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The Message

Congregation Beth Yeshurun January 2019

From the Rabbi

Welcoming the Stranger by Rabbi Steven Morgen According to the Talmud (Baba Metsia 59b), there are at least 36 times in the Torah that we are commanded to be kind to the stranger in our midst. As we begin reading the Book of Exodus this month, we will be reading several of these admonitions in the coming weeks.

refugee families including housing and employment. But equally important is helping these families get adjusted to American culture and to help them develop a network of social support. That’s where IMGH turns to religious organizations like churches or mosques to help in creating this social network of support. Beth Yeshurun is the first synagogue to take on this responsibility for a refugee family.

And last month our refugee family arrived in Houston from Afghanistan. Rachel Kosoy and Rachel Teichman are cochairs of our refugee resettlement program. Our refugee family includes two boys ages 3 ½ and 6 ½. They were greeted at the airport by the Beth Yeshurun welcoming party with toys and balloons. Beth Yeshurun volunteers are ready to offer meals, transportation, help with English language skills, social activities or whatever else the family Many of us living in America do not need to reach back may need to adjust to their new home and way of life. over 3,000 years to imagine life as a newcomer. Many of our own grandparents came to this country as strangers. This is truly a mitzvah. A mitzvah that is mentioned at least But in many cases, they were welcomed by the Jewish 36 times in the Torah. In commenting on Exodus 22:20, our own Etz Hayim humash says, “In addition to the numerous community that had already been established here. biblical prohibitions against the mistreatment of strangers, Now it is our turn. there are commands to love them, even as God does On Yom Kippur, Rabbi Strauss challenged our community (cf. Deut. 10:18-19). That includes caring for their basic to take on at least one social action mitzvah during this needs and year. We distributed a brochure of seven opportunities extending to being organized by our social action chairs: Melissa Levin them the same and Samantha Melman. social services which One of those opportunities is to welcome a refugee family to to Houston through a Refugee Services resettlement disadvantaged initiative organized by Interfaith Ministries of Greater Israelites were Houston (IMGH). IMGH provides case management for entitled.” In Exodus 22:20, for instance, we are told, “You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Our experience as strangers in a strange land (Egypt) should serve as an inspiration to welcome the strangers among us today, because that is how we would have liked to have been treated in Egypt.

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

Congregation Beth Yeshurun

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

Interested in Joining? Our synagogue welcomes people of the Jewish faith and their families to make Beth Yeshurun their spiritual home. Mindi Stern, our Director of Member Relations, (713.666.1881) is here to welcome everyone interested in becoming part of our beautiful congregational family.

The Message Vol. LIV, No. 4 January 2019│Tevet-Shevat 5779

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.

Front Cover Photos taken from our Facebook page from November and December 2018. Want to see your picture on the cover? Make sure to tag Beth Yeshurun when posting!

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.“

Business Meeting begins at 10:30am Brunch immediately following $25 | Adult Children under 12 FREE Babysitting is available for children under 12 Register for the Annual Meeting and Brunch by visiting:

CBYANNUALMEETING2019.EVENTBRITE.COM or by check to Congregation Beth Yeshurun, Attention: Riana Sherman 4525 Beechnut Street, Houston Texas 77096 Questions?

Contact Riana Sherman, rsherman@bethyeshurun.org or 713.666.1881 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. In memory of Eileen Berger sponsored by Robin & Lu Dorfman In memory of Allen Brand sponsored by Nancy and Arthur Brand In memory of Morris Dorfman sponsored by Robin & Lu Dorfman In memory of Jonathan Hershel Finkelman sponsored by Karen Finkelman Hasson, Tobye and Mort Joachim, Alan and Haley Finkelman In memory of Herb Goodfellow sponsored by Rob and Elizabeth Naggar & Family In memory of Seymour Kornfeld sponsored by Joe Kornfeld and Family In honor of Jerry Kosoy sponsored by Jerry & Margie Kosoy In memory of Irene Levey sponsored by Susie & Scott Bender In honor of Carly and David Katz’s B’nai Mitzvah sponsored by Denise and Martin Yudovich In honor of Burt Skolnik sponsored by Leenie Skolnik In memory of Brigitta Stirnimann sponsored by David DeVido In memory of Daniel Taibel sponsored by Morris Taibel In memory of Morris Trachtenberg sponsored by Ellen and Dan Trachtenberg In memory of Loyce & Jonas “J.G” Weinberger sponsored by Cynthia & Barry Weinberger & Family, and Rochelle Goldberg Skibell & Family

FRIDAY EVENINGS January 4, 2019 Parashat Va-Era | Shabbat Hahodesh | CL 5:18pm 5:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service January 11, 2019 Parashat Bo | CL 5:24pm 5:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service January 18, 2019 Parashat B’Shallah| Shabbat Shirah | CL 5:30pm 5:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service January 25, 2019 Parashat Yitro| CL 5:36pm 5:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service SATURDAY MORNING 8:30 AM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15 AM - Museum Minyan Service 9:30 AM - Sanctuary Service 10:15 AM - Shabbat Shalom 11:45 AM - Torah Study SATURDAY EVENING SERVICES January 5, 2019 5:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel January 12, 2019 5:15 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel January 19, 2019 5:15 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel January 26, 2019 5:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel WEEKDAY CHAPEL SERVICES Week of 12/30 Mornings Sun 8:00am, Mon 7:00am, Tue 8:00am, Wed-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/ Evenings Sun-Thu 5:00pm Week of 1/6 Mornings Sun 8:00am, Mon 6:45am, Tue-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings Sun-Thu 5:00pm Week of 1/13 Mornings Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings Sun-Thu 5:30pm Week of 1/20 Mornings Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings Sun-Thu 5:30pm Week of 1/27 Mornings Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings Sun-Thu 5:30pm

Coming to See Us? The Synagogue Office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30am to 5:00pm, and Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm. While members and guests are always welcome to visit with our clergy and staff as needs arise, we encourage members to make an appointment first, if at all possible, so that we can make sure you receive the time and attention you both require and deserve. Our Administrative Offices will be closed: 1/21 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day Allen Parkway and Post Oak Cemeteries will be closed: 1/20 from 6:00am to 2:00pm 4

This page sponsored by HOUSTON JEWISH FUNERALS Interested in sponsoring a page? Contact amills@bethyeshurun.org INCLUSION SHABBAT HONORING INCLUSION and RABBI SARAH FORT February 1, 2019 The Committee for Inclusion of People with Disabilities will hold its ninth annual Inclusion Shabbat on Friday evening, February 1, 2019 as part of our Shabbat service Inclusion Shabbat is a way to create an awareness within our Beth Yeshurun community no less the entire Houston community of the needs of those with disabilities including the need for all of us to be respectful, understanding and sensitive to those needs. This year the Inclusion Committee will honor Rabbi Sarah Fort for her inclusion work at Beth Yeshurun. Led by Rabbi Fort, for the first time, Beth Yeshurun was able to hold a sensory sensitive Rosh Hashanah Family service open to not only our Congregation but the greater Houston Jewish community. Rabbi Fort worked with United Synagogue as well as others around the country to understand and develop this type of service that few congregations offer. Those that attended expressed their gratitude for such a welcoming, meaningful, and inspirational experience. Our guest speaker for the evening will be Maria Town, director of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. Prior to the Mayor’s office, she was with the White House Office of Public Engagement where she served as a senior associate director and the disability community liaison.

weekly torah study 11:45am Shabbat Mornings

Town is credited with leading the efforts to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and using creative methods to enhance the Obama Administration’s engagement with the disability community. Prior to the White House, she was employed at the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy where she was instrumental in advancing national public policy initiatives focused on improving employment outcomes for youth with disabilities.

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.

Your Gift Shop is stocked for all your needs!

In her personal time, Town is the founder of CP Shoes, a blog dedicated to exploring the intersection of design, fashion, disability and technology. She is also a former fellow and mentoring co-chair of the Washington, D.C., chapter of the New Leaders Council, a former participant in Mobility International USA’s Young Women with Disabilities Leadership Exchange Program, a former comoderator of a networking group for young professionals with disabilities in Washington, D.C. She has also been involved in the Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital.

The Beth Yeshurun Sisterhood Gift Shop hours: Sunday: 10:00am - 1:00pm Monday: Closed Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00am - 4:30pm Friday: 10:00am - 2:30pm Saturday: Closed

You should not miss this lovely evening. 5

Yom Limmud Scholar-in-Residence Richard Elliott Friedman, Ph.D., February 15-17, 2019 Richard Elliott Friedman, Ph.D., earned his doctorate at Harvard in Hebrew Bible. He also earned the degree of Master of Theology at Harvard, the degree of Master of Hebrew Literature at the Jewish Theological Seminary, and the B.A. degree in Philosophy at the University of Miami. He was a Visiting Fellow at Cambridge and Oxford, a Senior Fellow of the American Schools of Oriental Research in Jerusalem, and a Visiting Professor at the University of Haifa. He participated in the City of David Project archaeological excavations of biblical Jerusalem. He is now the Ann and Jay Davis Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of Georgia and is the Katzin Professor of Jewish Civilization Emeritus of the University of California, San Diego. His books have been translated into Hebrew, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Polish, Hungarian, Dutch, Portuguese, Czech, Turkish, Korean, and French. He was a consultant for the Dreamworks film “The Prince of Egypt,” for NBC’s “The Eternal Light,” for A&E, PBS, and “Nova.” He served as an American Council of Learned Societies Fellow. He was elected to membership in The Biblical Colloquium, and was elected President of the Biblical Colloquium West. He received three awards for Outstanding Teaching at the University of California. For a complete biography visit his website: richardelliottfriedman.com/book-author/richard/

Thank you to our Host Committe:

Sarah and Denis Braham Charlett and Marshall Frumin Debbie and Mark Gottesman full details about this scholar weekend can be found on our website in january!

Religious School This year, Religious School students and parents are enjoying the opportunity to experience Judaism together through a series of Family Engagement Programs planned by Rabbi Sarah Fort and Sheryl Eskowitz, Education Director, with assistance from the teachers. Every grade has a special theme for their program - an important Jewish value. The best memories are made through doing things together, so each special program is designed for the student and their parents to share experiences together. By the end of the children’s experience in Beth Yeshurun Religious School, they will have a host of wonderful family memories of fun and multisensory Jewish engagement! The sixth grade Family Engagement Program focused on Torah. Students and parents participated in several stations – a Torah trivia game led by sixth grade teacher Talia Mergi, a discussion about Hebrew names led by Rabbi Sarah Fort, and a short meditation led by Rabbi Ariel Sholklapper called “What’s In a Name”. At the fourth station, each student and parent worked together online to create a personalized yad for the sixth grader. Students and parents will come together in January to assemble the yad that each student will have to use when reading Torah at their Bar/Bat Mitzvah and many future occasions.

The kindergarten students learned about the Jewish value of kabbalah (welcoming) by inviting their parents or other family members to be their guest at their Family Engagement Program. In class, students had been learning about Abraham and Sarah’s welcoming guests, also known as hachnasat orchim. At their program, kindergarten students had the chance to be good hosts themselves to their invited guests. They served them snacks and did a fun welcome-themed art project together.

Shabbat is the focus for the fourth grade Family Engagement Program, with the students learning about Havdalah specifically. This year’s fifth grade families were invited to participate as well. In preparation, students learned the Havdalah blessings and decorated their own set of ritual Havdalah items such as a kiddush cup, candle holder, and spice box in class. Then at their Family Engagement Program, their families were invited to dinner and a Havdalah service with Rabbi Fort and music teacher Dora Lee Grinberg. Everyone enjoyed visiting together and participating in Havdalah.

First graders and their parents had a great time learning about the Jewish value of simcha (joy and celebration). Families worked in small groups to make latkes, and didn’t even make a mess! While the latkes were frying in the kitchen, Rabbi Fort led a giant game of Memory that reviewed how the different Jewish holidays throughout the year are celebrated. Afterward, everyone sat down together and certainly enjoyed the fruits…or rather latkes!...of their labor. 8

The new year is a great time to start a meditation practice! We are blessed to have an extraordinary group of teachers. Join us Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:00pm in the Freedman Levit sanctuary. No Meditation on January 2nd January 9th with Jan Silver Mindfulness Meditation for healing and restoration January 16th with Ray Sher and Gary Edmondson The Torah portion Beshalach has the Israelites crossing the Red Sea into the wilderness. It’s a journey into the unknown, into a landscape that allowed them to recreate themselves in the image of freedom.Join us in chant and meditation to explore our journeys into the wilderness. January 23rd with Rabbi Ariel Sholklapper Mindfulness Meditation January 30th with Janice Rubin Meditation and Chant No experience is necessary. Newcomers are always welcome. Drop in anytime. For more information contact Karen Hurwitz at karenhurwitz@karenhurwitz.com

In need of Support? Our Clergy want to be with you and help you deal with life’s many challenges.

FUNDS OUR TZEDAKAH 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 Rabbi Horwitz institutions; (c) Youth scholarships; (d) Caring for the needy. Among the projects in Israel to which we have directed help this year are: • Yad Sarah, a volunteer-run organization providing a lending library of medical equipment • Beit Noam, ALEH, and SHALVA, which provide community and residential services for people with special needs • “A Package From Home,” offering comfort and support to Israeli soldiers, particularly those with no family in Israel • “Forgotten People Fund,” giving emergency assistance to Ethiopian Israelis in economic crisis • ALYN Hospital, a rehabilitation center in Jerusalem for physically disabled children, adolescents and young adults. To the best of our knowledge, none of these receive any funding from the Israeli government.

If you have a death in the family, a loved one Thanksand to allevery of you who have helpedof us our provide We are sowell grateful supporter is in the hospital, or need a get prayerto each thousands of dollars to meet these and other needs in for someone special, contact the synagogue High Holy Day Appeal! Thank you for all that you do the past year! at 713.666.1881 so that our Clergy can be to ensure that Beth Yeshurun continues to provide its a source of strength and support. -Rabbi Daniel Horwitz

many programs, classes and services.

We are so grateful to each and every supporter of our Weyou could notyou dodothis without you! High Holy Day Appeal! Thank for all that to ensure that Beth Yeshurun continues to provide its Friday, February 8, 2019 many programs, classes and services. 5:30pm 1, 2018. Contributors to you! the High Holy Day Appeal October 1 through December * not We could do this without

KOL RINAH

Guest Speaker re so grateful to each and every supporter of our Holy DayMaria Appeal!Reznik Thank you for all that you do Rabbi David Rosen Contributors to the High Holy & DayMark AppealFeldman October 1 through December 1, 2018. nsure that Beth Yeshurun continues to provide its Registration information can be found online Susanservices. & Ken Fenson y programs, classes andMaria Reznik & Mark Feldman later this month or by calling 713.666.1881. & Sammy Fleschler could not do Robin this without you! & Ken Susan Fenson & Sammy Fleschler Michelle &.Robin Martin Greenberg

We are so grateful to each and every supporter of our We are so grateful to each December and every supporter Michelle Martin Greenberg he High Holy Dora Day Appeal October 1&.through 1, 2018. of our Lee & Israel Grinberg High Holy Day Appeal! Thank you for all that you do High Holy Day Appeal! Thank you for all that you do Dora & Israel Grinberg to ensure that Beth Yeshurun continues to provide its to ensure that Beth Yeshurun continues to provide its Maria ReznikRona & Mark & Feldman Jerry Levit Rona & Jerry Levit manyFenson programs, classes and services. many programs, classes and services. Susan & Ken Barbara & Jerry Selzer Barbara & We could notJerry do this Selzer without you! Robin & Sammy Fleschler We could not do this without you! Michelle &. Martin Greenberg & Israel Grinberg Contributors to the High Holy Day Appeal October 1 through December 1, 2018. * Dora to the High Holy Day Appeal October 1 through December 1, 2018. * Contributors Rona & Jerry Levit Maria Reznik & Mark Feldman Barbara & Jerry Selzer 9 Maria Reznik & Mark Feldman

honoring rabbi sarah fort

Inclusion Shabbat february 1, 2019

Susan & Ken Fenson Robin & Sammy Fleschler

Susan & Ken Fenson

Wednesday, January 16, 2019 RSVP required by: January 9, 2019 Lunch at 11:30 AM

Program & Lunch $8 if prepaid by 01/9/19 $12 after 01/10/19 Please write “YES” on your check and mail to: Riana Sherman 4525 Beechnut Houston, TX 77096

Questions? (713) 666-1881 ext. 312

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.

Spring 2019!

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

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Wednesday, May 15 TBA, April Wednesday, February 13 RSVP required by: January with2019 Clive Fields Men's Mock Passover Seder Doctor Panel9, Charlie Pallilo Staying Alive: Men's Health at UOS with Rabbi Brian Sports, A Lot More than Lunch at 11:30 AMin the 21st Century Strauss & Others Just Games Program & Lunch $8 if prepaid by 01/9/19

$12 after 01/10/19 Register & pay online at www.bethyeshurun.org/100JM or submit this registration form, along with a check payable to Beth Yeshurun, to write “YES” on your check and mail to: Rabbi Brian Strauss Congregation Beth Yeshurun Please | 4525 Beechnut St. | Houston, TX 77096 Beechnut Houston, 77096 Registration Cost*: $110/CBY Members; $125/Non-CBY Members Riana *FinancialSherman Assistance is4525 available - please contact Rabbi TX Strauss.

(713) 666-1881 ext. 312 100 JEWISH MEN 2018-2019Questions? REGISTRATION

Name________________________________________________________________________________________________ Billing Address____________________________________________ City/St/Zip_____________________________________ Contact Phone #_____________________________________ E-Mail____________________________________________ Optional Scholarship Donation $ ______ CBY Member __ CBY Non-Member __ 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 1/21

69 20 31 38 38 38 43 4 11 11 17 39 1 6 28 45 58 26 13 15 41 15 6 11 16 33 39 34 29 30 35 40 35 38 41 14 25 50 55 15 49 50 15 21 7 18

Scott & Leslie Stange Brian & Lisa Strauss Vincent & Jackie Wedelich Sergio & Claudia Soroka Joseph & Deborah Freilich Jay & Linda Rosen Sion & Robyn Saghian Dan & Doylene Markman Dan & Taryn Braun Joshua & Lauren Vogel Daniel & Amy Ferber Nestor & Dory Yudelevich Steven & Danielle Maislos Joel & Jennifer LeVine Robert & Lisa Suvalsky Melvyn & Lea Fradkin Ivor & Vera Safro Stephen & Juliana Tew Jason & Dorian Taibel Michael & Julie Kaplan Barry & Ellen Croft Grant & Ginger Marblestone Gil & Stacey Beer Jeff & Nicole Dobbs Yosef & Andrea Winard Steven & Julie Scheinthal Michael & Amy Merkin Michael & Janine Pappert David Bell & Judy Bell Bruce & Linda Ruzinsky Marc & Tyann Nathan Lenny & Sherry Dubin Howard & Elyse Schultz Rafael & Fortuna Esquenazi Michael & Susan Klaiman Brad & Amira Staller Nathan & Paula Ticatch Morris & Linda Taibel Abram & Rochelle Batagower Howard & Randee Berman Saul & Norma Szub David & Rosemarie DeVido Jerry & Rona Levit Jeffrey & Laurie Rosenberg Evan & Julie Davis Kenneth Ullman & Judy Offman

1/22 1/23 1/25 1/27 1/30 1/31

24 19 48 12 6 12 44 9 10

Cory & Lisa Birenbaum Jason & Staci Beinart Barry & Pamela Pearl Steven & Bonnie Schultz 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:

Hanni Curland, Jerry Epstein, Stanley Feig, Cindy Gachman, Larry Glick, Stanley Majzner, H. David Rothman, and Lilyan Tutelman May their memories be for a blessing.

Sisterhood Shabbat Friday, January 18, 2019 Join the Beth Yeshurun Sisterhood for a special Shabbat service as sisterhoods around the country come together to celebrate Shabbat. Contact Barbara Koslov, bgkoslov@aol.com, if you are interested in joining the Sisterhood or are already a member and want to participate in the service.

B’nai Mitzvah Lauren Brams (January 4/5) is the daughter of Melissa and Andrew Brams; sister of Abigail and Emily Brams; granddaughter of Janice and David Gerber; Patricia and Eugene Brams Lauren is a seventh grader at Trafton Academy. For her Mitzvah project, Lauren’s love for young children and her concern with those that have special needs, has led her to participate in the Mitzvah Volunteer Program (MVP) with the Friendship Circle of Houston. Lauren will participate in the Rabbi’s 10% plan and donate a portion of her monetary gifts to Friendship Circle along with Texas Children’s Hospital. 11

Riley Sascha Levine (January 18/19) is the daughter of Julie and Ben Levine; and granddaughter of Vicki and Roger Greenberg, Jo Ann Levine and Marc Levine and the late Mark Chutick. Riley attends Pin Oak Middle School. For her Mitzvah Project, Riley raised funds to purchase Buddy Benches for the Bertha Alyce School, the Becker School and Beth Yeshurun Day School in support of educating and fostering kindness in preschool and elementary age children. Riley will select an organization to donate a portion of monetary gifts received.

START learning HERE.

Hayley Samantha Selchen (January 18/19) is the daughter of Brenlee and David Selchen; sister of Leah; granddaughter of Elaine and Paul Olin & Sharon Knazan and Moshe Selchen all of Winnipeg, Canada. Hayley attends 7th grade at Trafton Academy. For her Mitzvah project, Hayley assembled Survival Kits that will be distributed by SEARCH’s mobile outreach team in Houston. In India, Hayley assembled and distributed packages of food and critical supplies to families living on the streets of Mumbai. Hayley will participate in the Rabbi’s 10% plan by donating a portion of her monetary gifts to charity.

Information Sessions January 30, 2019 Infants – THREEs • 9:00am Pre-K – 5th Grade • 7:00pm

Come see why our families choose to "start here." 3 months

5th grade | www.byds.org | admissions@byds.org

book your tour 713.666.1884

1/5 Siddur GPS 1/7 Youth Lounge Reopening 1/8 Youth Lounge Reopening 1/9 100 Jewish Men Kehillah High @ Beth Yeshurun 1/10 Youth Lounge Reopening 1/12 MyShabbat 1/16 YES Group 1/18 Sisterhood Shabbat 1/19 Siddur GPS 1/20 No Religious School/Sulam 1/21 Martin Luther King. Day- Admin Offices Closed 1/24 The Gathering Place 1/26 MyShabbat 1/27 Annual Meeting Brunch No JLP Classes 2/1 Inclusion Shabbat 2/2 Siddur GPS Daddy Daughter Dance 2/3 World Wide Wrap 2/9 Kol Rinah 2/9 MyShabbat 2/13 100 Jewish Men 2/16 Scholar in Residence: Richard Elliott Friedman 2/17 Yom Limmud @ Beth Yeshurun No Religious school or JLP Classes 2/20 YES Group Every Tuesday: Wisdom of Torah with Rabbi Strauss at 8am Every Wednesday: Meditation & Israeli Dancing

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.

PLAY BALL! Beth Yeshurun is fielding a Men’s softball team to participate in a proposed synagogue league to start Spring 2019. All positions are available. Contact Paul Katz for more information, pkatz88@comcast.net. Make sure to include the phone number and email address. 12

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THE MEDALLION AND THE JEWISH COMMUNITY... WE HONOR AND NURTURE, TOGETHER The Medallion Jewish Assisted Living Residence is located on the Seven Acres campus providing a continuum of care that gives seniors the services they need while maintaining their dignity, quality of life and a sense of independence.

• Wellness Center and heated aqua therapy pool • Fine kosher dining • Jewish cultural programs and holidays observed • Active schedule of social and recreational programs

• A warm, friendly residence in an intimate setting • Access to on-site skilled nursing care/long term care services • Full personal care services • Spacious apartment styles

The Medallion and Seven Acres have 75 years of experience caring for seniors. Our staff, residents and families make The Medallion a special place to call home. Come join our family.

We invite you to visit us today. Contact Stephanie Barrocas at 713-778-5777 or sbarrocas@themedallion.org

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THE MEDALLION JEWISH ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE 6262 North Braeswood Blvd., Houston, TX 77074 www.themedallion.org 15

SYNAGOGUE OFFICE bethyeshurun.org | 713.666.1881 4525 Beechnut St | Houston, TX 77096-1801 CLERGY Rabbi Brian Strauss bstrauss@bethyeshurun.org Assistant: Abby Rotenberg arotenberg@bethyeshurun.org | 713.255.8011 Rabbi Steven Morgen smorgen@bethyeshurun.org Rabbi Sarah Fort sfort@bethyeshurun.org Assistant: Lisa Unsell lunsell@bethyeshurun.org | 713.255.8017 Rabbi David Rosen, drosen@bethyeshurun.org Rabbi Jack Segal rabsegal@aol.com Rabbi Danny Horwitz rabbidanny@aol.com Cantor Meir Finkelstein mfinkelstein@bethyeshurun.org Asst. & B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator: Hilary Nitsun hnitsun@bethyeshurun.org | 713.255.8005

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Start your Super Bowl Sunday with a Prayer and let’s Wrap and Roll! Conservative Jewish men and women around the world will celebrate the Mitzvah of Tefillin at their morning minyanim, joining thousands of other men and women in the annual “World Wide Wrap.” Join us for breakfast sponsored by 100 Jewish Men before we wrap at 9:00am! Rabbis and trainers will be available to teach you how to daven with tefillin. Bring your own tefillin or borrow a set from our loaner supply.

Sunday, February 3, 2019 | 9:00 am Questions? Contact Rabbi Brian Strauss, BSTRAUSS@BETHYESHURUN.ORG

SYNAGOGUE Jerrad Bloome, President

president@bethyeshurun.org

Andy Burger, Executive Director aburger@bethyeshurun.org

Mindi Stern, Membership

mstern@bethyeshurun.org

Jennifer-Joy Sutton, Director of Development jsutton@bethyeshurun.org

Riana Sherman, Programming Director rsherman@bethyeshurun.org

Ashley Mills, Marketing & Communications Manager amills@bethyeshurun.org

Arthur Miller, Cemetery

amiller@bethyeshurun.org

| 713.255.8076

WILLIAM S. MALEV RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS Sheryl Eskowitz, Education Director

seskowitz@bethyeshurun.org

| 713.255.8040

BETH YESHURUN DAY SCHOOL School Office 713.666.1884, 713.255.8045 Dan Ahlstrom, Head of School: dahlstrom@byds.org Read The Message online at bethyeshurun.org February deadline: January 4th to Ashley Mills 16