The Message
Congregation Beth Yeshurun October 2019
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From Cantor Meir Finkelstein A FITTING TRIBUTE TO A GREAT LADY
On Friday evening, September 27, I had the great pleasure of presenting a musical tribute to the late Debbie Friedman, a wonderful Jewish composer and humanitarian. There is a close connection between Debbie and Beth Yeshurun. Debbie taught music in our Day School, where she delighted our children with her catchy original songs, among which was her well-known melody for teaching kids the “Alef-Bet”.
“My work is my joy. This is what drives me and keeps me alive and knowing that I must never give in when the doctors say this is as good as it will be – when friends say, this is the best I can do. I will surround myself with people who have the same passion for life, the same passion for passion. This is how we will survive as human beings and this is how we, as women, will become a resonant song whose melody is so strong and so powerful that all of the negative voices in our world will be muffled to an inaudible whisper because all will want to hear this song – because each of us is a part of it”.
As part of our Shabbat service, we sang her “Mi Shebeirach” prayer for the sick and some of her less familiar melodies as part of the Evening Service. This tribute, I believe, was long overdue, and I want to thank our President, Jerrad Bloome for suggesting this idea to me a few weeks ago. Sadly, Debbie Friedman was taken from us too soon at fifty-nine years of age, succumbing to pneumonia. The following are her own moving words as she was battling her illness: This tune has become one of the most commonly shared melodies in synagogues around the world. Mi shebeirach avoteinu M’kor hab’racha l’imoteinu May the source of strength, Who blessed the ones before us, Help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing,and let us say, Amen.
Mi shebeirach imoteinu M’kor habrachah l’avoteinu Bless those in need of healing with r’fuah sh’leimah, The renewal of body, the renewal of spirit, And let us say, Amen 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. 2
October 2019│Elul 5779- Tishri 5780
Postmaster send address changes to Congregation Beth
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).
Yeshurun │4525 Beechnut│Houston, TX 77096-1801.
Follow Us Online! Beth Yeshurun is an active and engaging
The Message of Congregation Beth Yeshurun (USPS 968-
500) is published monthly August-June by Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut, Houston, Harris County, TX 770961801. Periodical Postage Paid at Houston, Texas.
Front Cover Photos taken from the Beth Yeshurun Facebook congregation for members of all ages and backgrounds. To Page. Want to see your photo? Make sure to tag Beth Yeshurun when posting!
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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
Mike Levy is our Around the Shul “Mensch of the Month” and we are proud to recognize someone who has been instrumental in spearheading Beth Yeshurun’s Social Action initiative. Along with his co-chair Nir Stanietsky, Mike works closely with Direct Hope, a non-profit organization which provides various services to Houston’s homeless population, by organizing synagogue volunteers each month to serve a delicious brunch to about 100 to 150 people in need. Mike hopes that parents bring along their age-appropriate children so they can be exposed to the complex issues around homelessness and understand how this volunteer work ties in with Jewish concepts of social justice. “You may be surprised by how much kids can handle, the empathy and courage it helps them develop, and the inspiration these volunteer experiences might be for other acts of kindness during their lifetime,” said Mike. “My parents raised me with a sensitivity to the needs of others and those less fortunate and I’m trying to pass those values on to my children so they will embrace the concept of tikkun olam.” In their Bar/Bat Mitzvah years, Mike has taken his sons on volunteer trips – one to the Dominican Republic and the other to Cuba – where they were exposed, first-hand to poverty in other countries and the rewarding lessons to be learned from uncomfortable experiences. He hopes to plan a similar experience with his daughter in a few years. “These trips are terrific opportunities for our kids to understand the importance of volunteering both within the Jewish community and outside as well,” Mike explains. “I hope they learn that while we aren’t expected as individual Jews to finish the work of repairing the world, we certainly shouldn’t leave the work to others.”
Mike and his wife, Naomi, live in Bellaire with their three children, Jake (14), Alex (12), and Sarah (8) who have attended BYDS since pre-school. He has been practicing as a financial advisor since 1994, and is currently president of TLC Wealth Management, a company he founded with his father, Nat. Mike serves on a variety of boards and committees at several Jewish institutions, such as the Federation, Seven Acres, Houston Jewish Community Foundation, Hebrew Free Loan Association, AJC, Beth Yeshurun, and others. Around the Shul will honor Mike with a donation to Direct Hope from the Rabbi Strauss discretionary fund.
THE SCHTICK
THE JEWISH EXPERIENCE
A poor man walking in the forest feels close enough to God to ask, “God, what is a million years to you?” God replies, “My son, a million years to you is like a second to me.” The man asks, “God, what is a million dollars to you?” God replies, “My son, a million dollars to you is less than a penny to me. It means almost nothing to me.” The man asks, “So God, can I have a million dollars?” And God replies, “In a second.”
Holocaust Museum Houston (HMH), Lester and Sue Smith Campus, founded in 1996 by Houston-area Holocaust Survivors, their descendants and members of the community, reopened June 22 after a two-year, $34 million expansion more than doubling its size to 57,000 square feet. The new three-story structure houses a MAZEL MOMENTS welcome center, four permanent galleries and two Congratulations to Beth Yeshurun’s own (and a “protégé” changing exhibition galleries, classrooms, research library, of our Clergy), Neal Taibel, who has been accepted into café, 195-seat performance theater and 50 screens the Cantorial School at the Jewish Theological Seminary with mini-theaters and interactive terminals throughout. where he began his studies last month. In becoming one of the top Holocaust museums in the country, HMH has broadened its mission as a superRabbi David and his wife Marcie welcomed their third regional hub for Holocaust education and a national voice grandchild and first grandson into the world and the for human rights and social justice. The museum is truly Jewish faith. Nahum Yisrael was born in Jerusalem to a wonderful landmark for our community and we hope to their son Dov and Pnina Rosen, the first Sabra born into remind folks about its importance and introduce them to this wonderful family. some of the changes. Please send all nominations and ideas to aroundtheshul@bethyeshurun.org
Only submitted material will be considered for publication. 3
It’s a Mitzvah
Interested in sponsoring a Chapel Minyan weekday breakfast, or a Chapel or Museum Minyan Shabbat Kiddush in memory of your loved one or in honor of a simcha? Please contact Eileen Pettigrew, Food Service Manager, at epettigrew@bethyeshurun.org or 713.666.1881, ext. 368. Sponsorships will be acknowledged in The Message. Standard breakfasts begin at $120 and kiddushes begin at $145. Special meals may be arranged with the Food Service Department and monthly sponsorships are available. All sponsorships must be paid in advance. Dates will be reserved in the order they are received. IN HONOR OF 70th Anniversary of Bubba’s Bar Mitzvah by Bubba & Maxine Silberstein IN MEMORY OF Joanne Epstein by Judy Zivley Esther and Gerald Goldberg by Barbara & Geoffrey Koslov Lillian and Johnny Goldberg by Rochelle Goldberg Skibell & Family and Cynthia and Berry Weinberger & Family Sol Bernard Weiner by Susan Klaiman Shirley Rosenberg by Linda, Joel and the Chess Family Jacob Sofer by Roger Sofer Avrohm Wisenberg by Evelyn Wisenberg Susan Eva Wolf by David Wolf
Coming Soon! Shabbat to Go
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.
bethyeshurun.org/shabbattogo
CLOSURES Administrative Offices October 1 - Rosh Hashanah (Second Day) October 9 - Yom Kippur October 14/15 - Sukkot October 21/22 - Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah
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.
Cemetery - Post Oak and Allen Parkway October 1 - Rosh Hashanah (Second Day) October 9 - Yom Kippur October 14/15 - Sukkot October 21/22 - Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah 4
Worship Services
FRIDAY EVENINGS October 4, 2019 Parashat Va-Yeilekh | Shabbat Shuvah | CL 6:45pm 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service 6:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel October 11, 2019 Parashat Ha-Azinu | CL 6:37pm 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service 6:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel (Kol Rinah) October 18, 2019 Parashat Ki Tissa | Shabbat Hol Hamo’ed Sukkot | CL 6:29pm 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service 6:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel October 25, 2019 Parashat Bereshit | Shabbat Mevarekhim Hahodesh | CL 6:23pm 5:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service (Scholar in Residence) November 1, 2019 Parashat Noach | CL 6:16pm 5:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:00 PM - Shabbat Renewal Service SATURDAY MORNING 8:30 AM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel 9:15 AM - Museum Minyan Service 9:30 AM - Sanctuary Service 10:15 AM - Shabbat Shalom 11:45 AM - Torah Study
10/1 Rosh Hashanah Day II - CBY Offices Closed Both Cemeteries Closed 10/2 No Kehillah High 10/6 Cemetery Service 10/8 Kol Nidre 10/9 Yom Kippur- CBY Offices Closed Cemeteries Closed No RS/Kehillah High 10/12 MyShabbat 10/13 Sisters in the Hut 10/14 Sukkot I - CBY Offices Closed 10/15 Sukkot II - CBY Offices Closed 10/16 Pizza in the Hut 10/17 Sushi in the Sukkah CBY Socials BY Teens in the Sukkah 10/21 Shemini Atzeret - CBY Offices Closed 10/22 Simchat Torah - CBY Offices Closed 10/24 The Gathering Place 10/25 Scholar in Residence - Rabbi Elana Zaiman Tot Shabbat 10/26 Scholar in Residence- Rabbi Elana Zaiman MyShabbat Every Tuesday: Wisdom of Torah at 8am Every Wednesday: Meditation & Israeli Dancing
Sukkot 5780 sunday, october 13
SATURDAY EVENING SERVICES October 5, 2019 | 6:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel October 12, 2019 | 6:30 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel October 19, 2019 | 6:15 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel October 26, 2019 | 6:15 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel November 2, 2019 | 6:00 PM - J.B. Greenfield Chapel
Chapel: 6:45pm
monday, october 14
Chapel: 8:30am | 6:45pm Sanctuary: 9:30am with Museum Minyan tuesday, october 15
WEEKDAY CHAPEL SERVICES Week of October 6th Mornings: Sun 8:00am, Mon-Tue 6:45am, Wed 9:00am, Thu-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings: Sun-Thu 6:30pm Week of October 13th Mornings: Sun 8:00am, Mon-Tue 8:30am, Wed-Fri 6:45am; Afternoon/Evenings: Sun 6:30pm, Mon-Tue 6:45pm,Wed-Thu 6:30pm Week of October 20th Mornings: Sun 8:00am, Mon-Tue 8:30am, Wed-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings: Sun 5:30pm, Mon-Tue 6:30pm,Wed-Thu 5:30pm Week of October 27th Mornings: Sun 8:00am, Mon 7:00am, Tue-Wed 6:45am, Thu-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings: Sun-Thu 5:30pm Week of November 3rd Mornings: Sun 8:00am, Mon-Fri 7:00am; Afternoon/Evenings: Sun-Thu 5:00pm 5
Chapel: 8:30am |6:45pm Sanctuary: Joint Service at Brith Shalom wednesday, october 16
Chapel: 6:45am | 6:30pm thursday, october 17
Chapel: 6:45am | 6:30pm friday, october 18
Chapel: 6:45am | 6:30pm | Sanctuary: 6:30pm saturday, october 19
Chapel: 8:30am | 6:15pm | Sanctuary: 9:30am sunday, october 20
Chapel: 8:00am | 5:30pm monday, october 21
Chapel: 8:30am | 6:30pm Sanctuary: 9:30am (Yizkor at approx. 10:45am) | 6:30pm tuesday, october 22 [Simchat Torah]
Chapel: 8:30am | 6:30pm Sanctuary: One morning service with the Museum Minyan and Chapel at 8:30am
ARE YOU READY FOR A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE?
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.
INAUGURAL BIENNIAL ISRAEL TRIP FOR CURRENT 10TH AND 11TH GRADE STUDENTS
June 7-24, 2020
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.
For more information including cost and to register, go to www.kehillahhouston.org or contact Danielle Alexander DAlexander@KehillahHouston.org
This trip is made possible by generous community donors, participating congregations, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston
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?"
HIGH HOLY DAY APPEAL 5780 / 2019
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________________________________
Your generous gift supports our programs, classes and services.
City/St/Zip___________________________________
Thank You!
Contact Phone #_______________________________ E-Mail_______________________________________ Optional Scholarship Donation $ ____
CBY Member __ CBY Non-Member __
JENNIFER SUTTON, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT WWW.BETHYESHURUN.ORG
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JSUTTON@BETHYESHURUN.ORG
HIGH HOLY DAYS TICKET AND PHOTO I.D. REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION CEMETERY SERVICES | Sunday, October 6 10:00am at Allen Parkway 10:00am at Shearith Israel (Wharton) 11:00am at Post Oak
SYNAGOGUE SERVICES KOL NIDRE | Tuesday, October 8 Babysitting: 5:30 - 8:00pm 6:00pm ..................... Barg Sanctuary (Early) 6:15pm ..................... J.B. Greenfield Chapel 7:00pm ..................... Freedman/Levit Sanctuary 7:00pm ..................... Museum Minyan 8:30pm ..................... Barg Sanctuary (Late) YOM KIPPUR | Wednesday, October 9 Babysitting: 4:00 - 8:00pm 9:30am ..................... Barg Sanctuary 9:30am ..................... Preschool Service (Freedman/Levit) 9:00am ..................... J.B.Greenfield Chapel 9:00am ..................... Museum Minyan 10:00am - 2:00pm ... HHD Preschool Fun (classrooms) this will be enhanced HHD Babysitting for children only 10:30am ................... Grade School Service (Freedman/Levit)
TELECONFERENCE INFORMATION Toll-Free Number: 1-800-868-1837 Pass Code: 637432# Dial the toll-free number, then enter the pass code number and pound sign when prompted. You may dial in at any point during the times listed below, but not more than 5 minutes before. Volume can be increased by pressing " *4 " on your phone.
11:30am ................... Teen Programs (Reiches Hall) 12:00pm ................... Yizkor (Barg Sanctuary) OTHER SERVICES
3:30pm ..................... Mindful Fasting (Stein Hall) 4:00pm ..................... Mincha (Barg Sanctuary) 5:00pm ..................... Mincha (J.B. Greenfield Chapel) 5:45pm ..................... Mincha (Museum Minyan) 6:00pm ..................... Neilah (Barg Sanctuary) 6:15pm ..................... Neilah J.B. Greenfield Chapel 6:45pm ..................... Neilah (Museum Minyan)
WATCH THE HIGH HOLY DAYS LIVE The viewing box for streaming can be found in the middle of our home page as well as on our streaming video page. To view in full screen, click the double arrow in the top right corner of the viewing box. The services will be archived to be viewed later at your convenience. You will be viewing the main sanctuary services. Beth Yeshurun, through the generosity of Nancy and Arthur Brand and family and Gilda and Warren Sprung and family in memory of their parents, A. I. and Manet Schepps and Allen Brand; and through the kindness and generosity of Norma Kost z�l and her children, Karen and Cecil Kost, and Fredell and Martin Belasco, and in memory of Nathan Kost, are happy to allow those unable to come to synagogue to participate in High Holy Day Services by online streaming and/or telephone.
FINAL BLAST OF THE SHOFAR 7:22pm For those with honors in the Barg Sanctuary, please arrive and check in 30 minutes before your assigned Aliyah begins so the Gabbaim can place you in line for your honor. 7
Please Join the Beth Yeshurun Sisterhood for the
3rd Annual "Sister’s in the Hut"
Welcoming All Houston-area Synagogue Sisterhoods for this intergenerational Sukkot event!
Sunday, October 13, 2019 10:00am – 12:00pm Congregation Beth Yeshurun Welcoming all Houston-area synagogue Sisterhoods for this intergenerational event. We will enjoy a kosher brunch while creating canvas panels to hang in “our” Sukkahs. $18 per person Includes: canvas, materials, and kosher style brunch. For more information and to reserve your space visit: bethyeshurun.org/event/sisters-in-the-hut 8
M arsha
Jewish Learning Project
E
Loring
2019-2020
Broker Associate
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
713.550.7722 marsha@graciousathome.com
pm
Mussar is a Jewish ethical and spiritual discipline designed to improve our personal character traits.
An Introduction to Jewish Mysticism. Explore the various methods and opinions that the mystics uncovered in their quest for Ultimate Truth.
verse by verse.
Did God really speak to the Prophets? Does God still talk to us today? Does God hear our prayers? Using traditional and modern sources, we’ll discuss these basic questions of faith.
www.graciousathome.com
Learning to sing and lead Shabbat prayers with Cantor 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,
wishing you a Sweet New Year
Pirkei Avot with Rabbi Horwitz* Jewish Wisdom from the Antisemitism and White Supremacy in America with Melissa Weininger past made relevant forBegins today. Pirkei Avot is a collection of September 8 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 10:00-11:00am
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:
johndaugherty.com
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!
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. 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. 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 9
WAVE DOING THESukkot is the holiday when we wave
Rabbi Horwitz
the lulav and etrog and carry them in procession through the Sanctuary each weekday morning. But there is one day when we have a “mega-wave,” complete with not one but seven processions with the lulav and etrog, and prayers for God’s help in the New Year.
Call the Best We’ll do the Rest!
That day is the final day of Sukkot, known as Hoshanah Rabbah, the “Great Hoshanah,” the expanded service with all the trimmings of the holiday and the extended holiday period, PLUS all those processions! This year’s Hoshanah Rabbah falls on Sunday, October 20 th, beginning at 8:00am.
Unstop Drains Replace Sewer Lines Tank & Tankless Water Heaters Live Video Camera for Line Breaks Repair and Replace Faucets & Toilets
One ritual takes place only on this day: the beating of willow branches. For some, it indicates dependence on the rain which brings these unadorned leaves into being; for others, it represents the desire to drive away sin and “the falling away of the sparks of judgment.” At a certain point, following the penitential period, we have to drop the focus on judgment.
Mention our ad for $15 off any service. Gary Bloch
Come to the Chapel on Hoshanah Rabbah and do the “mega-wave”!
FREE Estimates
MLP# 12248
www.plumbcohouston.com
---Daniel Horwitz, Rabbi of the J.B. Greenfield Chapel ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE MESSAGE! Contact: amills@bethyeshurun.org or 713.666.1881 for sizes & rates
YOUR VALUES. YOUR FAMILY. MAY BOTH ENRICH YOUR LIFE ALL YEAR. During this season of reflection, may the blessings of life and love be your guide into a New Year that’s full of happiness, health and fulfillment. At Waldman Funeral Care, we focus on all the details so you can focus on your family.
Your Gift Shop is stocked for all your needs!
Syd Waldman, CFSP Certified Funeral Service Practitioner Funeral Director / Owner
L’SHANA TOVA FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS.
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
Affiliated with Hardin Family Funeral Home
713-875-4811 www.WaldmanFuneralCare.com CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON APPROVED 10
Family Album
ANNIVERSARIES 10/1 10/2 10/3 10/5 10/7 10/8 10/10 10/11 10/12 10/13 10/14 10/15 10/16 10/18 10/19 10/20 10/21 10/22 10/23 10/24 10/25 10/27 10/28 10/29 10/30
31 8 37 50 44 12 12 63 28 13 25 53 20 4 4 44 23 18 63 7 29 24 8 70 36 42 21 39 61 28 23 18 29 31 9 19 4 27 53 51 45 1 46 57 13 25 24 24 19 52 31 26
Linda & Shimon Atzil Elizabeth & Steven Bender Deborah & Norman Rappaport Talina Luchenitser & Leonid Zilberfayn Eileen & Steven Lee Karen Finkelman Hasson & Steve Hasson Hydee & Ryan Kagan Elaine & Gerald Kisluk Suzanne & Myron Rosenberg Ronit & James Mele Denise Rashti & Paul Horwitz June & Julius Sadowsky Rae & Max Uzick Lisa & David Benhammou Melanie & Joseph Lipp Karen & Frederick Buckwold Stefanie & Marc Plotkin Candice & John Frank Gladys & Howard Kaplan Lindsy & Ryan Steinberg Trudi & Max Esses Susan & Roland Hartzog Stephanie & Jason Kohll Fay & Irwin Miller Ellen & Yahya Moussazadeh Suzanne & Bryan Siegel Michelle & Marvin Blum Paula & Kenneth Singer Celene & Harold Chasen Sabrina & Edward Engel Randi & Scott Rubenstein Tamara & Matthew Cohen Jill & Charles Talisman Yelena & Yuriy Krupnik Marilynne & Alford Bleeker Natasha & Alan Hananel Elyssa & Paul Gottheim Susan Rosenbaum & Eric Schoen Carol & John Hess Maxine & Herman Silberstein Judy & Ronnie Yambra Gayle & Corby Kelly Lynn & Philip Abrams Mireille & Harvey Katz Kimberly & Jason Schlanger Alexandra & Gene Burd Dorene & Donald Cohen Sarah & Mike Deitch Luisa Kluger & Arnoldo Efron Rosemary & Earl Pachter Linda & Daniel Epner Danielle & Danny Kuperman
10/31
36 20 14 27 26 21 54
Jocelyn & Mark Roth Iris & Brad Sherman Michele Tesciuba & Benjamin Shani Marjorie & Clive Fields Elisha & Larry Selzer Donna & Paul Silverman Judy & Michael Weingart
TheCONDOLENCES congregation extends its sincerest condolences to the families of: Chana Chaya Cohen, Frances Shirley Cohen, Robert “Bobby” Goldstein, and Sondra Shapiro, May their memories be for a blessing.
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 Talia Musher (October 18-19) is the daughter of Lydia and Benjamin Musher and the sister of Avi, Noah, and Eli Musher. She is the granddaughter of Mioara Bratu of Chicago, Illinois and of Karol and Daniel Musher of Houston. Talia is a graduate of Beth Yeshurun Day School and a seventh grader at St. John’s School. Although Talia’s family is not accepting gifts for her bat mitzvah, she has spent this bat mitzvah year working with her family on 13 mitzvot to address different needs in Houston, nationally, and abroad. Talia is grateful to celebrate the bat mitzvah with friends and family from near and far as well as the Museum Minyan community in which she has been raised.
2021-2022 B’NAI MITZVAH DATE ALLOCATION MEETING 7:00pm Tuesday, October 29, 2018 Freedman Levit Sanctuary If you have a student who will be having a B’nai Mitzvah between September 1, 2021 and August 31, 2022 please mark your calendar to attend this important meeting. This meeting is for parents only! 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. 11
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!
SYNAGOGUE Jerrad Bloome, President
president@bethyeshurun.org
Scholar in Residence Rabbi Elana Zaiman - Forever Letters October 25-27, 2019
Andy Burger, Executive Director aburger@bethyeshurun.org
Mindi Stern, Membership
mstern@bethyeshurun.org
“Forever letters” help us live our values with greater intention, to better understand ourselves, to make ourselves known to the people we love, and to heal what may be broken between us. Rabbi Zaiman will empower us to make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of our loved ones.
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
Host Committee: Micah & Jean Kessler, Jason & Peta Rubenstein, Michael & Staci Schwartzberg, and Jay Smith & Angela Smith-Litvak
| 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 November deadline: October 4th to Ashley Mills
for more information visit: bethyeshurun.org 12