Shalom Newsletter - March & April 2024

SHALOM NEWSLETTER SHALOM NEWSLETTER

Messages From Our Leaders

FROM THE RABBI’S DESK

Dear Friends, Last month I had the honor of chaperoning (along with Laura Pappas, our Director of Engagement) seven high schoolers from our synagogue to Washington, D.C. The participated in the L’Taken Social Justice Seminar, sponsored by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.

For four days, these amazing young men and women learned about various social justice platforms advocated by the Reform movement. The culmination of the long weekend was when the teens presented their positions to the legislative aides of Congresswoman Lois Frankel and Senator Marco Rubio. The agenda also included visiting landmarks and museum (including the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum), celebrating Shabbat and the Havdallah at the Jefferson Memorial , and watching the Superbowl on a giant screen in a conference room with hundreds of other teens from around the country.

It was amazing to watch the transformation that occurred as their confidence grew over the weekend. They learned about the legislative process, how to research an issue, and how to write a presentation and deliver it in a professional and persuasive manner.

Advocacy for what we believe in is a fundamental part of Judaism. Next week we’ll be celebrating

Purim, the ultimate “advocacy” holiday on the Jewish calendar. It’s Mordechai who says to Esther that she has an obligation to stand up for the Jewish community before the King and persuade him to reverse the plot against the Jews set in motion by Haman, one of the King’s cabinet ministers.

One of the Sages from the Talmud, Rabbi Menachem Mendel, said: “Silence without substance is also worthy, but speech without substance is but idle blather.” As Jews, we don’t have the luxury to remain silent about matters that concern us. So when we do speak up, it has to be well thought out, measured words that are clear and concise while at the same time passionate and persuasive.

Rabbi Mendel’s adage is true today as much as it was centuries ago in his own days. And it will be true for many centuries to come. It’s not just a matter of teaching the next generation their responsibility to promote their best interests and the interests of the community in which they live, but also to do so in a way that is accurate and convincing.

May we continue to go from strength to strength!

L’shalom, Rabbi Rosenkranz

A FEW NOTES FROM OUR CANTOR

Dear Friends,

Shabbat, unlike the holidays, offers us a transformative experience every single week. As the sun sets, we are greeted with a “taste of the world to come.” Shabbat’s radical shift from doing to being, where simply being is “enough,” makes it a deeply meaningful spiritual practice in itself.

When I sing Jewish liturgy, psalms, or Hebrew songs with others, it helps me to sit with the mystery of the Divine and cultivate awe. It prompts reflection on whether awe is enough or whether it calls us into action and relationship, and what brings us closer to feelings of awe and wonder. Singing in harmony makes worship an even more special treat. Often, on Friday nights, we sing Shalom Aleichem to welcome the angels of Shabbat who will soon be here, and I find myself offering the deepest prayers of my heart.

With much anticipation, I extend this heartfelt invitation for Shabbat Fest — a celebration like no other, where traditional Friday night prayers are combined with electrifying rock ‘n roll arrangements. Join us at the Wellington Amphitheater on March 15 at 6:30 PM as we unite under the open skies of Florida for a soul-stirring experience.

One aspect I am particularly excited about for Shabbat Fest is fostering a sense of community and belonging, weaving together the threads of tradition, music, and nature. The concept of connecting with nature while celebrating Shabbat resonates deeply with the idea of the ancient Israelites wandering in the wilderness!

Feel free to bring a lawn chair and perhaps some picnic items, though we will also have a couple of food trucks on the premises. Overall, Shabbat Fest has the potential to be a spiritually uplifting and holy community-building experience that honors tradition while embracing the beauty of the outdoors and the spirit of innovative communal worship.

Rock on, and I am thrilled to be building this Kehillah Kedoshah (holy community) with all of you.

Cantor Rachel

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Dear Family of Families,

As we approach the exciting event of our annual gala on April 13, 2024, at the Wellington National Golf Club, I am thrilled to commend the exceptional volunteer work of Marcy Samuels and Jeff Sharkey, our honorees for this year’s celebration.

At Temple Beth Torah, we deeply understand the profound impact of volunteerism on the vitality and functionality of our sacred community. Marcy and Jeff epitomize the spirit of dedication and service, embodying the core values that sustain our synagogue. Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have significantly contributed to the seamless operation and warm atmosphere of our temple.

Our annual gala serves as an invaluable opportunity to highlight the transformative power of individual contributions within our congregation. Marcy and Jeff’s selfless devotion exemplifies how two individuals can profoundly influence the trajectory of our synagogue, inspiring others to embrace the ethos of communal service and engagement.

Moreover, I am delighted to announce the official launch of our Building Our Future Campaign, which will take place at the home of Linda and Arthur Howard at the end of March. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the generous donors who have already contributed to this vital initiative, with donations totaling over $225,000. Your unwavering support ensures the realization of our shared vision for the future of Temple Beth Torah.

As a token of our appreciation, all donors who have pledged $5,000 or more to our Building Our Future Campaign will receive complimentary tickets to our annual gala and exclusive invitations to the launch event. Throughout the month of April, additional donor levels and pledging opportunities will be presented, culminating before our final Shabbat of the season on June 7th

Together, let us embrace the spirit of unity and generosity as we embark on this transformative journey towards a brighter future for Temple Beth Torah. Your steadfast dedication and support are integral to the flourishing of our sacred community. I hope to see many of you at our Gala on April 13th and even more participating in the array of events offered during the months of March and April.

Am Yisrael Chai, Robin Kantor, President

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR

Central to the mission and goals of our school is the welcoming and encouraging of families to participate in their child’s education. Last month we hosted two of our favorite programs, Grandparents/ Special Person Day, and our annual Character Breakfast. Special guests for Grandparents/ Special Person Day were treated to a welcome breakfast followed by visits to the classrooms where the action really began. Teachers showcased regular and special programming with the children to highlight life in the classroom. We adore these special guests because they have so much in common with our teachers and school philosophy of process vs. product. We agree that it is the journey of learning and engagement, not the destination. And of course, the end product is the most beautiful creation we have ever seen!

The Character Breakfast, chaired by parents, Heather White and Asia Fox, took on a life of its own. Last month, over 150 guests filled the lobby, social hall (and outdoor bounce house) for music, crafts, face painting and the opportunity to mingle with the real heroes of the morning, our characters. And characters they were - teachers (and friends) came

ready to party, dressed up in an array of different costumes. From Jasmine and Elsa to Batman and our own Tinkerbell and Pirate, the teachers thrilled the children with warmth, friendly faces, and a bit of Neverland. Hats off to our supporting “staff’ who also worked behind the scenes for planning, setup, and cleanup. It is no wonder that our families adore our staff; they give so much of themselves in and outside the classrooms (and behind the scenes they are also heroes to each other). We also owe a big thanks to our many community and family donors to our auction baskets and raffles. Special thank you to Strathmore Bagels for their generous donations to our events. Congratulations to our raffle and silent auction winners!

Even with only three months of the school year left, the preschool celebrations will continue into March and April with a festive Purim/Shabbat Program on March 15 and Passover Model Seder in April, preschool style. What a head start on their Judaic journey and future affiliation!

These past two months, our current enrollment peaked at a high of 128 thanks to our many current and alumni families who continue to refer other families to our program. Enrollment for the new school year is underway as we closed priority registration for in-house families and opened to the community on March 1. We expect most classes to fill up quickly. Camp Registration will also begin midMarch.

There is so much to celebrate in the preschool each and every day. I wish you all chag sameach as we begin this new holiday season.

Sandy Wilensky, Preschool Director

Welcome New Members!

Jennifer Skolnick

Vanessa & Gavin Hood

Barbara Cottrell & Lee Schepps

Misheberach

Merciful God, we pray to You for the recovery of those who are ill in the congregation and others who are in our hearts. Grant them renewed strength and confidence. Give wisdom and skill to those who help in healing. Help all of us who share the anxiety of their illness to be brave and hopeful. Inspire us with courage and faith, and grant Your blessing to all who call upon You.

Mi Shebeirach avoteinu, Avraham, Yitzchak v’Ya-akov – v’eemotaynu, Sara, Rivkah, Rachayl v’Leah O God, who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, send your blessing to:

Florence Bernfeld, Eliab Erulkar, Philip Solodkin, Gordon Roschko, Debbie Bell, Lids Shenson, Howard Markowitz, Ellen Goodman, Alan Shield, Caren Goldberg, Joe Stein, Joanne Maio, Judy Zupnick, Daniel Klein, Bill Redisch, Marcia Grobman, Adam Friedlander, Jamie Dolphin, Sylvia Windmueller, Howard Goldstein, Ken Cook, Lonnie Coleman

Have mercy upon them and graciously restore their health and their strength. Grant each of them a Refuah Shleimah – a complete recovery – along with all others who are suffering.

Baruch attah Adonai, Rofeh ha-cholim – We praise You, O God, Healer of the sick.

Condolences

May Their Memory Be a Blessing

Greg Tria, partner of Allison D. Cohen

Irwin Sherman, husband of Myra Sherman, father of Nora Bernstein, grandfather of Deborah Koenig & Aaron Bernstein

Irina Leibowitz, sister of Cathy Wolf (Michael)

Todd D. Barron, husband of Debra Barron, brother of Michael Barron (Brenna) and son of Andrea Barron

Clair Davis, mother of Earlene Bakerman (Eric)

Jerry Silverman, father of Richard Silverman (Beth)

Dr. Michael Leibowitz, brother-in-law of Cathy Wolf (Michael)

Mira Benedikt, dear friend of Irene Warten

Susan Lorell, dear friend of Dr. Steven & Karen Metzger

Phyllis Rosenstock, mother of Alice Rosenblatt (David)

Donations

Roz Sisle Education Enrichment Fund

• Janna & Joel Zaidspiner, in honor of the birth of Hayden Michael Koos

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

• Melissa Sandel

• Marcia Grobman-Patane & Peter Patane, in memory of Betty Schwartz

• Dr. Ruth Erulkar, Misheberach prayers for Eliab Erulkar

• Ronna & Mike Segal, in honor of Bar Mitzvah of Brady Segal

• Michael Yasuna, in memory of loved ones

Rabbi Pinsky Education Fund

• Dr. Paul & Carol Leiman, in memory of Anne C. Kramer

Yahrzeit Fund

• Andrea Barron, in memory of Leah King

• Reva Feldman, in memory of loved ones

• Dr. Deanna & Bernard Albert, in memory of Isaac Moinester

• Carol Brody, in memory of Hilda Brody, Augusta Zimmerman & Dr. Morris Zimmerman

• Lynn Ferman, in memory of Sylvia Bonios & Sylvia Lerner

• Sheila Tenenblatt, in memory of Dr. Robert Baratz

• Ruth Ball & Ellen Ball, in memory of Morris Ball

• Bonni Lopater, in memory of Sabina Korngreen

• Charlie Lipton, in memory of Bertha Lipton

• Eileen & Bruce Conan, in memory of Harvey Shernoff

General Fund

• Andrea Barron, in honor of Bat Mitzvah of Sarah Barron

Building Our Future Campaign

• Judith Hughes

• Dr. Ruth Erulkar

• Brenna & Michael Barron

• Eileen & Barry Eckhaus

• Karen Eismann

• Linda & Arthur Howard

Tu B’Shevat Carnival

• Dr. Lawrence & Amy Bergman

• Sandra & Peter Scheier

• Megan & Michael Samarel

• Barbara Greenstein

• Deanna & Dr. Howard Shullman

• Diann & Stuart Hack

• Allison Dankner

Todd D. Barron Social Hall Campaign

• Debra Barron

• Brenna & Michael Barron

• Andrea & Robert McDaniel

• James & Ilene Gordon

• Eileen & Barry Eckhaus

• Marcia & Scott Weber

• Rommy & Jordan Cohen

• Cheri Kalvort

• Sandra & Peter Scheier

• Jill & Joshua Cohen

• Stacy & David Saef

• Amy & Lawrence Simon

• Eileen & Bruce Conan

• Denise & Kevin Naedler

• Natalie & Herbert Plaut

• Bobbie Fichman

• Helen & Bob Kaplan

• Pam Tahan & Jeremy Ring

• Charles Kiner

• Ellen Weber, Al Weber, Russell Broz

• Ira Reisner

• Judy & Fred Traub

• Janna & Joel Zaidspiner

• Bruce Miller

• Charlie Lipton

• Fredda & Edward Goldstein

• Mara Friedman

• Peter Liao

Mazel Tov!

TYLER DEREVENSKY

Tyler Derevensky will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on March 2, 2024. Tyler is in 7th grade at Woodlands Middle School where his favorite subjects are IT and band. He plays the Alto Saxophone in the Symphonic Band, as well as Jazz Ensemble. Tyler is creative, funny and kind. He loves sushi, playing video games, and spending time with his family and friends. Tyler’s parents, little brother, grandparents and big extended family are all looking forward to celebrating Tyler and this special milestone.

LOGAN SCHWARTZ

Logan Schwartz will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on April 20, 2024. Logan is in the 7th grade at Polo Park Middle School. Logan loves spending time with her family and friends, making videos on Tik Tok and doing her skin care regimen. Logan is an only child and loves her fur siblings Martini and Rosie. She is excited to share this special day with her friends and family who have come to celebrate with her. Her parents, Scot and Stacey are extremely proud of her. Mazel Tov!

KATE SHULLMAN

Kate Shullman will be called to the Torah and a Bat Mitzvah on March 9, 2024. Kate is a seventh grader at American Heritage School in Delray Beach. She loves dancing, playing softball, snow skiing, spending time with her family and friends and playing with her dogs. Her older sisters Maddie and Emma, her parents Deanna and Howard, and her entire family are very proud of her and cannot wait to watch her on the bima. Mazel Tov to Kate!

TEMPLE BETH TORAH

Sisterhood

Springtime Delights with WRJ-Sisterhood of TBT

Dear Members,

Temple Beth Torah Sisterhood

Invites you to our Sisterhood Shabbat

February 22, 2019 7 PM

As we embrace the spirit of spring, the WRJ-Sisterhood of TBT invites you to join us for an array of exciting events and programs, where Spirituality meets Social Action, and together, we make a meaningful difference in Sisterhood!

We kicked off the season with a beautiful and deeply resonant Sisterhood Shabbat on Jan 26th. It is one of my favorite events, come help us plan for next year!

Upcoming Special Events:

• Bingotini (Mar 14th): Led by Jill Bennett, this event promises an evening of fun and fundraising. Join and bring more friends for bingo games, accompanied by light snacks and your choice of martini, wine, or soft drinks. Let’s support our Sisterhood supporting our temple and community together!

Our Service Theme:

• Rock Shabbat (Mar 15th): Show your support for our temple by stopping by the Sisterhood Table at the Wellington Amphitheater prior to our Friday night service.

• Mahjong Nights (March 26, April 9th, May 14th): From 7-9pm. Sisterhood Board meetings will be held at 6pm prior to each session.

• Sisterhood Women’s Vegetarian Seder (April 18th): An homage to Marcy Samuels and Meredith Hirschberg, led by Jaqui and Ruth. Learn the art of hosting a seder from a woman’s perspective. Doors open at 6:15 for a project on creating a Beautiful Seder Centerpiece, followed by festivities from 7-8:45pm, featuring tambourines, dancing, and sharing vegetarian delights in the traditional seder order.

• Additionally, we are attending a URJ event (online) on March 20th at 8:00 p.m. “for the launch of our 2024 Every Voice, Every Vote Campaign! Join us as we continue our mission to protect the freedom to vote, paving the way for progress in various critical areas.”

participate! Take part in our service, bake a special dessert, or evening.

We invite you to participate in any or all of these fantastic experiences, and let’s create unforgettable memories together. Reach out to any of us to get more involved.

Warm regards,

food items (for local food bank) and to Maz on being collected. Samuels

Ashley Ouellette

561-386-5565 or marcysamuels575@gmail.com

Sisterhood President

Board Members: VP Programming: Donna Rosman, VP Membership: Jen Seehaus, Reproductive Initiative: Marcy Samuels, Treasurer: Andrea Strom, Parliamentarian: Ruth Erulkar

Temple Beth Torah

Join Sisterhood for 2024-2025

Temple Beth Torah Sisterhood

Invites you to our Sisterhood Shabbat

Temple Beth Torah Sisterhood is embraces the 3’ S of the WRJ, the Women of Reform Judaism: Sisterhood, Spirituality, and Social Action through shared values, and meaningful connections. At the heart of our sisterhood lies the commitment to supporting one another on our spiritual journeys while embracing the principles of inclusivity, compassion, and empowerment.

We will soon focus on getting people signed up to vote and to give information on the amendment for the right for abortion. In this, we strive to create a future where individual choices are respected and protected in the state of Florida.

February 22, 2019 7 PM participate! Take part in our service, bake a special dessert, or evening.

As we come together to engage in this important endeavor, we invite you to become a part of our Sisterhood, united in purpose and making a difference in the world around us.

Our Service Theme:

Please join us today and help us strengthen our commitment to Judaism for the future!

B’Shalom,

Ashley Ouellette, President • Ruth Erulkar, Parliamentarian • Andrea Strom, Treasurer • Jen Seelus, VP Membership • Donna Rosman, VP Programming

We offer incremental levels of membership which allows us to sponsor women who need financial assistance to join and to supplement our cost for programs and activities. Each category includes membership in the National Organization Women of Reform Judaism, under whose auspices we fall.

Sarah $54.00

food items (for local food bank) and to Maz on being collected.

Rebekah $108.00

561-386-5565 or marcysamuels575@gmail.com

Leah $144.00

Rachel $180.00

Name: Membership Level:

Address:

Cell: Alternate Phone:

Email:

TBT Brotherhood

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and springtime is in the air, which means there has been plenty of Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood activity thus far in 2024, and much more on the horizon!

The past two months have seen a wonderful Bros Night Out at Duffy’s Sports Grill social gathering, a Brotherhood meeting at TooJay’s, and a casual get-together at the annual Wellington Classic Brew Fest, as well as planning of some really cool events for the near future. For example, a few more Bros Night Out functions are on the agenda, as is our annual No-limit Texas Hold’em Charity Poker Tournament Tuesday, March 5, with proceeds going to fund our TBT student scholarship fund. This year’s tournament is at World of Beer on Southern Blvd. There’s a $50 advance buy-in that can be paid online at http:// www.tbtbrotherhood.com/. It’s a ton of fun, and you do not need to be a poker aficionado to enjoy the experience!

Speaking of our scholarship fund, TBT high school seniors and their families should be receiving information soon to apply for our annual scholarships. We recognize college is expensive, and every dollar counts. The Brotherhood offers TBT seniors the opportunity to apply for scholarship funds, and to be recognized at the Friday, May 17, Brotherhood Shabbat and High School Graduate Shabbat service. The criteria and instructions for seniors to apply for the scholarship are: being a member in good standing at TBT; a 500-word essay on what it means to be Jewish; a list of community service/volunteer projects and activities; and a copy of your college/university acceptance letter.

If you are a baseball fan (and, really, who isn’t?), TBT Brotherhood members will be in attendance at the Sunday, March 10, preseason game between the Houston Astros and Miami Marlins at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. This will be right after our March meeting at Temple Beth Torah.

We are also putting together a Family Fun Day in April - details to be announced very soon!

Our calendar of events can be found on the Brotherhood website, http://www.tbtbrotherhood.com/. You can also follow us on Facebook, and see pix from our events: https://www.facebook.com/tbtbrotherhood.

We encourage every male member of Temple Beth Torah to be an active part of your Brotherhood. We offer a vibrant, energetic social and religious outlet for all of the congregation, and with your membership and involvement, can achieve above and beyond our many past successes. The dues for 2023-24 remains $54, and by joining us, you have a direct and positive impact on the future of this congregation. You can pay Brotherhood dues through a secure link

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on our website (http://www.tbtbrotherhood.com), or go “old school” and pay via personal check. And if you are a new member of Temple Beth Torah, your first year of Brotherhood membership is free! What a bargain!

Your 2024-25 TBT Brotherhood Executive Board

- Paul L. Gaba, President

- Sam Glucksman, Vice President

- Roger Grave de Peralta, Treasurer

- Bob Eisenberg, Secretary

- Joel Zaidspiner, President Emeritus

JOIN US!

What is Brotherhood?

• Within the structure of the Congregation, Brotherhood is a service group.

• Brotherhood is an organization where people meet, plan and make friends.

• Our Brotherhood annual donation ($54 - WHAT A BARGAIN!) supports family activities, provides extra funds for our youth group, sponsors Temple events and covers our Paid-Up Membership Dinner in the winter of 2023-2024.

• Provide funding for gifts and projects for our youth groups

What we do?

• Aid with food & refreshments during picnics, Purim Carnival and Chanukah Party

• Organize sporting events / guest speakers

• Your children will be eligible to apply for a Stephen H. Pinsky College Scholarship (Spring 2024)

• Plan and participate in the annual Brotherhood Shabbat Service.

• And much, much more!

Sincerely,

Your TBT Brotherhood Executive Board for 2023-2025:

White Out Shabbat Camp Style!

Friday, March 8 •7:00 - 8:00 PM

You are cordially invited to

Queen Esther’s Tea Party

Saturday, March 23 at 6:30 PM

• Spiel and Megillah reading

• Sip tea and savor light refreshments

• Wear your finest royal garb or costume of your choice

Please Support Our Sponsors

Clergy & Staff

Temple Beth Torah

900 Big Blue Trace Wellington, FL 33414

Phone: 561.793.2700

Fax: 561.793.1072

Email: office@templebethtorah.net

Website: templebethtorah.shulcloud.com

Office Hours

Monday-Thursday: 9 am – 5 pm

Friday: 9 am – 4 pm

Rabbi Andrew Rosenkranz rabbi@templebethtorah.net

Rabbi Emeritus Stephen H. Pinsky shpeep@comcast.net

Cantor Rachel Slusky Cantor & Director of Education cantor@templebethtorah.net

Robin Kantor

President president@templebethtorah.net

Sandy Wilensky Preschool Director psdirector@templebethtorah.net

Laura S. Pappas

Director of Engagement and Programming engage@templebethtorah.net

Meredith Hirschberg Administrative Assistant office@templebethtorah.net

Sherri Kratenstein Administrative Assistant psadmin@templebethtorah.net

Sarah Vinci Bookkeeper accounting@templebethtorah.net

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SPONSOR OF THE SHALOM?

Email coordinator@templebethtorah.net to get started!

Rates for fiscal year 2022-2023:

• Large Ad for 1 Year = $1.080

• Small Ad for 1 Year = $540

• Special Announcement for 1 Issue = $180

$1800

$2300