Shalom Newsletter - September & October 2023

SHALOM NEWSLETTER SHALOM NEWSLETTER

Messages From Our Leaders

FROM THE RABBI’S DESK

Dear Friends,

We are off to such a terrific new year!

Summer is fun, and always a welcome break from the other hectic and frenzied months of the year. But for me, my favorite time of the year is when summer ends.

That’s when synagogue life gets back in action.

Meeting the new preschool parents is a delight. Seeing the children return for our first day of Shorashim Hebrew School is equally as exciting.

There’s so much action happening all at once! The youth group’s first event brought together a number of our teens to spend a day together reconnecting and forming new bonds. Our Welcome Back dinner saw over a hundred old and new faces excitedly greeting each other in creating an atmosphere of warmth and Shabbat holiness. The sounding of the shofar at Friday night services eagerly anticipates the arrival of the High Holy Days.

Cantor Rachel Slusky, who doubles as our Director of Education, has put together a wonderful Shorashim staff. Our teachers are invigorated and refreshed. Their passion for teaching and sharing Judaism with our children is palpable.

Sandy Wilensky, our preschool director, along with

her assistant, Sherri Kratenstein, has enrolled a record number of students the likes of which we haven’t seen in a few years.

Vicki Ward, our Synagogue and Youth Engagement Coordinator, is busy planning many events for all of our membership families so that there is something for everyone, including a Family Fun Day, adult learning Lunch and Learns, and special Shabbatot, just to name a few.

Most of you know Meredith Hirschberg, our Administrative Assistant. She’s been hard at work (as she is this time every year), crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s to prepare the synagogue for a meaningful and reflective period of Days of Awe.

So the year looks very promising, I’m delighted to report. I look forward to seeing you soon!

May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life for a good year.

Shanah tovah,

A FEW NOTES FROM OUR CANTOR

Embarking on the sacred journey of the High Holy Days, the wisdom of Alan Lew in This Is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared resonates deeply. Just as Lew’s guidance steers readers through a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual readiness, the concepts of trafe da’at, yishuv da’at, and cheshbon hanefesh offer us a framework to navigate this profound season of introspection. Rooted in mindfulness and authenticity and authenticity, these concepts beckon us to delve into the depths of our souls with a willingness to embrace vulnerability. Much like Lew’s insights illuminate pathways through life’s challenges, the integration of these concepts into our preparation nurtures our connection with the divine and the timeless wisdom of our tradition.

Trafe da’at is the state of a torn, scattered mind, while the meticulous practice of cheshbon hanefesh, selfexamination of one’s actions and character, urges us to courageously acknowledge this state’s impact on our lives. Conversely, yishuv da’at offers an alternative state – a settled mind, attainable through dedicated cultivation. Just as we declutter our thoughts through trafe da’at, we declutter our actions by assessing our deeds with honesty and humility. The settled awareness of yishuv da’at facilitates a more profound cheshbon hanefesh, as we introspect with focused intent and discover avenues for growth and transformation.

Incorporating the tenets of trafe da’at and yishuv da’at into our High Holy Days preparation amplifies the significance of music as a harmonious thread that enriches our spiritual voyage. Much like crafting a melodious masterpiece demands focused intent, the melodies of the season guide us, enabling a profound alignment with the essence of these concepts on an emotional and spiritual plane. I invite you to contemplate integrating practices like prayer, meditation, or even dedicating a few minutes of daily attention to a specific aspect of your life to achieve clearer self-awareness. As we conclude this year’s chapter, may the blessings unfold, illuminating a path of clarity forged through unwavering attention.

Bivracha (with blessing),

Cantor Rachel

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…”I made a difference for that one.”

Excerpt from the original story by: Loren Eisely

As we enter the Days of Awe, let us take a moment of reflection.

Three years ago we entered a pandemic. Many synagogues - and houses of worship across all religions - shuttered their doors forever. Contrastingly, our “family of families” stood together, led by two different executive committees: Presidents, Jeff Sharkey and Marcy Samuels, Treasurer, Art Lichtman, and Secretaries Marcia Weber and Alice Rosenblatt.

Countless members filled their equity membership responsibilities by volunteering to help us continue providing services. They led and counseled our COVID-19 committee, secured PPP loans, donated funds and were a comfort to those who experienced loss. Under the steadfast leadership of our clergy and the dedication of our staff Temple Beth Torah endured. Our preschool thrived. Our “family of families” became stronger.

Now, our preschool and religious school are overflowing with children! We have a vibrant Brotherhood and Sisterhood. We are on the cusp of moving our entire operation into the digital age and have an energized group of lay leaders with friends and families ready to take us into the next phase of our synagogue… we need your help!

Do you have a strength in event planning? writing cards? Do you have time to help greet other equity members on Shabbat or introduce potential members to our temple family? Do you have a passion for the religious rituals or marketing? Whatever you can do, we have a way for you to help!

We are all equity members of Temple Beth Torah. We own it. We lead it. We benefit from it. Help us make it better! You can reach out to Vicki Ward, our engagement coordinator, at engage@templebethtorah.net to get started.

And, if time is not something you can give, please note the new roof installation has begun! Donations to the Building Our Future Campaign can also express your commitment to the sustainability of the next generation at Temple Beth Torah.

I look forward to seeing many of you at our High Holy Day services in September. I wish you a year filled with health and happiness, love and kindness. I know for sure - as a community - as a family - we will continue to grow stronger, together. May we all go from strength to strength.

L’shana Tova, Robin Kantor, President

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR

On the footsteps of a very successful eight-week summer camp, the preschool opened its doors for our 34th school year on Monday, August 21. Excited children, bursting with energy, were ready to explore their new classrooms to learn and play. The children and our preschool staff are settling into their new routines, making & renewing friendships, and delving into the different learning opportunities provided in each classroom.

Parents and children alike were ushered into the new school year with care. Our annual back to school Parent Orientation/Curriculum Night was held on August 17. Preschool parents eager to learn about our school’s mission, philosophy, goals, programs and curriculum, were welcomed. The highlight of the orientation evening is always when the parents to visit the classrooms for their first meeting with their child’s new teachers. The following morning, the children were invited to school for a brief visit in order to become acquainted with their teachers, and classroom, and to see their old and new friends.

Oriented and ready to go, our 2, 3 and 4-year-old classes all kicked off the year with age-appropriate curriculum units focusing on new beginnings, friendship, self and family. These units are a natural segue into our birthday of the world unit and the lessons of sharing traditional foods (apples & honey) and hand-made challah with family and friends, all of which embrace the themes and teachings of the approaching High Holidays. The High Holidays provide a living curriculum of exploring and sharing Jewish traditions and important observances. We look forward to the Rosh Hashanah tradition of tashlich being experienced by the PreK children, as they learn about being reflective and making good choices, even in their own day to day situations. All the children will also enjoy a visit from the Shofar Factory as we usher in the new year, preschool style.

Even as we plan, we are always ready for those teachable moments recently provided by the ongoing roof work. Sometimes real life can be more fascinating than what we plan for the children. A large crane delivering large palates of roof tiles captured the interest of a group of preschoolers (and parents) during dismissal one afternoon and the ratatat of hammering provides the provocation for extended discussions and art projects about building and construction.

This year, we are happy to continue our proud tradition of parent participation in the preschool; and look forward to continued interaction from our families. Parents are encouraged to get involved with the experiences being gained by their children on all levels; from joining a committee, to volunteering in the classrooms. We look forward to working with our VPO (Volunteer Parent Organization) and Preschool Advisory Committee as we plan our Family Fun Day, Man in My Life/Special Person Day, Character Breakfast, Grandparents/Special Person Day and of course all our holiday programs. We appreciate the many families already participating in our Adopt-a-Class Fundraiser and welcome all families to do so. The contributions received through this program provide additional classroom materials and equipment from our teacher “Wish Lists.”

Before we completely turn the page on last year’s break from school, you should know that our summer enrichment camp again delivered an extraordinary summer! The faces of the children in the camp pictures provided in the Shalom this month tell the story of lively themed educational activities planned and executed by our very creative teaching staff. Camp included interactive entertainment and outdoor water play (including a giant water slide), our weekly summer science program, camp-wide Shabbat sing-along and pure fun both indoors and out! Camp Supervisor Beth Silverman, Sherri Kratenstein, and our outstanding camp teachers aided by our teen volunteers, did an amazing job ensuring the enjoyment of every child.

On behalf of the entire preschool staff and my family, I wish you and your family a happy, healthy new year!

L’Shanah Tovah, Sandy Wilensky, Director

Welcome New Members!

Jessie and Daniel Barak

Barbara Greenstein

Allison and Kenneth Menzer

Emily Watter

Erika Rome

Gloria & Wayne Jacobson

Leah Patipa & Axel Beccar-Varela

Stacie & Josh Tobin

Kimberlee & Jordan Schell

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, Bernard Albert, Rena Bonk, Eliab Erulkar, Phyllis Rosenstock, Seemah Feldberg, Franklin Weiss, Leon Nagler, Philip Solodkin, Jerry Small, Erna Schulz, Ken Cook, Gordon Roschko, John Casciano, Harriet Davis, Brian Newman, Franki Clement, Peter Patane, Reva Feldman, Laura Couillard

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

Arnold Beinacker, brother in law of Lynn Ferman

Sora Frankel, mother of Ellen Kahan

Charles Garvin, father of Amy Liddell

Donations

Rabbi Pinsky Education Fund

• Marcia & Scott Weber for thoughtfulness extended on Julie & Dylan’s wedding

• Carol & Paul Leiman in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary, the 60th wedding anniversary of Ellen & Jerry Kahan, the Bat Mitzvah of Dalia Sweet and the Bar Mitzvah of Liam Minton

• Carol & Paul Leiman, in memory of Leon Kramer

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

• Ellen & Jerry Kahan, in honor of their 60th anniversary

• Melissa Sandel, Mazel Tov to Marcia & Scott Weber on the marriage of their daughter, Julie to Dylan Shean

• Judith & Roy Rosner

• Melissa Sandel, in memory of Jason Sandel

• Paul Gaba

• Dianne & Raymond Ellenson, in memory of Polly & Robert Ellenson

Building For the Future Campaign

• Myra Goodman, in memory of Francine Schwartz

• Eileen & Barry Eckhaus

Yahrzeit Fund

• Mitchell & Teresa Fingerhut, in memory of Lillian Fingerhut

• Dr. Ruth Erulkar, in memory of Mrs. Sarah E. Erulkar

• Alaine & Arthur Green, in memory of Sylvia Green

• Earlene & Eric Bakerman, in memory of Louis Cramer and Eli Bakerman

• Carole & Alan Sternlieb, in memory of Rachael

Sternlieb and Sol Sternlieb

• Sara & David Roth, in memory of Jerome Roth

• Audrey & Charles Lipton, in memory of Jack Lipton

• Lisa Seltzer, in memory of Bella Markowitz, Nathan

Markowitz and Jerry Seltzer

• Cheryl & Neil Feinstein, in memory of Esther Astrachan

• Max Whitney, in memory of Theresa Soares

• Alaine & Arthur Green, in memory of Frederick Strongin

• Marie & Nicholas Doggett, in memory of Jean Stern

• Paul Gaba, in memory of Leonard Gaba

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund

• Paul Gaba

Saul & Ruthe Blecher Memorial Education Fund

• Michele & Carey Blecher, in memory of Saul Blecher

• Anne & Jay Singer, in memory of Saul Blecher

• Anne & Jay Singer, in honor of the birth of granddaughter to Susan & Reed Kellner

General Fund

• Marcia & Scott Weber in honor of Julie’s marriage to Dylan Shean

• Francine & Robert Follick, in memory of Francine Schwartz

• Karen Forman, in honor Roy Rosner’s 80th birthday

• Marvin Singer, in honor of Roy Rosner’s 80th birthday

• Debra & Steven Shapiro, in honor of the wedding of Julie Weber & Dylan Shean

• Lynn Ferman, in memory of Stanley Leventhal

• Lynn Ferman, in memory of Arnold Beinhacker

Prayer Book Fund

• Marcia & Scott Weber in memory of Harriet Weinstein, mother of Dr. Debra Weinstein

Temple Beth Torah Sisterhood

Invites you to our Sisterhood Shabbat

In this moment of reflection, I look back on my 22 years as a member of our temple and the path that led me to become the Sisterhood President. During those years, my involvement with Sisterhood was often prompted by requests –whether I was asked as a new temple member or due to leadership roles such as Avodah Chair, Board of Trustee, or Vice President of the Temple. But, I regarded my participation in Sisterhood as a mere checkbox, something I felt I was “supposed” to do, simply because I didn’t fully grasp what Sisterhood did. I must emphasize that this perception was my own misunderstanding, unrelated to the dedicated leadership of past Sisterhoods.

It wasn’t until emerging from the pandemic and becoming more engaged in Sisterhood activities, under the guidance of Marcia Weber, our Past President of both the Temple and Sisterhood, that I began to understand the crucial role an active Sisterhood plays within our temple. My realization of the depth and significance of Sisterhood was further reinforced when I attended the Conference of the Southeast District of WRJ (Women of Reform Judaism) alongside Donna Rosman, now our Sisterhood’s VP of Programming. My involvement has shifted my mindset from a mere obligation to a sincere commitment to foster a community of woman who are united by purpose and advocating for meaningful causes that will leave a lasting impact on the lives of others. It is this transformation from what Sisterhood “was” to what it “can be” that I aspire to embrace.

Leadership guides every organization, please join me in welcoming this year’s board:

• VP Programming: Donna Rosman

Our Service Theme:

• VP Membership: Jen Seelaus

• Treasurer: Andrea Strom

• P arliamentarian: Ruth Erulkar

However, it’s not solely leadership that propels us forward; it’s our collective unity and shared conscience. With a membership tally of 38 and rising, our community’s strength continues to grow. And we have service and special focus chairs: or the Reproductive Freedom Initiative: Marcy Samuels – This initiative aligns with our values, and the Temple Beth Torah Sisterhood is resolute in making it our central focus this year.

• Challah Bake: Sue Skantar

• Hanukkah Book Exchange: Linda Howard

• Women’s Seder: Ruth Erulkar and Jaqui Glucksman

• Bingotini: Chair needed.

• Jewish Film Festival: Chair needed.

• Block of theatre tickets/play/trivia: Chair needed.

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

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

As we embark into the new year, our calendar is filled with activities aligned with our mission – supporting our temple, children, and fortifying our spiritual connections. From participating in S’leichot by crafting soups and desserts, Time for Memorial, the Temple Picnic, and the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, as well as coming together for social gatherings like Challah making, Hanukkah book exchanges, Bingotini, and special Shabbats such as Sisterhood, Confirmation, and Graduation, our journey will be fulfilling.

Samuels 561-386-5565 or marcysamuels575@gmail.com

This is an open invitation extended to every woman within our temple community. It is never too late to respond to this call, to join Sisterhood, to join the fun and give your input for programs, speakers, and events that you would like to see.

Thank you all for the opportunity to serve,

Ashley Ouellette, your Sisterhood President I can be reached at 561-502-6837 or via email at ashleyshowme@gmail.com.

TBT Brotherhood

Hello from your Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood leadership! We - President Paul Gaba, Vice President Sam Glucksman, Treasurer Roger Grave de Peralta, and Secretary Bob Eisenberg - are excited to be working with all of our Temple members as we embrace a new year on the Hebrew calendar. Our social and religious calendar is also filled with much to be happy about!

We closed out August with a double dose of Brotherhood activity: our first (of many) monthly “Bros Night Out” social hour at Buffalo Wild Wings was a great success, as was our initial Brotherhood meeting of the 2023-24 season. We have a solid core of returning members, plus a slew of new members, which bodes well for our immediate and long-term future!

So where do we go from here? Glad you asked! On Thursday, September 7, we will be having our annual Kickoff Party & Football Night at Wellington’s Buffalo Wild Wings on State Road 7. It’s the Detroit Lions vs the Kansas City Chiefs - be there! We will also be constructing the Temple Beth Torah Sukkah right after the High Holy Days take place. Speaking of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we will be assisting with parking at the Temple for both of these very important holidays.

Our calendar of events can be found on the Brotherhood website, www.tbtbrotherhood.com. Some key events on the immediate horizon include (but are not limited to) helping run the Temple’s picnic in mid-November, and Bros Night Out social functions on Thursday, September 28 and Thursday, November 2.

Having said that, we encourage every male member of Temple Beth Torah to join your Brotherhood this year. 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 on our website, www.tbtbrotherhood.com (which can also be reached via the QR code accompanying this update), 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 2023-25 TBT Brotherhood Executive Board

- Paul L. Gaba, President

- Sam Glucksman, Vice President

- Roger Grave de Peralta, Treasurer

- Bob Eisenberg, Secretary

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!

BROTHERHOOD IS GIVING . BROTHERHOOD IS US. P LEASE JOIN .

Sincerely, Your TBT Brotherhood Executive Board for 2023-2025:

Paul L. GabaSam GlucksmanRoger Grave de Peralta Bob Eisenberg PresidentVice President Treasurer Secretary

RECIPROCITY POLICY

HIGH HOLY DAYS, 5784

Will you be away from TBT for part or all of the High Holy Days?

If you are a member in good standing at Temple Beth Torah, will be traveling away from home during the High Holy Days and would like to attend Rosh Hashanah and/or Yom Kippur services at a Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) congregation in the US or Canada: We would be pleased to send in the required information to an out -of-town congregation so that you can be offered courtesy seating. A URJ Courtesy Seating form is required by most URJ-member congregations to verify membership in your home congregation.

Here is what you need to do:

1. Send an email to our past president and current member of the URJ Trustees Committee, Dr. Alan Herzlin, at alanherzlin@gmail.com. Please do not send or call information into the temple office.

2. In your email, please note the following:

-The names of all members of your family who are members of Temple Beth Torah for whom you are requesting seating in the guest congregation. If a child is under age 13, please note the age next to the child's name.

-Your home address with zip code, your telephone number and your email address.

-The High Holy Days you wish to observe at the host congregation: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur or both.

-The name and address of the congregation you wish to attend and the name of members of the guest congregation you would like to be seated with, if possible. If you need to find a congregation, please visit the URJ website at reformjudiasm.org.

Send all of the above information to alanherzlin@gmail.com. The required form will be filled out and forwarded to the guest congregation promptly. It then becomes your responsibility to be in contact with the guest congregation to insure that your seating has been secured. If you have any questions about this process, please contact Alan Herzlin at alanherzlin@gmail.com.

Teen Engagement at Temple Beth Torah

High school students will engage in fun and exciting programs, including our outdoor events, lock-ins, social action projects and weekend programs with other Jewish teens throughout the Southeast. TiBToFTY offers teens a great way to make life-long friendships and deepen Jewish identities.

BECOME A COUNSELOR!

Madrichim for Grades 8-12

Become

Chai School

This mitzvah-based approach to Jewish values and ethics will reinforce the meaning of tzedek chavarti (social justice). Topics will include environmentalism, care for the elderly, protecting animals, and other hands-on social action learning. Community service hours will be given for time spent in the community helping others.

Confirmation Class

For Grade 10

Experience the modern history of Israel and Zionism. Using interactive mediums, students will learn about the roots of modern Zionism, the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the culture, food and art of our spiritual homeland. The course will be taught by Rabbi Rosenkranz.

TiBToFTY

Youth Group for Grades 9-12

TiBToFTY Jr.

Youth Group for Grades 6-8

For Grades 8-12

For 8 TH Through 12 TH Graders

This mitzvah-based approach to Jewish values and ethics will reinforce the meaning of tzedek chavarti (social justice). Topics will include environmentalism, care for the elderly, protecting animals, and other hands-on social action learning. Community service hours will be given for time spent in the community helping others.

• Two Wednesdays per Month

• 7:00 - 8:00PM

• Starting in September (Exact dates and times TBA)

Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood

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

Meredith Hirschberg Administrative Assistant office@templebethtorah.net

Sherri Kratenstein Administrative Assistant psadmin@templebethtorah.net

Sarah Vinci Bookkeeper accounting@templebethtorah.net

Vicki Ward Youth and Synagogue Engagement Coordinator engage@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