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The Monthly Newsletter of Congregation Beth Torah
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There is a tradition of lay leadership for worship here at Beth Torah. If you would like to be a part of this tradition then plan on attending the: Lay Leaders Worship Training with Rabbi Shapiro Sunday, January 10th, 10:30 a.m. in the Bride’s Room
January 2016
Issue 296 Tevet/Shevat 5776
Shabbat Shirah! Friday January 22nd 6:30 p.m. We’ll bring out a Torah scroll with great fanfare, chant the Song of the Sea, be energized by a 40-member Women’s Group singing “Miriam’s Song”, and celebrate the redemption of our people from slavery. Timbrels welcome!
SAVE THE DATE!!!
Join your Beth Torah Community for SUPER BOWL “CHILI” PARTY 2016 Sunday, February 7th, 5:00 p.m. Details coming soon.
Note about online Tekiah: When viewing the Tekiah online, you click through the pages using the left and right arrows to view the entire documenty. Slide the magnifying bar to make the pages bigger. Please contact sara.n.glass@gmail.com if you have any questions or problems.
A Note from the Rabbi Rabbi Rick Shapiro Since the election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States, race relations and the persistent racial prejudice in our society have frequently been the subject of our attention. Whether it is the high profile incidents like those in Ferguson, New York and Charleston last year, or the thousands of other incidents involving deaths of black men at the hands of police or general acts of racial discrimination that go unnoticed every year, racial bigotry and prejudice in our society simply cannot be ignored. Before I continue – let me be clear: this article is not about law enforcement. Yes, policies in the areas of profiling and the use of deadly force need to be constantly reviewed, but I believe that the overwhelming majority of our law enforcement officers do an outstanding job of protecting us. It is only a few who commit these crimes, and sadly, all too often it is only they who show up in the headlines. But this issue is not primarily one of law enforcement – it is an issue that seems to be part of the very fabric of our society. Civil rights and the fight for equality remain an important issue in the United States today. One prominent example – sadly, just the tip of the proverbial iceberg – is voting rights. During recent election seasons, we have continued to see efforts to disenfranchise groups of voters. For example, in 2004 many voting precincts in lowincome and minority areas of Ohio were suspiciously understaffed and had fewer voting machines than higher-income precincts. Long lines created frustrated voters who left the precinct before casting their vote. The same year in Florida, it was revealed that a list of supposedly ineligible voters included black, but not Hispanic voters, and that many of the people on the list actually should have been eligible to vote. And here in Kansas, the attempts by Secretary of State Kobach to purge voter roles and otherwise restrict those who can vote continues to be an issue. In recent years more and more states are enacting voter identification laws which, although they may seem reasonable at first glance, upon close examination it becomes clear that they disproportionately disenfranchise minorities and the poor. A New York Times/CBS News poll conducted last July reveals that nearly six in ten Americans, including heavy majorities of both whites and blacks, think race relations are generally bad, and that nearly four in ten think the situation is getting worse. By comparison, two-thirds of Americans surveyed shortly after President Obama (Continued on page 2)
Worship
Torah Portion & Haftarah
(Continued from page 1) took office said they believed that race relations were generally good. Unfortunately, it seems that far too many of us mistakenly believed that President Obama’s election signaled a new era in race relations, and that the problems we had experienced in past decades were largely behind us. Events in recent years have taught us otherwise. This is all complicated by the fact that while only 37 percent of those polled said they thought race relations were generally good in the United States, more than twice that number – 77 percent – thought they were good in their communities. Similarly, only a third thought that most people were comfortable discussing race with someone of another race, but nearly three-quarters said they were comfortable doing so themselves. It seems that far too few of us are willing to accept responsibility for this fundamental injustice. In other words, the refrain heard far too often is: “It’s someone else’s problem!” Systemic racism is very real, and very much a part of all of our lives. This past October I had the privilege of accompanying our Confirmation Class on a whirlwind “Civil Rights Journey” through Alabama. We visited Selma, Birmingham and Montgomery, and stood on the ground where so many of the civil rights events of past decades took place. I was moved by the stories we heard, particularly that of Joanne Bland, a woman who, as a 10-year-old child, was on the Edmund Pettis Bridge on the morning of March 7, 1965, a day which has become known as “Bloody Sunday.” During the experience I was reminded of the passage in rabbinic literature: “It is not your obligation to complete the task, but neither are you free to desist from it altogether (Pirke Avot 2:21).” I have been negligent myself in this fight in recent years, assuming, like many, that the worst was behind us. My experience has now rekindled within me the motivation to rejoin the struggle for racial justice in America. This year the Shabbat which falls on Martin Luther King weekend as been designated as “Shabbat Tzedek – A Shabbat of Justice” by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, an acknowledgment of the continuing importance of addressing the issue of racial justice. We will honor Dr. King and his legacy through our worship on Friday evening, January 15. Additionally, there will be a Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Service on Sunday, January 10 at 3:30 pm at the Pedro Arrupe, S.J. Hall of Rockhurst University in KCMO, co-sponsored by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Jewish Community Relations Bureau / American Jewish Committee. The Jewish community had a unique and special relationship with Dr. King, and both of these services will be an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to his dream – a color-blind society that is both compassionate and racially just. I hope that you will join me at one or both of these services as we renew our pursuit of racial justice and equal opportunity in American life.
Tekiah # 296, January 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 Community Connections...........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
January 1/2 21 of Tevet Parashat Sh’mot “Are you Enslaved or Free” January 8/9 28 of Tevet Parashat Va’era “Make a Plan to Help Others Gain Freedom” January 15/16 6 of Shevat Parashat Bo “Act as though You’re the Only Jew Left” January 22/23 Shabbat Shira 13 of Shevat Parashat B’shalach “Plant a Tree” January 29/30 20 of Shevat Parashat Yitro “Be Aware of the Miracles Around You”
Mazel Tov To: Bobby Young on his conversion to Judaism Ashley Woolf on her conversion to Judaism
In Memorium Ann Belmont Mother of Nini Rosenstock Gabriel Michael Hellman Father of Dr. Richard Hellman David Goldstein Husband of Mary Ann Goldstein
President’s Corner
Linda Zappulla, Board President Linda.Zappulla@gmail.com
My best wishes to all for a peaceful, healthy and happy New Year. We have so much to look forward to. • In 2016 Beth Torah will have a new rabbi. • Ever enhancing music. • Increasing energy and fellowship. • Re-energized religious school. And we have so much to be thankful for. • Staff, faculty and leadership who care about this congregation, and who work hard to build its strengths, and support its members. • A beautiful building which has served our needs as they have evolved over the years. It took all our public spaces, but we gracefully hosted Chanukah dinner for 280 people! • The Rabbi Search Committee, which has held numerous meetings, Skype and in-person interviews, reference checks, congregational sessions and ferrying of candidates, to ensure we find the right new rabbi for Beth Torah. • Newly formed committees to support volunteers, and to help form or strengthen Chavurot. • New members with small children. It fills my heart,
Linda Zappulla Volunteer Coordinating Committee
The Volunteer Coordinating Committee will be highlighting one Congregation Beth Torah Committee in each month’s Tekiah. We are proud of the fact that we have so many volunteers dedicating their time and efforts to create a better Congregation Beth Torah and a better world! Under the direction of Chairperson, Teresa Hellman, Congregation Beth Torah packs and delivers 80 Back Snacks to a Shawnee Mission elementary school each week. Our TAG students take turns packing the food each Wednesday evening and congregation members deliver them on Thursday mornings. The nutritious, child-friendly food for school children to take home over the weekend is provided by Harvesters. More than 100,000 children in the Greater Kansas City area receive free or reduced-price school meets during the week, and many of those are at risk of hunger on weekend. In addition to packing and delivering the food, Fran and Whitey Kuhn provided a rolling cart to the school which receives our back snacks. This makes it easier for both our volunteers and the school personnel. What a wonderful, well-need donation. Back Snack volunteers include Herb & Sue Crane, Margie & Jeff Cooper, Sarah Derks, Sandi Fried, Rick Hellman, Robin Hendrikse, Linda Katz, Denise & Jerry Pakula, Edis Parkins, Lynn Shapiro, Debbie Smith, Alan & Jenny Stempleman, Eva Steiner and Terry Wohlner. Jill Fine is the liaison between the committee and the Nationally Accredited Weiner Religious School. We are all proud of these volunteers who do their part to help ensure no child goes hungry.
Giving Tuesday
(Educating Our Future Fund) Thank you to everyone who participated in our first ever Giving Tuesday Campaign. We appreciate your support!
Brandi Fisher & Greg Raymond Kevin & Karen Agron Flattery Sandy & Ed Fried Michele & Ilya Frumkin Amy & Keith Gates Michael & Barbara Ginsberg The Hammontree Family Matt & Shanna Haun Lloyd & Judy Hellman Rick & Teresa Hellman Gregg & Miki Herman Tim & Laura Intfen Barry & Linda Katz Bruce, Eileen & Emily Kershenbaum Donna & Joel Krichiver Gail & Richard Lozoff Eric & Shanny Morgenstern Issy & Lesly Ozar Marcia & Larry Rittmaster Janice & Mark Schonwetter Ann Shepherd Dan & Kelly Somberg Drew & Genna Stowe SueAnn Strom Mickey & Bonnie Swade Valery & Susan Tokar Marc & Linda Turner Larry & Joni Weiner Bob & Cathy Wylan Linda Zappulla www.beth-torah.org | Page 3
Connections
Laura Intfen, Director of Community Connections lintfen@beth-torah.org
Shot clock basketball play or an evacuation plan? “Five guys on a court working together can achieve more than five talented individuals who come and go as individuals.” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar When watching a team sport, it can be seen immediately if communication is going on, or if showboating is going on. When a team works together, good things happen. So who is on our team? Beth Torah’s team? Well, when it comes to safety and security, the entire Kansas City Metropolitan Jewish population. The other synagogues, Menorah Hospital, Village Shalom, the Jewish Community Campus all work together. There is actually a team of security personnel that visit the synagogues regularly and communicate with us just about constantly. When any of the synagogues, or Jewish facilities in town experience a safety and/or security matter, our communication plan goes into action and we are all notified. Did you know that our Community Security Team sends me emails any time there is a security event that has occurred to any of the Jewish facilities in town? An event can be someone taking pictures of a facility or a planned picket line scheduled on a sidewalk near our property by a registered religious or political organization. Twice in the past couple of months I have had congregants come up to me and ask me about people they have noticed in our ulam that they had not seen before and that seemed uncomfortable in our building. In both cases, I knew who the people were and they posed no threat, but I appreciate the congregants who stepped forward to bring these people to my attention. Even with our fob system, there is a chance that someone might get in who doesn’t belong here, and if you see someone you don’t think looks comfortable, alert me, alert Rabbi Shapiro, or any other staff member who is here. If you see someone you don’t know wearing a coat and it is 90 degrees out, let me know. As much as we all want to be engaged with prayer 100% of our time here, if you have a moment where your mind is wandering, use that moment to take a look around. Notice your environment. Please know that if you hear something has gone on in another congregation, or any other Jewish facility, I want to know that also. Chances are that the Jewish Community Security Team has kicked into gear and I have been notified, but it is always good to hear that you are looking out for us also. Do you feel like you just don’t know what to look for? The Jewish Community Security Team is offering us a training session for our door volunteers so that we might be more equipped to spot something amiss and immediately go into “see something, say something”mode. Check your upcoming CBT E News to see when this class will be offered. Speaking of our fobs, the first week in January our fob reader will be fixed. I apologize for the issues that you have been having. If you still have not picked up your fob, we have it ready for you in the office. The safety and security of our community rest squarely on all of our shoulders. I am continuously learning about happenings in the community and frequently participate in community meetings and national webinars regarding the safety and security and emergency procedures recommended to religious institutions. Our Security Committee Chair Person Bob Milgrim is also learning and participating in these meetings. Security is a team activity. We are counting on you to be team players.
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 4
Kinnor Concert at Beth Torah
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Adult Education & Special Programs Bringing Adult Education 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. Jewish Book Club Contact Rabbi Shapiro to be a part of our Jewish Literature discussion group. On Monday, January 25th, at 7:00 p.m., we will discuss: Between Friends by Amos Oz. 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, January 16th, for a viewing of “A Borrowed Identity”. 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, January 15th, 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 The Wisdom on Wednesday crew is exploring Second Temple Judaism. As our interests crystalize, our source texts may include the four books of Maccabees; information reflecting the growth of synagogues and the development of sects in the Jewish community; some writings of the historian, Josephus; sections of the Talmud talking about relations with Roman soldiers and emperors; perhaps even some background about the Jewish Jesus. We eat and schmooze every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m., then read and discuss from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Drop by the Bride’s Room and join us. You’re always welcome! Lunch with the Rabbi -- Politics on the Pulpit: Anathema or Moral Mandate? Join Rabbi Shapiro this month for some lunch and some learning at our next Lunch with the Rabbi on Thursday, January 21st, 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 Hi guys. The school year is half way over! (Yay) The JFS scavenger hunt was AWESOME, we raised about 90 items for the food pantry. Coming up on January 15th-18th is Winter Chavurah, in Boulder, Colorado. On January 23rd BTTY is going to ReStart to help prepare meals. Then there will be another event to give back to the community on the 30th. I really hope to see as many teens as possible at these events, they are looking to be a lot of fun. BTTY President Sarah Shaw
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Religious School
Bridey Stangler, Director of Education Bstangler@beth-torah.org
At the end of this semester, we thank our teachers for their time, compassion, and old-fashioned elbow grease. These are some hard workers, folks, filling in the precious free time with class preparation. YAEC honored our teachers with a beautiful luncheon in mid-December. Thank you to Michelle Frumkin, for organizing a lovely meal. Each teacher and madrich also received a small gift of candy or a cute (and sensible!) bag. But there’s no tote bag big enough to hold the appreciation of a grateful congregation. Humor me this laundry list of attributes – they define the teachers who shape the Judaism of our youth. Baruch HaShem, blessed is God, who inspires, refreshes, and keeps safe our teachers – the stewards of be’er mayim hayim, the ever-sustaining well of Torah. I am fortunate to have the friendship and guidance of Marcia Rittmaster – and so are our students. Marcia has brought representatives from seven other faiths to share differing world-views with 9th and 10th graders on Wednesday nights. Together with Laura Gilman (who brings her own unstoppable energy and positivity) Marcia also works with the young women of Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing every month. Other students have gotten their hands covered in paint, plaster, and clay in Rachel Goldman’s Prayer Through Art class on Wednesday nights. In these first few months of the year, 7th and 8th graders explored Jewish prayers in a whole new way: through the eyes (and hands) of an artist. Rabbi Linda Steigman, meanwhile, puts to good use her background in social work and her expertise in Jewish texts. Acts of Torah students used the experiences of our biblical ancestors to learn healthy ways to cope with stress, bullying, peer pressure, and more. Our teachers specialize, it seems, in teaching a living, breathing Judaism that affects us each and every day. Fair trade chocolates and games about tithing laws are proof of that. Only Denise Ellenberg could make tithing so fun, and each week, Denise helps her 4th and 5th graders (and her 7th & 8th graders!) not just understand Judaism, but see the world as a Jewish entity. This is what all of our teachers bring to the classroom – an embrace of Judaism as more than laws and ritual. Elaine Tobias, who has taught the 6th grade for years, has evolved each and every year to help this notoriously challenging age group appreciate the role they play in the Jewish fabric. Elaine asks her students to see themselves in the wisdom of the Prophets or the poetry of the Shabbat morning service. And who brings the Hebrew of those sages and prayers to life? Rachel Bolter, specialist in Hebrew Through Movement. She gets the kids up and moving, playing and laughing to the sounds of modern Hebrew. Look out for changes coming to Hebrew Through Movement in mid-January! Rachel’s got ideas, and we’re ready to make our move. Even more precious than the wisdom and perspective of experience, Diana Hurst brings to the classroom a heartfelt concern for the growth, joy, and wellbeing of every child. Because of her efforts, and those of her partner Zach Zwibelman, the 2nd and 3rd graders are learning about the patterns of Jewish time in a way that fosters family tradition and identity. In and out of the classroom, Zach is generous with his time. His warmth and energy spreads to the choir, various congregational committees, and youth group, which he advises. When you walk into the Kindergarten and 1st Grade room of Stephanie Kolb and Sanam Millerlile , you enter a veritable candy land of Judaism – complete with lollipops hanging from ceilings. With patience and enthusiasm, Stephanie and Sanam make our tradition into something at once magical and accessible. Because that is, after all, what it’s all about: maintaining that spark of holiness in the things we do each day. Eva Steiner, with her exuberant creativity, and Sheila Ginsberg, who is ever patient and kind, introduce our Pre-Kindergarten children simple ways to express their Judaism through our daily and weekly rituals: hand-washing, wearing kippot, and blessing candles. Now that we have Pre-K classes every week, there is so much more time to learn and explore, and Sheila and Eva have filled every minute. These teachers bring such a joy for Jewish life into the walls of the Weiner Religious School, but we would be incomplete without the sounds and colors provided by our enrichment specialists. Whether with choir practice in a different classroom, or by visiting classrooms to teach special songs, Emily Tummons fills the hallways with music. Though Mackenzie Haun will not be able to join us next semester, she will be coming back for frequent visits (we hope!) to the students she had in Music Chug. Norine Rosenblum, with her pink hair and gloriously toppling towers of art supplies, brings to life the lessons and values of our faith. Look for the projects on our walls in January: the Fall Art Chug has a trove of treasures to display, and we’re proud to call our school their gallery. I know that this is all a little schmaltzy. The sheer number of adjectives I have used in this article could fill a tote bag of its own, but really and truly: we are very fortunate to have the teachers of the Weiner Religious School. Baruch HaShem, blessed is God, who inspires, refreshes, and keeps safe our teachers – the stewards of be’er mayim hayim, the eversustaining well of Torah.
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The Gift Shop at Beth Torah The Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah is Ready for Winter! As the glow of the Hanukkah lights remains in your heart, the Gift Shop wishes to thank all of our patrons for shopping with us! A special Mazel Tov to all who that participated in the “Sermon in Song” on December 11th. It is always fun to see old and new friends come together for a special night. January is another opportunity for us to come together for community service. The Gift Shop offers two opportunities to participate in social justice projects both in Israel and in our Beth Torah community. First, Tu B’Shevat or the “New Year of the Trees” is Jewish Arbor Day. The holiday is observed on the fifteenth (tu) of Sh’vat (which is January 25th this year). Scholars believe that Tu B’Shevat was originally an agricultural festival, marking the emergence of spring. Today, Tu B’Shevat has also become a tree planting festival in Israel, in which both Israelis and Jews around the world plant trees in honor of or in memory of a loved one, friend or special occasion. The Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah will be selling “Plant a Tree in Israel.” If you wish to plant a tree, come into the shop or call us. You will need to have the name of the person or special occasion and the address of the person to be notified of your donation. Second, the Gift Shop would like to honor our patrons’ favorite social justice projects. During the month of January, anyone who makes a purchase of $18 or more can register their favorite social justice project in our drawing. On February 1st, the lucky patron’s social justice project will be drawn. A donation will be made to that social justice project in honor of the Beth Torah Community and the patron who suggested them. Finally, The Gift Shop would value any suggestions or ideas to help improve the shop. Our customers are the reason we can make donations. Our motto is “where shopping turns into a mitzvah!” We look forward to seeing you in the Gift Shop. Shalom, Kelly Kaplan
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Gift Shop Winter 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.
Music Program
Emily Tummons, Music Director Emily@beth-torah.org
Rav Kook refers to our souls as though they are candles. Every soul is a flame of God. At Beth Torah, we should all look at ourselves this way. When two candles are held very close together, their flames actually start to lean toward each other, becoming one fire. Our hearts can be transformed in this way too, and nourished, if we just get together. The Men’s Group has been making holy fire in this way, during the Hanukkah season. They rehearsed 6 times, preparing to sing Maoz Tzur and a couple of other songs at the Hanukkah sermon-in-song on December 11th. From the moment they walked in the door at the first rehearsal, you could tell that they instinctively knew our unspoken mission. Many had never sung with a group before, but they all sang with robust abandon, and the sound they generated was phenomenal. On November 22nd we were so lucky to invite Dan Nichols to help facilitate our rehearsal. You can see our photo with him on this page. Since we were planning to sing the “Hinei Mah Tov” that he wrote at the sermon-in-song, it was a real treat to have Dan himself lead us in that song. In addition, he gave us many fine pointers and bits of guidance about how to improve the way that we were singing Rock of Ages, the special song of the Men’s Group. The attendance rate at all of the Men’s Group rehearsals was well above what I think of as the average attendance rate for lay volunteer singers in any religious community. Their energy was so high with warmth and camaraderie. Carmen and I had a front-row seat to an explosion of high morale, of fun, of not taking ourselves too seriously, and in that process actually accomplishing some very serious work ... of lifting each other up, making new friends, laughing, and sensing the unifying pleasure of smashingly good human singing. To the 40 men in the Men’s Group, thank you for making holy fire. Thank you for letting is spread across the congregation. I look forward to our next project!
Make Music With Us
There are gateways galore for you to get involved in the CBT music program. Play an instrument? Like to sing? Give Emily Tummons a call, or email her at Emily@beth-torah.org. Our Kids Choir is open to children in Kindergarten through age 13, and we rehearse seasonally on Sunday mornings during religious school. Our Adult Choir, directed by Carmen Dieker, rehearses seasonally on Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m. www.beth-torah.org | Page 9
Contributions Beth Torah General Fund In Memory Of:
Nancy Weneck Shirley Weneck Rhonda & Mark Brown & Family Joseph L. Cohen Joel & Donna Krichiver Olga Mintskovsky Felix Mintskovsky Ann Belmont Joel & Donna Krichiver Joseph Gutovitz Allen & Gail Gutovitz Maurice Jerwick Sharon & Scott Jerwick Gabriel Michael Hellman Richard & Julie Hellman
Howard Agron Karen Agron Flattery David Difilippo Allison Roodman Bernard Zipper Ron Zipper Gloria Bernstein Craig & Lana Wolff
Hunger Fund In Memory Of:
David Difilippo Jeffrey Blum Henri Goettel Ann Belmont Susan & Joel Waxman Brad & Barbara Warady Sam R. Price Susan & Bob Flappan Jeanette Salz Maureen & Sandy Salz
In Honor Of:
Joel H. Winston Social Justice Fund In Memory Of: Neil Meltzer L’chaim Havurah
CBT Camp Scholarship Fund In Memory Of:
Frances Lerner Paula Robinson & Devon Lerner Kasil Jaben Etta Brenner Morris O’Brien Sandy & Maureen Salz
In Honor Of:
50th Wedding Anniversary Larry & Marcia Rittmaster Boyd & Laura Bolter
Choir Fund In Memory Of:
50th Wedding Anniversary of Larry & Marcia Rittmaster Hanan & Natalie Hammer
50th Wedding Anniversary of Marcia & Larry Rittmaster Henri Goettel Jerry & Susie Klinock
Rabbi Shapiro Discretionary Fund
Educating our Future Fund
In Memory Of:
In Honor Of:
In Memory Of:
In Memory of:
David A. Childers Ron & Jo Ann Ginson
Mary Nielsen Aaron Nielsenshultz
In Honor Of:
In Honor of:
50th Wedding Anniversary of Larry & Marcia Rittmaster Heidi Altman Speedy Recovery of Andy Hilvitz Bill Kessler
50th Wedding Anniversary of Larry & Marcia Rittmaster Phyllis Goldberg Bat Mitzvah of Lia Davidson Bar Mitzvah of Noah Waldman Bar Mitzvah of Gabe Kivett SueAnn Strom Emily Tummons & All Hanukkah Sermon-InSong Participants Jeff & Sharon Altman Mark Levin Karen Agron Flattery Linda Steigman The Hammontree Family Samantha Hammontree Eileen & Emma Kershenbaum 50th Wedding Anniversary of Marcia & Larry Rittmaster Rick & Teresa Hellman
CBT Fund for Families in Need
Religious School Fund
Bat Mitzvah of Leah Goldstein Rabbi Rick Shapiro Martin & Irene Goldstein
Rabbi Levin Discretionary Fund In Memory Of: Sally Osman Stan Osman Max Riseman Jay Riseman
In Honor Of:
Jennifer Levinson & Girls
In Memory Of:
William Carter Barb Gutierrez Ann Belmont Jennifer & Michael Blum Jeffrey Steven Blum Gabriel Michael Hellman Ronnie & Larry Lerner Irving Klinock Jerry & Susie Klinock
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In Memory Of:
Gloria Bernstein Eve & Marv Steiner Alvin & Rowena Robinow Amy Franklin Willis Wollman Craig & Carol Wilson
In Honor Of:
50th Wedding Anniversary of Larry & Marcia Rittmaster Craig & Carol Wilson
Ann Belmont SueAnn Strom
Youth Activities Fund Leon P. Flappan Susan & Bob Flappan
Dr. Milton L. Tate Torah Fund In Memory Of:
Milton L. Tate Mendel Small Herbert Goldstein Frances Weinstein Isabelle Bass Goldstein Sara & Scott Goldstein Ann Belmont
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!
Nancy & Jay Yedlin
Community Events
The Pharisaic
SERVICE OF SPIRITUAL WELLNESS The Jewish Community Tefilat Shalom: A Service of Spiritual Wellness, Healing, and Renewal will take place on Thursday, December 3rd. The service, under the auspices of the Jewish Community Chaplaincy program housed 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. The healing service features both traditional prayer and contemporary inspirational readings and music.
Revolution:
Please make reservations for the healing service by calling JFS’ office at (913) 327-8250. For more information, contact healing@ jfskc.org. END OF LIFE WORKSHOP Dealing with the issues surrounding our own mortality is the focus of a presentation, “Living a Good Life….Dying a Good Death,” scheduled for Sunday, December 6th, in the MAC Room of the Jewish Community Campus, 5801 W. 115th St. The free event, 1011:30 a.m., is sponsored by Jewish Family Services Family Life Education Department. Although end-of-life care may be difficult to discuss, it is best for loved ones and family members to share their wishes long before it becomes a concern. JFS is offering the program so participants will come away with a better understanding of all aspects of end-of-life issues and some resources to assist them. The presentations will be followed by a question and answer session. While the program is free, registration is requested by November 30th by contacting Susie Hurst, FLE director, at (913) 327-8259 or email susieh@jfskc.org.
The Torah only means what the Rabbis say it means.
TEEN DRIVING RISK AWARENESS COURSE TO BE OFFERED IN JANUARY 2016 Start the New Year off in the right way by taking the “Driving Risk Awareness for Teens and Parents” program, put on by the C.H.A.I. program of Jewish Family Services. This free workshop, which is open to 9th and 10th grade students and their parents, will take place on Sunday, January 10, 2016, from 10:00 -11:45 a.m. at the Jewish Community Campus, 5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park, KS. The workshop will be facilitated by Susie Hurst, Adolescent Specialist at Jewish Family Services, and Captain Mark Terman of the
Join the discussion. Rabbi Rick Shapiro
Thursdays, January 7 - February 18 7-8:30 p.m. (No Class 1/28)
From the 1st century BCE through the 5th century CE, the Rabbis of ancient Israel introduced radical changes to the laws of everyday life, innovations that sparked the Judaism we practice today. We will explore these innovations and the process that produced them.
Free and Open to the Public Congregation Beth Torah | 6100 W 127th St | Overland Park, Kansas
www.beth-torah.org | 913-498-2212
RSVP’s requested. Call or email info@beth-torah.org
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Beth Torah members supporting one another through life’s health care challenges.
Click here to see the January Calendar on our website: www.beth-torah.org To make a referral or to volunteer, contact: Beth Torah (913) 498-2212 or email: caringconnectionteam@beth-torah.org
Restart at Beth Torah: Be a part of Beth Torah’s longest running social justice commitment by joining us for January at reStart. For all five weekends in January, Beth Torah will prepare and serve lunch and dinner at the reStart family shelter beginning January 2nd-3rd. There is no better way to begin the secular New Year and no more enjoyable mitzvah than working a meal shift with friends and family. Sign-up begins on December 1st. Register for a shift of your choice by clicking here, or contacting Scott Franklin, or calling the Beth Torah office. On Saturday, January 2nd, Congregation Beth Torah continues its 27-year tradition at reStart, preparing and serving lunch and dinner for each January weekend. The facility’s mission is “empowering people, ending homelessness.” Residents are always pleased to have Beth Torah volunteers at their temporary home. There are five weekends in January this year so we need an extra 32 members to accommodate the four extra meals. reStart plans and purchases the meals and has a staff person on hand to direct our efforts. Beth Torah volunteers prepare and serve lunch and dinner and briefly clean the dining area afterwards. Members are encouraged to bring children ten-years of age or older. There are a variety of tasks that fit all ages and skill levels. This includes cutting fruits and vegetables, mixing the ingredients for cold drinks, getting supplies from the refrigerator, assembling napkin and plasticware set-ups, and meal preparation and service. The lunch shift, which runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., requires six people while the dinner shift needs ten volunteers and runs from 2:00 to 6:30 p.m. We would really like for more of our newer members to participate this year. We will make sure that first-time volunteers are matched with some seasoned veterans. As you read this article, think about a fun group that you would like to work with during a shift. Maybe it’s members you sing with in choir, families you know from religious school, or members that you enjoy seeing at services. My family has participated in January at reStart for 20 consecutive years. It is so enjoyable to meet and work with other congregants and make new friends. As a parent you can watch your children enthusiastically prepare meals and wield a mop like a sailor, wondering why this never happens at home. That’s the magic of reStart. There are many ways to sign-up for a shift. Register on Signup Genius by clicking here, or click “reStart” on the Beth Torah website for registration directions. You can also call Scott Franklin (913) 645-1036 or the Beth Torah office. For those of you with
tricky schedules that will not allow you to commit to a date, don’t despair. Let us know if you would like to be a part of the reinforcement brigade and fill in if we have last-minute cancellations.
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