The Message
Congregation Beth Yeshurun January 2020
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From Rabbi Steven Morgen Talking to God
There’s an old joke about a man who prays at the Western Wall every day, morning and night for several years. Eventually, he is asked by a curious bystander, “How long have you been coming here to pray so fervently every day, morning and night?”
But, our prayerbooks are filled with words. Ornate and extravagant poetry. Originally in Hebrew. And they were very cleverly written by our own versions of Shakespeare and Chaucer. That makes praying using these particular words very challenging. And sometimes the lofty ideals simply get lost in the sea of ink on the pages.
“For fifteen years,” the old man answers.
Most of us need a tour guide, or a GPS, to find our way through the Prayer book. If you are searching for a road map through Jewish communal prayer, I will be teaching a class on five Sundays from 10:00-11:00 starting February 23. We will explore the two major components that make up all Jewish services. We will discover why and how the prayers were written the way they are. But we will also find ways to use the words as bridges to our own inner thoughts and yearnings to connect with our Creator. If you have ever felt lost or confused, or perhaps even detached from Jewish prayer, this may be an opportunity to reengage and find deeper and more personal meaning in our services.
“And what do you pray for?” “World peace, an end to hatred and bigotry, a sense of harmony and kinship among Jews for each other, and a sense of responsibility and cooperation among all people to make a better world.” “And how do you feel after all these years?” the bystander asked. “Like I’m talking to a brick wall.” Behind every joke is a kernel of truth. The truth is that Jews are supposed to pray three times every day (actually, usually twice since we combine two of them into one). And we also are actually supposed
We Value Our Members Beth Yeshurun is a community institution with a vital mission: to offer spiritual experiences that inspire and uplift all ages, to educate children and adults, and to provide a setting in which Judaism can be joyously lived and experienced.
Congregation Beth Yeshurun Rhona & Bruce Caress Family Campus 4525 Beechnut St.│Houston, TX 77096-1801 713.666.1881│www.bethyeshurun.org
Interested in Joining? Our synagogue welcomes people of the Jewish faith and their families to make Beth Yeshurun their spiritual home. Mindi Stern, our Director of Member Relations, (713.666.1881) is here to welcome everyone interested in becoming part of our beautiful congregational family.
The Message Vol. LV, No. 4 January 2020│Tevet-Shevat 5780 The Message of Congregation Beth Yeshurun (USPS 968500) is published monthly August-June by Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut, Houston, Harris County, TX 77096-1801. Periodical Postage Paid at Houston, Texas.
Do You Have a Question about Your Membership? Members who may have special needs, whose family situations have changed or who have questions about their membership in the synagogue will find a responsive and empathetic ear by arranging a visit with Mindi Stern, our Director of Member Relations, (713.666.1881).
Postmaster send address changes to Congregation Beth Yeshurun │4525 Beechnut│Houston, TX 77096-1801. Front Cover Photos taken from December programming including our BYYA Hanukkah Paw-ty, Religious school Family Education programs, 2019 USCJ Conference, Friendship Circle Walk, Hindu-Jewish Dialog on God, Spirituality and Reincarnation Want to see your photo? Make sure to tag Beth Yeshurun when posting!
to pray for each of these lofty goals, among many other things.
Follow Us Online! Beth Yeshurun is an active and engaging congregation for members of all ages and backgrounds. To learn more about our ongoing and special programming, visit our website (www.bethyeshurun.org) or follow us on our Facebook page under “Congregation Beth Yeshurun.“ 2
AROUND THE SHUL MENSCH OF THE MONTH
MAZEL MOMENTS
We are pleased to announce that Robert Gillman is our well-deserving “Mensch of the Month” for January 2020. Several Beth Yeshurun office professionals and even Rabbi Strauss, himself, have witnessed firsthand how Robert assists with various projects crucial to the day-to-day operations of the synagogue. From helping prepare the Yartzeit and anniversary notices to assisting with Bar/Bat Mitzvah kits; from ushering at functions like Beth Yeshurun on Broadway to running errands back and forth from the shul to the temporary offices after Hurricane Harvey…Robert always says “Heineni” (here I am) when anyone asks for assistance. He also helped out Chabad with its post-Harvey relief efforts. “The tasks Robert performs are behind-the-scenes with little to no recognition,” said Rabbi Strauss. “This unsung volunteerism is the very definition of a “mensch.”
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, MY FRIENDS! A hearty congratulations to the State Champ Emery/Weiner Jaguars! On December 5, 2019 the upper school’s varsity football team took on Dallas Lakehill Prep for the prestigious TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools), Six-Man Division I football championship. The school made history back in 2015 when its football heroes emerged victorious and brought home the state title for Emery. With another championship on the line, students, parents, grandparents, teachers, admin staff, alums and many friends of the school boarded busses and caravanned in cars to Waco to watch the 11-1 Jaguars attempt to repeat history. After a hard fought battle, the Jags earned their second state football championship with a 31-20 victory. What a great accomplishment and very well-deserving of an historic Mazel Moment!
JEWISH EXPERIENCE
While many congregants have dined at Genesis Steakhouse & Wine Bar for a fine meal or attended a function there in years past, second-generation restaurateur Jason Goldstein has made a few significant upgrades to the place that Rabbi Strauss and his family consider the best in the city. Genesis has moved into a new beautiful (and more convenient for many) location, smack in the middle of Braeswood Square. While still offering the same quality food and wonderful atmosphere, the “new and improved” Genesis has an even more hospitable feel and features an intimate dining room with an adjacent small bar and a sushi bar tucked into a corner. And because it is closed on Shabbat, Genesis Steakhouse and Wine Bar hosts corporate and social functions each Friday evening. Please call 713665-2222 to book your event today or just stop by for a great meal and dining experience. (You may even run into Rabbi Strauss and his family.)
Robert’s introduction to Beth Yeshurun came in the mid-90s when his mom had health issues and Rabbi Segal would visit her in the hospital even though they were not congregation members. The rabbi’s visits always made his mother feel better and the family was so moved that they made Beth Yeshurun their home. He wanted to give back to Beth Yeshurun and, as time permitted, he has enjoyed volunteering in the synagogue office where he strives to help the staff stay organized and get ahead. A graduate of University of Houston where he was a proud member of the Cougar Marching Band, Robert spent much of his professional life as Music Director for HISD. In Robert’s honor, Rabbi Strauss will make a donation to the Jewish War Veterans, an organization that Robert’s father, a US Navy World War II Veteran, proudly supported during his lifetime.
THE SCHTICK
An elderly Jewish man faints and is rushed to the nearest hospital. A nurse tucks him into bed and says, “Mr. Schwartzman, are you comfortable?” Schwartzman replies, “I make a living…!”
Please send all nominations and ideas to Ron Brounes at ron@ronbrounes.com Only submitted material will be considered for publication. 3
Welcome Jennifer Rosenzweig our new Programming Director!
It’s a Mitzvah
Interested in sponsoring a Chapel Minyan weekday breakfast, or a Chapel or Museum Minyan Shabbat Kiddush in memory of your loved one or in honor of a simcha? Please contact Eileen Pettigrew, Food Service Manager, at epettigrew @ bethyeshurun . org or 713.666.1881, ext. 368. Sponsorships will be acknowledged in The Message. Standard breakfasts begin at $120 and kiddushes begin at $145. Special meals may be arranged with the Food Service Department and monthly sponsorships are available. All sponsorships must be paid in advance. Dates will be reserved in the order they are received.
Jennifer is originally from outside of Dallas, but grew up in Houston. After attending school in Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania and working in Accounting and Consulting there for several years, she returned to Houston to stay. She is no stranger to Beth Yeshurun, as her family are long-time congregants. Her children, Zachary and Jacob, are 5th generation Beth Yeshurun members and attended Beth Yeshurun Day School. Jennifer has spent the last decade working in Houston’s Jewish community, as a BYDS volunteer, the Beth Yeshurun Family Life Coordinator, Assistant Director at Camp Young Judaea, and, most recently, Assistant Director of Children, Teens, and Camping at the ERJCC Houston. She has found a home in busy Jewish organizations with lots of programming and is very excited to return to Beth Yeshurun as Program Director.
IN HONOR OF Chapel Committee by JoAnn Nash Judy Zivley, recipient of “Woman of Achievement Award” by Paula Ticatch IN MEMORY OF Evelyn Alexander by Michael and Shelly Alexander Helen Katz by Susan Baum Loyce and J.G. (Jonas) Weinberger by Rochelle Goldberg Skibell & Family and Cynthia and Barry Weinberger & Family
A MESSAGE FROM RABBI ROSEN Both personally and on behalf of my wife, my sister and our entire family, we want to tell you how grateful we are for your beautiful cards, notes and donations in memory of our mother, Toby Rosen. The sheer volume has overwhelmed us, but we have read each and every one of your sweet messages. How blessed our mother was – and we, her children, still are – to be part of such a loving congregational community. Thank you so much!
Coming to See Us? The Synagogue Office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30am to 5:00pm, and Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm. While members and guests are always welcome to visit with our clergy and staff as needs arise, we encourage members to make an appointment first, if at all possible, so that we can make sure you receive the time and attention you both require and deserve. CLOSURES Administrative Offices January 1st - New Year’s Day January 20th- Martin Luther King Jr.
In need of Support? Our Clergy want to be with you and help you deal with life’s many challenges. If you have a death in the family, a loved one is in the hospital, or need a get well prayer for someone special, contact the synagogue at 713.666.1881 so that our Clergy can be a source of strength and support. 4
Worship Services FRIDAY EVENINGS
January 3, 2020 Parashat Va-Yiggash | CL 5:18pm 5:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service
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January 10, 2020 Parashat Va-Y’hi | CL 5:23pm 5:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service January 17, 2020 Parashat Sh’mot | CL 5:29pm 5:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service January 24, 2020 Parashat Va-Era | Shabbat Hahodesh | CL 5:35pm 5:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service January 31, 2020 Parashat Bo | CL 5:41pm 5:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service
Administrative Offices Closed No RS, Meditation, or Israeli Dancing Chai Mitzvah 100 Jewish Men Kehillah High begins at CBY MyShabbat Advanced Directives Workshop YES Group CBY Socials Sisterhood Shabbat PJ Havdallah No RS/Sulam Administrative Offices & BYDS closed Gathering Place New Member Shabbat Tot Shabbat & Dinner MyShabbat Annual Meeting Young Parent 5-Part Series Family Camp at CYJ
Every Tuesday: Wisdom of Torah at 8am Every Wednesday: Meditation & Israeli Dancing
February 7, 2020 Parashat B’Shallah | Shabbat Shirah | CL 5:47pm 5:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service
INTEREST FREE LOANS AVAILABLE Hebrew Free Loan Association of Houston (HFLA) is able to provide immediate assistance in the form of a confidential, interest free loan. Loans are provided for various items including emergency funding. To apply for a loan, visit www.hfla.net.
SATURDAY MORNING 8:30 AM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15 AM - Museum Minyan Service 9:30 AM - Sanctuary Service 10:15 AM - Shabbat Shalom 11:45 AM - Torah Study SATURDAY EVENING SERVICES January 4, 2020 | 5:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel January 11, 2020 | 5:15 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel January 18, 2020 | 5:15 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel January 25, 2020 | 5:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel February 1, 2020 | 5:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel WEEKDAY CHAPEL SERVICES Week of January 5th Mornings: Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings: Sun-Thu 5:00pm Week of January 12th Mornings: Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings: Sun-Thu 5:00pm Week of January 19th Mornings: Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings: Sun-Thu 5:30pm Week of January 26th Mornings: Sun 8:00am, Mon 6:45am, Tue-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings: Sun-Thu 5:30pm Week of February 2nd Mornings: Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am, Afternoon/Evenings: Sun-Thu 5:30pm 5
Sisterhood Shabbat
Friday, January 17, 2020 Join the Beth Yeshurun Sisterhood for a special Shabbat service as sisterhoods around the country come together to celebrate Shabbat.
Contact Lillie Hurwitz lilliehur@gmail.com if you are interested in joining the Sisterhood or are already a member and want to participate in the service.
INCLUSION SHABBAT AT BETH YESHURUN The Congregation’s Committee for Inclusion of People with Disabilities (Inclusion Committee) has set Friday, February 21, 2020, as the date for its tenth annual Inclusion Shabbat.
100 Jewish Men is a group of men dedicated to improving themselves and each other as men, fathers, husbands, brothers, sons, friends and Jews. Through controversial, thought-provoking speakers and small group discussions, we will explore what usually remains unspoken in men’s lives at work and at home. We have an incredible year planned and we hope you choose to be part of it.
Inclusion Shabbat is part of our weekly Friday evening Service, but it is special in that it is part of the national Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month whose aim is to encourage people to be welcoming and inclusive to those with disabilities and their families in not only Beth Yeshurun but the entire Jewish Community.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER VISIT BETHYESHURUN.ORG/100JM
This year’s theme for Inclusion Shabbat will highlight mental health, which is often considered a “silent disability”. Though mental health comprises many different areas, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, and suicide, this year’s theme will place an emphasis on trauma and grieving. Given what has occurred within the Jewish Community on local, national and international levels, this topic is of personal relevance to many people.
All dinners at 7:00 pm followed by programs at 7:30 pm. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8 - BOB GOMEL
Bob Gomel is an American photojournalist who created images of 1960s world leaders, athletes, entertainers, and major events. His photographs have appeared on the covers of LIFE, Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, Fortune, and Forbes, and in TIME, the New York Times, and Der Stern, and in more than 40 books.
With this in mind, the Inclusion Committee will honor and recognize Jewish Family Service and its staff who address these mental health issues every day. The speaker for Inclusion Shabbat is Marisa Minor Nowitz, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works within the Texas Children’s Hospital Trauma and Grief (TAG) Center. As part of her role within the TAG Center, Marisa serves as Clinical Supervisor within the City of Santa Fe Resiliency Center, where she provides evidence-based assessment and intervention to the community of Santa Fe, TX following the tragic school shooting in May 2018.
Spring 2020 Dates THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 | RABBI ELIE SPITZ “Mensch-Making: Refining the Traits You Most Admire.” WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 | CONSTABLE ALAN ROSEN Harris County Precinct 1 Constable “Keeping our Families Safe” SUNDAY, APRIL TBA 15th Annual Men’s Mock Seder
So, mark February 21 at 6:00 p.m. on your calendar for an interesting and educational evening.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 | DEB NEUBEK Assistant Chief for Human Systems Engineering & Integration Division for NASA “Will We Really Put Humans on Mars?”
Congregation Beth Yeshurun is pleased to announce the start of Shabbat to Go. Our clergy want to help you transition from everyday life to a more spiritual time by enhancing your Shabbat experience. Each package comes equipped with a full kosher meal prepared by our Catering Department, the Shabbat essentials, and a Shabbat Message from our clergy to share at the table. www.bethyeshurun.org/shabbattogo 6
Is your family looking for a great way to spend time together? Join Rabbi Sarah Fort and our special guests for a fun and relaxing weekend at Camp Young Judaea for Beth Yeshurun’s Family Camp 2020. Our theme for the weekend is L’dor Vador, from generation to generation, so bring your grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins! At Family Camp, you’ll reconnect as a family, meet up with old friends and make new ones. Together we will experience camp favorites like s’mores around the campfire, hikes, ropes course, and more! From music to challah, we will provide all the elements for an amazing Shabbat experience together at camp. Adults $210 | Ages 6-17 $120 | Ages 3-5 $60 | Ages 0-2 $30 We’re excited to welcome our special guests for the weekend: Joe Buchanan Musician-in-Residence Jomel Birnbaum Preschool Song Leader Rabbi Ariel Sholklapper Rabbi-in-Residence Rabbi Sarah Fort Rabbi-in-Residence
Thank you to our Host Families:
Evan, Julie, Abbie, and Will Davis; Ryan, Hydee, Shira, Eli, and Lilah Kagan; Sharon and Arnie Kagan; Dan, Melanie, Ari, Jonah, and Ethan Spelkin
Thank you to our Sponsoring Families: Haley and Alan Finkelman & Anonymous
The retreat is open to all Beth Yeshurun and Beth Yeshurun Day School members and their families. Financial assistance is available, please contact Rabbi Sarah Fort
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William S. Malev School for Religious Studies
Religious School second grade students and parents came together for an interactive Family Engagement Program that focused on Israel. Rabbi Fort introduced the program by talking about Israel’s importance to Jews throughout the world. Students and parents had fun learning three Israeli dances that were taught by Iris Toth, Assistant Director of Recruitment and Community Engagement at Camp Young Judaea – Texas. After dancing, everyone was happy to relax and visit while having the opportunity to taste a variety of delicious Israeli snacks.
Sulam seventh graders had a great time volunteering with Count Me In at the Merfish Teen Center a few weeks ago. They packed bags for children ranging in age from 6 months - 18 years and for senior adults. They worked hard and were a huge help! Our seventh graders are always so happy to volunteer with this worthwhile project in the Houston Jewish community!
Our First Grade Family Engagement program focused on Simcha or Celebration. Our families enjoyed an early celebration by making latkes. While the latkes were being fried in the kitchen, Rabbi Fort led a memory game that reviewed a variety of Jewish holidays and how we celebrate those special days. Then came the best part - time to eat the delicious latkes! Before the program ended, Ms. Eskowitz read a story about dreidels to the first graders. Everyone enjoyed the time together!
Sulam seventh graders and Religious School sixth graders were fortunate to spend a morning with Holocaust survivor and Beth Yeshurun member, Ruth Steinfeld, as she shared her story with them. The students were mesmerized by Ruth’s story and asked many meaningful and thoughtful questions following her talk. 8
OUR TZEDAKAH FUNDS
♩♫♩
If you have ever put money into the “pushke” in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel, you may have wondered what happens to that money. A sub-committee of the Chapel Committee handles the distribution of these funds to a variety of worthy Rabbi Horwitz causes. These fall into one of four categories: (a) Projects in Israel; (b) Conservative Torah study/program institutions; (c) Caring for the needy; (d) occasional Youth scholarships.
“These are a few of my favorite things!” with Curator
DANIEL MUSHER
MOLLIE & LOUIS KAPLAN MUSEUM OF JUDAICA 4:00pm Sunday, January 12 Lecture & Reception Free and Open to the Public
Among the projects in Israel to which we have directed help this year are: • Yad Sarah, a volunteer-run organization providing a lending library of medical equipment • Beit Noam, ALEH, and SHALVA, which provide community and residential services for people with special needs • “A Package From Home,” offering comfort and support to Israeli soldiers, particularly those with no family in Israel • “Forgotten People Fund,” giving emergency assistance to Ethiopian Israelis in economic crisis • ALYN Hospital, a rehabilitation center in Jerusalem for physically disabled children, adolescents and young adults. To the best of our knowledge, none of these receive any funding from the Israeli government. Thanks to all of you who have helped us provide thousands of dollars to meet these and other needs in the past year! ---Rabbi Daniel Horwitz
Your Gift Shop is stocked for all your needs! The Beth Yeshurun Sisterhood Gift Shop hours: Sunday: 10:00am - 1:00pm Monday: Closed Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00am - 4:30pm Friday: 10:00am - 2:30pm Saturday: Closed ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE MESSAGE! Contact: amills@bethyeshurun.org or 713.666.1881 for sizes & rates 9
CONDOLENCES The congregation extends its sincerest condolences
Family Album
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to the families of: Harold Eli Caplan, David Gertner, Nat Levy, Robyn Saghian, and Emily Weingarten Stein May their memories be for a blessing. A Notice About Bereavement Communications Bereavement notices for our synagogue family are distributed with the permission of the deceased’s family, and the timing of these notices is dictated by the family’s request. Of course, each family grieves in its own way, and we are grateful for our congregation’s patience and understanding with different families’ preferences about how their loss is publicized.
ANNIVERSARIES
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Leslie & Scott Stange Lisa & Rabbi Brian Strauss Jackie & Vincent Wedelich Deborah & Joseph Freilich Claudia & Sergio Soroka Linda & Jay Rosen Taryn & Dan Braun Amy & Daniel Ferber Yarden & Robert Finder Lauren & Joshua Vogel Dory & Nestor Yudelevich Lea & Melvyn Fradkin Jennifer & Joel LeVine Danielle & Steven Maislos Lisa & Robert Suvalsky Juliana & Stephen Tew Ellen & Barry Croft Julie & Michael Kaplan Dorian & Jason Taibel Ginger & Grant Marblestone Nicole & Jeff Dobbs Amy & Michael Merkin Julie & Steven Scheinthal Andrea & Yosef Winard Janine & Michael Pappert Judy & David Bell Tandy Camberg-Harris & Jonathan Harris Sherry & Lenny Dubin Tyann & Marc Nathan Linda & Bruce Ruzinsky Fortuna & Rafael Esquenazi Susan & Michael Klaiman Elyse & Howard Schultz Rina & Leon Trakhtenberg Rochelle & Abram Batagower Amira & Bradley Staller Linda & Morris Taibel Paula & Nathan Ticatch Randee & Howard Berman Rosemarie & David DeVido Sharon & Jonathan Levy Norma & Saul Szub Rona Milbauer Levit & Gerald Levit Laurie & Jeffrey Rosenberg Lisa & Cory Birenbaum Julie & Evan Davis Staci & Jason Beinart Reina & Scott McMillian Bonnie & Steven Schultz Allison & Michael Burger Melanie & Elan Levy Margot & Michael Barnard Jessica & Jonathan Sacks Jessica & Joshua Samet
Start your Super Bowl Sunday with a Prayer and let’s Wrap and Roll! Conservative Jewish men and women around the world will celebrate the Mitzvah of Tefillin at their morning minyanim, joining thousands of other men and women in the annual “World Wide Wrap.” Join us for breakfast sponsored by 100 Jewish Men before we wrap at 9:00am! Rabbis and trainers will be available to teach you how to daven with tefillin. Bring your own tefillin or borrow a set from our loaner supply.
Sunday, February 2, 2020 | 9:00 am Questions? Contact Rabbi Brian Strauss, BSTRAUSS@BETHYESHURUN.ORG
713-771-8000
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B’nai Mitzvah Josie Frances Goldfarb (January 3-4) is the daughter of Rysse and Brian Goldfarb; sister of Sam and Lila; granddaughter of Susan and Robert Goldfarb, Anita and Jeff Bayer, Vann Pressley, and the late Rhonda Pressley. Josie is a seventh grader at Pin Oak Middle School where she is involved in the Advanced Theatre department. For her Mitzvah Project, Josie volunteered with the River at TUTS, working each week with children with special needs participating in theatre, voice, and dance classes. She will be donating a portion of her monetary gifts to the Jewish Family Services Mental Health program and the Nature Conservancy.
Mayer Roan Levit (January 4) is the son of Erica and Benjy Levit; brother of Cory Levit; grandson of Lee Levit and Milton Levit, of blessed memory; and Marsha Rose and Stanley Kaufman and his wife Betsy Kaufman. Mayer attends Emery/ Weiner School. For his mitzvah project he is volunteering with BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions. Mayer will also participate in the Rabbi’s 10% Plan by contributing to BARC Animal Shelter. Kate Isabel Leibman (January 10-11) is the daughter of Allison and Neville Leibman; sister of Henry and James; granddaughter of Toni and Gary Miller, Richard Leibman, and the late Henia Leibman. Kate is a sixth grader at St. John’s school where she is involved in theater and sports. For her Mitzvah Project, Kate decorated Shabbat boxes for patients at MD Anderson and Methodist Hospital. She will be donating a portion of her monetary gifts to Jewish Family Services, an agency dedicated to providing light, hope and help to individuals struggling with life’s challenges. Philip Samuel Leibman (January 1011) is the son of Eleonora and Bryan Leibman, brother of Julia, Daniel and Alex Leibman, and grandson of Irina and Gregory Grinblat, Richard Leibman and the late Henia Leibman. Philip is in the eighth grade at Robert M. Beren Academy where he plays on the basketball team. For his Mitzvah project, Philip has participated regularly with The Friendship Circle of Houston, and helped assemble Hanukkah gift bags through the BBYO Count Me In program. He will participate in the Rabbi’s 10% plan by donating a portion of his gifts to The Friendship Circle of Houston and Holocaust Museum Houston.
Ethan David Haas (January 17-18) is the son of Rene Shapiro and Eric Haas and his wife Courtney; brother of Danielle, Eliana, Jagger and Decker Haas; grandson of Elaine and George Haas of New Orleans, and Bette and David Shapiro, of blessed memory. Ethan attends Emery/Weiner School. For his mitzvah project he is collecting sports equipment to be donated to the Recycled Baseball Items Foundation or RBI. He will also participate in the Rabbi’s 10% Plan by contributing to RBI. Joseph “Yossi” Simcha Trubek (January 17-18) is the son of Angie Dorfman and Simon Trubek and stepson of Grant Dorfman and Mollie Trubek; brother of Bailey, Ella, Emma, Ryan & Charlotte; and the grandson of Helen & Angelo DeJohn and Stella & Alexander Trubek. Yossi attended Beth Yeshurun Day School and now attends Emery/Weiner School. For his Mitzvah project he is collecting supplies to be donated to the Houston SPCA. He will be participating in the Rabbi’s 10% plan and donating a portion of his monetary gifts to The ALS Association and American Stroke Association in honor of his grandfathers. Sophie Rae Grosman (January 2425) is the daughter of Dana and Philip Grosman; sister of Matthew and Ellie. She is the granddaughter of Michael Lampear, Robin Lampear, and Sharon and Eddie Grosman; great-granddaughter of Yetta Gilbert and Roselyn Borger (and the late Dr. Jules Borger). Sophie is a seventh grader at the Emery/Weiner School where she plays volleyball and soccer. For her mitzvah project, Sophie is collecting and donating undergarments and toiletries to Star of Hope, to help people in her own community that can’t afford basic needs. Sophie will also participate in the Rabbi’s 10% plan by donating a portion of her monetary gifts to the Houston Food Bank, another way to help provide basic needs for those less fortunate. Jonathan Thomas Hardee (January 31-February 1) is the son of Lisa and Eric Hardee; brother of Alex, Andrew and William; grandson of Linda Rosen, Fredell and Lewis Rosen and Ruthie and Conley Hardee. Jonny is a seventh grader at Pershing Middle School where he plays Basketball and Baseball. For his Mitzvah Project, Jonny collected much needed items for the Ronald McDonald House of Galveston. He will participate in the Rabbi’s 10% Plan and donate a portion of his monetary gifts to JDRF.
Please contact Sara Ellen Kaiser at 713.255.8005 or skaiser@bethyeshurun.org, for your submission deadline to list your Bar/Bat Mitzvah student’s parents, siblings, grandparents, school, and Mitzvah Projects. 11
Contact Us
SYNAGOGUE OFFICE | 713.666.1881 4525 Beechnut St | Houston, TX 77096-1801 CLERGY Rabbi Brian Strauss bstrauss@bethyeshurun.org Assistant: Abby Rotenberg arotenberg@bethyeshurun.org | 713.255.8011 Rabbi Steven Morgen smorgen@bethyeshurun.org Rabbi Sarah Fort sfort@bethyeshurun.org Assistant: Lisa Unsell lunsell@bethyeshurun.org | 713.255.8017 Rabbi David Rosen, drosen@bethyeshurun.org Rabbi Jack Segal rabsegal@aol.com Rabbi Danny Horwitz rabbidanny@aol.com Cantor Meir Finkelstein mfinkelstein@bethyeshurun.org Asst. & B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator: Sara Ellen Kaiser skaiser@bethyeshurun.org | 713.255.8005 SYNAGOGUE Jerrad Bloome, President bethyeshurun.org
Time sensitive material - please deliver promptly!
Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 26, 2020 Submit board nominations by January 15, 2020 to: www.bethyeshurun.org/ form/2020boardnomination
president@bethyeshurun.org
Andy Burger, Executive Director aburger@bethyeshurun.org
Jennifer Rosenzweig, Program Director jrosenzweig@bethyeshurun.org
Mindi Stern, Director of Member Relations mstern@bethyeshurun.org
Jennifer-Joy Sutton, Director of Development jsutton@bethyeshurun.org
Ashley Mills, Marketing & Communications Manager amills@bethyeshurun.org
Arthur Miller, Cemetery
amiller@bethyeshurun.org
| 713.255.8076
WILLIAM S. MALEV RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS Sheryl Eskowitz, Education Director
seskowitz@bethyeshurun.org
| 713.255.8040
BETH YESHURUN DAY SCHOOL School Office 713.666.1884, 713.255.8045 Jennifer LeVine, Head of School: jlevine@byds.org Read The Message online at bethyeshurun.org February deadline: January 3rd to Ashley Mills 12