Visit us on the Internet at www.beth-torah.org
June 2016
The Monthly Newsletter of Congregation Beth Torah
A
Issue 301 Iyar/Sivan 5776
Erev Shavuot Summer Camp Farewell Saturday night, June 11th will be a jam-packed evening! 5:30 p.m. Erev Shavuot Picnic: Join your friends and family! Bring something to eat for yourself and visit. 6:30 p.m. Erev Shavuot Worship and formal farewell for our campers Special Shavuot dessert afterwards complete with s’mores. Spend the evening at Beth Torah and celebrate all the journeys.
June 17th Erev Shabbat Say “farewell” to Rabbi Rick and Lynn Shapiro as they head off to Jacksonville, Fl. Say “hello” to our 2016-2017 Board of Trustees with an installation ceremony Community Nosh at 6:00 p.m. Worship at 6:30 p.m.
A Note from the Rabbi Rabbi Rick Shapiro As I sit at my desk writing this message, the signs of transition are all around me: my books are disappearing from the shelves and the boxes are stacking up; the stacks of paper on my desk are getting smaller; there are fewer and fewer things on my calendar each day; and the number of Emails to respond to and phone calls to return are decreasing rapidly. But, after all, this is the way it’s supposed to happen; this is the way we planned it. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to have served as your Interim Rabbi for these past two years. Your warmth, openness, and dedication to Judaism and this congregation have made our presence here and my work with you an absolute delight. I am confident that all of these qualities, plus the work you have done in beginning the process of moving forward into the next chapter of your congregational life, will be a solid foundation for the years ahead as you welcome Rabbi Javier Cattapan into your family as your new Rabbi. During my time here I have been privileged to work with an incredible staff: Laura, Emily, Aaron, Bridey, Rebecca, Mark, Robin, Sharon, Cathy, Barb, Todd, Sara and Ulises have all been true professionals in the highest sense of that word. They were committed to the changes that were just beginning to take place and they remain dedicated to Beth Torah and the promise of its bright future. And the lay leadership, led for these past two years by President Linda Zappulla, have demonstrated courage and dedication in the face of innumerable crises and challenges. I am grateful to all of them for the grace and good humor with which they welcomed a stranger into their midst, and for their cooperation and commitment to the work we all did together. As you all know, we are on our way to Jacksonville, Florida to begin the next chapter in our lives. If you would like to stay in touch, feel free to use my new Email: Rabbi.Shapiro@TheTempleJacksonville. org. And I hope that if your own travels bring you to the Jacksonville area, you will find us and come visit us at Congregation Ahavath Chesed.
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.
As we prepare to move I want you to know that you will all remain a part of my life. Your friendships and support have made it possible for us to feel at home here, and we will take a piece of Overland Park with us wherever we go. Through your wisdom and understanding, you have been my teachers and have become a part of who I am and will continue to be as a rabbi. For all of that, and so much more, I thank you, and wish you well as your journey continues.
Worship Torah Portion & Haftarah
Join all of us at Beth Torah in a grand Farewell Service for
Rabbi Rick Shapiro at Erev Shabbat services on Friday at 6:30pm
June 17th With our interim season behind us, we wish to give our warmest thanks and blessings to Rick and Lynn Shapiro. As part of the service, our choirs will share a new piece by Carmen Dieker, commissioned by The Bolter Family in honor of our rabbi.
The ceremony will also include the installation of our 2016-2017 Board of Trustees.
Also during the June 17th worship, welcome our new Board of Trustees as we include the installation of our 2016-2017 leadership in our evening service. Tekiah # 301 June 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 Co-Presidents............................ Shanna and Matt Haun First Vice President…………………................Barry Katz Vice President………………………...........Bonnie Swade Vice President……………………..........…Elisa Waldman Secretary ................................................... SueAnn Strom Treasurer ................................................. Mike Ginsberg Immediate Past President........................ Linda Zappulla
Board of Trustees Boyd Bolter Tom Cohen June Crane Todd Davisson Mike Fine Amy Kane Miki Herman Bob Milgrim Frank Sterneck Genna Stowe BTTY President.................................... Rylee Hendrikse
www.beth-torah.org | Page 2
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 ............................. Janet Peek Bookkeeper......................................................Barb Kitt Communications Associate ........................ Sara Glass BTTY Adviser: Alexa Kitt JYG Adviser: Zach Zwibelman © Congregation Beth Torah, Overland Park, KS
June 3/4 27 of Iyar Parashat B’chukotai “Find Your Inner Tzedek by Giving Tzedakah” June 10/11 5 of Sivan Parashat B’midbar “Renew your Commitment to the Covenant” June 17/18 12 of Sivan Parashat Nasso “Sing Praises to Adonai” June 24/25 19 of Sivan Parashat B’haalot’cha “Light Shabbas Candles” July 1/2 26 of Sivan Parashat Sh’lach L’cha “Welcome a Stranger”
In Memorium Shirley Zeskind Mother of Leonard Zeskind Vivian Zilberman Cousin of Eileen Garry Samuel S. Schuster Father of Abigale Elyacharschuster Joel Osman Brother of Stan Osman Esther Wax Friend of Marlene Kahn
Mazel Tov To: Confirmation Class of 5776
President’s Corner
Matt and Shanna Haun, Co-Presidents
HaunCBTPresidents@gmail.com
For over twenty years, Beth Torah has been our “home away from home.” We are so excited and grateful to have this opportunity to serve as Co-Presidents as we move into this promising, new chapter of our community. First, a couple of “thank-yous” to Linda Zappulla and Rabbi Rick Shapiro. Linda led us through these last few years of change and upheaval with a smile and a clear sense of vision. She’s given of herself and we’re a better community for the time she has spent as our president. In just a few weeks, Rabbi Shapiro will give his final sermon and move on to help his next congregation through their interim period. Rabbi Shapiro has helped us learn a lot about who we are and allowed us to prepare ourselves for our future. Thank you both for your leadership, perseverance and positive outlook. Looking forward, Rabbi Javier Cattapan will soon become our Rabbi. We want to recognize and explore what this means to Beth Torah. We want people outside of our community to “take a new look” at Beth Torah. We also want everyone here to take a moment and connect or reconnect with our community. Find something or someone new. Reach out, volunteer, share your energy and interests. As our new Pillars state, Beth Torah is a place where everyone matters. Regarding the Pillars, the Strategic Planning Committee is working on identifying goals related to the Pillars as well as developing an implementation plan. And, we all will be working on answering the question “Why is Beth Torah important to me?” as a guide to ensure we’re serving the needs of our community. We hope to see everyone at any of the upcoming events at Beth Torah! Please feel free to reach out to us at any time. HaunCBTPresidents@gmail.com
Matt and Shanna Haun Volunteer Coordinating Committee
Congregation Beth Torah counts on volunteers. If each and every member could give a few hours a month or a year, our congregation would flourish and grow. YOU would reap the benefits of making new friends and the satisfaction of knowing you have helped. Please see the list of committees below and let Marcia Rittmaster (mrittmaster@gmail.com) know you’d like to be added to the committee. Feel free to choose more than one -and if you have another way (not on this list) you’d like to share your time and talents, just let us know. Back Snacks Delivery Beth Torah Gift Shop Caring Connection Team Cemetery Committee Chavurah Coordinator Costco Shopper Fundraising Committee Golf Tournament Committee January at reStart Volunteer JFS Food Pantry Liaison Membership Committee Mitzvah Day Committee SAVEHome Sunday Night Dinner Volunteer Shabbat Childcare Volunteer (open to 6th graders and above) Shalom Squad Youth Activities & Education Committee Youth Programs Volunteer (chaperone, drive, etc.)
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Rabbi Integration Integrate and Participate! First, a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have volunteered to be part of Rabbi Cattapan’s welcoming activities. We are so appreciative, and so is Rabbi Cattapan. Prior to Rabbi Cattapan’s official July 1, 2016 start date, we have been working hard behind the scenes to mobilize people and plan events. We have three main areas of focus: 1) Welcome Wagon – This committee is doing exactly that – welcoming Rabbi Cattapan and his husband Kris Grey to Kansas City. Things like making sure they know where local stores are, or how to get access to the Kansas City symphony scene. When moving, it feels like the little things can add up to a lot, and this group will assist in any way possible. Phil Meltzer is leading this group. 2) Small Group Meetings – It is a shared goal that all members have the opportunity to meet Rabbi Cattapan in a small group setting. Coffees, lunches, dinners – any opportunity to casually interact with Rabbi Cattapan so that we get to know him and he gets to know us falls into this category. Judith Evnen is leading this group. 3) Operational Engagement – Beth Torah has an impressive roster of lay leadership, volunteers and committees. The activities of the Operation Engagement committee, led by Barry Katz, will ensure that Rabbi Cattapan engages this group early on to make sure that business continues during the transition period. Rabbi Cattapan’s schedule is already filling up. There is exciting stuff coming up. Get out your calendar and save these dates: Potluck Shabbat, Rabbi Cattapan’s first Shabbat on the Bimah – Friday, July 8th. Bring food for yourself and some to share. More information will be provided as available. Denise Pakula and Kathleen Stone are organizing this event. There are other community events where Rabbi Cattapan will participate during his first few months, including the Day of Discovery (August 28, 2016) at the JCC Campus and Selichot (September 24, 2016 at Beth Torah). And, of course, we’d love to hear from you if you’d like to volunteer. Please Email Laura Intfen at Lintfen@beth-torah.org to sign up! Thanks, Karen Loggia, Integration Coordinator
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Stay Connected at Beth Torah: Visit our Website: www.beth-torah.org Join us on Facebook: Congregation Beth Torah or Email us at: info@beth-torah.org and we’ll send you the links!
Connections
Laura Intfen, Director of Operations Lintfen@beth-torah.org
“We mark the Omer day by day, spring unfolding light as snowflakes in the breeze. One follows another; we measure each week of this dust journey through wild unknowing. Come and count.” --Rachel Barenblat from Toward Sinai, Omer Poems Life is full of days. That is the gift from God. It is our job to count them, and to make them count. As we re-enact the giving of Torah on Saturday evening, June 11th, we are reminded that it is the words written there, in that scroll, and those ideas and ideals that we take from it that connects us to the world. Details of this wonderful evening are on the front cover of this Tekiah. I hope that you will join us for Erev Shavuot. A picnic, a traveler’s prayer and we get to use our new outdoor worship benches. But mostly because we have, as a people, been counting up to this moment. We have been through the wilderness and are finally grasping our freedom. I also sense that, for our community, this month is that same kind of transformation. We were such a smart community to bring in Rabbi Shapiro and go through a guided transition and now, as we get to the end of that journey and look forward to Rabbi Cattapan, I want to remind you of how you can make your days count here at Beth Torah: 1) Respond: You received your membership renewal packet. Whether you want to increase your commitment, keep it the same or you would like to chat with me about an adjustment, fill out your form and send it back in. It lets us forecast a more accurate financial year knowing what our income is going to be. Better yet, if you can pay your commitment early, do so. The more we can rely on this support the more accurate we can be as we plan and build a solid financial future. 2) React: You will have the chance to participate in groups, events and meetings to welcome Rabbi Cattapan (see page four) and his husband Kris Grey. React by saying, “Yes.” The more times you show up, the better you will get to know him. And the better he will get to know you. 3) Remember: This is your community. It has as large or small a place in your life as you allow. Be sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming opportunities to make your day count! June 11th: Erev Shavuot picnic, havdalah and worship and camp farewell. June 17th: Spend Erev Shabbat with us as we install our new Board of Trustees and say a farewell to Rabbi Rick & Lynn Shapiro. June 18th: Enjoy the music of “Fiddler on the Roof” with an untraditional twist as KC Jazz Legend Dan Thomas and his band of excellent Jazz musicians entertains us for the evening with the songs of that wonderful play we all love. Tickets can be purchased through our Website. June 26th: Kinnor Philharmonic celebrates the life and works of Ludwig van Beethoven as it performs his works in our sanctuary. Tickets are on sale for this performance at kinnorphil.org. July 8th: Another wonderful Erev Shabbat as we welcome Rabbi Cattapan to the bimah and celebrate a huge Shehechyanu moment in our community. After services we will have a potluck dinner. What will YOU bring? Plan your plans and invite your friends. You won’t want to miss a minute of any of this. “No fraction of time…should slip through the fingers, left unexploited; for eternity may depend upon a brief moment.” ---Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik www.beth-torah.org | Page 5
GOLFERS & SPONSORS NEEDED!
Contact Sharon Altman to Sign Up! Saltman@beth-torah.org
Beth Torah is dedicated to creating an inclusive caring community and providing opportunities for lifelong learning and social justice involvement. The monies raised through a sponsorship of our CBT Golf Classic will help further our efforts to contribute to our community in supporting programs such as: Community Blood Center, Harvesters BackSnack, reStart, Thanksgiving & Christmas at Pleasant Green Baptist Church and Kansas City area food pantries.
13th Annual Golf Classic
Monday, August 15, 2016 Photographed from 2015 Beth Torah Golf Classic: congregants, Roger Sommi, Larry Krakow, Larry Altman and Bob Flappan
8223 W 103rd St, Overland Park, KS 66212
Join us at the 13th Annual Golf Classic. If you are unable to play in the tournament, sponsorships are greatly appreciated.
The CBT 2016
Golf Classic Schedule of Events 11:00 a.m. Registration Opens 11:00 a.m. -- end of tournament Silent Auction 11:00 a.m. -- end of tournament Putting Contest 11:00 a.m. -- 12:45 p.m. Boxed Lunch 12:45 p.m. Orientation “Round Up” 1:00 p.m. Shot Gun Scramble Post Golf Awards Ceremony & Light Meal
Silent Auction and more:
• Hole Contests • Putting Contest • Team Prizes
For more information, click here to visit the Beth Torah Website Beth Torah Golf Classic page, and you can download the entire brochure! 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. 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, June 24th, 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. This growing group is co-led by Stu Lewish and Andrea Zwibelman. 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.
Caring Connection Team When Heidi Boehm learned she’d need to be on bed rest for the final three months of her pregnancy, she worried. She wondered how to take care of her three children, then 5, 11 and 15, while remaining in bed. She was also nervous about taking care of herself and her pregnancy. With no family in town, Heidi was overwhelmed. When her friend Yara Nielsenschultz discovered that Heidi was given bed rest, she knew Heidi would need long-term help. Yara reached out to Laura Intfen, who asked Heidi if she would be comfortable accepting help from Congregation Beth Torah’s Caring Connection Team (CCT). As a nurse, Heidi isn’t used to asking for help. She’s the nurturer, the provider. Yet Heidi knew that she and her children needed the support that CCT offered. The CCT provides encouragement, connection and practical support to Beth Torah members and their families when dealing with long-term health care challenges. The CCT, facilitated by Beth Torah member Kelly Somberg, was specifically created to help people after a hospitalization or to cope with limitations that may accompany advanced years. The committee also assists those with chronic disabling physical illness or disability. For Heidi and her kids, CCT was a lifesaver. Members of the committee, many of whom Heidi had never met, drove Heidi to doctor’s appointments, cleaned her house and provided meals, among other everyday tasks. “Members of the CCT showed me unconditional love and support,” said Heidi. “They were gracious and generous at a time when it was not easy for me to acknowledge I needed assistance.” Heidi is incredibly thankful for the meals, cleaning and rides. Yet looking back, she reflects on another, more enduring, contribution. Heidi’s grateful to the CCT for supplying her children the opportunity to see caring in action. Now that her baby girl is almost one year old, Heidi says she’s anxious for her family to give back to others in return.
www.beth-torah.org | Page 7
Religious School
Bridey Stangler, Director of Education Bstangler@beth-torah.org
Consider the summer the Shabbat of the year. We have toiled, we have rushed, we have worked in the name of a productive (fill in the blank). Now, as the summer comes upon us, it is time to stop not to create, but to reflect on that which has been created. And it’s easy this time of year: trees are in bloom, flowers burst forth, the wind cools the days, and the sun warms our skin. From Marcia Falk’s The Book of Blessings, we Listen In the clearing, where the mind flowers And the world sprouts up at every side, Listen For the sound in the bushes Behind the grass. This is our time to see what God created, and bask in the break afforded to us by two whopping months off. We can glean lessons from our friends and from this past year, and we can afford to dream big about the year that is to come. We learned and keep learning that community, above all, shapes the identity of our children. This is why the Weiner Religious School is a group not only of children, but of families, who come together for prayer, learning and togetherness. This will only be built upon under the guidance of Marcia Rittmaster, who believes deeply in the importance of the parents in a child’s Jewish education. Emily Tummons reminded us every week of one of the hallmarks of our congregation: our love of music and the musicians that find themselves here. More music will be found in next year’s WRS curriculum, with the return of school-wide singalongs, a robust kids choir, and a rewritten worship service that incorporates child-friendly and liturgical melodies. Let’s not forget that we’ll be welcoming a musician in his own right: Rabbi Javier Cattapan is so excited to share his energy, his ideas, and his music. Rabbi Cattapan eagerly awaits the chance to visit each classroom, to get to know your child by name, and to become part of our community. We will be lucky to welcome him into our fold. This is the time for stopping and listening. To our hearts to ever assess our goals and direction. To our community to gauge your needs and those of your children. To our future: Judaism rests on the shoulders of the children we see each week. It has been such an honor to count myself among you these last ten months. I expected to love the job; I had no idea how much I would come to love you. Thank you for embracing me and my hair-brained ideas. For forgiving me my newbie mistakes. For welcoming my husband and son. Thank you for everything, Beth Torah. I’ll be listening hard this summer, for everything you have taught me.
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Congregation Beth Torah proudly announces a performance by
Dan Dan Thomas Thomas and and some some of of KC’s KC’s finest finest jazz jazz musicians musicians featuring featuring the the music music of of Fiddler Fiddler on on the the Roof Roof
June 18, 2016 7:30 p.m.
Fiddler on the Roof,
An Untraditional Tradition
The music of this story has a wide appeal to musical theatergoers, the Jewish Community, the Jazz Community and the KC Music Community. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m., doors open at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at www.beth-torah.org: •$100/ticket Donor level •$50/ticket General Admission •$35/ticket Jazz Ambassador and Jazz Friends members and students The concert will be held at Congregation Beth Torah and will be followed by a reception.
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The Gift Shop at Beth Torah Summer Time in the Gift Shop is always fun. We hope you will take time to come and see us. We have great gift ideas for all price points. Have a special occasion? Come set up a gift registry. It is always more meaningful if you know your gift is something that you know will be treasured. Still unsure what gift to give? Give a gift card! Summer Hours: Beginning May 23, 2016, The Gift Shop will be open: Monday 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to Noon; and Friday 10:00 a.m. to noon; or by appointment -- call Kelly Kaplan at (913) 498-1474. The gift shop is the place “Where Shopping Turns into a Mitzvah!� Shalom, Kelly and all our volunteers
Gift Shop Summer Hours are: 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. 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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Thank You Rabbi Shapiro! Send the Shapiros off with a Song! As our interim season draws to a close, it’s time to say “thank you” to Rabbi Rick Shapiro and his wife Lynn, who have faithfully served our congregation for the last two years. Would YOU like to say “thank you” to them? Then we need your voice! All of our CBT singing groups will come together on Friday evening, June 17th, at 6:30 p.m. to make music in his honor. We will give our rabbi and Lynn our warmest blessing as they take the next step of their journey. In honor of Rabbi Shapiro’s service to Beth Torah, The Bolter Family graciously commissioned Carmen Dieker to write a new piece of music, a unique suite that interweaves texts that Rabbi Shapiro has expressed are very meaningful to him. This composition is masterful, fresh, rich, deep, and so beautiful. We are so excited to share it with Rick and Lynn in the presence of our entire community. Marking this pivotal moment with music is just Beth Torah’s style. One interesting feature of this composition is that it integrates lines and sections for every one of our ensembles. Which means that the Women’s Group gets its own segment of the song, and only they will be singing for that part. And the Men’s Group will sing by themselves on a different segment. The Adult Choir will sing in one section, an Octet in another, the Kids Choir in another, and so on. Plus we will have sections where all the ensembles will sing together. This is a big undertaking, and will be lots of fun. Are you interested in joining the large chorus for this special event? Then give some thought to which ensemble you’d like to join, and Email Emily Tummons (emily@beth-torah.org) to sign up. Each ensemble has three total rehearsals. Here is the schedule: 1a. 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 25th (in sanctuary): Men’s Group & Women’s Group ONLY 1b. 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 1st (in sanctuary): Adult Choir ONLY 2. 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 8th (in sanctuary): ALL (Men’s & Women’s & Adult Choir) 3. 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 15th (in sanctuary): ALL (Men’s & Women’s & Adult Choir) It is our hope that on June 17th the Shapiros will receive the maximal amount of warmth and blessing that our community is able to give them as they are sent out in peace. This counts as a major milestone in our temple’s history, and it wouldn’t be the same without YOU! This photo captures the moment when a big Beth Torah chorus presented a new original setting of the priestly benediction to give honor to Rabbi Rebecca Reice and Aaron Nielsenshultz as we bid them farewell. Now, one year later, it is time to say good-bye to another valued leader. Join us in wishing the Shapiros the very best!
www.beth-torah.org | Page 11
Music Program
Emily Tummons, Music Director Emily@beth-torah.org
Dear All, Here is a smattering of updates, announcements, and happenings in the Beth Torah music program: * Farewell Service for Rabbi Shapiro on June 17th Please check out the article on page 11 that shares lots of details about the music program’s plan for Rabbi Shapiro’s Farewell Service on June 17th. You are welcome to join the big chorus, and give a musical blessing to Rick and Lynn. The two most important rehearsals are June 8th and June 15th (Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.). See the article for more info, and let me know if you’d like to sign up! * Bidding Adieu to Bridey On the last morning of Religious School, May 15th, the Kids Choir sang “You Are My Sunshine” to Bridey Stangler as a part of the school’s grateful tribute to her. Below you can see a photo of our adorable Kids Choir: (left to right) Jonathan Crane, Shoshana Fisher, Bella Stowe, Sophia Herman, Emma Bowen, Evie Latman, and Stella Roodman. We will miss you, Bridey! * SevenDays Interfaith Choir Twelve singers represented Beth Torah in the big interfaith choir at Church of the Resurrection on April 18th, singing Barry Manilow’s “One Voice.” They were Carol Ducak, Estelle Edelbaum, Barbara Gustin, Fred Gustin, Jill Jacob, Julie Kaplan, Alexis Shaffer, Julie Shaffer, R.C. Shaffer, Ann Shepherd, Nina Shik, and SueAnn Strom. * Combined Services with The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah The leadership teams from both temples came together to share two Festival morning services during the Pesach season (here at Beth Torah for the first morning, and there at B’nai Jehudah for the last morning). The feedback from these combined Festival morning services so far has been very nice. We are looking forward to our next one: please save the date and plan to join us at B’nai Jehudah on Sunday morning, June 12th, at 10:30 a.m., for our Shavuot morning service. * New Microphones Thanks to generous donations from our congregants, we are happy to let you know that Beth Torah has three new microphones. The temple purchased a third wireless headset, just like the two that are already in use by the rabbi and music leader, from the contributions of Bob Wylan and Louise Hipsh. Additionally, the temple purchased two choral microphones that we had been borrowing for the last six months; this purchase was made possible by the families of this year’s Confirmation class. Beth Torah is so grateful for these gifts, and we look forward to making great use of them for many years to come. • New Moon Lab Twenty New Moon Labbers got together on Saturday night, May 14th, to do Havdalah, sing some songs, learn about what it means to be “between the Sea and Sinai,” say the blessing of the new moon, and enjoy some hot apple cider and moon pies. Some of those folks are pictured here: (Left to right) Joel Krichiver, Stan and Norine Rosenblum, Mickey and Bonnie Swade, Nick and Becky Toniazzo and their children, Charles Cooper, Lezlie Zucker, Emily Tummons, Katie Fine, Doug Greenwald, Sam Fine, Rabbi Linda Steigman, and Jill and Mike Fine. Talk with Beth Torah Music Director Emily Tummons if you’d like to participate in our next New Moon Labs, Saturday, July 9th.| Page 12 www.beth-torah.org
* Hatikvah Sermon-in-Song on May 6th A big thanks to the 46 musicians who shared special performances with our congregation at the Hatikvah Sermonin-Song on May 6th. A trio shared a new arrangement of two songs combined: “Ani Ma’amin” woven together with “Remembrances” from “Schindler’s List”. Two Israelis who are beloved by our community, Ziva Patt-Rappaport and Shiran Cohen, led our congregation in the singing of “Ani V’atah.” The Men’s Group and Women’s Group joined forces to share the joyous and hope-filled song “Bashanah Haba’ah,” and the Adult Choir presented an unusual setting of the “Oseh Shalom” prayer, one that felt like a true lament, while still holding sincerely the belief that peace is possible. At the close of the service, a new English rendition of the Yiddish “Partisan Song” was sung (“The Time We’ve Longed For”). During the song, singers from all over the congregation rose to their feet, singing, and slowly made their way to the bimah steps, symbolizing the Jewish People being brought together from the four corners of the world, coming together to find a home. The Sermon-in-Song culminated in the entire congregation singing the words of “Hatikvah” together. Check out the photo below, and the next time you see one of our musicians, give them a pat on the back, and say “thank you” for enriching our lives with music! * Other Upcoming Dates for the Music Program --Next two Shabbat Huddles: June 10th, July 1st (5:45 p.m.--6:15p.m.) --Shabbat in the Well: Saturday, June 11th, 10:30 a.m. --Erev Shavuot outdoor service: Saturday, June 11th, 6:30 p.m. (picnic at 5:30 p.m.) --Rabbi Javier Cattapan’s first service on the bimah: Friday, July 8th, 6:30 p.m. --Next New Moon Lab: Saturday, July 9th, 7:30 p.m. --”Beth Torah’s Got Talent!”: Saturday, August 20th, 4:00--7:00 p.m. L’shalom, Emily Tummons emily@beth-torah.org
www.beth-torah.org | Page 13
Contributions Beth Torah General Fund
Rabbi Levin Discretionary Fund
In Memory Of:
In Memory Of:
Herb Mendelsohn Nancy & Jay Yedlin Denise & Jerry Pakula Stan & Shirley Zeskind Henri Gewertz Goettel Denise & Jerry Pakula Roza Kheyfets Oleg Kheyfets Louis & Dorothy Goldstein Martin & Irene Goldstein
In Honor Of: Richard Bellotti Carol Ducak
John Lantos & Martha Montello Anonymous
Miriam Shaw Gary & Amy Shaw
In Honor Of:
Confirmation Class Gary & Amy Shaw The Confirmation of Ben Hanson Ron & Jody Hanson
In Honor Of:
In Memory Of:
CBT Fund for Families in Need
Rabbi Shapiro Discretionary Fund In Memory Of:
In Memory Of:
Mark & Kacy Levin Anonymous
In Appreciation Of:
Ron & Jo Ann Ginson
Rose Feldman Peter Ehrlich Isadore Shaffer Norman Shaffer Bea Wayne Glazer Patsy Dunn Shanberg Herman Hurst Rose Anna Shaw Colleph Shaw Radine Shaw Millie Singer Harold Olsen
In Memory Of:
Sam Fried Ellie Penner Phil Kessler Bill & Charlotte Kessler Teresina Sanchez David Sanchez
Hunger Fund In Honor Of:
Birthday of Jim Holsberger Elaine Holsberger
Jason Aaron Arkin Steve & Karen Arkin
Educating Our Future Fund In Memory Of:
Paul Frank Pecora SueAnn Strom Alice J. McEwen Terry McEwen & David Sanchez
Dr. Milton L. Tate Torah Fund Samuel S. Shuster Nancy & Jay Yedlin
Joel H. Winston Social Justice Fund In Memory Of:
Sam Fried Skip & Nini Rosenstock
Youth Activities Fund In Memory Of:
Sylvia Kargman Casazza Paul Chapman
Remember: you can make your donations easily on line in our Members 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.
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!
Shabbat Sponsorships:
June 17th: Nosh sponsored by the Beth Torah Staff in honor of installation of the 2016-2017 Board of Trustees and in honor of Rabbi Rick Shapiro. www.beth-torah.org | Page 14
Community Events BBYO Reunion Celebrate 90 years of BBYO in Kansas City with fellow alumni and their families, ages 21-121, at the Kansas City BBYO Reunion, Saturday, June 18th, 2016 at Pinstripes 8:00 p.m. The evening will include Havdalah, walk-downs and a friendship circle. Pre-registration is required; purchase you ticket online at bbyo.org/reunion, $45 after May 18th. Ticket price includes a memory book, appetizers, dessert, a drink, bowling, bocce and valet parking. Questions? Email kcbbyoreunion@gmail.com. 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 CBT's Summer Fundraiser, produced by Lezlie Zucker 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/recruitingcook! * write! * dance! * stand on your head! * paint! * sing! * whatever you've got! drivers-for-jet-express/
save the date
B e t hT ora h ' sG o t T a l e n t ! A u g u s t 2 0 t h , 4 7 p m
Beth Torah members supporting one another through life’s health care challenges.
Click here to see the June 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
www.beth-torah.org | Page 15
CBT
Summer FUNdraiser
I am so excited about the upcoming FUNdraisier, Beth Torah’s Got Talent! I’ve been involved in talent shows all my life and there are a few of things I have learned. 1. Way more people have way more talent than you ever knew, 2. Variety shows are always even more fun than you think they will be, and 3. You can stretch the word ‘talent’ to cover a lot of ground. I’ve seen hula hoop chorus lines, kazoo orchestras, and a man dressed in a tuxedo performing dramatic readings of contemporary pop music. My parents always sang some kind of duet: “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better,” “Never Say No,” etc. I’ve been a lip‐sync backup singer, a dancing grape, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve put on overalls and performed numbers from Annie Get Your Gun. One of my personal favorites, though, was square dancing to the Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive. Why, you ask, am I recounting my talent show glory days? To illustrate that the term “talent” is broad and deep. Do you sing opera? Great! Juggle? Fantastic! Can you stand on your head while whistling The Star Spangled Banner? Wow! Can you make a killer kugel? Are you Lego Master? I want to hear and see and taste it all! (…. well, almost.) Our talent show is going to have three categories: Visual, Performance, and Culinary. The Triangle will be transformed into an arts and crafts gallery showcasing the visual arts talents of our community. The Ulam will become a café cabaret where we will cheer on our performers. And finally, we’ll be setting up the CattaPantry, where you can show us your culinary skills. We’ll have a Kugel Kontest, a Chili Challenge, and a Battle of the Babkas (call your Babushkas and Bubbes for their favorite recipe!). Be sure and BYOB – no, not Bring Your Old Bubbes, it’s Bring Your Own Bills! – because you’ll be voting with your dollars! Proceeds from the event will be divided between the General Fund and kickstarting Rabbi Cattapan’s discretionary fund. That’s right. Let’s put the FUN back in FUNding. I’ll be getting an official email soon, but until then you can contact the office and they’ll forward me your comments, questions, and submissions. Lezlie Zucker
Beth Torah’s Got Talent! ≈ A Summer FUNdraiser ≈ August 20th 2016
www.beth-torah.org | Page 16