Congregation Beth El Fall 2014 Vol. 1
On Guilt and Forgiveness
Reflections from Playwright and Beth El Member Allan Havis
Congregant Spotlights High Holy Day Recipe And More
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Photo by Sam Jacobs
Dana Greene Photography
Contents
10 A Few Words, 3 From the Rabbi, 4 Ask Rabbi Avi, 6
Photo by David Hofmann
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Teen Spotlight: Talia Seitel, 7 Cover Story: On Guilt and Forgiveness, 8 Taste of Beth El, 10
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Calendar, 11 Legacy Spolight: Graeme and Simone Gabriel, 15 Donations, 16 Member Spotlight: Pam & Richard Aranow, 18 Torah Readers, 19 B’nei Mitzvah, 20 Life@Beth El, 22
Welcome to the first issue of Zmanim! Zmanim means “Times” in Hebrew, and this new quarterly publication aims to reflect the diversity, creativity, intellect, and soul of our ever-evolving times at Congregation Beth El. Each issue we will feature articles and learning by, for, and about our community. The goal is to give you a more insightful and more intimate sense of who Beth El members are. If you would like to contribute to a future issue, please contact publisher@cbe.org. And we welcome all comments, too. Judith Persky, Executive Director Mission Statement Congregation Beth El is a Conservative synagogue whose mission is to create a home for every soul by offering a variety of Jewish experiences to nourish the mind, heart, and spirit, while being a caring Jewish community.
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ADMINISTRATION Philip Graubart, Senior Rabbi Avi Libman, Rabbi & Education Director Judith Persky, Executive Director Jessie Blank-Birnbaum, Associate Director of Education Jason Lobenstein, Youth Director Doreen Prager, Director of Community Engagement Nicole Homel-Tellier, Controller Aliza Shalit, Communications Coordinator Elana Kobernick, Chai Prog. Coordinator Dvora Vinick, Community & Israel Affairs Coordinator Maria Alvarez, Administrative Assistant Eva Blank, Rabbinical Assistant / Simchah Coordinator Antonio Carmona, Facilities Supervisor Daniel Garcia, Facilities BOARD OFFICERS Laurie Greenberg, President Don Rosenberg, Vice President Raquel Benguiat, Secretary Jeannie Posner, Treasurer Sonia Israel, Immediate Past President BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pam Amundson, Bernardo Bicas, Hollie Bierman, Cliff Boro, Sam Jacobs, Dan Kaplan, Gene Newman, Rick Nerad, Rebecca O’Neill, Larry Sherman, Laura Roselinsky, and Edna Wallace. BETH EL ENDOWMENT FOUNDATION BOARD Lawrence Sherman, President Jeffrey Elden, Vice President Alan Viterbi, Vice President Marjory Kaplan, CFO Richard Gabriel, Director Rodney Stone, Director Laurie Greenberg, Beth El President COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Janet Clancy, Chair Nina Garin Dana Greene Judith Persky Aliza Shalit ART DIRECTION / DESIGN / PRODUCTION Aliza Shalit CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Joseph Schuman COPY EDITOR Karen Bohrer COVER STORY PHOTOGRAPHY Dana Greene Photography
{ A Few Words }
Days of Awe
T
he High Holy Days are a time for reflection and rededication of ourselves to G-d, to mitzvot, and to community, and over the past months I have been reflecting on my journey with Congregation Beth El and my hopes for our future. The past year at Beth El has been a truly remarkable one—remarkable for the range of emotions we have shared—celebration, shock, betrayal, anger, fear, grief, hope, compassion, empathy, love; remarkable for our responses—support, openness, honesty, disagreement, disillusionment, inquiry; remarkable for the generosity of spirit, time, and expertise of our members who have stepped forward to lead us toward best practices and renewed strength, and our members who devote themselves to our committees, to making a minyan, to building relationships; remarkable for transition—new executive director, policies, governance, financial management and oversight, personnel, board; and, remarkable for our efforts —rebuilding, healing, growth, commemoration, and looking forward. I would like to share a few of the goals I hope our congregation will pursue over the next few years. We need a development committee to help us invest in and secure our future. VTS Director Jessie Birnbaum and Rabbi Libman have devoted themselves to revamping the VTS curriculum, incorporating technology and best educational methods to provide our children a course of study that features core Jewish values, experiential learning, independent thought, and creativity. It is time that we have a physical space that both communicates to our families and children the priority we place on their education,
and one that allows us to provide the types of programming that we believe will instill in them a deep connection to Judaism and a love of learning. As we welcome our new Youth Director Jason Lobenstein, let us build upon our strong foundation and increase the participation and vibrancy of our youth programs and post Bnai Mitzvah offerings. Under the leadership of Elana Kobernick and dedicated volunteers, the Chai program has become an incredible success. We need to explore how to share the value of synagogue membership with this group and how to integrate them into our Beth El community. I would like to share a vision that I have for Beth El. You have heard of our goal to replace the current dues structure with a free-will model, where contributions are self-determined based on a sustaining amount. Perhaps one day we can take it even one step further, eliminating nearly all transaction-based payments and creating a model whereby all members can enjoy our extensive and diverse programming without being limited by cost.
Shevarim – cause us to pause, pace ourselves, celebrate Shabbat, festivals, and life-cycle events along the way. Teruah – remind us with its insistence not to forget, to hold true to our purpose. Tekiah Gedolah – one voice, a communal call. Let us rejoice in listening together, hearing the call to Tikun Olam. L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem, may you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.
Dr. Laurie Greenberg is the current president and a 16-year devoted member of Congregation Beth El. She is a practicing obstetrician/gynecologist at IGO Medical Group in La Jolla, a board member of the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture Board, and is active with J*Company Youth Theatre. Most importantly, Laurie is the grateful mother of two inspiring daughters.
As we look forward to the Days of Awe, I feel tremendous optimism and hope. I look forward to a partnership between the Rabbis, staff, and lay leadership that will ensure our longterm viability and vitality, and truly serves our diverse community. Our Rabbis and sages have many interpretations of the shofar blasts. As we listen to the call of the shofar together, may Tekiah – awaken us, there is work to be done!
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{ From the Rabbi }
A New Day
M
any years ago I took a trip to the ocean with a married couple. In all my years dealing with relationships, I’d never known two people who hurt each other so cruelly and consistently. Their malignant behavior involved several trips to the emergency room, twice when they injured each other badly enough and shared a cab to the hospital. I’d long ago given up helping them repair their relationship and had advised them—really begged them—to split (something I very rarely do). But they were as tenacious in their love as they were in their antagonism. Their intent at the ocean was to treat it like a mikvah, a Jewish ritual bath. They would immerse themselves in the womb-like waters and emerge as newlyweds, newly born, a couple starting over, from day one. The wife though was nervous in the car, and suddenly skeptical. Is this even possible, she wondered. Starting over? It’s just a human convention, isn’t it, something we make up. It doesn’t matter how much water there is in that ocean, it won’t be day one of our marriage when we come out. It will be just another day, right? I didn’t answer immediately, but I was thinking I hope not. If the concept of starting over on any random day is just a human convention, then Rosh Hashanah is just a fairy tale. Renewal is the central idea of the High Holy Days, really the only idea; everything else is unimportant. The date may be somewhat random (why the Fall, and not the Winter or the Spring? why Tishrei and not Kislev?); but the idea that we can start over, go into the new year with a clean slate, animates the festival, and I’m pretty sure accounts for the continuing popularity and viability of these holidays. Besides, the human capacity for starting over is an absolute fact, both miraculous and commonplace. In the Torah’s earliest chapters, Adam and Eve start over several times, conceiving a baby the day after they’re expelled from Eden, and then again a year after one of their sons kills the other. This isn’t simply resilience, it’s actively pursuing a new life; it’s rising from the dead, from the darkness, and starting over. This past Summer my sister-in-law got remarried six years after she lost her husband to lung cancer. How many of us in her family dared to think after her beloved Bill died that within a few years, she would love again, enough to commit her life to someone else? Yet it happens all the time. Renewal in a mikvah is no more artificial than loving again, than recovering from loss. Our hearts die, but then they’re reborn—that’s a true, enduring, and deeply ethical quality of the human heart.
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And renewal isn’t artificial at all—we see it all around us on the Earth. The sun comes up every morning and it’s a new day, different than the day before, filled with new possibilities. Even in California the seasons march forward, changing and then starting over. In the Fall, we see leaves change color as they die, confident that they’ll come back to life in the Spring. All we’ve done with the High Holy Days is link the concept of Teshuvah—an inner returning, an existential, psychological starting over—with something that occurs in nature. We can renew our marriages as sure as the sun sets and rises. We can pledge new behaviors just as the dew on the grass every morning promises a new day. We can love again, just as the new buds form every Spring.
The human capacity for starting over is an absolute fact, both miraculous and common place. As it happens, we decided to come to the ocean before dawn. The couple wanted to go in naked (the custom for a mikvah) and we didn’t want anyone to see. So when the woman asked me, “Isn’t all this artificial?” it was easy for me to point to the first rays of dawn and say, “No, of course not. Look, it’s a new sun, a new day.” It was the twenty-seventh day of Elul, three days before Rosh Hashanah. Still Summer, but chilly in the early morning air. I watched as they held hands and ran into the water. I saw them slip off their bathing suits, so they were naked as the day they were born, naked as a fetus in the womb. When they came out, smiling, giggling, still holding hands, back in their bathing suits, I called out to them, “Good morning, and Happy New Year!” Shanah Tovah!
Rabbi Philip Graubart has been the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth El for the past 12 years.
Art by Aliza Shalit
The human capacity for starting over is an absolute fact, both miraculous and commonplace.
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Where did you go to Torah School?
Ask
A: I went to a Solomon Schechter Day School in Woodbridge, Connecticut. Since I attended a full-
Rabbi Avi How old were you when you decided that you wanted to be a Rabbi? Many of you know that my father is a Rabbi and it was inspiring for me to be able to watch his passion and dedication to the Jewish people and our tradition. While it was always a possibility, I initially chose a different path. At the time, I worked for RJR Nabisco and specifically focused on Chips Ahoy! cookies. It turned out that the Quality Control Department was on my floor and there were always samples of the cookies around for anyone to take. Since I was not particularly fulfilled by my work, I decided that when I was able to finish an entire large box of Chips Ahoy! cookies in one sitting that I would move on to a new professional adventure. I am now privileged to serve as your Rabbi and do not remember the last time I ate Chips Ahoy! cookies. Which is your favorite prayer from the Rosh Hashanah service? My favorite prayer in the Rosh Hashanah service is Adon Olam, mostly because that signals the end of a long day. Blowing a shofar looks easy but I’ve heard that it’s not. What tips do you have for doing it right? When I was a teenager living in Seattle, I will never forget the shofar blowing at the end of a particular Yom Kippur. We were all tired and hungry and eagerly waiting to rush home to eat. When the Rabbi called Tekiah Gedolah (final shofar blast signaling the end of the holiday) a long, steady, and most beautiful sound came out of that shofar and lasted for what seemed to be an eternity. The entire room was silent and stared in amazement. Only later that evening did we learn that the shofar blower was Kenny Gorelick, better known by his professional name, Kenny G. Nearly 30 years later I can still remember the sound as if it were yesterday. Is it hard to blow a shofar? I have no idea since I am unable to do so.
time Jewish Day School, I did not also attend a Torah School.
Gracie, 3rd grade
Why do the B'nei Mitzvah read the Torah?
A: One reason is to validate their ability to actively participate in ritual services. As our most valued symbol, reading from the Torah actively becomes a link in Dor L’Dor, passing our traditions down from one
Ari,
6th grade
generation to the next.
Do you make a sukkah at your house?
A: Sukkot is one of my favorite holidays. Every year I build a sukkah and my children help decorate it with artwork. The sukkah is designed to be fragile, reminding us of the importance of gratitude.
Shira, Kindergarten
When you were a kid, did you like going back to Torah school in the Fall?
A: I always enjoyed going back to school. Besides enjoying the learning, I also missed my friends. I was privileged to go to school from Kindergarten to 8th grade with mostly the same kids. We celebrated holidays together,
Noah, 5th grade
learned together, played together, and even lived in the same neighborhood together.
When is the first time you started to fast on Yom Kippur?
A: My first time was the year before my Bar Rabbi Avi Libman has been Associate Rabbi at Congregation Beth El and the Viterbi Torah School Education Director since 2004.
Mitzvah. I don’t remember the specifics, but I am sure I didn’t like it as a 12-year-old. I was lucky to attend a synagogue with a lot of my classmates. We played outside, went to children’s programming, and eagerly awaited the blowing of the shofar.
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Allie, 2nd grade
{ Teen Spotlight }
Talia Seitel by Joseph Schuman
Photo by Bob Hoffman
Nor does the word “cool” come to mind when the music begins and Talia Seitel starts to dance. “Sublime,” perhaps, and “disciplined.” The same level of discipline that takes an adolescent gymnast to the Olympics or a pre-teen piano prodigy to Carnegie Hall—or a 13-year-old Jewish girl from Murrieta to the Dance Awards championship in New York City. “Dance teaches me dedication,” Talia said during a recent interview by phone from New York, where she was in the middle of rehearsing for this year's Dance Awards competition, and would later place as first runner-up for Jr. National Best Dancer, and where she won the award for best female dancer (mini division) in 2012. Her dedication started at a preternaturally young age and with a passionate expressiveness that defies verbal description. “When I was 2-years-old, my mom took me to my first ballet class, and I loved it,” Talia said. She entered her first dance competition four years later. “It helps me communicate with people better,” Talia explained. “When I'm sad, I dance. Or happy. It always makes me feel better.” Talia's 2012 award-winning dance, “The Journey,” was about recovery, and specifically the experiences of her mother, Jennifer. As a teenager, Jennifer Seitel was left paralyzed from the eyes down by an automobile accident. Through years of physical therapy, Jennifer began to walk with the help of canes. “The Journey” is a gracefully muscular narrative that somehow lays bear anguish, inju-
ry, and infirmity—before yielding to joy—even as Talia loses none of her poise and sure-footedness. (You can see it at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=HUADJ8d3M4g) For Talia, dance is nonetheless “very fun. It's my favorite thing to do,” she added. Dance is also a lot of very hard work, so much work that “a lot of people that see my pictures on Instagram think I'm home-schooled,” she said. “Most people who dance as much as I do are.” But Talia goes to a performing arts school in Murietta, where she takes advanced academic classes. And as a respite from the intensity of dance and school, Talia has her Judaism. “I love USY,” Talia said in a tone half an octave higher than when she was discussing dance and with a smile that could be heard all the way from New York. “It's amazing. There's a connection between me and my Jewish friends that I don't have with my friends at dance.” And in Murietta, there just aren't many other Jewish girls, aside from Talia's younger sister, Kayla. Judaism “feels like a comfort zone for me,” Talia said. Talia and her parents, Jennifer and Brian, decided well before Talia's Bat Mitzvah to make sure her dance schedule didn’t conflict with the weekly ethics classes and Shabbat services more than 60 miles away from Murietta at Beth El. “It was important to me and my family to get a foundation of Jewish education before my Bat Mitzvah. I just knew it was a priority to do that,” Talia said. “And I made a lot of good friends there.”
Photo by Bob Hoffman
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Photo by Dancemakers
T
here is something redundant about calling a 13-year-old girl “cool” when she's already got some 36,000 followers on Instagram and tens of thousands more have watched her dance on YouTube.
{ Cover Story }
On Guilt and Forgiveness Reflections from Playwright and Beth El Member Allan Havis
T
he approach to the High Holy Days hits us in various ways, with fine anticipation, with an open heart, with yearning, with remorse, and with uncertainty. We watch the calendar. We watch one another. We watch ourselves. We meditate. We know the year went by too quickly. Our lives are temporal. We wonder about the meaning of repeating the serious action of repentance. We have lost loved ones, friends, colleagues, and neighbors in the past year. Some of us suffered illnesses or lost employment or endured failure. Some have read heady books during college days and some recall flirting with existential philosophies. If you liked French food and cinema, perhaps you quoted Sartre and Camus in a smoky café. Sartre was noted for not always bathing. Camus complained that he had nothing to do with Sartre’s doctrines. The French made Existentialism quite sexy. At the age of 20, I loved Existentialism more than Judaism.
it hard and I don’t think he gave me his full forgiveness. Some years later when I went to Yale Drama School for a graduate degree, my father had died of a heart attack and my family placed more expectation on me to return to the family business. I ended up terribly confused and full of guilt. For three years after my father’s death, I kept one foot inside Yale’s M.F.A. program and the other foot in the hemisphere of my father’s brokerage. I felt I was doing an injustice to both worlds. I said Kaddish and I questioned Kaddish. This was a personal dialectic and my ragged brand of Jewish Existentialism.
Throughout my college years in New York, my father put undue pressure on me to leave the arts and the study of philosophy so as to join him in his sales business. Resorting to every bit of cajoling under the sun, my father was like Zero Mostel in the Mel Brooks film, The Producers. After I had earned my B.A. degree, I relented and joined his brokerage firm for three months. It was a hellish experience and I quit. My father took
Reflecting back to classic Existentialism were concepts about responsibility in the world as well as our absurdity which in American Jewish culture takes us from the plays of Arthur Miller to the films of Woody Allen. Of course, in the realm of global thought, three intellectual names stand out in this modern existential discourse: Soren Kierkegaard for the Christian model, Martin Heidegger for the secular, and Martin Buber
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With the Book of Life open during the Days of Awe, we are given a chance to explore our memories, our moral compass, and our spiritual imagination.
Allan Havis is a renowned playwright whose work has been performed in leading American theatres and in Europe. In addition to 17 published p lays, he has written a novel and two operas. Allan is currently a member of the faculty at University of California, San Diego, where he teaches theatre. His wife, Julia FultonHavis, an actor, and children, Simone and Julian, have been members of Congregation Beth El since 2009.
for what appears to be a so-called Jewish model. Clearly, it is a discourse on how we are to exist as human beings that informs the Days of Awe. With each Yom Kippur, I cannot help but reflect on my tug of war with my father about my chosen profession as an artist and my destiny which dismayed him. The pain of the reflection makes me strain towards intellectualism which, in fact, governs this very essay. It is an essay which my father could never understand sufficiently. Kierkegaard’s individual stands in an absolute relation with God only after renouncing the world of men with its ethical imperatives. I try to imagine telling my father about Buber, Heidegger, and Kierkegaard during lunch inside his favorite Long Island Greek diner. But the reality of the lunch is my father teasing me endlessly about the other Yale—the door locks and hardware company. My Dad didn’t even graduate high school. In keeping with this theme of our temporal existence and lingering feelings of guilt to a family member, we really should acknowledge memory as a vital organ to the nature of being alive. We remember with clarity and often with inadvertent distortion. A wife and husband may remember an event ten years ago quite differently and still have pleasant associations with the memory. A sister and brother might blur their memory with the power of personality and this com-
Circling back to Soren Kierkegaard, his Lutheran father questioned how God could let him suffer so much. One day, his father climbed a mountain and cursed God. For this sin, Kierkegaard’s father believed that a curse was placed upon his family, that none of his children would live long. And indeed, Kierkegaard’s family suffered numerous childhood deaths, ranging from early infancy to young
adulthood. Only Soren Kierkegaard and his brother survived past 25. Kierkegaard, in his published writings certainly, tried to articulate forgiveness for his father and for himself.
Our lives are temporal. We wonder about the meaning of repeating the serious action of repentance.
a bold consciousness and we apply this mindfulness to make life better for those less fortunate. This ability to act objectively, spontaneously, and generously to others hastens the task of forgiveness. So by making an outward effort, we may also limit the indulgence of philosophy. The amazing, timeless sounds of the shofar each Rosh Hashanah must wake the half sleeping soul into full existence.
The act of forgiveness is one of the most profound expressions of humanity. Our Torah helps us embrace the notion of God being all-knowing and forgiving —particularly when we grasp this literally and, if you will, poetically. It is this notion that we are a Jewish people by having
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Dana Greene Photography
plicates their relationship today. A father and a son might never have that resolute conversation both men are thirsting to have. With the Book of Life open during the Days of Awe, we are given a chance to explore our memories, our moral compass, and our spiritual imagination so that we can ask for forgiveness and make a better relationship tomorrow. It is the effort in doing so that makes us more dimensional and more divine than mere mortal.
{ Taste of Beth El }
For a Sweet Year Betty’s Apple Cake Mix together the following: 3 c. flour ½ tsp. salt 3 tsp. baking powder 1½ c. sugar 1 c. oil 4 eggs 2½ tsp. vanilla ¼ c. orange juice
Mix, all together, in a separate bowl: 3 apples, sliced ½ c. sugar 2 tsp. cinnamon
I have been baking this apple cake every year since the 1970s. The recipe was given to me by my friend, Janice Wolf. I reduced the amount of sugar by one-half cup, because it was too sweet for me.
Grease and flour a ten-cup Bundt® pan. Pour in one-half of the top mixture and add one-half the apple mixture. Repeat until both batters are used up. Bake at 350° for approximately one hour.
One time I made the mistake of preparing a different apple cake recipe for my family for Rosh Hashanah. You’d better believe that I never did that again! I not only make this cake for my family, but I try and make it for the minyannaires during the holidays. When I was Congregation Beth El’s Preschool Director, I put a monthly recipe in the school newsletter. I passed along this apple cake recipe several times in my 37 years as Director. I recommend baking the cake in a tube pan; it looks quite festive. You can also use a 9" x 13" pan and mix the apples into the batter. It’s still delicious, but not as nice a presentation.
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Sam Jacobs 2014
Let me know how you like this Rosh Hashanah treat. Shanah Tovah, Betty Hoffman
{ Calendar }
Classes, Events, and Activities This calendar lists Beth El classes, events, and activities from Rosh Hashanah through December 31. Pull out this calendar and keep it for reference, but don’t forget to check your email for the weekly eblast and visit www.cbe.org for updates and additions.
HIGH HOLY DAYS 2014-5775 Community-Wide Selichot Service Saturday, Sept. 20 8:30pm, Congregation Beth El ROSH HASHANAH Erev Rosh Hashanah Service Wednesday, Sept. 24 6:15pm, Jacobs Family Community Hall Chai 20s & 30s Service Wednesday, Sept. 24 7:45pm, Stone Family Sanctuary Rosh Hashanah First Day Thursday, Sept 25 Morning Service 9:00am, Jacobs Family Community Hall USY Drash’n Donuts (7th-12th), 9:45am Family Services, Youth Activities and Outdoor Play (Pre K-12th) 10:15am Shofar Service, 10:45am Sermon, 11:00am
YOM KIPPUR Kol Nidre Friday, Oct. 3 Kol Nidre Service followed by Sermon & President’s Remarks 6:00pm, Jacobs Family Community Hall Kol Nidre Family Service 6:45pm, Stone Family Sactuary Alternative Kol Nidre Community Wide Service Open to the Community 8:45pm, Stone Family Sactuary Chai 20s & 30s Kol Nidre Service 8:45pm, Jacobs Family Community Hall Yom Kippur Services Saturday, Oct. 4 9:00am, Jacobs Family Community Hall Family Services, Youth Activities, and Outdoor Play (Pre K-12th) 10:15am
Blessing of New Babies, 11:30am
Sermon followed by Yizkor Service 11:15am
Tashlich 5:00pm, Kellogg Park, La Jolla Shores
Lecture/Discussion 2:30pm, Stone Family Sanctuary
Rosh Hashanah Second Day Friday, Sept. 26 Morning Service 9:00am, Jacobs Family Community Hall
Minchah & Neilah Service Open to the Community 4:00pm, Jacobs Family Community Hall
Family Services, Youth Activities and Outdoor Play (Pre K-12th) 10:15am Shofar Service, 10:45am Sermon, 11:00am Kabbalat Shabbat Services 6:15pm, Stone Family Sactuary
Ma’ariv, Havdalah, and Shofar Service 6:30pm Conclusion of Fast, 7:10pm Chai (20s &30s) Break the Fast, 8:00pm SUKKOT Erev Sukkot Festival Service Wednesday, Oct. 8 6:15pm, Stone Family Sanctuary
Sukkot Day 1 Thursday, Oct. 9 Sukkot Festival Morning Service 9:30am, Stone Family Sanctuary Sukkot Festival Service 6:15pm, Stone Family Sanctuary Sukkot Day 2 Friday, Oct 10 Sukkot Festival Morning Service 9:30am, Stone Family Sanctuary Erev Shabbat Services followed by Congregational Family Sukkot Dinner in the Sukkah 6:15pm Chol Hamoed Sukkot Sat., Oct. 11 – Wed., Oct. 15 SH’MINI ATZERET/SIMCHAT TORAH Wednesday, Oct 15 Erev Sh’mini Atzeret Service 6:15pm, Stone Family Sanctuary Sh’mini Atzeret Thursday, Oct 16 Sh’mini Atzeret & Yizkor Memorial Service 9:30am, Stone Family Sactuary Community Potluck Lunch in the Sukkah 12:00pm Simchat Torah Pizza Dinner 5:30pm, Sukkah on the Plaza Simchat Torah Service & Torah Parade 6:30pm, Stone Family Sactuary Chai Simchat Torah Service & Celebration 7:30pm, Beit Midrash SIMCHAT TORAH Friday, Oct 17 Simchat Torah Service & Parade 9:30am, Jacobs Family Community Hall
HOLIDAYS & OFFICE CLOSURES Beth El's main office will be closed on the following days unless otherwise specified. Rosh Hashanah Wednesday, Sept. 24 Office closes at 12:00pm
Sukkot Thursday, Oct. 9 Friday, Oct. 10
Thanksgiving Thursday, Nov. 27 Friday, Nov. 28
Thursday, Sept. 25 Friday, Sept. 26
Sh'mini Atzeret/Simchat Torah Thursday, Oct. 16 Friday, Oct. 17
National Holidays Wednesday, Dec. 24 Office closes at 3:00pm
Veteran's Day Tuesday, Nov. 11
Thursday, Dec. 25
Yom Kippur Friday, Oct. 3 Office closes at 12:00pm Saturday, Oct. 4
Wednesday, Dec. 31 Office closes at 12:00pm
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{ Calendar } ADULT EDUCATION
ADULT EDUCATION, cont'd
CHAI GROUP 20'S & 30'S, cont'd
See Jewish Journeys: Adult Learning at Beth El for full course descriptions and details. Also available online at cbe.org
Shirenu Chorus with Cheri Weiss Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:30pm Oct. 22; Nov. 12, 26 Jacobs Family Community Hall Registration required
CULTURE Chai Men’s Event Sunday, Nov. 2 4:00 – 7:00pm Offsite
Daily Morning Minyan Monday – Friday 7:30 – 8:00am (9:00 – 9:30am on Federal Holidays) Beit Midrash Sunday Morning Minyan 9:00 – 9:30am Beit Midrash Torah Study 8:00 – 8:30am (9:30 – 10:00am on Federal Holidays) Beit Midrash Mondays & Tuesdays – Jewish Law Wednesdays – Talmud Thursdays – Torah Study Fridays – Pirkei Avot Shabbat Morning – Torah Study* * Before Shabbat Morning Services in the Jacobs Family Community Hall
Sunday – Torah Study Discussion* 9:30 – 10:15am *On days when VTS is in session
Class: Tribes of Israel A Shalom Hartman Class Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30pm Oct 21; Nov. 4, 18; Dec. 2, 16 Jacobs Family Community Hall Registration required Class: Intro to Judaism I Taught by Rabbi Avi Libman Mondays, 7:00 – 8:30pm Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24; Dec. 1, 8 Beit Midrash Registration required Class: Brush Up Your Judaism Taught by Gene Newman Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30pm Nov. 6, 13, 20; Dec. 4 Youth Lounge Registration required Class: Judaism, Science & Theodicy Taught by Rabbi Shai Cherry Mondays, 7:30 – 9:00pm Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24; Dec. 1, 8 Youth Lounge Registration required Rabbi Graubart’s Class: Big Ideas Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:30pm Nov. 12, Dec. 10 Beit Midrash Registration required Short Stories Led by Mo Gold Sundays, 10:30am – 12:00pm Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Dec. 21 Beit Midrash
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CHAI GROUP 20'S & 30'S SHABBAT Chai Shabbat (Service & Dinner) Fridays, 7:00 – 10:00pm Oct. 24, Nov. 28, Dec. 26 Children’s Shul Chai Second Saturday Saturdays, 12:00 - 2:00pm Nov. 8, Offsite Dec. 13, Youth Lounge Chai Shabbat B’Bayit Friday, Nov. 14 7:30 – 10:00pm Offsite Chai Couples Shabbat Dinner Friday, Dec. 19 7:15 – 9:00pm Offsite HOLIDAY Chai Erev Rosh Hashanah Nosh Wednesday, Sept. 24 7:15 – 7:45pm Turk Family Plaza Chai Erev Rosh Hashanah Service Wednesday, Sept 24 7:45 – 8:30pm Stone Family Sanctuary Chai Erev Yom Kippur Service Friday, Oct. 3, 201 8:45 – 10:00pm Jacobs Family Community Hall Chai Yom Kippur Break Fast Saturday, Oct. 4 8:00 – 10:00pm Offsite Chai Sukkot Retreat Friday thru Sunday Oct. 10 – 12 Offsite Chai Simchat Torah Celebration Thursday, Oct. 16 8:00 – 11:45pm Beit Midrash Chai Hanukkah Party Wednesday, Dec. 17 7:00 – 10:00pm Offsite
Chai Women’s Event Sunday, Nov. 2 4:00 – 7:00pm Offsite Judaism: Inside Out Wednesday, Nov. 19 6:00 – 9:00pm Offsite
CLUB 1318
Families with Teens USY and Parent Dinner Under the Sukkah October 11 6:30pm Turk Family Plaza Parent-Only Dessert After Dinner Immediately following Dinner Under the Sukkah October 11 7:30pm Beit Midrash Movie & Chinese Food Dec. 25 Time TBD Offsite
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Senior Program Tuesdays 11:30am – 1:30pm Jacobs Family Community Hall Shabbat B’Bayit (With Children) and (Without Children) Nov. 7, Offsite Dec. 5, Offsite
FAMILY CONNECTIONS Beth El Family Connections is geared to families with children ages 3-11. Siblings of any age always welcome. Congregation Sukkot Dinner Sukkot on the Plaza Friday, Oct. 10 7:15pm Turk Family Plaza From Yoga to Zumba Sunday, Nov. 16 12:00 – 2:30pm Jacobs Family Community Hall Hanukkah at Beth El Sunday, Dec. 21 4:30 – 6:30pm Jacobs Family Community Hall
{ Calendar } ISRAEL COMMITTEE
TEENS/YOUTH
WOMEN’S CONNECTION
Shabbat Lunch with Speaker “Friends of Israel” Nov. 1 11:30am – 1:30pm Jacobs Family Community Hall
USY Shabbat Dinner with Congregation Join us for dinner at a USY-only table. Friday, Oct. 10 6:00 – 7:30pm Sukkah on the Plaza
Festival Art SeriesPainting in the Sukkah! Sunday, Oct. 12 12:30 - 3:00pm Sukkah on the Plaza
Chanukah Cultural Fair Dec. 7 12:00 – 5:00pm Jacobs Family Community Hall
USY Lounge in Youth Lounge Oct. 7, 21; Nov. 4, 18; Dec. 2, 16
Rosh Chodesh Monthly Gatherings Thursday, Oct. 23 Sunday, Nov. 23 Monday, Dec. 22 6:00 - 8:30 pm Jacobs Family Community Hall
MEN’S CLUB The San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir Concert “Jewish Music of Now and Then” Open to the entire San Diego Community Sunday, Oct. 12 4:00pm Congregation Beth El Social Hall Men Talking with Men Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00pm Oct. 21, Nov. 18, Dec. 16 Beit Midrash
TIKKUN COMMITTEE Mighty Mitzvah Sunday SATO Silent Auction Sunday, Oct. 26 9:00am – 3:00pm Jacobs Family Community Hall Winter Shelter All Day Dec. 14 – 28 VTS Classrooms
VTS Sukkot Simchah with Storyteller Mark Lazar Sunday, Oct. 12th during VTS hours. Parents welcome to volunteer Wrap Yourself in the Torah Thursday, Oct. 16 Dinner at 5:45pm, Services at 6:30pm Pizza dinner in the Sukkah immediately followed by Simchat Torah services and dancing. B'nei Mitzvah 7th Grade Shabbaton October 24 & 25 Camp Fair/Yom USY Sunday, Nov. 2 Shabbat Mishpachah Saturdays, 10:30am – 12:00pm Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13 Children’s Shul VTS for Tots: Chanukkah Sunday, Dec. 7 9:30 - 11:30am
Kadima Lounge Thursdays, 6:00 – 7:00pm Oct. 30, Nov. 20, Dec. 11 Youth Lounge Machar/Kadima USY Sleepover in Sukkah Saturday, Oct. 11 6:30pm – 9:00am Sukkah on the Plaza Kadima Day with Beth Am Sunday, Oct. 19 12:00 – 4:00pm Jacobs Family Community Hall Kadima Event Saturday, Nov. 1 6:30 - 9:30pm Location TBD Machar Event Sunday, Nov. 2 12:00 - 3:00pm Youth Lounge USY LEAD Thursday – Sunday Nov. 6-9 Camp Ramah
Torah Fund Event Sunday, Nov. 9 Jacobs Family Community Hall Women’s Connection Board Meetings Tuesdays, 7:00 – 9:00pm Oct. 7, Nov. 4, Dec. 2 Children's Shul Mah Jongg Every Monday (except holidays) 12:00 – 3:00pm Beit Midrash Knit'n'Nosh Second Thursday of month Sept. 11, Nov. 13, Dec. 11 1:00 – 3:00pm Beit Midrash Book Club Third Thursday of the month Oct. 21, Nov. 18, Dec. 16 2:30 – 4:00pm Youth Lounge
USY Event Saturday, Nov. 22 6:00 - 9:00pm Location TBD Kadima Kinnus Friday – Sunday Dec. 5-7 Camp Ramah Machar/Kadima Hanukkah Event Sunday, Dec. 14 12:00 - 3:00pm Youth Lounge USY Hanukkah Lounge Tuesday, Dec. 16 6:00 - 7:30pm Youth Lounge USY International Conference Sunday – Thursday Dec. 21 – 25 Offsite
November 2nd, 2014
Some classes, events, and activites may require registration and/or fee. Check www.cbe.org for more information.
Fall 2014 | 13
{ Notes }
IsraelTour
June 17-29, 2015
Join Rabbi Philip Graubart & Congregation Beth El on an In-Depth Tour of Israel. Explore the many faces that make up multicultural Israel, while enriching your knowledge of Jewish and Ancient History. Enjoy outdoor adventures and the beauty of the land itself and encounter firsthand the modern miracle of the State of Israel. Immerse in Israeli culture — art, food, and wine. Engage with the people of Israel. Trip highlights: ■ All touring in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide ■ Shabbat in Tel Aviv ■ 2 Kibbutz dinners ■ Shabbat in Jerusalem ■ Take part in an archeological dig in the caves of Tel Maresha ■ Enjoy a Jeep tour of the Golan Heights and a kayaking adventure along the Jordan River ■ Help Israel’s needy with Pantry Packers ■ Hear about religious freedom challenges in Israel with Rabbi Uri Regev of Hiddush ■ Enjoy the Tower of David Sound & Light show ...and so much more! Tour Pricing: Israel Land Tour starting at $3,299 For more information, go to www.cbe.org or call (858)452-1734.
WOMEN’S CONNECTION JUDAICA SHOP
Thank you to Dana Greene of
Shop with us for your holiday, simcha, and gift needs See our selection of tallitot, kippot, menorahs, dreidels, hostess and children’s gifts, and much more! Please call the Synagogue office at (858)452-1734 for Fall hours All proceeds support Congregation Beth El and Women’s Connection Programs
We will be happy to schedule an appointment when the Synagogue is open. Call Rebecca at (619)522-0469 or Renee at (858)792-8328.
14 | zmanim
for providing photography for Zmanim
Got a Story? A great holiday recipe, a tale to tell, or photos of life at Beth El? Zmanim is by and about Beth El. Please, send your ideas and submissions to publisher@cbe.org
{ Legacy Spotlight }
Cultivating the Future Graeme and Simone Gabriel
M
y wife Simone and I both were raised in strong Jewish homes where the synagogue played a key role in shaping our Jewish identities. I grew up in San Diego, attending Congregation Beth El, while my wife is from Washington, DC. Our families were active participants in congregation events and both of our fathers were long-standing members on their respective synagogue boards. Soon after Simone and I married, we moved to San Diego and joined Congregation Beth El.
We are at the early stages of our family and our Beth El experiences have included baby namings, Tot Shabbat, Viterbi Torah School, and family services. Each of these experiences has been nourishing and rewarding. We look forward to having Beth El continue to play a strong role in our lives as our family celebrates life in a meaningful Jewish way. Simone and I participate in the Legacy Society to help sustain Beth El’s vitality for our family and all members of the Beth El community.
Like my father, I joined the Board of Directors and was privileged to be a member of the Building Committee where I was responsible for leading the development of the new sanctuary. It was at this time that my wife and I started our own family. Following in our parents’ footsteps, we looked to Beth El to help reinforce the Jewish values we wanted to instill in our children. We believe that by being active in the Beth El community as individuals and as a family, our children have the opportunity to experience the vibrancy of our Jewish customs and traditions.
Make Congregation Beth El one of your legacies.
If you would like to discuss your legacy plans or have questions about Beth El’s Legacy Circle, please contact Beth El Executive Director Judy Persky at (858) 452-1734, or Elise Wald, Charitable Planning Officer at the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego, at (858) 279-2740.
Fall 2014 | 15
{ Donations } GALA DINNER Dr. Stuart & Mrs. Jo Ann Goldstone EDUCATION FUND In celebration of... Mo Gold’s 2nd Bar mitzvah and much good health by Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Levy by Drs. Stanley & Pamela Amundson by Mr. Michael and Mrs. Linda Bennett GENERAL DONATIONS For supporting the Israel Committee by Mr. & Mrs. Chaim Avraham Supporting Chai Shabbat dinners by Ms. Sarah Krause In celebration of... Eva Nerenberg’s birthday by Alice Perrine by Andrea D. Diano, MD by Bertram & Adelle Bernstein by Mr. & Mrs. Harry Gold by Mr. & Mrs. Justin Wenger Gideon’s birthday by Sheila and Jim Nerad by Mr. & Mrs. James Nerad Daniel’s marriage to Abbey by Dr. Stephen Shoemaker by Dr. Denise Handler In honor of... Mo Gold’s 70th anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah by Jerome & Dorothy Katz by Bill and Betty Miller The Elson Family by Mr. & Mrs. Alan Viterbi Drs. Ray & Rhona Fink’s children’s upcoming wedding by Mr. Michael Winer Abigail Elson’s Bat Mitzvah by Mr. Michael Winer Norman and Sivia’s 70th wedding anniversary by Mrs. Eleanor Hoffman In memory of… My loving Mother, Babs Walden by Mr. Clive Walden My loving Brother-in-Law, Robert Turtle by Mr. Clive Walden My loving Father-in-Law, Bernard Turtle by Mr. Clive Walden My loving Father, Albert Walden by Mr. Clive Walden HESED FUND General Donation by Mr. Scott & Ms. Gayle Kaplan In memory of… My loving Father, Frank Flores by Dr. Pamela Amundson ISRAEL COMMITTEE General Donation by David & Ursula Bramzon by Mr. & Mrs. Yehuda Bock by Dr. Isaac & Mrs. Candice Lagnado by Mr. Stephen Celniker
16 | zmanim
Donations received May 23 to August 15, 2014
ISRAEL COMMITTEE In appreciation of... Marsha Sutton for her dedication and successful leadership by Mr. & Mrs. Chaim Avraham Wendy Avraham, the incoming chair of the Israel Committee by Mr. Rocky Smolin & Ms. Marsha Sutton In honor of... Celia Rose Glezer’s Bat Mitzvah by Mr. Rocky Smolin & Ms. Marsha Sutton In memory of... The passing of Hillel Katzeff’s beloved Father by Mr. Rocky Smolin & Ms. Marsha Sutton MEMORIAL DONATIONS In memory of... My loving Mother, Rhoda Kapchan, whom I miss every day by Mrs. Wendy Kapchan Avraham My loving Brother, Daniel by Bryna Haber Miriam Katzin by Ms. Charlene Seidle Sigrid Fischer, of blessed memory by Ms. Zelda Waxenberg My loving Mother, Rosella by Bryna Haber My loving Husband, Alfred Marshak by Dr. Celia Marshak My loving Mother, Etta Michaels by Dr. Michele Ginsberg My loving Father, Nathan Brozinsky by Dr. Steven Brozinsky My loving Grandfather, Julius Strasberg by Dr. Stuart Goldstone My loving Father, Irving Singer by Joyce Singer Abrams My loving Mother, Rachel Teper by July Galper Our loving Daughter, Amanda Rosenberg by Mr. & Mrs. Donald Rosenberg My loving Mother, Pauline Vann by Mr. & Mrs. Richard Vann My loving Father, Julius Rosenberg by Mr. Donald Rosenberg My loving Mother, Lili Leib by Mr. Gerald Leib My loving Mother, Maureen Wallace by Mr. Glenn Abel My loving Father, Herbert Steinert by Mr. Jan Steinert My loving Mother, Goldie Sherman by Mr. Lawrence Sherman My loving Uncle, Samuel Reigenstreich by Mr. Michael Busch My loving Father, Morris Busch by Mr. Michael Busch My loving Father, Yankiel Nagiel by Mr. Moises Nagiel My loving Wife, Mary Alkin by Mr. Morris Alkin My loving Sister, Jane Senturia by Mr. Neil Senturia My loving Father, Abraham Manson by Mr. Norman Manson
MEMORIAL DONATIONS My loving Mother, Nettie Shapiro by Mr. Philip Shapiro My loving Father, Barry Effress by Mr. Richard Effress My loving Father, Faradj Afari by Mr. Salman Afari My loving Mother, Sarah Gladstone by Mr. Selwyn Klein My loving Mother, Herta Lehmann by Mr. William Kuperman My loving Father, David Brooks by Mrs. Barbara Mendell My loving Father, Sol Simpkins by Mrs. Beverly Berger My loving Father-in-law, Albert Kaufman by Mrs. Cheryl Kaufman My loving Husband, Hans Wiener by Mrs. Dagny Wiener My loving Mother, Barbara Sukenik by Mrs. Debra Aronoff My loving Father, Percy Glikman by Mrs. Denise Hyde My loving Father, Milton Panzer by Mrs. Diane Busch My loving, dear Husband, Ben Zion Yedid by Mrs. Edna Yedid My loving Mother, Lillian Berger by Mrs. Gloria Stone My loving Father, Benjamin Lepolstat by Mrs. Hedda Schmidt My loving Mother, Florence Golub by Mrs. Hedda Schmidt My loving Grandmother, Dora Lesnick by Mrs. Marilynn Boesky My loving Grandfather, Jacob Pearlman by Mrs. Marilynn Boesky My loving Mother, Pauline Rosenbaum by Mrs. Mindy Gold My loving Mother, Dobba Silverberg by Mrs. Nehama Moreno My loving Father, E. Louis Gothelf by Mrs. Roseann Brozinsky My loving Mother, Charlotte Gothelf by Mrs. Roseann Brozinsky My loving Mother, Sylvia Snyder by Ms. Jodyne Roseman My loving Mother, Francisca Delgado-Davila by Ms. Luciana Astiz My loving Father, Leon “Leibus” Finkelstein by Ms. Lucy Muller My loving Sister, Gusta Glaz by Ms. Lucy Muller My loving Mother, Sarah Levin by Ms. Mildred Millman My loving Mother, Sarah Gladstone by Ms. Pamela Nathan My loving Mother, Shirley Passow by Ms. Ruth Warburg Lois Zien by Dr. Norman & Mrs. Sivia Mann Miriam Katzin by Dr. Norman & Mrs. Sivia Mann Elizabeth Ganak Rosen by John and Linda Lerner Lilly Isakow, beloved Mother to Selwyn Isakow by Dr. Stuart & Mrs. Sharon Davidson My dear Friend Gunter Hirsch by Mr. & Mrs. Selwyn Klein
MEMORIAL DONATIONS Liz Rosen by Mr. & Mrs. Selwyn Klein by Mr. Philip Shapiro by Ms. Elaine Chortek by Ms. Terry Miller by Mr. & Mrs. Perry Nerenberg Berta Schloss by Mrs. Elyse Schloss Irving Goodman by Mrs. Elyse Schloss My loving Father, Jacob Goldberg by Bryna Haber My loving Mother, Fanny Seid by Dr. Allan Seid My loving Father, Harry Seid by Dr. Allan Seid My loving Mother, Sydelle Israel by. Andrew Israel My loving Father, Bard Cosman by Dr. Bard Cosman My loving Mother, Selma Lichter by Dr. Derek Lichter My loving Mother, Rachel Lagnado by Dr. Isaac Lagnado My loving Wife, Vivian Lagnado by Dr. Isaac Lagnado My loving Mother, Miriam Cohen by Dr. Joshua Cohen My loving Father, Sam Rachofsky by Dr. Marc Rachofsky My loving Father, Paul Mann by Dr. Norman Mann My loving Father, Hymie Tagger by Dr. Orah Stein My loving Mother, Mary Flores by Dr. Pamela Amundson My loving Husband, Harold Simon by Dr. Ruth Covell My loving Father, Nissan Ancoli by Dr. Sonia Israel My loving Mother, Esther AncoliBarbasch by Dr. Sonia Israel My loving Mother, Raquel Guasp by Maty Feldman-Bicas My loving Father, Bernardo Bicas by Mr. Bernardo Bicas My loving Father, Shulim Bronshteyn by Mr. Boris Bronshteyn My loving Father, Robert Gorodess by Mr. Charles Gorodess My loving Sister, Sally Plaxe by Mr. Eli Plaxe My loving Father, Jack Newman by Mr. Eugene Newman My loving Mother, Gertrude Rawdin by Mr. Irving Rawdin My loving Friend, Pierre Madacsi by Mr. Jan Steinert My loving Father, Herbert Steinert by Mr. Jan Steinert In memory of... My loving Father, Harry Josephson by Mr. Julian Josephson My loving Mother, Tova Greenberg by Mr. Norman Greenberg My loving Father, Moses Greenberg by Mr. Norman Greenberg
{ Donations } MEMORIAL DONATIONS My loving Mother, Mollie Manson by Mr. Norman Manson My loving Mother, Nettie Shapiro by Mr. Philip Shapiro My loving Mother, Julia Gabriel by Mr. Richard Gabriel My loving Grandfather, Alex Boesky by Mr. Roger Boesky My loving Mother, Bertha Senz by Mrs. Carole Turk My loving Husband, Mitchell Friedlaender and devoted Father to Daniel and Mara by Mrs. Deborah Friedlaender My loving Son, David Feldman by Mrs. Elena Romanowsky My loving Father, David Romanowsky by Mrs. Elena Romanowsky My loving Grandmother, Lillian Kerman by Mrs. Elyse Schloss My loving Uncle, Earl Goodman by Mrs. Elyse Schloss My loving Mother, Lucille Reznick by Mrs. Joan Schultz My loving Father, Morris Leon by Mrs. Joy Gorodess My loving Father, Mitchel Stein by Mrs. Karin Taklender My loving Father, Harry Josephson by Mrs. Marilyn Smiedt My loving Mother, Pauline Rosenbaum by Mrs. Mindy Gold My loving Mother, Rose Manchis by Mrs. Miriam Katzin My loving Father, Joe Rubnitz by Mrs. Myra Bressel My loving Sister, Karen Alman by Mrs. Robyn Lichter My loving Father, Harry Alman by Mrs. Robyn Lichter My loving Sister, Karen Alman by Mrs. Robyn Lichter My loving Father, Harry Alman by Mrs. Robyn Lichter My loving Father, Litman Gibbs by Mrs. Roselyn Pappelbaum My loving Husband, Jack Newman by Mrs. Ruth Newman My loving Father, Benajmin Penn by Mrs. Sheila Seid My loving Sister, Joy Knapp by Ms. Elyse Sollender My loving Brother, Steven Jablon by Ms. Fern Jablon My loving Husband, Bernd Ross by Ms. Laura Jo Ross My loving Sister, Santina Fritz by Ms. Laura Jo Ross In loving memory of Benjamin Rothman by The Rothman & Nagiel Families My loving Sister-in-Law, Ann Levin by Ms. Mildred Millman My loving Mother, Sarah Levin by Ms. Mildred Millman
MEN’S CLUB Supporting the Men’s Club Shabbat... by Dr. Stuart Goldstone by Dr. William Scheck by Joel Barry Entous by Mr. & Mrs. Eli Plaxe by Mr. & Mrs. Elliott Rosenberg by Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Amster by Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Berger by Mr. Bernardo Bicas by Mr. Clark Kholos by Mr. Eugene Newman by Mr. George Glickman by Mr. Michael Winer by Mr. Robin Fischel by Mr. Stephen Celniker by Ms. Martha Alden by Dr. Roy & Mrs. Lesley Davis by Mr. Dan Weiss In honor of… Stuart Goldstone by Drs. Irvin & Jacqueline Jacobs by Mr. & Mrs. Alan Viterbi In memory of… My loving Brother, Moises Bicas by Mr. Bernardo Bicas MINYAN In honor of… Mo Gold’s 70th Anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah by Drs. Andrew & Sonia Israel by Peter & Lynn Louis Thank you to... Mr. Charles Rosen Siavash & Mahvash Akhgarnia RABBI GRAUBART’S DISCRETIONARY FUND General Donation by Mark Lohkemper To the Congregation and its Leadership for their support and warm welcome during the Avelut period for Andres’ Mother, Eva by Andres & Elizabeth Marek In appreciation of… Rabbi Graubart in a challenging time by Daniel Katzin and Family & Friends Rabbi Graubart by Norman & Dorene Goldfinger by Mr. Jamshid Farajzadeh & Mrs. Ramesh Kabbai by Mr. Michael Sonduck & Mr. David Zeligson by Nancy Muller & Jeannie Posner by Richard and Linda Isen In memory of… Sigrid Fisher, Mother of Sylvia Geffen by Mr. Ronald Cowan & Mrs. Susan Miller My loving Father, Ben Zion Yedid by Dr. Joseph Yedid Liz Rosen by Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Stone
Donations made after August 15th will appear on the next issue of Zmanim
RABBI GRAUBART’S DISCRETIONARY FUND In honor of… Rabbi Graubart by Drs. Raymond & Rhona Fink by Ms. Pamela Nathan Stuart Goldstone and all of his contributions to CBE by Mr. & Mrs. Steven Mendell Michael Sonduck and David Zeligson’s wedding by Mr. Clifford Boro RABBI LIBMAN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND In appreciation of… The work Rabbi Libman does with the Chai group by Mr. Jeffrey Storch Rabbi Libman by Mr. Seth & Ms. Hadar Cohen by Ms. Nomi Feldman by Dr. Joseph Yedid by Nancy Muller & Jeannie Posner In honor of… The Bris for Natanel Hawley by Dr. & Mrs. Stuart Rubenstein Morris and Phyllis Gold by Dr. Gideon & Mrs. Barbara Seaman Mo Gold’s 70th Bar Mitzvah anniversary by Mrs. Mindy Gold by Marvin and Florence Ross The Bris for Jack Bavli by Dr. Stuart Rubenstein The Bris for Maverick Britvar by Dr. Stuart Rubenstein In memory of… My loving Husband, Stuart Gold by Mrs. Mindy Gold General Donation by Mark Lohkemper In celebration of… Efram and Rachel’s Wedding by Robert and Margo Bycer Oscar Katzeff by Mr. Hillel Katzeff RITUAL FUND In celebration of… Mo Gold’s Bar Mitzvah Anniversary by Dr. Stephen Shoemaker & Dr. Denise Handler by Eileen Biro by Elaine and Earle Cohen by Irene Fox by Bernardo Bicas & Maty Feldman-Bicas by Celia Fine by Dan & Nina Brodsky by Dr. Gideon & Mrs. Barbara Seaman by Dr. Isaac & Mrs. Candice Lagnado by Dr. Victor & Mrs. Nehama Moreno by Drs. Stanley & Pamela Amundson by Esther Moscona by Gladys Rosen by Joseph & Sima Oppenheimer by Krueger Family Trust by Linda Kozin by Mr. & Mrs. Chaim Avraham
RITUAL FUND In celebration of… Mo Gold’s Bar Mitzvah Anniversary by Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Amster by Mr. & Mrs. James Nerad by Mr. & Mrs. Leon Brottman by Mr. & Mrs. Moris Breziner by Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Jacobs by Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Berger by Mr. & Mrs. Yehuda Bock by Mr. Randy Rein & Dr. Diane Milberg-Rein by Mrs. Eleanor Hoffman by Mrs. Joan Jacobs by Mrs. Lana Schaffer by Ms. Elizabeth Wolfson by Ms. Martha Alden by Ms. Rebecca O’Neill by Robert & Stephanie Rubin by Yaira Haas by Herbert Brudner TIKKUN FUND To assist homeless Veterans by Mr. & Mrs. Howard Greenberg General Donation by Mr. Scott & Ms. Gayle Kaplan In honor of… Eva Nerenberg’s 80th birthday by Betty Schwartz Mo Gold’s special birthday by Drs. Raymond & Rhona Fink Josh Cohen and the beautiful ceremony at Natanel Yosef’s Pidyon Haben by Mr. Benjamin & Ms. Dvora Vinick In memory of… My loving Mother, Yetta Fialkow by Mrs. Elaine Maltz Liz Rosen by Shirley Gilbert My loving Father, Aaron Fialkow by Mrs. Elaine Maltz YOUTH FUND In honor of… Celia Rose Glezer’s Bat Mitzvah* by Amy Waterman by Dr. Ruth Covell by Dr. Stephen Shoemaker & Dr. Denise Handler by Drs. Andrew & Sonia Israel by Drs. Irvin & Jacqueline Jacobs by Mr. & Mrs. Chaim Avraham by Mr. & Mrs. Elliott Rosenberg by Mr. & Mrs. Evan Ravich by Mr. & Mrs. Irv Bressel by Mr. & Mrs. James Nerad by Mr. & Mrs. Michael Buczaczer by Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Jacobs by Mr. Clive Walden by Mr. Michael Winer by Mr. Richard Nerad by Ms. Martha Alden by Ms. Rebecca O’Neill by Mrs. Mindy Gold by Dr. Anthony & Mrs. Ellen Sacks by Mr. & Mrs. Donald Rosenberg by Mr. & Mrs. Perry Nerenberg Abby Elson’s Bat Mitzvah by Ms. Martha Alden * For Youth Israel Scholarships
Fall 2014 | 17
{ Member Spotlight }
Meet the Aronows For Pam and Richard Aronow, Congregation Beth El is a place that connects people with the roots and branches throughout the life cycle of their growing families. Pam and Richard met in 2008 through a happy hour get-together organized by a friend and it was a friend who brought them into Jewish San Diego and ultimately Beth El. Two years later, Pam and Rich were married by Rabbi Avi. “Together we continued to set down roots. Beth El has played an important part in that.” During their first High Holy Days at Beth El, Pam and Richard learned about the Adult B'nei Mitzvah program and the newlywed trip to Israel—two programs that would profoundly impact their lives. Pam’s family, though Jewish, never belonged to a synagogue. Pam felt a little intimidated by Judaism before the class and having an adult Bat Mitzvah. The experience was greater than she imagined. “I was coming every week. We built a community from the class and coming to services, and really got to know people. It was a huge thing—we created a little family that way.” Richard added, “It connected us to Judaism in a way we hadn’t before and gave us a sense of
grounding and roots. It really set the table for us to be open to do a trip like the newlywed trip, that took us to an even greater level.” And in 2012, Pam and Richard went with Rabbi Avi and 8 couples to Israel. Pam and Richard are still active with the Chai group; and, with the birth of their son, Micah, now age 2, their involvement with Beth El continues to evolve. They are regulars at Tot and PJ Shabbat, and Pam volunteered to launch Beth El Babies together with Community Engagement Director Doreen Prager. “I wanted to create a kind-of havurah for our friends with babies. Following the holidays, Beth El Babies will meet twice a month—once at Beth El and once at an outside location. “It’s exciting!” Pam loves getting involved on a deeper level. Asked what drives her, she says it’s her passion to connect Judaism and the social aspect for kids and families. “Connecting those two is a hard thing with the crazy lives we all lead. We want to reach out, making things better with parenting workshops, fun services, without parents having to seek it out for themselves.” Pam jokes that her generation needs help connecting because they
don’t knit or play Mah Jongg. Still, Pam wants to change that, too. Her mother taught her to play Mah Jongg when she was a teenager and Pam picked it up quickly. She says she’d be “eaten alive” if she tried to play with the Monday regulars at Beth El, “But I’d love to play here. I just have to stop working so I can go play,” she adds. She’d love to get some parents from our generation playing so it’s not a lost art. Pam and Richard credit Beth El’s Rabbis for making them feel welcome and accepted. For Richard, having approachable, accessible Rabbis was important. “They are relaxed, down to earth. Each of the Rabbis has a different life experience so their perspectives are different. You learn a lot from both of them.” Pam connected with Rabbi Graubart through the Adult B’nei Mitzvah class. Besides marrying them and leading the Israel trip, Rabbi Avi came to see them in the hospital after the birth of Micah, and officiated at his Bris. “I think a synagogue is about connecting to community, Judaism, and God, and Beth El is a good place to look for that.”
Pam and Richard work closely with Doreen Prager, Director of Community Engagement, to plan events for Beth El babies.
18 | zmanim
{ Torah Readers }
Our Young Voices
Each year we invite some of the young adults from our congregation to read Torah during the High Holy Days. Meet two high school seniors who will be chanting this year. We applaud their dedication to Beth El and their Judaism. They remind us that we are providing a strong Jewish foundation, and they give us hope for the future.
Nicole Oberman I have been reading Torah at High Holy Day Services since my Bat Mitzvah. I find that reading Torah provides me with a deeper connection to Judaism and symbolizes my devotion to the community. It is one thing to attend services, but when I am a participant, I feel more united with the people around me and with my beliefs. I am honored to be one of Congregation Beth El’s senior Torah readers. In addition to reading Torah at services, I also enjoy horseback riding. I have been an avid horseback rider since I was 6, and I compete in the equestrian sport of Dressage. For the last 5 years, I have also been playing volleyball and have competed nationally. Additionally, I found a way to give back to my community by volunteering with a therapeutic riding program in which I help disabled students overcome their challenges via horseback riding.
Gabi Koren I am a senior at Torrey Pines High School and this year’s Beth El Sr. USY President. During the year, I like to play softball, read a good book, hang out with friends, make new friends, and participate in USY. I like to read Torah during the High Holy Days because it (1) is an incredible honor and (2) makes me feel a part of the community. I read Torah because I feel a special connection to Judaism when I do so. I don’t speak, understand, or read Hebrew, unless I sound out the words and eventually get the hang of it. This will be my fourth and my last year reading Torah on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. After not looking at my Torah portion for a year, I find myself remembering all of it without having to hear it. It has become one with me, just like Judaism.
Fall 2014 | 19
{ B'nei Mitzvah }
Daniela 10-1 8-2014
by Ga 01 2 4
Maiya
10-18-
10-18-2014
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10-11-2
DANIELA HIRSCHHORN GABY HIRSCHHORN Age: 12 | Grade: 7th School: Muirlands MS I have been coming to Beth El for 10 years.
Age: 12 | Grade: 6th School: Sierra Academy I have been coming to Beth El for 10 years.
MAIYA HIRSCHHORN
SARAH EFFRESS
My Parashah: Noah
My Parashah: Noah
My Parashah: Noah
I’m excited to: Be with my friends and read from the Torah
I’m excited to: Be with everyone, from both Mexico and San Diego.
I’m excited to: Read my Haftarah
My Parashah: Chol Hamoed Sukkot
I’m most nervous about: Reading the Torah
I’m most nervous about: Reading the Torah
The person I admire most: My family
The person I admire most: My sisters and my family
My best mitzvah: I fed the homeless and donated time and money to an orphanage in Israel.
My best mitzvah: Feeding the homeless and giving tzedakah
What I love about being Jewish: The holidays I do not want this food served at my Bat Mitzvah party: Olives My plans for the future: I want to be a fashionista.
What I love about being Jewish is: Doing Shabbat I do not want this food served at my Bat Mitzvah party: Lettuce My plans for the future: I want to be a dolphin trainer or an animator.
Age: 12 | Grade: 7th School: SDJA I have been coming to Beth El for 10 years.
I’m most nervous about: Reading my Haftarah The person I admire most: My sisters My best mitzvah: Feeding the homeless What I love about being Jewish: The holidays I do not want this food served at my Bat Mitzvah party: Eggs or mushrooms My plans for the future: I’d like to become a chef or pastry/baker.
GIFTS PRESENTED TO THE B'NEI MITZVAH:
Sim Shalom Siddur - From the Albert & Babs Walden Fund* Chumash - From the Marcine Kline Cohen & Miriam Kline Kuss Fund* JNF Tree Certificate Bar Mitzvah Certificate Kiddush Cup & Candlesticks - From Women's Connection & Men’s Club USY Song Book & Gift Certificate A gift from Viterbi Torah School to its students * A part of the Beth El Endowment Foundation
20 | zmanim
Age: 12 | Grade: 7th School: Francis Parker I have been coming to Beth El for 5 years.
I’m excited to: Celebrate with my friends and family I’m most nervous about: Remembering my portion The person I admire most: Abby Wambach, US National Soccer Team My best mitzvah: Using my tzedakah I had saved for a year towards funding a scholarship for an Israeli soldier What I love about being Jewish: Celebrating the holidays I do not want this food served at my Bat Mitzvah party: Cashews or eggplants My plans for the future: To keep playing soccer and be an architect.
Be nny
11-22-2014
Zakai4 11-15-201
Ed uardo 9-13-2014
Il014an
11-13-2
BENNY LOMBROSO
ZAKAI STONE
EDUARDO JINICH
ILAN LEISOREK
My Parashah: Toldot
My Parashah: Hayei Sarah
My Parashah: Devarim
Parashah: Hayei Sarah
I’m excited to: Read from the Torah
I’m excited to: Receive a tallit
I’m most nervous about: Reading the Hebrew
I’m most nervous about: Singing in front of the congregation
I’m excited to: Be the first person in my family to have my Bar Mitzvah in Israel.
I’m excited to: Know that my whole family will be there to celebrate with me my Bar Mitzvah that is so important to me.
Age: 13 | Grade: 7th School: SDJA I have been coming to Beth El for 2 years.
The person I admire most: My parents My best mitzvah: At the JCC, a bunch of people donated shoes. I cleaned them so they looked brand new for the homeless. I also helped to donate some of the shoes.
Age: 13 (11/16) | Grade: 7th School: Francis Parker I have been coming to Beth El my whole life.
The person I admire most: My dad because he can balance the stresses of work, home, being away, and family at the same time. My best mitzvah: I help my instructors in my Soo Bahk Do (Korean form of karate) class with the other children at least once a week.
What I love about being Jewish: The language. It’s so different from other languages. I also like the community. Since there aren’t that many Jews, we all come together.
What I love about being Jewish: I love how supportive the community is for everyone.
I definitely do not want this food served at my Bar Mitzvah party: Pork
I do not want this food served at my Bar Mitzvah party: No preference
My plans for the future: I want to get into a good college and be successful in life.
My plans for the future: I don’t know, but most likely I will go to college and then go into business for myself like my father did.
Age: 12 | Grade: 8th School: SDJA I have been coming to Beth El since I was born.
I’m most nervous about: Trying not to mess up or forget the words and the melody. The person I admire most: My brother, Miguel, who is always there for me and will always keep teaching me new things. My best mitzvah: After the devastating Haiti earthquake, our school felt the need to help. I was only in 3rd grade, but I volunteered to help with the drive that was gathering food, clothes, money, toys, medical equipment, and more for the victims of this tragedy. What I love about being Jewish: The feeling of community when I join the congregation as we sing prayers together. I do not want this food served at my Bar Mitzvah party: Brussels sprouts
Age: 12 | Grade: 7th School: Carmel Valley MS I have been coming to Beth El for 6 years.
I’m most nervous about: Reading from the Torah The person I admire most: I admire the people who help other people and who take care of doing this a better world. My best mitzvah: To help others What I love about being Jewish: Traditions, Shabbat with my family and friends, eating latkes and matzo balls. I do not want this food served at my Bar Mitzvah party: Ketchup My plans for the future: Go to culinary school and own my restaurants.
My plans for the future: I would love to become a graphic designer. Fall 2014 | 21
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@family_connections It was a joy for my kids to interact and meet new friends and I did too! @beth_el A great to meet program to meet other families. We had a fun day at Suzie’s Farm with other Beth El families. @beth_el_babies #kickoffevent @beb We had such a nice time meeting other families with young babies. We can’t wait to meet new moms and dads! @beth_el What a wonderful event to meet other families with young children. My wife and I had nice time!
@israel_committee #rallyforisrael @beth_el San Diego supports Israel during the Reach out For Israel Rally on July 20, 2014. @cbe_community Thank you to those of you who came out to support our brothers and sisters in Israel!
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For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the Heavens. Proverbs