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chai from b et h el APRI L 2018 | I SSUE NO. 6
T HE CENT ER OF JEW I SH L I FE I N FORT BEND COUNT Y
Rab b inic Rum inat ions by Rabbi Joshua L obel Isidor I. Rabi, a Nobel laureate in physics, was once asked, ''Why did you become a scientist, rather than a doctor or lawyer or businessman, like the other immigrant kids in your neighborhood?'' Dr. Rabi's answer was profound: ''My mother made me a scientist without ever intending it. Every other Jewish mother in Brooklyn would ask her child after school: 'So? Did you learn anything today?' But not my mother. She always asked me a different question. 'Izzy,' she would say, 'did you ask a good question today?' That difference - asking good questions -made me become a scientist!' In the Jewish tradition, asking questions is central. There is no better example than the experience of the Passover seder. Over the course of this beautiful ritual meal, both children and adults we are encouraged to ask questions. We begin by reciting ?Ma Nishtanah Ha?lilah Hazeh Micol Ha?layot?? ? ?What makes this night different than all other nights,? before delving into more inquiries designed to cause us to learn more about this festive holiday. But there is a deeper meaning to our obligation of asking questions. The former president of Yeshiva University, Richard Joel, opined, ?The most basic lesson of the Pesach Seder is that freedom carries with it the opportunity- indeed the requirement - to question. Slaves don't get to ask questions; they simply follow orders. As free individuals, not only are we permitted to question, but we are indeed mandated to do so.? Asking questions is a sign of freedom. Slaves do not question ? they just do what they are told. But now that we are free, we have the luxury to ask, to probe, to inquire, to question each and every part of the seder experience, just as Jewish tradition maintains we should do regarding all aspects of our faith. We are not meant to be passive, robotic, in our observance of Judaism. We are meant to be active learners, curious, inquisitive, voracious in our quest for knowledge. This Passover, let us embrace our freedom by asking good questions. In this way, we gain a deeper understanding of our faith and demonstrate what it means to be truly free. Chag Sameach!
ALL ARE WELCOME AS WE COMMEMORATE
YOMHASHOAH HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY WEDNESDAY Apr i l 11, 2018 6:15PM CBE Sanct uar y
MEMORI AL SERVI CE CANDLE LI GHTI NG RECI TATI ON OF KADDI SH Six million died. We must not forget them. Their death shall not be in vain. This shall never happen again. In memory of the helpless infants, children & teenagers who were cut down like young trees before their time. We shall not forget! In memory of all the mothers who died with their children in their arms. We shall not forget! In memory of all the mothers and father who were cruelly separated from their families! We shall not forget! In memory of all the scholars, teachers, Rabbis who were the first to be seized. We shall not forget! In memory of the "Heroes of the Resistance" who fought the Nazis - so few against so many. We shall not forget! In memory of the martys who gave their lives to help their brothers. We shall not forget!
CONGREGATION BETH EL 3900 RAOUL WALLENBERG LN M ISSOURI CITY, TX 77459
Con gr egat ion Bet h El Celebr at es
Isr ael @ 70 You ar e in vit ed t o ou r Yom Ha'At zm au t Celebr at ion ! Wedn esday, Apr il 18, 2018 6pm - 7pm Enjoy Tastes of Israel ~ Birthday Cake Brief Service ~ Israeli music
FREE & OPEN TO THE COM M UNITY! For in f or m at ion con t act t h e t em ple of f ice at 281.499.5066 or adm in @bet h elt x.or g
APRIL 2018
MAY2018
1
NO Religiou s Sch ool
1
7pm Executive Meeting
2
9am PS Lag B'Omer Splash Day
4
7pm Star Wars Shir Shabbat
3
7pm Executive Meeting
5
7pm Bobby Socks & Doo Wop
4
NO Hebr ew Classes
6
9am Annual Meeting
6
No Pr esch ool/ Tem ple Of f ice Closed - Pesach 7pm Sh ir Sh abbat
8
1:30pm Seniors Current Events 7pm Board Meeting
7
BEFTY - NFTY Citywide Program off campus
11
7pm Volunteer Shabbat
10
7pm Board Meeting
13
9am Confirmation Class
11
Yom HaSh oah
19
7pm Sh avu ot Ser vice
13-15
NFTY Spring Kallah Greene Family Camp Spring Retreat (2nd-8th grade)
20
7pm Ritual committee meeting
22
1:30pm Seniors
18
Yom HaAt zm au t
28
Memorial Day
19
CBE Book Club
30
24
1:30pm Seniors Current Events
Last Day of Pre-School 6pm Preschool PK Graduation
27
10:30am BEFTY Shabbat
IN OBSERVANCE OF PESACH
IN OBSERVANCE OF M EM ORIAL DAY
THE TEM PLE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED
THE TEM PLE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED
FRIDAY, APRIL 6
M ONDAY, M AY 28
FRIDAY NIGHT SHABBAT SERVICE: 7PM SATURDAY MORNING TORAH STUDY: 9AM SUNDAY MORNING RELIGIOUS SCHOOL: 9AM SUNDAY MORNING INTRO CLASSES: Judaism 9:15AM ; Judaism 10:15AM WEDNESDAY HEBREW CLASS: 5:15PM WEEKLY EVENTS: Boy Scouts meet ever y Monday @ 7pm; Tor ch meets ever y Thur sday @ 7:30pm FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF THESE EVENTS VISIT WWW.BETHELTX.ORG
Relig ious School New s March was a short month, but filled with a lot of activities, especially Passover celebrations. Also, Kesler Freidman, our ISJL Fellow, was in town for her spring visit. She told a story at the Friday night Shabbat service and lead Torah study on Shabbat morning. On Sunday, Kesler lead the K5th graders in our Passover Palooza. We had special guests, Miriam, Moses, and Aaron at our Passover Palooza. They told their story and talked about their important characteristics. The students made colored salt by choosing the food color that correlated to an attribute of God and/or Jewish value. The students endured a ten plagues relay and baking matzah in a hurry, just like our ancestors. The morning ended with our ?meal? of maror, haroset, matzah, and chocolate covered matzah. Many thanks to our parents, Teresa Freidman, Tina Steiner, and Betty Braun for helping with the program and to our teachers and madrichim for leading the stations: Cantor Waghalter, Roy Uri, Cara Gehring, Katie Goodman, Pat Rose, Sophie Friedman, Elliot Kalmus, and Ian Hernandez, and to Kesler Freidman for a great Passover Palooza. The Wednesday Hebrew classes learned about the Passover seder through reading games such as; Ten Plagues Go Fish and Four Questions BINGO. The students also reviewed Passover songs, blessings, and Passover symbols. Happy Passover to everyone- Pesach Sameach! APRIL CALENDAR: April 1 and 4 - No classes April 8 - Classes resume April 11- Hebrew classes and Yom Hashoah service April 15 - Religious School celebrates Yom Haatzmaut, Israel Independence Day April 18 - Hebrew classes and Yom Haatzmaut service April 22 - Religious School April 25 - Hebrew classes April 29- Religious School
"Tzed akah (g iving ) out weig hs all ot her Rabbi Lobel, Cantor Waghalter, President Yaffa Steubinger and the entire Board of Directors are excited to share information about the Bridge to Our Future pledge campaign. Three years ago, the Board of Directors and temple leadership began to evaluate the finances of Congregation Beth El. Membership dues and annual fundraising events do not meet the fixed annual expenses of our synagogue as it is for most congregations. While the current Board of Directors and staff continue to pursue additional income producing opportunities, another Board committee looked at common fundraising models. With an eye on how to ensure the financial stability of Congregation Beth El now and in the future, this committee initiated the Bridge to our Future pledge campaign. This three-year fund-drive is similar to an annual appeal, with fewer meetings! Along with our clergy, members of this robust and energetic committee will be meeting with everyone in our Congregation Beth El community to share more specific details and to listen to your ideas. Please expect to hear from us soon! Bridge to our Future Pledge Cam paign Com m it t ee Chair: Carol Cooper Advisor: Eunice Reiter Committee Members: Blanca Feldman, Irene Helsinger, Marc Helsinger, Michelle Michener, Amy Okie, David Rosen, Yaffa Steubinger, Debby Williams, Jeff Wormser
Spring is the time of renewal and clearing out of cupboards and closets! As I began that never-ending task recently, I came upon a family photo taken in the ?90?s when my children were young and all together in the same house. Now, we are geographically spread out; but remain bonded and rejoice in those times we are able to come together. Like my family, Congregation Beth El has changed in the last decade as we welcome new members and see others depart; however, the core remains firm. CBE welcomes Jewish residents whether they have just relocated to Fort Bend or have decided to reconnect with their heritage. CBE welcomes the interfaith couple, the newly single, and the finally retired member to become fully engaged in worship, study, and community good works. The need for family support never diminishes nor does the need for Congregation Beth El, the Jewish center in Fort Bend County, Texas. In order to maintain this legacy, our financial resources must be secure. The Bridge to our Future pledge campaign is designed to fill that need. Members of the pledge committee will continue to meet with each member during the coming months to share ideas and goals. L?shalom, Carol Cooper
com m and m ent s. " ~ TALMUD Special thanks to the following congregants who have spearheaded the Bridge to our Future pledge campaign. CBE is blessed to have many generous members who continue to sustain our congregation by volunteering and sharing their resources with our community.
CHESED
of Giving
Dar r ell & Joy Car aw ay, Kay Dan ziger , Br ian Silver st ein & Debbie William s, Bar bar a Zack
KINDNESS $10 ,0 0 0 +
SHALOM
FRADA BOXER & GEORGE STARKSCHALL Alan & Bet sy M or gan
PEACE $5,0 0 1-$9,999
BARRY & M ONICA FINBERG
MITZVAH Car ol Cooper , M ar c & Ir en e Helsin ger , Ralph & Car ol Kat z, C OMMANDMENT Rabbi Josh u a & Dr . Elizabet h Lobel, An on ym ou s Don or $2,50 1-$5,0 0 0
BONIM BUILDERS
BILL & ELLEN ASNES, DAVID & RACHEL ROSEN Rich ar d & Ter esa Fr iedm an , Br ian & An gela Per r y, Alan & An n Sch n eider , Yaf f a St eu bin ger
$1,50 1-$2,50 0
KEHILLAH COMMUNITY $50 0 -$1,50 0
ADDITIONAL GIFTS: Doran & Cherie Steinberg
APRIL 20 18 Sharon Meyer
1
Jonathan Elitzky
16
Dean Krantz
3
Beau Newlin
18
Michael Roth
4
Geoff Kaplan
19
Sheldon Neider
5
Robert Simoneaux
19
Peter Allen
9
Andrea Croft
20
Beverly Lestz
10
John Hernandez
20
Jaymi Hale
Alan Morgan
11
Rachel Schneider
21
Lauren Steinberg 10
Cherie Steinberg
11
Cyndee Satter
24
Ryan Gartzman
16
Steven Diamond
14
Shawn Gartzman
25
Jason Eason
18
Blanca Feldman
14
David Satter
25
Amy Jerauld
21
Carol Schorn
14
Melissa Nickels
29
APRIL 20 18
Rodney and Debbie Lerner
4
George Starkschall and Frada Boxer
6
Rob and Jessica Sherman
9
Eugene and Danielle Castorina
11
Rachel and Tom Claret
20
Lisa and Michael Aquino
21
8
APRIL YAHRZEITS Apr il 4/ Nissan 19
Apr il 16/ Iyar 1
Apr il 24/ Iyar 9
Marc Bravman
Charles Meyer
Alan Stein
Ida Tatar
Apr il 17/ Iyar 2
Apr il 26/ Iyar 11
Apr il 5/ Nissan 20
Erna Stern
Richard Jaffee
Erv Shulkin
Apr il 18/ Iyar 3
Apr il 27/ Iyar 12
Apr il 8/ Nissan 23
Fred Bronstein
Joseph Rosky
Freda Kavy
Eva Kavy
Apr il 28/ Iyar 13
Apr il 10/ Nissan 25
Steven Lee Rosen
Shirley Albert
Jerry Seligson
Apr il 19/ Iyar 4
Irving Lichtenstein
Apr il 11/ Nissan 26
Gertrude Golden
Pati Mandell
Joseph Maurice Asnes
David Silverstein
Hunter Turberville
Eugene Mullin
Apr il 20/ Iyar 5
Reba Young
Apr il 12/ Nissan 27
Ruth Cohen
Apr il 30/ Iyar 15
Marcus Hochman
Apr il 21/ Iyar 6
Bobbie Eisenberg
Apr il 13/ Nissan 28
Roy Spiegel
Julian Mandelstamm
Joseph Greenfield
Stanley Spiegel
Morris Wolch
Tw o Ways t o Rem em ber You r Loved On e... You may choose to sponsor or co-sponsor a Shabbat Oneg at the time of your loved one?s yahrzeit. You may also purchase a memorial plaque for display in the sanctuary. Both are a meaningful way to honor the memory of your loved one. To arrange one or both of these honors, please call Norma Gonzales in our administrative office at 281-499-5066 or by email at adm in @bet h elt x.or g.
May your dear one?s life be forever remembered as a blessing.
MARCH 2018 Can t or 's Discr et ion ar y Fu n d
Dor a & Dan iel Sof f ar Oper at in g Fu n d
In honor of Seth Gratz Bar Mitzvah
In memory of Pauline Applebaum
Andrew and Alison Gratz
Marcia Forbes
In appreciation for officiating at Sophie Rodriguez's funeral service
In memory of Pauline Cooper Marion Pomerantz and Sharyn Hale
David and Rachel Rosen
Rabbi's Discr et ion ar y Fu n d On eg Spon sor
In honor of Seth Gratz Bar Mitzvah
In memory of Dora Soffar
Andrew and Alison Gratz
In memory of Dora Soffar Deborah and Jim Paras In memory of Howard Pomerantz Marion Pomerantz and Sharyn Hale
Deborah and Jim Paras General Donation
Rit u al Fu n d
Harry and Leticia Himmelstein
In celebration of Purim
In celebration of Jo Buchanan concert
In memory of Jean Pomerantz Marion Pomerantz and Sharyn Hale
Sybil Leson
Erin and Michael Bersin
Randalls believes in working together with customers to support programs that improve the quality of life in the community.They are committed to assisting non-profit organizations that are important to their customers and their families.Randalls offers customers a way to direct their donation dollars to their favorite non-profit organization. Sinceily thein program the fall of 1996, Fam m embegan or y ofin Dor a Sof f ar Randalls/Tom Thumb has donated nearly $48 million to over 8000 participating organizations.
Thank you toour M arch Oneg Sponsors Par as
Er in an d M ich ael Ber sin in celebr at ion of Joe Bu ch an an con cer t
DID YOU KNOW? .Beth El is a Good Neighbor Charity? We are. Link us today! Register your card to Con gr egat ion Bet h El - #2478.
A special Thank You to Harry and Leticia Himmelstein for their continued financial support of our Friday night Onegs. If you are interested in hosting an Oneg in honor or in memory of someone special, CBE has dates available. Sponsoring is as easy as 1-2-3! 1. Call Norma Gonzales at 281.499.5066 to pick a date. 2. Choose between two options: Make a $50 donation and CBE will do all the shopping or you can provide kosher style treats. 3. If you choose to provide the treats, please arrive by 6pm to allow time to set up. If you make a donation, no need to arrive early.
chai from b et h el admin@betheltx.org
