The Message
Congregation Beth Yeshurun November 2019
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From Rabbi Brian Strauss
has to trick Jacob into marrying her in the first place. Imagine being married to someone who would rather be married to your brother or sister.
I recently read that in the early 1990s, 700 older American nuns agreed to allow their records to be accessed by a research team investigating the process of aging. What gave this study its unusual long term scope is that in 1930, the nuns, then in their twenties, had been asked by the Mother Superior to write a brief autobiographical account of their life and their reasons for entering the convent.
So how does Leah respond? The rabbis say “From the beginning of time, no one ever thanked God as much as Leah did.” (BT Ber. 7b) How is that possible? She doesn’t focus on what she lacked but rather she develops a genuine sense of appreciation for what she has. She works to find something in her life to be thankful for.
Despite the great challenges in her life, she at least has several healthy children. To show her gratitude, she names her fourth son, Judah, which comes from Hebrew meaning “to be thankful.” By finding something to be thankful for in her life, Leah finds a way to be content with her life. Because of that, it’s believed that Jacob ends up loving her the most and spending most of his time with her. A grateful person is The more positive emotions — contentment, happiness, love, someone we all want to be around. hope, and especially gratitude that the nun’s expressed in Leah’s actions also change history. Have you ever wondered their autobiographical notes, the more likely they were to be why we are called Jews? The name of our religion comes from alive and well sixty years later. The difference was as much that name, Judah, from the Hebrew words, “to be thankful.” as seven years in life expectancy. So remarkable was this We are a people whose ultimate goal is like Leah’s. Despite finding that it has led since then, to a new field of gratitude our challenges, we try to be thankful for what we do have, so research, as well as a deepening understanding of the we can find a way to be fulfilled in this world. impact of emotions on physical health. To be thankful for what we have is the essence of what it Maybe this isn’t a surprise. Think of the people you know means to be a Jew. As American Jews, we enjoy celebrating who take nothing for granted. Who appreciate all of their Thanksgiving because it gives us a chance to gather with blessings, even the small ones? Aren’t those the people those we love and offer thanks for what we do have. Can who are usually some of the happiest, healthiest, and most we celebrate the idea of Thanksgiving not just on the fourth satisfied people? Thursday in November but every day of the year? By taking Leah is the great Biblical example of focusing in on the nothing for granted and enjoying all of God’s blessings in our blessings we do have in our lives. Her husband Jacob really lives, what a wonderful gift we would be giving ourselves. wanted to marry her younger sister, Rachel. So her father These documents were now analyzed by the researchers using a specially devised coding system to register, among other things, positive and negative emotions. By annually assessing the nuns’ current state of health, the researchers were able to test whether their emotional state in 1930 had an effect on their health some sixty years later.
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. LV, No. 3 November 2019│Cheshvan-Kislev 5780 The Message of Congregation Beth Yeshurun (USPS 968500) is published monthly August-June 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 the Beth Yeshurun Facebook Page. Want to see your photo? Make sure to tag Beth Yeshurun when posting!
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).
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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.“
AROUND THE SHUL MENSCH OF THE MONTH
MAZEL MOMENTS
We hope that everyone enjoyed a nice “Steve Levine Day” this past June 10, 2019. It’s not every day that a Beth Yeshurun congregant gets honored with Congressional Recognition, a Proclamation from the Mayor, and an Olympic Gold Medal from a Paralympian from the 2012 London Olympics. Well, our own Steve Levine recently received these well-deserved recognitions for his 40 years in publishing in Houston. In 1979, Steve launched the inaugural "Greater Houston Apartment Guide" (it later became the "Metro Houston Apartment Guide") and that publication has served as the preeminent apartment locator resource in Houston for the past four decades.
Around the Shul is proud to honor Rachel Kosoy as our well-deserving “Mensch of the Month.” Rachel has followed in her family’s footsteps as an active member of Congregation Beth Yeshurun and a devoted community volunteer. She was a founding member of the inclusion committee and now co-chairs (with Rachel Teichman) the refugee sponsorship program as part of the synagogue’s social action initiative. With guidance from Interfaith Ministries, she and her team welcomed a refugee family to Houston and helped them acclimate to life in America.
"I was living in Orlando, Florida where I served as Director of Leasing & Marketing for a property management company which used the Haas Publishing Company Apartment Guides in all of our markets,” Levine explained. “I just knew that Houston needed its own apartment guide and I needed to be the publisher!” In the early days, he remembers getting a lot more "Nos" than "Yeses" and wanting to give up many times and move back to Orlando to his successful real estate practice. But persistence paid off and in 10 years, Steve and his business partner, Marshall Haas, had doubled the size of their publishing company every year, and from 1981-1988 they achieved a 783% growth rate nationally. The company was sold in 1989 and Steve went on to other successful publishing endeavors, but he will always consider the Metro Houston Apartment Guide "His Baby and Houston claim to fame!" Though the apartment guide he started is now solely webbased, Levine is proud of the fact that it has served over 10 million apartment rentals since its founding.
“We met the Tahiri family from Afghanistan at the airport and transported them to their apartment which we outfitted with essentials from furniture to bedding, plates and pots and pans, a vacuum, portable washing machine, sewing machine, bikes and a computer,” explains Rachel. “The intangibles we provided were equally valuable. We took them on outings, brought our kids to play with theirs, accompanied them to medical appointments, helped them with job and business advice, and secured the school-aged boy a spot in a charter school.” Rachel believes that this opportunity is especially meaningful in this moment in history and is proud that her children have learned firsthand the value of helping others and seeing the humanity in people vilified by so many. “While so many shun immigrants and refugees – people experiencing danger and persecution like we Jews have experienced – I am proud to make a real difference in the lives of four human beings who fled for their lives.”
Proud parents Matthew and Tanya Bernstein are excited to announce the birth of their son, Brock Samson Bernstein. Brock was born on May 21, 2019. He weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces and was 21.25” long. Brock's grandparents are Stuart and Jan Bernstein, and Michael and Suzanne Todd.
Rachel and her husband David Schwartz have two children, Talia (13) and Jacob (11), who attended Beth Yeshurun preschool and the religious school. Her parents, Margie and Jerry Kosoy, helped found the Museum Minyan where Talia became a Bat Mitzvah last year. In addition to her work with the refugee sponsorship program, Rachel is a volunteer trainer with the Mental Health First Aid project through Jewish Family Service facilitating workshops to prevent suicide. Around the Shul will honor Rachel with a donation from the Rabbi Strauss Discretionary Fund to the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston to help those affected by Tropical Storm Imelda.
THE SCHTICK
This elderly man had a serious hearing problem for years and years. He could hardly hear anything. And one day he went to the doctor and he was fitted with a new type of hearing aid, to where he could hear one hundred percent. A month later he went back for a checkup and the doctor said “Man, your family must really be happy. Your hearing is perfect.” He said “No, I haven’t told my family. I just sit around and listen to the conversations, and I’ve changed my will three times.” Please send all nominations and ideas to aroundtheshul@bethyeshurun.org
Only submitted material will be considered for publication. 3
It’s a Mitzvah
New for November! Jewish Learning Project
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.
UnOrthodox Jewish Beliefs About God, Torah and Revelation with Rabbi Steven Morgen 11:00am-12:00pm November 3, 10, 17, 24 Did God really speak to the Prophets? Does God still talk to us today? Does God hear our prayers? Using traditional and modern sources, Rabbi Morgen will lead a discussion about theses basic questions of faith.
IN HONOR OF The completion of our study of Pirkei Avot by Rabbi Danny Horwitz IN MEMORY OF Murry Chess by Linda & Joel Chess and Family Marvin Gumbiner by Susan Gumbiner & Alex Weisselberg Jack Lane by Carol & Louis Ringold and Helaine & David Lane Dina Melnick by Harry Melnick Joseph Melnick by Harry Melnick David Reitman by Harriet E. Reitman Arnold Skolnik by Burt and Eileen Skolnik David Stone by Bob Stone Lea Krell Weems by Judy, Mark, Evan & Marshall Mucasey, Ariel, Steven, Lily & Ben Becker, Gary, Sunni, Abbie, Brooke & Casey Markowitz and Ruth Krell Steinfeld Annette Weiner by Susan and Mike Klaiman & Linda Weiner
Four of the Strangest Stories in the Bible with Rabbi Rosen 10:00-11:00am November 3, 10, 17, 24 The Torah is replete with stories that inspire and uplift, but it also includes stories that can only be described as strange, if not outright weird. In our four-part series, we will look at four of them: Adam and Eve and the talking serpent; Balaam and the talking mule; Jonah and the whale; and the stories where Abraham saves his life by telling Pharaoh his wife is actually his sister! While the stories may seem bizarre, each one made it into the Torah for a reason, which Rabbi Rosen and the class will discuss and try to resolve!
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. CLOSURES Administrative Offices November 28/29 - Thanksgiving
In need of Support?
Our Clergy want to be with you and help you deal with life’s many challenges. If you have a death in the family, a loved one is in the hospital, or need a get well prayer for someone special, contact the synagogue at 713.666.1881 so that our Clergy can be a source of strength and support.
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Worship Services FRIDAY EVENINGS November 8, 2019 Parashat Lehk L’kha | CL 5:13pm 5:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service
11/1 11/3 11/6 11/8 11/9 11/10 11/13 11/15 11/20 11/21 11/22 11/23 11/24 11/27 11/28 11/29
November 15, 2019 Parashat Va-Yera | CL 5:09pm 5:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service November 22, 2019 Parashat Hayyei Sarah | CL 5:06pm 5:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service November 29, 2019 Parashat Tol’dot | CL 5:05pm 5:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service December 6, 2019 Parashat Va-Yetzei | CL 5:05pm 5:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service
Kehillah High 10th Grade Shabbaton BYachad Scavenger Hunt Berlin/Poland Trip Informational Meeting Veteran’s Shabbat MyShabbat B’nai Mitzvah Meeting 100 Jewish Men Zamranim Sing Teachers Shabbat YES Group CBY Socials Gathering Place Sensory Friendly Shabbat MyShabbat No RS/Sulam No RS Thanksgiving - Admin Offices Closed Thanksgiving - Admin Offices Closed
Every Tuesday: Wisdom of Torah at 8am Every Wednesday: Meditation & Israeli Dancing
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 Congregation Beth Yeshurun is pleased to announce the start of Shabbat to Go.
SATURDAY EVENING SERVICES November 5, 2019 | 6:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel November 12, 2019 | 5:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel November 19, 2019 | 5:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel November 26, 2019 | 5:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel December 7, 2019 | 5:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel WEEKDAY CHAPEL SERVICES Week of November 3rd Mornings: Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings: Sun-Thu 5:00pm Week of November 10th Mornings: Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings: Sun-Thu 5:00pm Week of November 17th Mornings: Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings: Sun-Thu 5:00pm Week of November 24th Mornings: Sun 8:00am, Mon-Wed 7:00am, Thu 8:00am, Fri 6:45am; Afternoon/Evenings: Sun-Thu 5:00pm Week of December 1st Mornings: Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings: Sun-Thu 5:00pm Week of December 8th Mornings: Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings: Sun-Thu 5:00pm 5
Our clergy want to help you transition from everyday life to a more spiritual time by enhancing your Shabbat experience. Each package comes equipped with a full kosher meal prepared by our Catering Department, the Shabbat essentials, and a Shabbat Message from our clergy to share at the table. $18 Per Person - Minimum 4 People Pickup from the Catering Office: Early Pickup from 2:45 - 5:00pm or Late Pickup from 7:00 - 7:30pm
bethyeshurun.org/shabbattogo
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. JOIN US FOR OUR 18TH YEAR OF PROGRAMMING! All dinners at 7:00 pm followed by programs at 7:30 pm. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - TOM KOCH-WESER Tom Koch-Weser joined the Astros in November of 2013 and was named Manager of Major League Advance Information for the 2016 season. In his current role, Tom creates series-by-series advance reports and game strategy for the Astros Major League coaching staff. Through the use of video and analytical tools, he also serves as Major League performance scout and assists the Astros front office in player personnel decisions. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 | SCOTT SONENSHEIN Professor of Management at Rice University "What Does the Condition of our Lawns Tell Us About our Most Important Endeavors in Life?"
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE MESSAGE! Contact: amills@bethyeshurun.org or 713.666.1881 for sizes & rates
Register & pay online at bethyeshurun.org/100JM or submit this registration form, along with a check payable to Congregation Beth Yeshurun, to Beth Yeshurun attn:Rabbi Brian Strauss 4525 Beechnut St. Houston, TX 77096 Registration Cost*: $110/CBY Members; $125/Non-CBY Members *Financial Assistance is available - please contact Rabbi Strauss.
100 JEWISH MEN 2019-2020 REGISTRATION Name_______________________________________ Billing Address________________________________ City/St/Zip___________________________________ Contact Phone #_______________________________ E-Mail_______________________________________ Optional Scholarship Donation $ ____
CBY Member __ CBY Non-Member __ 6
SYNAGOGUE APP NOW AVAILABLE! Login to ShulCloud (members only) How to Set Up a Password and Log into ShulCloud 1. Go to the synagogue website at www.bethyeshurun.org 2. In the top upper right hand corner (shaded in black and gray)click “Login” for Members, and you will be asked for your email address. Type in your email address, making sure it is the one you gave us when you joined the synagogue, unless you have told us of a newer address. 3. If you already have a password, enter it to complete the login process. 4. If you do not have a password, select “Forgot Password.” ShulCloud will send a temporary password to your email address. Open the email and follow the instructions to sign in. 5. Once you have signed in to ShulCloud, go to “My Account” at the top and select “My Profile”. Go to the bottom and click on “View and edit your profile”. Change the “login password” and confirm directly below. Finally, click on “Save Changes to Person” at the bottom of the page. Feel free to edit and add information elsewhere on your account. IOS: follow this link to the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/congregation-beth-yeshurun/id1483846461 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shulcloud.app2935 Mobile App Screen Shots
CURATOR’S FAVORITES “…these are a few of my favorite things. ♩♫♩” For the past 15 years, Daniel Musher has overseen the Mollie and Louis Kaplan Museum of Judaica. During that time, the collection has doubled in size, and the display areas have been expanded and are constantly updated. Each year since 2010, the Museum has brought in a speaker to lecture on the collection. On Sunday, January 12th, at 4:00pm, Daniel will be the lecturer, speaking about his favorite pieces in the collection, many of which have been added during his tenure as head of the Museum Committee for CBY. He will show enlarged images and discuss fine points that you may not ordinarily notice when you visit the museum. He states that “This is one of the finest Judaica collections currently on view in the United States,” and he plans for his talk to justify this view. This lecture will be free and open to the public. There will be time for questions and answers, and a reception will follow. Please make plans to join us! 7
Beth Yeshurun Designated Texas Historical Landmark We are pleased to announce that the Texas Historical Commission has designated Beth Yeshurun as a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark. The depiction to the left is our conceptual rendering of the Texas Historical Marker expected to be installed on our campus during 2020. Beth Yeshurun was formed in 1946 through the merger of two predecessor Synagogues, Adath Yeshurun, an Orthodox Congregation formed in 1891, and Beth El, a Conservative Congregation formed in 1925. Through an innovative compromise that facilitated the merger, Beth Yeshurun was formed to serve the needs of both Conservative and Orthodox Judaism. This merger, in turn has supported Beth Yeshurun’s growth to become the largest Conservative Synagogue in the United States and the second largest in the world. At the same time, Beth Yeshurun’s culture placed it at the forefront of national innovation. Beth Yeshurun’s first Senior Rabbi, William S. Malev, was nationally prominent in the Conservative Movement and was a leader in advancing women’s ritual rights, with full equality subsequently achieved under Rabbi Jack Segal. The historic legacy of Congregation Beth Yeshurun is unique in its excellence among American Synagogues. In order to sustain this legacy, preserve our religious community and provide for the maintenance of our architecturally-significant building, we are excited to announce the launch of the Congregation Beth Yeshurun Legacy Society. In recognition of all of our supporters of the Legacy Society, we will host an incredible evening at the Wortham Theater on May 17th where cantors and musicians from across the country will present a magnificent musical performance. This memorable evening will be chaired by Cindy Weinstein and Sharon Krost. We will also hold a Special Shabbat Service at the Congregation recognizing all of the members of our Legacy Society. Supporting our synagogue’s endowment is a meaningful way to ensure the future of Congregation Beth Yeshurun. Perhaps you would like to make a gift in memory of a loved one or in the honor or a family member. Whether it be through a cash contribution, assignment of an insurance policy or retirement plan or even an estate gift, we are tremendously grateful for your support and assistance in securing our Congregation for generations to come. We look forward to celebrating our the launch of the Congregation Beth Yeshurun Legacy Society with you on May 17th at the Wortham Theater. 8
2019 Torah Fund Event Honoring
Barbara Horwitz, Bonnie Winograd & Judy Zivley
Guest Speaker Elyssa Friedland ERJCC Book & Arts Festival Tuesday, November 12, 2019 10 am Program in Freedman Levit Followed by Luncheon in Stein Hall 9
The Gathering Place provides a free of charge loving, safe and fun environment for care partners experiencing memory loss due to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke or other forms of dementia.
Jewish Learning Project 2019-2020
9:00-10:00am
Invitation to Judaism with Rabbi Morgen* Especially lunsell@bethyeshurun , basics of For more Contact Lisa designed for information newcomers toUnsell, Judaism to learn.org the Rabbi Morgen, smorgen@bethyeshurun.org or call us at 713-666-1881 our9:00-10:00 way of life, our way 10:00-11:00 of thinking about God, looking -12:00 11:00and Invitation to Judaism with Rabbi Morgen* Mussar with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Where Heaven Meets Earth at the world. Especially designed for newcomers to Executive Director of TORCH* with Rabbi Horwitz* The Jewish Learning Project (JLP) is Congregation Beth Yeshurun's Adult Learning Program. Sessions are held mostly on Sunday mornings and are open to the public and free of charge, some classes may have materials fees.
am
am
Judaism to learn the basics of our way of life, our way of thinking about God, and looking at the world.
am
The Gathering Place meets once a month, at Congregation Beth Yeshurun. The meetings combine physical movement, socialization, music, and other memorystimulating activity in a safe and comfortable 3 1/2 hour time block, enabling caregivers to attend to their personal needs without worry. A professional staff member attends each Gathering Place to provide expert support and assistance to the volunteers. The Beth Yeshurun Sisterhood is a proud suporter of the Gathering Place. For more information please contact our coordinators: Lillie Hurwitz at lilliehur@gmail.com or Hedy Spiegel at hedy1234@aol.com bethyeshurun.org/gathering-place
pm
Mussar is a Jewish ethical and spiritual
An Introduction to Jewish Mysticism.
verse by verse.
Did God really speak to the Prophets?
to improve our personal Explore the various methods and opinions Learning to sing discipline and designed lead prayers with inCantor characterShabbat traits. that the mystics uncovered their quest for Ultimate Truth. Learning to sing and lead the words, Book ofmelodies, Genesis with Dorf* Learn and meaning of the UnOrthodox Jewish Beliefs About God, Shabbat prayers with Cantor Dorf* Nahum Footnick, D.A., L.AC* Torah and Revelation with Rabbi Morgen Learn the words, melodies, and meaning ofShabbat A popular classmorning dedicated to learning prayers. Begins November 3 the Shabbat morning prayers. valuable lessons from the Book of Genesis, 10:00-11:00 Does God still talk to us today? Does God Pirkei Avot with Rabbi Horwitz* Jewish Wisdom from the Antisemitism and White Supremacy hear our prayers? Using traditional and in America with Melissa Weininger modern sources, we’ll discuss these basic past made relevant forBegins today. Pirkei Avot is aquestions collection of September 8 of faith. A three-part series exploring Christian AntiPuzzling Texts in the Hebrew Bible Judaism, Antisemitism in our America,Sages. and wisdom from with Avner Ramu Antisemitism and White Supremacy. Talking to God with Rabbi Morgen am
Pirkei Avot with Rabbi Horwitz* Jewish Wisdom from the past made relevant for today. Pirkei Avot is a collection of wisdom from our Sages.
Begins September 15
Begins February 23 This class will focus on our desire to talk with God and how that led to the development of Jewish prayers.
of the Strangest Stories Biblical text was copied by scribes over Talking to God withinFour Rabbi Morgen Begins February 23 the Bible with Rabbi Rosen centuries and errors have occurred. We’ll Begins November 3 look at examples and try to restore the This class will focus on our desire to talk with God and how The Torah is full of stories that inspire and original language and meaning. Introduction to Hebrew with Cantor Dorf* uplift, but it also includes stories that can Gender and Violence in the only bedevelopment described as strange. Each made thatandled to the of Jewish prayers. Learn to read Hebrew recognize Ancient Jewish Book of Judith
10:00-11:00am
essential prayer vocabulary. No prior knowledge is necessary.
it into the Torah for a reason, together we’ll try to resolve!
with Caryn Tamber-Rosenau
Begins February 2 Introduction to Hebrew with Cantor Dorf* Learn to read Explore stories of gender and violence in the Book of Judith, an ancient Jewish text *Ongoing classes beginning September 8th Hebrew and recognize essential prayer vocabulary. No that didn’t make it into our Tanakh. prior knowledge is necessary. Full class descriptions and dates can be found by visiting our website:
WWW.BETHYESHURUN.ORG/ADULT-LEARNING
Mussar with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Executive Director of TORCH* Mussar is a Jewish ethical and spiritual discipline designed to improve our personal character traits. Book of Genesis with Nahum Footnick, D.A., L.AC* A popular class dedicated to learning valuable lessons from the Book of Genesis, verse by verse. Four of the Strangest Stories in the Bible with Rabbi Rosen Begins November 3 The Torah is full of stories that inspire and uplift, but it also includes stories that can only be described as strange. Each made it into the Torah for a reason, together we’ll try to resolve!
Call the Best We’ll do the Rest!
11:00am-12:00pm
Where Heaven Meets Earth with Rabbi Horwitz* An Introduction to Jewish Mysticism. Explore the various methods and opinions that the mystics uncovered in their quest for Ultimate Truth.
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UnOrthodox Jewish Beliefs About God, Torah and Revelation with Rabbi Morgen Begins November 3 Did God really speak to the Prophets? Does God still talk to us today and hear our prayers? Using traditional and modern sources, we’ll discuss these basic questions of faith. Puzzling Texts in the Hebrew Bible with Avner Ramu Biblical text was copied by scribes over centuries and errors have occurred. We’ll look at examples and try to restore the original language and meaning.
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Gender & Violence in the Ancient Jewish Book of Judith with Caryn Tamber-Rosenau Begins February 2 Explore stories of gender and violence in the Book of Judith, an ancient Jewish text that didn’t make it into our Tanakh. *Ongoing classes beginning September 8th
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William S. Malev School for Religious Studies
The sixth grade Family Engagement Program was recently held. The focus of the morning was Torah. Students and parents participated in several stations including a trivia game led by sixth grade teacher Talia Mergi and a discussion about Hebrew names led by Rabbi Sarah Fort. At the third station, each student and parent worked together online to create a personalized yad for the sixth grader. Students and parents will come together in December to assemble the yad that each student will have to use when reading Torah at their Bar/Bat Mitzvah and many future occasions. Sulam seventh graders assembled Rosh Hashanah bags for residents at Seven Acres. Each bag contained a package of apple slices, honey packets, and a card wishing them Shana Tova, a sweet new year. This is the first of several mitzvah projects they will participate in this year.
Please join us for the day as the YES group goes on the road to Holocaust Museum Houston! Meet us for lunch at Congregation Beth Yeshurun. Immediately following lunch, we will load the bus and travel to the museum together. This will be a day long event, so plan accordingly. Transportation from Beth Yeshurun and Museum Admission has been generously sponsored by Sharon and Richard Kammerman.
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
RSVP required by: November 14, 2019
Lunch at 11:00 AM ***NEW TIME*** Lunch $8.00 THERE WILL BE NO AT THE DOOR OPTION THIS MONTH Please write “YES� on your check and mail to: Riana Sherman 4525 Beechnut Houston, TX 77096 Questions? (713) 666-1881 ext. 312
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GIVING OPPORTUNITIES AT CONGREGATION BETH YESHURUN Tree of Life Simcha Celebration Leaves and boulders on the Tree of Life, located in the atrium just outside Stein Hall, are a beautiful and lasting act of tzedakah to celebrate a simcha, honor someone special or commemorate an event. Each golden leaf and boulder is individually engraved with a personalized message and attached to the tree. The recipient will receive a letter from the synagogue notifying them that a leaf or boulder was engraved in their honor. Leaf: $600 | Boulder: $1800 to $2400 Repairing Beth Yeshurun’s Torahs through Torah ReJEWvination An elegant and prominent plaque listing those who have helped to support the maintenance and restoration of Beth Yeshurun’s Torah scrolls is to be placed inside the Beechnut entry to the Barg Sanctuary and Pulaski-Rauch Auditorium. This act of tzedakah is especially important to our synagogue as over time, a number of our Torahs have been rendered not kosher due to separation between the Torah’s parchment and seams; discoloration or cracking of the ink used by the Sofer to scribe the Torah; or detachment of the Eitz Chaim. Torah ReJEWvination contributions ensure continued maintenance and repair to all of Congregation Beth Yeshurun’s scrolls, ensuring that we fulfill the commandment to show great respect and sanctify our Torahs. Plaque listing: $2500 Rebuild Beth Yeshurun Pillars An incredible display of global support to rebuild Beth Yeshurun in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey is permanently placed inside the Bender-Levy main lobby. As we continue to rebuild Beth Yeshurun, we are mindful of our tremendous need to ensure that our synagogue beautifully and tastefully supports the needs of our members. These beautiful glass pillars, created by local artist Bill Meek, maintain individually engraved plaques, honoring those who have and continue to assist in our rebuilding efforts. Engraved plaque: $5000 Freedman-Levit Sanctuary Commemorative plaques adorn the walls inside the vestibule entry of the Freedman-Levit Sanctuary. These small glass plaques are prominently displayed and provide an opportunity to commemorate a simcha or special occasion with an individualized, engraved plaque. Engraved plaque: $5000 For more information please contact Jennifer Sutton at jsutton@bethyeshurun.org or 713.666.1881
Have you seen this? Although this extraordinary piece might be confused with a Torah pointer (yad), it is a havdalah candle holder and spice box, of carved wood from Germany, 17th century. This exquisitely carved piece is one of the oldest and most unusual ones in the Museum collection. At the top (the end away from the hand), there were originally four prongs that would hold a candle. A chamber toward the center has a door through which spices can be inserted. The hand is in a closed position, the traditional way for holding the hand during recitation of the havdalah blessings. The spiral carved columns and the balls are simply there for beautiful decoration. 12
IN PUBLIC IN PRIVATEIsASthere a prayer for nice people? Of
Rabbi Horwitz
course we want good folks to have good lives, good health, and good children. But our tradition offers another suggestion. Each morning we declare that “One should always revere God in private as in public; one should acknowledge the truth and speak it in his heart.”
M arsha
E
Loring
Congregation Beth Yeshurun Member
Broker Associate 713.550.7722 marsha@graciousathome.com
Is there a person who acknowledges the truth on the outside, but doesn’t quite do so on the inside? Of course! And we might be one of them, because all of us are tempted to let our hair down a little in private. To outsiders, we might never express our itsy-bitsy heresies, our minor (let alone major) misdeeds, our egotism.
www.graciousathome.com
I would never want to judge someone based on all of their thoughts; everyone has had a few bad thoughts which they shelved. But if you are having a lot of bad thoughts, if you are thinking more and more about things that you know you shouldn’t even think about, let alone do, then you probably need to do something about it and admit it to someone who can help you get out of that rut. You don’t want your private self to be too far from what you profess in public.
johndaugherty.com
It’s true that sometimes those non-reverent thoughts can be a release, an outlet helping a person avoid actual sin. But that can become an excuse as well. Living as a good Jew is an important goal. But thinking like a good Jew should be among our goals as well. Reverence in the privacy of our homes and even in our thoughts is something worth contemplating every day. That’s why the siddur reminds us to be consistent. As we say at the end of the Amidah: “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You, O God.”
grat·i·tude
/grad ,t(y)ood/ noun e
Definition: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
I want to thank everyone for the honor and privilege of serving families within the community. It is most humbling to be given your trust and the great responsibility of taking care of your loved ones.
Join us in the Greenfield Chapel and exercise your good thoughts. --- Rabbi Daniel Horwitz
We serve our families from our hearts.
Your Gift Shop is stocked for all your needs! The Beth Yeshurun Sisterhood Gift Shop hours:
Extraordinary Service. Compassionate Care.
Sunday: 10:00am - 1:00pm Monday: Closed Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00am - 4:30pm Friday: 10:00am - 2:30pm Saturday: Closed
713-875-4811
www.WaldmanFuneralCare.com Affiliated with Hardin Family Funeral Home
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June/2/2016 8:59 PM June/2/2016
Family Album
ANNIVERSARIES 11/1 11/2 11/3 11/4 11/5 11/6 11/7 11/8 11/9 11/10 11/11 11/13 11/14 11/15 11/16 11/17 11/18 11/19
43 4 16 50 60 28 16 42 11 18 56 12 19 31 19 8 50 9 10 32 4 65 4 32 11 5 22 16 18 18 59 34 12 40 2 15 59 10 10 54 15 20 49 10 16 22 44 33 6 7 64 51 18 46 14
11/20 11/21 11/22 11/23 11/24 11/25 11/26 11/27 11/28 11/29 11/30
Lilya & Volf Borchenko Donna Haim & Zachary Hiller Dana & Kenneth Katz Julia & Francisco Maislos Marlene & Norman Rosenthal Marilyn & Cary Hoffman Amy & Jeffrey Kaufman Olivia & Irvin Reiner Lindsay & Elan Tavor Viki & Jay Blinderman Larisa Bogachevskaya & Dmitriy Idashkin Hayley & Gabriel Maislos Shari & Scott Frankel Pamela & Robert Penn Linda & Steven Sheldon Alexandra & Joshua Grosman Drora & Mario Grossman Lisa & Gilad Zadok Paige & Michael Baden Joy & Joseph Kaplan Rachel & Scott Lipshutz Shirley & William Morgan Alexandra Penzell & Seth Hurwitz Mellody & Allan Panzer Melanie & Daniel Spelkin Jessica & Bruce Coane Teresa & Jeffery Kaplan Rachel Kosoy & David Schwartz Heidi & Robert Bazarsky Elizabeth & Rob Naggar Nadezhda & Mikhail Natanzon Karen & Cary Robinson Stacey & Jeffrey Shidler Marlene & Mark Finkelstein Cindy & Doron Levin Carrie & Paul Ostrin Irene & Frank Shaw Carolyn Douglas & Adam Price Julia & Stephen Jacobson Hannah & Sewell Martin Lydia & Benjamin Musher Shelley & Jeremy Sorkin Jill & Herbert Kalman Yoela & Jonathan Levin Tamara & Noah Spiegel Hannah & David Loev Anita & Allen Mattis Isabelle & Eric Mayer Rachel & Michael Schneider Jordann & Micah Grodin Carol & Paul Horvitz Barbara & Jerry Selzer Gabriella & Steven Goodweather Sue & Kenneth Reichek Allyson & Darin Ackerman
3 19 25 36 36 20 4 10 32 38 48 4 39 69 16 61 12 62 17 54 2 68 9 52 35 19 35 47 15 31 26 49 43 48 27 38 32 33 32 50 6
Elissa & Joshua Bauer Amy & Murray Kalmin Julie & Peter Schneider Barbara & Ben Eisenbaum Linda & Brian Shapiro Kelli & Martin Fein Amy & Brian Gordon Jennifer & Daniel Leventhal Mary & Russell Miller Arlene & Jerrel Schorr Gail & Lawrence Silver Rachel & Samuel Warfield Carolyn & Jeff Karp Rae & Sheldon Gerson Dena & Scott Segal Miriam & Leon Toubin Judi & Roger Mendelovitz Toby & Rabbi Jack Segal Angela Smith-Litvak & Jason Smith Judith & Jerome Bell Pamela & Byron Capito Ruth & Raymond Eagle Erika & Yoav Kaufman Jo & Steve King Cathy & Stephen Kuper Rachel & Benjamin Lavine Julia & Robert Shaddox Susan & Howard Marblestone Constance & Joseph Shoss Klara & Michael Lewis Judi & Barry Wuntch Linda & Myles Goetz Elissa & Michael Laviage Linda & Sheldon Rubenfeld Gail & Ronny Shoss Frida & Stuart Wilson Sandra & Steven Finkelman Malka & Bradley Levy Jackie & Richard Mark Hadassah & Ivor Foox Stephanie & Alex Yudovich
CONDOLENCES
The congregation extends its sincerest condolences to the families of: Harold Chasen, Rose Hurwitz, Alan Kalish, Charlie Laviage, Naomi Ostrin, Louis Soletsky, and Helen Wunsch May their memories be for a blessing.
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A Notice About Bereavement Communications Bereavement notices for our synagogue family are distributed with the permission of the deceased’s family, and the timing of these notices is dictated by the family’s request. Of course, each family grieves in its own way, and we are grateful for our congregation’s patience and understanding with different families’ preferences about how their loss is publicized.
B’nai Mitzvah Bailey Neve Goldstein (November 1-2) is the daughter of Janis and David Goldstein; twin sister of Emery and younger sister of Miles. She is the granddaughter of Kay and Aaron Goldsteinz”l and Dee and Miltz”l Fishman of West Bloomfield, Michigan. Bailey is in the seventh grade at Pin Oak Middle School. For her Mitzvah Project, Bailey has committed to long term volunteering at Kolter Elementary School. She will participate in the Rabbi’s 10% Plan by contributing to the SPCA and Tamarack Camps. Emery Rae Goldstein (November 1-2) is the daughter of Janis and David Goldstein; twin sister of Bailey and younger sister of Miles. She is the granddaughter of Kay and Aaron Goldstein z”l and Dee and Miltz”l Fishman of West Bloomfield, Michigan. Emery is in the seventh grade at Pin Oak Middle School. For her Mitzvah Project, Emery has committed to long term volunteering at Kolter Elementary School. She will participate in the Rabbi’s 10% Plan by contributing to the SPCA and The Friendship Circle of Houston. Byron Jacob Strug (November 8-9) is the son of Polina and Mark Strug; brother of Julia; grandson of Masha Shlyapobersky and David Fink of Houston, Jacob Shlyapoberskyz”l, and Marian W. Strug z”l and Byron E. Strug z”l. Byron is in the 7th grade at The Emery/Weiner School where he plays football and basketball, plays guitar in his band called Starstruck and participates in theater. For his Mitzvah project, he participated in the West University Challenger baseball program which gives children with special needs a chance to play baseball regardless of limitations. Additionally, he made care packages to pass out to Houston’s homeless community. Byron will also participate in the Rabbi’s 10% plan and donate a portion of his monetary gifts to support MD Anderson Cancer Center, American Heart Association, and Main Street Theater. Brandon Myles Strug (November 8-9) is the son of Leslie and Paul Strug, brother of Madeline, grandson of Joel and Marilyn Kay, and Marian W. Strug z”l and Byron E. Strug z”l. Brandon is in the 7th grade at the Emery/Weiner School, and a member of the gymnastics team at the Houston Gymnastics Center of the ERJCC. For his Bar Mitzvah project, Brandon wanted to give back to the sport he loves by volunteering at the ERJCC to help a class that teaches gymnastics to children with special needs. Brandon will participate in the Rabbi’s 10% plan by donating a portion of his monetary gifts to the Ricky Deci Foundation, enabling underprivileged youth the opportunity to participate in gymnastics programs.
Stella Marie Frank (November 15-16) is the daughter of Deborah Liss and Marty Frank; sister of Jessica and Lauren; granddaughter of Jamie and Charles Stubblefield, Frank Schwalm, Nellie Frank and the late Henry Frank; greatgrand daughter of Stella Castilla. Stella is a seventh grade student at Trafton Academy, where she is currently a cheerleader and an active member in Trafton’s community service club. She is a graduate of Beth Yeshurun Day School and has chosen to continue her Jewish studies in Beth Yeshurun’s religious school program. Stella has been in over ten theater productions in the JCC’s theater program and has participated in numerous theater intensive programs. She loves being on the stage and loves her theater “family”. For one of her Mitzvah projects, Stella has been selling Alzheimer’s awareness bracelets/fundraising to raise awareness and money for the Alzheimer’s Association. Zachary Evan Rosenzweig (November 22-23) is the son of Jennifer and Douglas Rosenzweig; brother of Jacob; and grandson of Linda and Allen Rosenzweig and the late Judith and Robert Jones. Zachary is a seventh grader at Trafton Academy, where he has participated in Chess, Photography, Swim Team, and Tennis. He also attended Beth Yeshurun Day School from CDO through 5th Grade. For his Mitzvah Project, Zachary raised money and collected items to create Snack Packs for SEARCH’s Mobile Outreach Team to distribute to the homeless in our area. Zachary will participate in the Rabbi’s 10% Plan and donate a portion of his monetary gifts to Meals on Wheels, which he has participated in with his family during holidays for the past few years. Moriah Kopel Meicler (November 30) is the daughter of Michele Meicler, granddaughter of Drs. Marcel and Muriel Meicler of Houston, Texas. Moriah is currently a 7th grader at Trafton Academy where she is on the volleyball team. For her Mitzvah project Moriah asked and collected old sheets and blankets to donate to the animal shelters. Moriah will be donating a portion of her monetary gifts to the Helen Colin Scholarship Fund thru the Houston Holocaust Museum.
Please contact Sara Cohen Kaiser at 713.255.8005 or skaiser@bethyeshurun.org, for your submission deadline to list your Bar/Bat Mitzvah student’s parents, siblings, grandparents, school, and Mitzvah Projects. 15
Contact Us
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: Sara Cohen Kaiser skaiser@bethyeshurun.org | 713.255.8005
Time sensitive material - please deliver promptly!
RABBI STRAUSS & SISTERHOOD WANT TO CONNECT WITH
SYNAGOGUE Jerrad Bloome, President
YOUR COLLEGE STUDENT!
president@bethyeshurun.org
Andy Burger, Executive Director
Your son/daughter will receive special holiday packages from our Sisterhood!
Your son from our
Mindi Stern, Membership
It is a great way for your student to stay connected with Beth Yeshurun while he/she is away at school!
It is a gr Beth Yes
To be included in mailings, you must send in this 2019-2020 form! If your student is traveling abroad for a semester, let us know which one.
To be inc form! If y know whi
Student’s Name_________________________________________________
Student’s
College_________________________________________________________
College__
Student’s Mailing Address________________________________________
Student’s
Student’s Email_________________________________________________
Student’s
Parent’s Name_________________________________________________
Parent’s N
Parent’s Email__________________________________________________
Parent’s E
aburger@bethyeshurun.org 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 Jennifer LeVine, Head of School: jlevine@byds.org Read The Message online at bethyeshurun.org December deadline: November 8th to Ashley Mills
Submit your info by mail, online by going to www.bethyeshurun.org/highholydays or email Abby Rotenberg at arotenberg@bethyeshurun.org
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