The August Message

The Message

Congregation Beth Yeshurun August 2018

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE GATHERING PLACE SEE PAGE 13 THE GATHERING PLACE FOR SENIORS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS

At Congregation Beth Yeshurun In partnership with Interfaith CarePartners

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with Hebrew. Now, everyone can participate no matter their Jewish background.

From the Rabbi

We want to see more of our young families on Friday nights. To make it easier for them, we have reconstructed the Freedman-Levit sanctuary to create a special “Crying Room.”

If during the service your child needs a little break, you can take them into this new room and through our speaker system and a special one way window, you can still participate in the service.

Rabbi Brian Strauss As I wrote in my recent congregational letter, I really want to see more of you at Beth Yeshurun on Shabbat. I understand that in our modern world, there are so many options competing for your precious time. But for thousands of years, Shabbat has been a pillar of Jewish life. Shabbat has always been the time to come together to strengthen old friendships and make new ones. The Sabbath is also the ideal opportunity for your spirit to be uplifted and your soul to be nourished. Therefore, we have come up with many novel ways to entice you to come to Beth Yeshurun on Shabbat.

We will also be experimenting with several special themed Friday nights. We will continue to welcome the precious children of our religious school choir once a month. The children of our Beth Yeshurun Day School choir will also join them a few times this year. We will honor our teachers at a special “Teacher’s Shabbat” in November. We will continue to remember the importance of including all of our members at our “Inclusion Shabbat” in February. We will celebrate with a “Grandparent’s Shabbat” in March, a “Mother’s Shabbat” in May, and a “Father’s Shabbat” in June. We will remember the importance of our social action work at a “Hunger Shabbat” in April. We will continue to partner with CanCare with a special Shabbat in June.

My goal for this program year is to make our Friday night service even better. A prominent pastor once said that he preaches on Sunday what his people can use on Monday. In a similar way, we will preach on Shabbat what you can use throughout your week. Our tradition offers so much wisdom and insight. In our sermons and discussions, your Beth Yeshurun rabbis will offer this advice and guidance on life’s most pressing issues.

We have also created new approaches to our worship experience to fully engage you. Cantor Finkelstein has selected some extraordinary musicians to form a special Friday night band to accompany him. Together, they will lead the congregation in new melodies to encourage you to participate in the beautiful prayers that make our Kabbalat Shabbat service so beautiful. We have also created a new transliterated prayer booklet designed for those who struggle

I along with my colleagues will also be greeting you every Friday night when you walk into our sanctuary. I want to give you a Shabbat welcome and see how you are doing. Last but certainly not least, we will also be offering an enhanced oneg after services so you will stay and develop stronger relationships with other congregants and your clergy. Who doesn’t enjoy something good to nosh on while spending time with friends? To allow you to still get home at a reasonable hour, I also promise to end our services as close to 7:00 pm as possible. No one ever complains when the rabbi keeps his remarks brief!

Congregation Beth Yeshurun

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.

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. LIII, No. 11 August 2018│Av-Elul 5778

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 th-e synagogue will find a responsive and empathetic ear by arranging a visit with Mindi Stern, our Director of Member Relations, (713.666.1881).

The Message of Congregation Beth Yeshurun (USPS 968-

500) is published monthly August-July by Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut, Houston, Harris County, TX 770961801. Periodical Postage Paid at Houston, Texas.

Postmaster send address changes to Congregation Beth Yeshurun │4525 Beechnut│Houston, TX 77096-1801.

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.“

Front Cover Photos taken from May 2018 Gathering Place Meeting. For more information about the Gathing Place visit bethyeshurun.org/gathering-place

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Dear Beth Yeshurun, A year of re-birth. A year of re-build. A year of reconnecting!

I am excited to share several announcements that will ensure that 2018 is a year of positive transformation at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, in addition to Rabbi Brian Strauss assuming the position of Senior Rabbi for the Congregation on August 1.

Lu Dorfman, our Executive Director for 16 years, announced his retirement initiating the need to search for a replacement. Throughout his 16 years serving our community, Lu brought a level of professionalism that elevated Beth Yeshurun from the BY2K remodeling campaign to the rebuilding from the aftereffects of Hurricane Harvey. His last day as Executive Director with the congregation will be December 31, 2018. Fortunately, Lu and his family are still members of Beth Yeshurun, and we look forward to seeing them around the Shul in the years to come, as active congregants.

In March, the Executive Committee convened a search committee headed by congregant Lee Wunsch to find a senior executive with the right skills, experience and knowledge to successfully lead Congregation Beth Yeshurun into the future, a future of spirituality, community and financial stability - a future of engagement, involvement and action.

On behalf of the Executive Committee, the Board of Trustees, Rabbi Strauss, the entire clergy and staff, I am proud and excited to announce that Andy Burger has accepted the position of Executive Director of Beth Yeshurun, starting August 1, 2018.

At Beth Yeshurun, most recently, Andy served as President of the Congregation. Andy’s Beth Yeshurun journey to becoming our new Executive Director includes chairing the Technology Committee for years, chairing a task force on membership engagement and dues models, chairing a very successful fundraising committee for three years, which in our first event raised $175,000 net revenue, serving on the Board, Executive Committee and as President-Elect, and finally President of the Congregation.

Andy is a seasoned executive, having served in senior leadership positions at Compaq and BMC Software. Andy has run his own software company and strategy – consulting firms, representing some of the Fortune 500’s biggest companies.

As Andy steps in as Executive Director, I am proud to ascend to the position of President of Congregation Beth Yeshurun. As a lifelong active member of Beth Yeshurun, having served on the board for 8 years and the Executive Committee as Treasurer and President Elect for over 2 years, I was also a member of and chaired the Membership Committee, chaired the search for our new Assistant Rabbi, served on the budget committee and several task forces related to membership and engagement, served as a Senior Advisor and served on the Legal Committee.

Since Hurricane Harvey’s devastating destruction, we have proven that we can be stronger than before. Over the past few months - in addition to all that our staff, clergy and congregants have done to help re-build and repair the community and each other - you have seen progress in the rebuilding of the Rhona & Bruce Caress Family Campus , including our Barg Sanctuary. The Barg Sanctuary will be ready to welcome all members to celebrate the High Holidays this year. We will have a very special program as a part of our Selichot Services on Saturday night, September 1, as we enter the High Holidays.

I am deeply humbled with this honor and responsibility of serving as President for a Congregation that has meant so much to my family and me over the years. The Executive Committee and I look forward to hearing from congregants with ideas and thoughts on what we and the Shul can do during this transformation, and how you can participate in and be part of the transformation. Thank you for being a part of our community. Thank you in advance for all of your help and support. You are an integral part of making Congregation Beth Yeshurun a great synagogue and a foundational part of our lives.

Sincerely,

Jerrad Bloome, President 3

Worship Services

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.

FRIDAY EVENINGS

August 3, 2018 | Parashat Eikev | CL 7:54pm 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service 6:45 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel August 10, 2018 | Parashat R’eih | CL 7:48pm 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service 6:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel August 17, 2018 | Parashat Shof’tim | CL 7:42pm 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service 6:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel

In memory of Cecil L. Berman & Alex M. Berman sponsored by Dell and Barbara Coleman In honor of their daughter Victoria Violet Breed sponsored by Jeremy & Jacque Breed In memory of Maurice Greenspan sponsored by Bennett Greenspan & Family In memory of Belle Korot sponsored by Philip Korot & Marsha Turell In memory of Milton Levit sponsored by Benjy & Erica Levit; Lee Levit In memory of Steve Rudoff sponsored by Steve Tew, Larry Finder, Arthur Nathan, John Cohen, Gary Swartz, Shelly Rubenfeld In memory of Leo Schwartz sponsored by Annita & Newton Schwartz In memory of Lea Krell Weems sponsored by Judy, Mark, Evan & Marshall Mucasey, Ariel, Steven & Lily Becker, Gary, Sunni, Abbie, Brooke & Casey Markowitz and Ruth Krell Steinfeld

August 24, 2018 | Parashat Ki Tetzei | CL 7:34pm 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service 6:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel August 31, 2018 | Parashat Ki Tavo | CL 7:26pm 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service 6:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 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 August 4, 2018 7:45 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel August 11, 2018 7:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel August 18, 2018 7:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel August 25, 2018 7:15 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel

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.

Please be cautious when entering the building as we are still under construction.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.

WEEKDAY CHAPEL SERVICES Week of 7/29 Mornings Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings Sun-Thu 7:30pm.

Week of 8/5 Mornings Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings Sun-Thu 6:30pm.

Week of 8/12 Mornings Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings Sun-Thu 6:30pm.

Week of 8/19 Mornings Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings Sun-Thu 6:30pm.

Week of 8/26 Mornings Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings Sun-Thu 6:30pm.

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.

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arbara ejeault

This page sponsored by HOUSTON JEWISH FUNERALS Interested in sponsoring a page? Contact amills@bethyeshurun.org

Jewish Service

Wisdom of Torah

Don Eric Jewish Bishop Commitment Coleman Jewish Professionals

with Rabbi Brian Strauss Tuesday Mornings, 8:00am Together, over breakfast, we will explore the ancient wisdom of Torah and how it can be applied in today’s modern world.

All are welcome!

Don Eric 713-666-0257 Coleman Bishop www.houstonjewishfunerals.com Barbara Bejeault

EXPANDED ROLE OF OUR CLERGY IN THE GREENFIELD CHAPEL

Starting in August, one member of our full time clergy will be joining our daily minyan every morning Tuesday – Friday. Rabbi Strauss will be there on Tuesdays, Rabbi Morgen on Wednesdays, Rabbi Fort on Thursdays, and Cantor Finkelstein on Fridays. They all hope to connect with any member who attends and to be there for our members who are saying kaddish for a loved one.

713-666-0257 www.houstonjewishfunerals.com Rabbi Strauss will be teaching the “Wisdom of Torah” every Tuesday morning over an expanded breakfast. Anyone is welcome no matter one’s level of Torah learning. This experience is in honor of our beloved Steve Rudoff z’’l who cherished our Greenfield Chapel.

In addition, our Chapel Rabbi, Daniel Horwitz, has taken on an expanded role. In addition to the daily morning service, he will be present at the evening service and offer a brief d’var Torah each day between Mincha and Ma’ariv. Rabbi Horwitz will also be giving a more extended teaching every Shabbat afternoon after Mincha.

Calling all Prospective Members!

You are invited to come see what Beth Yeshurun has to offer at our Wine and Cheese Open House 08.08.18 5:30-7:00 pm 5

2018-2019 PROGRAM SCHEDULE 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. A complete schedule can be found on our website by visiting: bethyeshurun.org/100JM

Thank you to our Steering Committee! Michael Wiesenthal, Mark Newman, Wayne Arzt, Nir Grossman, Jerry Selzer, Michael Schwartzberg, Bill Schwartz, Paul Katz, Michael Lisch, Eric Gibbs, Marty Peskin, Reid Friedman, and Ryan Kagan.

All dinners at 7:00 pm followed by programs at 7:30 pm.

Wednesday, October 10 | Helen Sharkey Gebhard | Learning from my Mistakes When Helen Sharkey was hired as an accountant in 1996 by Dynegy—an up-and-coming energy trading company in Houston—she had no idea the job would ultimately lead to 28 days in a maximum-security federal prison. Today, Helen speaks about her experiences with brutal honesty and not a trace of self-pity. She talks about her excitement when she landed her “dream job” at Dynegy, only to be followed by dismay when she began to doubt the ethics of what they were doing and, ultimately, her complete loss of faith in the company.

We have a lot to learn from her experiences. For a complete biography visit: helensharkey.info/bio/ Wednesday, November 14 | Jim G. Conway, FBI agent | The Challenges of Protecting Houston from Terrorists James G. Conway has served our nation with distinction for over 35 years, twenty-five of those years as a Special Agent of the FBI. Beginning in 1984, Conway, was a member of the Houston Division of the FBI where he managed a number of successful and complex investigations in the areas of Organized Crime, Violent Crime, and Counterterrorism. Currently, Conway is the President of Global Intel Strategies a Houston-based firm that consults, trains and advises government agencies, academia, and the media on terrorism and national security issues as well as private sector corporations on global and travel security issues, counterterrorism measures and risk mitigation. For a complete biography visit: globalintelstrategies.com/bio Wednesday, December 12 | Rep. Sarah Davis Sarah Davis is an accomplished attorney devoting her career to defending against personal injury lawsuits.

She is of counsel with the national law firm of Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edleman & Dicker, LLP. Sarah’s clients include individuals, local businesses, and Fortune 500 companies. Sarah was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2010 and served on the Public Health and Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committees.

Sarah was re-elected in 2012 and served on the Public Health, Calendars, and Appropriations committees. In her current term, Sarah continues to serve on the Calendars committee, and was appointed to serve on the Corrections committee. For a complete biography visit: sarahdavis134.com/about

Save the Date for Spring 2019!

Wednesday, January 9 J. Kent Friedman, President Houston Sports Authority, Lawyer, Community leader

Sunday, April 7 Men's Mock Passover Seder at UOS with Rabbi Brian Strauss & Others

Wednesday, February 13 Charlie Pallilo Sports, A Lot More than Just Games

Wednesday, May 15 Doctor Panel with Clive Fields Staying Alive: Men's Health in the 21st Century

Register & pay online at www.bethyeshurun.org/100JM or submit this registration form, along with a check payable to Beth Yeshurun, to Rabbi Brian Strauss Congregation Beth Yeshurun | 4525 Beechnut St. | Houston, TX 77096 Registration Cost*: $110/CBY Members; $125/Non-CBY Members *Financial Assistance is available - please contact Rabbi Strauss.

100 JEWISH MEN 2018-2019 REGISTRATION

Name________________________________________________________________________________________________ Billing Address____________________________________________ City/St/Zip_____________________________________ Contact Phone #_____________________________________ E-Mail____________________________________________ Optional Scholarship Donation $ ______ CBY Member __ CBY Non-Member __ 6

An Open Letter from Rabbi Brian Strauss

weekly torah study 11:45am Shabbat Mornings

at Beth Yeshurun Join our Weekly Torah discussions led by Rabbi Danny Horwitz each Shabbat to discern the simple and complex, the explicit and implicit of Torah Wisdom as it applies to our daily life.

Dear Friends, Allow me to begin by expressing my heartfelt appreciation to you for this incredible opportunity.

I am honored to become the new senior rabbi of Congregation Beth Yeshurun at this exciting time in our congregation’s history. For the past seventeen years, I have had the pleasure of learning from Rabbi David Rosen. I am likewise blessed to have benefitted in countless ways from my colleagues, Rabbi Jack Segal, Cantor Meir Finkelstein, Rabbi Steve Morgen, Rabbi Sarah Fort, and Rabbi Danny Horwitz.

Jewish Community Day Jewish Community Day Day Jewish Community Sunday, August 12th at 1:10 pm th at 1:10 Sunday, August 12thAugust at 1:1012p.m.

Sunday, p.m.

Jewish Community Day

Join the Astros as we celebrate 1st annual Join the Astros as weour celebrate our Jewish 1st annual Jewish CommunityCommunity Day at Minute Park.Maid Kosher hotKosher dogs hot dogs Day Maid at Minute Park.

Sunday, August 12th at 1:10 p.m. will be available purchase. will befor available for purchase.

Join the Astros as we celebrate our 1st annual Jewish Community Day at Minute Maid Park. Kosher hot dogs Ticket Details: Ticket TicketforDetails: will beDetails: available purchase.

- Mezzanine seats - $35 - Mezzanine seats -- $35 mezzanine seats $35 My number Details: - Ticket Groups of Groups 20 or more contact Stetson directly at directly 713-259-8570 or or one goal as your new senior rabbi is -groupmatics of 20 or more contact Carlee Stetson .eventsCarlee /event /jewishcommunity 6 at 713-259-8570 - cstetson@astros.com Mezzanine seats - $35 to bring the wisdom and richness of our religious cstetson@astros.com -

tradition to your life. In our busy, modern-day world, I want to be there to help you make sense of your daily struggles in order to show you that Judaism can bring more meaning to your life.

Groups of 20 or more contact Carlee Stetson directly at 713-259-8570 or cstetson@astros.com

I am fortunate not to be alone in this holy work. We are blessed with an incredible clergy team as well as an outstanding programmatic and administrative support staff who will always be here for you. Together, we hope to play a more active part in your daily lives. We will constantly be exploring new options and developing innovative ways to communicate with you. We are also fully committed to being there for you and your family during good times and bad. In this spirit, please store your clergy’s cell phone numbers in your phones.

That way, we are just a phone call away for anything you may need. My number is 713.449.9921. The other members of the clergy can be reached at - Cantor Meir Finkelstein (248.882.0475); Rabbi Steve Morgen (713.502.9012); Rabbi Sarah Fort (571.216.4195); Rabbi David Rosen (281.610.2505); Rabbi Jack Segal (281.630.7147); and Rabbi Danny Horwitz (281.636.2437). We also plan to expand our presence on social media. For those of you on social media, we will be posting more and tweeting you soon.

Please join the b e t h y e s h u ru n s i s t e r h o o d for Wine and Cheese as we welcome New Members and learn to make Challah! thursday, august 23, 2018 stein hall | 6:30 – 9:00 PM $10.00 | members

free

| new and prospective members

Sandra Finkelman, Sisterhood member and Challah Baker Extraordinaire will teach us her secrets of baking delicious Challah To register for the event or to learn more, contact Barbara Koslov at bgkoslov@aol.com or Vicky Richker at vicky.richker@gmail.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

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Final Letter to the Congregation from ARabbi David Rosen Dear Friends, With all the events connected to my retirement now behind us, I will be forever grateful to everyone who planned, supported and attended some or all of the wonderful programs that made my last several months as Senior Rabbi unforgettable. I will, in particular, always cherish the bound book filled with hundreds of your personal greetings that was presented to me at Hobby Center. In looking back on the last year, I have been touched beyond words by all the sweet wishes that have been shared with me, and I thank you.

On Aug. 1, I will officially become Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Beth Yeshurun. I will soon join Rabbi Segal in the beautiful new offices still being finished in what was the Cantor’s Wing. I look forward to remaining a part of the congregation that has been a part of my life since I was a child, where I became a Bar Mitzvah and where I have been honored to work since 1996.

CBY is committed to being the place where your soul can thrive in many ways. As part of expanding our offerings, we’re launching the Jewish Mindfulness Center (JMC) to offer new spiritual, intellectual, and embodied ways to connect to Judaism; providing Jewish mindfulness, meditation, chanting and more.

As part of our kick-off year we’re excited to announce new monthly Shabbat morning meditations, four seasonal experiential learning series, and two yearly retreats in the Houston area. Our weekly meditation group will also continue meeting every week Wednesday evening at 7pm. Want more information or to get involved? Email our Director, Rabbi Ariel Sholklapper rabbiasholk@gmail.com

Marcie and I will be remaining in Houston, though with our children and grandchildren in Jerusalem and Seattle, we may be traveling more than we envisioned! However, it is to Houston we will always return — to all our family and friends, and to the congregation we so love.

Though a Rabbi Emeritus has no formal responsibilities, I have nonetheless been graciously invited by Rabbi Strauss to continue serving members of the congregation who may turn to me in times of joy and sorrow. I have also accepted his invitation to continue visiting hospitalized members each week, as I have throughout the years.

I will always consider bringing Rabbi Strauss to our congregation as one of my proudest accomplishments. It was 17 years ago that a very young and newly-ordained Brian Strauss expressed interest in joining our team. Our congregation quickly found itself in competition with another very large Texas synagogue, but there was no way we were going to let him get away! Thankfully, he and Lisa ended up choosing Beth Yeshurun, and there has never been a day when he has not dignified our CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 8

Join us on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00pm on the Bimah in the Freedman-Levit Sanctuary August 1st Mindfulness Meditation - Paying attention as an act of love and respect August 8th led by Ray Sher and Gary Edmondson Meditation and Chanting based on the Torah portion August 15th led by Janice Rubin Spiritual Tools for the High Holy Days--Each day in the month of Elul brings us closer to Rosh Hashanah and the season of the turning of our soul.

August 22th led by Jan Silver Mindfulness Meditation August 29th led by Rabbi Sholklapper Mindfulness Meditation on proximity to the Divine.

No experience is necessary. Newcomers are always welcome. Drop in anytime.

For more information contact Karen Hurwitz at karenhurwitz@karenhurwitz.com

A FEW THINGS YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE ON A FRIDAY NIGHT AT BETH YESHURUN • • • • • •

A new transliterated prayer booklet Special themed Friday nights Enhanced Onegs Reconstructed spaces in the Freedman-Levit Sanctuary Sermons that continue to inspire you throughout the week A Shabbat band with Cantor Finkelstein to provide new and engaging melodies

An Open Letter from Rabbi Brian Strauss, continued from page 7

As we begin to think about the year ahead, we envision some exciting enhancements to strengthen our synagogue community.

I want to share two of them with you now. First, we have strengthened our commitment to social action.

I look forward to working with our new social action chairs Melissa Levin and Samantha Melman. This component of synagogue life will be a major focus of my senior rabbinate. I feel very strongly that we can and need to do more for the greater Houston community. So many people, Jews and non-Jews, were there for us in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Now, I want us to do more for those in need every day.

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel z”l once said, “A religious man or woman is a person who holds God and human beings in one thought at one time, who suffers harm done to others, whose greatest passion is compassion, whose greatest strength is love and defiance of despair.” I try to live my life every day with this statement in mind and in my heart. I hope to encourage everyone in our greater congregational family to do the same.

Second, I really want to see more of you at Beth Yeshurun on Friday nights and Saturday mornings. I understand that in our modern world, there are so many options competing for your precious time. But for thousands of years, Shabbat has been a pillar of Jewish life. Shabbat has always been our time to come together to strengthen old friendships and make new ones. The Sabbath is also the ideal opportunity for our spirits to be uplifted and our souls to be nourished. Therefore, we promise to come up with many novel ways to entice you to come to Beth Yeshurun on Shabbat. No matter your background or your age, we will be working on new approaches to our worship experiences to fully engage you. In our sermons and discussions, we will also offer advice and guidance on life’s most pressing issues that you can use throughout your week. We will also be experimenting with what we offer after services so you will stay and develop stronger relationships with other congregants and your clergy.

Finally, allow me to end with a prayer I recite every morning that reminds me daily of the awesome responsibility I have as your new senior rabbi. “May it be Your will, Lord our God and God of our ancestors, to grant me a portion in Your Torah. May I be a disciple of Aaron the Kohen, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving my fellow men and women and drawing them near to the Torah.”

Please know that I look forward to being your spiritual leader for many years to come. I am just a phone call away for anything you may ever need.

L’shalom,

Rabbi Brian Strauss 9

Rafael Camhi (August 24/25) is the son of Elias and Rina Camhi, brother of Moises Camhi and grandson of Dr. Rafael Esquenazi and Judy Szamos and Murray Camhi and the late Betty Camhi. Rafael attends the Emery Weiner School and is active in sports and theatre. Rafa volunteers throughout the year with Friendship Circle and seeks opportunities to donate, share his time and help with various causes like volunteering at the food bank.

Rafa will donate a portion of his gifts to the SPCA of Houston.

B’nai Mitzvah Ashley Faith Taibel (August 10/11) is the daughter of Sarah and Andrew Taibel; sister of Neal and Elizabeth; granddaughter of Ell Jana and Jack Camhi and Linda and Morris Taibel; and great granddaughter of Sarah Camhi. Ashley attends Robert M. Beren Academy. For her Mitzvah Project, Ashley worked with Dance Hope Cure and her dance company to create a photoshoot fundraiser. The proceeds from this fundraiser went to pediatric cancer research. She will also donate a portion of her monetary gifts to several charities.

Alexander David Levine (August 24/25) is the son of Carlos & Rosibel Levine, brother of Sara & Diego; and grandson of Rebecca and the late Enrique Levine and Rosita and the late Ruperto Gonzalez. Alexander attends Hebrew Hispanic “Bilu” School in Maracaibo, Venezuela.

Alexander will donate a portion of his monetary gifts to the Foundation Friends of the Child with Cancer in Maracaibo, Venezuela.

Adam Harrison Hakimi (August 11) is the son of Stephen and Dana Hakimi; grandson of Sharon Liss and the late Harris Liss, Lily Hakimi and the late Fred Hakimi. Adam attends Crossroads School. For his Mitzvah Project, Adam made nosh bags and distributed them to cancer patients undergoing chemo at Methodist Cancer Center which is where his mom had been receiving treatment for breast cancer. Adam will donate a portion of his monetary gifts to the Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Jordan Makayla Blum (August 17/18) is the daughter of Michelle and Marvin Blum; sister of Jonathan, Jennifer and Josh Blum; granddaughter of Marie Cweren and the late Gerson Cweren, and Vera Blum and the late Lee Blum. Jordan attends the Emery/Weiner School. For her mitzvah project, Jordan is working with The Friendship Circle, learning the value of inclusion by giving support and friendship to individuals with special needs.

Jordan is also collecting gently used volleyball equipment for the KIPP Academy School that serves low income families from diverse backgrounds. Jordan plans to donate a portion of her monetary gifts to The Friendship Circle of Houston in loving memory of her grandfathers, Lee Blum and Gerson Cweren.

Ellen Leigh Weinstein (August 17/18) is the daughter of Joshua Weinstein and Debbie Weinstein; sister of Matthew Weinstein; and granddaughter of Jack and Harriet Babchick and Dr. Martin and Sandra Weinstein. Ellen attends Emery/ Weiner School. For her Mitzvah project and because of her love of animals, Ellen will donate a portion of her monetary gifts to Barc Animal Shelter and Adoptions, whose mission is to promote and protect public health and animal care through sheltering, pet placement programs, pet ownership education and animal law enforcement.

Brady Isaac Dow (August 31/ September 1) is the son of Tracy Saff Dow and Douglas Dow; brother of Eva Gail Dow. He is the grandson of Helen Dow and the Late Bernard Dow and Loretta and Ed Saff. For his Mitzvah project, he is volunteering at Avondale House for autism. He will also donate a portion of his monetary gifts to local homeless shelters in memory of his late grandfather.

Jacob Andrew Levy (August 31/ September 1) is the son of Naomi and Mike Levy; brother of Sarah and Alex; grandson of Jill, of blessed memory, and Nat Levy, Erika and Mannie Magid, and Elsa and Larry Jaeger. Jake is a 7th grade student at The Emery/ Weiner School. For his mitzvah project, Jake spent a week in the Dominican Republic with his dad helping to build a school and houses with the Discover Corps program. He will also be sending used baseball equipment that he collected locally to that same impoverished community. Jake has also enjoyed volunteering weekly as a Challenger Buddy in West University Little League. The Challenger league is a baseball program for kids with physical and mental disabilities who are given the chance to play regardless of their limitations. Jake will be donating a portion of his monetary gifts to the Jewish Federation.

Please contact Hilary Nitsun at hnitsun@bethyeshurun.org or 713.255.8005, for your submission deadline to list your Bar/Bat Mitzvah student’s parents, siblings, grandparents, school, and Mitzvah Projects.

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IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER FOR THE 2018 - 2019 SCHOOL YEAR! We would love to have you join us for the upcoming year!

Registration forms for Religious School (Pre-K - 6th grade), Sulam (7th grade), and Kehillah High (8th - 12th grades) can be found on Beth Yeshurun’s website under the tab titled Learn.

For more information, please contact Education Director, Sheryl Eskowitz, at seskowitz@bethyeshurun.org or 713.255.8034.

Join Rabbi Strauss and Cantor Finkelstein for a

MANDATORY B’NAI MITZVAH MEETING August 28, 2018 7:00 pm Freedman-Levit Sanctuary

CYJ 2018 | Session 1 Sheryl Eskowitz, Education Director, and Sarah Goldberg, Youth Programming Coordinator, had a great day visiting CBY’s huge group of kids at Camp Young Judaea-Texas! Lots of smiles!

for Families with a B’nai Mitzvah August of 2018 – May of 2019

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Family Album

ď ™Anniversaries 8/2 37

47

54 8/3 5

38 8/4 17

17

22

27

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44 8/5 34

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8/7 63

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Alan & Lisa Lipman Robert & Susan Costa Stuart & Sue Jacobson Guy & Cora Sharfman Steven & Tootie Fradkin David Mincberg & Helaine Gordon Frank & Elizabeth Karkowsky Elias & Rina Camhi Jerry & Bonnie Winograd Max & Jacqueline Monheit Bruce & Terry Merwin Michael & Patty Morgan Lawrence & Janis Odensky Harry & Rose Melnick Samuel & Tess Wilson David Edelstein & Julie Riggins Mark & Jennifer Sondock Lawrence & Patsy Reichstein Erwin & Monique Ritter Sidney & Ione Moran Alexander & Irene Wolchansky Boyd & Addie Nash-Stacey Joaquin & Alison Altenberg Stanton & Cheryl Moldovan Bruce & Susan Hurta Marc & Dianne Magids Ira & Wendy Bleiweiss Stewart Kalterman & Sara Esquenazi Jared & Amma Grodin Nir & Stephanie Stanietzky Jeffrey & Susan Raizner Mark & Mardi Kunik Mark & Debbie Gottesman Guy & Patricia Bobkoff Larry & Maureen Wainer Julius & Minna Hochstein

8/12 23

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18 8/14 25

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Mark & Meredith Sakowitz Burt & Eileen Skolnik Solomon & Ahuva Stopnicki Thomas & Bobbi Asarch Ed & Shelly Middleman Michael & Hannah Hofrichter Eric & Sarah Gibbs Kenneth Bloom & Mona Bloom Jeffrey & Susan Penn David & Cela Cukierman Jack & Harriet Babchick Chad & Patricia Sweeden Ronny & Linda Abramson Joseph & Rhea Greenbaum Bernard & Geraldine Woolf Nathan & Iris Caplovitz Alan & Susan Cororve Arthur & Joyce Dauber Melvin & Marlene Palla John & Pat Flatowicz Robert & Cynthia MacLeod David & Estelle Simchowitz Harry & Donna Price David & Celine Hecht Avner Ramu & Sheryl Levin Ronald & Diana Hecht Kevin & Jordana Slawin Sheldon & Justina Goldstein Steve & Holly Radom Oren & Adi Lutfak Yury & Elena Potylchansky Albert & April Hiller Allen & Rhoda Clamen David & Janice Gerber David & Jill Siller Marvin & Myrna Cohen Gary & Arlene Lassin Rabbi Steven Morgen & Cantor Diane Dorf Mitchel & Diane Levy Samuel & Barbara Sakowitz 12

8/21 19

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40

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Ben & Jennifer Cowan Tom & Elissa Varadi George & Andrea Forbes Leonard & Barby Weiner Melvin & Shirley Kapell Michael & Susan Bloome Bob & Judy Komorn Micah & Jean Kessler Jonathan & Barbara Baliff Alan & Diane Levin Abram & Ellen Rosenberg Seth & Thelma Harwood Nelson & Linda Block Matthew & Lisa Kornhauser Ben & Lori Herzog Abe & Sharon Charski Jack & Ruth Alpert Edward & Brenda Yosowitz Woody & Esther Fox Stanley & Norma Siegel Michael & Ellen Petras Jacob & Miriam Lefkowitz Isaac & Susana Johary Kenneth & Sandra Kopel Chaim & Lea Steinberg Alan & Marlene Finger Melvin & Susan Cweren Mendel & Beth Nock Tom & Janet McCulloch Buddy & Lorraine Horwitz Joel & Jessica Levine Denny & Marilyn Klein Marvin & Shirley Rich Benjamin & Katie Dillon Andrew & Wendy Bernstein Benard & Ethel Nelkin Ronnie & Phyllis Miller Bernardo & Silvia Fromer Michael & Rachel Saghian Adam & Dori Goldman Segev & Amy Zadok Bryan & Eleonora Leibman

CONDOLENCES The congregation extends its sincerest

OUR TZEDAKAH FUNDS

condolences to the families of: Rebecca Arkus, Nora Grossman, and Esther Moszkowicz.

May their memories be for a blessing.

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 causes. These fall into one of four categories: (a) Projects in Rabbi Horwitz Israel; (b) Conservative Torah study/ program institutions; (c) Youth scholarships; (d) Caring for the needy.

Among the programs for the needy to which we have directed help this year are: • MAZON, a Jewish Response to Hunger, which provides grants to various food banks around the country; • NUEVO HOGAR LEDOR VADOR (New Home for the Elderly), the Buenos Aires equivalent to our own Seven Acres; • INTERFAITH MINISTRIES MEALS ON WHEELS, providing hot food daily to thousands of Houstonians, largely homebound; • HURRICANE RELIEF for a few of our own families with short-term unmet needs.

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

The Gathering Place provides a free of charge loving, safe and fun environment for care partners experiencing memory loss due to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke or other forms of dementia.

CENTER CBY HEALING Homeward Bound

by Gayle Kamen-Weinstein, LMSW

The Healing Center will be opening it’s doors and welcoming us home once again. It will be almost a year since Hurricane Harvey. Our groups will be meeting at Beth Yeshurun. A new group will be starting in September. Watch for the Hurricane Harvey Recovery Study 2018. We are looking for volunteers to complete a questionaire and give us feed-back. Questions and inquiries email gaylekamenweinstein@gmail.com

The Gathering Place meets once a month, at Congregation Beth Yeshurun. The meetings combine physical movement, socialization, music, and other memory-stimulating activity in a safe and comfortable 3 1/2 hour time block, enabling caregivers to attend to their personal needs without worry. A professional staff member attends each Gathering Place to provide expert support and assistance to the volunteers. The Beth Yeshurun Sisterhood is a proud suporter of the Gathering Place.

Caregivers Group 10:30am on Thursdays August 16, 23, 30 Grief Support Group 1:00pm on Thursdays August 16, 23, 30 Please see our website and our weekly Happenings email for dates. Registration required prior to attending group sessions. To register for a Healing Center group, to receive private emails or The Center’s Resource Guide, please contact griefgroup@bethyeshurun.org. The CBY Healing Center is generously funded by The Martha Lea & Albert Stein Family Outreach Fund and the Rabbi’s Circle.

For more information please contact our coordinators Lillie Hurwitz at lilliehur@gmail.com or Hedy Spiegel at hedy1234@aol.com bethyeshurun.org/gathering-place

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HIGH HOLY DAYS TICKET AND PHOTO I.D. REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION

SERVICE SCHEDULE HIGH HOLY DAYS 2018 TBD pm Program

SELIHOT SERVICES | Sat., September 1 10:00pm Barg Sanctuary Service 10:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel

10:00am at Allen Parkway

CEMETERY SERVICES | Sun., September 16 10:00am at Shearith Israel (Wharton) 11:00am at Post Oak

SYNAGOGUE SERVICES 1ST NIGHT ROSH HASHANAH | Sun., September 9

KOL NIDRE | Tue., September 18

Babysitting: 5:30 - 7:30pm

Babysitting: 5:30 - 8:00pm

6:00pm ..................... Barg Sanctuary 6:00pm ..................... J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00pm ..................... Freedman/Levit Sanctuary 6:00pm ..................... Museum Minyan 1ST DAY ROSH HASHANAH | Mon., September 10 8:30am ..................... Barg Sanctuary 8:30am ..................... J.B.Greenfield Chapel 9:00am ..................... Museum Minyan 9:30am ..................... Preschool Service (Freedman/Levit) 10:00am-1:00pm ..... HHD Preschool Fun* (classrooms)

6:00pm ..................... Barg Sanctuary (Early) 6:45pm ..................... J.B. Greenfield Chapel 7:00pm ..................... Freedman/Levit Sanctuary 7:00pm ..................... Museum Minyan 8:30pm ..................... Barg Sanctuary (Late) YOM KIPPUR | Wed., September 19 Babysitting: 4:00 - 8:00pm 9:30am ..................... Barg Sanctuary 9:30am ..................... Preschool Service (Freedman/Levit) 9:00am ..................... J.B.Greenfield Chapel 9:00am ..................... Museum Minyan 10:00am - 2:00pm ... HHD Preschool Fun* (classrooms)

. this will be enhanced HHD Babysitting for children only 10:45am ................... Grade School Service* (Freedman/Levit)

11:30am ................... Teen Service* (Reiches Hall) 5:00pm ..................... Inclusion Service* 6:00pm ..................... Tashlich

2ND NIGHT ROSH HASHANAH | Mon., September 10 7:15pm ..................... J.B. Greenfield Chapel

this will be enhanced HHD Babysitting for children only

10:45am ................... Grade School Service* (Freedman/Levit) 11:30am ................... Teen Service* (Reiches Hall) 12:00pm ................... Yizkor (Barg Sanctuary) OTHER SERVICES 3:30pm ..................... Mindful Fasting (Stein Hall) 4:30pm ..................... Mincha (Barg Sanctuary) 5:30pm ..................... Mincha (J.B. Greenfield Chapel) 5:45pm ..................... Mincha (Museum Minyan) 6:30pm ..................... Neilah (Barg Sanctuary) 6:45pm ..................... Neilah J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:45pm ..................... Neilah (Museum Minyan)

2ND DAY ROSH HASHANAH | Tue., September 11 Babysitting: 8:00am - 1:00pm 8:30am ..................... Barg Sanctuary 8:30am ..................... J.B.Greenfield Chapel 9:00am ..................... Museum Minyan 7:30pm ..................... J.B. Greenfield Chapel *New Services

FINAL BLAST OF THE SHOFAR 7:47pm

For those with honors in the Barg Sanctuary, please arrive and check in 30 minutes before your assigned Aliyah begins so the Gabbain can place you in line for your honor.

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Need Tickets or a letter of reciprocity

Rabbi Brian Strauss and Sisterhood want to connect with your College Student!

If you need High Holy Day tickets for a guest or a letter of reciprocity for yourself, please contact Mindi Stern, Director of Member Relations

by Thursday, August 30th at 713.666.1881 or mstern@bethyeshurun.org.

Your son/Daughter will receive a gift to start the year, followed by special holiday packages from our Sisterhood! It is a great way for your student to stay connected with Beth Yeshurun while he/she is away at school.

Reserved parking for High Holy Days

Beth Yeshurun is once again pleased to offer a limited number of reserved parking spaces for purchase for the High Holy Days at a donation of $1,000 per space. To purchase yours, please contact Lu Dorfman by Thursday, August 30th at 713.666.1881 or dorfman@bethyeshurun.org.

To be included in mailings, you must send in this 2018-2019 form or complete it online at bethyeshurun.org/college-kids. Information received by September 1st ensures your college student will receive a New Year’s Treat.

Student’s Name_______________________________

In need of an Access Card?

Having trouble with your current card?

College______________________________________ Student’s Mailing Address_____________________

Visit the Receptionist, returning to it’s permanent location in the business office this month

____________________________________________ Student’s Email_______________________________ Parent’s Name________________________________

Monday-Friday 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Parent’s Email________________________________

HIGH HOLY DAY 101

AUGUST 26, 2018 | 9:30AM - 1:00PM Join Congregation Beth Yeshurun as we welcome the High Holy Days. Together we will spend the morning preparing our minds through engaging workshops in anticipation of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

RABBI DANNY HORWITZ Spiritual Rehab: A 12-Step Program for the Days of Awe RABBI BRIAN STRAUSS Getting Our Prayers in Before the Gates of Heaven Close CANTOR MEIR FINKELSTEIN High Holiday Melodies 2.0: 75% Tradition, 25% Finkelstein RABBI STEVEN MORGEN Is God Really an Old Man Sitting on a Throne with the Book of Life? The real meaning of Unetaneh Tokef RABBI DAVID ROSEN “Kol Nidre: Why is this the most controversial prayer of the High Holidays?”

RABBI SARAH FORT On Deaf Ears: When You Can’t Ask Forgiveness FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO RSVP CONTACT RIANA SHERMAN RSHERMAN@BETHYESHURUN.ORG 15

New High Holy Day Experiences!

HHD PRESCHOOL FUN While parents are in services, our youngest members can enjoy High Holy Day games, snacks, and activities under trained supervision

WELCOME CART AND BASKETS A variety of items that will help make the time spent in services more enjoyable and meaningful for anyone in need of additional audio, visual, and/or sensory support. These will be available at all services.

GRADE SCHOOL SERVICE A fun service just for our elementary school children and their families, led by Rabbi Sarah Fort and guest musician Joe Buchanan. Lasting about an hour, this newly designed service is interactive, full of energy, and will provide a meaningful, spiritual experience.

INCLUSION SERVICE A sensory sensative Rosh Hashanah service, led by Rabbi Sarah Fort, designed to be meaningful, joyous and relaxed! A welcoming place to come and bring in the New Year together. All are welcome, and open to the community.

TEEN SERVICE A fun and interactive program just for teens!

Led by Kevin Lefkowitz, rabbinic student, and Sarah Goldberg, Youth Director.

August 2018 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday 20th of Av, 5778

Thursday

1

21st of Av, 5778

Friday

2

5

25th of Av, 5778

6

7

26th of Av, 5778

27th of Av, 5778

8

28th of Av, 5778

9

1st of Elul, 5778 Rosh Chodesh Elul

12

2nd of Elul, 5778

13

4th of Elul, 5778

15

5th of Elul, 5778

16

19

9th of Elul, 5778

20

26

High Holy Day 101 Meet the Teacher - R/S

10th of Elul, 5778

21

27

17th of Elul, 5778

11th of Elul, 5778

22

12th of Elul, 5778

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The Gathering Place HHD Family Choir Rehearsal BY Sisterhood Event Caregivers Support Group Meditation Group Grief Support Group Israeli Dancing

Wisdom of Torah with Rabbi Strauss 16th of Elul, 5778

6th of Elul, 5778 7:42p Candle lighting

17

28

18th of Elul, 5778

Wisdom of Torah with Rabbi Strauss Mandatory B'nai Mizvah Meditation Group Israeli Dancing Meeting

16

29

19th of Elul, 5778

30

13th of Elul, 5778 7:34p Candle lighting

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Evening Chapel Shabbat Renewal Installation of Jerrad Bloome B/M Rafael Camhi & Alexander Levine 20th of Elul, 5778 7:26p Candle lighting

HHD Due date for Reciprocal tickets, Reserved Parking, and Childcare Evening Chapel Shabbat Renewal Caregivers Support Group B/M Brady Dow & Grief Support Group Jacob Levy

30th of Av, 5778 11 Parshas Re'eh Rosh Chodesh Elul 8:30p Havdalah (25 min) Shabbat Morning Chapel Shabbat Morning Service B/M Ashley Taibel Museum Minyan Shabbat Shalom Torah Study Mincha B/M Adam Hakimi Evening Chapel 7th of Elul, 5778 Parshas Shoftim 8:23p Havdalah (25 min)

18

Shabbat Morning Chapel Shabbat Morning Service B/M Jordan Blum & EllenWeinstein Museum Minyan Shabbat Shalom Torah Study Evening Chapel

Jewish Mindfulness Center Evening Chapel @ CBY HHD Prep Shabbat Renewal Meditation Group Caregivers Support Group B/M Jordan Blum & Grief Support Group Israeli Dancing Ellen Weinstein

Wisdom of Torah with Rabbi Strauss

HHD Family Choir Rehearsal 15th of Elul, 5778

14

10

Evening Chapel Shabbat Renewal B/M Ashley Taibel

Meditation Group Israeli Dancing Beth Yeshurun Day School 1st Day of School

Jewish Community Day with the Houston Astros 8th of Elul, 5778

3rd of Elul, 5778

29th of Av, 5778 7:48p Candle lighting

4

23rd of Av, 5778 Parshas Eikev 8:36p Havdalah (25 min)

Shabbat Morning Chapel Shabbat Morning Service Museum Minyan Shabbat Shalom Torah Study Evening Chapel

Yizkor Book Names Due!

Prospective Member Open House Wisdom of Torah with Rabbi Strauss

Saturday

3

Evening Chapel Shabbat Renewal

Meditation Group Israeli Dancing 24th of Av, 5778

22nd of Av, 5778 7:54p Candle lighting

31

14th of Elul, 5778 Parshas Ki Seitzei 8:16p Havdalah (25 min) Shabbat Morning Chapel Shabbat Morning Service B/M Rafael Camhi & Alexander Levine Museum Minyan Shabbat Shalom Torah Study Evening Chapel

25

Final Letter to the Congregation from  5779/2018 HIGH HOLY DAY FAMILY CHOIR ARabbi David Rosen, continued from page 8

Dear Congregants, Through the years the family choir has grown to include parents and children and participates in services in the Freedman/Levit Sanctuary. This year, the Freedman/Levit Contemporary High Holy Day service will again be led by Rabbi Sarah Fort and myself with Judy Yambra conducting the choir, but only on Erev Rosh Hashana, September 9, and Kol Nidre, September 18. The day time service will change and the Family Choir will lead the congregation in Barg at different times during the day, both on Rosh Hashana, September 10, and Yom Kippur, September 19. In addition, the choir will also be an integral part of the teenage Mincha service later in the afternoon on Yom Kippur day in the Barg Sanctuary.

congregation with his thoughtfulness, wisdom and dedication. He has earned the privilege of becoming our Senior Rabbi and I pray he will enjoy every happiness and find fulfillment in all his endeavors. I have pledged him my full support and I eagerly look forward to watching him take Beth Yeshurun into a bright future!

Finally, I want to thank — • My beloved partners in all we have done — Rabbi Brian Strauss, Rabbi Steve Morgen, Rabbi Sarah Fort, Rabbi Danny Horwitz, Rabbi Jack Segal and Cantor Meir Finkelstein.

• The thirteen exceptional men and women who, during their tenures as President of our congregation, not only strengthened my rabbinate but also became and will remain my personal friends

It is our plan to hold an initial rehearsal on Sunday, August 19th from 4:30 pm-6:00 pm. If it is impossible for you to attend, please let me know your intentions and I will see you the following rehearsal, which will take place on Wednesday, August 22rd from 6:307:30. Typically, we meet for 1 ½ hours on Sundays and 1 hour on weekdays. Most of the rehearsals will take place in Stein Hall. You will be notified of changes and we will confirm all rehearsals by email after the first rehearsal.

• My Executive Director and dear friend for 16 years, Lu Dorfman • My personal assistant, Abby Rotenberg, who has been such a treasure. She is part of our talented and dedicated staff that will work by Rabbi Strauss’ side to help bring his dreams for Beth Yeshurun to fruition

If you are interested, call Beth Yeshurun at 713.666.1881 or e-mail me at asondock@aol.com and leave your name, the number of people who will be participating and your phone number. I look forward to seeing you on August 19th.

Thank you again for giving me the greatest honor of my life — to be your rabbi, confidante and friend. I will be forever grateful.

Annette Sondock Freedman/Levit Contemporary High Holy Day Service

With every best wish…

Hebrew Free Loan Has Funds Available HFLA has loan funds available to Houston area Jews in need.

HFLA encourages those in need of an interest free loan to apply.

The philosophy of HFLA is to help those in need by giving them an interest-free loan instead of a charitable handout. This is considered the highest form of charity in Judaism. It maintains the dignity of the person looking for financial help by giving them an opportunity to pay back their confidential loan, rather than forcing him or her to be viewed as a burden on the community. Some of the interest free loans provided by HFLA including those for Education, Housing; Medical; Commercial; Adoption/ Infertility, Credit Card debt, Weddings, and Divorce. HFLA also has funds for educational loans for undergraduate, graduate and technical studies. To apply for a loan or to learn more about HFLA visit www.hfla.net.

Sincerely,

David Rosen Rabbi

ROSH HASHANAH HONEY

There’s still time to order honey for Rosh Hashanah! Each 8 oz. jar of kosher honey includes a High Holy Day greeting from you and the appropriate prayers for Rosh Hashanah. A limited number of jars will be available for purchase in the Sisterhood Gift Shop this fall for $12. To place your order visit orthoney.com/bby/.

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2018 CHILD CARE FOR HIGH HOLY DAYS Child Care for the 2018 High Holy Days has been generously donated this year. If you would like to make reservations for child care for children from infants to eight years old, please register below. Due to the limited number of spaces and the anticipated demand, please be mindful when you register.

YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER FOR CHILD CARE. THERE WILL BE NO WALK-IN SPACE AVAILABLE! OPTION: You may complete this form on line – www.bethyeshurun.org.

In order for the child care to run smoothly, all children's belongings must be labeled. Babies will not be fed by staff parents need to come to the child care area to feed their babies. Port-o-cribs, infant seats and disposable diapers must be provided by parents. The child's favorite toy or game can be brought, as well as a blanket that should be labeled.

ONLY PARENTS MAY “DROP OFF” AND “PICK UP” CHILDREN

REGISTRATION FORM I would like to register my child(ren). I will be attending services in Barg, Chapel, Freedman-Levit, or Museum Minyan (please circle for each service).

Child’s Name

Age

___________________________________________ ______________ ___________________________________________ ______________ ___________________________________________ ______________ ___________________________________________ ______________ Service Location ROSH HASHANAH: (1st Night) Sunday, September 9 B C F M

Time

Please Check One

5:30pm to 7:30pm

o Yes o No

B C F M

10:00am to 1:00pm

o Yes o No

ROSH HASHANAH: (2nd Day) Tuesday, September 11

B C F M

8:00am to 1:00pm

o Yes o No

KOL NIDRE: Tuesday, September 18

B C F M

5:30am to 8:00pm

o Yes o No

B C F M

10:00am to 2:00pm

o Yes o No

B C F M

4:00pm to 8:00pm

o Yes o No

ROSH HASHANAH: (1st Day) Monday, September 10 (hhd preschool fun)

YOM KIPPUR: Wednesday, September 19 (hhd preschool fun) Wednesday, September 19

In case of emergency, please administer first aid, and if needed, secure medical aid. I understand that I will not hold Congregation Beth Yeshurun responsible for any injury or accident that might occur during High Holy Days child care.

Parent signature __________________________________________________________________________ Parent Name ____________________________ Cell _________________Email __________________________ Parent Name ____________________________ Cell _________________Email __________________________ Parent’s information MUST be completed to be registered!

Registration Deadline: THURSDAY, AUGUST 30 18

jennifer-joy sutton, director of development

| jsutton@bethyeshurun.org | bethyeshurun.org 19

ACH

One of the issues most synagogues have throughout the year is steady cash flow. For those members who plan to make regular monthly payments, we have established a procedure for ACH (Automatic Clearing House) payments.

ACH processing is simple – you only have to set it up once with our Accounting Department, and we will set it up with YOUR bank to make payments each month. No forgetting to pay your synagogue statement. No more check writing for you. No falling behind on your account. Regular cash flow for us. You will still receive a monthly statement in the mail showing your previous month’s activity and balances, but you can sleep securely that everything is being handled properly.

We encourage our congregants who pay monthly to use ACH. Please complete the form below (or download from the CONGREGATION BETH YESHURUN website) and return it to the synagogue office, Accounting Department.

AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT FOR DIRECT PAYMENTS (ACH DEBITS)

If you have any questions, please contact our controller, Nicole DeLoach, in the synagogue office. Thank you.

CONGREGATION BETH YESHURUN CONGREGATION BETH YESHURUN AUTHORIZATION AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT AGREEMENT FOR FOR DIRECT DIRECT PAYMENTS PAYMENTS (ACH (ACH DEBITS) DEBITS) CONGREGATION BETH YESHURUN AUTHORIZATION FOR DIRECT (ACH DEBITS) I (We) hereby authorize Congregation Beth Yeshurun, AGREEMENT to initiate debit entries to PAYMENTS my (our) __________ Checking Account Savings Account (check one) indicated below at the depository financial institution named below, hereafter called DEPOSITORY and to hereby debit the same toCongregation such account.Beth I (We) acknowledge that the origination transactions to my (our) account (We) hereby authorize Congregation Beth Yeshurun, to initiate initiate debit entries to toof myACH (our) __________ Checking Account II (We) authorize Yeshurun, to debit entries my (our) __________ Checking Account must comply with the provision of U.S. law.

Savings Account (check one) indicated below at the depository financial institution named below, hereafter Savings Account (check one) indicated below at the depository financial institution named below, hereafter called called DEPOSITORY DEPOSITORY and to to debit debit the the same same to to such such account. account. II (We) (We) acknowledge acknowledge that that the the origination origination of of ACH ACH transactions transactions to to my my (our) (our) account account and I (We)comply hereby authorize Congregation Beth Yeshurun, to initiate debit entries to my (our) __________ Checking Account must must comply with with the the provision provision of of U.S. U.S. law. law.

Savings (check one) indicated belowor at the depository named below, hereafter called DEPOSITORY (Pleaseinstitution circle one) 20th financial 5th Date of Account Withdrawal: and to debit the same to such account. I (We) acknowledge that the origination of ACH transactions to my (our) account must comply with the provision of U.S. law.

(Please or 20th 5th Date (Please circle circle one) one) or 20th 5th Date of of Withdrawal: Withdrawal: The ACH Debit will be applied to my account in the designated manner: One-Time Monthly (Please circle one) 20th manner: 5th Date of Withdrawal: The ACH ACH Debit will will be be applied applied to to my account accountor in the the designated designated The Debit my in manner: Withdrawal Withdrawal One-Time Monthly One-Time Monthly Withdrawal The ACH Debit will be applied to my account in the designated manner: Withdrawal One-Time Synagogue Dues/Fees

Withdrawal Withdrawal Monthly

Withdrawal

Withdrawal

Cemetery Synagogue Synagogue Dues/Fees Dues/Fees Cemetery Cemetery Synagogue Dues/Fees

Cemetery Depository Name ____________________________________________________________________ Depository Depository Name Name ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________ State __________ Zip Code Depository Name ____________________________________________________________________ City State Zip City ________________________________________ ________________________________________ State __________ __________ Zip Code Code Routing Number _______________________________ Account Number ___________________________ City ________________________________________ Routing Routing Number Number _______________________________ _______________________________

State __________ Zip Code Account Account Number Number ___________________________ ___________________________

I authorize Congregation Beth Yeshurun to update my deduction amount annually as determined by Congregation Beth Yeshurun Routing _______________________________ Account Number ___________________________ to reflectNumber any changes in dues or assessments. This authorization is to remain in full force and effect until Congregation Beth Synagogue has received written notifiation from me (or either of us) of its termination in such time and in such as as determined by Beth Yeshurun IYeshurun authorize Congregation Beth Yeshurun to update my deduction amount annually Congregation Beth manner Yeshurun I authorize Congregation Beth Yeshurun to update my deduction amount annually as determined by Congregation toreflect afford any Congregation Synagogue DEPOSITORY reasonable to actuntil on it.Congregation to reflect any changes in inBeth duesYeshurun or assessments. assessments.

This and authorization is to toaremain remain in full fullopportunity force and and effect effect until Congregation Beth Beth to changes dues or This authorization is in force Yeshurun Yeshurun Synagogue Synagogue has has received received written written notifiation notifiation from from me me (or (or either either of of us) us) of of its its termination termination in in such such time time and and in in such such manner manner as as as determined byon Congregation Beth Yeshurun Ito authorize CongregationBeth BethYeshurun YeshurunSynagogue to update my deduction amount annually afford Congregation and DEPOSITORY a reasonable opportunity to act it. to afford Congregation Beth Yeshurun Synagogue and DEPOSITORY a reasonable opportunity to act on it. to reflect any______________________________________________ changes in dues or assessments. This authorization is to remain in full force effect until Congregation Beth Name(s) Member ID and ________________________________ Yeshurun Synagogue has received written notifiation from me (or either of us) of its termination in such time and in such manner as (Please Print) to afford Congregation Beth Yeshurun Synagogue and DEPOSITORY a reasonable opportunity to act on it.

Name(s) ______________________________________________ Member ID ________________________________ ________________________________ Name(s) ______________________________________________ Member ID Date ___________________________________ Signature __________________________________ (Please Print) (Please Print) Name(s) Date Date

______________________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ (Please Print)

Member ID ________________________________ Signature Signature __________________________________ __________________________________

Date

___________________________________

Signature __________________________________

Please complete and return to the synagogue office 20 to the synagogue office Please complete and return

4525 Beechnut Street | Houston, Texas 77096-1896 Rhona and Bruce Caress Family Campus WWW.BETHYESHURUN.ORG

YIZKOR BOOK NAMES 2018 – YOM KIPPUR – SUKKOT 5779 With the approach of the High Holy Day season, we recall the everlasting attachments to our beloved relatives and friends who have departed. We remember the bonds of kinship and friendship that linked their lives to ours.

IN MEMORIAM is dedicated in reverent and grateful tribute to the loyal and courageous pioneers of Traditional Judaism, whose names will be forever enshrined in our hearts and in the annals of Beth Yeshurun.

Yizkor will be recited in the morning on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 and on Monday, October 1, 2018. To assure that the IN MEMORIAM book is printed and ready for distribution all names to be memorialized must be submitted on the form below to arrive in the synagogue office by Friday, August 10, 2018. Names received after Friday, August 10, 2018 might not be printed in the memorial book, but will be included on an addendum sheet.

A minimum contribution of $15.00 per name is suggested. Your generosity in increasing your last year's contribution will be greatly appreciated. A separate form is necessary for each contributor.

Alternative Option: Pay and complete this form online – www.bethyeshurun.org/highholydays Please PRINT the names to be remembered (in alphabetical order):

1)

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2)

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3)

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4)

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5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For Office Use Only Check # ________________________ 9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Date Rec’d _____________________ 10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

REMEMBERED BY___________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _________________________________________________________________________________ DAYTIME PHONE NO: ___________________________________ AMOUNT OF CONTRIBUTION: $ ___________________________ Additional names may be added to the back 21

For Office Use Only Check # ________________________ Date Rec’d _____________________

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Clergy Rabbi Brian Strauss: bstrauss@bethyeshurun.org Asst: Abby Rotenberg: arotenberg@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8011 Rabbi Steven Morgen: smorgen@bethyeshurun.org Rabbi Sarah Fort: sfort@bethyeshurun.org Asst: 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: Hilary Nitsun: hnitsun@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8005 Synagogue Jerrad Bloome, President: jbloome@wkpz.com Luis Dorfman, Executive Dir: ldorfman@bethyeshurun.org Mindi Stern, Membership: mstern@bethyeshurun.org Jennifer-Joy Sutton, Dir of Development: jsutton@bethyeshurun.org Riana Sherman, Prgrmg Dir: rsherman@bethyeshurun.org Ashley Mills, Mktg/Comm Mgr: amills@bethyeshurun.org Arthur Miller, Cemetery: amiller@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8076 William S. Malev Religious Schools Sheryl Eskowitz, Ed. Dir: seskowitz@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8040 Beth Yeshurun Day School School Office 713.666.1884, 713.255.8045 Dan Ahlstrom, Head of School: dahlstrom@byds.org Read The Message online at bethyeshurun.org *September deadline: August 3 at themessage@bethyeshurun.org 23

You’re invited to the installation of

JERRAD BLOOME as Beth Yeshurun President friday, august 24, 2018 6:00pm | freedman levit sanctuary Join us for a special Shabbat service. Rabbi Brian Strauss will install Jerrad Bloome as Beth Yeshurun’s President.

Time sensitive material - please deliver promptly!

The Beth Yeshurun Sisterhood Gift Shop has returned to

regular hours: Sunday: 10:00am - 1:00pm Monday: Closed Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00am - 4:30pm Friday: 10:00am - 2:30pm Saturday: Closed

All are invited to stay and enjoy an expanded kiddush in honor of our new president!

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