The Message
Congregation Beth Yeshurun Houston May 2016
Counting the Omer 1
Again, sounds plausible. To all these reasons, I would suggest a fourth, namely, I think Shavuot’s problem is that it is about the very things many Jews are so uncomfortable with: Faith and God. Think about it: Every other festival in Judaism reflects Judaism’s historic emphasis on deed over creed. It is not enough to simply believe in the miracle of our exodus from Egypt; we must relive it by eating the same foods the Israelites ate; and at Sukkot, by living or at least sitting in the same kind of temporary booths the Israelites sat in. Now comes Shavuot with its unique message: No special eating, no special fasting, no unique home ritual. On Shavuot, we are asked to identify with the experience of our ancestors in an entirely different way—by recreating that moment of faith in which the Hebrew slaves became the Jewish People at Sinai. On Shavuot, we are told to stand in the synagogue as the giving of The Ten Commandments is read, and to place ourselves in the Israelites’ shoes, as if we too were standing at the foot of Har Sinai. Why Shavuot? Perhaps we Jews have placed too great an emphasis on only deeds, enabling too many of us to forget that Judaism is ultimately a faith, and that everything we do is an outgrowth of that moment of Revelation at Sinai. Shavuot is a reminder that, yes, deeds are important; ritual is important; mitzvot are important. But Shavuot is also a statement that on at least one festival occasion of the year, our primary concern must be God in Heaven, the Source of all life. Shavuot is a day to turn our energies to analyzing where we stand with God; how do we understand Him and his expectations of us? It is not a day to get lost in the 1001 details of making a seder. It is not a night to sit outside in a sukkah and get lost in counting the stars through the skach. It is a day to get lost in the prayer book, on any page to which we might open, and to get lost in our thoughts as well.
From the Rabbi Rabbi David Rosen Poor Shavuot This past week, I was struck by a question posed by a colleague: “What is it,” he wrote, “about Shavuot? No one seems to care much about it even though the Torah itself considers it equal to Passover and Sukkot, two far more widely observed holidays. Shavuot is actually the perfect hatimah [seal] to the three holidays as each one moves us further along in the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom. So why is Shavuot the step-sister of Jewish holidays?” In response, numerous colleagues offered interesting answers: Some argued that Shavuot’s problem is that it has no distinctive rituals attached to it. On Sukkot, we build or at least sit in booths, and there are the wonderful seders of Passover. The closest thing to a “home ritual” on Shavuot is eating cheese blintzes, not a particularly compelling observance. Maybe. Other of my rabbinical colleagues argued that Shavuot’s problem is its timing: it is celebrated in late May or June when people’s minds are focused elsewhere, on travel and vacations and finishing up responsibilities at the office and school. Perhaps. And still others suggested that it is the holiday Hebrew School teachers talk about, but unlike Passover and Sukkot, never have the opportunity to actually experience with their students.
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. Ellen Petras, our Membership Services Manager (713.666.1881) is here to welcome everyone interested in becoming part of our beautiful congregational family.
Rhona & Bruce Caress Family Campus 4525 Beechnut St.│Houston, TX 77096-1801 713.666.1881│www.bethyeshurun.org The Message Vol. LI, No. 10
Do You Have a Question about Your Membership? Members who may have special needs, whose family situations have changed or who have questions about their membership in the synagogue will find a responsive and empathetic ear by arranging a visit with Ellen Petras, our Membership Services Manager (713.666.1881).
May 2016│Nisan-Iyyar 5776
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
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.“
Yeshurun │4525 Beechnut│Houston, TX 77096-1801.
Front Cover Field of barley with omer counter (Kaplan Museum Collection: Israel, 1980s, painted wood and paper; donated by The Bodner Family in honor of Eve and Eugene Bodner.)
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With our diversity, we uphold Israel’s strength, hope and future. Come together at the Jewish Federation’s A Shabbat of Unity and express your belief in Israel.
EXCLUSIVE SCREENING: THURSDAY, MAY 12 - 8:00 P.M. WWW.SOLDIERSANDPEACEMAKERS.EVENTBRITE.COM
Israel is important to me . . . Emotionally – Rabbi David Rosen Spiritually – Rabbi Brian Strauss Culturally – Rabbi Steven Morgen Musically – Cantor Meir Finkelstein
Through these four talks, let us study, listen and reflect together on all the ways Israel is important to our clergy — and to us! Followed by a delicious selection of Israeli foods!
SUNDAY MORNING - MAY 15 - 10:00 A.M. RSVP AT WWW.MORNINGOFLEARNING.EVENTBRITE.COM 3
Shabbat Services
Chapel Services Sunday, May 1: 8:00am - 6:30pm Monday, May 2: 7:00am - 6:30pm Tuesday, May 3: 7:00am - 6:30pm Wednesday, May 4: 7:00am - 6:30pm Thursday, May 5: 7:00am - 6:30pm Friday, May 6: 7:00am - 6:30pm Saturday, May 7: 8:30am - 7:30pm Sunday, May 8: 8:00am - 6:30pm Monday, May 9: 6:45am - 6:30pm Tuesday, May 10: 7:00am - 6:30pm Wednesday, May 11: 7:00am - 6:30pm Thursday, May 12: 7:00am - 6:30pm Friday, May 13: 7:00am - 6:30pm Saturday, May 14: 8:30am - 7:30pm Sunday, May 15: 8:00am - 6:30pm Monday, May 16: 7:00am - 6:30pm Tuesday, May 17: 7:00am - 6:30pm Wednesday, May 18: 7:00am - 6:30pm Thursday, May 19: 7:00am - 6:30pm Friday, May 20: 7:00am - 6:30pm Saturday, May 21: 8:30am - 7:45pm Sunday, May 22: 8:00am - 6:30pm Monday, May 23: 7:00am - 6:30pm Tuesday, May 24: 7:00am - 6:30pm Wednesday, May 25: 7:00am - 6:30pm Thursday, May 26: 7:00am - 6:30pm Friday, May 27: 7:00am - 6:30pm Saturday, May 28: 8:30am - 7:45pm Sunday, May 29: 8:00am - 7:30pm Monday, May 30: 7:00am - 7:30pm Tuesday, May 31: 7:00am - 7:30pm
FRIDAY, MAY 6 - Candlelighting Time 7:45pm 6:00pm Friday Night Alive! - with the Blum & Melamed Families 6:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel SATURDAY, MAY 7 - Parashat Achrei Mot 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service - B’nai Mitzvah: Joshua Blum & Max Melamed 7:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel FRIDAY, MAY 13 - Candlelighting Time 7:50pm 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - with the Selzer Family 6:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel SATURDAY, MAY 14 - Parashat Kedoshim 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service - Bat Mitzvah: Hayley Selzer 7:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel FRIDAY, MAY 20 - Candlelighting Time 7:54pm 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - with the Melman Family 6:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel SATURDAY, MAY 21 - Parashat Emor 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service - Bat Mitzvah: Rachel Melman 7:45pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel FRIDAY, MAY 27 - Candlelighting Time 7:58pm 6:00pm Shabbat Renewal - with the Fein Family 6:30pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel SATURDAY, MAY 28 - Parashat Behar 8:30am J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15am Museum Minyan 9:30am Sanctuary Service - Bat Mitzvah: Jordan Fein 7:45pm J.B. Greenfield Chapel
Weekly Torah Study
11:45am Shabbat Mornings
Office Hours
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 holiday: Monday • May 30 • Memorial Day
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Meet the Newest Members of The Executive Committee Treasurer Jerrad Bloome
Secretary Steve Rudoff
Jerrad Bloome was born in Iowa City, IA, and moved to Houston in 1974 where he attended Beth Hayeled and the Beth Yeshurun Day School. Jerrad had his Bar Mitzvah at Beth Yeshurun and his wife Sara had her adult Bat Mitzvah at Beth Yeshurun and they were married by the Beth Yeshurun clergy. Jerrad’s daughter Amanda recently celebrated her Bat Mitzvah at Beth Yeshurun and his younger daughter, Rebecca, is a student at the Beth Yeshurun Religious School. Jerrad has served on the Board of Trustees since 2011, and most recently served on the Senior Advisory Committee, and has been active in the Membership Committee. Jerrad graduated from Brandeis University and earned his law degree from the University of Houston. Jerrad practices as a civil trial attorney with the firm of Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber, P.C. where he is a shareholder.
Steve Rudoff was born in Columbus, GA. His family settled in Dallas which he calls his hometown. Steve graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and to this day bleeds orange. Steve is a diamond importer with offices in Houston, and Ramat Gan, Israel. Since moving to Houston in 2001 from Indianapolis, IN, he has been a member of Beth Yeshurun. Steve joined the Board of Trustees in 2007. He has served as Chair of the Ritual and Kehillah Committees. He is also a Gabbai of the J.B. Greenfield Chapel as well as one of the executive Chapel committee members. Steve is a Club Member of AIPAC. He has also served on the boards of “TORCH” and “HKA”. Steve resides in Sugar Land with his wife Georga, his three daughters Aliyah, Jenna and Jason Wingo, and Erica Rudoff. Steve has three great passions in his life, his family, his Judaism, and his BY family, which he’s honored to serve.
NIVERSAR AN
IVERSAR Y NN
- Thank you, The Friedman Family
15 Years A
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.
Y
Est. 2001
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 ngonzales@bethyeshurun.org 5
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 drosen@ bethyeshurun.org.
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by Gayle Kamen-Weinstein, LMSW
BEREAVEMENT GROUP
Judith Viorst wrote the book,” Necessary Losses”. She describes that losses are crucial in order for us to grow. Since we cannot control the losses, we have to change the way we deal with it in order to heal. Many people think their feelings of grief are unique and no one can understand the agony. The death of a loved one is a personal event, but grief is to be shared with others to lessen the burden. In our groups at Beth Yeshurun Healing Center, all are grieving losses. The divorce is the loss of the dream of marriage and the family. Caregivers are grieving over �me the impending loss and small losses of their loved one through illness or disability. It is impossible to ignore the grief process unless one goes through it and comes out the other side. Fortunately banding together as a group and as a community of compassion and understanding, we can make it to through the deep forest of pain and loneliness. We will eventually nd ourselves intact, peaceful, loving and strong.
Tuesdays: May 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 10:30am - Noon
DIVORCE GROUP
Tuesdays: May 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 6:15 pm - 7:15pm
*MEN ONLY GRIEF GROUP New group EXCLUSIVELY FOR MEN - at this time the group’s focus is on the adult perspective
Wednesdays: May 4, 11, 18 & 25 11:00am - NOON
The groups associated with the Beth Yeshurun Healing Center collected items for dona�ons. Eye glasses to the Lions Club, Hearing Aids to the Center for Speech and Hearing, men's clothing, �es, shoes to Career Gear, a non‐prot helping men re‐enter the work force. All of these items were near and dear to the hearts of a loved one and with compassion and grace were generously given for dona�on.
CAREGIVERS GROUP
Thursdays: May 5, 12, 19 & 26 2:00pm - 3:00pm FREE & OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY Congregation Beth Yeshurun All groups led by Gayle Weinstein, LMSW 4525 Beechnut | Bride’s Room
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan but also believe”
Email Gayle for more information at griefgroup@bethyeshurun.org
– Anatole France
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This program is generously funded by The Martha Lea and Albert Stein Family Outreach Fund
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Our tzedakah funds
It’s a Mitzvah
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) Rabbi Horwitz Projects in Israel; (b) Conservative Torah study/program institutions; (c) Youth scholarships; (d) Caring for the needy. Among the programs for the needy to which we have directed help this year are: • MAZON, a Jewish Response to Hunger, which provides grants to various food banks around the country; • NUEVO HOGAR LEDOR VADOR (New Home for the Elderly), the Buenos Aires equivalent to our own Seven Acres; • INTERFAITH MINISTRIES MEALS ON WHEELS, providing hot food daily to thousands of Houstonians, largely homebound; We also assisted an abused Jewish woman and her children on a one-time basis. Thanks to all of you who have helped us provide thousands of dollars to meet these and other needs in the past year!
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.
Harry, Teri, Ryan & Stephanie Greenblatt in memory of Norma Greenblatt Dr. Cindy Ivanhoe in memory of Lynn Ivanhoe Richard Leibman in memory of Henia Leibman Rebecca Levine & Family in memory of Diego Levine Rose & Harry Melnick & Family in memory of Lena (Rebecca) Zonana Mr. & Mrs. Irving Pozmantier & Family in memory of Sidney Wisenberg Pozmantier Mansel & Brenda Rubenstein in honor of Jack Levin Roger Sofer in memory of Dora Sofer Gordon Zuber in honor of his 80th birthday
Rabbi Daniel Horwitz
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B’nai Mitzvah Joshua Alec Blum (May 6/7) is the son of Michelle and Marvin Blum; brother of Jonathan, Jennifer and Jordan Blum; and grandson of Marie Cweren and the late Gerson Cweren, and Vera Blum and the late Lee Blum. Joshua attends Pin Oak Middle School. For his Mitzvah Project, Joshua volunteered in the West University Little League Challenger Division for young athletes with physical and mental challenges, and will be collecting baseball equipment for underprivileged children in Houston. Joshua will donate a portion of his monetary gifts to the Aishel House in loving memory of his grandfathers, Gerson and Lee. Max Elliot Melamed (May 6/7) is the son of Robin and Evan Melamed; brother of Jake; and grandson of Maureen and Leon Melamed, Suzanne and Paul Gold, and Jane Gold. Max attends Trafton Academy. For his Mitzvah Projects, Max volunteered in the West University Little League Challenger program for young athletes with physical and mental challenges, and volunteered at the Friendship Circle Walk. Max will donate a portion of his monetary gifts to the Friendship Circle, which is an organization for children with special needs. We are happy to list Bar/Bat Mitzvah students, their parents, siblings, grandparents, school and Mitzvah Projects. Please contact Hilary Nitsun at hnitsun@bethyeshurun.org or 713.255.8005, for your submission deadline.
Hayley Maya Selzer (May 13/14) is the daughter of Melissa and Scott Selzer; sister of Sydney and Zachary; and granddaughter of Judy and Robert Cohen, and Barbara and Jerry Selzer. Hayley attends The Emery/Weiner School. For her Mitzvah Project, Hayley volunteered at the Aishel House. Hayley also raised funds and participated in her family’s Run for the Rose team, “Eydie’s Angels,” in memory of her aunt, Eydie Selzer Goldman. Hayley will participate in the Rabbi’s 10% plan for charitable giving. Rachel Mina Melman (May 20/21) is the daughter of Samantha and Gil Melman; sister of Noah and Evan; and granddaughter of Gloria and Dan Lampl (z’l), and Jerry and Tsipora Melman. Rachel attends Pin Oak Middle School. For her Mitzvah Project, Rachel volunteered for Kids Meals, an organization whose mission is to end childhood hunger by delivering free, healthy meals to pre-school-aged children. Rachel will participate in the Rabbi’s 10% Plan and donate a portion of her monetary gifts to Kids Meals. Jordan Eliana Fein (May 27/28) is the daughter of Kelli Cohen Fein & Martin Fein; sister of Isaac Fein, Rebecca Luks, Mindy Fein and Daniel Fein; and granddaughter of Celina Fein and the late Ely Fein, and Helene Pfeffer and Jay Cohen. Jordan attends The Kinkaid School. For her Mitzvah Project, Jordan co-founded “Flower Power GIVES,” a service-oriented organization which salvages flowers from events and repurposes them to charities who are working with our city’s most vulnerable citizens. Jordan will participate in the Rabbi’s 10% Plan for charitable giving.
Add to the Tree of Life!
The CBY Simcha Tree
The Simcha Tree was designed by Edwin C. Balis and Associates of Donora, PA, and specially adapted for Beth Yeshurun. It has 1,000 leaves, 6 smaller boulders and 6 larger boulders. It is a collection of special events and remembrances. Leaves or boulders may be given in honor of any special occasion such as: Births, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Graduations, any occasion worthy of the title Simcha. Those persons honored by a leaf will be acknowledged in The Message and receive a special certificate. Each leaf is $600, small boulders are $1,800 and large boulders are $2,400. If you would like to purchase a leaf, a boulder or would like to learn more about the Simcha Tree, please contact the synagogue office at 713.666.1881. 11
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May 2016 Nisan/Iyyar 5776
Morning Chapel Junior Congregation Museum Minyan Sanctuary Service BM: Joshua Blum & Max Melamed Tot Shabbat Shabbat Shalom Torah Study Evening Chapel
1 23 Nisan 2 24 Nisan 3 25 Nisan 4 26 Nisan 5 27 Nisan 6 28 Nisan 7 Achrei Mot 29 Nisan Omer 8 Omer 9 Omer 10 Omer 11 Omer 12 Omer 13 Omer 14 Jewish Learning Project BYDS Resumes SH Board Meeting Yom HaShoah RS/Sulam JLP: Club Ed Friday Night Alive! Future Leaders Caucus BM: Joshua Blum & CBY Kehillah High RS Max Melamed Confirmation Meditation Group Evening Chapel
Guess Who's Coming to Shabbas?
8 30 Nisan 9 1 Iyyar 10 2 Iyyar 11 3 Iyyar 12 4 Iyyar 13 5 Iyyar 14 Kedoshim 6 Iyyar Omer 15 Omer 16 Omer 17 Omer 18 Omer 19 Omer 20 Omer 21 Morning Chapel Rosh Chodesh Rosh Chodesh Yom HaZikaron Yom HaAtzma'ut Shabbat Renewal Junior Congregation RS/Sulam BYDS Mom’s Breakfast BM: Hayley Selzer Museum Minyan Education Committee BYDS Yom HaAtzma’ut Evening Chapel BM: Hayley Selzer Budget Committee Kinder Shabbat Sanctuary Service RS Shabbat Renewal Shabbat Shalom Meditation Group Future Leaders Caucus Torah Study Shabbat Dinner Evening Chapel
15 7 Iyyar 16 8 Iyyar 17 9 Iyyar 18 10 Iyyar 19 11 Iyyar 20 12 Iyyar 21 Emor 13 Iyyar Omer 22 Omer 23 Omer 24 Omer 25 Omer 26 Omer 27 Omer 28 Morning Chapel RS/Sulam ‐ Last Day BYDS Maccabbi Museum Minyan RS – Israel‐A‐Palooza 2 YES Lunch & Program Evening Chapel Sanctuary Service Shabbat Renewal BM: Rachel Melman CBY Executive Committee BM: Rachel Melman Shabbat Shalom 100 Jewish Men BYDS 5th Grade Shabbat Service Meditation Group Newcomer Event Torah Study Evening Chapel
DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR AN UP-TO-THE-MINUTE CALENDAR OF EVENTS, PLEASE GO ONLINE TO: WWW.BETHYESHURUN.ORG
22 14 Iyyar 23 15 Iyyar 24 16 Iyyar 25 17 Iyyar 26 18 Iyyar 27 19 Iyyar 28 Behar 20 Iyyar Omer 29 Omer 30 Omer 31 Omer 32 Omer 33 Omer 34 Omer 35 CBY Family Fun Day SH Spring Installation Lag B'Omer BYDS Awards & Talent Show Morning Chapel Museum Minyan Pesach Sheni BYDS EDC/ASA Last Day BYDS EC Graduation Sanctuary Service Gathering Place BYDS Early Dismissal BM: Jordan Fein BYDS ES Graduation & BYDS Faculty Lunch Shabbat Shalom Inclusion Committee Technology Committee Dinner Shabbat Renewal Torah Study CBY Board Meeting Meditation Group Shalom Y’all BM: Jordan Fein Evening Chapel Evening Chapel
29 21 Iyyar 30 22 Iyyar 31 23 Iyyar Omer 36 Omer 37 Omer 38 Memorial Day Synagogue Office Closed
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Family Album
Anniversaries 5/2 5/3 5/4 5/5 5/6 5/7 5/8 5/9 5/11 5/12 5/13 5/14 5/15 5/16 5/17 5/20 5/21 5/22 5/23 5/24
6 17 51 63 24 63 3 37 9 25 16 22 16 22 16 12 11 1 1 18 47 14 15 25 15 26 26 44 5 28 17 45 33 41 41 29 17 49 21 44 45 44 27 24 33 22 7 52 18 12 18 35 7 29 35 29
Michael & Diane Bernstein Daniel & Robin Stein Sol & Flora Wachsberg Arthur & Marian Daum Edward & Shelly Gardner Tom & Kay Goldman Adam & Tatiana Wolfe Harry & Teri Greenblatt Robert & Beverly Pickelner Fred & Julie Wolgel Todd & Michelle Gottesman David & Joan Rosenthal Fred & Nancy Stow Nelson Gruber & Manizeh Mirza-Gruber Byron & Betty Harris Steven & Jill Newman Josh & Jodi Skorupski Adam Brand & Maya Kriseman Evan & Lisa Lee Randy & Heather Reichstein Floyd & Charlotte Goldberg Mark & Beth Sanders Reid & Anissa Friedman Jeffrey & Cynthia Gollomp Michael & Barbara Gamson Jeffrey & Lisa Myers Jay & Valerie Resh Jay & Betty Epstein Jeffrey & Allison Feinstein Rory & Laura Alter Gary & Bonnie Blumberg Jerry & Elaine Feiner Geoffrey & Barbara Koslov Burton & Mary Kunik Joshua & Zahava Levy Frank & Salli Goldberg Steve & Pepi Nichols Rick & Jan Kaminsky Alan & Jennifer Rosen Ronald & Harriet Bormaster Barry & Phyllis Kalmin Jack & Karen Lee Julian & Vivian Levin Russ & Leslie Robinson Steven & Mindy Finger David & Andrea Stein Charles & Ilene Fedrid Sanford & Linda Herskovitz Steven & Paula Soffer Hershel Swartz & Sarah Marlin Jerrad Bloome & Sara Castle-Bloome Arthur & Nancy Brand Adam & Lindsay Cohen W. Kyle & Greta Drennan Steven & Pamela Rosen Michael & Sharon Segal
5/25 5/26 5/27 5/28 5/29 5/30 5/31
64 13 19 41 8 2 20 20 3 25 59 3 25 25 14 26 9 26 38 10 37 10 21 16 33 49 21 22 33 22 22 33 1 5 22 28 28 5 6 12 17 46 33 23 23 42 23 29 40 17 18 6 29
Leon & Shirley Bloom Andrew & Melissa Brams Harry & Kris Edelheit Josef & Eileen Marom Adam & Jennifer Rosenfeld Michael & Nancy Rosenthal Andrew & Alberta Totz Jeffrey & Cynthia Anapolsky Adam & Heather Davidoff Clayton & Beth Dreyer Marvin & Renee Gerber Stanton & Jessica Malowitz Lowell & Wendy Rosenthal Charles Wiese & Janice Rubin Joshua & Deborah Weinstein Brent & Michelle Fredricks Roni & Hilary Most Brian & Dixon Schultz Bruce & Abbie Seher Stuart & Jennifer Sperling Benjamin & Joy Warren Steven & Marty Garfinkel Jeffrey & Jeryl Golub Adam & Debra Greenberg Paul & Stephanie Gustafson Barry & Helena Horwitz Phillip & Lisa Turboff Alan & Shirley Cohn Jon & Lorri Feiwell Marc & Hayley Feldman Michael & Melissa Friedman Jeffrey & Fara Gaitz Michael & Stephanie Hirschfeld Samuel & Samantha Lee Tim & Rochelle Lootens Stephen & Michelle Maislin Arthur & Arlene Nathan Evan & Diane Weinberger Brian & Adriana Arias Adam & Robyn Burck Gregg & Jennifer Costa Dean & Cindy Gachman Gary & Nancy Glesby Jay & Wendy Gold Mike & Silvia Goldstein Frederic & Anita Hochman Jeffrey & Barbie Horowitz Edward & Eileen Kisluk Yem & Nancy Levy Jason & Peta Rubenstein Warren & Tammy Simi Brandon & Jessica Strauss Alan & Juli Scheinthal
Condolences The congregation extends its sincerest condolences to the families of
Libby Wernick Danziger, Bertie Hart, Sheila Klugman, Arkadiy Rozinoyer, Gloria Silber, Rhoda Sklar, Liza Sobolevskaya May their memories be for a blessing.
Mazal Tov
To Ileene Robinson for being recognized by the Republican Party of Texas for her exceptional work on behalf of the mentallychallenged in our community and across Texas. 13
Consider Becoming A Foster Family Find out more at our Information Session Monday, May 9, 2016 6:00 p.m. Celebration Company 4019 S. Braeswood Every child deserves a safe, loving home. Foster care provides this via a temporary home for children who have experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment. The ultimate goal is to stabilize the family and return the children back to their parents. As a Foster Family, you have the opportunity to provide the care and support to a child, which could turn their life around!
Although it’s not frequently discussed, children in our Jewish community often need to be in a protected environment while their parents work through challenges. —Linda L. Burger, CEO, Jewish Family Service
The process for becoming a Foster Family: n Takes approximately 120 days n Includes attending an orientation (such as this meeting) n Submitting an application n Background checks (on anyone in the household over 14) n 40 hours of training n A home study
DePelchin works to find families who are willing to put the child’s needs first in order to make a lasting difference in the life of a child. —Arnold Valdez, Recruitment & Training Supervisor at DePelchin
Through DePelchin, Foster Families receive monthly financial assistance, therapeutic counseling, in-home support, 24-hour crisis intervention, resources of children’s activities and a referral/retention bonus. With over 2,800 children in foster care in the Greater Houston Area, families are always in need.
RSVP to Tammi Altshuler by e-mail at taltshuler@jfshouston.org or by phone 713-667-9336 x103 by Sunday, May 8, 2016 Presented by:
Hosted by:
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If you are unable to attend this session, please contact Mr. Valdez at DePelchin Children’s Center directly at 713-802-7639.
Shabbat In The Park Join us at the Bellaire Pavilion for a musical Shabbat celebration! Bring your blankets and chairs and food for your family (dairy, please) Schmooze and relax as we welcome Shabbat With Rabbi Brian Strauss and Song Leader Kari Saratovsky Open to all ages and to the community.
June 3rd...5:30pm Schmooze...6:00pm Service 15
BYers sing in Carnegie Hall with HaZamir
CBY CanCare Co-ordinators (clockwise from top left): Rabbi Steven Morgen, Michael Wiesenthal, Barbara Selzer and Leah Katz.
Cancer Cancer Survivors Survivors Cancer Survivors Cancer Survivors Shabbat Shabbat Cancer Survivors Shabbat Shabbat rd Shabbat Friday, June Friday, June 3 3rd
Pictured above (left to right), are: Rachel Lootens, Avital Stolar and Katie Faour - Houston participants in the 2016 HaZamir concert in Carnegie Hall.. On Sunday, April 3, 2016, three CBY congregants performed in the HaZamir concert in Carnegie Hall in NYC. HaZamir is the International Jewish High School Choir. Its 400 (approximately) teen members are from across the United States and Israel. The Houston participants were Katie Faour, Rachel Lootens and their conductor, Avital Stolar. Katie and Rachel are congregants and Katie is a BYDS graduate. Avital has been a CBY teacher and bar/bat mitzvah tutor. She is an alumni of HaZamir, in addition to being the Houston conductor. The teens, all in 8th through 12th grade, gathered in NYC on Thursday, March 31, and rehearsed together in a Hudson Valley retreat hotel until returning to NYC for Sunday’s performance. The teens had rehearsed with their local chapters since September, but they only began to rehearse together with all the others on the Thursday before the performance. Among the songs performed were one written by Debbie Friedman (“Miriam’s Song”), songs based on the Haggadah (“V’Hi SheAmdah” and “Dayenu”) and an original song based on Psalm 150 (“Halleluyah”). It was a spectacular performance, not to mention incredibly moving. There was a special tribute to the Israeli HaZamir teens who are about to enter the IDF, as well as to the HaZamir alumni in the IDF. Rachel and Katie were the only members of the Houston delegation this year, but the hope is to recruit more Houstonians for next year. (Many of the northern states had 10-20 participants each.) The only other Texas delegation was from the Dallas area.
rd Friday, June 3 6:00 p.m. 6:00June p.m. 3rd Friday, 6:00June p.m. 3rd Friday, 6:00 p.m. An inspiring world-wide p.m. celebration An inspiring 6:00 world-wide celebration
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Do you attend Chapel Services? To make sure you can get into Chapel services when the office is closed, you need to have an Access Card. Come to the synagogue office during business hours (Mon.-Thu. 8:30am-5:00pm or Fri. 8:30am4:30pm) with your driver’s license or other photo ID. Access cards are available to Beth Yeshurun members age 18 and older. 16
ď ™Shabbat in the Park is a winner with all generations!
Rabbi Strauss, Kari Saratovsky, and Dan Lieberman led over 350 people in the first Shabbat in the Park service at the Bellaire Pavilion on Friday, March 25th. Grandparents, parents, and children of all ages enjoyed the festive and fun Shabbat atmosphere. We will do it again on June 3! (See our ad on page 15.)
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Would you like to write fewer checks? Here’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss:
in association with Congregations Emanu El, Beth Israel, Beth Yeshurun & Brith Shalom
Direct Debit for Dues Payments
presents A Divided Israel?: The Pew 2016 Study of Israeli Society and Implications for American Jewry and Israeli Policies
Through ACH (Automated Clearing House)
Featuring a conversation with Rabbis Pam Silk-Emanu El, David Lyon-Beth Israel, Steven Morgen-Beth Yeshurun & Ranon Teller-Brith Shalom, moderated by Bobby Lapin-AJC National Contemporary Jewish Life Commission Chair
Look for details in your statement or contact the Synagogue Office at (713) 666-1881!
Sunday, May 22, at 7:00pm Junior League of Houston 1811 Briar Oaks Ln, Houston, TX 77027 The Pew Research Center’s recently released survey of Israeli society is an extremely rich one in its data on democratic norms, the religious-secular divide, attitudes toward the peace process and the prospect of a two-state solution, and comparisons with U.S. Jewry. The evening’s conversation will focus on what the findings suggest for long-term policies and relationships.
We love our congregants and our students! Please DRIVE CAREFULLY in our parking lot!
The evening conversation is part AJC Houston’s annual meeting that includes a governance report. Couvert: $18 per person dessert. Free parking. RSVP to heardc@ajc.org or 713.439.1202
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Contact Us Synagogue Office 4525 Beechnut St * Houston, TX 77096-1801 www.bethyeshurun.org 713.666.1881
Donations Beth Yeshurun is a community institution with a vital mission: to educate children and adults, to offer spiritual experiences that inspire and uplift all ages, and to provide a setting in which Judaism can be joyously lived and experienced. We welcome your support. Online donations can be made at www.bethyeshurun.org. Donations may also be made in the synagogue office or by mail to Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut, Houston, TX 77096-1801. A minimum donation of $10 per listing is required to have your donation published in the weekly bulletin and a notification letter sent to the honoree or a deceased person’s family member. One such notification letter will be sent per donation. The deadline for donations to be published in the weekly bulletin is the previous Friday at 4:30pm. Donations are published upon submission and will not be “held” for future publication. When you make a donation to Beth Yeshurun, please be sure to provide all of the necessary information: who the donation is in memory of, who or what the donation is in honor of, who needs to be notified of the donation (name and complete address) and by whom the donation is given. When this information is incomplete, we are unable to process your donation efficiently. Donations with no specific fund indicated will be credited to the Synagogue General Fund. Beth Yeshurun appreciates your generosity and support.
Clergy Rabbi David Rosen: drosen@bethyeshurun.org Asst: Abby Rotenberg: arotenberg@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8011 Rabbi Steven Morgen: smorgen@bethyeshurun.org Rabbi Brian Strauss: bstrauss@bethyeshurun.org Asst: Gayle Schnurr: gschnurr@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8017 Rabbi Jack Segal: rabsegal@aol.com Rabbi Danny Horwitz: rabbidanny@aol.com Cantor Meir Finkelstein: mfinkelstein@bethyeshurun.org Asst. & B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator: Hilary Nitsun: hnitsun@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8005 Synagogue Arlene D. Staller, President: adstaller@gmail.com Luis Dorfman, Executive Dir: ldorfman@bethyeshurun.org Ellen Petras, Membership: epetras@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8060 Arthur Miller, Cemetery: amiller@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8076 William S. Malev Religious Schools Sheryl Eskowitz, Ed. Dir: seskowitz@bethyeshurun.org 713.255.8040 Beth Yeshurun Day School School Office 713.666.1884, 713.255.8045 Dan Ahlstrom, Head of School: dahlstrom@byds.org More contact info at www.bethyeshurun.org Read The Message online at www.bethyeshurun.org *July deadline: May 11 at themessage@bethyeshurun.org 21
Time sensitive material - please deliver promptly!
Sisterhood Gift Shop A limited number of Rabbi Horwitz’ new book are available in the Gift Shop! SUNDAY 10:00am - 1:00pm
BARG SANCTUARY 6 P.M. MAY 6 & JUNE 3
MONDAY CLOSED
TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY 10:00am - 4:30pm 713.255.8021 giftshop@bethyeshurun.org
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FRIDAY 10:00am-2:30pm
