as advocates for those they care for, to a panel discussion (moderated by Judy Woodruff!) on privacy and technology concerns, to visits with federal legislators on the issues that Hadassah supports (Israel and the Jewish community, gun safety, and women’s health equity), the conference was a wonderful example of "the power of women who do”! I was especially proud of Hadassah’s role as the lead convener of the Coalition for Women’s Health Equity, which presented the Second Annual Women’s Health Empowerment Summit on such topics as women’s roles as caregivers and the accompanying stress, the need to address mental health issues, and the difficulty women often face in being taken seriously by their doctors, especially when a problem is chronic and difficult to diagnose. I hope to take some of the information that I acquired during the conference to visit with the Ninth District Congressman, Morgan Griffith, during the summer recess. Very shortly after I returned home from the conference, I was again privileged to attend our own chapter’s 100th birthday celebration and donor event, with special guest Gail Moskowitz, president of the Southern Seaboard Region. Gail gave a wonderful presentation on the ability of women to do what must be done, which has led to 100 years of medical and nursing care through the Hadassah Medical Organization and the Henrietta Szold Hadassah-Hebrew University School of Nursing. Ronnie Mand read from the minutes of our chapter's first meetings in 1918, and Jo Ann Howard led the group in a recollection of the chapter’s activities in the decades since then. Our chapter may be smaller than in years past, but we continue to be mighty in our Hadassah efforts and our support for Hadassah’s mission. I wish all of you safe and enjoyable vacation activities and hope you can take this time to rest, recreate, and rejuvenate with family and friends. While summer has just begun, it will soon be September and time to work on the Angels of Mercy campaign! Thanks to all of you for all you do! Martha Woody, President Danville Chapter of Hadassah 10
Keeping Up with our Members Mazel Tov to Martha Woody on the birth of her granddaughter Alice Mae Becker Casalotti. She was born on June 21st to proud parents Bernie Becker and Adrianne Casalotti. Adrianne is also a member of our Danville Chapter. Mazel Tov to Gemma Sloane Levey on becoming our newest Child Life Member. Proud Grandma Lindy Levey didn’t waste any time in giving this wonderful gift. Did we miss your news? Be sure to contact Martha Woody, 276-638-4316, and we’ll include you in our next newsletter!
What’s Happening with our Danville Projects
Danville Hadassah’s 100 th Birthday Celebration
was the focus of our annual Donor event. We met at the home of Ronnie Mand who knows how to celebrate with decorations and delicious treats.We were so honored that our Southern Seaboard President Gail Moskowitz celebrated with us! She shared so many wonderful things about Hadassah and made us proud of the role we have played for 100 years. Jo Ann Howard then presented the highlights of our ten Danville Hadassah decades. A good time was had by all who attended!
Thank you to all of our Donor contributors!
We have almost reached our Donor goal! For those of you who haven’t sent in your check yet…please do so today. Just make your check payable to Hadassah and mail to Jo Ann Howard, 326 Rosemary Lane, Danville, VA 24541. Remember, your Donor contribution will help us make a difference in so many lives. What a wonderful way to honor our centennial year.
New Year Card 5779 - This is a wonderful way to remember your Hadassah friends for the New Year! Denise Johnson, chairman, will be sending out information in July. She is eager to include you in this project.
What’s Happening on Hadassah’s National Scene?
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Baby with a Severe Intestinal Defect Receives Medication That Allows Her to Eat Normally - Administering the lowest possible dosage of a medication never before used on a baby, Dr. Mordechai Slae, a senior pediatric gastroenterologist at Hadassah Medical Center, was able to ameliorate the condition of a 6-month-old baby born with a rare and severe defect in her large intestine. For the first time, the little girl, named Hadassah, was able to eat normally rather than having to be fed intravenously. Libby and Mordechai, a Jerusalem couple in their thirties, waited seven years for the birth of their daughter. “We did every test in the book, and everything was normal until the ultrasound in week 38,” says Libby. A blockage was found in the intestines of the fetus, and Libby was sent to Hadassah Ein Kerem for an MRI. “My water had already broken, and the test results were given to us in the delivery room.” After birth, the baby was transferred to the NICU, and more comprehensive tests were conducted. She was diagnosed with Mega Cystis and Micro Colon. According to Dr. Mordechai Slae, this is a rare occurrence. “There are only 200 cases like this worldwide. The baby was suffering and received acetaminophen around the clock to alleviate some of her pain. Her bladder is too large and her colon too small. This little baby was dependent on intravenous nutrition from day one. In unusual cases like these, my motto is to try every possible solution—even if it seems unorthodox.” NEWS RELEASE: Natural Killer Cells That Threaten Early Pregnancies Identified by Hadassah Medical Organization Researchers - Researchers at Hadassah Medical Organization in Israel have identified “natural killer cells” as a key component in answering the perplexing question as to why each subsequent pregnancy is easier and healthier than the first, according to Ellen Hershkin, President, Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization in America, Inc. (HWZOA). The study results, published in the May 15th issue of the medical journal immunity, are the product of six years of research led by Dr. Simcha Yagel, head of OB/GYN at HMO, and included analyzing tissue samples from more than 450 pregnancies. Hershkin states, “Once again, HMO researchers are in the vanguard of providing lifesaving, state-of-the-art medical research that is critical to the care, safety and wellbeing of women not only in Israel but around the world. This new study furthers Hadassah’s mission to protect and empower women at one of the most critical and defining moments of their life.”
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