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The Monthly Newsletter Understanding our Budget of Congregation Beth Torah In the spirit of the transparency that our Board of Trustees has shown
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this past year, our Treasurer, Mike Ginsberg, will be holding two sessions of: Understanding the Budget. Come and learn about our budget before you vote on it at our Annual Meeting on May 1st.
Sunday, April 24th from 10:30 a.m.-noon Wednesday, April 27th from 7:15-8:45 p.m. April 2016
Issue 299 Adar II/Nisan 5776
Spring Save the Dates! April 3rd Spring Session Concert April 29th From Matzah to Pastzah: Membership dinner after worship to end Passover together. May 1st Annual Meeting May 6th Hatikvah Sermon-in-Song May 22nd CloudBursT Poetry Reading May 28th Shabbat worship with Confirmation ceremony June 11th Erev Shavuot Picnic and outdoor worship June 17th Rabbi Shapiro’s Farewell and our Board of Trustees Installation June 18th A Night of Fiddler On the Roof/Jazz Infusion at Beth Torah with Dan Thomas Please remember to take photos at any event you attend, and email them to Sara.N.Glass@gmail.com for a chance to see them in the Tekiah!
Note about online Tekiah: When viewing the Tekiah online, you click through the pages using the left and right arrows to view the entire document. Slide the magnifying bar to make the pages bigger. Please contact sara.n.glass@gmail.com if you have any questions or problems.
Both sessions will take place in the library.
A Note from the Rabbi Rabbi Rick Shapiro Many years ago, right at this time of year, I watched the Cecil B. DeMille epic film “The Ten Commandments” with Lynn and my two sons, who were then seven and ten years old. As I tried to explain to my sons how DeMille had taken enormous liberties with the Biblical story, I realized how drastically the film’s point of view departed from that of Jewish tradition. Whether it was the anachronistic emphasis on the evils of slavery and the ideals of freedom and justice for all humankind, or the repeated use of Christian language and images, I was reminded of the constant attempts by those of many religious traditions to mold the narratives of the Torah to suit their own narrow purposes. What struck me most profoundly were two scenes in the film that directly contradict the Torah’s account of events, scenes that bear directly on this time of year and the world events of recent years. In the film, while Pharaoh, true to the Biblical text, consistently refuses to allow the Israelites to go free until confronted with the death of his own son, DeMille credits Pharaoh’s wife with the hardening of his heart, not God. He is obviously uncomfortable with the notion of a God who would willfully prolong a situation in order to punish someone, even someone who may have completely deserved it. And so he alters the tale to suit his own theology. Similarly disturbing is the narration of the tenth plague. According to Demille, it is not God who proclaims the killing of the first-born. It is Pharaoh himself who determines the nature of the final plague. In decreeing the killing of the first-born of Israel as punishment for the plagues, he seals the fate of the Egyptian first-born as his proclamation is turned back upon his own people. Once again the personal discomfort of the film maker causes him to alter the unequivocal theological intent of the Biblical text. Clearly Judaism understands that the tyranny of the unjust is real and all too often causes the suffering of others. It is also clear that, as Jews, we accept the notion, as contradictory as it may seem, that there are times when only the uncompromising application of justice can serve the ultimate goal of a world governed by compassion, a world where freedom and peace reign supreme. While it may pain us to confront a God who seemingly wants Pharaoh to be punished and who seems to be willing to take the lives of “innocent” people in order to make a point, we hear in the story the echo of the reality of all too many contemporary situations. Whether it is Iraq, Syria, (Continued on page 2)
Worship
Torah Portion & Haftarah
(Continued from page 1) Darfur, Afghanistan or any number of other troubled places on the globe, the innocent clearly suffer because of the tyranny of the few. What is also important, however, is to recall how we recite that story at our Passover Seder tables. First we recall the midrash that tells of God’s rebuke of the angels who were exulting at the drowning of the Egyptians at the Red Sea. Then, as we recite the litany of the Ten Plagues, we remove ten drops of wine from our cups to symbolize the fact that our own joy in freedom attained can never be complete as long as there is suffering anywhere in the world. While we acknowledge that suffering may, at times, be inevitable, we also acknowledge that ignoring the suffering of others, or worse still, rejoicing in it, is an abomination that cannot be tolerated if we are to merit the name B’nai B’rit – “Children of the Covenant.” In the final analysis, the historical Passover is the Festival of Freedom only for the Jews, and in order to achieve it, others had to suffer. Our challenge is to ensure that one day, our Festival will symbolize an end to suffering and a time of freedom for all people everywhere. Lynn joins me in wishing each of you a healthy, joy-filled and meaningful Pesach. -Rick
Special note regarding worship services April 22nd, 23rd, and 29th: * Friday night, April 22rd, is the first night of Seder. There will be a truncated Erev Shabbat worship service at Beth Torah (including Kaddish) at 5:30 p.m. * Shabbat morning, April 23rd, is the first day of Passover. Rabbis from both Beth Torah and B’nai Jehudah will lead a combined service here at Beth Torah at 10:30 a.m. Emily Tummons and Carmen Dieker will be welcoming to the bimah B’nai Jehudah Music Director Coleen Dieker, creating a blended worship team for this service. * Friday morning, April 29th is the last day of Passover. Rabbis from both congregations will again lead a combined service, including Yizkor, this time at B’nai Jehudah, at 10:30 a.m. Cantor Sharon Kohn will lead the music of this service, joined by Emily Tummons. (Note that no services will take place here at Beth Torah on Friday morning, April 29th.) * Friday night, April 29th, we will have regular Erev Shabbat worship with a nosh at 6:00 p.m. and worship at 6:30 p.m., followed by a special membership Pasta Dinner after worship.
Tekiah # 299 April 2016
Congregation Beth Torah (913) 498-2212 Fax: (913) 498-1071 Email: info@beth-torah.org Website: www.beth-torah.org
If you need to contact Rabbi Shapiro for a rabbinic emergency when the office is closed, he can be reached on his cell phone: 760-668-5806.
Officers President...................................................Linda Zappulla First Vice President…………………................Barry Katz Vice President………………………...........Bonnie Swade Vice President……………………..........…Elisa Waldman Secretary ........................................................ Matt Haun Treasurer ................................................. Mike Ginsberg Immediate Past President.......................... Michelle Cole Board of Trustees Jeff Altman Tom Cohen Todd Davisson Miki Herman Frank Sterneck
June Crane Mike Fine Bob Milgrim SueAnn Strom
BTTY President........................................... Sarah Shaw
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Staff Interim Rabbi........................ Rabbi Rick Shapiro, D.D. Founding Rabbi ................ Mark H. Levin, D.D., D.H.L. Music Director..................................... Emily Tummons Director of Operations ...............................Laura Intfen Director of Education ........................... Bridey Stangler Director of Finance ......................... Todd Janvrin, CPA Office Manager..................................... Robin O’ Bryan Administrative Assistant.........................Sharon Altman Administrative Assistant ............................... Cathy Nix Bookkeeper......................................................Barb Kitt Communications Associate ........................ Sara Glass BTTY Adviser: Zach Zwibelman JYG Adviser: Rachel Bolter © Congregation Beth Torah, Overland Park, KS
April 1/2 23 of Adar II Parashat Sh’mini Shabbat Parah Hannah Ginsberg Becomes a Bat Mitzvah “Give Thought to Keeping Kosher for Passover April 8/9 29 of Adar II Parashat Tazzria Shabbat HaChodesh 6th Graders Lead Shabbat Morning Worship “Listen to the Passover Strory and Discuss” April 15/16 8 of Nissan Parashat M’tzora Guest Speaker Mindy Corporon Shabbat HaGadol Abigail Hanson Becomes a Bat Mitzvah “Don’t Judge By Physical Appearance” April 22/23 15 of Nissan Parashat Chol HaMo-eid Pesach “Share the Passover Story and Seder Meal” April 29/30 22 of Nissan Parashat Archarei Mot I “Light a Memorial Candle for a Lost Ancestor”
In Memorium Mark Fasbinder Husband of Lauren Fasbinder Father of Graham Fasbinder and Morgan Fasbinder Brother of John Fasbinder and Paul Fasbinder Helen Shalinsky Mother of Linda Rubin Stanley Zeskind Husband of Shirley Zeskind Mark Shaw Son of Radine Shaw Brother of Rosanne Deutch Larry Krakow Husband of Susan Krakow Loved one of Roger and Ellen Sommi
President’s Corner
Linda Zappulla, Board President Linda.Zappulla@gmail.com
Dear Beth Torah friends, It’s truly Spring. This month, the first Spring Session celebrating Beth Torah and other local Jewish composers will take place. Rabbi Javier Cattapan will be house-hunting and attending our staff planning session for next year, and Passover is coming up. It’s an abundance of good things. Later in April you will receive your notification of the Annual Meeting on Sunday, May 1st. Included in your packet will be the meeting agenda, slate of nominees for the Board of Trustees, and the budget for the next fiscal year. For those members who want more time learning about the budget, Treasurer Mike Ginsberg will hold two budget workshops, on Sunday morning, April 24th, and Wednesday evening, April 27th. We hope to see many of you at the Annual Meeting, and encourage you to attend one of the budget workshops. I love the colors of Spring, the increasing warmth in the air, trees and flowers in bloom, people spending more time outdoors. At Beth Torah, we can take a deep breath and appreciate all that we have accomplished coming into Spring, and look forward with energy and enthusiasm to what will follow.
Linda Zappulla
Volunteer Coordinating Committee This month the Volunteer Coordinating Committee is excited to feature our Membership Committee. Led by SueAnn Strom and Scott Franklin, the committee has accomplished a great deal since they began meeting in October of 2014. They regularly deliver Welcome Baskets to all new members and they held their first-ever ceremonies to welcome new members at Erev Shabbat services in March and October of 2015. All new members now receive a Certificate of Membership. This past year they have stayed very busy planning special events to encourage new members to join and, according to co-chair SueAnn Strom, “...to retain our current members and encourage them to become life-long members.” These events included: August 2015 – Membership and Movie Night featuring a picnic with activities for all ages. Prospective members were matched with a congregant who provided a tour of Congregation Beth Torah. More than 100 were in attendance. December 2015 – The Hanukkah Dinner attracted more than 275 people. Everyone enjoyed a delicious Shabbat/Hanukkah dinner and stayed to play dreidel and visit. February 2016 – The committee planned Beth Torah’s first (with more to come) Super Bowl Party. The 100 participants enjoyed watching the game on big screen TVs, eating burgers and chili, munching on great snacks, and visiting with friends. There were also games, activities and free babysitting for the little ones. Mark your calendars for Friday, April 29th, when the committee will host a congregational Shabbat dinner “Matzah to Pastzah” to mark the conclusion of Passover. Pasta, pasta, pasta, and, of course, bread, sauces, meats and desserts and friends, fun, and great food will be served! The committee meets once a month. Members include: Gail Altman, Tom Cohen, Marie Difilippo, Todd Davisson, Jo Ann Harris, Chad Hardwick and Julie Kaplan. They would love more members to help deliver the New Member Baskets and/or help plan future events. Contact the co-chairs at SueAnn Strom (sueannstrom@gmail.com) or Scott Franklin (sfranklin8@att.net) to let them know you want to join this dynamic group.
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Caring Connection Team My experience with the Caring Connection Team – I have been an active member of the Caring Connection Team (CCT) since it first began in 2014. One of the reasons I enjoy serving on the CCT is the variety of ways I can help others - taking members to have therapy and blood tests, visiting a member with dementia and those recovering from surgery, visiting in the home or nursing facility, or taking people out for socialization. Everyone I’ve helped has been so appreciative of the CCT’s efforts. Many offer to repay us in ways big and small. To me, the greatest reward is knowing we have given someone a little peace of mind, a kindness that we would only wish for ourselves, should we be in their place. Having myself been on the receiving end of help after having major surgery, I’ve found that the smallest act of kindness can be overwhelming. It’s never forgotten. In recent months I’ve been helping a member with Alzheimer’s and his wife. They are both wonderful people who have thanked me in many ways. Both are highly educated and have given back to their communities all their lives. The few hours a week that I spend with this member provides his wife with the opportunity to enjoy her many interests - book club, bridge, tutoring, etc. Helping them makes me appreciate how fortunate I am to have a healthy spouse and the freedom to come and go as I please. If you’d like to join the Caring Connection Team or know someone who would benefit from a helping hand, please contact the Beth Torah office or Kelly Somberg, Caring Connection Team Leader at ksomberg@kc.rr.com or (913) 205-6411.
-Irene Goldstein
CREATE AN AWESOME DIY SEDER Whether you are leading or attending a Seder for your 1st or 40th time, this interactive community workshop led by area clergy will teach you unique ways to Do-It-Yourself! Learn new ideas that will add a little pep into this years’ Seder. Sunday, April 10 | 6:30pm-8:30pm Jewish Community Campus Social Hall
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Discuss Seder basics Create a Seder that reflects your values Share and exchange new and creative ideas Enhance your Seder experience with new songs and customs for all ages Make the Haggadah text more meaningful through personal reflections, writings, drawings, and other engaging activities, suitable for all ages Discover relevant questions to personalize the Passover Seder experience
This program is FREE of charge but advance registration is required by Monday, April 4th to receive a special Seder gift (one per family)! To REGISTER, send name and number of attendees to afprogram@aol.com or call 913-327-4622. Attendees will have an opportunity to enter their name into a special drawing to win a Passover Seder ‘Meal-to-Go’ for four! This program is sponsored by the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City and the Community Legacy Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City and supported by Congregations.
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Connections
Laura Intfen, Director of Operations lintfen@beth-torah.org
“No fraction of time…should slip through the fingers, left unexploited; for eternity may depend upon the brief moment. “ Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik It is April. Baseball season is under way, spring is here, Passover is here, Beth Torah has a new rabbi, and the long days seem to shed a light on it all. And while all of these blessings are wonderful miracles that are there for the experiencing, anyone who knows me knows what I am really excited about. Because for the 49 days that start with the second night of Passover, we count the Omer. While there is lots of information on the days between Passover and Shavuot and why we count them on the Internet, suffice it to say that counting days and making days count can become a very meaningful practice. Anticipation of receiving Torah is worth noting. Any way that you do it. Whether planning a vacation, anticipating a simcha, or even waiting for a new rabbi to come, preparation is needed. So here it is, Beth Torah Community; your preparation guide for welcoming our new rabbi. Together, let’s count these days, and let’s make these days count: The big picture: The Beth Torah staff is always here for you. There are new faces and familiar faces here but we are all ready to answer your questions whether they be about your billing statement, an upcoming life event or even ritual questions regarding holidays. Our front office will change a bit as Cathy Nix and her family move to Peru next month. We wish them well. But Robin O’Bryan and Sharon Altman will be here. Our finances will still be handled by Todd Janvrin and Barb Kitt and Ulises and Wolfgang will still be the smiling faces we rely on for our custodial needs. Me? I’ll be here, but you will find me under a new title. One thing that I learned throughout the rabbi search process is that my title confuses people, so as of April 1st, my new title is: Director of Operations. Still the same old me, and still the same job description, but new title. The pieces of the picture: Want to reach Rabbi Cattapan? Our lay leadership, transition team and staff are working with Rabbi Cattapan as our community prepares to welcome him and his husband to our congregation in July. As a gesture of respect for the time and work he needs to devote to his current congregation, we ask that Beth Torah congregants wait until after July 1st to reach out to him. We ask instead that you keep an eye on the CBT E-news, the Tekiah and our Website for the opportunities you will have to meet with him as we will be offering many, many small group meetings, coffees and other social gatherings so he can get to know us and we can get to know him. Thank you for understanding and for being patient. Rabbi Integration Team: Thank you to Karen Loggia for heading up the committee that will be integrating Rabbi Cattapan into our community. Be sure to be checking our CBT E-News, our Website and future Tekiah issues for more information on this. Staff Preparation: The entire staff will be meeting with Rabbi Cattapan face to face this month when he and Kris come in to look for housing. Our working relationship will be off and running months before the rabbi settles into his office. He will be familiar with our calendar, our personalities and how our office works. Lay Leadership; Rabbi Cattapan will be attending an all-day Board of Trustees retreat in June to get to know everyone on the board and to see how things get done around here. The dates to remember: May 1st June 17th July 1st
10:15 a.m. Beth Torah Annual Meeting 6:30 p.m. Rabbi Shapiro’s last Shabbat with us and our 2016-2017 Board of Trustees Installation Rabbi Cattapan’s first day in the office. Since it is the Friday of a three-day weekend and many of you will be traveling, he will not be on the bimah that Friday night or Shabbat morning but he will be here and ready to work.
Our community has worked hard to prepare for our future. Here it is, so close we can almost touch it. I am confident the days ahead will be wonderful, exciting days for us all. I’m counting on it. “Do not recall what happened before; do not dwell on the past. I am about to do something new; It shall flourish, you will see! I will forge a path through the desert, and rivers shall flow in the wilderness.” Isaiah 43:18-19
Join us for worship Friday night, April 15th, at 6:30 p.m. As part of the community Seven Days Event, Mindy Corporon will be speaking at Beth Torah during worship on: “Life: A Good Thing to Give.” Check out our Website for more information.
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Staying Connected Save the Date: Saturday night, June 18th, Kansas City Jazz legend Dan Thomas will be offering a special blend of Jazz and Fiddler on the Roof here at Beth Torah.
Look for more information coming soon.
Stay Connected at Beth Torah: Visit our website: www.beth-torah.org Follow us on Twitter: @BethTorah Join us on Facebook: Congregation Beth Torah or Email us at: info@beth-torah.org and we’ll send you the links!
SAVE THE DATE: Monday, August 15, 2016 CBT 13th Annual Golf Classic at Brookridge Golf & Fitness We are looking for Teams, Golfers and Sponsors. If interested please contact Sharon Altman @ saltman@beth-torah.org or 913.498.2212.
What celebrations do YOU have coming up at Beth torah?
Spread the Joy:
Sponsor a breakfast or some fancy shmancy creamers for our Sunday morning breakfasts. Purchase a leaf on our Tree of Life in the Ulam. Sponsor a Nosh for an Erev Shabbat Friday night worship. Contact the Beth Torah office to take an opportunity to spread the joy! www.beth-torah.org | Page 6
Adult Education & Special Programs Bringing Adult Education To You Discussion on the Writings of the Torah Join the community in discussion on Shabbat morning, 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. in the Library. Saturday Night at the Movies Join your community for an exploration of the Israeli feature films of the past 50+ years. Each film will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Beth Torah Ulam and be followed by a discussion led by Rabbi Shapiro. Join us on Saturday, April 9th, for a viewing of “Zero Motivation”. Ray Davidson Yiddish Circle If you haven’t yet visited the wonderful “Yiddish Circle for Learning” at Congregation Beth Torah, you’re missing a treat. Come to Beth Torah each Friday at noon until 1:30 p.m. Bring your lunch if you’d like. Stay-N-Play Board Games At Stay-N-Play following Services on Friday evening, April 29th, you can stay to play board games with our community. Bring your friends and any games you want to play or just come and learn some new games. Thank you to Stu Lewis and Andrea Zwibelman for stepping up to be the new coordinators of this growing group. Wisdom on Wednesdays To honor the memory of Rabbi Eugene Borowitz - Reform theologian, philosopher, author, and teacher - the Wisdom on Wednesday crew will be exploring some of his many writings. Join us any Wednesday at noon in the Bride’s Room for lunch and conversation; or from 12:30-1:30 p.m. for study and discussion. Lunch with the Rabbi Join Rabbi Shapiro this month for some lunch and some learning at our next Lunch with the Rabbi on Thursday, April 14th, 12:00-1:30 p.m. in the Library. Bring your own lunch or call the office at (913) 498-2212 to order a sandwich.
Sarah Shaw BTTY President 2015-2016 Hey guys! Only about two months left till summer break (yay)! Last month we went bowling at Pinstripes, which was so much fun, and the Purim Carnival was awesome, even if I did get pied in the face… Right at the beginning of April, we are having our last NFTY Missouri Valley Chavurah of the year in St Louis. Harry Potter-themed Winter Chavurah in Boulder, CO is going to be hard to beat, but I have no doubt it will be awesome. Soon after on the 17th, we are going to have a laser tag program for everyone in 8th-12th grade. We will meet at Congregation Beth Torah first for pizza and then drive over to Advanced Laser Tag (2026 East Santa Fe Street, Olathe, KS, 66062) to be playing three to five games. Drop off at Beth Torah will be 12:15 p.m. and pick up will be at Advanced Laser Tag at 3:15 p.m. Bring $10 (there will be change) to pay for pizza and Laser Tag. Hope to see you all there (: BTTY Prez Sarah Shaw
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Religious School
Bridey Stangler, Director of Education Bstangler@beth-torah.org
Reader beware: the second time in as many months, Bridey’s Tekiah article will warmly reminisce about her time as a keeper of chickens. But don’t worry: it’s relevant. When you hold in your hand an egg recently laid, depending on the weather and the timing, it is often still warm from the body of the hen and the potential inside. Without harping on about “which came first,” we can see plainly that the egg is not just about birth, but rebirth. Indeed, all birth is about rebirth: something new coming from something old (or older, anyway.) And so it is that the egg, with all its promise, finds an honored place on our seder table. It is a reminder that new things are always coming – just like Spring. Though Winter is long and dark and cold, Spring is always just behind it. And with it, a fresh beginning. Perhaps, like me, you leap into Spring with a renewed commitment to living fully. I invite you, in that case, to live fully in your community. Spring is coming to Beth Torah, and this year, what does that mean? Exciting preparations for a new rabbi, innovative programs like the musical Spring Session, and the groundwork for an invigorated Weiner Religious School in the fall of 2016. Consider this little egg and the questions warm inside: what will our curriculum look like? What themes will seize our youthful imaginations? What opportunities can we create for families to learn together? For months we have been mapping the way for a banner school year for the WRS and as we glide into Spring, it is you who will be asked to examine, question, imagine, and engage fully in our community of learners. This fall will begin the second year of school-inclusive membership dues, and we’ll be eagerly welcoming community members into our school. Enrollment for next year will begin on April 17th, and forms will be distributed no later than April 8th. Don’t forget to send your student to religious school on Sunday, April 3rd with a Jewish friend! WRS will have its best activities, songs, and snacks to show off, and we would love to welcome more faces into our sanctuary and classrooms. No RSVP necessary. With all the new programs, new people, new possibilities, our baskets are positively brimming with warm little eggs. We’re ready for the rebirth of our community. Are you? www.beth-torah.org | Page 8
April 2016 B’nai Mitzvah Bat MItzvah of Hannah Ginsberg
Hannah Ginsberg, daughter of Barbara and Michael Ginsberg, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at Shabbat worship on Saturday, April 2, 2016. Hannah is a seventh-grader at Aubrey Bend Middle School where she is a member of the cross-country and track teams, plays cello, and is active in theater. Hannah plays on two competitive soccer teams and loves Sporting KC! The congregation is invited to join Hannah and her family for worship and the Kiddush luncheon that follows.
Bat Mitzvah of Abigail Hanson
Abby Hanson, daughter of Jody and Ron Hanson, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at Shabbat Worship on Saturday, April 16th, at 10:30 a.m. Abby is a seventh grader at Prairie Trail Middle School where she plays the French horn in the band and is on the cheerleading squad. The congregation is invited to join Abby and her family for worship and the Kiddush luncheon that follows. Abby’s Bat Mitzvah project is a spare change drive for Harvesters Food Bank, so please consider bringing some spare change to donate.
Annual Yom HaShoah/Holocaust Memorial Commemoration to be held on May 1, 2016 The community-wide 2016/5776 Yom HaShoah/ Holocaust Memorial Commemoration will take place on Sunday, May 1st, at 1:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Campus at 5801 West 115th Street, Overland Park, Kansas. The commemoration will feature a moving candle lighting ceremony including Holocaust survivors, children of survivors, grandchildren of survivors, Jewish War Veterans, a youth from our community, and a representative of the entire Jewish community. Six candles will be lit in memory of the six million Jews who perished. The service also honors those who survived the Nazi genocide. This event is coordinated by the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education, Jewish Community Center, and Jewish Community Relations Bureau|American Jewish Committee. Local Jewish organizations are co-sponsors. The entire community is invited to attend at no charge.
Passover Food Drive
Hunger never takes a holiday. As we approach the season of Passover, there will be hundreds among us who will struggle to put food on the table let alone those special items to celebrate a Seder. More than 160 families will be helped through your participation in the Passover Food Drive. Beth Torah will be collecting Matzah Meal and Grape Juice. All packaged items should be labeled “kosher for Passover.” Drop off items at your congregation through April 15th. Monetary donations are also being accepted by check or online through the JFS site http://www. jfskc.org/; funds are used to purchase food items to include in the holiday food packages. By participating in the Passover Food Drive you are putting into action the traditional words of the Haggadah, “let all who are hungry come and eat.” There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available in connection with the Passover Holiday Food Drive. If you or someone you know wants to volunteer, please call (913) 730-1410 or Email volunteer@jfskc.org. www.beth-torah.org | Page 9
Programing From Matzah to Pastzah Beth Torah’s Membership Committee is happy to announce our next Shabbat Dinner
From Matzah to Pastzah on Friday, April 29, 2016 Immediately following Erev Shabbat Services, Kiddush, and Motzi Join us to “break” Pesach (yes, reform Jews celebrate 7 days!) with a scrumptious Pasta Bar, salad, bread, bread, and more bread, and of course, dessert! Ticket Prices: Adults (12 and older) $10 Families (kids under 12 and two adults living in the same household) $20 RSVP to the Beth Torah Office or Cathy Nix at cnix@beth-torah.org by Monday, April 18, 2016
CloudBursT Jewish Poetry Reading Would you like to read? We are inviting poets of all ages to sign up to read their original poems on Jewish themes on Sunday, May 22nd, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at CloudBursT, the first-ever Jewish Poetry Event held at Congregation Beth Torah in Overland Park. The event, to be held in a traditional coffeehouse format including refreshments, is open to everyone in the community. Poets may read two short original poems or one long original poem to ensure a wide and diverse experience for the audience. Poet and performance artist Sara Nicole Glass, also known by the pen name MissConception (www.themissconception.com), named the 2015 Best Poet in Kansas City by The Pitch, will kick off the event as featured guest poet. Community members of all ages and all faiths are invited to email martha@POUNCEmarketing.com by May 1st to sign up to read at CloudBursT. All forms of poetry are welcome, including traditional verse, free form, Haiku, sonnets, spoken word, and slam poetry. The only requirement is that each poem touch on a Jewish theme.
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The Gift Shop at Beth Torah Ma Nishtana! This phrase begins an important part of our story…..Why is this night different from all other nights? The four questions are traditionally asked by the youngest person at the table. Much of the Seder is designed to fulfill the biblical obligation to tell the story to one’s children. Passover is the time of year when we ask, “Why?” 1) Why should I buy a different item for Passover this year? Each year, as you prepare for Passover, adding a new item helps elaborate on your personal story. The gift shop has purchased a large variety of Seder plates, matzah boxes, afikomen bags, matzah covers and other ritual items. 2) Why should I purchase a different haggadah this year? A new Haggadah tells our story in a new and different way. A new Haggadah leads the Seder with a new inspiration. We carry a large variety of haggadot to make the Seder experience interesting for every age. 3) Why is a shopping trip to the gift shop different from shopping at other stores? This year our gift shop will be the only store in the area to carry “Barton’s” Candies. If you missed the deadline for preorders, we will still have Barton’s Candies for you (while supplies last). We also have a large variety of host gifts and prizes for the person who finds the Afikomen. The gift shop has wonderful Judaica and knowledgeable volunteers waiting to help you with ideas. 4) Why is shopping at the gift shop a different way to help our community? All the profits from the gift shop go to support the Beth Torah community and the surrounding community. In the month of January, a portion of our profits went toward the purchase of planting trees in Israel, a donation from the Beth Torah community. Another portion of our profits went to the lucky raffle winner’s choice of social justice project. Robin Hendrikse was the winner and her social justice project was Harvesters. We are proud to help support our community in many ways, thanks to you, our customers. Passover is the time of year when we gather with our friends and family to tell our story; the story of the Jewish people. It is a story of redemption. The story of Why? Over the generations, the Jewish people have asked different “why” questions. We honor all the “whys” and add to them our own questions. Remember, shopping at the gift shop is the place “where shopping turns into a mitzvah”. The Gift Shop Committee
Gift Shop Spring Hours are: Sunday 9:00 to 12:30 p.m. (during religious school), Monday 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday and Friday 10:00 a.m. to noon or by appointment: call Kelly at (913) 498-1474.
J Camp
J Camp at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City The Jewish Community Center has two summer day camp options. The Child Development Center (CDC) Camp provides activities for children 2 years to 5-years-old, and J Camp is open to youth entering 1st through 8th grade. The day camp sessions are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. from June 6th through August 5th. Extended care is available. Exciting summer activities include swimming, sports, drama, crafts, archery, tennis, field trips and special events. Barney Goodman Camp offers a variety of summer camp fun. Specialty camps include Sports, Theatre, Art, Dance, LEGO and Triathlon Camp. Youth do not have to be members of The J to attend, but we do have Member pricing and summer memberships. J Camp programming infuses Jewish values, the love of Israel and a sense of Jewish heritage in campers. In addition, the J Camp Shlichim (Israeli Emissaries) enrich the camp experience with Israeli cultural activities. Many of our staff were once campers at The J, so they understand the long-term impact of positive role models, fun activities and unbeatable Camp ruach (spirit). J Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association. Enrollment is underway and an 8% early enrollment discount is available through April 1st. Find out more and enroll online at www.JcampKC.org or call (913) 327-8079. Kelly Somberg J Camp Administrative Assistant - Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City
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Music Program
Emily Tummons, Music Director Emily@beth-torah.org
Mark your calendars now for our second annual Israel-themed musical event: the “Hatikvah Sermon-in-Song,” Friday, May 6th, at 6:30 p.m. You are invited to come along on a musical journey through the themes, history, and emotions surrounding three cherished Jewish holidays: Yom HaShoah: Holocaust Remembrance Day Yom HaZikaron: Memorial Day for Israeli Soldiers Yom HaAtzmaut: Israeli Independence Day These three “Yom” holidays are of a modern construction. They all celebrate or commemorate events that occurred during and after World War II, and they remind us of the sacrifice, struggle, and continued success of the Jewish people. These holidays do not derive from the Torah, but they have taken on special meaning for a people restored to that land after two thousand years. Our Beth Torah ensembles (Men’s Group, Women’s Group, Kids Choir, Adult Choir, etc.) and other musicians and narrators will come together to tell these stories. Would you like to sing with us? All ensembles will join together at the end to sing a magnificent rendition of “Hatikvah,” the Israeli national anthem, and several ensembles will sing one other song as well. The Men’s Group, Women’s Group, and Kids Choir meet seasonally on Sundays. The Adult Choir meets seasonally on Wednesday evenings. Contact me at emily@beth-torah.org if you’d like to sign up to sing in our Hatikvah Sermon-inSong season. This is the time to invite your friends and family. At our Hatikvah sermon-in-song, it is our hope that you will be moved and inspired by the beauty and the stories of Israel and her people. Am Yisrael Chai: The Jewish people live!
Make Music With Us
There are gateways galore for you to get involved in the Beth Torah music program. Call or email Emily if you play an instrument or like to sing: emily@beth-torah.org. Our Men’s Group, Women’s Group, and Kids Choir rehearse seasonally on Sunday mornings, and our Adult Choir, under the direction of Carmen Dieker, rehearses seasonally on Wednesday evenings. All are welcome. www.beth-torah.org | Page 12
New Moon Lab Gather with friends and family to make Havdalah, say the blessing of the new moon, learn, talk, contemplate, and sing.
Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Adar: Nisan: 12th March AprilNisan: 16th April 16th Iyar: Iyar: May 14th
May 14th
Congregation Beth Torah 6100 W. 127th Street Overland Park, Kansas
Email Emily Tummons (emily@beth-torah.org) for more details and to sign up. RSVPs are needed no later than the Monday before each event. Babysitting and snacks are provided. The session is just shy of one hour. Everybody is welcome. www.beth-torah.org
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Contributions Beth Torah General Fund
Rabbi Levin Discretionary Fund
Educating our Future Fund
In Memory Of:
In Memory Of:
In Memory Of:
Daniel Fried Breslau Arnold Shanberg Patsy Dunn Shanberg Joseph Weneck Rhonda & Mark Brown Boruch-Bension Kheyfets Oleg Kheyfets Harold Bram Alan Bram Mark Fasbinder Matthew & Gloria Elyachar Sharon & Jeff Altman Mark Shaw Bettye & Bernie Balkin Larry Krakow Matthew & Gloria Elyachar Sherry Seligson & Saul Gittomer
Alex Wacknov Donna Zavelo Muriel Shaffer Radine Shaw Deborah Dutton Harry Levitt Trueman Friend Trudy Jacobson Robert W. Murray Lynn E. Murray
CBT Fund for Families in Need In Memory Of:
In Honor Of:
Jeff Altman & Scott Franklin for Chairing CBT Blood Drive Scott Franklin for reStart Coordination Barry & Linda Katz Pola Greenwald’s Birthday Arlene Hart Betty Bikson
Rabbi Shapiro Discretionary Fund Ron & Jo Ann Ginson
Nadine Agron Karen Agron Flattery Sidney Kleg Susie & Jerry Klinock Jerry Seigel Sam Seigel Tina Shea David Gilman Lynn Murray Mark Fasbinder Jim & Kelly Kaplan Helen Shalinsky The Spizman family
Hunger Fund In Memory Of:
Morris Gorsky Harry Gorsky Doug Greenwald Federico Adler Maggie Adler Beatrice Faiman Morris & Lynne Faiman
In Memory Of:
Meyer W. “Mickey” Brown Todd & Emily Novicoff Jeanette Stark Harold & Rita Stark Meyer Kreitman Howard Stark Mark Fasbinder Daniel & Betsy Wilinsky
Joel H. Winston Social Justice Fund In Memory Of:
Helen Shalinsky Deb, Rachel, & Lindsay Gill Sharon & Jeff Altman The Lawless family John, Trudy, & Joseph Jacobson Mark Fasbinder Steve & Denise Ellenberg Marv & Eva Steiner
In Honor Of:
Meggin & Marty Emert for Hosting a Donor Recognition Event Quentin & Samantha Hammontree
Religious School Fund In Memory Of:
Helen Shalinsky Mark Fasbinder Steven & Rochelle Kohn
Choir Fund In Memory Of:
John Ernie Esser Glenn Esser Judy Kivett Jeff & Susan Kivett
Dr. Milton L. Tate Torah Fund In Honor Of:
Pola Greenwald’s 85th birthday Marcelle Kaiser
CBT Camp Scholarship Fund In Memory Of:
Teresa Estrada Barbara Gutierrez
Mark Fasbinder Boyd & Laura Bolter
Remember: you can make your donations easily on line in our Member’s Only section of www.beth-torah.org. And look for changes in this section this month as we add a special place for members to view By Laws, Policies and agendas and minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees.
Shabbat Sponsorships: April 2nd: Kiddush luncheon sponsored by Michael & Barbara Ginsberg in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Hannah Ginsberg. April 15th/16th: Friday night nosh and Shabbat morning Kiddush luncheon sponsored by Ron and Jody Hanson in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Abigail Hanson.
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Community Events Community Passover Workshop Offers Ways to Create an Awesome DIY Seder A community Passover Seder workshop will be offered on Sunday, April 10th, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Campus. Area clergy will share unique ways to Create an Awesome DIY Seder that will add a little pep into this year’s Seder experience. Whether you are leading a Seder, or attending one, this interactive workshop will offer opportunities to discuss and share: Seder basics, new and creative ideas, new songs and customs, relevant questions to ask that will personalize your Seder experience, and ways to make the Haggadah text more meaningful through personal reflections, writings, drawings and other engaging activities, suitable for all ages. This program is FREE of charge but advance registration is required by Monday, April 4th in order to receive a special Seder gift (one per family)! To register, send name and phone number of those planning to attend to: afprogram@aol.com or call (913) 327-4622. Those in attendance will have the chance to enter their name into a special drawing to win a Passover Seder ‘Meal-to-Go’ for four. Melton -- Bereshit I - From Adam to Abraham: The First 20 Generations This ten-lesson course is from the renowned Melton Scholars Curriculum. It will be taught at Village Shalom, using traditional texts, historical documents, interactive discussion, and engaging insights from Rabbi David Glickman. Feel free to pick up lunch from Rachel’s Café or bring your own dairy sack lunch. This class explores the stories that take us from the universal creation of the world, to themes of family and faith, honor and dishonor, passion and power which provide a rich exploration of our people and ourselves. Date: March 17June 2, 2016 (10 sessions) 1:00-2:30 p.m. at Village Shalom, 5500 W. 123rd Street, Leawood, KS 66209. Tuition: Thanks to the generosity of Congregation Beth Shalom, this course is offered at a special rate of $150/student + materials for the first 15 students enrolled. Limited scholarships available. A collaboration of Congregation Beth Shalom, Melton@HBHA, and Village Shalom. Register at www. events.org/MeltonKansasCity, or contact Melton Director, Annie Glickman, with questions at aglickman@meltonschool.org. The Melton School in Kansas City receives funding from Menorah Legacy Foundation, Jewish Heritage Foundations and the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City-Circle of Chai Group. The Melton School is also generously supported by Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, along with consortium partners Congregation BIAV, Congregation Beth Shalom, Village Shalom and a number of individual donors who have pledged to support Melton at HBHA. The Melton School is a department of HBHA. PESACH TEFILAT SHALOM - Spiritual Care Gathering April 7th The Jewish Community Pesach Tefilat Shalom: A Spiritual Care Gathering will take place Thursday, April 7th. The service, under the auspices of the Jewish Community Chaplaincy program at Jewish Family Services, will take place at Village Shalom, 5500 W. 123rd St., in Overland Park. The service begins at 6:30 p.m. It is open to the entire community regardless of one’s level of observance. Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick, Jewish Community Chaplain, will facilitate the service with co-facilitators Emily Tummons, Music Director of Congregation Beth Torah, and song leader Lezlie Zucker. This service of spiritual wellness, care, and renewal features both traditional prayer and contemporary inspirational readings and music which are meaningful for every stage of life. A light nosh will be served at 6:00 p.m., with refreshments at the conclusion of the service. Please make reservations for the healing service by calling JFS’ office at (913) 327-8250 or sending an email to healing@jfskc.org. For more information, contact healing@jfskc.org. Grief Support Available Jewish Family Services hosts a Grief and Loss Support Group that meets the first and third Wednesday each month, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. at Village Shalom. The support group is for individuals grieving from the death of a spousal partner or significant other. The group, which is free, provides the opportunity to address issues of loss and grief within a Jewish spiritual context in a warm and confidential environment. The group is co-facilitated by Rabbi Mark Levin and Roger Goldblatt, a licensed clinical social worker. To register for this support group or for more information, please contact Goldblatt at (913) 730-1422 or rgoldblatt@jfskc.org. One Call to Volunteer Jewish Family Services has centralized its volunteer opportunities! JFS recruits new volunteers throughout the year – and we want you to sign up. YOU can make a difference in someone’s life by volunteering as little as once a month. All you need to do is send an Email to volunteer@jfskc.org or call (913) 730-1410. JFS has numerous volunteer opportunities in its various programs and services including older adult programs like JET Express and Help@Home, the food pantry and holiday projects. Give just a little and get so much in return. LINK: http://www.jfskc.org/volunteer/ WANTED: Drivers for JET Express A program of Jewish Family Services, JET Express provides rides for older adults who no longer drive, taking them to the places they need to go. Whether it’s to the doctor’s office, shopping, to synagogue or church, or to meet a group of friends for a social outing, JET Express is helping older adults stay independent longer, and the volunteers who help them feel like they make a difference in someone’s life. Because of increased demand, JET Express is looking for new volunteer drivers. Becoming a volunteer is convenient, flexible and rewarding. Volunteer drivers choose when, where and who they drive. Volunteer drivers choose how often they want to provide rides, whether it’s once a month or every week. Volunteer requirements are minimal: you must be 21, have your own vehicle to drive and hold a valid driver’s license and have current auto insurance coverage. Drivers participate in a short training before they begin driving. If you’re interested in volunteering for JET Express, please call (913) 730-1410. http://www.jfskc.org/recruiting-drivers-for-jet-express/
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Erev Purim 2016: The Joy of Beatlemania at CBT
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New this year…
Passover Seder “Meals-to-Go” Are you strapped for time due to job and family demands? Would you rather someone else prepare your Seder Meal? Feeding friends and family does not need to be as difficult as parting the Red Sea! If you're thinking takeout, you're not alone.
We can save you the time and stress! Order a “Seder Meal-to-Go” and Serve a delicious Passover meal Kosher-for-Passover Seder food will be prepared by Kosher Connection under supervision of the Vaad Hakashrut of Kansas City
All prepaid orders for Passover must be Received by: Thursday, March 31 Pay by credit card via www.kcrabbis.org
OR
Checks Payable to: Rabbinical Association th, Mail to: Rabbinical Association, 5801 W. 115 Box 113, Overland Park, KS 66211
**Food must be picked up Friday, April 22, between Noon and 2:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom (14200 Lamar) Use Kitchen Entrance (located at the very end of the driveway—past the bricked in storage for the trash container; most northern area of the parking lot) Items will be packed in containers suitable for warming in the oven; transfer microwaveable items to a microwave safe container before heating. Simple and clear heating instructions will be included. For questions or to inquire about confidential financial assistance, contact Annette Fish, Administrator/Program Director, Rabbinical Association by email, afprogram@aol.com or call 913-327-4622. Sponsored by the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City and the Community Legacy Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City and supported by Congregations
Have a happy and healthy Passover! www.beth-torah.org | Page 17 SEE ORDER FORM ON REVERSE SIDE
Click here to see the April Calendar on our website: www.beth-torah.org
Beth Torah members supporting one another through life’s health care challenges.
To make a referral or to volunteer, contact: Beth Torah (913) 498-2212 or Email: caringconnectionteam@beth-torah.org
Save the date for our “Spring Session,” a concert featuring 100% local, organic, original Jewish songs, all homegrown right here in Kansas City:
Sunday, April 3rd, 2:30 p.m.
Did you know that Beth Torah has songwriters sprouting up right and left? About a dozen CBT-ers will be performing their own works or the works of their friends at this spring concert. They are excited to share their creations with you all. We are also welcoming to the stage several rabbis, hazzans, and other stellar musicians from our sister congregations: Ohev Sholom, Kehilath Israel, Beth Shalom, B’nai Jehudah, Kol Ami, and more. We are excited to offer all these musicians a spotlight for their compositions and talent. Beth Torah’s ensembles will also be showcased, including the Men’s Group, the Young Adult Group, the Adult Choir, the Women’s Group, and others. For the concert, there is a small suggested donation of $5-10, to help offset the costs of producing the event. You can make a difference. Come out and support your local Jewish songwriters, because their survival and growth as composers are in your hands.
Here are two photos of recent rehearsals preparing for the Spring Session on April 3rd. At this concert, the Men’s Group (pictured left) will be performing Carmen Dieker’s original song, “When Peace Will Reign Supreme,” a new musical setting for the text based on the final writings of Yitzchak Rabin. The Women’s Group (pictured right) will be performing Emily Tummons’ original song, “Od www.beth-torah.org | Page 18Yishama,” a new musical setting of Jeremiah 33:10-11.