June 2017 message

The Message

Congregation Beth Yeshurun Houston June 2017

AEL R S I SEN! TO O R I RABB nside H T I W ils i Deta

Shabbat 1

• Will I feel out of place—or at home?

Invariably, people discover that the “regulars” in our Chapel are among the most beautiful and welcoming people in our congregational family. Before long, even the most hesitant guests feel at home, and many mourners end up continuing their relationship with the Chapel for years to come, not out of obligation but desire.

The daily minyan in our Chapel also draws Jews who are visiting our community, and they too come away deeply moved and filled with appreciation for the warmth which permeates the Chapel service. In letters that have been shared with me over the years, many visitors to Beth Yeshurun have poignantly expressed their sentiments: From Portland, ME: “Thank you for the welcoming kindness shown to me and my family during shiva at Beth Yeshurun. We all instantly felt embraced by the morning congregations and breakfasts. We were saddened in a way to return to our respective homes because we knew we didn’t have congregations like this to go to where we live…”

From Grand Terrace, CA: “…We arrived at the Synagogue with some apprehension….unfamiliar with the services. We appreciated the welcome that you gave to us and your help in following the service…We wish to thank you and the other members of your congregation who helped us at a very difficult time…”

And from Flushing, NY: “I just wanted to thank you again for being so nice to me. I have told my relatives in Houston… how comfortable you and the members of Beth Yeshurun made me feel.”

Yes, our Greenfield Chapel is a wonderful asset to our congregation. May it and the people who sustain it by their presence each day be sustained and strengthened in their efforts.

From the Rabbi Rabbi David Rosen

The Spiritual Warmth in our Chapel

When people think about worship services at Beth Yeshurun, the focus of attention is most often our magnificent Barg Sanctuary or the midsize Freedman-Levit Sanctuary. But for many people in our congregation and community, the J.B. Greenfield Chapel is their preferred spiritual home.

It is easy to understand why.

A 176-seat sanctuary is decidedly more intimate than a 1,000-seat one—and the services are conducted in a way that focuses more on the ebb-and-flow of davenning than on the life-cycle ceremonies (such as Bar or Bat Mitzvah) which play such an important and meaningful role in the other Sanctuary services.

For many of our members, the first exposure to the Chapel coincides with the desire to say Kaddish for a newlydeceased relative. People often tell me that the hardest part of going to the Chapel that first day is walking through the door. People ask themselves: • Will I really feel welcome?

• Will the “regulars” accept me?

• Will the service be intelligible?

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. 11

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 June 2017│Sivan-Tamuz 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 Art for Shabbat 2

Beruchim Haba’im – Welcome!

Beth Yeshurun warmly welcomes our newest members! (since July 2016) Darin & Allyson Ackerman Herman Adler & Shirley Adler Amanda Alexander Joaquin & Alison Altenberg Eduard & Nirit Alterson Howard Aron Sammy Baker Marissa Bazan Steven & Ariel Becker Matthew Bernstein & Tanya Todd Robert & Cathy Binstock Samantha Binstock Susan Branfman Madeline Burak Robert Carlton & Alyssa Friedman Joshua & Stephanie Cohen Dell & Barbara Coleman Melissa Croft Todd Davis & Amalia Picus-Davis Andrew & Erin Dickerman Daniel Drennan William Drennan Brian Feiwell Heather Fleschler Randall & Elyse Frapart Stephen & Lauren Friedlander Lenny & Teresa Friedman Hannah Goetz

Leslie Goldberg Arnaldo Gomez-Lotti & Yamile Lopez-Perez Dennis Gordon Jacob & Megan Grossman Eric Haas & Courtney Zubowski-Haas Zachary Hiller & Donna Haim Alejandro Hirschfeld Jesse & Lindsey Hirsch Marcos Hoffman & Brunhilda Santiago Michael & Hannah Hofrichter Saundra Israel Howard & Jami Kammerman Nicole Kornhauser Zachary Kornhauser Brian & Amy Gordon Daniel & Melissa Levin Elan Lieberman Joseph & Melanie Lipp Dan & Doylene Markman Michele Meicler Ian Merwin Don & Nancy Miller Scott & Angel Mossberg Mark & Patricia Moussazadeh Boyd & Addie Nash-Stacey Jorge Ordaz Scott Pearson & Julie Shainock-Pearson Aaron & Tracy Perry

NIVERSAR AN

15 Years A

IVERSAR Y NN

- Thank you, The Friedman Family

Y

Est. 2001

Fifteen Years ago, we were Houston’s newest Jewish Funeral Home. Today, we are Houston’s only Jewish Funeral Home. Our commitment is to keep serving the community with the same honor and respect that will make us Houston’s preferred choice for the next fifteen years.

Michael & Ellen Petras Harry & Joan Pressman Steve & Holly Radom Ben & Barbara Rosenberg Eliot Rose Kevin & Robyn Rosenblatt Joseph Ruiloba Jonathan & Jessica Sacks Michael & Rachel Saghian Jake & Erin Slosburg Scott Smith Scott & Lisa Smolensky Daniel & Melanie Spelkin Joseph & Emily Spinner Brandon & Jessica Strauss Brian & Cara Striegold Erin Suvalsky Benjamin & Caryn Tamber-Rosenau Noe Torres Andrew Victores & Margaret Sopozhnikov Lennie Weinberger Ian Wilkinson Brandon Wuntch Kimberly Yates Gilad & Lisa Zadok Daniel & Theresa Zalta

713.666.0257

The ONLY Jewish Funeral Home in Houston www.HoustonJewishFunerals.com

Graveside Services, Synagogue and Chapel Services and Pre-Planning

This page sponsored by Houston Jewish Funerals. Interested in sponsoring a page? Contact lunsell@bethyeshurun.org 3

C O N G R E G A T I O N

B

eing Jewish, you are heir to a unique his-

tory, heritage, and cul-

B E T H

Y E S H U R U N ‘ S

P I L G R I M A G E

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ture. Perhaps you feel it sometimes more than other times. Perhaps at

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times you barely feel it at all. But it’s there—inside a part of your heart,

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01 2 , 7

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With RABBI DAVID AND MARCIE ROSEN

within a place in your soul. And that’s why you owe it to yourself to visit the one place on earth that will truly touch that part of you, and change the way you feel about yourself as a Jew. Israel!

E

ach year on both Yom Kippur and Passover, we end our deliberations with the words “Next Year in Jerusalem!” Now let it be so!

I am happy to announce our 2018 Congregation Beth Yeshurun Pilgrimage to Israel, leaving Houston on Sunday, May 27, and arriving back in Houston Thursday morning, June 7.

This is an exciting opportunity for you, your family and friends to visit (or revisit) Israel, to walk along the ancient streets of Jerusalem, to stand on the

shores of the beautiful Sea of Galilee, to shop along the busy streets of Tel Aviv, and to reaffirm one’s Jewish roots in the land where the Jewish People began.

Marcie and I are delighted to be leading this trip, which will include not only the places every visitor must see, but which will also include excursions to some of Israel’s hidden gems, to see a side of Israel known only to Israelis.

In Israel, we will be joined by one of Israel’s most outstanding and soughtafter guides—and my personal friend— 4

Allan Marks. I have worked with many wonderful guides in Israel. But when Marcie and I met Allan in 1989, we knew he was going to be our guide forever! Not only does he possess knowledge of the whole of Israel at his fingertips, but he is blessed with a fresh and at-times irreverent sense of humor which makes travelling with him a firstclass experience each and every day.

Yes, the journey of a lifetime awaits us all. We hope you’ll join us!

Rabbi David Rosen

S E E

I S R A E L

L I K E

Y O U ‘ V E

N E V E R

S E E N

I T !

You’ve Always Wanted to Go! Now Make 2018 the Year!  

  Experience standing at the Western

Wall in Jerusalem  Traverse the desert fortress, Masada  Swim in the Dead Sea  Explore the Old City of Jerusalem  Be moved by a visit to Yad Vashem

 Visit a pre-state underground

munitions factory disguised as a laundry Visit the Weizmann Institute of Science and learn about Israel’s amazing first President, Chaim Weizmann Stroll through one of Israel’s oldest and prettiest towns, Zichron Ya’akov, and learn about the first pioneers who came to the Land, and others, like the heroic Aronsohn Family, who sought to defend it Sit in the magnificent Roman amphitheater in Caesarea Visit the newly-opened Yitzhak Rabin Center Enjoy dinner eating alongside the beautiful Sea of Galilee Participate in an interactive tour of the Bio-Bee fields, an amazing project which has brought Israeli and Palestinian ecologists together  Explore the world of renowned Israeli inventions and creations at the State of Mind Innovation Center Visit the Burnt House in Jerusalem’s Old City, a dramatic scorched witness to the Roman destruction of Jerusalem 2,000 years ago

For our last congregational tour, we are excited to show you the Israel we so love and cherish!

In planning our 2018 journey, we have put together our“Dream Itinerary” filled with the most important things to see—and lots of new things for 2nd- and 3rd timers! Our journey will connect us to our Jewish roots as we explore our people’s ancient and ongoing connection to the Land of Israel. It’s an Israel that grabs our hearts every time we come. An Israel that we can’t wait to share with you one last time!

—DAVID AND MARCIE ROSEN

Visit Yad LaKashish, a multifaceted

sheltered workshop for senior citizens whose home-made artistic creations are sold throughout the world Be guided through Ben-Gurion University in Beersheva, the startup university for the startup nation

Walk through the picturesque

neighborhood of Ein Kerem in the Jerusalem Forest Visit the Valley of Elah, where David slew Goliath And so much more for returnees who want to experience more of Israel!

Our trip to Israel need not be a dream. It can be yours if you begin to plan now. To learn everything about our journey, including price, accommodations and a complete day-by-day itinerary, go to:

WWW.DAATTRAVEL.COM/CONGREGATION-BETH-YESHURUN-OF-HOUSTON.ASPX

Have questions? Call Da’at toll-free: 888-811-2812 Website and phones will be active June 1 5

Shabbat Services

Chapel Services Thursday, 6/1/2017: 8:30am - 8:00pm Friday, 6/2/2017: 7:00am - 6:45pm Saturday, 6/3/2017: 8:30am - 7:45pm Sunday, 6/4/2017: 8:00am - 7:30pm Monday, 6/5/2017: 7:00am - 7:30pm Tuesday, 6/6/2017: 7:00am - 7:30pm Wednesday, 6/7/2017: 7:00am - 7:30pm Thursday, 6/8/2017: 7:00am - 7:30pm Friday, 6/9/2017: 7:00am - 6:45pm Saturday, 6/10/2017: 8:30am - 7:45pm Sunday, 6/11/2017: 8:00am - 7:30pm Monday, 6/12/2017: 7:00am - 7:30pm Tuesday, 6/13/2017: 7:00am - 7:30pm Wednesday, 6/14/2017: 7:00am - 7:30pm Thursday, 6/15/2017: 7:00am - 7:30pm Friday, 6/16/2017: 7:00am - 6:45pm Saturday, 6/17/2017: 8:30am - 7:45pm Sunday, 6/18/2017: 8:00am - 7:30pm Monday, 6/19/2017: 7:00am - 7:30pm Tuesday, 6/20/2017: 7:00am - 7:30pm Wednesday, 6/21/2017: 7:00am - 7:30pm Thursday, 6/22/2017: 7:00am - 7:30pm Friday, 6/23/2017: 7:00am - 6:45pm Saturday, 6/24/2017: 8:30am - 8:00pm Sunday, 6/25/2017: 8:00am - 7:30pm Monday, 6/26/2017: 7:00am - 7:30pm Tuesday, 6/27/2017: 7:00am - 7:30pm Wednesday, 6/28/2017: 7:00am - 7:30pm Thursday, 6/29/2017: 7:00am - 7:30pm Friday, 6/30/2017: 7:00am - 6:45pm

FRIDAY, JUNE 2 - Candlelighting Time 8:00pm 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - Cancer Survivors’ Shabbat 6:45pm Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel SATURDAY, JUNE 3 - Parashat Nasso 8:30am Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service 7:45pm Minhah/Ma’ariv in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel FRIDAY, JUNE 9 - Candlelighting Time 8:03pm 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal 6:45pm Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel SATURDAY, JUNE 10 - Parashat Beha’alotcha 8:30am Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service 7:45pm Minhah/Ma’ariv in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel FRIDAY, JUNE 16 - Candle lighting Time 8:06pm 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal 6:45pm Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel SATURDAY, JUNE 17 - Parashat Sh’lach 8:30am Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service 7:45pm Minhah/Ma’ariv in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel FRIDAY, JUNE 23 - Candlelighting Time 8:07pm 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal 6:45pm Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel

Shavuot Services

SATURDAY, JUNE 24 - Parashat Korach 8:30am Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service 8:00pm Minhah/Ma’ariv in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel

TUESDAY, MAY 30 - Erev Shavuot 8:00pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel 8:00pm Shavuot Service followed by Night of Torah Study

FRIDAY, JUNE 30 - Candlelighting Time 8:08pm 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - with the Beinart Family 6:45pm Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 - Shavuot I 8:30am Combined Sanctuary/Museum Minyan/Chapel Service 8:00pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel

SATURDAY, JULY 1 - Parashat Chukat 8:30am Shabbat Service in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:30am Combined Sanctuary/Museum Minyan Service - Bar Mitzvah: Isaac Harris 8:00pm Minhah/Ma’ariv in the J.B. Greenfield Chapel

THURSDAY, JUNE 1 - Shavuot II - Yizkor 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:30am Combined Sanctuary/Museum Minyan Service Following all services on Thursday, please join us for a Blintz Luncheon sponsored by Bruce Stein & Family!

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Max Uzick was surprised with a leaf on the Simcha Tree to celebrate his 80th birthday. The leaf was given by his children: Melissa and Alan Goldstein (Cincinnatti, OH), Linda and Tommy Uzick (Houston), Marcy and Randy Uzick (Houston), Loretta and Jeff Uzick(Houston); grandchildren: April and Micha Resnick (NY,NY), Gabe Goldstein (Los Angeles, CA), Megan and Stephen Uzick (Houston), Eric Uzick (Austin), Robert Uzick (Houston), Zac and Robyn Hoffer (Houston); and his greatMax Uzick grandchild: Lana Ruth Resnick (NY,NY).

80th Birthday Max joined Beth Yeshurun in 1996.

He has served as an important part of synagogue life as a Sanctuary Shofar Sounder, former Budget Committee member, and an office volunteer. Max has celebrated many simchas at CBY including his marriage to Rae, his children’s weddings, the B’nai Mitzvah of his grandchildren, and also the weddings of his grandchildren. Both Stephen and Eric attended BYDS. Lately, Max’s favorite activities have been working in his yard and bowling.

Jack Uzick (the much younger brother of Max) was also surprised with a Simcha Tree Leaf by family. His leaf celebrates his 75th birthday. The leaf was given by his brother and sister-in-law, Max and Rae Uzick, and his nieces and nephews (see above).Jack joined Beth Yeshurun in 2001 and has become an important part of CBY. He is a member of the Chapel Committee, the Chair of the Building & Occupancy Committee, the Board of Trustees and an Office Volunteer.

Jack Uzick The Simcha Tree is located on the 75th Birthday western wall of the Fein Atrium (Skylight Lobby) at Beth Yeshurun. If you would like to purchase a leaf or a boulder, or to learn more about the Simcha Tree, please contact Misi Schlueter at mschlueter@bethyeshurun.org or 713.666.1881.

Simcha Tree Three new leaves have been added to our Simcha Tree!

Marcia & Jerry Pappert - 60th Wedding Anniversary Marcia & Jerry Pappert were surprised with a Simcha Tree Leaf to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. The leaf was a gift from their children and grandchildren: Michael and Jan Pappert and their children Kase, Sean and Zachary (Houston); Melissa Pappert (Houston): and Wayne and Ilene and their children Sammy and Carly (Austin). The Papperts have been members of Beth Yeshurun for many years. Upon moving to Houston, they wanted to make friends and felt that the best way to do this was to get involved in organizations, which they did, and still do. Jerry has been a valued volunteer in the office for the past several years. Marcia is a much-appreciated volunteer at the Gathering Place programs. Together, they both volunteer to help at Purim Carnival every year.

The Papperts have celebrated many simchas at CBY including the weddings of Ilene Katz & Wayne Pappert, and Jan Davis & Michael Pappert; the B’nai Mitzvah of Sean, Zazchary & Kase; and Carly’s Baby Naming. All of their grandchildren are now in college: Kase, Sean & Zachary at UT and Sammy & Carly at A&M. Marcia & Jerry’s favorite things to do include spending time with their family – children, grandchildren & granddogs (two of them), and also with their friends.

Bar Mitzvah

Sisterhood Gift Shop *Closed May 27 thdrough June 6

Summer Hours June 7 - August 14 CLOSED SATURDAY - MONDAY

OPEN TUESDAY - FRIDAY 10:00am-2:00pm 713.255.8021 giftshop@bethyeshurun.org 7

Isaac Harris (July 1) is the son of Betty Chan and Byron Harris; brother of Danielle Harris; grandson of Rochelle and Jerry Harris. Isaac attends Lanier Middle School.

For his Mitzvah Project, Isaac volunteered for the Houston Food Bank. He will donate a portion of his monetary gifts to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

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 

                                                                                                                                                          

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                                                                                        

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

8

  -  -

      -  -     - -              

ISRAEL-A-PALOOZA: Faces of Israel Religious School families had a fantastic morning at the third ISRAEL-A-PALOOZA on April 30, just a few days before Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day. The school was filled with over 275 students, siblings, parents, grandparents, volunteers, and staff.

This year’s theme was Faces of Israel, which focused on the people who make Israel so special. Participants made a braided bracelet to represent the diverse religious and ethnic groups in Israel, made trading cards and played trivia Twister about historical leaders, crafted their own Agamograph, heard about Israeli innovators and practiced writing computer code, and learned to defend themselves with Krav Maga Houston. Students also had the opportunity to shop at the shuk, write and place prayers in a model Kotel, and take a souvenir photo. Everyone enjoyed delicious falafel, plus the chance to try Israeli juice and cocoa spread, while listening to The Best Little Klezmer Band in Texas.

Once again, a special thank you to Joyce and Arthur Dauber for sponsoring this family celebration. This could not have happened without their support, and it was great to have them and their family participate.

ISRAEL-A-PALOOZA was coordinated by Sheryl Eskowitz, Education Director, and Sarah Goldberg, Youth Programming Coordinator, with assistance from Religious School Administrative Assistant, Lauren Federow. The entire Religious School staff also played a huge part in the morning with each staff member working a station. In addition, over 30 teens and adults volunteered their time before and during to make this event such a success.

We are already so excited for next year’s ISRAEL-A-PALOOZA!

9

High Holy Day Choir

It’s a Mitzvah

Freedman-Levit Sanctuary

Dear Families, Summer vacation is almost here but I wanted to communicate with you before everyone gets in travel and camp mode. While everyone else is thinking of the aforementioned summer activities my mind naturally goes to the High Holy Days. They will be here before we know it.

This year is going to be very exciting and I am hoping that you will consider your and your child’s participation. Rabbi Strauss, Judy Yambra and I will introduce our new Assistant Rabbi, Sarah Fort, to the Freedman-Levit Service for the first time. I have met her and am certain that she will be a perfect fit for Beth Yeshurun and our service. I have planned a new musical surprise and, as always, look forward to working with you to create an inspirational and engaging service. As you think about the fall and forthcoming activities for your children, please remember that being a part of the choir is time-limited and that we will work with you to ensure that your child can participate in their activities and the choir.

Our first rehearsal for the High Holy Day Family Choir for the Freedman-Levit Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Services will be Sunday, August 20th from 4:30-6:00pm. After that, we will meet each Sunday afternoon and Wednesday night (6:30-7:30pm) until the holidays are over. Both Judy and I are sensitive to all of the demands of the early school year and will work with you to guarantee a satisfying experience.

Wednesday nights have been our traditional mid-week rehearsal. However, if there needs to be a change in time or day, we are open to discussing it.

It has been my goal over the years to create a service that is unique in its ability to appeal to all age groups and at the same time satisfy the needs of families. It is not a “children’s” service, but it is time-constrained and makes use of music and participation to engage and encourage interaction for all who attend. The choir, made up of adults and children, has been a meaningful and enriching part of this service for the last 43 years.

The choir will participate in the Freedman-Levit service on Rosh Hashanah, September 20th and 21st, Kol Nidre, September 29th, and Yom Kippur day, September 30th, through Yizkor. The choir will once again be an integral part of the teenage Mincha service later in the afternoon on Yom Kippur held in the Barg Sanctuary for the entire congregation.

I hope you and/or your children will join us for what has always been a very satisfying and exciting experience for all of us involved. One of the great joys of my life has been to work with those of you who have chosen to be part of this meaningful activity. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to have you and your children join us as we prepare for the upcoming holidays.

If you have any questions, please contact me at asondock@ aol.com. Rabbi Strauss, Judy and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday, August 202th.

My good wishes to everyone for a wonderful and relaxing summer.

Annette Sondock, Cantor, Freedman-Levit High Holy Day Service

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 (increased from $100 effective June 1, 2017) 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.  Roselyn Bell in memory of Edith Bell  Elias Camhi in memory of Betty Camhi  Chapel Minyan in honor of the Beth Yeshurun Clergy  Ida Eisenbaum & Family in memory of Jacob Eisenbaum  Rob & Elizabeth Finn and Hayley Naggar in memory of Charles Naggar  Fifi Goodfellow in memory of her beloved parents, Fanny & Charles Naggar  Harry & Teri Greenblatt in memory of Gloria Goldstein  Ginger Kaplan in memory of Madeline Spira  Eitan & Chaya Kuperman & Family in memory of Miriam (Mane) Plon  Linden & Roger Sofer in memory of Fannie Nichols  Linden & Roger Sofer in memory of Herman Nichols  Sylvia Wagman, Adam Wagman & Elyssa Horvath in memory of Bob Wagman  Michael & Mark Weinberg in memory of Marianne Weinberg  Alvin S. Wexler in memory of Brandon Edelstein

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Brotherhood Rosh Hashanah Honey!

Now is the time to start your list for Rosh Hashanah honey! Consider sending honey to family, friends, customers, neighbors, teachers, etc. Many recipients appreciate honey so much that they become honey buyers themselves! We have honey buyers from California to Florida to Massachusetts.

All proceeds from all Brotherhood projects benefit the children of our synagogue and Day School.

Each jar is packaged with the appropriate prayers plus a High Holy Day greeting from you. The cost of $11 includes an 8-ounce jar of Kosher honey delivered anywhere in the USA. If you ordered last year you’ll receive a copy of your order with instructions to reorder, add or delete recipients.

Order online now at www.bethyeshurun.org! Remember, all orders must be transmitted electronically. The vendor will not accept paper orders.

Don’t miss the July 24th deadline! All orders received after July 24th will be charged an additional $4/jar for first-class shipping.

Are you in special need of a Rabbi?

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.

Interest Free Loans available Hebrew Free Loan Association of Houston (HFLA) is able to provide immediate assistance in the form of a confidential, interest free loan. Loans are provided for various items including emergency funding. To apply for a loan, visit www.hfla.net.

Sponsored Chapel breakfast price increase

Beginning June 1, 2017, we are increasing the sponsorship donation for “standard” Chapel breakfasts to $120 (from $100). It has been about 10 years since we have increased the sponsorship for breakfast, and costs have eaten away (pun intended) at our net contribution for breakfast. While we regret having to do this, we need to be cognizant of the reality of cost increases and the budgetary impact. This increase brings our net contribution back to the level it was 10 years ago.

We are very grateful to those of you who have sponsored breakfasts in the past in memory of a loved one, for a special simcha, or just to support Beth Yeshurun. We sincerely hope you will continue to do so. It is an extremely nice touch to continue to provide breakfast for those congregants who come to morning minyan, either on a daily basis or occasionally. This is made possible by those congregants who make donations.

This increase does not affect “special” breakfasts or Shabbat kiddushes. To sponsor a breakfast or a Shabbat kiddush, please contact Eileen Pettigrew (epettigrew@ bethyeshurun.org) or Marco Alvarado (malvarado@bethyeshurun. org). And thank you again for your support.

11

Sun

JUNE 2017

4

Mon

11 Sivan 6 Grief Group

Tue

Wed

SIVAN/TAMUZ 5777

Thu Fri Sat 1 7 Sivan 2 8 Sivan 3 Nasso 9 Sivan Shabbat Morning Services SHAVUOT II

Torah Study SYNAGOGUE OFFICE CLOSED

CEMETERIES CLOSED Shabbat Evening Services

Cancer Survivors’ Shabbat Evening Chapel

12 Sivan 7 13 Sivan 8 Meditation Group Caregivers Group Membership Committee Mtg

DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR AN UP TO THE MINUTE CALENDAR OF EVENTS PLEASE VISIT WWW.BETHYESHURUN.ORG/CALENDAR 10 Sivan 5

14 Sivan 9 15 Sivan 10 Beha’alotcha 16 Sivan Shabbat Morning Services

Torah Study

Shabbat Evening Services

Evening Chapel

17 Sivan 12 18 Sivan 13 19 Sivan 14 Meditation Group BYDS Summer Camp Begins Grief Group Budget Committee Mtg Executive Committee Mtg Divorce Group

20 Sivan 15 Caregivers Group

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24 Sivan 19 25 Sivan 20 Grief Group CBY Board Mtg

18

26 Sivan 21 27 Sivan 22 YES Luncheon Gathering Place Meditation Group Caregivers Group

Pet Loss Support Group

25

1 Tamuz 26 Rosh Chodesh

21 Sivan 16 22 Sivan 17 Sh’lach 23 Sivan

Shabbat Morning Services

Torah Study

Evening Chapel Shabbat Evening Services

28 Sivan 23 29 Sivan 24 Korach 30 Sivan Rosh Chodesh

Shabbat Morning Services

Torah Study

Evening Chapel Shabbat Evening Services Keshet Shabbat Dinner

5 Tamuz 30 6 Tamuz July 1 Chukat 7 Tamuz Shabbat Morning Services

BM ‐ Isaac Harris (M/M)

Torah Study

Shabbat Evening Services Evening Chapel

2 Tamuz 27 3 Tamuz 28 4 Tamuz 29 Grief Group Technology Committee Mtg Caregivers Group Divorce Group Meditation Group Inclusion Committee Mtg

12

13

Wed

7 Av 31

30

29 Tamuz 24

23

EREV TISHA B'AV

8 Av

1 Av 25 2 Av Rosh Chodesh Grief Group Inclusion Committee Mtg Divorce Group

26 3 Av 27 Technology Committee Mtg Investment Committee Mtg Meditation Group

24 Tamuz 19 25 Tamuz 20 YES Luncheon

Meditation Group

22 Tamuz 17

16

23 Tamuz 18 Grief Group CBY Board Mtg

15 Tamuz 10 16 Tamuz 11 17 Tamuz 12 18 Tamuz 13 Budget Committee Mtg Grief Group TZOM TAMMUZ

Executive Committee Mtg Meditation Group Divorce Group

9

9 Tamuz 4

11 Tamuz 6 10 Tamuz 5 Meditation Group

INDEPENDENCE DAY SYNAGOGUE OFFICE CLOSED ALLEN PARKWAY CEMETERY CLOSED ALL DAY (other cemeteries open)

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

Tue

8 Tamuz 3

Mon

2

Sun

JULY 2017 Thu

4 Av 28 5 Av

Shabbat Evening Services

26 Tamuz 21 27 Tamuz

Shabbat Evening Services

19 Tamuz 14 20 Tamuz

Shabbat Evening Services

12 Tamuz 7 13 Tamuz

Shabbat Evening Services

Fri

29 Devarim 6 Av Shabbat Morning Services Torah Study

Evening Chapel

28 Tamuz 22 Matot-Mase Shabbat Morning Services Torah Study

Evening Chapel

21 Tamuz 15 Pinchas Shabbat Morning Services Torah Study

Evening Chapel

14 Tamuz 8 Balak Shabbat Morning Services Torah Study

Evening Chapel

Sat 7 Tamuz 1 Chukat Shabbat Morning Services BM ‐ Isaac Harris (M/M) Torah Study

Evening Chapel

TAMUZ/AV 5777

6/11

Birth

Shana and Nossi Creeger and big sister, Amira, are happy to 6/12 announce the birth of their son and brother, Dean Alexander

Creeger, born April 5, 2017. Dean weighed 8 pounds, 3

ounces, and was 21 inches long. His proud grandparents are

Abby and Joel Davis, Eileen and Ken Creeger, and Deborah and

Mark S. Finkelstein. Dean’s great-grandparents are Clara Cook,

Glicka Creeger and Richard Finkelstein. Dean’s Hebrew name 6/13 is Baruch Chanoch. He is named for two great-grandfathers,

Henry Hausdorff and Bernard Creeger, his great-grandmother,

Helen Finkelstein, and his great-great uncle, Alexander Koplow.

6/14

Anniversaries 6/15

6/1 37 David & Sandra Kronman

31 Neil & Josette Rosenstein

6/2 43 Brian & Sandy Douglas

4 Jonathan & Lindsay Ellard 6/16

53 Norman & Barbara Frankel

60 Mort & Tobye Joachim

21 Neal & Jill Kaminsky 6/17

33 Jordan & Lauren Mintz

60 Sylvan & Reba Rubin

6/3 44 Bruce & Marcia Friedman

55 Joseph & Sandra Kirk

11 David & Julie Malamud 6/18

38 Richard & Sharla Stark

6/4 56 Martin & Michelle Greenberg

28 Owen & Stacy Sonik 6/19 6/5 51 Milton & Ricki Frankfort

35 Adam & Wendi Olszewski

6/6 10 Arnaldo Gomez-Lotti & Yamile Lopez-Perez

18 Steve Levine & Barbara Davis-Levine 6/20

41 Alan & Debra Paull

19 Mario & Stephy Reimers 6/21 6/7 58 Henry & Renee’ Bickart

20 Jeffrey & Sherri Klein

47 Allan & Diane Soffar

19 Mark & Stefanie Trachtenberg 6/22

53 Myron & Roberta Wolynec

6/8 46 Thomas & Lea Eichel

3 Jacob & Tiffany Siegel

42 Richard & Paula Stein 6/9 43 Arnold & Marsha Abramson

26 Scott & Darla Gardner

44 Albert & Graciela Handy 6/23

49 Michael & Cheryl Nussenblatt

26 Gordon & Merryl Zuber

6/10 44 Norman & Terry Buchalter

33 Jordan & Robin Davis

5 Todd Davis & Amalia Picus-Davis

14

Family Album

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27 55 54 44 33 27 12 45 29 17 51 35 55 29 34 34 24 7 46 7 56 22 37 20 59 14 42 10 61 32 16 11 38 44 50 23 28 50 57 41 29 16 41 52 30 47 36 36 31 42 49 59 43 65 21 26 43 65 55 46

Israel & Dora Grinberg Gene & Myra Kaplan Jerome & Marjorie Kosoy Joseph & Arlene Staller Thomas & Linda Uzick Miles & Mindy Wertheimer Adam Miller & Michelina Cairo David & Debbie Schwartz Stephen & Kathie Stone David & Annat Wolf Dennis & Laurel Brown Andy & Linda Burger Stanley & Barbara Hite Gary & Rosi Markewich Mark & Patricia Rauch Randall & Marcy Uzick Steven & Tara Sondock Gavin & Brooke Wagenheim Leonard & Eileen Weisman Ofir Cohen & Angela Semakova Moe & Sandra Schimmel Stacy & Tonya Schwartz Jeffrey & Cindy Abrahams Meir & Monica Finkelstein Gerald & Eileen Fleishman Gage & Amy Mueller Eric & Carol Samet Robert & Donna Lane Marvin & Sheila Rosenberg Alan & Dale Simon Jeremy & Michelle Fingeret Jesse & Lindsey Hirsch Ben & Lillie Hurwitz Michael & Harriet Katzeff Daniel & Karol Musher Jeff & Donna Gershenwald David & Diane Naggar Richard & Toby Newman Marvin & Bayla Abrams Scott & Susan Bender Jack & Cari Brandt Lawrence & Janice Finder James & Charlotte Avery James & Rachelle Gross Bruce & Rhona Caress Lu & Robin Dorfman Randall & Elyse Frapart Mark Krasnov & Marion Rifkind Christopher & Nora Brown Joel & Linda Chess Kenneth & Sharon Goodgame Bennett & Doris Kalmans John & Lisa Torry Irving & Marcia Wishnow Douglas & Connie Dotan J. Rael & Barbara Elk Stephen & Joyce Fadem Avrum & Fanya Gurevich Leonard & Carol Hoffman Sanford & Lindy Kahn

6/24

6/25

6/26

6/27

6/28

6/29

6/30

70 61 27 33 12 27 27 66 22 38 39 60 45 45 39 56 34 28 51 13 57 40 34 52 20 18 30 75 70 48 43 54 43 32 38

Raphael & Dvorah Arbisser Maurice & Flo Berkman Gregg & Toby Brown David & Lisa Fleishman Howard & Jami Kammerman Curtis & Linda Kantor Jeff & Beth Lefkowitz Jordan & Bernice Loftus Daniel & Toiee Roubein Steven & Rhoda Saka Paul & Linda Metter Burton & Ryva Reckles Leonard & Barbara Roth Barry & Melanie Shoss Alex Weisselberg & Susan Gumbiner Harvey & Rena Zidell Joel & Lisa Bender Juan & Susan Bracho William & Merle Granek Philip & Dana Grosman Melvin & Rosalind Kalmans Marc & Cindi Steinberg Stephen & Rebecca Zimmerman Richard & Andrea Brody Ofer & Miri Levy David & Orit Malev Steven & Esther Bethke Sid & Anna Binder Martin & Helen Mark Jerrold & Linda Paine Ilya & Faina Shnur Samuel & Karen Shoss Arnold & Harriet Eisenstein Barry & Mindy Levinson Stanford & Jan Shoss

Everyone needs a backup!

Some of our members stretch themselves, develop new skills or improve existing skills, and contribute to our synagogue services more than they ever thought possible. In the J.B. Greenfield Chapel, we are fortunate to have had Michael Lewis as a regular ba’al korei (Torah reader) for about thirty Rabbi Horwitz years, and he is fully capable of reading the entire Torah portion week in and week out. But it’s still nice to have some help now and then!

Enter our two backup readers, Michael Richker and Bob Kushner. Michael and Bob can frequently be seen in the Chapel after a service, practicing a reading from the sefer Torah. On Shabbat morning, you can usually hear Michael or Bob (or both of them) reading one or two of the seven portions. And they frequently read the weekday or Shabbat afternoon Torah readings. Like many people who participate in our services, they do it for love.

When Michael Lewis was on voice rest last summer, the three of us filled in and they put in a good deal of extra time preparing. We were certainly happy that Michael came back, but everyone needs a backup! We are fortunate to have our two backups participating and hope they will continue to take a regular turn reading Torah for many years to come. Thank you, Michael Richker and Bob Kushner!

Rabbi Daniel Horwitz

Condolences

Office Hours

The congregation extends its sincerest condolences to the families of Pearl Altman, Leni Berger, Irl Bernstein, Larry Folloder, Al Garson, Shirley Kestenman, Charles Soffar May their memories be for a blessing.

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:

Want an easier way to pay your dues AND ensure your High Holy Day tickets are in the first mailing?

Wednesday • May 31 • Shavuot I Thursday • June 1 • Shavuot II

Cemetery Hours

Use Direct Debit for Dues Payments!

Through ACH (Automated Clearing House)

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

Beth Yeshurun cemeteries are open Sunday-Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm, closed on Saturdays and the following: Wednesday • May 31 • Shavuot I Thursday • June 1 • Shavuot II 15

Brena Moglovkin

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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 Riana Sherman, Programming/Marketing Director: rsherman@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 *August deadline: June 12 at themessage@bethyeshurun.org

A Night of Learning In Celebration of Shavuot!

Tuesday Night, May 30

For hundreds of years, we Jews have welcomed the Festival of Shavuot, the holiday celebrating the Revelation of Torah at Sinai, by spending the evening studying our history and heritage. This year, we will revisit the stories of Israel’s greatest kings: their strengths, their weaknesses, their mighty adventures, their personal and political disasters. How is each king regarded by rabbis and biblical scholars today, and what lessons can we who live in the 21st Century learn from them thousands of years later?

Time sensitive material - please deliver promptly!

8:00 - 8:20pm - Freedman-Levit Sanctuary SHAVUOT SERVICE 8:20 - 9:00pm - Stein Hall LIGHT SHAVUOT DINNER No charge, but please RSVP arotenberg@bethyeshurun.org Come celebrate Rabbi Morgen’s 60th birthday with him!

9:00 - 11:00pm - Around the tables in Stein Hall “THE AMAZING KINGS OF ISRAEL!”

Weekly Torah Study

11:45am Shabbat Mornings

King Saul with Rabbi Steven Morgen King David with Rabbi Brian Strauss King Solomon with Rabbi David Rosen King Josiah with Rabbi Danny Horwitz

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.

And join us as we blend the sweetness of Torah with the sweetness of Ice Cream Sundaes during the course of our Shavuot night of study.

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