chai from b et h el MARCH 2018 | I SSUE NO. 5
T HE CENT ER OF JEW I SH L I FE I N FORT BEND COUNT Y
CongregationBethEl I nvitesYouTo 2ndNight Passover Seder Led By Rabbi Joshua Lobel & Cantor Renee Waghalter Saturday, March 31st, 2018 at 6pm (seating @ 5:30) Riverbend Country Club | 1214 Dulles Avenue | Sugar Land 77478
Din n er M en u Charoset, Matzo Ball Soup, Israeli Salad, Hard Boiled Eggs Adu lt : Ch ick en En t r ee, 2 sides (veget ar ian opt ion u pon r equ est ) Ch ild (4-14): Ch ick en Ten der s, Fr en ch Fr ies, Fr u it Dessert, Wine, Grape Juice, Iced Tea, Coffee Name:___________________________________________Phone:___________________________ Please Seat With:_______________________________________________________________________(Tables of 8) # Adults:_________x $42=_______# Children:_________x $18=_______# Highchairs:_____ Total # in Party:____Total$__________ Please make payment to CBE, 3900 Raoul Wallenberg Lane, Missouri City, TX77459 (Members may pay online) Any questions and/or special requests contact Michelle Marlowe @ 713-504-5050 or michellere@earthlink.net For confidential assistance, contact Rabbi Lobel. RSVP by Monday March 19th
Relig ious School New s January and February were active months in the religious school with a variety of special programs and class activities. Highlights of special programs: A 4th and 5th grade family program that connected the themes of the civil rights movement to Jewish values. There was a study session followed by doing mitzvot. Shabbat lead services, one for the 4th ? 7th graders and their families and another for the K- 3rd graders and their families. Two city-wide educational and social events for our 6th ? 8th graders with other Jewish teens from local and suburban congregations.
Highlights of special class activities: K-1st gr ade: M s. Car a?s Class The core curriculum is about doing mitzvot. They learned about Saving the Environment and made a recycling bin for their class. They also decorated lunch bags to give to Lunches of Love for Feeding the Hungry. Hebrew learning is always fun. They decorated kippot for the letter kaf and made lameds out of licorice.
2n d - 3r d gr ade: M s. Goodm an?s Class This semester the curriculum focuses on Israel. The students learned about Israeli life and culture and also ?visited? the Dead Sea, Tel-Aviv, and Jerusalem. Hebrew learning is always going on. The students have been reading simple words and adding letters to their booklets.
4t h gr ade: M r . Roy ?s class The students are learning about Prophets, values and our connection to Israel.
5t h gr ade: Can t or Wagh alt er ?s class The students have been learning about the Life Cycle and are planning a vow renewal for some of the parents in April. They have created the Ketubah and added more information about Jewish weddings to their Life Cycle book.
6t h ? 8t h gr ade: M r . Jason?s class The students did a lot of role playing, debates and discussions about current events and themes from our prophets.
Wednesday Hebrew update M ar ch Calen dar March 11- 18 Spring Break March 23-25 ISJL Fellow visit March 25 Religious School Celebrates Passover March 30 First night of seder
The 4th -7th graders have been working on their prayer curriculum and celebrated Tu B?sehvat and Purim . They had a Tu B?shevat seder and part of the program included the reading of the Giving Tree in Hebrew. They studied Purim with interactive learning stations, such as: Hebrew BINGO, Megillah reading, Purim blessings and Hebrew word games.
Special Purim celebrations: The K- 3rd graders made Hamantaschen and read about the Purim story. The 4th and 5th graders did two mitzvot of Purim, Shalach Manot, sending of gifts, andMatanot l?Evyoneem, giving to the needy. For the mitzvah of Shalach Manot:the students brought items in and created one for his/her ?secret pal classmate?. They also brought in non-perishable food items for the mitzvah of Matanot l?Evyoneem, giving to the needy. All of religious school enjoyed BEFTYstock Purim Carnival.
MARCH 2018
APRIL 2018
1
7pm CBE Book Club
1
NO Religiou s Sch ool
2
7pm Shir Shabbat
2
9am PS Lag B'Omer Splash Day
4
8:30am Religious School Pancake Breakfast 9am Confirmation Class 9:30am Jewish Humor with George Starkschall
3
7pm Executive Meeting
4
NO Hebr ew Classes
6
No Pr esch ool/ Tem ple Of f ice Closed - Pesach 7pm Sh ir Sh abbat
7
BEFTY - NFTY Citywide Program off campus
10
7pm Board Meeting
12
Yom HaSh oah
13-15
NFTY Spring Kallah Greene Family Camp Spring Retreat (2nd-8th grade)
18
Yom Hazokaron
19
Yom HaAtzmaut
24
1:30pm Seniors Current Events
27
10:30am BEFTY Shabbat
5
7pm Ritual Committee Meeting
6
7pm Executive Meeting
11
NO Religious School
12-16
NO Preschool - Spring Break
13
1:30pm Seniors Current Events 7pm Board Meeting
14
No Hebr ew Classes
18
NO Religious School
24
7pm CBE Pr esch ool PTO Fu n dr aiser - BUNCO Nigh t
25
1pm PJ Libr ar y & CBE at t h e Sien n a Libr ar y 1pm Jew ish Com m u n it y Day at Rice Baseball
27
1:30pm Seniors hosting St. Laurence Senior Group
28
9am PS Passover Seder/Noon Dismissal 9:30am Lunches of (Tikkun Olam)
30
No Preschool/ Temple Office Closed Erev Pesach - No Shabbat Service
31
10:30am Passover Fest ival M or n in g Ser vice 6:30pm CBE 2n d Nigh t Seder (see page 2)
IN OBSERVANCE OF PESACH THE TEM PLE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY, M ARCH 30 & FRIDAY, APRIL 6
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
JORY PACHT I thought it was going to be just another vacation. One more geographic location to put on the "been there - done that" list. Then we broke out of the clouds on our final descent into Tel Aviv and I knew that the next ten days would change my life forever.
Join u s f or Sh abbat ser vice 7pm - M ar ch 9 st ay f or t h e On eg im m ediat ely f ollow in g in h on or of Jor y Pach t . Jory Pacht received a Ph.D. in geology from Ohio State University and has spent most of his career in the Energy Industry. In his teen years, he began serious work with B&W film photography. Then after a long hiatus, he rekindled his interest in photography as an art form in 2008. He has taken numerous courses in photography at the Houston Center for Photography and Rive University. Dr. Pacht's photos has been selected for exhibition for multiple "Learning Curve" and "Master Class" exhibitions at the Houston Center for Photography. His photos have also been featured in the Louisville Colorado National Photography Show, the Orange County Creatives Gallery and the Rice University Glasscock Center for Continuing Education, where one of his photographs was selected for display in the 2016 Fotofest Exhbition. Dr. Pacht is represented by the Permieter Gallery in Houston. He and his wife Debra are longtime members of Congregation Beth El. Dr. Pacht has on display in the CBE lobby, seven black and white photographs. These photographs are available for purchase either framed or unframed. Dr. Pacht will be graciously donating the proceeds from the sale of the photographs to Congregation Beth El. To make a purchase please contact the CBE office.
Beth El is helping to sponsor the movie 'Norman' at this years Houston Jewish Film Festival. This one-time showing will be this Sunday, March 4, 4:00-6:00 pm. You are also invited to enjoy a Passover Tasting by HEB Buffalo Market from12:00 PM-4:00 PM. CBE has 10 FREE TICKETS to this event. If you would like to receive two tickets, please send the temple an email at ADM IN @BETHELTX.ORG. These tickets are first come, first served and they will be available to pick up at the temple either Friday evening or Sunday morning. Visit
ERJCCHOUSTON .ORG
to read more about this movie and the entire series.
Norman is a ?macher,?a fixer, a huckster, a striver and a dreamer in the best Jewish literary tradition. He is ingratiating and irritating; he has lots of close friends in New York and Tel Aviv; he? d be happy to make an introduction. Eventually, Norman meets an Israeli politician in New York. When the politician is elected Prime Minister, Norman, craving recognition more than anything else, wonders if the new prime minister will remember him. Richard Gere heads the stellar cast.
JEWI SH HUM OR: 19 4 5 TO PRESENT M a r ch 4 - 9 :30 AM a t CBE Sa n ct u a r y What IS humor? What IS Jewish humor? Is there a difference between Jewish humor & Jewish comedians? Join us as we discuss these questions & more with CBE Member George Starkschall
"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
Like most synagogues, Congregation Beth El does not bring in enough income to cover expenses, which is why I strongly support the need for our Pledge Campaign. Since your Pledge donation is spread over 3 years, it makes it easier to budget a monthly amount for your yearly donation. No matter how much you can give, your pledge shows your commitment to ensuring a strong and vital Congregation Beth El! ~ Yaffa Steubinger, President
r 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
Alan & Bet sy M or gan
PEACE $5,0 0 1-$9,999
Car ol Cooper , M ar c & Ir en e Helsin ger , Ralph & Car ol Kat z,
MITZVAH Rabbi Josh u a & Dr . Elizabet h Lobel, An on ym ou s Don or C OMMANDMENT $2,50 1-$5,0 0 0
BONIM
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
BUILDERS $1,50 1-$2,50 0
KEHILLAH COMMUNITY $50 0 -$1,50 0
ADDITIONAL GIFTS: Doran & Cherie Steinberg
Y A D R U 4 T 2 S A CH R A M M P 7 G N I T A ! E D S E T I M LI
Bun co Night is Ret
t he CBE Pr escho o l in vi
PRESCHOOL BUN
Enjoy an evening of BUNCO excitement, delicious d PRE-SALE $20/PER PERSON - A
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CO FUNDRAISER!
desserts, refreshing beverages and much merriment. AT THE DOOR $25/PER PERSON
MARCH 20 18
Bryce Adams
3
Wallis Davis
21
Chloe Richards
1
Chuck Schwartz
4
Annette Liftman
22
Sierra Hardesty
3
Cris Grody
5
Doron Steinberg
22
Hunter Hoeninghaus
4
Jennifer Haber
9
Nicole Hardesty
23
Jude Grody
7
Janet Selbst
9
Douglas Selwyn
24
Noah Grody
7
Eugene Castorina
12
Glenn Kessler
25
Rebecca Kalmus
8
Jan Sadek
13
Michael Markowitz
25
Zachary Wormser
13
Leonard Spivak
13
Joseph Nickels
25
Asher Adams
14
Barbara Zack
13
Deborah Paras
25
Penelope Guillory
17
Harry Himmelstein
15
Robin Rosen
25
Aryeh Lobel
21
Shelia Levine
17
Shirley Hochman
30
Danielle Steinberg
28
Missi Shapiro
19
Ronald Sanders
30
Kylie Sherman
30
Alison & Andrew Gratz
3
Robin & Steven Rosen
8
Shirley & Howard Hochman
9
Gabrielle & Ebenhaezar Hattingh
MARCH 20 18
10
Lili & Bill Stern
14
Joyce & Douglas Baysinger
16
Linda & Lee Hausman-Pel
17
FEBRUARY 2018 Dor a & Dan iel Sof f ar Oper at in g Fu n d
On eg Spon sor
In honor of her birthday
In memory of Lawrence Newman
Ruth Brown
Nancy Bravman
In memory of Sarah Betesh Alan Selbst
In memory of Lawrence Newman Susie Stern
In memory of Mark Cypress Roberta Rosen In memory of Louis & Irmagard Dvoret Barbara Zach In memory of Nathan Selbst Alan Selbst In memory of Mel Zach Barbara Zach
Thank you toour January & February Oneg Sponsors Car ol Cooper in h on or of Ru t h Br ow n 93r d Bir t h day Su sie St er n & Nan cy Br avm an in m em or y of CBE m em ber Law r en ce New m an Alison Her n an dez in m em or y of h er m ot h er M ar ie Ron sh eim 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.
M ARCH YAHRZEITS M ar ch 3 / 16 Adar
M ar ch 13 / 26 Adar
M ar ch 27 / 11 Nissan
Jerry Abels
Sarah Devorkin
Lillian Mellman
Beverly Kraus
Israel Zack
M ar ch 29 / 13 Nissan
Mynn Levine
M ar ch 14 / 27 Adar
Foster R. Lowenthal
Don Thames
Bernard Kline
Samuel Panansky
M ar ch 4 / 17 Adar
M ar ch 17 / 1 Nissan
M ar ch 30 / 14 Nissan
David Robert Levin
Chalon Rodriguez
M ar ch 5 / 18 Adar
M ar ch 18 / 2 Nissan
Irvin M. Morgan
Pam Meyer
M ar ch 7 / 20 Adar
M ar ch 19 / 3 Nissan
Anneliese Liss
Selig Frank
Emanuel Rosenblatt
M ar ch 20 / 4 Nissan
M ar ch 8 / 21 Adar
Ronald Goldstein
Jean Pomerantz
M ar ch 21 / 5 Nissan
M ar ch 9 / 22 Adar
Edith Mullin
Emma Scheiner
M ar ch 22 / 6 Nissan
M ar ch 10 / 23 Adar
Dora Soffar
Marcel Cohen
M ar ch 23 / 7 Nissan
M ar ch 11 / 24 Adar
Isaac Krumholz
Jack Chasin
Max Must
Marilyn Corenblith
M ar ch 25 / 9 Nissan
Marcy Golden
Pauline Applebaum
Elizabeth Shear
M ar ch 26 / 10 Nissan
Larry Silverstein
Helen Finkelstein
Carol Starkschall
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 admin@betheltx.org.
May your dear one?s life be forever remembered as a blessing.
Easy Ways t o Raise Money for BETH EL AMAZON SMILE Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits. Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com. On your first visit to AmazonSmile smile.amazon.com, you need to select Fort Bend Jewish Congregation to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. AmazonSmile will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.
RANDALLS GOOD NEIGHBOR PROGRAM 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. Since the program began in the fall of 1996, Randalls/Tom Thumb has donated nearly $48 million to over 8000 participating organizations. 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.
KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS Kroger is committed to helping our communities grow and prosper. Year after year, local schools, churches and other nonprofit organizations will earn millions of dollars through Kroger Community Rewards. Kroger Community Rewards makes fund-raising easy..all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Plus Card! Con gr egat ion Bet h El #81752 - you can add CBE to your card online at k r oger .com .
chai from b et h el www.betheltx.org
admin@betheltx.org