The Message - January 2016

The Message

Congregation Beth Yeshurun Houston January 2016

1

In Celebration of Tu B’Shevat

From the Rabbi Rabbi David Rosen No Longer Afraid

I have many happy memories from my six years in rabbinical school back in the 1970’s, but one not-so-pleasant memory is one I smile about now.

One day, while in only my second year as a seminarian, the Dean of the Rabbinical School grabbed me and said, “We just got a call from the hospital next door. A Jewish man there needs a rabbi. I’m sending you.”

I couldn’t say no and I was too scared to run, but deep down I couldn’t believe he was sending me. I knew less than nothing. I hadn’t taken the course yet on how to talk to people, especially sick people. I didn’t know what prayers to say; I didn’t even own a Rabbi’s Manual!

Clearly, though, I had to go. So I put on my only suit and began the walk down Clifton Avenue. I was so scared I was afraid I might faint. I made my way up to the patient’s floor and walked gingerly into his room.

“How are you?” I asked. “Not that great,” he replied.

What did that mean, I wondered; was he going to die right then and there! I was already out of things to talk about with this man who was three times my age and had tubes going in and out of him.

Congregation Beth Yeshurun

Rhona & Bruce Caress Family Campus 4525 Beechnut St. Houston, TX 77096-1801 713.666.1881 www.bethyeshurun.org The Message Vol. LI, No. 6

January 2015│Tevet-Shevat 5776

The Message of Congregation Beth Yeshurun (USPS 968-

The man must have known I knew nothing because he took over the conversation and I never had to say anything. For the next hour, he told me what was going through his mind, about all he had been through physically, about all of his fears and concerns. He talked about his family and how wonderful everyone had been. He talked about dying.

Through it all, I listened patiently, uttered an occasional word of reassurance and thought to myself that sitting by his side wasn’t so bad. He was, I discovered, a person like anyone else, only sick. He was someone who wanted to know that someone else cared about him, that God cared about him, and that he wasn’t alone.

On that day, I realized for the first time that being a rabbi was not about delivering sermons and officiating at life cycle events. It was about People — about listening to people, hearing them with my heart, touching them, holding them, celebrating with them and, yes, crying with them.

I think about that long ago experience often when I visit the hospitals each week. I’m no longer afraid to go. To the contrary, I actually like it. I love visiting people, meeting people, talking with them, hearing their stories. I treasure those moments when I take a congregant’s hand and share with her a prayer for her health. I cherish the tears I so often see as I invoke our faith’s sacred words. It is when we are sick that many of us suddenly become aware how vulnerable we are and are able to sense the power of faith and the presence of God in ways we sometimes otherwise cannot.

Forty years ago, I was young, inexperienced and so innocent about life and the world. But through visiting literally thousands of people in hospitals, I have discovered so much about those I visit — and about myself. For that, I will always be grateful to my Dean who one day made me visit a man in a hospital down the street.

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.

Interested in Joining? Our synagogue welcomes people of the Jewish faith and their families to make Beth Yeshurun their spiritual home. Ellen Petras, our Membership Services Manager (713.666.1881) is here to welcome everyone interested in becoming part of our beautiful congregational family.

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 Ellen Petras, our Membership Services Manager (713.666.1881).

500) is published monthly August-July by Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut, Houston, Harris County, TX 77096- Follow Us Online! Beth Yeshurun is an active and engaging congregation for members of all ages and backgrounds. To 1801. Periodical Postage Paid at Houston, Texas. learn more about our ongoing and special programming, Postmaster send address changes to Congregation Beth visit our website (www.bethyeshurun.org) or follow us on our Yeshurun │4525 Beechnut│Houston, TX 77096-1801.

Facebook page under “Congregation Beth Yeshurun.“ 2

3

Shabbat Services

Chapel Services Friday, January 1: 8:00am & 5:00pm Saturday, January 2: 8:30am & 5:00pm Sunday, January 3: 8:00am & 5:00pm Monday, January 4: 7:00am & 5:00pm Tuesday, January 5: 7:00am & 5:00pm Wednesday, January 6: 7:00am & 5:00pm Thursday, January 7: 7:00am & 5:00pm Friday, January 8: 7:00am & 5:00pm Saturday, January 9: 8:30am & 5:00pm Sunday, January 10: 8:00am & 5:00pm Monday, January 11: 6:45am & 5:00pm Tuesday, January 12: 7:00am & 5:00pm Wednesday, January 13: 7:00am & 5:00pm Thursday, January 14: 7:00am & 5:00pm Friday, January 15: 7:00am & 5:00pm Saturday, January 16: 8:30am & 5:15pm Sunday, January 17: 8:00am & 5:30pm Monday, January 18: 7:00am & 5:30pm Tuesday, January 19: 7:00am & 5:30pm Wednesday, January 20: 7:00am & 5:30pm Thursday, January 21: 7:00am & 5:30pm Friday, January 22: 7:00am & 5:30pm Saturday, January 23: 8:30am & 5:15pm Sunday, January 24: 8:00am & 5:30pm Monday, January 25: 7:00am & 5:30pm Tuesday, January 26: 7:00am & 5:30pm Wednesday, January 27: 7:00am & 5:30pm Thursday, January 28: 7:00am & 5:30pm Friday, January 29: 7:00am & 5:30pm Saturday, January 30: 8:30am & 5:30pm Sunday, January 31: 8:00am & 5:30pm

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1 - Candlelighting Time 5:17pm 5:00pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal SATURDAY, JANUARY 2 - Parashat Shemot 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service 5:00pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel FRIDAY, JANUARY 8 - Candlelighting Time 5:22pm 5:00pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - with the Malev & Romero Families SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 - Parashat Vaera 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service - B’nai Mitzvah: Daniel Malev & Joshua Romero 5:00pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 - Candlelighting Time 5:28pm 5:00pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - with the Wolf Family SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 - Parashat Bo 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service - Bar Mitzvah: Steven Wolf 5:15pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 - Candlelighting Time 5:34pm 5:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - with the Roffwarg & Zisman Families

Weekly Torah Study

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 - Parashat Beshalach 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service - B’nai Mitzvah: Max Roffwarg & Josie Zisman 5:15pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel

11:45am Shabbat Mornings

Join our Weekly Torah discussions led by Rabbi Diana R. Siegel each Shabbat at 11:45am to discern the simple and complex, the explicit and implicit of Torah Wisdom as it applies to our daily life.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29 - Candlelighting Time 5:40pm 5:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - with the Hoffman & Ratner Families SATURDAY, JANUARY 30 - Parashat Yitro 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service - B’nai Mitzvah: Victoria Hoffman & Aaron Ratner 5:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel

Braille Shabbat siddurim available 4

The Inclusion committee is excited to announce it has acquired two Braille Shabbat siddurim for use by our congregants. These siddurim must be reserved in advance by calling Marsha Weiss at at 713.666.1881.

5

Cemetery Hours Beth Yeshurun cemeteries are open Sunday-Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm and closed on Saturdays and the following: Allen Parkway cemetery only: Saturday • January 16 • 7am-1:30pm • City of Houston event Sunday • January 17 • 7am-1:30pm • City of Houston event

BARG SANCTUARY 6 P.M. FEBRUARY 5 & MARCH 4

Office Hours The Beth Yeshurun office is open Monday - Thursday 8:30am to 5:00pm and Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. It will be closed for the following upcoming holidays:

It’s a Mitzvah

Friday • January 1 • New Year’s Day Monday • January 18 • Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

Camp Young Judaea—Texas Havdallah

Missing CYJ?

Camp Songs I Havdallah I Israeli Dancing I CYJ Traditions I Snacks 6

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 $100 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. Recent sponsored breakfasts and kiddushes have been generously given by those listed below. Susie & Scott Bender in memory of Irene Oshman Levey The Finkelman, Hasson and Joachim Families in memory of Jonathan Finkelman The Family of Dalia Ayelet Goldman in her honor Jay Hoffman in memory of Kathy Stafford Rabbi Danny Horwitz in memory of his parents  Leonard & Susan Kammerman in memory of Milton Kammerman Harvey & Mireille Katz in memory of Olga Mordo Joe Kornfeld in memory of Seymour Kornfeld and Leon Samet Marilyn Miller & Family in memory of Stuart Miller Mauricio Misdrahi in memory of Isaac Misdrahi June Pool and Avril Trevas in memory of Abraham Kasimov Rochelle Goldberg Skibell & Family and Cynthia & Barry Weinberger & Family in memory of Loyce Weinberger and Jonas (JG) Weinberger Shelly & Linda Rubenfeld in memory of Irving Rubenfeld and in honor of Shelly Rubenfeld’s 70th birthday Dr. & Mrs. Howard Sussman in memory of Anna Sussman

Dr. Irving Rothman Beth Yeshurun 2015 Minyanaire of the Year!

Rothman taught Hillel HS for 40 years, has served on the CBY Board of Trustees, the Malev School Education Committee and, among many other activities in the Jewish Community, he also continues to lecture at Yom Limmud.

Dr. Rothman and his wife Hava have been long time members of Beth Yeshurun. They are much loved and also very active members of our Shabbat and daily services. Dr. Rothman is a regular in our evening minyan, davening the service, as well as leading services on Shabbat evenings.

You can always count on him to chant Haftorah, which he does quite often, and with great love and honor. Dr. Rothman is a treasured member of the Beth Yeshurun and Chapel communities, and very deserving of this honor.

Minyanaire of the Year is awarded to an individual who has given of their time and energy to the daily minyan on a regular basis.

Our Minyanaire of the Year at Congregation Beth Yeshurun for 2015 is . . . . . Dr. Irving Rothman!

Dr. Rothman is a Professor of English Literature at the University of Houston. He is also a faculty member of the Jewish Studies Minor and was responsible for obtaining the European Torah in the permanent possesion of UH. Dr.

Mazal Tov, Dr. Rothman!

This page sponsored by Houston Jewish Funerals. Interested in sponsoring a page? Contact ngonzales@bethyeshurun.org 7

Kehillah High Update

What’s Happening in the William S. Malev Schools for Religious Studies RS Kindergarten Consecration Held Kindergarten Consecration in the Religious School was held on December 6 with the Kindergarten families and the entire Religious School in attendance. After the students sang several songs and were blessed by Rabbi Rosen and their parents, each student was presented with a small Torah and Consecration certificate to mark the beginning of their formal Jewish education. In his benediction, Rabbi Morgen spoke about the relevance of having Consecration just before Hanukkah. The morning concluded with a reception for the Kindergarten families.

The program was coordinated by Music teacher, Marcia Sterling, and Kindergarten teachers, Chaya Lazenga and Mamie Marx.

Kindergarten students pictured are (l-r) - front row: Benjamin Szklaruk, Chase Sperling, Shira Kagan, Laine Samet, Sophia Stanton, Olivia Stanton, Mia Laviage, Mason Glickler, Henry Leibman; back row: Zoe Newman, Savannah Radoff, Avery Wigder, Collin Steinberg, Asher Burck, Cason Baum, Sophia Winard, Lila Goldfarb, Sophie Churchill and Mia Pickelner. Not pictured are Benjamin Bernstein and Olivia Samet.

USCJ Solomon Schechter Award Received

Kehillah High students Daniel Nadel, Jordan Jacobson, Lauren Rosenberg, and Rebecca Burd are shown enjoying a special dinner with sufganiyot before classes during Hanukkah.

The second trimester of Kehillah High began at Beth Yeshurun in December. The teens are enjoying visiting over pizza and participating in meaningful and thoughtful discussion during their classes. We continue to offer classes that are engaging, interactive, and creative. Over the course of Kehillah High’s three trimesters, students will have an opportunity to learn from multiple rabbis and educators from our community. We are thrilled to be able to offer classes covering a wide variety of topics, including “Monsters and Terror in the Bible: What Secrets Lurk in our Holy Texts?”, “God on Trial”, “Jews and the Mafia”, and many more.

The students come, talk, connect and feel good about being Jewish. Aryeh Gruber, a Beth Yeshurun 11th grader and on the Kehillah High Leadership Team said, “Kehillah High is truly a place for every Jewish teen, because no matter our differences or quirks or whatever, we are all Jewish and leading the Jewish community together. Kehillah High is something I look forward to every Wednesday, because I get to see my friends, teachers, and rabbis. It's a place to find out which parts of Judaism interest you because the teens have input in what we get to learn. It is a place where I am really happy!”

In addition to Wednesday nights at Kehillah High, the 10th graders will celebrate Shabbat together in Galveston on January 8 - 9, and the 12th graders will attend the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, DC in March.

Kehillah High is a multi-denominational partnership with Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Beth Yeshurun, and Congregation Brith Shalom, partly funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and Houston Jewish Community Foundation. For more information or to sign up for Kehillah High, go to WWW.KEHILLAHHOUSTON.ORG or contact Danielle Alexander, Kehillah High Director, at 713.271.7369 ext. 334 or email her at DALEXANDER@KEHILLAHHOUSTON.ORG.

Sulam 7th Graders Volunteer with Count Me In

Congregation Beth Yeshurun recently received a Solomon Schechter Award at the USCJ Convention held in Chicago.

The award was given for the Religious School family program, ISRAEL-A-PALOOZA, held last spring. Pictured are USCJ CEO Rabbi Steven Wernick, CBY Past President and USCJ Board Member Sandy Herskovitz, CBY Vice President Arlene Staller, CBY and USCJ Board Member Richard Kammerman, and USCJ International President Margo Gold.

Sulam 7th grade students spent a morning volunteering with Count Me In. Garrett Johnson and Max Barrocas are shown helping organize gifts to be donated.

8

Next dinner dates: January 15 - March 11 - May 6

9

Jewish Learning Project JANUARY 2016 at CBY

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31 10:30am ‐ Noon

A������� J���: H�� W� G�� H��� � B����� W�� W� A�� ���� R���� D���� R���� J�� 10, 17 � 31

di·vorce (dəˈvôrs) noun 1. the legal dissolu�on of a marriage by a court or other competent body.

J������ � C�������� B���������

But what about the kids?

Join us as we see divorce through the eyes of a child in Evgeny Aneevsky award‐winning documentary Divorce A journey through the Kid’s Eyes.

J��� � ��� C���� R����� M�������

���� R���� S���� M����� J�� 10, 17, 24 � 31

���� B������ P����� J�� 17, 24 � 31

L�������� D��������� G����� Tuesdays ‐ Noon Jan 12 with Rabbi Strauss

Following the lm we will have a panel discussion and Q&A.

Thursday ‐ Noon Jan 21 with Rabbi Steve Morgen

C��� E�

FREE EVENT OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY

Sunday Mornings January 10 ‐ 9:30 am to 10:15 am Topic: Tu B’shevat with Rabbi Brian Strauss

GET YOUR FREE TICKET ONLINE AT

January 31‐ 11:00 am Milton Steinberg’s classic “As a Driven Leaf” with Dr. Bernice Heilbrunn‐Potvin

BETHYESHURUN.ORG

For more informa�on and to RSVP for these classes, please visit www.bethyeshurun.org/jlp 10

Family Album

Anniversaries 1/1

1/2

1/3

1/4

1/5

1/6

1/7 1/8

1/10 1/12

1/13

1/14

1/15

1/16

1/17

1/18

4 66 17 28 35 35 35 40 8 41 8 36 43 42 55 25 23 38 12 10 12 3 36 30 13 64 14 31 26 37 15 32 27 35 50 38 32 52 11 47 22 12 47 6 46 24 12 18

Joseph & Emily Spinner Scott & Leslie Stange Brian & Lisa Strauss Vincent & Jackie Wedelich Joseph & Deborah Freilich Sergio & Claudia Soroka Jay & Linda Rosen Sion & Robyn Saghian Dan & Taryn Braun Steven & Sharon Cohen Joshua & Lauren Vogel Nestor & Dory Yudelevich Micky & Jackie Fleischer Melvyn & Lea Fradkin Ivor & Vera Safro Robert & Lisa Suvalsky Stephen & Juliana Tew Barry & Ellen Croft Michael & Julie Kaplan Jason & Dorian Taibel Grant & Ginger Marblestone Gil & Stacey Beer Michael & Amy Merkin Steven & Julie Scheinthal Yosef & Andrea Winard Leon & Evelyn Cohen Trevor & Allyson Morris Michael & Janine Pappert David & Judy Bell Lenny & Sherry Dubin Jonathan Harris & Tandy Camberg-Harris Marc & Tyann Nathan Bruce & Linda Ruzinsky Rafael & Fortuna Esquenazi Jerry & Kerry Hoffman Michael & Susan Klaiman Howard & Elyse Schultz Abram & Rochelle Batagower Brad & Amira Staller Morris & Linda Taibel Nathan & Paula Ticatch Howard & Randee Berman David & Rosemarie De Vido Jonathan & Sharon Levy Saul & Norma Szub David & Sally Ben-Moyal Jerry & Rona Levit Jeffrey & Laurie Rosenberg

1/21

1/22

1/23 1/25 1/26

1/27

1/30 1/31

63 21 4 15 16 55 45 27 47 15 3 9 41 7

Leon & Betty Wittert Cory & Lisa Birenbaum Evan & Julie Davis Kenneth Ullman & Judy Offman Jason & Staci Beinart Cyril & Joan Lotzof Barry & Pamela Pearl Jerome & Susan Feldman Marc & Joanne Epstein Michael & Mila Milo Michael & Allison Burger Elan & Melanie Levy Michael & Margot Barnard Joshua & Jessica Samet

Mazal Tov To Rabbi Brian Strauss on being selected to serve on the Texas Special Commission for Holocaust & Genocide.

Condolences The congregation extends its sincerest condolences to the families of Elaine Cohen, David H. Cohen, David Danziger, Abbe Garfinkel, Minda Hirsch, Richard Kalina, Fred Kogen, Aaron Mintz, Abraham Moszkowicz, Suzanne Malka Patrick, Ruth Cohen Siegel, Lila Shulak, Julius Singer, Joel (Joe) Statham May their memories be for a blessing.

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

Among the Conservative Torah institutions to which we have directed help this year are: • The Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem, a place for serious Jewish learning in a semi-academic environment • Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano in Buenos Aires, training rabbis for the growing number of Conservative congregations in Latin America and world-wide • Masorticampus, providing an annual convention of learning and building relationships among Conservative students around the country (“Masorti” means traditional and is used to refer to our movement outside of North America) 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 11

New Year's Day

Synagogue Office Closed BYDS Winter Break Shabbat Renewal Evening Chapel

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

January 2016 Tevet/Shevat 5776 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 20 Tevet 2 Shemot 21 Tevet

DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR AN UP-TO-THE-MINUTE CALENDAR OF EVENTS, PLEASE GO ONLINE TO: WWW.BETHYESHURUN.ORG

3 22 Tevet 4 23 Tevet 5 24 Tevet 6 25 Tevet 7 26 Tevet 8 27 Tevet 9 Vaera 28 Tevet Morning Chapel No Jewish Learning Project BYDS Winter Break BYDS Resumes

Museum Minyan No RS/Sulam BYDS Prof Dev Day BYDS Back to School New

Sanctuary Service

Family Breakfast

Kinder Shabbat BM: Daniel Malev &

Grief Support Group

Shabbat Renewal

Joshua Romero

BM: Daniel Malev & Tot Shabbat

Joshua Romero Caregivers Group Shabbat Shalom RS Evening Chapel Torah Study

Kehillah High Evening Chapel Meditation Group CONFIRMATION RETREAT

10 29 Tevet 11 1 Shevat 12 2 Shevat 13 3 Shevat 14 4 Shevat 15 5 Shevat 16 Bo 6 Shevat Morning Chapel Jewish Learning Project Rosh Chodesh Grief Support Group BYDS Kindergarten Info

Junior Congregation RS/Sulam

JLP: Lunch & Learn Session

Shabbat Renewal Museum Minyan

@ Tony’s

BM: Steven Wolf JLP: Club Ed Sanctuary Service

BYDS 2nd Grade Shabbat

BM: Steven Wolf Service & Dinner

Education Committee RS Caregivers Group Shabbat Shalom Evening Chapel

Future Leaders Caucus Kehillah High

Torah Study Guess Who's Coming Budget Committee

Meditation Group Evening Chapel to Shabbas?

17 7 Shevat 18 8 Shevat 19 9 Shevat 20 10 Shevat 21 11 Shevat 22 12 Shevat 23 Beshalach 13 Shevat Morning Chapel Jewish Learning Project Grief Support Group

MLK Holiday Museum Minyan RS/Sulam

Synagogue Office Closed Sanctuary Service

YES Lunch & Program

BM: Max Roffwarg &

RS JLP: Lunch & Learn Shabbat Renewal

Josie Zisman CBY Executive Committee 100 Jewish Men @ Genesis BM: Max Roffwarg & Shabbat Shalom CBY Board Meting Kehillah High Caregivers Group Josie Zisman Torah Study Meditation Group Evening Chapel Evening Chapel

Morning Chapel Junior Congregation Museum Minyan Sanctuary Service BM: Victoria Hoffman & Aaron Ratner Shabbat Shalom Torah Study Evening Chapel FL Daddy‐Daughter Dance

24 14 Shevat 25 15 Shevat 26 16 Shevat 27 17 Shevat 28 18 Shevat 29 19 Shevat 30 Yitro 20 Shevat Jewish Learning Project Grief Support Group

Tu B’Shevat RS/Sulam

Gathering Place

RS

Shabbat Renewal

FL Tu B'Shevat Investment Committee Shalom Y’all BM: Victoria Hoffman

Celebration Technology Committee

& Aaron Ratner BYDS Board Meeting AIPAC Houston Kehillah High

Evening Chapel

Meditation Group Caregivers Group

31 21 Shevat RS/Sulam JLP

12

B’nai Mitzvah Daniel Edward Malev (January 8/9) is the son of Orit and David Malev; brother of Maya; and grandson of the late Marsha Amdur Malev, Jonathan Malev, and the late Hilda and Josef Lev. Daniel attends The Emery/Weiner School. For his Mitzvah Project, Daniel made Shabbat boxes for patients at Methodist Hospital. Daniel will donate a portion of his monetary gifts to The Leukemia Society in loving memory of his grandmother Marsha.

Joshua Alejandro Romero (January 8/9) is the son of Debora Levine and Giancarlo Romero; brother of Francesca Romero; grandson of Rebecca Levine and Enrique Levine of blessed memory, and Josefina and Glicerio Romero.

Joshua attends The Emery/Weiner School. For his Mitzvah Project, Joshua formed a team to help raise funds for the Oral Cancer Foundation and participated in the walk for awareness of oral cancer. Joshua will donate a portion of his monetary gifts to Mazon and to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in memory of his uncle Diego Levine and grandfather Enrique Levine.

Steven Max Wolf (January 15/16) is the son of Annat and David Wolf; brother of Sara and Lyla; grandson of Ester Husid and the late Dr. Raul Husid, Gary and Starr Wolf and the late Susan Wolf. Steven attends The Emery/Weiner School. For his Mitzvah Project, Steven organized a book drive for donation to the Good Steward Global Initiative. He also volunteered at Seven Acres. Steven will participate in the Rabbi’s 10% Plan by donating a portion of his monetary gifts to the Good Steward Global Initiative, the Amyloidosis Foundation (in honor of his grandmother, Susan Eva Wolf), and to the American Heart Association (in honor of his grandfather, Raul Husid).

jewish meditation group Together we’ll explore tools for mindfulness, find a different way to talk to God and deepen our prayer with meditation and chanting. RSVP to karenhurwitz@karenhurwitz.com.

7:00-8:00pm Wednesdays january 6, 13, 20 & 27

Max Isaac Roffwarg (January 22/23) is the son of Leslie and Aaron Roffwarg; brother of Jacob; grandson of Clara and Robert Gold, and Barbara Greenfield and Howard Roffwarg. Max attends The Emery/Weiner School. For his Mitzvah Project, Max, along with his B’nai Mitzvah partner Josie Zisman, assembled Hanukkah treat bags for hospital patients for the JFS Adopt-aHoliday program. Max also volunteered as a Buddy for the West University Little League Challenger Division. Max will donate a portion of his monetary gifts to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Josie Faye Zisman (January 22/23) is the daughter of Veronica and Stuart Zisman; sister of Holden and Dylan Zisman; granddaughter of Maxine Epstein, Marcia Zisman, Ed and Sandy Weinman and the late Harold Zisman.

Josie attends Trafton Academy. For her Mitzvah Project, Josie, along with her B’nai Mitzvah partner Max Roffwarg, assembled Hanukkah treat bags for JFS. Josie will donate a portion of her monetary gifts to Camp Sabra.

Victoria Rebecca Hoffman (January 29/30) is the daughter of Marilyn and Cary Hoffman; sister of Michael and Alexander Hoffman; granddaughter of the late Esther and Bernard Kaufman, and the late Margaret and Leslie Hoffman. Victoria attends the Monarch School. For her Mitzvah project, Victoria volunteered at the Houston Food Bank. She will donate a portion of her monetary gifts to the Houston Food Bank and to Special Pals.

Aaron Reuben Ratner (January 29/30) is the son of Logan and Melissa Ratner; brother of Jonathan Ratner and Steven Jozef Medina; and grandson of Joe and Gloria Martinez, Diane Ratner and Dan Ratner of blessed memory. Aaron attends Lanier Middle School. For his Mitzvah Project, Aaron volunteered with Trees for Houston and the Friends of Lanier Music. He will participate in the Rabbi’s 10% Plan by donating to the Friends of the IDF, and to the Chaplaincy Program at JFS. We are happy to list Bar/Bat Mitzvah students, their parents, siblings, grandparents, school and Mitzvah Projects. Please contact Hilary Nitsun at hnitsun@bethyeshurun.org or 713.255.8005, for your submission deadline.

Are you in special need of a Rabbi?

If you have a death in the family, a loved one in the hospital or in need a get well prayer, please contact Rabbi David Rosen at 713.255.8011, or drosen@bethyeshurun.org.

Our Senior Rabbi wants to be with you and to help you deal with life’s many challenges.

13

6TH ANNUAL BETH YESHURUN HOUSTON JEWISH FUNERALS 2016 GOLF TOURNAMENT

Presented by

MONDAY, MAY 9 WILDCAT GOLF CLUB

Check - in/Lunch 11:00 am Shotgun start 12:30 pm Registration/Greens Fee: $600/foursome; ($150/person) Includes...golf, cart, breakfast, lunch, range balls, gift bag

Sponsorships still available.

Register Today!

Online registration available at WWW.BETHYESHURUN.ORG 14

Happy Chai Birthday, Museum Minyan!

The Museum Minyan rededicated itself in celebration of its 18th birthday with a kiddush lunch on Shabbat Chanukkah in Beth Yeshurun’s courtyard. Like its traditional bi-monthly Friday night potluck dinners, the event was well-attended by founders, members who have joined over the years, and visitors.

Beth Yeshurun’s Museum Minyan was started by congregants who sought an intimate prayer service set in the Conservative tradition. Inclusive and led by its members, with input from our rabbis, the minyan’s services add interest through diversity. Tobi Cooper leads the weekly 10:15am Shabbat Shalom service for children in a separate room, engaging the children with song, stories, and games – leaving adults to enjoy the Torah reading and d’var Torah.

Meeting in Stein Hall every Shabbat morning at 9:15 and on holidays, Beth Yeshurun’s Museum Minyan is warm, friendly, and welcoming to newcomers who seek a community within the Beth Yeshurun family.

Please join us in Stein Hall on Shabbat morning at 9:15 in our growing and relaxed community. Check the Beth Yeshurun website for the Museum Minyan link and add your name to the listserv to receive email updates.

Celebrating 63 years of of work at CBY!

BY Sisterhood recently hosted a Staff Appreciation and Retirement Luncheon for CBY employees. The food was wonderful and it was great to celebrate the retirement of four valued employees: Diane Larsen - Chef (7 years), Marsha Weiss - Office Manager/Assistant to Lu Dorfman, (6 years), Mary Lu Robinson Kitchen Staff (38 years), and George Bruno - Building Operations Superintendent (35 years). We at Beth Yeshurun have been blessed to have them with us and pray they will have many years of joyful retirement to enjoy!

Pictured above (l-r): Marsha Weiss, George Bruno, Diane Larsen & Mary Lu Robinson.

Sisterhood Gift Shop January Special 15% off books (excluding prayer books) 25% off selected mezzuzahs SUNDAY 10:00am - 1:00pm

MONDAY CLOSED

TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY 10:00am - 4:30pm 713.255.8021 giftshop@bethyeshurun.org

15

FRIDAY 10:00am-2:30pm

Ad Bethover Yeshurun Reach 2,000– 2015 households 3.5 x2

- advertise in The themessage@bethyeshurun.org

Message!

Bar Mitzvah Suits FOR MEN & BOYS

Call the Best We’ll do the Rest!

Unstop Drains ✯ Replace Sewer Lines Tank & Tankless Water Heaters Live Video Camera for Line Breaks Repair and Replace Faucets & Toilets

6750 West Loop South (Frost Bank Bldg at Bellaire Blvd) 832.433.7189 | www.mwiesenthal.com

J IM G OLDMAN M ERGERS AND A CQUISITIONS B USINESS B ROKER

Mention our ad for $15 off any service.

Gary Bloch

J IM G OLDMAN C ONSULTING L TD

FREE Estimates

3306 B LACK L OCUST D R .

C ELL 832-746-1002 F AX 832-408-7907 S UGAR L AND , TX 77479 JIMMY @ LIBERTYEXCHANGE . COM

MLP#17021

www.plumbcohouston.com

THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE.

713-771-8000

Ensure that your wishes will be honored and shared among your family by making pre-planning arrangements with Waldman Funeral Care.

www.theplumbingguy.com

With warmth and respect for Jewish values, traditions and ceremony, Funeral Director/Owner Syd Waldman works with families in advance to focus on the details so that, when the time comes, families can focus on each other.

A Full Service Residential and Commercial Plumbing Company

Call Syd Waldman for more information or a pre-planning consultation.

Paul Weitz MPL 37548

Extraordinary Service. Compassionate Care.

Your neighborhood Plumber and

713-875-4811

BETH YESHURUN DAD!

Syd@WaldmanFuneralCare.com www.WaldmanFuneralCare.com

Call “The Plumbing Guy” The plumber your friend’s recommend!

We do it right and are reasonably priced

Affiliated with Hardin Family Funeral Home For more information regarding prepaid funerals and consumer rights and protections under Texas state law, visit www.prepaidfunerals.texas.gov.

Licensed and Insured service@theplumbingguy.com 16

Brena Moglovkin REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® With over 30 years experience, I am committed to providing the finest service to

Celebrating a Simcha?

each of my clients.

Contact Lisa Unsell, The Message Editor

Please contact me for

lunsell@bethyeshurun.org

your real estate needs.

(713) 255-8066.

Let us share your news!

832.264.6007

brena@marthaturner.com

Contact Us Synagogue Office 4525 Beechnut St * Houston, TX 77096-1801 www.bethyeshurun.org 713.666.1881

Donations Beth Yeshurun is a community institution with a vital mission: to educate children and adults, to offer spiritual experiences that inspire and uplift all ages, and to provide a setting in which Judaism can be joyously lived and experienced. We welcome your support. Online donations can be made at www.bethyeshurun.org. Donations may also be made in the synagogue office or by mail to Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut, Houston, TX 77096-1801.

A minimum donation of $10 per listing is required to have your donation published in the weekly bulletin and a notification letter sent to the honoree or a deceased person’s family member. One such notification letter will be sent per donation. The deadline for donations to be published in the weekly bulletin is the previous Friday at 4:30pm. Donations are published upon submission and will not be “held” for future publication. When you make a donation to Beth Yeshurun, please be sure to provide all of the necessary information: who the donation is in memory of, who or what the donation is in honor of, who needs to be notified of the donation (name and complete address) and by whom the donation is given. When this information is incomplete, we are unable to process your donation efficiently. Donations with no specific fund indicated will be credited to the Synagogue General Fund. Beth Yeshurun appreciates your generosity and support.

Clergy Rabbi David Rosen: drosen@bethyeshurun.org Asst: Abby Rotenberg: arotenberg@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8011 Rabbi Steven Morgen: smorgen@bethyeshurun.org Rabbi Brian Strauss: bstrauss@bethyeshurun.org Asst: Gayle Schnurr: gschnurr@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8017 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 Alan Levin, President: alevin@levin-legal.com Luis Dorfman, Executive Dir: ldorfman@bethyeshurun.org Ellen Petras, Membership: epetras@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8060 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 More contact info at www.bethyeshurun.org Read The Message online at www.bethyeshurun.org *March deadline: Jan. 11 at themessage@bethyeshurun.org 17

Time sensitive material - please deliver promptly!

Would you like to write fewer checks? Here’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss:

Direct Debit for Dues Payments Through ACH (Automated Clearing House)

Look for details in your statement or contact the Synagogue Office!

18