May 2012 FLAME

9 Iyar - 10 Sivan 5772 May 2012

Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater Ninety Years and Counting T h i s month we are c e l e b r at i n g our 90th year as a synagogue in Pasadena.

Think back to the 1920s, when we first opened our do ors (at a different location, with a different name), and how much history has transpired since that day. The Jewish world has been changed in remarkable ways: from the horrors of the Shoah to the elation of the State of Israel; from being shunned people in the places we lived to being an integral and vibrantly successful part of

American life. While you are reading this in May, I am writing this in the midst of Pesach, with the matzah, charoset and maror all around me, and I am thinking about the fact that while we are celebrating 90 years of PJTC life, our people are celebrating over 3,000 years of life, as we just did at our seder. We are a people of resilience, strength, courage and deep passion for Torah, God, Israel and one another. And, here at PJTC, we are a wonderful microcosm of the entirety of the Jewish people!

On May 5, thanks to the hard work of our wonderful committee, headed by Amy Richardson and Faith Segal, we are having a huge birthday party, which we are calling our 90th Jubilee. We hope that all of you, from Click to continue Rabbi Grater's article

Temple President Matt Ober A Time for Celebration We are about to celebrate a PJTC milestone--90 years. But do we know what we are celebrating or why we are celebrating, or even why we come to PJTC?I suspect that the answer is a little bit different for each of us. But I believe it is important to ask the question and take time to think about why...why are we here?

As you know, for the past several weeks we have hosted parlor meetings (aka discussions) about PJTC’s financial state and our “Campaign for the Future of PJTC.” For those of you who have been fortunate to attend

one of these meetings, you recall that we opened every one of them with that question: “Why do you come to PJTC. What about PJTC is meaningful to you?”

As you can imagine, the responses were heartfelt, sincere and personal.

And the act of sharing these personal stories with each other brought us immediately closer together and allowed us to engage in an open dialogue about the PJTC we wanted for the future, knowing that we were all on the same team.

Of course there also was concern, frustration, disagreement and

Click to continue Matt Ober's article

1434 N. Altadena Drive • Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 798-1161

Services Minyan Services are held every Sunday in Knell Chapel, beginning at 9:00 AM May 4/5

Parashat: Achrey Mot-Kedoshim

Fri. Family Service 7:00 PM Knell Chapel Aleph Class will lead services Fri. Service 8:00 PM Galpert Sanctuary Oneg hosted by Aleph Class Parents Sat. Service 9:00 AM Knell Chapel Kiddush hosted by Shabbes Minyan Group May 11/12

Parashat: Emor

Fri. Services 8:00 PM

Galpert Sanctuary

Shayna Goldstein Bat Mitzvah Sat. Service 9:00 AM Galpert Sanctuary Oneg and Kiddush hosted by Lisa and Mark Goldstein May 18/19

Parashat: B’har-B’hukotai

Fri. Service 8:00 PM Galpert Sanctuary Oneg hosted by Sisterhood Sat. Service 9:00 AM Knell Chapel Kiddush hosted by Kate and Ira Rothstein May 25/26

Parashat: B’midbar

Fri. Service 8:00 PM Galpert Sanctuary Oneg hosted by Sisterhood in honor of Rabbi Kollin and Cynthia Cohen Contemplative, Meditation Service Sat. Service 9:30 AM Social Hall Kiddush hosted by Tuesday Meditation Group May 26/27/28

Shavuot

Shavuot Services Sat. Tikkun Leil Shavout 7:30 PM

Galpert Sanctuary Sun. Service 9:00 AM

Knell Chapel

Mon. Service 9:00 AM Yizkor

Knell Chapel

June 1/2

Parashat: Naso

Fri. Family Picnic 6:00 PM Katz Terrace Fri. Family Service 7:00 PM Knell Chapel Fri. Service 8:00 PM Galpert Sanctuary Oneg hosted by Mah Jongg Mavens Sat. Service 9:00 AM Knell Chapel Kiddush hosted by Shabbes Minyan Group

New Service Time

Starting July 13, Friday night services will begin at 7:30 PM

http://www.pjtc.net

Staff and Officers Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center 1434 N. Altadena Drive Pasadena, California 91107 (626) 798-1161 • (626) 798-8410 (Fax) http://www.pjtc.net/ info@pjtc.net

– PJTC Clergy and Staff – Joshua Levine Grater – Rabbi Gilbert Kollin – Rabbi Emeritus Ruth Berman Harris – Cantor Gabbaim: Barry Segal – Sondra Dreshner Eitan Trabin – Executive Director Debby Singer – Education Director Aaren Weisz – Religious School Assistant Bruce Applebaum – Operations Manager Jane Hirschkowitz – Assistant to the Rabbi Goldie Chaikin – Bookkeeper Robert Brown – Facilities Manager Aaren Weisz – Youth Director

– PJTC Officers – President – Matt Ober Secretary – Bob Levinson Treasurer – George Roegler Exec. VP Management – Jonathon Weisz Exec. VP Programs – Faith Segal VP Administration – Jeff Landau VP Adult Programs – Judith Pettigrew VP Finance – Sandy Hartford VP Membership – Rebecca Golbert VP Religious Affairs – Erich Schlecht VP Youth Programs – Maureen McGrath Planning Committee Chair – John Carlton Sisterhood President – Barbara Levinson Men's Club President – Bob Levinson

Cantor Ruth Berman Harris The Festival of Shavuot In conjunction with Pesach and Succoth, the festival of Shavuot constitutes one of the three major festivals of the Jewish calendar. Shavuot, which means “weeks,” is so called because it falls exactly seven weeks from the second day of Pesach. Because Shavuot comes at the time of the wheat harvest, it is a thanksgiving festival and is also called “The Festival of the First Fruits.” Shavuot is also the time when we commemorate the anniversary of the receiving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.

As you know, during Shavuot it is customary to eat dairy foods—blintzes are especially popular. The custom of eating dairy dishes is attributed to the fact that the Torah is often compared to milk and honey, having the nourishment of the former and the sweetness of the latter.

Let me share with you what one of my students wrote about getting ready for this holiday.

“The Counting of the Omer is the period between Passover and Shavuot, when we used to bring offerings to God at

the Jerusalem Temple. In our days, since the Temple does not exist, Jewish tradition suggests that we take this time to evaluate our actions, to take the time to look at ourselves in the mirror, to cleanse ourselves and get ready to receive the Torah.

This can also be a time to focus on the important things that we have in life so we do not lose them! We all need to take a break from our busy, hectic lives to reflect about our actions. If we see ourselves as perfect or complete, we may not be able to reach our full potential. In life, our identified and dealt-with imperfections can assist us in becoming the best and “perfect” that we can become; only if we have the courage to notice them and work on them.” – Andrew Stachel.

May this period of transition allow us to humble ourselves, reflect, and give us the strength to embark on the next adventure in our lives.

Chag Sameah!

Cantor Ruth

– Board of Directors –

Noah Golden-Krasner, Valerie Grover, Jerry Halpert, Shoshana Hess, Stephanie Ivler, Lonne Lane, Meredith Rose, Ruth Several, Larry Sharfstein, Bob Weiner, Lindsay Wetmore-Arkader

–Voting Past Presidents – Judy Callahan, David Lorin, Stu Miller, Mickey Segal

– The FLAME Staff – Bruce Applebaum – Layout Edie Taylor and Roz Scherr – Editors Karen Hochman Brown – Advisor

Advertise in The FLAME Help offset the cost of our monthly publication while promoting your business or service.

Business Card @ $20.00/month Quarter Page @ $35.00/month Half Page @ $70.00/month

Three month minimum. Discounted rates are available for longer running ads.

Make your request at communications@pjtc.net The Communications Committee can assist you with ad copy and layout.

The FLAME

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May 2012

USY — United Synagogue Youth

Religious School News

by Debby Singer, Education Director

by Aaren Weisz, Youth Director

Most of you are familiar with the poem, The Butterfly, written by a child named Pavel Friedman who lived in the ghetto of Terezin and was one of a total of 15,000 children under the age of fifteen who died in this place, victims of the Nazis. Yesterday was the first time I heard this haunting poem put to music.

It came alive through the voices of our children, the Aleph through Hei Classes of our Religious School during a special ceremony commemorating Yom Hashoah.

Our Song Leader Rick Lupert taught it to them only minutes before we all gathered to light candles, to read prayers, to learn what it means to remember, to renew our intent to not stand idly by, to sing out Hatikvah in unison as we faced east towards the homeland we all cherish today. We sang…

The last, the very last So richly, brightly, dazzlingly yellow.

Perhaps if the sun’s tears would sing

Against a white stone…

Such, such a yellow Is carried lightly way up high.

It went away I’m sure because it wished to

Kiss the world good-bye…..

Sixty strong, we sang, students and teachers, young and older, sitting shoulder to shoulder on the rug upstairs in our synagogue building – a Jewish building where we are thankful to be - and we remembered.

Pavel’s poem ends with the words…

That butterfly was the last one.

Butterflies don’t live in here,

In the ghetto.

May is set to be an exciting month for USY and Kadima! Join us on Friday, May 4 at 7:00 PM for our “Out of this World” Kadima Shabbat. What do Shabbat and outer space have in common? You’ll have to come to our event to find out! Please RSVP to me

by Thursday, May 3.

USY is having two fantastic events this May as well. First, on Sunday, May 6 from noon to 5:00 PM, we will be spending the afternoon at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, learning about Judaism in the medieval and renaissance periods.

If you’ve never been to the Renaissance Faire before or have no idea how our Jewish ancestors lived during the 16th century, you had better save the date! This event costs $25. Please RSVP

by Friday, May 4.

Lastly, our USYers in 8th-12th grade will be attending the Far West Regional Convention from Thursday, May 17 through Sunday, May 20 at the Brandeis-Bardin Institute. This is our favorite regional weekend of the whole year! Meet tons of new friends, hang out with your PJTC buddies, celebrate Shabbat, and participate in four days full of awesome activities. Keep your eyes open for more information and save the date, because you don’t want to miss out on this event of the year! 

Mitzvah Faire  Sunday  May 20 

Our school year is quickly coming to an end with less than one month to go, but the activity level is at its peak. We look forward to our Mitzvah Faire on Sunday, May 20 which is also Yom Yerushalayim. We hope the entire congregation will support us in our efforts to raise money for some worthwhile charities by spending lots of money playing games, buying goods, bidding on silent auction items, eating food and winning cakes! You also have the opportunity to celebrate our children by being in the audience when they perform by singing Hebrew songs and dancing Israeli dances. Celebrate with us. We have not only survived, we are thriving.

See you at the Mitzvah Faire! Debby

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Special Meditation Shabbat, May 26

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Join Rabbi Grater, Cantor Harris and the PJTC Tuesday morning Meditation Group for a special shabbat service, Saturday May 26 at 9:30 AM, in the social hall.

We will sing, and pray, and take time for silent reflection.

We will have a shorter Torah service . . . and more time to experience the unique prayers of our hearts.

All are welcome. Kiddush lunch will be provided by the Meditation Group.

The FLAME

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It's Happening with Sisterhood!

by Barbara Levinson

As I write this article, we are in the midst of Passover. Bob and I shared our traditional second seder at a dear friend’s home with many other friends old and new. We were privileged to read from the Hagaddah with twenty-plus members of our spiritual community. We love these eclectic gatherings where not only are Sisterhood and Men’s Club represented, but a slice of the community, both Jewish and Christian, intellectual and artistic, young and old from many walks of life. It is one of the most exciting times for us to experience our Jewishness with expressions as unique as the differing individuals who share the Seder table.

On March 22, our Sisterhood honored Carolyn Siegal at the Jewish Federation’s annual “Women Who Make a Difference” luncheon at the Marriott Hotel in Baldwin Park. I was privileged to present the award to Carolyn for her hard work and dedication.

Then on March 31, I was among many Sisterhood and Men’s Club members who Carolyn Siegal attended the annual Showcase house training receiving award as a Woman Who session, where we saw the gorgeous mansion Makes a Difference being featured this year by the Pasadena Photo by Edie Taylor Showcase House. Those who volunteer to be docents earn money for their respective organizations. PJTC Sisterhood is always well represented, thanks to the hard work of Sheila Padlipsky. This year’s house is particularly beautiful (in my humble opinion) albeit more complex and complicated than in previous years.

We celebrated Sisterhood Shabbat on April 21, a special annual event organized by Ruth Several. Sisterhood’s Judy Callahan graciously volunteered to do the Kiddush lunch and I was honored to read one of my poems.

A few weeks ago, at the PJTC Board Meeting, our rebbitzen, Franci Levine Grater, gave a presentation titled “The Culture of Giving.” I was particularly struck by this quote from the Sim Shalom siddur: “May (G-d)…bless this entire congregation… along with all those who unite to establish synagogues for prayer, and those who enter them to pray, and those who give funds for heat and light, wine for Kiddush and Havdalah…and all who devotedly involved themselves with the needs of this community”.

This is such an apt description of what our Sisterhood does and what we continually strive to do. I have to pinch myself that I am the leader of such a wonderful, giving group of Jewish women.

By the time you read this article, Showcase House and Sisterhood Shabbat will be history and some of us will be looking forward to great fun at Mah Jongg on June 3. Although I will be out of town then, I have no doubt this will be a great success, headed by Aty Rotter and her team of Mah Jongg mavens. Please note that our Sisterhood meeting for June will not be on the usual first Monday of the month. Instead, we will meet on June 18 in Wohlmann Hall. Mark your calendars and see you then.

Shalom, Barbara The FLAME

Torah Fund

by Bobbi Sloan, VP Sisterhood’s Rae Goodstein Memorial Torah Fund

We are soon approaching the end of our 20112012 campaign. Including matching funds, donations, and the sale of Torah Fund cards, our current total comes to $7,663. Although I am still waiting on several outstanding pledges, it does not look like we will be able to reach the goal set by Women’s League of $11,000. Although in the past we have always proudly met our goal, we understand the reasons for the shortfall this year.

Hopefully, by the next FLAME, we will have cleared our pledges and I will be able to give you the complete result of our current campaign.

On behalf of the student rabbis and cantors who depend upon our assistance, many thanks to all of you who have contributed to Torah Fund this year. We all appreciate your continued support.

Rosh Chodesh elebration 5772

Thursday Evening 7:30 to 9:00 PM

We welcome the month of

Sivan — May 24

at the home of Marcia Alper For more information call

(626)798-1161 or sisterhood@pjtc.net Save the date for the next Rosh Chodesh gathering on Thursday, June 21

PJTC Sisterhood welcomes this gathering of Jewish women to celebrate the new moon with study, discussion and, of course, dessert.

Topic: An Evening with Cantor Ruth Berman Harris For more information, email sisterhood@pjtc.net, call the PJTC office at (626) 798-1161, or contact Kathy Kobayashi

Women’s Book Club

by Connie Taus, Book Club Chair

We meet on the second Thursday of each month, in Wohlmann Hall at 7:30 PM. May 10: The Finkler Question, by Howard Jacobson, winner of the Man Booker award.

He has described himself as “an English writer who happens to know about Jews and would like to write like Jane Austen, with a little bit of Yiddish.” His latest book featuring a middleaged gentile (and benevolent racist) and his two Jewish friends, is about tragicomic meditations and observations on anti-Semitism.

June 14: In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson. This is an historical narrative about Ambassador William E. Dodd and his adult daughter who are in Berlin experiencing love and terror during the first years of Hitler in power.

Members of the Book Club will find the books we read at Vroman’s at a 20% discount.

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May 2012

Come and help us continue the tradition.

It's Spring When young (and old) Jews’ fancy turns to baseball!

Flower Crowns

to decorate our Torahs for Shavuot

See our vintage print baseball kippot, plus lots of other spring colors and prints!

•

Friday, May 25, 4 pm

PJTC Judaica Shop!

In the backyard of John & Nancy Carlton •••

We continue the tradition of making flower crowns for the Torah scrolls for Shavuot, and welcome anyone who wants to help. Ilona Fuchs, who is now 94 years old and living in North Carolina, taught us how to make the crowns, as her mother and grandmother in Hungary taught her, and she shared with us the spirit and meaning of the crowns. Please join us in carrying on this beautiful and joyous tradition!

•••

RSVP to Kathy Kobayashi, sisterhood@ pjtc.net or the Temple Office (626)798-1161

Interfaith Study Group

by Cecilia Fox, PJTC’s ISG representative

All are welcome to join us when members of PJTC, Islamic Center of Southern California, (Los Angeles) and All Saints Episcopal Church (Pasadena) meet monthly at our institutions, in rotation. Our purpose is to grow in understanding, to be open, respectful, curious, and interested in learning from each other.

May Meeting: Sunday, May 20, 2012, 5:00-7:00 PM, at the Islamic Center of So. California, 434 South Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. We’ll begin promptly and welcome our guest speaker, Ruth Hayward, who frequently visits Tibet, and will share her recently-made video on Khen Ripoche Tsetan, a current leader of Tibetan Buddhism. After the presentation, we will break for discussion at each table over our vegetarian potluck dinner-please bring an item! At 5:45 PM, we’ll conclude with questions for the speaker and further discussion. Meet there, or join the carpool: be at our carpool meeting place, All Saints north parking lot by 4:15 PM, 132 N Euclid, Pasadena.

June Meeting (before the summer break): Sunday, June 10, 5:00-7:00 PM at All Saints Epicscopal Church, Pasadena.

Simone Berman, whose forthcoming book is One Person Can Make a Difference, will speak on those who saved her life as a Jewish child born and raised in Brussels, during WWII in Nazi-occupied Belgium. They include the Belgian nuns who risked their lives to shelter her at their school from 1940-44, and the many others who took action to protect her in those first two years.

Contact Cecilia Fox via PJTC office at (626) 798-1161 with general questions re PJTC/ISG meetings. To be added to the ISG email list, contact Ana Camacho at All Saints, at (626) 583-2737.

We need one more PJTC member on the Interfaith Study Group planning committee. Each of our three institutions usually has two representatives. Would you join us?

The ultimate “do-nothing” fundraiser!

Register your cards with eScrip.

Shop throughout the year. eScrip sends PJTC a check.

Register on-line at www.escrip.com or contact Karen Levin for information or help.

Please be sure to use the PJTC Group ID # 9207786 when enrolling.

Host an Oneg!

Celebrating a birthday — Host an Oneg!

Celebrating an anniversary — Host an Oneg!

Celebrating a baby naming — Host an Oneg!

Celebrating a wedding — Host an Oneg!

Whether you have a special occasion to celebrate or not, it’s a mitzvah to host an Oneg following Friday evening Shabbat services.

To arrange for your special date, contact Anita Landau who will also provide guidance and instructions.

The FLAME

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May 2012

Men’s Club “Roasts” Rabbi Gil

by Stu Miller

Approximately 50 men, all good friends of Rabbi Emeritus Gil Kollin celebrated his Bachelor Party on Thursday night, March 22 at the Shaarei Torah campus social hall. Drinks, food, and entertainment were enjoyed by all. Talmud readings, “Roasting” of Gil, and a celebrity named “Marilyn” all added to the event’s wonderful festivities.

Rabbi Gil expressed his heartfelt feelings with sincere words about his love for our congregation, and the love he and his dear bride, Cindy, share for all of us. It was another PJTC Men’s Club freilich celebration!

Mother’s Day Brunch, RSVP Today!

Photos by Bob Levinson

Men’s Club honors all moms with our signature event starting at 12:30 PM on Sunday, May 13 (when else?) in the Social Hall. Delicious food, magical entertainment from Magic Castle magician Ben Kemper, and a festive atmosphere are all in appreciation of mom. Bring the whole family! $25 for adults, $15 for kids. RSVP to mensclub@pjtc.net.

June Brunch And Annual Meeting: Join us on June 24 at noon in Wohlmann Hall for our first brunch of the summer!

It’s an egg and pancake brunch, and you can also count on an interesting program for your $10 donation. Men’s Club members will also vote on officers. Contact mensclub@pjtc.net for more information.

Men’s Club Kippot Are Here! Every Men’s Club member gets one, so look for them at our programs or contact us at mensclub@pjtc.net to get yours.

Join Men’s Club to support Jewish Youth.

Men’s Club Financially Supports PJTC Youth and education: We financially support the LBS Religious school.

We enable our teen leaders by financing their USY Convention expenses. We give to the Weizmann and B’nai Simcha schools.

Join Men’s Club or Renew Your Membership TODAY! Contact us to renew your membership or to join Men’s Club at mensclub@pjtc.net to volunteer.

We Are Collecting:

By Edie Taylor

Used cell phones – LBSRS is collecting them; look for their box Printer ink cartridges - bring to Bruce Used eye glasses, clear and sun glasses, also hearing aids - box in Workroom Toiletries from hotels, all sizes - box in Workroom - goes to Union Station.

Plastic bottlesrecycled by USY. Aluminum cans - also recycled by USY, place in blue barrel in back of building Yarn-4-ply acrylic, all colors, used to make afghans for Huntington Hospital and County/USC Pediatric Dept. Bring to my attention. No wool please.

Remember the Foothill Unity Center barrels near the entrance to Wohlmann Hall. You may drop in canned goods, clothing, household items, and anything that they may be able to sell in their Thrift Shop to raise funds for the food bank.

These are all mitzvah makers. Everything is recyclable. Call me if you have larger home furnishings. Edie Taylor, edie@pjtc.net.

Sylvia Schleimer and her daughter, Madeline, wish to give heartfelt thanks to all the members and friends from PJTC, including, of course, Rabbi Grater, Rabbi Kollin, and Cantor Ruth for their unbelievably wonderful attention and help to us during Lou’s last days, before and after the funeral and for the Shiva minyans, and even Friday night at services.

You all provided us with the kind of help that we will never forget! We are blessed to be a part of this wonderful community. Thank you all!

Basketball We are continuing PJTC Basketball for adults (high school age and above) at 8:00 PM on the 3rd Monday of every month. Our next date will be May 21.

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May 2012

Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework West Coast Regional Conference

PJTC Guardians

Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework West Coast Regional Conference

Tuesday – Thursday, June 5-7, 2012 at the

American Jewish University Brandeis-Bardin Campus Simi Valley, California

The Guardians are PJTC members who believe it is important to provide financial support to PJTC. To become a Guardian, it requires a tax-deductible pledge any time during the year, of at least $500.00. The Shomrei Zahav level of Guardians requires a gift of at least $7,500.00.

The Guardians held their annual business meeting and brunch on March 18, with 70 Guardians in attendance. This year there are 111 Guardians, including 14 who pledged at the Shomrei Zahav level. The total amount of pledges to this year’s Yom Kippur appeal is $ 320,000, and the Guardians represent 90%, of the total. Our Board of Directors have 100% participation in the Yom Kippur appeal, with 75% pledging at the Guardian level. All of our clergy are Guardians as well.

Our fundraising efforts must continue beyond the Yom Kippur appeal and throughout the year. You have all received the letter from Board President Matt Ober and Rabbi Grater, stating the financial crisis that PJTC is facing this year. We encourage you to attend the meeting that you have been invited to in order that our synagogue leadership can explain our financial circumstances and what the future looks like for PJTC. Please consider a donation at the Guardian level, or increasing the Guardian pledge you have already made to the next level. We need everyone’s participation in order to balance this year’s budget, and we count on all of you to sustain PJTC for the future.

Donor....................................... $500.00 Friend.................................... $1,000.00 Patron................................... $1,500.00 Diplomat.............................. $2,500.00 Benefactor............................ $5,000.00 Founder.............................. $10,000.00



Our West Coast Regional Conference will take place at the beautiful Brandeis-Bardin Campus nestled at the foot of the Santa Susana Mountains. Visit www.ajula.edu and click on “Our University”/”Our



We will begin on June 5th with lunch and a guest speaker followed by our first class session, free time, dinner and an evening program June 6th will include 3 meals and two class sessions with our guest speaker, Peachy Levy, presenting A Unique Banner of Women in the Sukkah.

June 7th will include breakfast, one class session and lunch, followed by an optional field trip to The Skirball Cultural Center for a docent-led tour, highlighting unique textiles and heirloom pieces.

 

Campuses”/”Virtual Tour”/”Brandeis-Bardin Campus—Virtual Tour”

Tuesday–Thursday, June 5-7, 2012 at the American Jewish University

Registration:

3 days and 2 nights, includes 4 class sessions .......................................................................... $100 June 5

th

or 7

June 6

th

–full day registration includes 2 sessions ..................................................................... $50

th

—half day registration includes 1 session each day ............................................ $25

Room and Board—All meals and snacks are Glatt Kosher

Brandeis-Bardin Campus Simi Valley, California

3 days and 2 nights, 7 meals and snacks, private bath, double occupancy .............................. $240 3 days and 2 nights, 7 meals and snacks, private bath, single occupancy ................................ $290 1 day, 2 meals and snacks........................................................................................................... $40 Cost of kits for classes to be announced

Classes include (but may be subject to change)  silk painted table runners, gelt bags and Passover pillow cases  black work Magen David  Brazilian embroidery  knit scarf for the High Holidays  needle point Chai  keepah folding and quilted keepah  creating your own needlepoint design  iris paper folding  African Folklore Judaic designs  Assissi embroidery  crocheting  beading

for more information visit their website

http://westcoastpomegranate.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/ pomegranate-guild-of-judaic-needlework-announcements-4autosaved.pdf

Conference Challenge—The theme of our West Coast Regional Conference is L’dor V’dor. Please consider this in creating a piece of your original design and execution no larger than 18” x 18”. Challenge pieces will be displayed at the Conference.

Registration information will be available January 2012. For further information contact:

Conference Chair Charlene Kazel (818-701-7679) or San Fernando Valley Chapter Day Group President Bonnie Vorspan (PomegranateWestCoastConference@gmail.com)

Small Steps to Big Results: 4 Jewish Attributes to Change Your Life Five Tuesdays in May, 7:30 PM

Join Rabbi Grater and PJTC member Carolyn Siegal as they co-teach this 5-week class as a journey in selfdiscovery. We will use Mussar, the Jewish Ethical system, as a path to daily practice. Class will involve journal writing, sharing of practice and learning of the middot, the attributes. We hope to see you for this unique and exciting class! RSVP to jane@pjtc.net

Congregant of the Year The Guardians are currently opening the nomination process for Congregant of the Year. A nominating committee of Guardians will consider all nominations that meet the following criteria: 1. Any member of PJTC who has shown outstanding service to the synagogue over several years.

2. Nominee cannot be an immediate past President of the Board of Directors 3. The regular duties of an officer or committee member are not sufficient for consideration.

4. Financial donations alone do not qualify.

5. A congregant is eligible more than once, but not within a five-year period.

If you would like to make a nomination, please do so in writing and submit it to us by email or regular mail. Our contact information is in the PJTC directory, or through the Temple office.

Thank you, Sandy and Steve Hartford PJTC Guardian Chairs

Topics to include:

•Happiness •Judging Others Favorably •Guarding Your Speech •Good Heart Donation $7.00 per class/$30.00 for the series Foothill Unity Center

by Felicity Swerdlow

“Books For Bucks” Book Drive The Women’s Auxiliary of Foothill Unity Center (of which I am a member) is participating in a Book Drive, “Books for Bucks”, through Goodwill, Southern California.

They are collecting any books that are in good condition (that are not library books). Textbooks are accepted too. Foothill Unity Center will receive a good amount of money for each large box of books that they collect.

PJTC members can help by bringing any books they would like to donate to the Temple and placing them in the collection boxes in the foyer. Any donations to the Book Drive would be greatly appreciated! If you need help transporting your books to the Temple or would like more information, please contact me, Felicity Swerdlow. Tax donation receipts from Foothill Unity are available upon request.

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Without Sustanance There is No Torah 7

May 2012

PJTC Parlor Meetings and Campaign for the Future Many of you have attended the parlor meetings you were all invited to over the past few weeks. It has been an opportunity to learn more about the synagogue’s financial situation and discuss the plan for raising additional funds, as well as the future at PJTC. If you were unable to attend and would like to come to one of the two meetings in May, please contact Eitan at the Temple office. You will receive more information about the Campaign via email early in May. We have had a very good response to our efforts, and look forward to everyone’s participation in the month of May. We will be publishing a list of congregants who have generously participated in the Campaign for the Future in the June FLAME.

PJTC’s Annual Community Shabbaton Under the Stars Pt. Mugu State Park, Malibu, California Father’s Day Weekend, Friday, June 15 - Sunday, June 17, 2012

by Judith Pettigrew

Greetings PJTC campers!

Join Rabbi Levine Grater and Cantor Harris and their families for PJTC’s annual camping Shabbaton. At the beginning of Father’s Day weekend on Friday, June 15, we are headed to Pt. Mugu State Park in Malibu to celebrate Shabbat and welcome our Sabbath bride under a canopy of stars.

Our longtime camping guide and naturalist photographer, Dave Wyman, will be our trip leader. Dave and his crew will prepare all our meals from Friday night dinner through breakfast on Sunday. There’s lots to do in Pt. Mugu State Park, including frolicking in the ocean, hiking, biking and exploring.

The trip is not just for families with children. Young and old adults, married or single, are welcome and encouraged to join us.

You’ll need to bring your tent, sleeping bag, a camp chair and flashlight, and don’t forget your toothbrush! Although there’s no turn-down service and you won’t find a mint on your pillow, our campsite has showers and flush toilets along with beautiful views of the nighttime sky, the gentle sound of the surf and fresh air.

The cost for the weekend is $85 for adults, $65 for children older than 2; toddlers and babies under 2 are free. Dave has approximately one dozen tents to rent for $35. He will assemble and break down the tents for our campers. All you have to do is move the tent to your camp site.

So mark your calendars. Check out the FLAME as we get closer to the date for more information, or contact me at adult@pjtc.net.

What if Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center had a penny for every time you searched the Internet?

Search the web with www.goodsearch.com and money from Yahoo advertisers will go to PJTC without you spending a dime!

— Contact for Donations —

Donate to Temple Projects & Funds Order a Memorial Plaque Freeman Passover Fund Order Leaf/Stone on Tree of Life.... Temple Office (626) 798-1161 Shabbat b'Lev Music Fund Ohr Hadash Vision Fund..................Rabbi Grater (626) 798-1161 MAC Committee............................................................Edie Taylor PJTC Oral History Project....................................Michael Several Simcha & Memorial Tablecloths............................. Paula Waluch Send a Sisterhood Tribute........................................... Roz Scherr Dedicate a Prayer Book................................................. Lyn Slotky Large Print Sim Shalom..................................................Roz Scherr Rabbi Galpert Memorial Fund.....................................Janice Pais Shirley Hoffman Fuchs Award Fund....................................................Debby Singer L.B. Silver Religious School.......................................Janice Pais Torah Fund Donations................................................Bobbi Sloan Judaica Shop................................................................Stacy Miller Betsy Conovitz Sisterhood Kitchen Fund.....................................Nancy Copeland Women's Retreat Fund..........................................Nancy Copeland The FLAME

Friday, May 4

7:00 PM Knell Chapel Join Judy Callahan, Director of B’nai Simcha Preschool, and Cantor Ruth for a half-hour Shabbat experience filled with music and movement for families with children age seven and under.

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May 2012

An Introduction To Embroidery

by Judith Pettigrew

Embroidery of Rabbi Grater by Trudie Strobel

Needlework artist and PJTC member, Trudie Strobel, will be offering a seven-week class to teach up to 20 students how to embroider a beautiful Passover matzoh cover using Yemenite stitching techniques.

Classes will begin on June 21, 2012, from 1:30–3:00 PM at PJTC. The cost is $36 for PJTC members and $45 for nonmembers. The class fee includes printed instructions for each of the stitches, the fabric for the matzoh cover, and floss. Students should bring their own scissors and thimble, and, if desired, a hoop and

Invites Everyone To Join Us For Our Annual Mothers’ Day Lunch 12:30 PM, Sunday, May 13, 2012

This year the lunch will enable Children and their Parents, Grandparents and Friends To enjoy a performance by

Magic Castle Magician Ben Kemper

needle threader.

Trudie, a Holocaust survivor, first learned the art of needlework from her mother as a small girl in Europe.

She renewed her interest in needlework arts—including complicated embroidery, needlepoint, lace-making and weaving—after her family was grown. Trudie explained that, “I first dealt with my experiences in the concentration camps. I then turned to a more pleasant aspect of Jewish dress and recreated famous wedding and ceremonial dresses. I then created a tapestry including a series of scenes depicting important events in the history of the Jewish people.”

Some of Trudie’s work is on display at the Holocaust Museum in Los Angeles and in the lobby of PJTC. To reserve a spot in Trudie’s class, please contact Judith Pettigrew or adult@pjtc.net.

Enjoy a full Lunch of Blintzes, Salads, Lox and Bagels our Famous Ice Cream Bar for Dessert and Flowers for Mother -----------------------------------------------------------

Adults: $25 each, (Age 12 & Under) $10 Please - Reservations with Check by May 7 Mail to PJTC Men’s Club, 1434 N. Altadena Dr, Pasadena, Ca 91107 For Information call the PJTC Office 626-798-1161

We Have a Lost and Found Closet!

Several youngsters have left sweaters, hoodies and other items of clothing at the temple. We also have eyeglasses.

These items are now in our Lost and Found closet. If they belong to you or someone in your family, come and get them!

Just ask one of us in the office. We don’t keep them too long. Unclaimed clothing will be donated to Foothill Unity.

Rock-a-Bye Baby

Mazel tov to Sylvia Schleimer, whose fourth great-grandchild, Samuel Bay Lipson, was born on March 21, a day before his greatgrandfather Lou’s 95th birthday. Happy parents are Zack and Aira Lipson, who live in the Bay Area.

Mazel tov to Judy and Phil Binder on the birth of their grandson, Cooper Miles Stein.

Proud parents are daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Jason Stein.

Nachas for Sylvia Schleimer Cody Lowry, grandson of Sylvia Schleimer, will perform in Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte at Santa Monica College’s Broad Stage.

The date is Saturday evening, May 12 at 7:00 PM. Ticket prices are $35 for general audience, and $20 for students and seniors. Call (310) 434-3005 for the box office, or www.smc. edu/ACG/Marketing/Events/Pages/Music-Concert. asox We would like to have carpooling, so please call Edie Taylor to let her know if you are planning to attend, would be willing to drive, or need a ride.

Adult Programming HAZAK Yiddish Club meets the first and third Mondays of the month at 2:00 PM in the Lounge. Contact Annie Cheslow for info.

Movie Days are on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 1:00 PM in the Lounge. Contact Sue Galpert.

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May 2012

Israel Matters

From the Eugene and Marilyn Fingerhut Memorial History Project

Palestinians Admire Israeli Democracy Michael Oren (Foreign Policy. April 5, 2012)

by Michael Several, Project Chair

This is the second of a series of articles on Frank Ackerman.

The series will continue in the Fall.

Frank Ackerman is remembered by congregants of PJTC for his energy, his involvement in the management of the congregation, and for his important contribution to the construction of the sanctuary and social hall. But he is perhaps best remembered for dividing the congregation and leading a small number of disgruntled congregants to leave PJTC in what was the congregation’s last major split. The precipitating cause was a dispute in 1962 over the renewal of Rabbi Galpert’s contract. The underlining cause was a profound disagreement over the conduct of the congregation’s religious practices.

Lou Schleimer, of blessed memory, recalls that Ackerman complained that Rabbi Galpert “didn’t perform the way he wanted. Ackerman tried to change things but couldn’t, so he left and took a bunch of people with him.” Harold Minovitz, of blessed memory, said the reason for the split was when “holidays would come, such as Pesach, he was gone with his kids, went to the beach, or something like that, and people were unhappy with a lot of things Rabbi Galpert did.” Barry Segal also recalls that “Frank Ackerman couldn’t get along with Rabbi Galpert.”

According to Segal, “Frank Ackerman was more of an Orthodox Jew, and he just didn’t like anything Rabbi Galpert did.”

Both Zina and Herb Phillips also recall the conflict was over religious practice. Because Rabbi Galpert was a Reform rabbi, trained at the Hebrew Union College, Herb Philips said that although “our congregation was called conservative, it was obviously a reformed temple. The only difference from a reform temple that I could tell is the congregants wore tallit on certain occasions, and wore yarmulkes.” Zina remembered Ackerman “did not like Rabbi Galpert with a vengeance, constantly complaining about him and alleging he was doing things he should not be doing.” According to Zina, Ackerman also did not like the fact that Rabbi Galpert’s wife, Edith, who was a lawyer with an independent life outside the temple, “did not participate in a motherly fashion, or fit the role of a rebbetzin.”

Matters came to a head when Rabbi Galpert’s contract came up for renewal in 1962. According to Minovitz, the Board, which was composed largely of people Ackerman appointed, voted to not renew Galpert’s contract. The board then gave Louis B. Silver the task of being “the in-between man” who was to “talk to the rabbi and say we’re not going to renew it. Lou Silver said ‘I’ll take care of it.’” However, he “went to the other side and got guys like Paul Gordon (who was congregational President in 1955) to form a vociferous group that fought to keep the rabbi.” The matter was finally resolved at a congregational meeting, where, according to Barry Segal, Ackerman laid down an ultimatum: “’It’s either him or me. I cannot stay with this man. You either have him or you have me, one or the other.’ It came down to a vote. Did you ever hear anything like that? It’s either him or me? And of course, Rabbi Galpert won out.”

Israel has forged the Middle East’s first genuinely functional democracy. At 64, Israel is older than more than half of the democracies in the world and belongs to a tiny group of countries never to have suffered intervals of non-democratic governance. Israeli democracy, according to pollster Khalil Shikaki, topped the U.S. as the most admired government in the world - by the Palestinians.

Criticism of Israeli democracy derives from the situation in the West Bank, captured by Israel in a defensive war with Jordan in 1967. The fact that the Israelis and Palestinians living in those territories exercise different rights is certainly anomalous.

The existence of partially democratic enclaves within a democratic system does not necessarily discredit it. Residents of Washington, D.C., are taxed without representation, while those in the U.S. territories--Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands--cannot vote in presidential elections. Anomalies exist in every democracy. But because of its commitment to remaining a Jewish and democratic state, Israel is striving to end that aberration and resolve the century-long conflict with the Palestinians.

The solution is two states--the Jewish state of Israel and the Palestinian state of Palestine--living side by side in mutual recognition, security, and peace. Israel proffered offers for such an arrangement in 2000 and 2008, and withdrew both its military and civilian citizens from Gaza to enable the Palestinians to create a peaceful prototype state.

The Palestinians have rejected Israel’s multiple offers of independence. During their last elections, the majority of the Palestinian people voted for Hamas, a terrorist organization dedicated to Israel’s destruction, which has transformed Gaza into a terrorist mini-state. In recent years, Palestinian Authority leaders have balked at direct negotiations with Israel, preferring instead to seek independence unilaterally without making peace and pursue reconciliation with Hamas.

As impediments to peace, settlements pale beside those posed by Palestinian support for terror and the rejection of Israel’s right to exist as a secure and legitimate Jewish state.

Michael Oren is the Israeli ambassador to the U.S.

IBM-Israel Brings Smarter Water Tech To California Karin Kloosterman (israel21c, March 25, 2012) A new partnership between Sonoma County, in the heart of drought-stricken California wine country, and IBM-Israel is “smartening up” the region’s water system with automatic leak detection and water-management systems to help the state reach its goal of reducing water usage 20% by 2020.

The IBM Smarter Water Program based in Haifa at the IBM Research labs has developed new software tools to optimize valve pressure, using data from gauges and sensors throughout the system.

Karin Kloosterman is founder & editor of “greenprophet.com” The FLAME

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May 2012

Rabbi Grater’s Sabbatical

by Ruth Several. Committee Chair

Patrick E. - LadyBugs 2012

As many of you may know, Rabbi Grater will be taking a sabbatical leave from PJTC from January 1 through July 31, 2013.

In our tradition, a sabbatical is a rest from work, or a hiatus.

The word sabbatical derives from the Hebrew word Shabbat, and the concept of sabbatical has a source in shmita, described in the Torah (Leviticus 25), where there is a commandment to desist from working the fields in the seventh year. Rabbi Grater’s sabbatical will take place after his ninth year of service to PJTC. He and his family will be spending part of the time in Israel, studying, reflecting, nourishing himself professionally, and recharging his spiritual batteries.

In order to assure that PJTC’s clerical needs are met, a sabbatical committee, chaired by me and composed of a mix of lay leaders and clergy, was formed last fall. The committee recommended that Rabbi Emeritus Gil Kollin support Cantor Ruth with clerical duties during Rabbi Grater’s temporary absence. He and Cantor Ruth will officiate at b’nai mitzvah celebrations and he will be on call for life cycle events, such as funerals and baby namings. Cantor Ruth will lead all regular Shabbat and holiday services. Please be assured that every effort will be taken to keep our PJTC community spiritually strong and vibrant.

Stay tuned for more details as we approach Rabbi Grater’s sabbatical next January. Please feel free to contact me via phone or email with any questions or comments – I welcome your input.

GROW! A Garden Festival MAY 4 - 6, 2012 Celebrate Spring with a weekend of garden festivities, art installations, music, food and family fun at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden GROW! offers favorites from past LA Garden Shows plus much more PLANT SALE MARKETPLACE GARDEN SCULPTURE EXHIBIT Q & A WITH TOP GARDEN EXPERTS ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS CUTTING EDGE LANDSCAPE DESIGNS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT FOOD TRUCKS

For more information visit: www.arboretum.org

Shelter Me: Worth Viewing by all Animal-Lovers

Actress and animal W W W. A R B O R E T U M . O R G a d v o c at e K at h e r i n e Heigl is hosting the PBS Community Seder: From Slavery to Freedom premiere of Shelter Me.ARB_PSN The ad 2 Over 80 members, family and guests attended PJTC’s x 5.indd 1 4/4/12 one-hour, emotionally- annual Community Seder on the second night of Pesach. charged television special Cantor Ruth created a festive mood and warm atmosphere celebrates the human- with both familiar songs and new melodies, while Rabbi Grater animal bond by showcasing three inspirational stories about encouraged everyone to join together in meaningful discussion shelter dogs and the lives they change. of the meaning of the Exodus personally. Everyone was also The project was created by filmmaker Steven Latham and encouraged to look at Pesach in today’s world where slavery still co-produced by Shane Lachtman. Mr. Lachtman is the son of literally exists, and millions are still without adequate food in a Rabbi Alan Lachtman of our neighbor, Temple Beth David. time of agricultural abundance. Of course, there was also time During the television special, audiences will travel to for joy and celebration, from the opening welcome through the a women's prison in Southern California, where inmates children’s spirited search for the afikomen and Chag Gad Ya. train shelter dogs to become service animals for people with Thanks to Karen & Neil Brown for organizing the Seder and disabilities. Another story shows the incredible transformation donating the wine. Next year in Jerusalem! of two U.S. soldiers who begin recovering from PTSD after they are paired up with shelter dogs.

Viewers will also see the journey of two stray dogs, from Jewish Meditation the day they are picked up on the streets and brought to the Tuesdays - 7:30 AM shelter until the day they become beloved family pets. Shelter Wohlmann Hall Me takes people inside city animal shelters to give a true sense Join Rabbi Joshua for Jewish meditation, which will of the environment, committed staff and the millions of animals incorporate learning and practice. The morning is one of the in need of a home. Every year 5 million dogs and cats are best times to meditate, so we will gather for an hour before euthanized in the United States. getting started for the day. The first 30 minutes will be spent Shelter Me premieres on public television stations in in silence and meditation, then 20 minutes for learning a Los Angeles on PBS May 27 at 9:00 PM. Please go to text or instruction, and a short reflection period to end. All www.ShelterMe.com for local listings in other areas and find are welcome, no experience needed. out how to adopt, volunteer and donate to help save lives.

3 0 1 BA L D W I N AV E N U E • A R CA D I A , CA 9 1 0 0 7

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May 2012

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Adult Education Corner

by Carol Sofer, Committee Chair

Tikkun Leil Shavuot* - May 26, 7:30 PM

PJTC is a sponsor of the Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival Film at Pasadena’s Laemmle Playhouse Theatre Tired of driving to the Westside or the SF Valley to see Jewish films? Here’s your chance to watch a great film, learn from the producer and raise some money for PJTC at the same time…. right here in Pasadena!

Join your friends at a very special showing of a remarkable new film, David, on Sunday, May 6, at 10:00 AM at Pasadena’s Laemmle Playhouse Theatre, 673 E. Colorado Blvd. This showing is part of the annual Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival.

PJTC is again a synagogue sponsor of the Festival. The film’s producer, Stephanie Levy, will be on hand for a question and Answer opportunity after the film.

David is a beautiful story about friendship. This is an American-made film with English dialogue. It is suitable for family viewing. Here is the official synopsis: A lonely Muslim boy growing up in Brooklyn is inadvertently immersed in the world of Orthodox Judaism in this tender drama that bridges culture and religion. The only son of a devout imam, 11-year old Daud (Muatasem Mishal) juggles the high expectations of his father (Maz Jobrani) against feelings of isolation There is no time for playmates, until one day Daud is mistaken for a Yeshiva student and befriended by a group of Jewish boys. Unable to resist a newfound camaraderie and freedom, Daud becomes David. The ruse soon unravels, however, leaving the conflicted boy struggling to find his place in the world.

PJTC will receive a percentage of ticket sales that are identified. Here is how to purchase tickets to assist your synagogue: Go to www.lajfilmfest.org and during the purchasing process you will be asked to select your synagogue affiliation. When you use the pull down menu to select PJTC, Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival will track the purchases and give PJTC a percentage of the sales.

Buy your tickets over the phone at (800) 838-3006 and identify your PJTC affiliation at purchase.

Mention your affiliation at the box-office when you buy tickets there.

June 19 Coffee/Dessert with Ellen Cassedy. The PJTC Adult Education Committee is pleased to present Ellen Cassedy, journalist and author of We Are Here at a special coffee and dessert reception on Tuesday, June 19, at 7:30 PM. In 2004, journalist Ellen Cassedy set off into the Jewish heartland of Lithuania to study Yiddish and connect with her Jewish forebears. What had begun as a personal quest expanded into a groundbreaking exploration of how people in Lithuania – Jews and non-Jews – are confronting their Nazi and Soviet past in order to move forward into the future. Probing the terrain of memory, massacre, and moral dilemmas, Ellen found herself challenged to ask: How do we honor our diverse heritages without perpetuating the fears and hatreds of the past? Ellen’s

“The 70 Facets of Torah”

During the holiday of Shavuot, it is customary to to stay up all night to study Torah. On Saturday evening, May 26, PJTC’s Adult Education Committee will present its own version of Tikkun Leil Shavuot.

On May 26 at 7:30, after a short service, guest experts, our own clergy and several knowledgeable members of PJTC will lead mini-classes on a variety of Jewish subjects. With three 18minute sessions of multiple presentations in each time period, you will have the opportunity to learn a little about a lot. Here are a few subjects: Pasadena Jewish history; what’s happening with Israel Kibbutz life; Saul Bellow; some interesting Midrashim; a Sholem Asch story; a new melody for an old prayer……

All this learning makes one hungry. And it’s also traditional to blend learning with sweetness. So we will follow our learning with a delicious ice cream social.

Those who would like to continue their studying may stay “Later with Grater,” and continue to study. Rabbi Grater plans to lead study sessions as late as people would like.

Please read your email blasts for more information on this program. *The practice of staying up all Shavuot night to study Torah – known as Tikkun Leil Shavuot – has its source in the Midrash, which relates that the night before the Torah was given, the Israelites retired early to be well-rested for the momentous day ahead. They overslept and Moses had to wake them up because God was already waiting on the mountaintop. To rectify this perceived flaw in the national character, many religious Jews stay up all night to learn Torah.

Modern Jewish Writers: Book Club Update

by Peter Brier, book club facilitator

On May 15 the Modern Jewish Writers Book Club will hold its last session before the summer break - - unless there is a great demand to continue until July. We’ll be discussing Nobel Prize winner I.B. Singer’s famous early novel, Satan in Goray, written originally in Yiddish in 1933 for the Warsaw literary monthly Globus, masterfully translated by Jacob Sloan in 1955.

After reading Bernard Malamud’s The Fixer, in which the slander of the blood libel plays such a great role, readers expressed an interest in delving deeper into the way modern writers have dealt with Jewish aberrant and evil behavior, actual or imagined by anti-Semitic forces.

Singer’s novel concentrates on the hysteria in the midseventeenth century surrounding the false messiah Sabbatai Zevi. Even before he is exposed, the depravity of those who capitalize on the people’s anxiety and fear brings disaster to the village of Goray. Ruth Wisse, Chair of Yiddish Studies at Harvard, believes that this book is Singer’s “greatest novel.”

Our May 15 meeting will be at 7:30 in the Temple Lounge.

Come join our lively discussion!

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May 2012

We are Family

PJTC Board Meeting of March 26

Every year, our school has a Middah or Jewish value that we integrate into our curriculum. This year’s theme is Al Tifrosh Min Hatzibur, or “Building Caring Communities”. It feels particularly relevant to Weizmann with our close-knit community and haimish atmosphere. This spirit of community is truly special, and something that we work very hard to cultivate.

We recently had the pleasure of hearing our Middah come to life at our Spring Concert. Our students performed songs in English and Hebrew that echoed this important message. The robust song list included: Am Ehad, by Fran Avni, Lean on Me

by Bill Withers, You’ve got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman, Im Eyn Ani Li, Mi Li by Debbie Friedman, and the finale, which inspired a standing ovation, was a very enthusiastic rendition of We are Family by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. My sincere thanks to the entire staff for putting together this impressive show. Special thanks go to our talented (and busy) music specialist, Wendy Bat- Sarah.

I was impressed and touched by many things during this performance. For one, I was thrilled to see so many beaming faces filling up that stage. Our school has grown by over 60% in the last 5 years – including the addition of a middle school.

Seeing so many students, including those who tower over me in height, was incredibly gratifying.

Second, I feel strongly that music and drama are important components of educating the whole child. These subjects expand minds, and they also build confidence and self esteem. Concerts and plays are also wonderful showcases for our school’s enriched curriculum. Please be my guest at our upcoming events: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Wednesday, May 2 at 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM in PJTC’s Galpert Sanctuary; and our Shakespeare Performance on Tuesday, May 29 at 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM in PJTC’s Social Hall.

Finally, as an educator dedicated to ensuring the continuity of Am Israel, it thrills me to see the next generation internalizing these important values that can help guide how they relate to others and live their lives. I am incredibly proud of how inclusive, accepting and kind our students are taught to be.

Parents and visitors comment to me almost daily about how impressed they are with the affection and friendship displayed among classmates and across grade levels. I credit our faculty and staff for constantly reinforcing and integrating many important values, including this year’s middah into everything we learn and do.

The Board meeting began with a thoughtful D’var Torah by Larry Scharfstein discussing a selection from the Wisdom of the Fathers and the seven attributes of a wise person.

George Roegler presented the Treasurer’s Report which highlighted the continuing very large deficit that PJTC is facing.

President Matt Ober discussed the plan to have parlor meetings with congregants to discuss the facts and figures related to this major problem. There will also be larger meeting for those not participating in the parlor meetings. All Board members will be participating.

Franci Levine-Grater, who has special expertise in fundraising, gave an excellent presentation on how to grow a “Culture of Giving,” noting that Tzedakah and supporting a Synagogue are core values of Jewish community life for as Jews we are all responsible for one another. It is important that all congregants show commitment at some level to this process.

The Board approved a proposal by Ruth Several for a Fund to honor the memory of Madeline Mark, our Board member and Adult Programs VP who recently passed away.

Erich Schlecht, Religious Affairs VP, presented two proposals recommended by the Ritual Committee. The first will move Friday night services from 8:00 PM to 7:30. This was passed.

The second proposal allows participation of a non-Jewish parent in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony of the passing of the Torah from generation to generation. There being no Halachic reason not to do this. With Rabbi Grater’s approval, this was also passed.

Cantor Ruth announced that the CD from her Argentine concert in February was now available.

Rabbi Grater thanked the Board members for their hard work.

by Lisa Feldman, M.A. Ed. Head of School, Weizmann Day School

by Ira A. Blitz, Board Secretary

LETS GO TO THE MOVIES WITH HAZAK

We i z m a n n m u s i c teacher Wendy Bat-Sarah leads the students in song at the school's spring concert.

Please come for a visit! Weizman Day School provides an outstanding academic education enriched by Judaic principles and a commitment to service for grades K-8. For a tour of our school please call the office at (626) 797-0204 or visit us at www.weizman.net.

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Please Join us in the lounge at PJTC on Monday, May 14, at 1:00 PM 13

May 2012

A Letter from Ilona E. Fuchs April 23, 2012 Dear Members of the Pasadena Jewish Temple, Mazel tov on the 90th anniversary of the Pasadena Jewish Temple. What a happy occasion! I wish I could be with you to celebrate.

My family belonged to PJTC for 48 years and my late husband, Morton, was the gabbai for over 30 years. We have many very fond memories of being part of the Temple community: my son Henry’s bar mitzvah, my daughter Marta’s bat mitzvah, the memorial tablecloths and the Torah flower crowns for Shavuot that I started, and my fashion shows were certainly memorable events for our entire family. If I could be with you, I would organize another fashion show.

However, since I won’t be able to join you in your celebrations, I am sending you from Chapel Hill, North Carolina my very best wishes and congratulations. May Pasadena Jewish Temple prosper and succeed in fostering a strong Jewish community for generations to come! May it continue to enhance the spirituality and quality of life of its members!

With very best wishes, Ilona, Henry, Marta Fuchs and family

The March of the Living, 2011

by Zehava Eckstein-Sweet

Now and Then. This is a passage of time. I will return to this passage of time after important facts are revealed.

The March consisted of seven survivors and 180 young adults, plus 6 wonderful staff members. The purpose was to share with the youngsters our Shoah stories. We spent one week in Poland and one week in Israel.

I must describe the young people who marched with us.

Their step is full of energy and excitement. The fresh red blood flowing in their veins is like a bubbling stream. Their readiness to give a hand, embrace a survivor who falls behind is as sweet as gelide (ice cream) in Tel Aviv. I have come to love these young heroes who represent our present and future. On my birthday the young people and the staff wrote good wishes to me on an Israeli flag and draped it over their shoulders and danced around with it. I treasure that flag.

Now I return to the passage of time. Time measures our days, weeks, months and years. Time heals painful events, blurs episodes, agonizing reverses to memory that which is unbearable to hold.

At the beginning of the trip we traveled to Poland, to Brzeziny, my birthplace. I was heartbroken. Instead of my fancy home with extraordinary carved furniture, Keren Kayemet box, and other lovely things, the place was in shambles. The Mayor of Brzeziny came and talked to us. He was cordial and promised improvements. Who cared? Before the war 60% of the population was Jewish. Today not even one Jew lives in Brzeziny.

Today the memory of my home the way I saw it is blurred.

On time, on time, the voice directs us, our schedule is like clockwork. Our hearts pounding with emotion, indescribable when we pass the ruins of Treblinka, Auschwitz and Birkenau/ Maidanek. We pass a grave of 800 children in Tarnov, their crumbled bones laid to rest. Perhaps they found peace in another world. It reminds one of the bones of Yosef carried by Moshe to the Holy Land. And the tears just fall in rivulets. But today no tears fall, there is just this gruesome memory.

We went on to Israel from a place of death to a place of life.

In Jerusalem we laughed, we were so elated. We celebrated Israel’s Independence Day, sitting in a large hall listening to Israeli speeches and music. I must admit that I was tired, but that didn’t keep me from sending kisses to three shiny jets in the sky. My love for Israel is as deep as the sea.

Foothill Unity Center Tikkun Olam Sub-Committee Foothill Unity Center has very graciously offered to host a meeting of the Tikkun Olam Sub-committee at the Pasadena Center, so that we can learn more about Foothill Unity’s activities as well as tour the facility.

All PJTC members are welcome. If you are interested in learning more about Foothill Unity Center and ways that we at PJTC can help, please join us on:

Tuesday May 8, at 6:00 PM

Pasadena Center of Foothill Unity 191 North Oak Avenue Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 584-7420 Supper will be served

To RSVP or for more information please contact Felicity Swerdlow.

Nite on the Town Books Yours for only $25.00 It's Easy To Use Visit each restaurant up to three times. On each visit, with a party of two, your lower priced entree is free or reduced substantially in price. With a party of at least four, your discount is more, sometimes even doubled.

Your membership is valid for dinner any evening (Fridays and Saturdays too) through December 30, 2012.

Include your membership card when paying your bill, and the restaurant will take care of the rest. All proceeds benefit Sisterhood. Contact Ruth Kaye for more information.

An Invitation to Friends of Marilyn Kragen

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We invite you to an Open House In honor of Marilyn Kragen's 90th Birthday Sunday, June 10, from 1:30-4:00 PM at the home of Edeena & Brian Gordon Please RSVP to: (818) 249-5318 14

May 2012

Bat Mitzvah Celebration Shayna Brooke Goldstein, daughter of Lisa and Mark Goldstein, is a seventh grader at La Canada High School. She keeps herself extremely busy at all times. She dances: tap, ballet, lyrical, jazz, she loves them all. She has been dancing since she was three and enjoys going to competitions and hanging out with her dance family. She especially likes to perform for disabled adults, teaching dance to special-needs children and preschoolers.

The Mitzvah Project Shayna chose is the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She has been touched by all the brave children with life-threatening medical conditions. With the help of family and friends she raised over $8,000 for the Foundation. She was fortunate to meet her wish-child, a seven-year-old named Melissa with leukemia. It was a very special moment that will be with her forever.

Shayna is also busy working on her Silver Award for Girl Scouts. She has been a scout since kindergarten. She plans, shops, cooks, and serves dinners regularly for the Door of Hope, an interim home for families with children to help them go from homelessness to self-sufficiency to permanent housing. She adores all the children and looks forward to planning activities to do with them We hope she always has that flair for life.

Shayna will be called to the Torah as a bat mitzvah on May 12. She will be honored to celebrate this day with friends and family, including relatives from London. We are extremely proud of her grace and accomplishments.

Yom Hashoah Seder

(L to R.) Holocaust survivor Trudie Strobel displays her embroidery to the LBSRS students. Annie Cheslow reads from the Seder Haggadah. George Roegler holds mic for Zehava Eckstein-Sweet as she reads some of her poetry about her experience during the Holocaust.

Jarrett Sharp’s Mitzvah Project

Continuing Programs Book Group, Modern Jewish Writers, with Peter Brier, third Tuesday evening of each month Talmud with Rabbi Kollin at 7:00 PM on Wednesdays for a leisurely tour of the Talmud and how it has been interpreted by succeeding generations of rabbis.

Torah & Lunch at noon on Thursdays with Rabbi Grater.

Modern Hebrew language classes with Nurith Brier on Thursdays. Contact Nurith for information.

Adult Education article continued from page 12

book records her quest. It was published in March, 2012 by University of Nebraska Press.

Ellen Cassedy’s many articles and translations from Yiddish have appeared in Shofar: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies, Polin, Bridges: A Jewish Feminist Journal, The Forward, and Hadassah Magazine.

Rabbi Joshua and Carolyn Siegal Will Teach a New Class: "Small Steps in Big Results: 4 Jewish Attributes to Change Your Life," a 5-week class on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 PM. See more information on page 7.

New Needlepoint Class with PJTC’s own Trudie Strobel, beginning June 21, 1:30 PM every Thursday at PJTC. Please see article on page 9.

Tu b’Av August 2 at 7:30 PM– Mark your calendars. For the first annual Tu b’Av (Israeli Valentine’s Day) program. It will be romantic, educational, musical and fun.

Click to return to page 12 The FLAME

“Be the Match” at the Upcoming Mitzvah Fair According to the Talmud, “whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.”

My Mitzvah Project is to help people with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood diseases get the potentially lifesaving bone marrow transplant they need. I chose this as my project because my Zadie Spencer Gilbert and Great-GreatUncle Sherman Finesilver both died of leukemia and I wanted to make their memories a blessing.

Seventy percent of patients diagnosed with these diseases do not have bone marrow matches in their families and therefore need to find an unrelated donor for a second chance at life.

Although there are currently nine million potential marrow donors on the “Be the Match” National Registry, 60% of patients are still unable to find a match. That’s why it’s crucial for more people to register as potential donors.

A common myth about bone marrow donation is that the donor must undergo painful surgery. In most cases now, donors give peripheral blood stem cells in a non-surgical process. And you may never be called to donate. Registering for the program indicates your availability and willingness to donate should a match ever be found.

Please visit my table at the Mitzvah Fair to add your name to the registry. You can also register or learn more about the program by visiting http://Join.Marrow.org/JarrettsProject.

You can also donate funds to help support the program.

Join my team at www.BeTheMatchFoundation.org/goto/ JarrettsProject.

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May 2012

Matt Ober's article continued from page 1

MAC Rides Again

everything in between. But equally expressed were passion, praise, optimism, a connection between strangers and a deeper bond among friends as together we exchanged ideas about how to make PJTC better, stronger and more financially secure for the next generation.

Of course, the goal of these gatherings was financial–to secure contributions to PJTC and provide assurance that a plan is in place to protect against future budget short falls. Many wrote checks, others submitted pledges. But perhaps the unintended consequence of these meetings was of equal or greater value.

People emerged feeling a little bit better about their temple and center, and left with a better understanding of why they come to PJTC. I extend my personal thank you to each of you who planned, hosted, pledged, contributed and shared in this incredibly positive process. The response has been extremely positive. To date, we've received over $75,000 in pledges and contributions toward our goal of $300,000. But in order to succeed together, we must have every member's participation at any level. There are two parlor meetings remaining in May and pledges and contributions are welcome at any time. Please contact Eitan for further information.

When we gather together on May 5 in celebration of 90 years of Jewish life in the San Gabriel Valley we will do so with a deeper understanding of how important PJTC is to each of us and just why we are here. PJTC is our Center in so many ways and we owe it to ourselves, and to those who will come after us to celebrate what has sustained us for so long. My sincere gratitude to 90th Jubilee Co-Chairs Faith Segal and Amy Richardson and their incredible committee of volunteers; Ricky Calvin, Andrea Edwards, Karen Gross, Sandy Hartford, Stacy Ober and Jon Weisz, for the vision, dedication and creativity that went into this celebration.

Yasher Koach!

Matt

by Edie Taylor, Membership Assistance Committee Chair

During the week before Pesach, a team of members delivered bags containing Passover foods to those of our congregation who were housebound, had surgery or other major illness or were bereaved during the past six months. The deliveries covered the many communities that comprise our PJTC area, and brought smiles to sad faces.

The process started several weeks before Passover, when members solicited gift cards from some of our local markets.

These were used to purchase matzos, macaroons, and grape juice. In the meantime, Roz Scherr was busy writing personal notes to go along with each bag.

On Monday of the week prior to Pesach, I packed 32 bags, and our volunteers arrived to pick them up together with notes broken down into geographic areas. This year our volunteers were Jan Pais, Aty Rotter, Claire Gorfinkel, Jeff Landau, Maury Weiss, Bonnie Skolnik and Ike Langholz. We want all the recipients to know that although some are unable to attend services at present, we are still here for them and hope to see them soon.

Lest I forget to give thanks when due, Gail Moore has been our MAC Sunshine Chair, and Carolyn Siegal does the same for Sisterhood, so our members receive two get well or sympathy notes when the occasions arise. Gail and Carolyn are delighted when asked to send “happy” notes to new parents, or those whose children are newly engaged or married.

Please let me know when you have a simcha to share with the congregation.

We greatly appreciate donations to MAC, which help to cover our expenses. Our slogan, printed on our notes, is “We Care.”

Temple Grounds

by Stacy Miller

Click to return to page 1

Don’t drive home after religious school drop off, early minyan, or a visit to our library on Sunday mornings! Hang out at PJTC with old and new friends, pick up a cup of coffee, a spot of tea or a cup of hot chocolate. You’ll find Temple Grounds under the eaves of Wohlmann Hall every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon.

MiShaberach List Update

By Roz Scherr, PJTC Ritual Committee

Having Rabbi Grater read out the names of ill or injured congregants, family and friends, plus saying a prayer for their healing is a special part of our regular Saturday morning service. However, our list can get overly long, as we don’t always know when to remove names of people who are back in good health again.

To try to help manage our list, we would like to keep a name on the list for only one month, UNLESS YOU TELL US DIFFERENT. We’re certainly more than willing to keep names on longer if requested! But for short-term illnesses or accidents, we’re hoping that one month will be enough.

We wish good health to all and a speedy recovery to those who are ill.

The FLAME

From the Cemetery Committee PJTC owns plots in two cemeteries: Home of Peace in East Los Angeles and Rose Hills in Whittier. Plots may be purchased in advance, with a convenient payment plan, no interest charged. We handle all the paperwork for you.

We no longer have any plots available at Mount Sinai but we have a good relationship with their management, and for those wishing to purchase pre-need plots there, please do so through PJTC. This does not alter the price to you, but it gives a financial boost to the temple.

Let us help you with these transactions.

PJTC Cemetery Committee: Hy Vego or Ken Gerst 16

May 2012

...and Anniversaries

May Birthdays May 1 . .............Deborah Beutler Nurit Burrow Samuel Kogan Evelyn Robinson Jacobo Rothner Daniel Siegal Lea Wald May 2 . ................. Aliana Baskin Christina Cohen Michael Fox Claudia Paz Zina Phillips Larry Sharfstein Joan Weiss Ralph Wolveck May 3 . ............Brycen Goldstein Irving Herschaft Adrian Lanch May 4 . ....................David Sloan May 5 . .................... Anna Bruck David Landau Mala Langholz Aaron Pettigrew May 6 . ............... Rebecca Kahn May 7 . . Zehava Eckstein-Sweet Jane Hirschkowitz Bryan Langholz May 8 . ....................Ray Marcus May 9 . ................ Josette Bellan Mark Tragarz May 10 . .............Bradley Jorban Joanne Topol May 11 ............... Joanna Bovyer Kimberly Gould Zachary Segal May 12 . ..............Adrienne Bass Steve Breton Hana Elter Karl Hess Andrew Jick May 14 . ..........Samuel Conovitz George Hassman Judy Kogan Claude Meyers Gary Moore Ruth Stinson May 15 . ...............Patricia Bunin Bobbi Sloan May 16 . ................David Dickter Mike Kronsburg Alex Rosner Blair Siegal Benjamin Sigoloff Zachary Snyder Rochelle Weiss May 17 . .......... Rebecca Golbert Bernhard Rohrbacher

May 18 . ................Shane Balian Barbara David Sarah Kahn May 19 . ...............Michael Gerst Claudio Nunez May 20 . ..................Todd Cobey Seth Copeland Ava Gabriel Eliana Gabriel Marvin Gross Joshua Levine Grater Sydney Weissman May 21 . .Jennifer Golub Marcus Paula Ludwin William Mesnik Aileen Schlissel-Lanch Laura Van Dellen May 22 . ................ Jacob Balian Deborah Guest Barbara McQuiston Joe Novak Jakki Sencer Ethan Sharp May 23 . .................. Kelly Brown Josh Goldberg Elizabeth Grover Howard Rambach May 24 . .............. Nicole Basseri Shahrokh Basseri Hannah DeMerit Joshua Ravich May 25 . ........ Barbara Felsinger Bassam Haddad Pearl Tyree May 26 . ....... Hannah Ackerman Betty Fishman May 27 . ........George Bermudez Gitta Earll

Cynthia Kahn Sanford Schupper Jack Singer

May 28 . ........Madison Dreshner

Harvey Knell Samuel Svonkin

May 29 . ..............Gerald Halpert

Emett Mendel

May 30 . ............. Ruth Hochman

Alice Shulman Vance Tyree

May 31 . ............Stephen Crump

Alexis David Marina Jick Sheila Presant Benett Rogers Mark Stein

Jim and Sue Hogan ................................ #35........................5/1/1977 Vance and Pearl Tyree .........................................................5/1/1993 Ronald and Valerie Grover ...................................................5/4/1997 Dan and Melissa Raz ...........................................................5/5/2002 Bruce and Linda Horowitz ....................................................5/9/1992 Patricia Bunin and George Roegler . ..................................5/15/1988 Nathan Temple and Liz Loughren ......................................5/15/2008 Steve and Betsy Conovitz ..................................................5/18/1986 Jared Becker and Maureen McGrath .................................5/19/1990 John Watson and Katie Gundersen ...................................5/19/1990 Ed Brunngraber and Jackie Szmuszkovicz ........................5/23/1997 Larry and Annette Sharfstein ..............................................5/24/1992 Stephen and Kathryn Sachs . .............................................5/24/2004 Josh and Kim Gould ...........................................................5/25/2008 Spencer and Monica Krieger ..............................................5/26/1991 Jaime and Penina Segall-Gutierrez . ..................................5/27/2002 Andrew and Jo Anne Kindler ..............................................5/28/1989 Peter and Nurith Brier . .......................................................5/29/1975 Peter Mendel and Shana Levin ..........................................5/30/2004 Greg and Judy Kogan ........................................................5/30/2010 Jonathon and Sarah Weisz .................... #25......................5/31/1987

Thanks to Our April Volunteers PJTC offers our members a variety of ways to be of service to the Temple. Those who are able to give of their time are vital to sustaining our community.

To host an Oneg, call Anita Landau To host a Kiddush, call Roz Scherr

Oneg & Kiddush Hosts

Apr. 7 Kiddush hosted by Shabbes Minyan Group Apr. 13/14 Oneg hosted by Sisterhood

Kiddush hosted by Linda & Elliott Mazur in memory of Elliott’s father, Marvin Mazur Apr.20/21 Oneg hosted by the Temple Board

Kiddush hosted by Sisterhood Apr. 27/28 Oneg hosted by Sisterhood

Kiddush hosted by Zehava Eckstein-Sweet &

Jane Hirschkowitz in honor of their birthdays Sondra Dreshner

Barry Segal

Vic Ryden Mickey Butnik

Roz Scherr

Torah, Haftorah and Shir haShirim Readers

Marcia Alper Bonnie Buratti Zehava Eckstein-Sweet John Guest

Matt Hurwitz Ofer Ho Erich Schlecht Ruth Several

Cantor Ruth

Judy Ellis Ruth Kaye Roz Scherr

Office Volunteers Jerry Halpert Ernie Robinson Edie Taylor

Sondra Dreshner Sam Haddad Roz Scherr Jacob Tragarz

Sue Galpert George Roegler Arlene Weiss

Do We Have your email address?

Has there been a change in your email address?

Robert Roney Janice Betrue Roney

We would like to send you our weekly email bulletins as well as other special notices.

Please email the office at bruce@pjtc.net with the correct address. Thanks so much.

Temple City

The FLAME

Gabbai’im

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May 2012

Yahrzeits for May (announced Fri/Sat preceding the date) Iyar 9

May 01, 2012

Iyar 17

Goldye Aronstein Nathan Cantor Benjamin Glassman Bessie Naidus Ruth Negin Iyar 10

May 02, 2012

Iyar 18

Saul Bobrow Seymour Jaffe David Mendel Eleanor Rofheart Iyar 11

Iyar 12

Iyar 13

May 07, 2012

Iyar 21

May 08, 2012

Jacob Gross Sylvia Katzman Harry Rotenberg Susan Sampson Wendy Snyder

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Iyar 28

May 13, 2012

Iyar 22

May 14, 2012

Fern Chessen Lillian Davidson George Grossman Mariam Liberman Jules Markowitz Sarah Segal Iyar 23

Sivan 7

May 23, 2012

Sivan 3

May 24, 2012

Al Gould Abraham Holland Maurice Kaplan Sivan 4

May 28, 2012

Judith Bershatsky Rosalind Chalek Arthur Gomperts Rose Hacker Irving Korobkin Louis Nobleman Sarah Pais Harry Schick Idelle Seigan Bessie Shapiro Sivan 8

May 29, 2012

Hanna Judkiewicz Nettie Marks Arlene Meehan Fannie Theodore Sivan 9

May 30, 2012

Estelle Alt Paul Cooper Harold Fluster David Hellman Ethele Raichlen Rita Schlesinger Mary Shenfeld Leah Witkin Korobkin

May 22, 2012

Irwin Auerbach Gertrude Baskin Kea Lane Emanuel Schlesinger Ruthanne Wolf Israel Yehuda Anne York

May 16, 2012

Richard Berkman Rose Berman Harold Goldin Bernard Moskowitz Ronney Russing Murray Schneider Iyar 25

Sivan 2

May 27, 2012

Helen Claster Engel Salamonne Flora Ishak Keshev Benes Lubow David Reif Engel Salamon Bradley Warner Charles Yanoff

Meyer Harris Shapiro Richard Weisbaum

May 15, 2012

Sophia Freedman Charles Goodstein Fannie Knell Lillian Lash Israel Levine Zelda Rourman Mary Socher Iyar 24

Sivan 1

Sivan 6

May 21, 2012

Lillian Braiker Wilbur Cohen Morris DeWoskin Shimon Elter Erna Hartford Gerald Lipton Abraham Rothstein

May 26, 2012

Gustav Farber Rose Hart Milton Honowitz Andre Molnar

May 20, 2012

Marie Cohn David Ellis Carl Entner Morris Ostrow Helen Richman Olga Wolf Ben Zahler Iyar 29

Sivan 5

May 19, 2012

Ida Donner Carl Fingerhut Abraham Hellman Katie Lampert Ella Morrison Samuel Nehdar Isidore Press Isadore Soclof Sam Young

May 12, 2012

Goldye Aronstein Harry Friedenberg Sally Lipser Korobkin Harry Levine Ruth Rosenberg

Dora Karlin Roy Primack Harry Sax Irwin Weinberg Gayle Weiner Iyar 16

Iyar 27

Theodore Coplen Joseph Dinesfeld Benjamin Several

May 06, 2012

Herbert Berkman Morris Brenner Max Parton Evelyn Salka Elsie Slifkin Laura Terfansky Iyar 15

Iyar 20

May 18, 2012

Esther Bernstein Flora DeLee Louis Kaufman Stephanie Kirschen Cole Lena Kokis Leo Krawetz William Michaels Rebecca Press Danny Robinson

May 11, 2012

Thelma Berman Harry Cohen Pearl Esensten Shirley Grossman Raymond Katz Jakob Kolos Iren Lengyel Nate Paul Sheldon Weinstein

May 05, 2012

Ruth Binen Ralph Buratti Hedda Gruenfeld Joseph Hassman David Leibl Mendel Miller Nathan Miner Samuel Nimetz Violet Schaffer Iyar 14

Iyar 19

May 04, 2012

Norman Besbris Louis Garbowitz Betty Harris Benjamin Levine Norman Levinson Mary Moldufsky Yona Nisen John Nissen Joanna Perls Bessie Shapiro Abraham Siegal Annie Wiskind

Iyar 26

May 10, 2012

Wolf Druyun Louis Ellenbogen David Pessin Stephen Pindak Shirley Rich Myer Weinstein

May 03, 2012

Esther Barnett Julia Ellenbogen Esther Kloder Sol Maslin Samuel Pais Sarah Segal William Siegel

May 09, 2012

Joan Carlton Sadie Epstein Sonia Greenspan Harry Kryshka Fern Loitz

Sivan 10

May 31, 2012

Beatrice Fink Sara Glickman Herman Green Jack Isaacson Rachel Morgenstern Joseph Morris Fay Ricks Adolf Stiefel Abraham Weiner Richard Yecke Martin Zuckerman

May 25, 2012

Frank Ackerman Irving Fox Pearl Hassler Leah Kafenhaus Zelda Kelin Benjamin Kloder Morris Morrison Private David Scheflin

May 17, 2012

Louis Altshuler Goldie Miller Richard Solomon

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May 2012

April Donations General Fund

Phylllis Penn, in memory of her friend, Tom Shulman Phyllis Penn, in loving memory of the Shulman Family Reunion Carol & Matt Sofer, in memory of Madeline Mark Stephen Roth & family, in memory of Cecelia Knell Sandy & Steven Hartford, Guardian Brunch sponsors John Strobel, Yom Kippur Appeal Kai Shue Lam & Bonnie Buratti, in celebration of the marriage of Cynthia Cohen & Rabbi Gil Kollin

Donations to General Fund

From: In Memory of: Betty Fishman Father, Moses Margolis Laurie Mills In loving memory of Shirley Rosen Jim Younessi Father, Shokrolah Younessi Harold Jacobs In loving memory of Otto, Sam & Sarah Jacobs Mena Shapiro Father-in-Law, Abraham Shapiro Kathryn Gundersen Uncle, Hyman Lampert Kathryn Gundersen Great-Grandfather, Solomon Landsman Barry & Suzie Kustner Mother, Lillian Kustner Barry & Suzie Kustner Sister, Barbara Splaver Louise Lorden Mother, Mae Fischer Jakki Sencer Grandmother, Fannie Genss Jakki Sencer Father, Jules Larner Shirley Hoffman Husband, Bob Hoffman Ruth Genss Larner Mother, Fannie Genss Ruth Genss Larner Uncle, Milt Fox Ellen Knell, Father Max Schlacter Harvey Knell Father, Max Knell Sheldon Brown Father, Louis Brown Sheldon Brown Mother, Frieda Brown Sandra Sonies Mother, Betty Sonies Sandra Sonies Father, Al Sonies Maxine Minovitz Husband, Harold J. Minovitz Maxine Minovitz Daughter, Lori Minovitz Brandstetter Hilde Gottfeld Father, Adolf Peters Hilde Gottfeld Mother, Ida Peters Helene Emmerich Grandmother, Fannie Grossman Helene & Allen Emmerich Father, Abraham Katzman Gerda Ruth Hirsch Beloved Mother, Elli Seelig Sherry Weinberg Father, William Miller Vance Tyree Wife, Betsy Tyree Judith Fox Mother, Ann Carsh Izak Langholz Father, Fishel Langholz Sam Langholz Father, Fishel Langholz Faye Langholz Mother, Lillian Chason Hava Ben-Zvi Husband, Ephraim Ben-Zvi Hava Ben-Zvi Mother, Dinah Blumenfeld Eleanor & Arthur Fertel Morris Fertel & Sonia Krakowsky Diane Hermanson Loved ones Jonathon Weisz Father, Sam Weisz Judy Raichlen Mother, Janka Kurschner Benjamin Goland In loving memory of Irene Goland Phillip Weise In loving memory of Max Gross Victor Berlant Loved one Nancy Grossman Father, Abram Hermanson James Doroshow & family In loving memory of George Doroshow Jill Adler-Moore Loved one Paul Bellan Loved ones Pearl Tyree Mother, Barnett Frechtman Marvin Donner Grandmother, Fannie Genss Harold Plush Dina Schefren Ellen, Bob & David Waksberg Mollie Herman Frances Cohen Loved one Marian Robbins Malcolm Robbins Ruth Genss Larner Mother-in-Law, Esther Larner Jerry Halpert Father, Jack Halpert Ruth Kaplan Husband, Dr. Oscar Kaplan Mike Klekner Sister, Sally Grodske Sylvia Gottesman Loved one Jackie Rosen Father, Morris Braeger

Camp Scholarship Fund Kenneth Goss Jeffrey Goss

Freeman Passover Fund Pearl & Vance Tyree Nurith & Peter Brier

Galpert Scholarship Fund

Edna Cott, in loving memory of brother, Basil Gould

Membership Assistance Committee (MAC) With thanks to MAC, from Valerie Weiss

Shabbes Minyan Fund

Helen Freeman Elliott Mazur, in loving memory of father, Marvin Mazur Marilyn & Martin Kirschen, in memory of Gregory Williams

Special Fund

Kai Shue Lam & Bonnie Buratti in memory of Madeline Mark

Sisterhood Kitchen Fund

In honor of Edie Taylor’s 85th birthday, from Nancy & John Carlton

Women’s Retreat Fund

In memory of Madeline Mark, from Penny Spark & Curt Gorlick

Sisterhood Tributes

To Cantor Ruth Berman Harris & family, wishing them happiness & good health in their new home, from Joan & Jerry Halpert To Lyn & Bud Slotky in honor of the birth of their new grandson, Sawyer Jameson Reitano, from Mary Ann & Mickey Bernath To Karen & Neil Brown in honor of the birth of their new grandson, Sean Lucian Brown, from Marcia Alper To Ilona Fuchs in honor of her 94th birthday, with love & best wishes from Valerie & Aaron Weiss & family To Rabbi Gil & Cindy Kollin in honor of their marriage, from Karen & Neil Brown and from Ellen & Harvey Knell To Carolyn Siegal in honor of her being PJTC’s “Woman Who Makes a Difference,” from Roza Kuppermann To Cara Jaffe, wishing her a speedy recovery & return to good health, from Nancy & John Carlton To Ernie Robinson, wishing him a speedy recovery & return to good health, from his friends at PJTC and from Edie Taylor To Peggy Schiffman in memory of her beloved mother, Marti Bekey, from Joan & Jerry Halpert To Keri Axel & family in memory of her beloved grandmother, from Mary Ann & Mickey, Maite & Brett Bernath To the Krieger family in memory of Monica’s beloved grandmother, Yolanda Miklos, from Stacy & Stu Miller To the Braun family in memory of Peter’s beloved aunt, Shirley Kronick, from Stacy & Stu Miller To Carl Selkin & family in memory of his beloved mother, Mollie Heiman, from Ellen & Harvey Knell To Sylvia Schleimer & family in memory of her beloved husband, Lou Schleimer, from Stacy & Stu Miller, Ilona Fuchs & family, Connie & Art Taus, Nancy & John Carlton, Connie & Lou Friedman, Liz and Bud Green, and from Judy Ungar To Dorothy Perel in memory of her beloved husband, Julius Perel, from Stacy & Stu Miller, Liz and Bud Green, and from Connie & Lou Friedman To Deena & David Pais in memory of Deena’s beloved mother, Barbara Bemnet, from Connie & Lou Friedman

The FLAME

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May 2012

Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater's article continued from page 1

PJTC Library Simon Burrow, Chief Librarian Summer Library Special

the youngest to the oldest members of our community, will be there to celebrate the amazing community we have built and maintained for the past 90 years. Thanks to the generosity of some of our members and sponsors, we are making this party affordable and accessible to all of us; namely, it is not a fundraiser but a celebration for the community. That doesn’t mean, however, that we are not in need of your help financially.

By now, I hope that almost all of you have attended one of our meetings, either at PJTC or in someone’s home, to hear about the financial situation we are facing and hopefully you have all contributed. There are still a few more meetings to come in May. For me, in addition to raising the much-needed funds, one of the goals of the meetings was to ask people what they loved most about PJTC and how this community has affected their lives. As your spiritual leader, I feel so blessed to serve this amazing community, living and breathing PJTC for the better part of every day. I see, on a daily basis, what our community offers. What we love and cherish about PJTC is at stake right now and we are all responsible to secure our future. So, please, dig deep and contribute to our “Building the Future” Campaign.

Now is the time to make PJTC a top priority, to give more than you thought you could, to give again and to secure our future.

That is what those who came before us have done for the past 90 years; now it is our turn, our moment, our privilege to step up and keep the greatness going strong. We are all responsible.

I thank all of you who have contributed and look forward to thanking ALL of you who will contribute. If we make this a 100% community effort, with each of us giving, then we will succeed mightily!

Finally, we come to the end of our Omer counting this month, culminating our march from Egypt on Pesach with the holy day of Shavuot. This festival celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai, an event that is actually an ongoing, never-ending revelation for us to experience daily. We hope to see you at our awesome Tikkun Leiyl Shavuot, our annual late-night Torah party, this year on Saturday night, May 26. We are planning some exciting, hard-hitting TED-style sessions, rapid-fire, 18-minute learning options to engage us, followed by refreshments and some longer sessions later into the evening.

It is traditional to stay up all night, till dawn and then hear the great Torah revelation read in services, Exodus 19-20. We may not go all night (yet!) but we will go pretty late. May is a month of celebration: 90 years and counting of PJTC, 3,000 years and counting of Judaism!

Chag Sameach! Rabbi Joshua

Free Books Come into the library on Sunday morning and grab a few free paperbacks to read this summer. Yes FREE! Like yours to keep and risk reading in the bathtub -- a strategy not recommended with borrowed books.

Current Bestsellers The library is stocked with current books on Jewish topics, including lots of books about Israel. It doesn’t take much to write a good book; just good research, writing and editing.

Jerusalem: The Biography has all three. And it is in the library available for some lucky people to read this summer.

Longer Lending Periods In the summer the usual unenforced two-week lending period is relaxed. Check out a book, bring it back in the fall.

If somebody else wants it we’ll call you.

The PJTC Library: Free WiFi, a quiet space on Sunday morning and books.

Click to return to page 1

Kiddush Lunches

Wedding Bells

Mazel tov to our newlyweds Cindy Cohen and Rabbi Emeritus Gil Kollin, who tied the knot on April 1. They will continue to reside in Pasadena and be active PJTC members.

Mazel tov to Ellen and Harvey Knell on the engagement of their son Lorin to Amy Ohebshalom, with a June wedding planned.

Also Mazel Tov to Anat and Nadav Bar-Chaim on the engagement of their son Zvi to Elisabeth David. The wedding date is June 3.

The FLAME

by Roz Scherr Our weekly Kiddush lunches are a Shabbat delight, But without enough sponsors, we’re in a terrible plight.

Especially over the next month or two, We desperately need help from YOU. For an anniversary, new baby, or your own birthday, Celebrate it with a luncheon after we pray.

Join with a friend or three or four, Then the work isn’t such a chore.

We can provide each fork and cup and plate, But without you, it’s just wine, challah & cake.

(For more information contact Roz.) 20

May 2012

Sisterhood’s Ilona E. Fuchs Tablecloth

Air Control of California

Do you know about Sisterhood’s Tablecloth Project?

Do look at our embroidered tablecloths the next time you attend a kiddush luncheon. We have four of them, all for simchas, and one more for memorials.

Our talented volunteer embroiderer is Paula Waluch. She would love to add the name of your honoree on our cloth; just send Sisterhood a check for $18.00, and keep her busy.

If you wish a longer description, send us a little more info.

Call Paula and talk to her about it.

1-800-354-3361 Sam Haddad

-Temple Member-

#540986

Please remember to bring canned fo o d whenever you come to the temple. Be sure to notice the basket on the table in the main lobby. Please bring a couple of cans of food to help fill it.

Are you Submitting an Article to the FLAME? You already know that we need your submissions by the 10th of the month. We’d also like to remind you to please remember to keep it at 500 words or preferably less. It will be returned to you to for abridgement if it runs over 500 words.

Thank you, The Editors

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The FLAME

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May 2012

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22

May 2012

To view the May FLAME calendar, please click on this link

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