Kol Beth El ADAR-IYAR 5778
MARCH/APRIL 2018
The Difference Between Pesach and Purim Jews From the desk of Rabbi Kurtz
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Shabbat Schedule....................2 President’s Corner...................3 Hazzan Tisser...........................4 Formal Education.....................5 Informal Education..................5 Cultural & Learning Center.....6 History Corner..........................6 Development ...........................7 Sisterhood.................................8 Men’s Club................................9 Youth Community....................10 Pre-School.................................11 Passover Supplement..............12 Todah Rabbah..........................14 March Calendar........................19 April Calendar...........................20 Social Action.............................21 Events at a Glance....................22 All in the Beth El Family...........24 North Suburban Synagogue Beth El 1175 N. Sheridan Road Highland Park, IL 60035 (847) 432-8900 www.nssbethel.org
Yossi Klein Halevi of the Shalom Hartman Institute, in an insightful article a few years ago, wrote about the difference between Pesach Jews and Purim Jews. He stated: “Jewish history speaks to our generation in the voice of two Biblical commands to remember. The first voice commands us to remember that we were strangers in the land of Egypt, and the message of that command is ‘Don’t be brutal.’ The second voice commands us to remember how the tribe of Amalek attacked us without provocation while we were wandering in the desert, and the message of that command is: ‘Don’t be naïve.’ “ According to Halevi “the first command is the voice of Passover, of liberation; the second is the voice of Purim, commemorating our victory over the genocidal threat of Haman, a descendent of Amalek. ‘Passover Jews’ are motivated by empathy with the oppressed; and ‘Purim Jews’ are motivated by alertness to threat. Both are essential; one without the other creates an unbalanced Jewish personality, a distortion of Jewish history and values.” In the course of an approximately sixweek period, we commemorate events in Jewish history which outline some of the feelings that Halevi suggests. Purim is the festival of the Diaspora. It reminds us that we always have to be careful. No matter
where we have been in the world, we have lived at the behest of the majority culture that has surrounded us. Mordecai learned the hard way that you can’t trust anyone, whether it was the King or the Vizier, Haman. It was only through the intervention of Esther, using her feminine wiles, and the cunning of Mordecai that we were saved. It reminds us, as Halevi suggests: “Don’t be naïve.” In other words, be careful where you live and the surroundings in which you reside, always monitor what is happening outside your community. The worst manifestation of the appearance of Amalek occurred only a generation ago as hatred of the Jew spread across Europe from Germany to the west and the east. Six million of our brothers and sisters were killed in the Shoah (commemorated on Yom HaShoah) and we learned that we could not rely on anyone except ourselves. Even the nations of the west, United States and Canada included, closed their doors to Jewish immigration and committed our people to the ovens of Auschwitz. Amalek lived at that time and we are admonished by the Torah “remember what Amalek did to you… do not forget.” A month after Purim and before Yom HaShoah we commemorate the holiday of Pesach. It reminds us how precious freedom is and how we have to continued on page18
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Sunday through Thursday Evenings 7:30 pm Sunday and Legal Holiday Mornings, 8:45 am Rosh Hodesh Mornings, 7:00 am Services are conducted by: Rabbi Vernon H. Kurtz Rabbi Michael Schwab Hazzan Benjamin A. Tisser
Every Shabbat 10:45 am Family Service Services for families with children 1st grade and younger 10:30 am Junior Congregation Services for students in 2nd - 6th grade
March 3
Parashat Ki Tisa Torah: Exodus 30:11 – 34:35 Haftarah: I Kings 18:1 – 18:39
March 10
April
Monday through Friday Mornings, 7:15 am
President’s Corner
See calendars on pages 19-20 for times.
March
Daily Service
Shabbat Schedule
Shabbat Parah Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei Torah: Exodus 35:1 – 40:38 Maftir: Numbers 19:1 - 22 Haftarah: Ezekiel 36:16 – 36:38
March 17
Rosh Hodesh Nisan Shabbat HaHodesh Parashat Vayikra Torah: Leviticus 1:1 – 5:26 Numbers 28:9 – 15 Maftir: Exodus 12:1 – 20 Haftarah: Ezekiel 45:16 – 46:18
April 7
Eighth Day of Passover/Yizkor
April 14
Birchat HaHodesh Parashat Shemini Torah: Leviticus 9:1 – 11:47 Haftarah: I Samuel 20:18 – 20:42
April 21
Parashat Tazria-Metzora Torah: Leviticus 12:1 – 15:33 Haftarah: II Kings 7:3 – 7:20
April 28
Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim Torah: Leviticus 16:1 – 20:27 Haftarah: Amos 9:7 – 9:15
March 24
Shabbat HaGadol Parashat Tzav Torah: Leviticus 6:1 – 8:36 Haftarah: Malachi 3:4 – 3:24
March 31
First Day of Passover Second Seder
Screening of the documentary Screenagers
By Richard Zelin, NSS Beth El President
We are very excited to announce that Beth El is launching a completely new user-friendly website this month. For almost a year, the Communications Committee, led by Pam Schlosberg, has been working with an independent web designer to create a site that meets the diverse needs of our congregation. As Pam shared with me, “We wanted the website to be a top-of-mind showcase for all that is Beth El.”
This website will be a living document, which will be updated on a daily basis. If you have any comments or suggestions for making this new website even better, please feel free to contact me. You can now find my contact information on http://www.nssbethel. com/about/lay-leadership/. We hope you enjoy using it as a resource and tool.
After collecting a great deal of feedback from a variety of Beth El members and studying dozens of other congregational websites, the committee set out to design a site that would be a resource for up-to-date information about all things Beth El for members and prospective members. The website will also be a source for learning through podcasts, tutorials, blogs, and other digital resources. In addition, the website will provide a “one-stop-shop” approach for registering and making payments for Beth El programs and services. It was also important to the committee that this website work well on computers, tablets, and smartphones. After seeing a preview of the website at our last Executive Committee meeting, I am confident that our Beth El Community will be thrilled with the functionality of the new site. When you visit the new website, you will find a design that is dynamic, clean and fresh. The Home Page is filled with useful information, including daily minyan and service times and program highlights. There is also an easy-to-use calendar that can be viewed by month, week or day. The calendar can be sorted by your interests, and events can be exported to your personal calendar. Furthermore, the navigation bars contain drop-down menus that are very intuitive and include such resources as our staff directory, directions to Beth El, and links to other community organizations.
Recent Happenings at Beth El
Dinosaur storytime in the library
A Drumroll Please...for Our New Website!
World Wide Wrap
You will be delighted that another great feature allows our weekly e-mails to link directly to the site. If you see something on the e-mail that you are interested in, a single click will take you directly to the website, where you can read more information, register, and pay. In addition to registering and paying for classes, programs and dinners with just a few clicks, you will also be able to make donations online, as well as check the status of your account. As you explore our new website, you will also notice that it is packed with photos and (soon) video that highlight the Beth El experience. As we go forward with our programs, you will be sure to see that our new Communications Director, Abby Lasky, will be at many events taking photos, which will be added to the site to keep it current and fresh.
5th grade Hey students
Ilu Finu A Cappella Concert winners Hooshir from Indiana
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Lithuanian Jewry Exhibit MARCH/APRIL 2018 | KOL BETH EL | 3
Music
Formal Education
Notes from Hazzan Tisser While there is no place like home, the opportunity to leave town is always special, whether on vacation or for professional reasons. This winter was full of wonderful activities at the synagogue, but my family and I were fortunate to have the opportunity to travel a bit as well, and I’d like to reflect on that, as there were some very special moments. My travels began in December with my best friend as we spent a week traveling through Berlin and Dresden, the city where my grandfather was born. The trip was particularly memorable as we were privileged to stand at the Brandenberg Gate, just blocks from where Jewish books were burned, for the lighting of the communal Chanukiah; to visit my great-grandmother’s grave; and to visit the synagogue that stands in place of the one in which my grandfather z”l became a bar mitzvah. To reconnect to our familial and collective past is so important and I would suggest to all of us that if we have the opportunity to do so, we should do it, and we should share the stories with our children. I then joined Sarah, Talia and Ethan in Israel. The mission of our trip was clear: Ethan is nearing his third birthday and was in desperate need of a haircut…so what better than to fly around the world and cut his hair at the Kotel?! It was a celebration in every sense of the word. To hear my kids speaking in
4th grade students study havdallah
Beth B
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Hebrew, to hold them up against the stones of the Kotel, to walk with them through the shuk and in the streets of Tel Aviv where my grandmother and my father grew
up – it was all so moving and I am so grateful to have had that experience. It’s also always very special to see our Beth El members while away, and I had the good fortune to join the Katznelson family as they celebrated Zachary becoming a Bar Mitzvah at the Robinson’s Arch area of the Kotel with our friend Rabbi
David Ebstein. On my next trip for work, I was sent as a shaliach, an emissary, by Masorti Olami and the Cantors Assembly to serve as Hazzan-In-Residence at Maayane Or, the Massorti synagogue in Nice, France. I have emailed the report I wrote for Masorti and the CA out
USY Pre Convention
to the congregation and would be happy to share it with you if you did not receive it, but suffice it to say that I only hope they learned as much from me as I did from them. This is a budding community, not twenty years old, of just about one hundred families—mostly Sefardic—who are committed to Masorti/Conservative Judaism, and who are caught in a constant struggle between appeasing the Orthodox Rabbinate of Nice and keeping a low-enough profile to avoid falling victim to the anti-Semitism we all know to exist in France and throughout Europe. I’ll summarize the experience by saying that while it can sometimes be uncomfortable walking into a room of strangers, I felt like a part of the community within minutes of walking through their doors because we share a common history, common rituals, common liturgy, and a common mission. Taking time away from the usual routine—as difficult as it is to put our work aside and then return to it—is so important. It gives us a chance to recharge, to learn, to grow, to be moved, and to re-focus our energies on things that are equally important. There is a wonderful Israeli song called “Shalom lakh, eretz nehederet—Hello to you, wonderful country!” which describes how wonderful it is to travel the world…but at the end of the day, there’s simply no place like home.
Used Book Sale
The Future of Shabbat is in Good Hands By Dr. Alicia Gejman, Director of Formal Education “Mom, I want to go to shul this Shabbat; I can’t wait to get there.” These are the words the school children are telling their parents, which speak to the success of our Junior Congregation. Every Shabbat for the last two years, students in the Cohen Religious School, Schechter students, and Beth El guests (in grades 2nd thru 6th) have been attending Shabbat services filled with ruach and rich content weaving Tefilah and Torah with drama, discussions, prayer, aerobics and dance. Under the direction of our talented Hazzan Barbara Barnett, and with the help of Torah tutors Stacy Daybook, Simcha Ackerman and Aaron Klein,
Informal Education
in the midst of their busy lives. As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, poignantly said, “The Jewish contribution to the idea of love is the conception of love of the Sabbath, the love of a day, of spirit in the form of time.” Hazzan Barnett believes that attending on Shabbat is the best way to gain comfort in the service, practice the prayers as a group, and help create community.
these services are becoming an organic part of the Beth El educational experience as we nurture the next generation of daveners and Torah readers. Students who participate regularly see the relevance of what they are studying in Tefilah at school as they learn to appreciate the added value of praying in community. Students as young as second grade are encouraged to read Torah; we have had approximately 70 students read Torah since the beginning of this year and we are still counting! Our students and their parents love Shabbat and kvell seeing their children engaged in leading, uttering words of Torah while enjoying an island of serenity
What Does It Mean To Never Forget By Ali Drumm, Director of Informal Education To be Jewish is to be the modern steward of collective ancestral memory while at the same time an interpreter of that tradition for personal and modern relevance. I feel an extra responsibility when it comes to Holocaust remembrance as part of one of the last generations to personally interact with survivors. I was privileged to join the Jewish Educators Assembly in Prague in February and visit the Terezin ghetto and concentration camp. Having this experience only served to underline the understanding I already had of “never again.” I have always felt that we have a unique obligation to be educated about World War II and its atrocities and to be advocates in prevention of human suffering today. For my parents, boycotting German products or refusing to travel to Eastern Europe was a line in the sand that respected the hardships experienced by Jews there. What is the appropriate response if
you are trying to stay mindful and honor Jewish experience? There will be multiple opportunities this April for our community to engage in learning together about the continued relationships between Germans and Jews in our mini-course partnership program between the Gray Cultural and Learning Center and the Lederman Family Continuing Education department. On Tuesday evening, April 17 Annette Gendler will discuss her memoir Jumping Over Shadows and discuss Judaism and Zionism in Post-World War II Germany. The Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club will also discuss the book on Saturday, April 21. We will watch the film Germans and Jews on Thursday April 26 in our Afternoon @the Movies program and have a post-film discussion with historian Anette Isaacs. The film explores Europe’s fastest growing Jewish population in Berlin. Through personal stories the documentary
investigates the country’s transformation from silence about the Holocaust to facing it head on, in a nuanced story of reconciliation. We will learn from Dr. Claire Sufrin of Northwestern University at the Irving and Amy Frankel Memorial Lecture on Sunday morning April 22nd. The theme for the Frankel Memorial Lecture this year is “The Theology of Elie Weisel.” The program will begin at 10:00 a.m. and is open to the public, and I hope you will join me in the ongoing effort to learn from the past and adapt to the challenges of the modern world. I am committed to investing in teaching my children to respect the enormous sacrifice of our predecessors and the nuanced path forward as Jews in the 21st century. MARCH/APRIL 2018 | KOL BETH EL | 5
CLC
Kol Ami, the Voice of Our People
Development
By Rachel Kamin, Gray Cultural and Learning Center Director The concept of a Judaic ritual, historical, and contemporary art collection has been a part of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El for decades. It was born in the hearts and minds of Maurice and Badona Spertus. They envisioned a center that would reveal and explore the global Jewish experience, culture, and identity through art, ceremonial objects, and educational programs. Through their generous pledge to North Suburban Synagogue Beth El and their donation of a remarkable collection of Judaica, they laid the foundation for a museum. Beth El’s Board of Directors established the museum by formal resolution on January 4, 1962. It was called The Kol Ami Museum, meaning the Voice of Our People. The first institution of its kind on the North Shore, through the Rissman Kol Ami Collection, as it is now known, you can hear “the Voice of Our People” through the three exhibits this winter and spring:
The Voice of Our People in Lithuania . . .
Our Voices: 70 Years of Music at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El . . . This exhibition of archival documents, photographs, programs, posters, music and other artifacts celebrating our cantors and hazzanim, concerts, music festivals, original productions, and cultural events, past and present, is now on display through March 11, 2018. Thank you to the following individuals for their assistance with the exhibit: the Family of Cantor Jordan Cohen z”l, Marcie Eskin, Penina Frankel, Marla Hand, Betsy Katz, Abby Lasky, Cantor Janet Leuchter, Elliott Miller, Cynthia Preston and the Cantors Assembly, Pam Schlosberg, Judy Solomon, Mort Steinberg and Hazzan Ben Tisser.
The Voice of Our Families . . .
Mantvydas Bekešius, the Consul General of Lithuania in Chicago, and Itay Milner, Deputy Consul General of Israel to the Midwest, both attended a reception on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in honor of the travelling exhibit “One Century of Seven. Lietuva. Lita. Lite” produced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, in cooperation with the Lithuanian Jewish Community. Beth El was one of only two Chicago area institutions to host this exhibit documenting 700 years of Lithuanian Jewish history.
Beth El History Corner
T
By Mort Steinberg, Beth El Historian
he groundbreaking ceremony for the new sanctuary, later to be dedicated as the Field Family Sanctuary, took place on June 11, 1961. The sanctuary, designed by renowned architect Percival Goodman, was the third and final phase of the 1951 development plan for Beth El. Here the leadership of the synagogue pose on a bulldozer prior to the ceremony: President Eli Field is in the driver’s seat and behind him are former presidents Harold Blumberg, Ed Glazier and Albert Dolin. Dignitaries who participated in the ceremony included Congresswoman Margaret Stitt Church and U.S. Senator Everett M. Dirksen.
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Painted Portraits of a Family Past: The Art of Howard Schwartz will be on display March 16-June 4, 2018. Howard Schwartz creates mixed media compositions that have the sensibilities of non-objective art. He then integrates into the amalgam of paint, photography, and found objects specific images of his own past generations that serve as the inspiration for his work. I invite you to visit the museum this spring to hear the “Voice of Our People.” If you have any questions about our collections, or suggestions for future exhibits, please don’t hesitate to contact me at rkamin@nssbethel.org.
B’Yachad Donors Help Support Our Community By Judy Berkeley, Director of Development
B’Yachad is a Hebrew word meaning “together. ” This word takes on greater unity at NSS Beth El, where it is a group of our most generous synagogue donors, who have joined together to support NSSBE at the highest donor level.
We ask that all of you consider
The concept of B’Yachad began in 2004 with just five members. The program was initiated by Lynn Schrayer, when she served as Vice President of Finance for NSS Beth El.
Lisa & Jeff Aronin
For an annual pledge of $10,000 (or more) to the synagogue, this gift covers synagogue dues, Kol Nidre Appeal donation, Chesed Dues donation, two tickets to our annual Gala event, two extra High Holiday tickets and recognition on the Annual Giving Donor Wall. Because of Lynn’s vision and foresight, this group has grown to twenty- eight members in 2018. Given that Beth El provides over $300,000 each year to our members in reduced dues and assistance, we are so grateful to our B’Yachad donors who have stepped up to the plate in order to help those who struggle with membership dues. We are also blessed at NSS Beth El to have over 500 donors contributing to our Annual Kol Nidre Appeal Campaign. There are more than 50 families who give $1,000 or more each year. In addition, we have 100 donors who give to our Annual Fair Share/Chesed Dues Program, with twenty of these families giving over $1,000. __________________________________________________________________________ “I introduced B’Yachad to the congregation in my Kol Nidre Appeal in 2004. I am so thrilled that all these years later, the B’Yachad program has grown from 5 to 28 donor families. This year I was honored and touched to give the Kol Nidre Appeal for a second time, and again I invited everyone to please consider joining me and Skip as B’Yachad members. I hope to see the number of B’Yachad families continue to increase in the years to come!” - Lynn Schrayer ____________________________________________________________________________ “In our world view, well Jewish view, there are four legs to the table and many other important Jewish causes sit on that table. However, the four legs are the synagogue, Jewish summer camp, Jewish day school, and Israel. To us, the synagogue will always be a critical leg to that table. To support those four legs we support North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Camp Ramah, Solomon Schechter, CJDS and RZJHS, and to support Israel we give to Federation.” - Arnie and Nina Harris ____________________________________________________________________________ “We moved to Highland Park and joined Beth El only five years ago. I quickly learned that Beth El is a unique, loving community headed by two incredible rabbis and role models. A year or so after we joined, I approached Rabbi Kurtz about participating in B’Yachad because I thought it was the best way I could give back to a community that had already become very important to me. I’m very excited about our future and happy to be helping NSS Beth El meet its operational needs through this important initiative.” – Bobbi Kwall
“stepping up” to join the twenty-eight families who have become B’Yachad Donors: Anonymous
Harriet Bernbaum Eve & Richard Biller Dr. Gilbert Bogen Gail & Andrew Brown Cheryl & Carey Cooper Sandra & Phillip Cooper Barbara & Lawrence Field Rochelle & Leonard Foxman Marilyn Hirsch & Dr. Gary Gordon Nina & Arnie Harris Penny & Jeffrey Hecktman Barbara & Stuart Hochwert Ann Dee & Edward Holland Karen & Michael Kesner Sari & Mitch Kovitz Julie & Dr. Colman Kraff Professors Roberta & Jeffrey Kwall Dawn & Steven Lavin Susan & Marc Nathan Karen & Richard Reisin Lisa & Jeff Rosenkranz Andrea & Kenneth Saffir Lynn & Skip Schrayer Karen & William Silverstein Tina & Joe Wolf Sheri & Sherwin Zuckerman
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Sisterhood
Men’s Club
Host WLCJ Central Great Lakes Region Spring Conference 2018 with us!
Softball, Town Halls, and Yom HaShoah By Dan Gross, Men’s Club
Rachel Ferber, Mary Ellen Bowers-Goldsmith, and Karen Weiss, Sisterhood Co-Presidents We’ve begun our countdown to the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism Central Great Lakes Region’s Spring Conference 2018, which begins Sunday, April 22 here at NSS Beth El. It is a great honor for our Sisterhood to host Spring Conference during our synagogue’s 70th anniversary year. Our social action focus for this Conference will continue the work started at the Women’s League International Convention last summer with a drive to collect bras (new and nearly new) and individually-wrapped menstrual hygiene products on behalf of Support the Girls. Support the Girls provides ‘support’ to homeless women and girls who may be victims of domestic violence who have fled horrendous situations with little more than the clothes on their backs. Being the caregivers, they tend to take care of those around them first, leaving necessities like their own bras and hygiene products as afterthoughts. We need to Support the Girls and remind
them that they are important. More details will be coming. You can donate even if you don’t attend Conference. Look for our “Bras And… Box” in the office entryway soon. All sizes and types are welcome, especially sport bras for women who don’t know their size. • Everyone is invited to the Valued Volunteer dinner on Sunday night, April 22 at 6:00pm in the Blumberg Auditorium. Please join us as we celebrate and honor one of our Sisterhood members as our Valued Volunteer. Register for the dinner ($36/person) by contacting Rachel Ferber at Rachel.ferber@att.net. • Please consider placing a tribute ad in our Program book. Ads are $18. Contact Mary Ellen Bowers at eyerishmar@comcast.net for the Ad Book Form. Some of the highlights of this year’s Conference include: • An artist talk by Howard Schwartz about his new exhibit in the Rissman Kol Ami Collection • A leadership workshop on what it means to be a Sisterhood Board member • “How beautiful are your books, O people of Jacob!” What are the new trends in the Jewish publishing world?
And what are the major Jewish literary awards? Led by our own Rachel Kamin • Lilith: Demoness or Herione? Conducted by Beth El’s Director of Informal Education, Ali Drumm • A presentation about Support the Girls by Rachael Heger, National Director of Affiliate Outreach • A visit, on Tuesday, April 24, to the Illinois Holocaust Museum. We will tour the Museum’s newest exhibition space, the Abe & Ida Cooper Survivor Stories experience holographic theater, where high-definition holographic interview recordings paired with voice recognition technology enables survivors to tell their personal stories and then respond to questions from the audience, inviting one-on-one “virtual conversations.” The Museum is the first in the world to employ this technology in a permanent exhibition space. Tickets for the tour are $18 and you can stay for a kosher lunch for an additional $18. To register, contact Rachel Ferber at 847-835-6201 or at Rachel.ferber@att.net.
Calling All Softball Players Want to get in the game and be a part of a fun fraternal and charitable activity? The NSS Beth El Men’s Club plays in the Synagogue Men’s Clubs 12 inch (with glove) softball league. During last year’s season, Beth El had 2 teams in the league playing against 10 other area synagogue men’s club teams. This year we are seeking more active participants. There are a total of 10 games played on Sundays between 10:00 am and 12:30 pm starting in late April through early August. Be prepared for a competitive league, and be available to play for most of the season. You must be a member of Men’s Club, or be willing to join - all are welcome. If you are interested, please contact Michael Salberg at (847) 831-0581 or mbsalberg@sbcglobal.net.
Candidate Town Hall Recap The NSS Beth El Men’s Club had very nice turnouts for their Republican and Democratic Town Halls on Jan, 21st and 28th. The programs were moderated by
Michael Salberg. Candidates appearing and answering congregant’s questions included Jeremy Wynes, Dr. Sapan Shah, Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, former Gov. Pat Quinn, Scott Drury , Jesse Ruiz, Sharon Fairly and Chris Kennedy’s running mate, Ra Joy.
Yom HaShoah Event
“Never shall I forget that smoke. Never shall I forget the small faces of the children whose bodies I saw transformed into smoke under a silent sky.” – Elie Wiesel, Night One million children! Each one of those faces, are the reasons the NSSBE Men’s Club took upon itself, more than twenty-five years ago, the task, the responsibility, the commitment to Remember, to Never Forget, to share, to educate and to maintain the legacy and the links that tie us to those children. As our Men’s Club has done for more than a quarter century, this year again we will send Yom HaShoah candles to
the entire NSS Beth El family, to be lit at sundown on Wednesday evening, April 11. The proceeds from the program have been set aside and maintained in a special Yom HaShoah fund, earmarked to help our young people travel to Eastern Europe to visit the camps, and see first-hand where it all happened. This year’s Yom HaShoah commemoration program will be held Wednesday evening, April 11, at 6:30 pm. The program will include a musical tribute by Hazzan Ben Tisser, recognition of Beth El members who survived the Shoah, as well as presentations by our students who visited Eastern Europe last summer. Stipend applications for students through the Irwin Wygodny Shoah Memorial Holocaust Education Trip Fund for next summer can be obtained through Brad Pickard at pickardbrad@gmail.com. Please turn to pages 22-23 for a listing of upcoming Men’s Club events.
There is no charge for attendance at Conference programs held at the synagogue, although advance registration is required. Conference meals and the Holocaust Museum tour are priced individually.
SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, May 8 @ 6pm for Dinner with Rabbi Kurtz, sponsored by Sisterhood and Men’s Club.
Town Hall Candidate Forum
Yom HaShoah Event
Men’s Club Meeting
Adar, Time for the Joyful Anticipation of Passover Sulie Holt, and Diane Levin, Gift Shop Co-Chairs There are few Jewish holidays that come wrapped with as many memories as Passover. The frenzied preparation, the special recipes, the seder table stretching way beyond the room’s boundaries, the aunts, uncles, cousins, and
friends who fill the house. With Erev Pesach on March 30, the countdown begins – there is so much to do and so little time! We encourage you to take a deep breath and then grab onto the singular opportunity
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to create those Passover memories for your family and friends. We’re ready to help you. We have a wide variety of unique Judaica to help revitalize your seder traditions, plus fun children’s items to entertain and educate.
From haggadot, handcrafted seder plates, matzo boxes, afikomen bags and Jumpin’ Frogs to engraved Miriam Cups and contemporary Elijah Cups. We’re your one-stop Passover resource! Our gift shop hours are: Sundays, 9:00am to 1:00pm; Tuesdays, 10:00am to noon. To help you prepare for Passover, we are adding some Wednesdays: March 7, 14, and 21
— 4:00 to 6:00pm. We are always open by appointment. Call co-chairs, Diane Levin: 847/571-5629; Sulie Holt: 847/558-3389 or Pam Schlosberg: 847/433-7546. We appreciate your support. Profits from your purchases support Sisterhood’s ongoing gifts to our NSS Beth El Religious Schools.
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Creative Arts Impact on Judaism
“Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her in dance with timbrels.” (Exodus 15:20) The creative arts, whether it be dance, music, writing or art have often been an integral part of Jewish tradition, even a mitzvah. It is said that we sing because words no longer express the emotion and we dance when music is not enough. Miriam leading the women in dance is the ultimate expression of freedom and celebration of being Jewish. When I was in fifth grade, there was a special needs boy in my class named Ken. In the middle of the school year, we started rehearsing to lead our class service. During the V’shamru for the lyric “et” Ken felt the spirit of Miriam and would stand up in passion and then sit back down immediately afterward. I could see my teacher’s panicked look debating if she should tell him to stop or ignore it. Before she said anything, my friend and I started standing up with him and within minutes the entire class followed. We were all celebrating what being Jewish meant in that moment and it was to dance. Throughout that year it turned into the wave and the entire congregation still does it to this day. When anyone asks a USY teen what they love about USY, they of course say friends, community and social events but a huge part of their love
January Events
To keep up to date with dates and times view our online calendar at www.tinyurl.com/BEANScalendar1718
By Tovah Goodman, Youth Community Director
We recently read my Bat Mitzvah portion B’shallach where the beautiful Song of the Sea is read.
Upcoming Events
Education
Sunday, March 11 1:20pm - 3:20 PM
Grades 5-8. Location: Ultimate Ninjas Libertyville. This event includes all Kadimaniks from all of the Chicago region. We will have an amazing high flying experience filled with teamwork and climbing.
Chametz Inspector Sunday, March 18 Young Familes
Grades K-1. The third installment of our travelling skits. USY High Schoolers will come to young families homes to teach about Passover and use our detective skills to find the chametz and burn it.
Monday, March 19
Grades 2-5. Participate in a Passover seder where everything is chocolate! Have a sweet time and prepare for your family seder.
Kadima Seder
Wednesday, March 28
Grades 6-8. This is an opportunity for kadimaniks to participate in a seder with their friends led by the Kadima Board.
CHUSY Kinnus
Friday, April 13- Sunday, April 15
Grades 8-12. This is the final regional Shabbaton of the year for USY. Join your friends for a magical weekend away.
By Karee Bilsky, Pre-School Director
Each classroom is composed of a unique set of children, who come to school with their own experiences, prior knowledge and thirst for more growth and understanding. As the field of education
Shalom Club Chocolate Seder
This semester in Sokol Hebrew High School, I am co-teaching a class which looks to use Jewish text in the context of the theme of freedom to inspire students to create art and music. We look to artists in both the Jewish and secular worlds to appreciate what has been done and express our own voice and opinion. This is the beauty of connection to Judaism. The prayer doesn’t always have a connection to the soul through words alone. The melodies have the power to transport us to a time of significant impact, a spiritual experience or even a time of joy. The appreciation of how Judaism is so connected to the creative arts at its core, is something that keeps the spirit from generation to generation alive.
Working Within an Emergent Curriculum The hallways of the Paul S. & Sylvia Steinberg Pre-School hallway are lined with evidence that true learning is taking place in each classroom. Within the school, we continue to be inspired by the philosophy from Reggio Emilia, Italy. At the foundation, the philosophy believes that children are capable and competent. When given the tools or materials to explore and create, children will learn and grow. Loris Malaguzzi, the founder of Reggio Emilia’s educational philosophy says, “The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and richer their experiences.”
Kadima Day
is singing together. For anyone who has not experienced a ruach session, it is filled with song, chanting, dancing and creating a community. Ruach is a wide selection of songs, mostly out of the B’kol Echad book, that have been sung in summer camps and USY for many years. They are often accompanied by a call and repeat, hand motions and fond memories. The singing session at the end of Shabbat which has been nicknamed “sloach,” is a tradition of singing slower tempo songs to truly have time to reflect on the ending of Shabbat and appreciate the time with friends. The comradery of teens from different backgrounds, camps and traditions coming together and all knowing the same song is such an impactful moment.
Inside the Tu B’shevat Forest
Youth Community
continues to evolve, we know in the early childhood world, children have a greater stake in their learning when they study topics of interest. Often referred to as an “emergent curriculum,” our teachers work to plan activities and units of study that focus on being responsive to their students’ interests. It takes great skill to actively listen, observe and question a group of twelve to fifteen children in one classroom on any given day. A co-constructed curriculum is created when teachers are truly tuned in to their students, and feel comfortable allowing the children to help guide their learning. As we continue on our learning journey within the Pre-School, it is our hope to foster creative thinkers, problem solvers, and allow our students to use all of their languages (ways in which they explore the world) as they become active participants in Beth El and the larger community.
The children in the Gurim classroom were intrigued with the study of the Olympics. The learned about the Olympic rings, winter sports, and the county of North Korea.
The Grossinger Brickman Activity Room was transformed into a Tu B’Shevat Forest filled with wonder, curiosity, and surprises in every corner. Children in the Paul S. & Sylvia Steinberg Preschool learned about forest animals, the importance of trees and all of the many fruits and nuts that trees provide for us.
Kehillat Netzach Israel - Our Twin Synagogue Music Therapy at Kehillat Netzach Israel in Ashkelon, Israel, our twin kehillah/synagogue; Tuesday Afternoon Day Care program for 3-6 years olds. www.masorti.org.il/netzachi_en 8th Grade Induction Escape Room
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Shalom Club Ninja Day Off
USY at Second City MARCH/APRIL 2018 | KOL BETH EL | 11
Passover Supplement – 2018/5778 through a dishwasher. A dishwashing machine may be used for Passover after a thorough scouring, non-use for 24 hours and running a complete cycle. Authorities disagree whether a new tray is necessary.
Forbidden Foods The following foods are forbidden to Ashkenazic Jews during Pesach: leavened bread, cakes, biscuits and crackers; cereals, coffee substitutes derived from cereals; wheat, barley, oats, rice, dry peas, dry beans, and all liquids which contain ingredients or flavors made from grain alcohol. (Sephardic Jews have some different practices.) Permitted Foods Requiring no kosher l’Pesach label, the following foods are permitted in unopened packages or containers: natural coffee, sugar, tea, salt, pepper, and fresh vegetables (except peas and beans, although string beans are permitted on Pesach). The following foods are permitted if certified for Pesach use by Rabbinical authority (have a kosher l’Pesach label): matzah, matzah flour, Passover noodles, candies, cakes, beverages, canned and processed foods, milk, butter, jams, cheese, jellies, relishes, dried fruits and vegetables, salad oils, vegetable gelatin, shortening, vinegar. Wines and liquors are permitted if certified by a Rabbinical authority as fit for Pesach use. Dishes and Utensils Only dishes and utensils specially reserved for Pesach should be used with the following exceptions: silverware made entirely of metal if used during the year may be used on Pesach if thoroughly scoured and immersed in boiling water. Metal pots and pans used
for cooking purposes only (but not for baking), if made wholly of metal, though used during the year, may be used on Pesach. They must first be thoroughly scoured and immersed in boiling water. The utensils should not be used for a period of at least 24 hours between their cleaning and immersion in boiling water. Utensils used for baking during the year cannot be used for Passover. Earthenware, enamelware and porcelain utensils used during the year may not be used. Fine translucent chinaware if not used for a year is permitted if scoured and cleaned in hot water. Authorities disagree as to the method of kashering drinking glasses. One opinion requires soaking in water for three days, changing the water every 24 hours. The other opinion requires only a thorough scrubbing before Pesach or putting them
The stove is prepared by a thorough scrubbing and cleansing of all parts, then turning on the ovens and all burners full-flame for one half hour. Self-cleaning ovens should be scrubbed and cleaned, then put through the self-cleaning cycle. Continuous cleaning ovens must be kashered in the same manner as regular ovens. Microwave ovens should be cleaned, and then a cup of water placed inside. The oven should be turned on until the water disappears. A microwave that has a browning element cannot be kashered. In all the above cases the appliance cannot be used for 24 hours prior to kashering. If the parts of electrical appliances that come into contact with Hametz are removable, they can be kashered in the appropriate way. If the parts are not removable, the appliance cannot be kashered. Non-Passover dishes, pots and hametz whose ownership has been transferred should be separated, locked up or covered and marked in order to prevent accidental use. If you have specific questions, please contact our rabbis.
Detach and send to: Mark Stadler, NSS Beth El, 1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL 60035 I, (please print name)_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ hereby authorize Rabbi Vernon Kurtz to act as my agent to sell Hametz that may be in my possession wherever it may be at home, place of business or elsewhere in accordance with the requirements and provisions of Jewish law.
My home address is: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ My office address is: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signed:__________________________________________________________________________________ Date:_____________________________
Bedikat Hametz (The Search For and Burning of Leaven) On the evening of Thursday, March 29, the Search for Leaven, bedikat hametz, is conducted. This is a ritual that symbolizes the final cleaning of the house of all hametz. It is customary to place pieces of bread in various rooms around the house before the search begins – remember how many pieces there are and where they are hidden! The search is conducted with a candle for light and a feather and wooden spoon to collect the hametz. The hametz, feather and wooden spoon should be put in a bag and set aside to be burnt in the morning. In the morning – this year on Friday, March 30 – after eating our last meal of hametz, add any remains from breakfast to the bag of hametz from the previous night, and burn them outside the home. This is the final act of removal of hametz from our homes. Hametz should be burned by 10:15 a.m. The appropriate prayers for the search for and destruction of hametz are found at the beginning of every Haggadah. Mechirat Hametz (Sale of Hametz) In addition to the thorough cleaning of the house before Pesach, we are commanded to completely free ourselves of leavened products. Anything made from wheat, barley, oats, rye or spelt, which had a chance to leaven (rise or ferment), must be destroyed. Today a simple but meaningful tradition is followed: • Each Jewish home must be cleaned before Pesach. • The Rabbi contractually arranges for the sale of the hametz to a non-Jew so that it will, technically, be out of Jewish possession during Pesach. • At the end of Pesach, everything in your stored-up area will be repur-
chased for your immediate use. Please see Mark Stadler or use the form below to sell your Hametz. Please contact Mark no later than Thursday, March 29. A voluntary contribution should be made upon selling Hametz. All gifts will be added to our Maot Chitim fund. Maot Chitim (Portions of Wheat). It is traditional for Jews who have been blessed by the Almighty to make sure that their less fortunate brethren have all that is necessary to celebrate a joyous Pesach. Special funds for this purpose, known as Maot Chitim, are collected in synagogues throughout the world. Beth El participates in this activity. If you would like to make a contribution to the Maot Chitim fund, please mail it directly to the synagogue, or bring it in personally, and earmark it accordingly. These funds will be distributed to the Greater Chicago Maot Chitim and other institutions that provide Pesach food to the less fortunate. Maot Chitim Delivery Please plan to participate with the Greater Chicago Maot Chitim in the delivery of packages on Sunday, March 25, 9:00 am to 10:30 am. For more details and directions, go to www. maotchitim.org. Siyyum Bechorim (Fast of the Firstborn) At the Minyan service Friday, March 30 at 6:45 a.m. the ceremony of siyyum bechorim will take place in the Field Family Sanctuary, led by Rabbi Vernon Kurtz. It is customary for the first-born male to fast on the day preceding Passover. In place of the fast, however, tradition developed the practice of concluding a portion of study of a Rabbinic text after which celebration and feasting takes place. The siyyum bechorim ceremony is the means of obviating the need for a fast. We encourage all firstborn males to attend.
PESACH SERVICE TIMES Friday, March 30 – Erev Pesach/Fast of the Firstborn/Pesach 1st Seder 6:45 am Morning Minyan/Siyyum Bechorim 6:15 pm Mincha / Ma’ariv 6:54 pm Candle Lighting Saturday, March 31 – Pesach First Day/2nd Seder 8:50 am Festival Service 7:00 pm Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:57 pm Candle Lighting Sunday, April 1 – Pesach Second Day 8:50 am Festival Service 11:00 am Passover Pray ‘n Play 7:00 pm Mincha/Ma’ariv 8:02 pm Yom Tov Ends Monday, April 2 – Pesach Third Day 7:00 am Morning Minyan 7:30 pm Evening Minyan Tuesday, April 3 – Pesach Fourth Day 7:00 am Morning Minyan 7:30 pm Evening Minyan Wednesday, April 4 – Pesach Fifth Day 7:00 am Morning Minayn 7:00 pm Evening Minyan Thursday, April 5 – Pesach Sixth Day/Erev Pesach Seventh Day 7:00 am Morning Minyan 7:00 pm Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:01 pm Candle Lighting Friday, April 6 – Pesach Seventh Day 8:50 am Festival Service 7:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat 7:02 pm Candle Lighting Saturday, April 7 – Pesach Eighth Day/Yizkor 8:50 am Festival Service 7:00 pm Mincha/Ma’ariv 8:05 pm Yom Tov Ends
I enclosed $_______ for Maot Chitim (list amount) 12 | MARCH/APRIL 2018 | KOL BETH EL
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Todah Rabbah
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTIONS:
Rabbi Kurtz Discretionary Fund In honor of the marriage of our daughter Brittany Abramowicz to Joshua Cahan - Barry and Laurel Abramowicz In honor of Beth and Jeff Kopin’s 60th birthdays - Marlene Silverman In honor of Isabel Carney, daughter of Michael and Abby Carney, on becoming a Bat Mitzvah Karen Weiss In honor of Jeffrey Aronin’s 50th birthday - Sam and Karen Skurie In honor of the engagement of Felicia Kreindler’s daughter Hannah to Matt - David and Barbara Lansing In honor of Rabbi Kurtz being named Keeper of the Flame - Joseph and Susan Ament - Philip and Carol Lazarus In honor of Rabbi Kurtz’s planned retirement and the next chapter in the Kurtz family journey - Terri and Michael Lipsitz In honor of Rabbi Kurtz’s Simchat Torah honor - Karen Weiss In honor of Rabbi Vernon Kurtz’s devotion to NSS Beth El for 30 years - Ronnie Jo Sokol In honor of Sydney and Talia Newman becoming B’not Mitzvah and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz - Dan and Nikki Newman
-R ichard, Karen, Michelle and Matthew Reisin - Betty Rozenfeld - Pam and Richard Schlosberg - Marvin and Sara Siegel - Debby and Dale Strauss - Karen Weiss
In memory of Abe I. Yaffe, beloved father Daniel Nast Jr. and Dolly Nast In memory of Albert Boxerman - Jane Schechter In memory of Allan Decker, beloved brother of Corrine Baskin - Michael and Phyllis Sadoff In memory of Anna Hirschfield, beloved grandmother - Marc and Brenda Wilkow In memory of Barbara Pinsof, beloved mother Loren and Diane Weil In memory of Bessie Talman, beloved grandmother - Marc and Jacalyn Birnbaum
In honor of the baby naming of our daughter Rachel Erin Ravich and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz - Tim and Sara Ravich
In memory of Betty Wasserman, beloved grandmother - Michael and Debora Pinzur In memory of Boris “Bud” Pestine, beloved husband - Selena Pestine In memory of David Baitcher, beloved son-inlaw - Ira and Deborah Rosenberg In memory of David Cohen, beloved father Michael Levin and Gigi Cohen
In honor of the birth of Karen and Michael Kesner’s grandson, Royce Ilan Kesner Lisa Alter Krule and Michael Krule
In memory of Dorothy and Benjamin Schneider, beloved parents and grandparents - Charlotte Tayne Avraham
In honor of the birth of Linda and Steve Feinstein’s granddaughter, Rachel Erin Ravich Alan and Susan Resnick
In memory of Eli Oliff, beloved father - Joel and Basia Retsky
In honor of the birth of our granddaughter, Eve Naomi Oren - Michael and Phyllis Sadoff In honor of the birth of Rabbi Vernon and Bryna Kurtz’s granddaughter, Mia Faye Kaufman - Barry and Laurel Abramowicz - Stephen and Judy Berkeley - Annette and Jerry Blumberg - Jack and Barbara Blumberg - Robert and Iris Center - Adrienne Eckerling - The Feinstein and Ravich Families - Marc and Nan Fine - Ruth Fischer - Robert and Beth Footlik - Mindy and Jeff Gordon and Family - Brad and Marcie Pickard 14 | MARCH/APRIL 2018 | KOL BETH EL
In memory of Mollie and Abe Lavin, beloved grandparents - Ira and Deborah Rosenberg
In memory of Frieda Fireman and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz for officiating at the dedication - Mark and Francine Levy
In memory of Nancy Whitman, beloved sister of Jack Blumberg - Gail and Bruce Greenspahn - Lorna Greenspahn - Pam and Richard Schlosberg
In memory of Gladys Shapiro, beloved mother of Steven Shapiro - Robert and Laurie Levin - Pam and Richard Schlosberg
In memory of Betsy Grossman Leturno, beloved niece - Sally Aaron
In honor of the birth of Alan and Susan Resnick’s granddaughter - Steven and Linda Feinstein
In memory of Frank Pollack, beloved father Mark and Susan Pollack
In honor of the engagement of Eliza Brown, daughter of Andrew and Gail Brown to Danya Lagos - Lawrence and Abby Block
In honor of the 3rd birthday of our grandson, Levi Oren - Michael and Phyllis Sadoff
In honor of the baby naming of our granddaughter Rachel Erin Ravich and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz - Steven and Linda Feinstein
In memory of Miriam Galerkin, beloved mother - Amos and Edith Turner
In memory of George B. Dunn, beloved father Wallace and Joan Dunn
In honor of the wedding of Jordyn and Etai and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz - Mitchell and Karen Kopin
In memory of Ellen Bookman, beloved sister and aunt - The Feinstein and Ravich Families In memory of Ernest Schneider, beloved brother - Charlotte Tayne Avraham In memory of Esther and Henry Shlensky, beloved mother and father - Melvin and Lenore Blum In memory of Ethel Karson, beloved mother Sally Aaron In memory of Eva Hofman, beloved mother Gary and Debbie Lindon In memory of Evan Leturno, beloved grand-nephew - Sally Aaron In memory of Eveida Gross, beloved mother of Felicia Gross and Harold Gross - Andrea and Mike Leon
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTIONS:
In memory of Florence Goldberg, beloved mother - Ronald and Eileen Goldberg
In honor of the birth of Yehudah Stern Jane Pickus
In honor of the marriage of Abe and Tziporah Rotbart - Karen Weiss
Todah Rabbah
In memory of Hazel Rubin, beloved mother and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz - Edward and Paulette Margulies In memory of Hazel Rubin, beloved mother of Paulette Margulies - Marc and Jacalyn Birnbaum - Tamara and Earl Norman - Jane Pickus - Karen Weiss In memory of Irving Slutzky - Milton Greenfield In memory of Isidor Mandel, beloved father Irwin and Sheri Mandel In memory of Jean Sechan, beloved aunt Pearl Zaid In memory of Jeannie Zimmerman, beloved mother of Jamie Glass-Pestine - Karen Weiss In memory of John G. Bellows, beloved father Diane Bellows In memory of Joseph Brooks, beloved father Donald and Lois Chudacoff In memory of Joseph M. Birnbaum, beloved father - Leonard Birnbaum In memory of Larry Tayne, beloved husband, father and grandfather - Charlotte Tayne Avraham In memory of Leonard Favus, beloved father Michael and Phyllis Sadoff In memory of Lily and Nate Rosenberg, beloved mother and father - Ira and Deborah Rosenberg In memory of Louis Kaplan, beloved father Wallace and Joan Dunn In memory of Louis Shulman, beloved father Alvin Shulman In memory of Mae Becker, beloved mother Stuart and Barbara Hochwert In memory of Marjorie Birnbaum, beloved wife and mother - Leonard, Marc and Jacalyn Birnbaum In memory of Max Eckerling, beloved father-inlaw - Adrienne Eckerling
In memory of Nancy Whitman, beloved sister, and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz for all his assistance - Jack and Barbara Blumberg In memory of Newton Truger, beloved father David and Julie Baum In memory of Reuben Stein, beloved father Alan and Marcia Kaplin In memory of Robert Echt, beloved husband Rita Echt In memory of Rose and Ignacio Fried, beloved mother and father - Sari Salinas In memory of Sam and Gussie Spatz, beloved grandparents - Ira and Deborah Rosenberg In memory of Samuel Lasky, beloved father David and Janice Lasky In memory of Selma Farby, beloved mother of Gerald Farby - Sam and Marilyn Greenberg In memory of Seymour Baker, beloved father Leonard and Roberta Tenner In memory of Sylvia Lavin, beloved mother Ira and Deborah Rosenberg In memory of Sylvia Maiman, beloved mother and grandmother - The Feinstein and Ravich Families Wishing a complete and speedy recovery to Rabbi Kurtz - Debra Rade - Richard and Pamela Schlosberg With appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz - Diane Bellows With appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz and best wishes for your future endeavors - Michael and Anita Katz
- Stanton and Carole Derdiger - Laeh Grant - Richard and Sharon Schwab - Karen Weiss In honor of the baby naming of our daughter Rachel Erin Ravich and with appreciation to Rabbi Schwab - Tim and Sara Ravich In honor of the baby naming of our granddaughter Rachel Erin Ravich and with appreciation to Rabbi Schwab - Steven and Linda Feinstein In memory of Boris “Bud” Pestine, beloved husband - Selena Pestine In memory of Ethel and Gilbert Levy, beloved mother and father - Adrian and Linda Winick In memory of Eveida Gross, beloved mother of Felicia Gross - Sari Salinas - Elise and Ira Frost In memory of Gladys Shapiro, beloved mother of Steven Shapiro - Rochelle and Earl Rubinoff - Karen Weiss
In memory of Joseph Ferns, beloved father Ronald and Eileen Goldberg
In memory of Sheldon Roodman, beloved husband - Diane Roodman
In memory of Leona Kalson Wilk, beloved mother - Roger and Ronnie Wilk
In memory of Sherwin O. Simon, beloved father - Gregg and Rebecca Simon
In memory of Leslie Mark Steinberg, beloved brother and with appreciation to Rabbi Schwab - Michael Steinberg
With appreciation to Rabbi Schwab - Jeff and Marcia Rubin
In memory of Lillian Winick, beloved mother Adrian and Linda Winick In memory of Maurice Sher, beloved father Michael and Sara Sher In memory of Morris and Shirley Foxman, beloved parents - Leonard and Rochelle Foxman
With appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz for officiating at Matthew and Julie’s wedding - Mark and Robin Greenberger
In memory of Nancy Whitman, beloved sister, and with appreciation to Rabbi Schwab for all his assistance - Jack and Barbara Blumberg
Rabbi Schwab Discretionary Fund
In memory of Natalie Bernstein, beloved sister Robert and Sharon Abrams
In memory of Merwin Rosenberg, beloved father - Jerome and Mary Kaltman
In honor of Sydney and Talia Newman becoming B’not Mitzvah and with appreciation to Rabbi Schwab - Dan and Nikki Newman
In memory of Meyer W. Reisin, beloved brother - Bernard and Elaine Reisin
In honor of the appointment of Rabbi Michael Schwab as the next Senior Rabbi
In memory of Sally Wallach, beloved aunt and with appreciation to Rabbi Schwab for his support - Michael and Jacqueline Melinger In memory of Sally Wallach, beloved wife and beloved father of Cindy and Mike Wallach Ziggy Wallach and Family
In memory of Nancy Whitman, beloved sister of Jack Blumberg - Marc and Jacalyn Birnbaum - Karen Weiss
In honor of Rabbi Michael and Erica Schwab’s communal leadership and menschlikeit - Mimi and Mark Yoskowitz and Family
In memory of Rubin Behm, beloved father Burton and Sharon Behm
In memory of Hazel Rubin, beloved mother of Paulette Margulies - Annette and Jerry Blumberg - Marvin and Sara Siegel - Gloria Zieve
With appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz for his guidance and wishing him well on his next life’s journey - Stanton and Carole Derdiger
In honor of Nate Small becoming an Eagle Scout - Karen Weiss
- Bruce and Deborah Cowans and Family - Marc and Nan Fine - Ronald and Eileen Goldberg - Ranna Rozenfeld and Shane Greenstein - Marlene and Seth Halpern and Family - Melissa and Todd Halperin and Family - Carol and Ron Jesselson - Terri and Michael Lipsitz - Brad and Marcie Pickard - Debra Rade - Susan and Alan Resnick - Jeff and Lisa Rosenkranz - Howard and Lynne Schechter - Shellie and Benjamin Schwartz - Phyllis Shalowitz - Debby and Dale Strauss - Karen Weiss - Suzanne and Adam Zimbler
In memory of Newton Truger, beloved father David and Julie Baum In memory of Rabbi Morris and Minnie Sklar, beloved grandparents of Rabbi Michael Schwab - Barry and Laurel Abramowicz - Burton and Sharon Behm - Robert and Beth Schechter Bernat - Lawrence and Abby Block - Daniel and Honey Bronson
In memory of Sarah Ehrlich, beloved mother Pearl Zaid
With appreciation to Rabbi Schwab for all of his support and guidance in 2017 - Perry and Carol Granof With appreciation to Rabbi Schwab for being helpful to our family in 2017 - Ronald and Eve Bremen With appreciation - Louis and Barbara Kahn Family
Hazzan Tisser Discretionary Fund In honor of Isabel becoming a Bat Mitzvah and with appreciation to Hazzan Tisser - Michael and Abby Carney In honor of Sydney and Talia Newman becoming B’not Mitzvah and with appreciation to Hazzan Tisser - Dan and Nikki Newman In honor of the baby naming of our daughter Rachel Erin Ravich and with appreciation to Hazzan Tisser - Tim and Sara Ravich In honor of the baby naming of our granddaughter Rachel Erin Ravich and with appreciation to Hazzan Tisser - Steven and Linda Feinstein In memory of Eveida Gross, beloved mother of Felicia Gross - Robert and Beth Footlik
MARCH/APRIL 2018 | KOL BETH EL | 15
Todah Rabbah
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTIONS:
In memory of Gladys Shapiro, beloved mother of Steven Shapiro - Bobbie and Len Tenner
Wishing a complete and speedy recovery to Larry Weiner - Marvin and Sara Siegel
In memory of Jeno Galambos, beloved father Joseph and Susan Adler
Edward S. Frank Israel Study Memorial Endowment Fund
In memory of Martin Melinger, beloved father Michael and Jacqueline Melingezr
In memory of Edward Frank, beloved husband - Nessia Frank
In memory of Nancy Whitman, beloved sister of Jack Blumberg - Bobbie and Len Tenner
In memory of Ernie Kaplan, beloved husband Gerry Kaplan
In memory of Nancy Whitman, beloved sister, and with appreciation to Hazzan Tisser for all his assistance - Jack and Barbara Blumberg
In memory of Hazel Rubin, beloved mother of Paulette Margulies - Maureen Banik - Gerry Kaplan
In memory of Sarah Bichunsky, beloved mother - Philip and Doreen Feitelberg In memory of Taube Wainstein, beloved cousin - Philip and Doreen Feitelberg
Ann and Jack Weinberg Holocaust Memorial Education Endowment Fund In memory of Calvin Kagan, beloved father and grandfather - Joel and Pearl Kagan
Ben and Marion Drachler Israel Scholarship Endowment Fund In memory of David Scott Drachler, beloved son - A. Michael and Nancy Drachler
Bernard H. and Miriam Sokol Hebrew High School Fund In memory of Albert Boxerman - Ronnie Jo Sokol
Cal and Lana Eisenberg Halomdim Program Endowment Fund
In memory of Meyer Kaplan, beloved father-inlaw - Gerry Kaplan
Gertrude and Morris Lederman Continuing Education Endowment Fund In honor of the birth of Karen and Michael Kesner’s grandson, Royce Kesner - Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter, Avram, Uri and Hollen
Holocaust Memorial Endowment Fund In memory of Leonard Weitz, beloved husband of Lynn Weitz - Wendy Pollack
Horwitz-Hoffman Youth Lounge Maintenance Endowment Fund In honor of David Hoffman’s birthday - David and Barbara Goodman
In memory of Marvin Eisenberg, beloved brother - Calvin and Lana Eisenberg
Irving and Janet Robbin Scholar-in-Residence Program Endowment Fund
Capital Improvement Fund
In memory of Janet Robbin, beloved mother David and Karen Benson
In honor of the birth of Karen and Michael Kesner’s grandson, Royce Kesner - Stephen and Judy Berkeley - Marc and Nan Fine In honor of the engagement of Karen and Michael Kesner’s daughter Rachel to Jake Katz Marc and Nan Fine In memory of Eli Glassman, beloved husband Joan Holland In memory of Gladys Shapiro, beloved mother of Steven Shapiro - Annette and Jerry Blumberg - Marcy and Kenneth Levin In memory of Joseph and Victoria Goldstein, beloved father and mother - Larry and Ellen Goldstein In memory of Max Glassman, beloved father-inlaw - Joan Holland In memory of Morton Shiner, beloved father Stuart and Debbie Shiner In memory of Nancy Whitman, beloved sister of Jack Blumberg - Marcy and Kenneth Levin 16 | MARCH/APRIL 2018 | KOL BETH EL
In memory of Philip Zelkowitz, beloved father Merle Friedman
Joseph and Mae Gray Cultural and Learning Center Fund With appreciation - Elaine Gray Loseff In memory of Eveida Gross, beloved mother of Felicia Gross - Andrew and Gail Brown - Harry Feiger
Todah Rabbah
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTIONS:
Maxwell Abbell Library Fund In memory of Linda Albohor’s mother - Jeffrey and Michele Glass
In memory of Minna Derdiger, beloved step-mother - Stanton and Carole Derdiger
In memory of Nancy Whitman, beloved sister of Jack Blumberg - Robert and Maxine Greenstein
In memory of Mort Bloomberg, beloved father Stanton and Carole Derdiger
In memory of Sylvia Tovian, beloved mother of Merle Tovian - Floyd and Marcia Tuler
In memory of Florence Cohen, beloved mother - Mark and Marla Cohen
Mindy and Jeffrey Gordon and Family Unrestricted Endowment Fund
In memory of Gladys Shapiro, beloved mother of Steven Shapiro - Andrew and Gail Brown
In memory of Eveida Gross, beloved mother of Felicia Gross - Mindy and Jeff Gordon
In memory of Phil and Pearle Cohen, father and mother - Janet Cohen
Minyan Service Fund
In memory of Selma Farby, beloved mother of Gerald Farby - Andrew and Gail Brown - Harry Feiger
In memory of Albert Boxerman - Elise and Ira Frost
Judith A. Heyman Israel Scholarship Endowment Fund In memory of Selma Farby, beloved mother of Gerald Farby - Scott and Gwen Heyman
Kopin Family Fund for Children’s T’filot Education Endowment Fund In honor of Beth, Jeff and Myrna Kopin on the birth of Ayla Estie Kopin - Shael and Myrna Siegel In honor of the birth of Jeff and Beth Kopin’s granddaughter, Ayla Kopin - Harris and Sharon Goldenberg In honor of the birth of Myrna Kopin’s great-granddaughter, Ayla Kopin - Harris and Sharon Goldenberg
In honor of Sandy Starkman - Roberta Kwall
In memory of Tillie Bloomberg, beloved mother - Stanton and Carole Derdiger
In memory of Dudley Derdiger, beloved brother - Stanton and Carole Derdiger
Wishing a complete and speedy recovery to Larry Weiner - Harris and Sharon Goldenberg
In memory of Estelle P. Harrison, beloved mother - Harriet Bernbaum
Music Fund
In memory of Fanny Gertz, beloved mother William and Sharon Gertz In memory of Gladys Shapiro, beloved mother of Steven Shapiro - Debra Rade In memory of Gwendolyn Gertz, beloved step-mother - William and Sharon Gertz In memory of Harold Mason, beloved father Sanford and Glenda Mason In memory of Harry Bernbaum, beloved husband - Harriet Bernbaum
In memory of Albert Kopin, beloved father Mitchell and Karen Kopin
In memory of Henry and Belle Mann, beloved father and mother - Sheldon and Nancy Mann
In memory of Gladys Shapiro, beloved mother of Steven Shapiro - Howard Turner
In memory of Sylvia Freier - Myrna Kopin
In memory of Ida Pollack, beloved mother-inlaw - Joyce Pollack
In memory of Martin G. Brown, beloved father Michael and Sara Sher In memory of Nancy Whitman, beloved sister of Jack Blumberg - Dr. Lewis and Beverly Feiges - Laeh Grant - David and Barbara Lansing - Debra Rade - Howard Turner
In honor of the birth of Rabbi Vernon and Bryna Kurtz’s granddaughter, Mia Faye Kaufman - Harris and Sharon Goldenberg - Gerry Kaplan -S andy Starkman and Larry Pachter, Avram, Uri and Hollen In honor of the birth of our new granddaughter, Mia Faye Kaufman - Rabbi Vernon and Bryna Kurtz With appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz - NSS Beth El Men’s Club
In memory of Rose Ramek, beloved mother Joyce Pollack
In memory of Bert Derdiger, beloved father Stanton and Carole Derdiger
In memory of Eveida Gross, beloved mother of Felicia Gross - Howard Turner
In memory of Helen Siegel, beloved mother of Eileen Kahana - Sheldon Solow and Shelley Kreiter Solow
In memory of Pearl Weber, beloved mother Bob and Millie Weber
In memory of Alice Genis, beloved sister - Amos and Edith Turner
Jack and Mildred Cohen Religious School Fund
Kurtz Family Youth Endowment Fund
In memory of Nancy Whitman, beloved sister of Jack Blumberg - Annette and Jerry Blumberg - Sally Schechter In memory of Norman Kozak, beloved friend Gerald and Adrienne Lasin
In memory of Terry Milton, beloved wife of Lewis Milton and beloved sister of Beth Footlik and Cindy Socianu - Ranna Rozenfeld and Shane Greenstein
In memory of Albert Boxerman - Karen and Mitch Kopin - Myrna Kopin
In memory of Hazel Rubin, beloved mother of Paulette Margulies - Howard Turner
In memory of Morton Shiner, beloved husband - Sonja Shiner
In memory of Henrietta Derdiger, beloved mother - Stanton and Carole Derdiger
In memory of Jack and Rose Granof - Perry and Carol Granof In memory of Jack Epstein, beloved father Gerald and Adrienne Lasin In memory of Leo Farbman, beloved father Mark and Laura Lieberman In memory of Louis Bernbaum, beloved fatherin-law - Harriet Bernbaum In memory of Mae Becker, beloved wife - Lawrence Becker In memory of Maurice Bernbaum, beloved brother-in-law - Harriet Bernbaum In memory of Mickey Gross, beloved sister Stanton and Carole Derdiger
In honor of Peri Axelrod’s engagement to Scott Babendir - Lawrence and Abby Block In honor of the birth of Maurice and Deanna Sable’s beautiful new granddaughter - Robert and Beth Footlik With appreciation - Arthur and Helen Chapman - Howard Turner
NSS Beth El Special Gifts Fund In memory of Edith Gordon, beloved grandmother - Barry and Terri Wallach In memory of Eli Field, beloved father - Phillip and Sandra Cooper
Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Pre-School Fund In honor of the birth of Rabbi Vernon and Bryna Kurtz’s granddaughter, Mia Faye Kaufman - Debra Rade - Morton and Miriam Steinberg
Prayer Book Fund In honor of Betsy and Michael Katz on the occasion of their special birthdays - Shoshana Friedman In honor of David Hoffman’s special birthday Shoshana Friedman In honor of my sister Ronnie Jo Sokol reading Torah - Gail Sokol Taxy In honor of our 25th wedding anniversary Brad and Marcie Pickard In honor of Rabbi Vernon and Bryna Kurtz for their 30 years of leadership at Beth El Shoshana Friedman In honor of the birth of Rabbi Vernon and Bryna Kurtz’s granddaughter, Mia Faye Kaufman - David and Barbara Lansing and Family In memory of Aaron M. Dlugie, beloved father David and Joyce Dlugie In memory of Allen Rosenthal, beloved father of Marcie Pickard, beloved father-in-law of Brad Pickard and beloved grandfather of Aaron, Daniel, Joshua and David - Brad and Marcie Pickard In memory of Bernard H. and Miriam Sokol, beloved father and mother - Jerome and Gail Taxy and Ronnie Jo Sokol In memory of Eva Wittenberg, beloved motherin-law - Iris Wittenberg In memory of Eveida Gross, beloved mother of Felicia Gross - Brad and Marcie Pickard In memory of Felix H. Wolf, beloved father Mark and Julia Gerstein
In memory of Eveida Gross, beloved mother of Felicia Gross - Andrea Leboy - Silver & Mishkin, LLC
In memory of Gladys Shapiro, beloved mother of Steven Shapiro - Brad and Marcie Pickard - Jeff and Lisa Rosenkranz
In memory of Frances Moss, beloved mother Lois Moss
In memory of Hazel Rubin, beloved mother of Paulette Margulies - Gloria Taussig
In memory of Harold Stern, beloved husband of Barbara Stern - Patrick and Susanne Fletcher
In memory of Hyman Landow, beloved father Racquel Hochwert
In memory of Hazel Rubin, beloved mother of Paulette Margulies - Zave and Judy Gussin - Hermine Jacobs
In memory of Irving Fegenhols, beloved father Iris Wittenberg
In memory of Marla Dawn Sklar, beloved daughter of Sara and Marvin Siegel - Debra Rade
In memory of Max Wittenberg, beloved fatherin-law - Iris Wittenberg
In memory of Sheldon Brottman, beloved father-in-law - Cissy Brottman
In memory of Marilyn Diamond, beloved mother - Dennis and Amy Pessis
In memory of Mort and Dorothy Taxy, beloved father and mother - Jerome and Gail Taxy
MARCH/APRIL 2018 | KOL BETH EL | 17
Todah Rabbah
March Events Calendar
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTIONS:
|Sunday In memory of Nancy Whitman, beloved sister of Jack Blumberg - Jackie and Michael Melinger - Brad and Marcie Pickard - Jeff and Lisa Rosenkranz In memory of Sam Kaltman, beloved father Jerome and Mary Kaltman In memory of Shane E. Wolf, beloved mother Mark and Julia Gerstein In memory of Sidney and Mildred Starkman, beloved father and mother - Larry Pachter and Sandy Starkman Wishing a complete and speedy recovery to Larry Weiner - Bobbie and Len Tenner With appreciation to Benjamin Kopin and Elizabeth Shapiro Kopin, who gave us the most precious gift of all - Zachary Kopin and Joshua Kopin With appreciation - Leon and Wendy Zar
Ritual Refurbishment Endowment Fund In memory of Nancy Whitman, beloved sister of Jack Blumberg - Shael and Myrna Siegel - Bob and Millie Weber
With appreciation for Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter’s friendship - Pam and Richard Schlosberg
Sisterhood College Connection Endowment Fund With appreciation - Eugene and Nicole Terry
Social Action Fund In memory of Hazel Rubin, beloved mother of Paulette Margulies - Charlene and Pierre Eilian - Jeffrey and Francine Pine and Family
Solomon Schechter Endowment Fund In memory of Phyllis Balmat - Gordon Schwartz and Dawn Sidney
Staff Recognition Fund In honor of Marilyn Hirsch and Gary Gordon Larry Pachter and Sandy Starkman In honor of the staff of NSS Beth El - Larry Pachter and Sandy Starkman
In memory of Hazel Rubin, beloved mother of Paulette Margulies - Neil and Adrienne Aaronson - Hazel Herzog - Judith Leff
Willard and Sally Aaron Camp Ramah Endowment Fund With appreciation - Sally Aaron
Youth Community Fund In memory of Rabbi Morris and Minnie Sklar, beloved grandparents of Rabbi Michael Schwab - Steven and Frances Shapiro With appreciation to Minde Korman for her kind care of Bailey - Rabbi Michael and Erica Schwab
In honor of Robert Greenstein’s 85th birthday Dr. Lewis and Beverly Feiges
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While each of these four dates on the calendar are either celebrated or commemorated in different ways: One, with noise and masquerade; another with cleansing our houses and retelling a story; a third, with sad commemorations; and, a fourth,
with songs of praise and Independence Day frivolities, they remind us of the important moments in Jewish history and how they have an impact upon our lives. A colleague, Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt, in commenting on Halevi’s essay wrote: “The part that is often difficult for us to appreciate is that both of these conflicting notions are central parts of who we are, and how we must act. Jewish history demands that we heed both of these voices, conflicting as they may be. By remembering our past, and of the call to recall both aspects of our history (as Purim Jews and as Pesach Jews) we have a sense of our identity, of who we are, and appreciate the challenges confronting us as we face the future.”
|Thursday
|Friday
7:45 PM Executive Committee Meeting
1 8:45 am 7:45 pm Morning Minyan Siddur class with Hazzan Tisser 11:00 am Purim Carnival 7:30 pm Evening Minyan
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2:00 am Daylight Savings Time Begins 11:00am Hebrew Literacy
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11:00am Hebrew Literacy
5 7:45 pm Board of Education Committee Meeting 8:00 pm Men’s Club Board Meeting
12 6:00 pm Youth Chocolate Seder 7:45 pm Finance Committee Meeting 8:00 pmRitual Com mittee Meeting
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6:15 pm Int. Hebrew 6:30 pm Men’s Club/ Youth Group Candle Packing 7:45 pm Communication Committee Meeting 7:45 pm Finance Committee Meeting
9:30 am Writer’s Beit Midrash Writing Workshop 6:15 pm Advanced Conversational Hebrew 7:00 pm Hartman Institute Class
3
9
10
8:50 am 5:30pm Shabbat Services Candle Lighting Bat Mitzvah 6:15 pm Gabriella Ditkowsky Kabbalat Shabbat 12:30 pm Service Bookclub Author Event 5:15 pm Mincha/Ma’ariv 6:35 pm Shabbat Ends
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7
4:00 pm 6:15 Int. Hebrew USYpm Seder 6:15 pm Int.Hebrew
6:15 pm Advanced Conversational Hebrew 7:45 pm Siddur class with Hazzan Tisser
10:00 am Conversational Hebrew 7:45 pm Board of Directors Meeting
6:15 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service 6:38 pm Candle Lighting
7:00 pm Men’s Club Congregation Shabbat Dinner
Rosh Hodesh Nisan 8:50 am Men’s Club Shabbat Services 6:30 pm Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:43 pm Shabbat Ends
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15
16
9:30 am Writer’s Beit Midrash 6:15 pm Advanced Conversational Hebrew 7:45 pm Siddur class with Hazzan Tisser
10:00 am Conversational Hebrew 12:00 pm Study in the Suburbs at BJE building
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24
29
30
31
13 6:15 pm Int.Hebrew
20 6:15 pm Int.Hebrew
8
6:15 pm Advanced Conversational Hebrew
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2
10:00 am Conversational Hebrew 7:45 pm Challah Bake
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|Saturday
5:22 pm 8:50 am Candle Lighting Shabbat Services 6:15 pm 5:15 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Mincha/Ma’ariv Service 6:27 pm Shabbat Ends
6:30 am Morning Minyan 10:00 am Conversational Hebrew
11:00am Hebrew Literacy 7:45 pm Rabbi Zev Eleff Guest Speaker
Purim vs. Pesach Jews Continued from page 1
We are reminded of our responsibilities towards the stranger since we were strangers in the land of Egypt. We are told to see ourselves coming out of the land of Egypt so that we will appreciate what freedom is for us and how we should work for it for other people as well. As Halevi suggests, one of the messages of Pesach is “Don’t be brutal.” In other words, be sensitive to the needs of others and work for their freedom even as you treasure your own.
| Wednesday
In memory of Gladys Shapiro, beloved mother of Steven Shapiro - Nissah Mattenson
Tzedakah/Pushke Fund
And then, just after Yom HaShoah, we commemorate Yom Ha’Atzmaut, the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel and our return to our ancient land. We are, once more, sovereign in our land and responsible for our own welfare. That freedom details obligations to our own as well as to others. In order to be sovereign as a modern nation state, difficult decisions need to be made with regard to those who are citizens and those who may actually be “strangers in the land.” Freedom bears with it responsibility and that responsibility comes with consequences.
|Tuesday
Purim
In memory of Eveida Gross, beloved mother of Felicia Gross - The Sallerson Family - Bob and Millie Weber
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continually labor to defend its precepts for our people and all people. As Heinrich Heine wrote: “Since the Exodus, freedom is always spoken with a Hebrew accent.” The Exodus experience has served as a model for every nation which wants to be liberated and understands the difficulties involved in that task.
|Monday
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6:15 pm Ba’al Korei Shabbat Kabbalat Shabbat 8:50 am Shabbat Service Services 6:38pm 12:20 pm Men’s Club Kiddush Club Candle Lighting 7:00pm 6:30 pm Mincha/ Ba’al Korei Shabbat Ma’ariv 7:51 pm Dinner Shabbat Ends Fast of Firstborn / 8:50 am Shabbat Erev Pesach and Festival Services 1st Seder 6:45 am 7:00 pm Mincha/ Morning Minyan Ma’ariv 6:15pm 7:57 pm Shabbat Ends Kabbalat Shabbat/ Festival Service 6:45pm Candle Lighting
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April Events Calendar |Sunday
|Monday
Pesach 2nd Day Pesach 3rd Day 8:50 am 7:00 am Festival Services Morning Minyan 11:00 am Passover Pray ‘n’ Play 7:00 pm Mincha/Ma’ariv 8:12 pm Yom Tov Ends
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2
7:45 pm Cultural and Learning Center Committee Meeting
|Tuesday
| Wednesday
|Thursday
Pesach 4th Day 7:00 am Morning Minyan
Pesach 5th Day 7:00 am Morning Minyan
Pesach 6th Day/ Erev Pesach 7th Day 7:00 am Morning Minyan 7:00 pm Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:01 pm Candle Lighting
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4
5
6:15 pm Adv. .Hebrew 7:00 pm Men’s Club Yom HaShoah Event 7:45 pm Communications Committee Meeting
Yom HaShoah 10:00 am Conversational Hebrew 7:45 pm Executive Committee Meeting
6:15 pm Int.Hebrew 7:00 pm Sisterhood Board Meeting
9
8 Rosh Hodesh Iyar 11:00am Hebrew Literacy 6:00 pm AIPAC Event
15 10:00 am Frankel Scholar Lecture 2:00 pm Women’s League Conference
Rosh Hodesh Iyar 7:00 am Morning Minyan 7:45 pm Board of Education Committee Meeting 8:00 pm Ritual Committee Meeting
10 6:15 pm Int.Hebrew 7:45 pm Author Event with Annette Gendler
22 7:15 pm JUF Dessert Reception
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9:30 am Writer’s Beit Midrash 6:15 pm Adv. Hebrew
Yom HaAtzmaut 10:00 am Conversational Hebrew
6:15 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service
8:50 am Shabbat Services
6:15 pm Gimmel Shabbat Service 7:45 pm Executive 7:17 pm Candle Committee Meeting Lighting
8:00 pm Women’s League Conference
6:15 pm Int.Hebrew
10:00 am Moving Towards Sinai 11:00 am Bible Comes Alive: Angels and Demons 6:15 pm Adv. Hebrew 8:00 pm Membership Engagement Committee Meeting
10:00 am Conversational Hebrew 12:00 pm Study in the Suburbs at BJE 3:00 pm Afternoon@the Movies 7:45 pm Board of Directors Meeting
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10:00 am Ezra and Nehemiah and the Return from Exile 7:00 pm Museum Reception 7:45 pm House Committee Meeting
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Bar Mitzvah Charles Bernat 8:50 am Shabbat Services 9:15 am Beit Midrash Minyan 7:00 pm Mincha/Ma’ariv 8:15 pm Shabbat Ends
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7
13
18
6:15 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service 6:15 pm Bet Kabbalat Shabbat/Oneg 7:10 pm Candle Lighting
Pesach 8th Day/ Yizkor 8:50 am Shabbat and Festival Services 7:00 pm Mincha/Ma’ariv 8:05 pm Yom Tov Ends
12
17
6
|Saturday
11
7:00 pm Men’s Club Board Meeting
Pesach 7th Day 8:50 am Festival Services 7:00 pm Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:02 pm Candle Lighting
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8:00 pm Women’s League Conference
|Friday
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14
12:30 pm Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club 5:00 pm Mincha/Ma’ariv 6:10 pm Shabbat Ends
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6:15 pm Bar Mitzvah Kabbalat Shabbat Seth Savine Service 8:50 am 7:25pm Shabbat Services 7:15 pm Candle Lighting Mincha/Ma’ariv 8:30 pm Shabbat Ends
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Social Action
Social Action’s Mighty Mitzvah Day by Mary Channon, Social Action Chair
Thanks to all the families who came out for Mitzvah Day 2018! We hope you enjoyed the projects and our guest speaker Sharon Morton, founder of Grandparents for Social Action. YOU made a huge impact on our community by supporting one of the many social action projects offered that day, and it is so touching to see our families come together to do the right thing. SPECIAL thanks to the committee members who organized projects and helped with the event, as well as to those who made the day possible through extra support and assistance. If you see them around, please thank them as the day could not have succeeded without them: Janice Aronoff, Jill Bernstein, Jan Channon, Ben Channon, Brian Channon, Daniel Channon and Sarah Ford, Tracey Hendler, Laurie Hochberg, Minde Korman, Dina Lissoos, Beth Olderman, Fran Pine, Rochelle Rubinoff, Mira Temkin, Amy Zisook, Alicia Gejman, Tovah Goodman, Abby Lasky, Abe Rotbart, Ana Igornov, Kathy Stinson and the facilities crew, Avram Pachter and his catering crew, and of course Rabbi Kurtz and Rabbi Schwab.
Current Opportunities JUF Uptown Café
Volunteers needed to serve dinner to neighborhood needy. Ages 12+ March 20, April 17 Contact Rocky Rubinoff at rochelle.rubinoff@gmail.com.
Take a Bite Out of Hunger
Providing breakfast and snack options to children at our local Highland Park schools. Please continue to drop off donations. We are still collecting NUTRIGRAIN bars and GO-GO Squeeze applesauce pouches. Donation bin at synagogue office entrance. Thanks to the Cohen Religious School families for their continued support via weekly donations of fresh fruit. Please contact Mary at mary.channon@ yahoo.com or (847)722-9142 for details on ways you can help. Thank you!
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March/April Events at a Glance Tuesday, March 6 6:30pm Yom HaShoah Candle Packing
Join our USY group and the Men’s Club as we pack Yom HaShoah candles to send out to the congregation. Packing begins at 6:30 and continues until we are finished. Come for the whole time or half an hour. This is a great event to bring your family. There is a job for everyone! Contact Joe Adler at joeadler@angellrg. com for more information. __________________________________________
Wednesday, March 7 9:30am Writer’s Workshop with Michelle Brafman Join the Writer’s Beit Midrash for this prompt workshop designed to get your pen moving (or fingers keyboarding). Beginners, published writers, and everyone in between are welcome. Whether you write poetry, fiction, or memoir, these writing exercises will deepen and/or spark a connection with your subject matter, your stories, and your voice. Open to the community, free of charge. RSVP to Marcie Eskin at meskin@nssbethel.org. __________________________________________
Thursday, March 8 6:45pm Challah Bake
Challah baking, light fare, drinks and socializing. $18 per baker. Proceeds benefit the Cohen Religious School. Contact jennasmiley3@gmail.com. __________________________________________
Saturday, March 10 12:30pm Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club Author Event Meet Michelle Brafman, author of Bertrand Court and Washing the Dead, after Shabbat Kiddush. All are welcome! Copies of the books are available in the Abbell Library and from local libraries and bookstores. Contact Rachel Kamin at rkamin@nssbethel.org or 847/926-7902 for more information. 22 | MARCH/APRIL 2018 | KOL BETH EL
Sunday, March 11 10:00am
Sunday, March 18 7:45pm
Charles Spungen will speak about “The North Korean Nuclear Issue—What You Need to Know. ” Contact Jori Brajer at jbrajer@gmail. com. __________________________________________
Zev Eleff is Chief Academic Officer of Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, IL. He is the author of seven books and more than thirty scholarly articles in the field of American Jewish history. Who Rules the Synagogue (Oxford) and Modern Orthodox Judaism (JPS) were both finalists for the 2016 National Jewish Book Award. Rabbi Eleff will speak about the unique origins of Conservative Judaism in Chicago. Contact Ali Drumm at adrumm@nssbethel.org. __________________________________________
Bagels for your Brains
Sunday, March 11 4:30pm Man of the Year Dinner with FJMC Midwest Region The NSS Beth El Men’s Club invites the entire congregation to the Man of the Year and Youth of the Year dinner at Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook. Help celebrate our Man of the Year, Richard Small, and our Youth of the Year, Emma Halfin. Registration for the dinner and more information can be found at https://midwestregionfjmc. myshopify.com/. Contact Marc Richards at mrichards@brinksgilson.com. __________________________________________
Friday, March 16Sunday, March 18 Men’s Club Shabbat Weekend Join Men’s Club for a wonderful weekend starting with Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat Dinner. Saturday morning the Men’s Club will lead services followed by a deli Kiddush lunch. Everyone is invited as guests of Men’s Club! The weekend will wrap up with a special Bagels For Your Brains Program Sunday morning. Contact Jeffrey Goldsmith at Jeffrey.Goldsmith@corbinadvisors.com. __________________________________________
Rabbi Zev Eleff
Wednesdays, March 21 and April 18 9:30am Writer’s Beit Midrash The NSS Beth El Writer’s Beit Midrash continues to meet every other Wednesday morning in the Maxwell Abbell Library. All fiction, non-fiction, poetry, memoir, and essay writers (published or not yet published) are welcome for discussions, exercises, camaraderie, and critique. Contact Rachel Kamin at rkamin@nssbethel.org for more information. __________________________________________
Thursday, March 22 8:00pm Hearing Men’s Voices Small groups of men within the Beth El community meet in members’ homes to share perspectives, life experiences and insights on a variety of personal, family and social issues, ranging from heath to welfare. Participants may discuss personal journeys and all are invited to listen, contribute, laugh or complain depending upon the mood and character of the discussions. Contact Barry Kravitz at Barry.Kravitz@hdrinc.com. __________________________________________
Friday, March 23 7:00pm Ba’al Korei Shabbat Dinner A special dinner honoring Torah readers young and old, their families and guests. All are welcome to attend. Dinner is free for all invited Torah readers. Family members of invited guests - $16. All other adults over 13 - $20. All kids under 13 - $8. Payment can be made in the synagogue front office. RSVP to Ana Igornov at aigornov@nssbethel.org.
_________________________________________
Wednesday, April 11 8:00pm Yom HaShoah Event This year’s Yom HaShoah commemoration program, will include a musical tribute by Hazzan Ben Tisser, recognition of our own members who survived the Shoah as well as presentations by students who that visited Eastern Europe last summer. Contact Joe Adler at joeadler@angellrg.com. _______________________________________
Tuesday, April 17 7:45pm Becoming a Jew in Post-World War II Germany Annette Gendler will discuss her memoir Jumping Over Shadows and lead a discussion of Judaism and Zionism in Post-World War II Germany. A book signing will follow the program. RSVP to Marcie Eskin at meskin@nssbethel.org. _______________________________________
Saturday, April 21 12:30pm Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club We will discuss Jumping Over Shadows: A Memoir by Annette Gendler, facilitated by Rachel
Kamin. Copies of the book are available in the Abbell Library and from local libraries and bookstores. _______________________________________
Thursday, April 26 3:00pm Afternoon @ the Movies: Germans & Jews with Anette Isaacs
Sunday, April 22 through Tuesday, April 24 Women’s League Central Great Lakes Region Spring Conference 2018
Did you know that Europe’s fastest growing Jewish population is in Berlin? Through personal stories, this documentary explores Germany’s transformation from silence about the Holocaust to facing it head on. To RSVP contact Marcie Eskin at meskin@nssbethel.org. __________________________________________
Some of the highlights of this year’s conference include presentations by our own Rachel Kamin and Ali Drumm, an artist-led talk about the new exhibit in the Rissman Kol Ami Collection; a presentation about Support the Girls by Rachael Heger, National Director of Affiliate Outreach; a visit to the Illinois Holocaust Museum, where we will tour the Museum’s newest exhibition space, the Abe & Ida Cooper Survivor Stories Experience holographic theater. Contact Rachel Ferber at Rachel.ferber@att.net or at 847-835-6201 for more information. __________________________________________
Sunday, April 22 10:00am Irving and Amy Frankel Memorial Lecture
Dr. Claire Sufrin of Northwestern University will speak about “The Theology of Elie Weisel.” A young survivor of Auschwitz, Elie Wiesel (1928-2016) dedicated his life to making sure that the world knew about the horrors of the Holocaust. Given his dedication to the survival of Jews and of Judaism, Wiesel is often described as a theologian. Dr. Claire Sufrin will discuss several of Wiesel’s literary works and how, through considering both their form and content, we can draw out Wiesel’s ways of thinking about God. ____________________________________
Sunday, April 29 11:00am Meet Kim Bloomberg, Jewelry Artisan
This is a first in a series of programs from the Sisterhood Gift Shop, presenting some of the artisans whose work we feature. Kim’s designs are carefully constructed with an “artful balance” in mind, blending vintage and modern styles with harmony of scale and color. Along with a display of her stunning jewelry, Kim will share what inspired the creative expression reflected in her work. RSVP to Sulie Holt at suliekaroholt@gmail.com. _______________________________________
Monday, April 30 7:00pm Museum Reception The Rissman Kol Ami Collection welcomes Howard Schwartz to speak about his work, “Painted Portraits of a Family Past,” currently on display. Refreshments will be served at 7pm; an artist talk will begin after evening minyan. RSVP to Marcie Eskin at meskin@nssbethel.org. _____________________________
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Non Profit Org. US Postage PAID Highland Park, IL Permit No. 96
1175 Sheridan Road Highland Park, IL 60035
It’s All in the Beth El Family
Address service requested
B’nai Mitzvah
Bat Mitzvah
Bar Mitzvah
Bar Mitzvah
Gabriella Ditkowsky,
Charles Bernat,
Seth Savine
Shabbat, March 10 daughter of Madi and Ben Ditkowsky
Shabbat, April 14 son of Beth and Robert Bernat
Shabbat, April 28 son of Irene and Gary Savine
Congratulations:
Condolences To:
Kiddush Sponsors:
Iris and Robert Center on the birth of their grandson, Jessie Matthew Center Debbie and Aaron Dworin on the birth of their grandson, Jonathan William Kehl Judy and Dr. Gerald Farby on the birth of their twin grandsons, Tyler Graham and Brandon Hunter Farby Jeff Kopin on the occasion of his 60th birthday Eli Krumbein on the birth of his great-grandsons, Jonathan William Kehl and Adam Lenny Krieger Robin and David Small on the engagement of their son, Ariel, to Rachel Gordon Nissah Mattenson on the engagement of her grandson, Ariel Small, to Rachel Gordon Bob Weber on his 90th birthday
Jack Blumberg on the loss of his sister, Nancy Whitman and aunt of JoAnne, Benjamin, and Paula Blumberg Joseph Kaplan on the loss of his father, Laurence Kaplan Debbie Lindon on the loss of her sister, Barbara Spora aunt of Zachary Lindon Gloria Shapiro on the loss of her husband, Alvin Shapiro Steven Shapiro on the loss of his mother, Gladys Shapiro
BEANS USY The Derman Family Lisa Fox Debbie and Steve Graham Anne McDonagh and David Fishbaum Gerry Kaplan The Korrub Family Eli Krumbein Dina and Dr. Trevor Lissoos METNY Region NOAM Region North Suburban Beth El Sisterhood North Suburban Synagogue Beth El Men’s Club Marcie and Brad Pickard The Rosen Family
In Memoriam: Albert Boxerman Alvin Shapiro
The Kol Beth El Bulletin is a bi-monthly newsletter written by clergy, staff, and committee chairs. If you have questions or comments, please contact Abby Lasky, Director of Communications, at alasky@nssbethel.og, or call (847) 432-8900, ext. 238.
24 | MARCH/APRIL 2018 | KOL BETH EL