Temple Beth Sholom
The Shofar Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5779
September/October 2019
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Reflections from Rabbi Klirs
S’lichot: Preparing our Hearts and Minds for the High Holy Days This year, for the first time in memory, perhaps even for the first time in Beth Sholom’s history, we are re-introducing a beautiful custom to help us set the spiritual tone to prepare emotionally and mentally for the High Holy Days. It is called S’lichot - from S’lichah, meaning “forgiveness” or “pardon” – and refers to specific penitential prayers recited on fast days, including Yom Kippur. Eventually these prayers were extended to Rosh Hashanah and the Ten Days of Repentance, and ultimately to the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah. The S’lichot service takes place on the Saturday night prior to Rosh Hashanah (unless Rosh Hashanah begins within the next 2 days, in which case the ritual is moved back to the previous Saturday night). It is supposed to be recited at midnight, though many non-Orthodox congregations have recently moved the start time earlier. No one knows exactly when this custom was established, but it is likely very old. In previous centuries, before the time of smart phones or even alarm clocks, the Shamash (synagogue sexton) woke the sleeping villagers up at midnight on Selichot night, by walking through the shtetl shouting and pounding on shutters for all to come to shul and recite prayers of penitence in preparation for Rosh Hashanah. (Continued on page 2) 1
The service itself has evolved to include some of the most beloved and evocative prayers of the High Holy Days, as well as the sounding of the shofar. Chief among those prayers are Avinu Malkeinu (Our Father, Our King); Shema Koleinu (Hear Our Voice); Adonay Adonay (the 13 attributes of God); and Ashamnu, the short confessional. The themes include reflections on the fleetingness of human life, appeals to God’s mercy, petitions for relief from suffering and persecution, confessions of sin, and pleas for forgiveness. Reciting the familiar words, hearing the beautiful and sometimes haunting tunes and the plaintive cry of the shofar for the 1st time since the last High Holy Days, we are afforded both a foretaste of the holidays to heighten our anticipation, and, more importantly, a wake-up call to begin the process of Teshuvah – repentance – by taking an honest inventory of our deeds in the past year, mending fences with loved ones and colleagues, and re-awakening our commitments. I invite all of you to join us at Temple on Saturday night September 21. We will start with a delicious dessert reception at 7:30 pm, followed by Havdalah and the Selichot service at 8:00 pm. During the service, the Torah mantles will be changed to white, and we will conclude with the sounding of the shofar.
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YAHRZEITS May Their Memories Be a Blessing September 6-7/6-7 Elul 2 – Sarah Heiner 3 – Ida Novakoff 4 – Josephina Sierra de Loper 7 – Gertrude S. Kushner
September 13-14/13-14 Elul 8 – Dr. Robert L. Kushner 9 – Elix Rubin 11 – Joseph Schriebfeder 13 – Celia Katzman
September 20-21/20-21 Elul 15 – Samuel Bo Numark 15 – Ann B. Passamaneck 16 – Hazel S. Roman 17 – Howard J. Nakdimen 17 – Dr. Herbert R. Silverman 17 – Ernst Wassing 19 – Leonard Miller 20 – Gertrude Herman Calisch
September 27-28/27-28 Elul October 4-5/5-6 Tishrei 24 – Saul M. Schreibfeder 29 – Joseph M. Friedman 25 – Louis Herman Calisch, Jr. 30 – Evelyn Novakoff Silverman 25 – Nathan Lester 1 – Max LeBof 27 – Emmanuel “Manny” Levy 3 – Leonard Harris 27 – Sam Lyon 3 – Lawrence Koplen 27 – Emilie R. Mueller 3 – Ida Greenberg Newman 28 – Louise D. Kushner 4 – Ruth Ann Fusfeld 5 – Florence Koplen
October 11-12/12-13 Tishrei 8 – Hormidas Santerre 9 – Dr. Dan H. Schreibfeder 10 – Bessie Klaff 11 – Dr. Harry Francis Calisch 11 – Moses Harris
October 18-19/19-20 Tishrei 16 – Paul Wall 19 – Samuel A. Kushner, Sr.
November 1-2/3-4 Cheshvan 27 – Rachel O. Roman 28 – Alvin Harris 28 – Helen S. Silverman 29 – Sayde S. Greenberg 1 – Samuel Costin 2 – Beatrice Hollins Berman 2 – Milton Greenspon 2 – Stanley Singer
October 25-26/26-27 Tishrei 22 – Moritz Feibelman 22 – Moses Roman 22 – Michael Bercholz 23 – Joel Singer 26 – Heller Cohen 26 – Joseph Kingoff
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Temple Beth Sholom Donations Sandra Strange – In Memory of Barbara Manheim; Love offering to the Temple Beth Sholom Congregation (2) Sam and Faye Kushner – Remembering beloved mother, Margaret Kushner, Grandfather Rabbi David M. Kushner and brother, Jerry Kushner; dear friends Ruth Koplen, Herman Koplen, Barbara Manheim, Ruth Feibelman, and Joe Stendig. May our memories of them be a blessing. In Memory of the late Colonel Robert Mand and In Honor of our friends Steve and Ronnie Jo Ann and Peter Howard – In Memory of Milton Cornblatt Charles Silverman – Misheberach
Sisterhood Building Fund Contributions Ronnie Mand, 799-3434 Please remember the Sisterhood Building Fund for Sympathy, Mazel Tov, Thank You, and Speedy Recovery. The list is endless. Your contributions are used to beautify our temple. Jo Ann and Peter Howard In Memory of Faye Kushner’s sister Jennie Valentour In Memory of Danny Jason’s brother Stanley Jason Wishes of r’fuah sh'leimah to Bonnie Brumfield and Sam Kushner Mira Becher – In Memory of Steve Mand’s father Melanie and Kevin Vaughan – In Memory of Steve Mand’s father Wishing Mira a complete restoration of her home from the smoke damage from the fire Mildred Barth – In Memory of Steve Mand’s father
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SEPTEMBER Friday, 6th
7:30 p.m.
Shabbat Service – Peter Howard
Friday, 13th
7:30 p.m.
Shabbat Service – Jo Ann Howard
Monday, 16th
5:00 p.m.
Opening Sisterhood Meeting
Friday, 20th
7:30 p.m.
Shabbat Service – Rabbi Tracy Klirs Ronnie Mand & Debbie Rippe, Oneg
Saturday, 21st
7:30 p.m.
Dessert Social/Havdalah/Selichot Service- Rabbi Klirs
Friday, 27th
7:30 p.m.
Shabbat Service – Jo Ann Howard
Sunday, 29th
7:30 p.m.
Erev Rosh Hashanah Service – Rabbi Tracy Klirs Jo Ann Howard, Oneg Chairman
Monday, 30th
10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.
Rosh Hashanah Service – Rabbi Tracy Klirs Rosh Hashanah Lunch – Social Hall Jo Ann and Peter Howard, Hosts
Tuesday, 31st
6:00 p.m.
Tashlich/Out to Dinner
OCTOBER Friday, 4th
7:30 p.m.
Shabbat Service – Jo Ann Howard
Tuesday, 8th
7:30 p.m.
Erev Yom Kippur Service – Rabbi Tracy Klirs
Wednesday, 9th
10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Yom Kippur Morning Service – Rabbi Tracy Klirs Afternoon/Memorial/N’eilah Services Break-the-Fast – Social Hall
Friday, 11th
No Service Scheduled
Sunday, 13th
5:00 p.m.
Sukkot Service/Potluck Supper – Jo Ann Howard
Friday, 18th
7:30 p.m.
Shabbat Service – Peter Howard
Friday, 25th
7:30 p.m.
Shabbat/Simchat Torah Service – Jo Ann Howard
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WITH OUR CONGREGATION Our condolences go to Steve and Ronnie Mand on the recent death of Steve’s father, Colonel Robert (Bob) Mand .
Our wishes of love and concern go to Mira Becher with hope that she will soon be back in the comfort of her home and the effects of the fire and smoke damage will be a distant memory. Our wishes for a speedy recovery go to Faye Kushner who is healing from a torn ligament and torn cartilage and is getting around beautifully in her new “boot”! Our wishes for a speedy recovery go to Bernard Baker following his recent foot surgery. Yes, we have yet another congregant wearing a “boot”! Our wishes for good health are extended to Bernard Baker, Bonnie Brumfield, Carol Caplan, Faye Kushner, Patrice Kramer, Joan Newman, and Charles Silverman. 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 September Birthdays: 1 – Barry Koplen; 3 – Sydney Fryman; 3 – Sean Fryman; 8 – Ronnie Mand; 16 – Peter Howard; 20 – Patrice Kramer September Anniversary: 6 – Debbie and Ben Rippe October Birthdays: 7 – Bonnie Brumfield; 29 – Joan Newman October Anniversaries: 16 – Karen and Matt Harris; 31 – Lynne and Don Loper
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Message from Ronnie Mand, Sisterhood President The opening Sisterhood meeting for 5780 will be held September 16, 5:00PM at the temple. Our "small but mighty" group will begin planning the year, discussing how we continue supporting temple and community, and enrich ourselves through programming. Please continue to put coins in your Silver for Sisterhood boxes, our ongoing fundraising project. We hope by now everyone has a box, but if not, they are available in the temple foyer, or I will gladly get one to you. In advance, I wish everyone Shanah Tovah.
The Month of Elul A Prayer about Spiritual Seeking (from Covenant of the Soul) Reflection The month of Elul is a time for reflecting on our spiritual lilfe‌As the month unfolds, Jewish tradition urges us to conduct a truly honest appraisal of the way in which we have used God’s gift of life during the past year. Whom have we helped? Whom have we hurt? Before we can ask the Holy One for forgiveness, we must ask those we have hurt to forgive us. Before we ask the Shechinah to forgive us, we must forgive ourselves. Prayer May it be Your will, Eternal One, to help me search my heart. Help me to feel the ways in which I can make my life more blessed. Help me to see the changes I must make in my life to add to my sense of joy and well being. Give me the courage and strength to be honest with myself about my weaknesses, and help me to embrace my strengths.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING in SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER Be sure to pick up a calendar for 5780 – 2019/2020 the next time you come to services. The calendar has it all…beautiful photos, all holiday listings, Torah reading schedules, and times to kindle the Shabbat candles. Enjoy! A thank you note has been sent to Townes Funeral Home for this most generous annual gift. The next time you see David Fuquay, please let him know how much you appreciate receiving a Jewish calendar. Not all congregations are as lucky as we are!
The 2019-2020 Activities Booklet will be mailed soon. Please be sure to go through it carefully to remind yourself when you have been scheduled as a service leader, holiday chairman, and/or oneg host. Remember, it is your responsibility to switch with another congregant if you are unable to conduct the service or hostess on your scheduled date.
The Fall Holidays will be here before we know it! Rabbi Tracy Klirs will be leading us in worship as we welcome 5780 and atone for our sins so that we can have a prosperous new year. Please make note of the following: Be sure to bring your copies of the High Holy Days prayer book if you have them. Erev services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. Morning services will begin at 10:00 a.m. Peter Howard will be contacting you regarding your readings for the Holy Days. Be sure you know when your part is scheduled in the service and if for some reason you are unable to participate, please contact Peter immediately. You will receive flyers for the Rosh Hashanah lunch and the Yom Kippur Breakthe Fast. Please be sure to R.S.V.P., yes or no, for both events. Tashlich at the River – We will meet on Tuesday, September 31 st at 6:00 p.m. at the fountain. Bring bread crumbs to use as we cast away our sins. We will then go out for Dutch-treat meal. Please let Jo Ann know whether or not you plan to attend. You will receive the Yitzkor form in the mail regarding the names you would like to be read at the Yom Kippur Memorial Service. Be sure to return your form and check by September 25th. 8
Be sure to join us for our Sukkot service and potluck supper on Sunday, October 13th. Watch for additional information. Simchat Torah will be celebrated on Friday, October 25th. Come and join the fun as we march the Torahs around the sanctuary and then read the end of Deuteronomy and the beginning of Genesis.
HIGHLIGHTS OF JULY and AUGUST
Friday night services were held on July 12th and August 16th to welcome Shabbat. As always, it was wonderful to be together to raise our voices in prayer and song.
Havdalah is a wonderful way to savor those last minutes of Shabbat. We met at the Howard’s home on July 27th for dessert and a brief Havdalah service on the deck.
On August 17th thirteen of us celebrated Tu B’Av, the day of love. We enjoyed a fabulous potluck dairy dinner, shared readings and poetry, and sang Hebrew love songs led by Rabbi Klirs. What a wonderful evening to be together!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT 9
Turkey: Sometime I wish I was a chicken. Chicken: Have you ever heard of Shabbat?
Scene: Couple Fishing in a Row Boat Husband: What bait are you using? Wife: Horseradish – I’m trying to catch gefilte fish.
Laugh a little each day. It’s better than chicken soup. At least, that’s what the chickens say.
Sign on Katz’s bakery: “Buy my challah – I knead the dough”
The Jewish year is 5780. The Chinese year is 4718, That means that Jews had to exist without Chinese food for 1,062 years. This was the time known as the Dark Ages.
It was lunchtime at the Jewish Day School. As the children walked to their table in the cafeteria, Nathan noticed a large bowl of apples with the message “Take only one. God is watching.” At the other end of the table there was a large platter of sugar cookies. Nathan whispered to Jonathan, “We can take all the cookies we want. God is watching the apples!”
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September/October 2019 Danville When I last wrote a Hadassah article, I closed with a wish for a happy Fourth of July, and in the blink of an eye, here we are about to embark on the unofficial end of summer, the Labor Day weekend. Students are already back in school, and, unusual for August, we’ve even had a spell of cool weather these last few days. Our thoughts are turning to fall and football games, the High Holy Days and of course, Hadassah fundraisers! With thanks to Denise Johnson, one of our many far-flung members, you have received a letter asking for your support for our New Year card project that benefits Young Judaea. Founded 110 years ago in 1909, the organization has worked to promote Jewish identity and values in young Americans through conventions, camps (did you know there is a Young Judaea camp as close as Hendersonville, NC?), trips to Israel, and opportunities for social activism such as the annual Alternative Winter Break, where Young Judaea members travel to different regions of the country to perform community service. So, don’t let Denise’s letter slide into the “maybe I’ll get to it later” pile! For just $18, you can have your name added to a lovely Rosh Hashanah card that will go out to families and friends associated with our Hadassah community. In these days of rising anti-Semitic rhetoric and activity, it is increasingly important to provide young Jews with opportunities to experience and appreciate their identity. And of course fall means that our chapter’s famous Angels of Mercy campaign will be getting into high gear soon. Our chapter, outstanding for many reasons, is also known for raising most of our financial support for the Hadassah Medical Organization from the nonJewish community. Once again, Ronnie Mand and Jo Ann Howard will be asking for your help to solicit donations and to make your own contribution. Please, be generous with your time, energy, and money! The Hadassah hospitals are islands of diversity and peace in that troubled region and our support is vital. These days, as always, “there is evil enough to break the heart, good enough to exalt the soul” (Rabbi Chaim Stern). Thank you for your contributions to Hadassah in support of the good work that we do! Martha Woody, President
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New Year Card 5780 - This is a wonderful way to remember your Hadassah friends for the New Year! You should already have received the letter send out by Denise Johnson. With your New Year greeting, scholarships will enable Young Judaeans in our region to go to camp and special events. Help to make a difference in their lives!
Angels of Mercy – Yes, it’s that time of year again! We’re getting ready to kick off this year’s campaign with a special recognition event for our special Angels of Mercy donors who have gone a step beyond. You will receive your letter in September asking for your support. Thank you to our continued supporters and if you haven’t given in the past, this is a perfect time to become and intrigal part of the incredible efforts Danville Handassah makes through their fundraising efforts to contribute to the health and welfare of people worldwide. Thank you in advance for your support!
It’s About Compassion… It’s About Healing… It’s About Life… It’s About You!
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