January 2017 message

The Message

Congregation Beth Yeshurun Houston January 2017

Winter at the Western Wall 1

From the Rabbi Rabbi Rabbi Brian Strauss Why do we still go to Israel?

Because it is the land of miracles

As you read this article, Lisa and I will have just returned from leading our fourth Beth Yeshurun Family Mission to Israel.

Why do we believe in the importance of continuing to bring as many Beth Yeshurun families as we can to Israel?

Over one hundred years ago, Theodore Herzl started the modern Zionist movement and changed all of Jewish history with these words: “Im tirtzu ein zo aggadah – If you will it, it is no dream.”

Since that time, Israel has been a modern

has the highest percentage of PhDs and other graduate degrees in the world. These facts have led some to say to all anti-Zionists, they should just avoid higher education because it’s obviously a Zionist trap.

Never before have any people, any nation risen like a phoenix from the ashes as have the Jewish people in Israel. Its accomplishments as a nation would have surprised even Theodore Herzl himself. Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben Gurion was correct when he said, “In Israel, in order to be a realist you must believe in miracles.”

There is no greater modern day wonder than the very existence of a successful and thriving modern Jewish state. I want my children and the children of our congregation to see that marvel as often as possible. Thank God, I was blessed to be in Israel again.

In his poem “Miracles”, the Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai writes “From afar, everything seems like a miracle But from close even a miracle does not seem so Even one who passed through the Sea of Reeds at the Splitting of the Sea Saw only the sweating back Of the person walking before him…”

Can all of us far-away here in America go to Israel and then feel and experience the miracle for ourselves?

day place of miracles.

In 1948, the first Jewish state in 2000 years was established after beating back the combined armies of seven Arab nations. The tiny new country then absorbed 800,000 Jews forced out of their homes in Arab countries. In future decades, 90,000 Ethiopian Jews and 1.6 million Russian Jews were rescued and brought home.

Today in Israel more Jewish children and adults are studying in Jewish schools and yeshivoth then there were in Europe in 1939.

Israel has become the twenty-fourth largest economy in the world. Israel continues to be one of the world’s leaders in medicine, biology, agriculture, science, energy and the environment. Its technological innovations have changed the world and saved millions of lives throughout the globe.

Israel is first per capita in papers published by scientific journals, second per capita in the number of books published, and

We Value Our Members Beth Yeshurun is a community institution with a vital mission: to offer spiritual experiences that inspire and uplift all ages, to educate children and adults, and to provide a setting in which Judaism can be joyously lived and experienced.

Congregation Beth Yeshurun

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. LII, No. 6

Do You Have a Question about Your Membership? Members who may have special needs, whose family situations have changed or who have questions about their membership in the synagogue will find a responsive and empathetic ear by arranging a visit with Mindi Stern, our Director of Member Relations, (713.666.1881).

Rhona & Bruce Caress Family Campus 4525 Beechnut St.│Houston, TX 77096-1801 713.666.1881│www.bethyeshurun.org January 2017│Tevet-Shevat 5777

The Message of Congregation Beth Yeshurun (USPS 968500) is published monthly August-July by Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut, Houston, Harris County, TX 770961801. Periodical Postage Paid at Houston, Texas.

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.“

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

Front Cover Winter at the Western Wall 2

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Shabbat Services

Chapel Services Sunday, 1/1/2017: 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday, 1/2/2017: 7:00am - 5:00pm Tuesday, 1/3/2017: 7:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday, 1/4/2017: 7:00am - 5:00pm Thursday, 1/5/2017: 7:00am - 5:00pm Friday, 1/6/2017: 7:00am - 5:00pm Saturday, 1/7/2017: 8:30am - 5:00pm Sunday, 1/8/2017: 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday, 1/9/2017: 7:00am - 5:00pm Tuesday, 1/10/2017: 7:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday, 1/11/2017: 7:00am - 5:00pm Thursday, 1/12/2017: 7:00am - 5:00pm Friday, 1/13/2017: 7:00am - 5:00pm Saturday, 1/14/2017: 8:30am - 5:15pm Sunday, 1/15/2017: 8:00am - 5:30pm Monday, 1/16/2017: 7:00am - 5:30pm Tuesday, 1/17/2017: 7:00am - 5:30pm Wednesday, 1/18/2017: 7:00am - 5:30pm Thursday, 1/19/2017: 7:00am - 5:30pm Friday, 1/20/2017: 7:00am - 5:30pm Saturday, 1/21/2017: 8:30am - 5:15pm Sunday, 1/22/2017: 8:00am - 5:30pm Monday, 1/23/2017: 7:00am - 5:30pm Tuesday, 1/24/2017: 7:00am - 5:30pm Wednesday, 1/25/2017: 7:00am - 5:30pm Thursday, 1/26/2017: 7:00am - 5:30pm Friday, 1/27/2017: 7:00am - 5:30pm Saturday, 1/28/2017: 8:30am - 5:30pm Sunday, 1/29/2017: 8:00am - 5:30pm Monday, 1/30/2017: 7:00am - 5:30pm Tuesday, 1/31/2017: 7:00am - 5:30pm

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6 - Candlelighting Time 5:20pm 5:00pm Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - with the Stein Family SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 - Parashat Tevet 8:30am Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service - B’nai Mitzvah: Aaron & Hannah Stein 5:00pm Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel FRIDAY, JANUARY 13 - Candle lighting Time 5:26pm 5:00pm Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel Carlebach-style service 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 - Parashat Vayhi 8:30am Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service 4:45pm Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel 5:15pm Sanctuary Service - B’not Mitzvah: Alexandra & Rachel Gittleman FRIDAY, JANUARY 20 - Candlelighting Time 5:32pm 5:30pm Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - with the Beinart & Cohen Families SATURDAY, JANUARY 21 - Parashat Shemot 8:30am Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service - B’nai Mitzvah: Noah Beinart & Drew Cohen 5:15pm Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 - Candlelighting Time 5:38pm 5:30pm Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00pm Shabbat Shelanu SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 - Parashat Vaera 8:30am Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service 5:30pm Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel

Office Hours

Weekly Torah Study

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.

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:

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Monday • January 2 • New Year’s Holiday (Observed) Monday • January 16 • Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

DIAMONDS DENIM & DICE CONGREGATION BETH YESHURUN

3 RD A N N U A L C A S I N O N I G H T 

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Pre-gaming comedy show featuring

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Tickets: $50/per person Ticket includes: Light Bites, Open Bar and $1000 gaming chips The gaming tables are provided for entertainment purposes only by All Vegas Experience, 832-795-7595 100% of donations and proceeds help support Congregation Beth Yeshurun 5

Pre-sale tickets, Sponsorship opportunities and Volunteer information can be found on our website at www.bethyeshurun.org/2017carnival.

Questions?

Call 713.666.1881 or email cbyfamilylife@gmail.com 6

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RS Fourth Grade Students Volunteer

What’s Happening in the William S. Malev Schools for Religious Studies

Beth Yeshurun’s fourth grade Religious School students joined with fourth grade religious school students from several other synagogues in Houston to spend a morning volunteering at Houston Food Bank. This was a wonderful experience for the children to work together and help Houstonian's who are less fortunate. Students learned more about the Food Bank and helped box foods for distribution in the community. It was a very informative and fulfilling morning.

This project was one of many mitzvah opportunities that our Religious School students have the chance to participate in throughout their years in Religious School.

RS Sixth Graders Create Yads The sixth grade Religious School students each designed and created a yad with their parents. Each yad contained the sixth grader’s Hebrew name within the design, and it is a gift to the students. Our students and parents enjoyed having the opportunity to create the yads, and all were pleased with the special gift. We hope that each of the students will use their yad at their Bar or Bat Mitzvah and on many other occasions in the future.

Fourth grade Religious School students Kate Kaminsky and Josie Goldfarb are shown packing boxes at Houston Food Bank.

Kehillah High at Beth Yeshurun Sixth grade students worked with their parents to create yads that included their Hebrew names in the yad’s design. Three of our families are shown while assembling their yads. Clockwise from left to right are: Myles and Gage Mueller; Ellie and Sarah Gibbs; Mark, Annette, and Victoria Goldberg; and Layla and Amy Mueller.

Kehillah High is now in the midst of the second trimester and is currently meeting at Beth Yeshurun. We have added several new students since the year began, and classes are going well.

Kehillah High Director, Danielle Alexander, took a group of eleventh graders to visit The University of Texas at Austin on a Sunday in November, and one of last year’s graduates showed them around the campus. They visited Hillel as well.

A group of eighth and ninth graders went on the Jewish Heritage Tour of the South to New Orleans during winter break with Danielle Alexander, and Houston’s shlichim, Miki Plotkin and Herut Gez. The trip was open to the entire Houston Jewish community. The trip was a combination of volunteering, touring, and the opportunity to have fun together!

Sulam Volunteers With Count Me In Sulam seventh graders recently spent a morning at the Merfish Teen Center volunteering with Count Me In. The students enjoyed helping to organize the gifts that were donated for Hanukkah and prepare the bags for pick-up.

Sulam is proud to annually volunteer to help with Count Me In.

Beth Yeshurun eighth grade students. Jordan Sheldon and Ben Rozen, are in line for a special falafel dinner at Kehillah High.

Sulam students Becca Beinart, Dani Purcell, and Serena Schwartz are shown helping organize the donated gifts.

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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 Rabbi Horwitz 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 also 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!

Daddy/Daughter Dance Dancing & Desserts with

Daughters & Dads 7:00 - 9:00 pm Saturday, January 28th Pulaski Rauch Auditorium Dressy Attire $25 per couple; $5 per additional child rsvp by Friday, January 20th at: bethyeshurun.org/daddy-daughter-dance-2017

Rabbi Daniel Horwitz

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.

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Jewish Learning Project JANUARY 2017 at CBY

For more information on these and other classes, please visit us at www.bethyeshurun.org/jlp

The Most Disturbing Texts of the Torah with Rabbi David Rosen: January 8, 15 & 29

The Torah is replete with passages that instruct, uplift and inspire. But it is also a book that contains numerous episodes and teachings that are disturbing and perplexing to the modern reader. With Rabbi Rosen as our guide, we will look at some of the most troubling passages in all of Scripture and seek to understand them through both the teachings of our rabbinic sages as well as contemporary teachers of Torah.

Jewish Court Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court with Dr. Bernice Heilbrunn Potvin resumes January 8 with part 3 of a six-part series.

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Take a break at Sisterhood’s

B&B

& BONDS DONOR EVENT

PUTTING THE FUN IN FUNDRAISING!

January 29, 2017 3 - 5:30 pm

Bingo Games & Prizes • Mini Marketplace Light Bites & Beverages Congregation Beth Yeshurun 4525 Beechnut

B THERE OR B SQUARE! To register and pay online, visit www.bethyeshurun.org/2017donor Families Welcome!

Lots of chances to win!!

Sunday Casual Attire

Gayle Hoffer, Chair gaylehoffer@gmail.com 713.898.2442

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CBY Board Nominations now accepted!

Thank You

Charles Balfoure’s New York Times bes David Rosen. The Paris Architect asks u just how far we'll go to make things rig imbues every page, this sto fromknowledge Rabbi Jack & Toby Segal hidden and every life saved.

We would like to thank all our members and friends who wrote letters to the Texas Parole Board at our request.

We are extremely grateful for your help. Parole was denied.

- Rabbi Jack & Toby Segal

Congregation Beth Yeshurun will soon elect new members of the Board of Trustees (the date of the Annual Meeting is January 22, 2017). In order to learn about as many candidates as possible, we are asking congregants to forward names of people for consideration to the Nominations Committee. The number of open Board positions is limited; all candidates will be considered, but not all will be able to be nominated. Please note that the deadline to receive this completed form is January 5, 2017.

Susan Piller, Nominations Committee Chair, is asking members for recommendations for nominees to the Board of Trustees. You may recommend yourself or someone else for consideration by the Nominations Committee. The only Constitutional requirement is that the nominee must be a member of Beth Yeshurun in good standing for at least one year prior to the election (this year, January 22, 2017).

2017 CBY Board Nominations Form You may also submit nominations online at: https://bethyeshurun.org/board-nominations

Your Name: _________________________ Your Email: _________________________ Your Ph. #: _________________________ 1st Nominee Name: _____________________________ Email: _____________________________ Occupation: ________________________ CBY Committees & Activities: _________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________

IISRAEL

CONNECTION February 26 – March 7, 2017

Connect to Israel.

Connect with our Community.

Connect through the Federation.

When you join with your fellow Houston neighbors and friends on this vacation, you’ll be delighted by the sights and sounds of our homeland.

Let yourself be surprised by your emotional connection to the land and people you meet.

1 Nominee Name: _____________________________ Email: _____________________________ Occupation: ________________________ CBY Committees & Activities: _________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ st

Be awed by the great impact our community makes. Let’s dine and dance and laugh and celebrate on Israel Connection 2017.

This is your time to give yourself the gift of Israel.

Join Rabbi Rosen on this exciting community trip!

Israel Connection Chairs: Joy & Joe Kaplan Trip is subsidized by the Velva G. & H. Fred Levine Israel Community Mission Fund at the Houston Jewish Community Foundation and other generous donors.

Visit HoustonJewish.org/IsraelTrip or call Shelly Shwartz at 713.729.7000 x 313.

DON’T MISS YOUR OPPORTUNITY! Registration deadline: December 27, 2016

All nominations must be submitted to the office or online by 5:00pm, Thursday, January 5, 2017 14

Cemetery Hours & New Regulation

Save-the-Date for a

“Camp-Style” Havdalah Celebration

Beth Yeshurun cemeteries are open Sunday-Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm, closed on Saturdays and the following:

with

Sunday • January 15 • 8:30am-2:00pm • Allen Parkway only

CYJ & Shalom Y’all

Saturday, February 4th at 6:30pm

NEW REGULATION FOR POST OAK CEMETERY For pedestrian and driver safety, effective November 1, 2016, the N. Post Oak Road entrance gate to Post Oak Cemetery will be closed. ALL traffic must turn west at the light at Awty School Road, pass David Weekley’s property, and then turn left to enter the cemetery. The N. Post Oak gate will only be used as an exit following services.

Experience a “camp-style” Havdalah service presented by Camp Young Judea and the Shalom Y’all Committee of Congregation Beth Yeshurun. This special Havdalah service, done in the tradition of Camp Young Judea, will take place, weather permitting, in the Sukkah.

(If it rains, we’ll move to Stein Hall.) Mark your calendar for lots of dancing, fun & refreshments!

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 at (713) 666-1881!

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Dr. Stephen Tew Beth Yeshurun 2016

Steve Rudoff Memorial Minyanaire of the Year services, and frequently leads the service. In fact, over the past several years he has learned to lead a great variety of services and looks forward to continuing in that process. He makes an exceptional contribution to the Chapel and our congregation, and we are most grateful to have him with us!

We also extended recognition to those who take responsibility for the ongoing life of our Chapel and its daily and Shabbat services. Thanks to our gabbaim Buddy Lewis, Michael Lewis, Dr. Bob Arkus, Arthur Nathan, Richard Kammerman, Jerry Lass, Michael Richker and their faithful assistants Jack Uzick, Bubba Silberstein and David Stein for their continued good service.

Mazel tov, Dr. Tew!

We are fortunate to have many people who are committed to our daily minyan and contribute regularly. But some of them stand out and deserve special recognition.

We can’t honor all of them in the way we should, but several years ago we created a yearly award to acknowledge some of these very special participants. This has now been renamed the “Steve Rudoff Memorial Minyanaire of the Year” award, in honor of our dear friend and gabbai who had such an enormous impact on the Greenfield Chapel and Beth Yeshurun.

On December 10, our “Minyanaire Shabbat,” we announced that Dr. Stephen Tew is our 2016 honoree. Dr. Tew is a regular participant in Shabbat and daily morning

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This page sponsored by Houston Jewish Funerals. Interested in sponsoring a page? Contact ngonzales@bethyeshurun.org 16

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Family Album

Births

Proud parents Amy Krost Gordon and Brian David Gordon announce the birth of their daughter, Sloane Golda Gordon.

Sloane was born November 1, 2016. Her grandparents are Sharon and Michael Krost, and Susan and Steven Gordon.

Proud parents Jake and Tiffany Siegel announce the birth of their daughter, Chloe Ruth Siegel. Chloe was born December 9, 2016. She weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20 inches long. Her grandparents are Anne and Sam Siegel, and Ruth and Bret Kisluk. Chloe’s Hebrew name is Rut bat Yaakov v’Esther.

Anniversaries 1/1

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5 67 18 29 36 36 36 41 9 2 9 37 44 43 56 26 24 39 13 11 13 4 37 31 14 65 32 27 38 16 33 28 36 51 39 33 53 12 48

Joseph & Emily Spinner Scott & Leslie Stange Rabbi Brian & Lisa Strauss Vincent & Jackie Wedelich Joseph & Deborah Freilich Sergio & Claudia Soroka Jay & Linda Rosen Sion & Robyn Saghian Dan & Taryn Braun Dan & Doylene Markman 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 Michael & Janine Pappert David Bell & 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

23 13 48 7 47 25 13 19 64 22 5 16 17 56 46 28 48 16 4 10 42 7 8

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 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 Jonathan & Jessica Sacks Joshua & Jessica Samet

Condolences The congregation extends its sincerest condolences to the families of Werner Aron, Diane Frederick, Caroline Goldman Garber, Rakhil Kleynerman, Sarra Pesochinsky, Nona Alpard Raphael, Blanche Roubein, Irving Taub, Charles Wachsberg, Lawrence (Buddy) Bernard Weiser May their memories be for a blessing.

AIPAC Policy Conference 2017 AIPAC Policy Conference 2017

COME TOGETHER COME COME TOGETHER TOGETHER AIPAC Policy Conference 2017

March 26–28 • Washington, D.C.

March March 26–28 26–28 •• Washington, Washington, D.C. D.C. Join Rabbi Rosen, Rabbi Join Rabbi Rosen, Rabbi Strauss, and fellow members of Join Rabbi Rosen, Congregation BethRabbi Yeshurun Strauss, and fellow members of in our nation’s capital for three of of Strauss, and fellow members Congregation Beth Yeshurun the most important days Congregation Beth Yeshurun in our nation’s capital for three of affecting Israel’s future.

in nation’s capital for 1three of st theour most important days For Policy Conference timers – Israel’s please ask about our the most important days affecting future. limited amount of $200 affecting Israel’s future. discount coupons, available For Policy Conference 1st on a first-come, first-served For Policy Conference 1st our basis! timers – please ask about timers –amount please of ask about our limitedMore $200 Learn For more information about limited amount of $200 discount coupons, available Beth Yeshurun’s delegation, or discount coupons, available onregister a first-come, to for the first-served AIPAC Policy Conference, please contact on a first-come, first-served basis!

Rebecca Gerbert at basis!

832.380.7718 or Learn More rgerbert@aipac.org or Learn More Madeline Burak at 832.380.7713 For more information about or mburak@aipac.org.

For more information about or Beth Yeshurun’s delegation, Beth Yeshurun’s delegation, to register for the AIPAC Policyor to register forplease the AIPAC Policy Conference, contact Conference, please Rebecca Gerbert at contact Rebecca Gerbert 832.380.7718 or at 832.380.7718 or rgerbert@aipac.org or rgerbert@aipac.org or Madeline Burak at 832.380.7713 Madeline Burak at 832.380.7713 or mburak@aipac.org. or mburak@aipac.org.

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Why Attend?

750

SPEAKERS SHARE THEIR KNOWLEDGE

535

CONGRESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS TO ADVOCATE FOR A SAFE AND SECURE ISRAEL SPEAKERS SHARE

Why Attend?

Why Attend?

750 750

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THEIR KNOWLEDGE SPEAKERS SHARE

THEIR KNOWLEDGE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD AND STRENGTHEN THE U.S.– CONGRESSIONAL ISRAEL RELATIONSHIP

APPOINTMENTS TO 535 CONGRESSIONAL ADVOCATE FOR TO A SAFE APPOINTMENTS 535 Register Today!

AND SECURE ISRAEL ADVOCATE FOR A SAFE AND SECURE ISRAEL www.policyconference.org

1 1

OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD AND OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE STRENGTHEN THE U.S.– YOUR VOICE HEARD AND ISRAEL RELATIONSHIP STRENGTHEN THE U.S.– ISRAEL RELATIONSHIP

Register Today!

Register Today!

www.policyconference.org www.policyconference.org

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Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

TEVET/SHEVAT 5777

4 Shevat

1 Shevat 28 Tevet 27 29 Tevet 28 Vaera Rosh Chodesh

Shabbat Shelanu

Jr. Congregation

Torah Study

BYDS Second Grade Shabbat Evening Chapel Shabbat Evening Services FL Daddy Daughter Dance Shabbat Shelanu

DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR AN UP TO THE MINUTE CALENDAR OF EVENTS PLEASE VISIT WWW.BETHYESHURUN.ORG/CALENDAR

3 Shevat 31 Grief Group 1 Divorce Group

29 RS/Sulam JLP SH Bingo & Bonds Donor Event

2 Shevat 30

25 Tevet 24 26 Tevet 25 27 Tevet 26 Grief Group 1 RS Grief Group 2 BYDS PK & K Pizza Social Kehillah High @CBY Gathering Place Technology Committee Mtg Caretakers Group Divorce Group Investment Committee Mtg SH Challah Bake Inclusion Committee Mtg Meditation Group

22 24 Tevet 23 BYDS Board Mtg RS/Sulam JLP Annual Meeting & Brunch

BM ‐ Noah Beinart & Drew Cohen

Sat 9 Tevet 8 Tevet 7 Vayiggash 7 Tevet 6 Shabbat Morning Services

BM: Aaron and Hannah Stein

Sing‐a‐Long Shabbat

Torah Study

Evening Chapel Shabbat Evening Services BM: Aaron and Hannah Stein

8 10 Tevet 9 16 Tevet 11 Tevet 10 12 Tevet 11 13 Tevet 12 14 Tevet 13 15 Tevet 14 Vayhi Shabbat Morning Services Asara B'Tevet BYDS First Day ASA Class Grief Group 1 RS Grief Group 2

Torah Study RS/Sulam Budget Committee Mtg Executive Committee Mtg 100 Jewish Men Caretakers Group

JLP Divorce Group Kehillah High @CBY AJC/CBY Speaker: Dennis Ross

CBY Meditation Group with Education Committee Mtg Meditation Group

Mincha BM ‐ Alexandra & Rabbi Shefa Gold at the JCC Shirat Shabbat Rachel Gittleman Shabbat Evening Services Evening Chapel Carlebach Service & Dinner

18 Tevet 17 15 17 Tevet 16 23 Tevet 19 Tevet 18 20 Tevet 19 21 Tevet 20 22 Tevet 21 Shemot Shabbat Morning Services MLK Holiday No RS/Sulam Grief Group 1 BYDS Kindergarten BYDS Pre K Info Session

BM ‐ Noah Beinart & JLP Synagogue Office Closed Divorce Group Information Session Grief Group 2

Drew Cohen YES Luncheon No BYDS/EDC/ASA Caretakers Group

CBY Board Mtg Jr. Congregation RS Torah Study

Kehillah High @CBY

Meditation Group Shabbat Evening Services Evening Chapel

Mon

3 Tevet 2 4 Tevet 3 5 Tevet 4 6 Tevet 5 NEW YEARS DAY New Year's Day (Observed) BYDS Resumes No RS

Chanukah: 8 Day Synagogue Office Closed BYDS Back to School No Kehillah High Caretakers Group No RS/Sulam BYDS Winter Break New Family Breakfast Meditation Group

No JLP

Grief Group 1 Membership Committee Mtg Divorce Group

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Sun

JANUARY 2017

Sun

9 Shevat 6

FEBRUARY 2017

5 RS/Sulam No JLP World Wide Wrap

Mon

Tue

Wed Thu 1 5 Shevat 2 RS Caretakers Group Kehillah High Grief Group 2 Meditation Group Membership Committee Mtg

10 Shevat 7 11 Shevat 8 12 Shevat 9 Grief Group 1 BYDS PK Art Gallery Caretakers Group Divorce Group RS Grief Group 2 Security Committee Kehillah High Education Committee Mtg Meditation Group

SHEVAT/ADAR 5777

Fri Sat 8 Shevat 6 Shevat 3 7 Shevat 4 Bo Shabbat Morning Services

Sing‐a‐Long Shabbat

Torah Study

Evening Chapel Shabbat Evening Services

Rabbi David Golinkin Scholare‐in‐Residence

15 Shevat 14 Shevat 11 Beshalach Tu B’Shvat Shabbat Morning Services Jr. Congregation Torah Study 3 Shevat 10

DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR AN UP TO THE MINUTE CALENDAR OF EVENTS PLEASE VISIT WWW.BETHYESHURUN.ORG/CALENDAR

BYDS 5th Grade Shabbat

Torah Study

Kehillah High Shabbaton

Shabbat Evening Services Evening Chapel BM ‐ Zachary Harris

Rabbi David Golinkin RS 4th Grade Havdallah Shirat Shabbat Scholare‐in‐Residence Evening Chapel Shabbat Evening Services Mincha BM ‐ Aidan Reichek Sisterhood Shabbat 12 16 Shevat 13 22 Shevat 17 Shevat 14 18 Shevat 15 19 Shevat 16 20 Shevat 17 21 Shevat 18 Yitro Shabbat Morning Services YES Luncheon RS/Sulam Budget Committee Mtg

Caretakers Group BYDS Early Dismissal Jr. Congregation RS JLP Grief Group 1 Grief Group 2 BYDS No EDC/ASA Torah Study 100 Jewish Men Cultural Arts Program Divorce Group BYDS Prof Development

Kehillah High FL Tu b'Shevat Executive Committee Mtg BYDS ½ Day Program

Meditation Group

Evening Chapel Shabbat Evening Services Casino Night Inclusion Shabbat 25 Shevat 22 26 Shevat 23 27 Shevat 24 28 Shevat 25 Mishpatim 29 Shevat Shabbat Shekalim RS Gathering Place

Shabbat Morning Services Kehillah High Caretakers Group

BM ‐ Zachary Harris Technology Committee Grief Group 2 Meditation Group

19 23 Shevat 20 24 Shevat 21 No RS/Sulam No BYDS/EDC/ASA Grief Group 1 No JLP BYDS Day Camp Program Divorce Group Yom Limmud @Emanu El

CBY Board Mtg

26 30 Shevat 27 2 Adar 1 Adar 28 Rosh Chodesh Rosh Chodesh Grief Group 1 RS/Sulam Divorce Group BYDS 3rd Grade Rosh Chodesh Service JLP Inclusion Committee BYDS Board Mtg Kosher Chili Cookoff

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B’nai Mitzvah Aaron Jacob Stein (January 6/7) is the son of Robin and Dan Stein; and grandson of Susan and Alan Cororve, and Judy and Richard Stein. Aaron attends Trafton Academy. For his Mitzvah Project, Aaron helped coach the special needs gymnastics classes at the JCC’s Houston Gymnastics Center. Aaron also blows the shofar each Rosh Hashanah at 7 Acres.

Hannah Ashley Stein (January 6/7) is the daughter of Robin and Dan Stein; and granddaughter of Susan and Alan Cororve, and Judy and Richard Stein.

Hannah attends Trafton Academy. For her Mitzvah Project, Hannah helped Heros for Children and purchased and delivered Christmas gifts for a family that has one child with cancer.

Hannah also helps each year at 7 Acres to prepare for Passover.

Noah Ike Beinart(January 20/21) is the son of Jessica and Garth Beinart; brother of Jacob, Kyle and Savannah Beinart; and grandson of Jackie and Sherwin Siff, Harold Beinart, and Devorah Beinart. Noah attends Pin Oak Middle School. For his Mitzvah Project, Noah made blankets for cancer patients on chemotherapy through the program Knots for Neoplasm. He will also donate a portion of his monetary gifts to the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces.

Drew Alexander Cohen (January 20/21) is the son of Tamara and Matthew Cohen; brother of Blake Cohen; grandson of Margie Cohen, and Sue and Kenneth Reichek; and greatgrandson of Anne and Isadore Reichek, and Fran Spector and the late Myer Spector. Drew attends Pin Oak Middle School. For his mitzvah project, Drew collected used baseball equipment to donate to area little leagues in need. Drew will participate in the Rabbi’s Ten Percent Plan for charitable giving.

It’s a Mitzvah

Alexandra Netanya Gittleman (January 14) is the daughter of Drs. Cathie & Neal Gittleman; and sister of Rachel. For her Mitzvah Project, Alex volunteered with Neighbors in Action, (helping a poor community near the port of Houston whose residents are at risk for human trafficking), helped organize the schedule of art projects for a childrens’ art camp (ages 2 to 16), and helped purchase art supplies and volunteered with the 7-10 year olds. Alex will donate 5% of her bat mitzvah gifts to the American Heart Association in memory of her Uncle Stan (Stanton C. Gittleman, MD) and 5% to another charity.

Rachel Nicole Gittleman (January 14) is the daughter of Drs. Cathie & Neal Gittleman; and sister of Alex. For her Mitzvah Project, Rachel volunteered with Neighbors in Action, (helping a poor community near the port of Houston whose residents are at risk for human trafficking), helped organize the schedule of art projects for a childrens’ art camp (ages 2 to 16), and helped purchase art supplies and volunteered with the 2-6 year olds. Rachel will donate 10% of her bat mitzvah gifts to two different charities.

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.  Larry Finder in honor of Rabbi Danny Horwitz & The Chapel Gabbaim  The Finkelman, Hasson & Joachim Family in memory of Jonathan Hershel Finkelman  Barbie & Jeff Horowitz in memory of Debi Fenberg  Rabbi Danny Horwitz in memory of his parents  Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Katz in memory of Olga Mordo  Paul & Leah Katz in honor of the birthday of Morris Taibel  Leona Kuper, Kathy & Stephen Kuper, Jeffrey & Julie Kuper, Carol & David Neider, Dustin, Bonnie & Brianna Neider and Levi, Rachel & Leo Strauss in memory of Leon Kuper  Rebecca Levine & Family in memory of Enrique Levine  Paul Lewis in memory of Judah Harris  Shirley & Bill Morgan in memory of Fred Fallas  June Pool and Avril Trevas in memory of Abraham Kasimov  Donna & Harry Price in memory of Fred Price and Leo Price  Annette & Larry Sondock and Dr. Kenny Horwitz in memory of Joseph Y. Horwitz  Cynthia & Barry Weinberger & Family and Rochelle Goldberg Skibell & Family in memory of Loyce & Jonas (J.G) Weinberger  Barry Wisnevitz in memory of Sol Wisnevitz

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Synagogue Office 4525 Beechnut St * Houston, TX 77096-1801 www.bethyeshurun.org 713.666.1881 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 Arlene D. Staller, President: adstaller@gmail.com Luis Dorfman, Executive Dir: ldorfman@bethyeshurun.org Mindi Stern, Membership: mstern@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8060 Misi Schlueter, Asst. Executive Dir: mschlueter@bethyeshurun.org Jennifer-Joy Sutton, Dir of Development: jsutton@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 More contact info at www.bethyeshurun.org Read The Message online at www.bethyeshurun.org *Mar. deadline: Jan. 9 at themessage@bethyeshurun.org

Are you in special need of a Rabbi?

Time sensitive material - please deliver promptly!

If you have a death in the family, a loved one in the hospital or need a get well prayer for someone special, please contact Rabbi Rosen and let him know.

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

Please contact him at (713) 255-8011, or write to: drosen@bethyeshurun.org.

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