The Shofar
Av/Elul 5784//Tishrei 5785
A Story to Share Jo Ann Howard, President
September/October 2024
As many of you know, I have several favorite books that I often turn to for inspiration. One of them is Chicken Soup for the Jewish Soul, a book filled with stories to open the heart and rekindle the spirit. I hope you will find it as meaningful as I do and let me know what you think about its message.
“What It Means to Be a Mensch”
Rabbi Benjamin Levene Retold by Rabbi Jack Riemer
I learned this story from Rabbi Benji Levene of Gesher, who lives in Jerusalem, Israel. Benji tells of how, when he was a child, his saintly father, Rabbi Chaim Jacob Levene, tried out for a position as rabbi in Jersey City, in a synagogue where Rabbi C. Y. Bloch, of blessed memory, had served for many years. Although there were many other candidates for the position, Benji’ s father was chosen. When the chairman of the search committee called to tell him the news, Benji’s father thanked him, but said he would need a week before he could give his answer. The chairman was puzzled but granted the request, and at the end of the week, his father accepted the position. It was only years later that that he learned the reason for his father’s delay.
“It was my father’s custom,” Benji said, “after we had settled into the community in Jersey City, to visit the widow of Rabbi Block every Friday morning, and sometimes he would take me along. We would go up several flights of stairs to her modest apartment, spend a quiet hour with her, and my father would inform her of what was going on in the community. Once, my father had an errand to do, so he excused himself and left me with the widow. She gave me cookies and a soda, and then she said, “I am going to tell you a story, which I don’t want you to ever forget
“’When your father was asked to accept the position of rabbi here, he said he needed a few days before he could give the committee an answer. Do you know why he did that? It was because he wanted to come to see me.
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“’When he came in, he said, “I know that for many years you were the first lady of this congregation, and I understand that it will be difficult for you, after all these years, to take your husband’s place. The board has offered to make me the next rabbi, but I have not given them an answer yet. I wanted to see you first, in order to ask your permission. If you want me to take the position, I will, but if in any way you don’t want me to be here, I will leave right away.”’
“The widow told me that at that moment she started to cry, and she said to my father, ‘Now that my husband is gone, who is there that cares about me or thinks what I feel is important? I am so touched you came here today to ask my permission.’ And then she paused, ‘I told him, not only do I want you to stay and be the rabbi, but now I feel as if my own son was taking the position.’
“Then, wiping her eyes behind her round granny glasses, she continued, ‘Only then did your father do back and accept the position. And for the first year, he did not sit in the rabbi’s seat on the pulpit in the synagogue, in deference to my husband’s memory. And he never told anyone what I have just told you.’”
Benji Levene said that this story made more of an impression on him and taught him more about what real piety is, than reading ten books of ethical instruction. “I learned,” he said, “that sensitivity to the feelings of another human being is more important than concern for one’ s own status, position or power. My father’s behavior in that incident remains for me the archetype of how a rabbi should act, of how a Jew should act, in fact, how all human beings should treat one another.”
And now that you have finished the reading above, here’s some information about a mensch.
Mensch. What does this Jewish compliment actually mean?
There are few greater Jewish compliments than to call someone a mensch … although a real mensch would of course be too modest to want to receive a compliment.
A mensch is a person on whom one can trust to act with honor and integrity. But the Yiddish term means more than that: it also suggests someone who is kind and attentive.
Rabbi Neil Kurshan, author of the book ‘Raising Your Child to be a Mensch‘, characterizes it as “responsibility fused with compassion, a feeling that one’s own personal needs and desires are limited by the needs and desires of other people. A mensch acts with selfcontrol and humility, always sensitive to the feelings and thoughts of others“.
– Emilie R. Mueller
– Louise D. Kushner
YAHRZEITS
MayTheirMemoriesBeaBlessing
Harry Francis Calisch
– Sayde S. Greenberg
– Stanley Singer
When lighting the Yahrzeit candle, you can recite the following prayer:
“The human soul is a light from God. May it be your will that the soul of (insert name) enjoy eternal life, along with the souls of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, and the rest of the righteous that are in Gan Eden. Amen.”
Alternatively, you can simply say, “I light this candle to bring peace to the soul of (relationship and his/her name).”
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Let’s welcome Shabbat and the Fall Holy Days together in the chapel at First Presbyterian Church
SEPTEMBER
Friday, 6th 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service
Friday, 13th Shabbat Service not scheduled
Friday, 20th 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service
Friday, 27th 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service
OCTOBER
Wednesday, 2nd 7:30 p.m. Erev Rosh Hashanah Service
Thursday, 3rd 10:00 a.m. Rosh Hashanah Service Lunch at the Howard’s home following the service
Friday, 4th Shabbat Service not scheduled
Sunday, 6th 4:00 p.m. Tashlich at the river
Friday, 11th 7:30 p.m. Erev Yom Kippur Service - Kol Nidre
Saturday, 12th 10:00 a.m. Yom Kippur Morning Service 3:00 p.m. Afternoon Service/Yizkor Service/Neilah Service 6:30 p.m. Light nosh to break your fast
Friday, 18th 7:30 p.m. Shabbat/Sukkot Service
Friday 25th 7:30 p.m. Shabbat/Simchat Torah Service
The Fall Holidays will be here before we know it! Jo Ann and Peter Howard will be leading us in worship as we welcome 5785 and atone for our sins so we can have a prosperous new year. Please make note of the following:
If you have a personal copy of the High Holy Days prayer book, please be sure to bring it with you.
Erev services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. Morning services will begin at 10:00 a.m Please come prior to those times!
Peter will be contacting you regarding your readings for the Holy Days. Be sure you know when your part is scheduled in the service and if for some reason you are unable to participate, please contact Peter immediately. Hearing the different voices of our congregants makes the service even more meaningful!
We will have a Rosh Hashanah lunch again this year at the Howard’s home following the service. RSVP by September 23rd if you will be attending.
We will also have a light nosh to break your Yom Kippur fast - just enough to get you home to enjoy dinner.
Tashlich at the River – We will meet at the fountain downtown at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 6th and walk to the overlook. Do not bring the traditional bread crumbs since they are not a natural food source for fish, ducks or geese. Instead, bring an item from nature, such as a small pebble or tiny twig, which will not pollute the water. These items are symbolic of your sins. You should have received your Holy Day Offering form in the mail regarding the names you would like to be read at the Yom Kippur Memorial Service. Be sure to return your form and check by September 27th. If you do not have names to be read, a donation would be appropriate.
Join us for Shabbat/Sukkot on Friday, October18th, and enjoy waving the lulav and smelling the fragrance of the etrog. There will be a special treat for all who attend! Join us the following week for Shabbat/Simchat Torah on Friday, October 25th . Come and join the fun when we sing and wave Simchat Torah flags as we “dance” the Torah up and down the aisle in the chapel, and then read the end of Deuteronomy/Devarim and the beginning of Genesis/Bereshit.
WITH OUR CONGREGATION
(If you would like information printed in this section, please let Jo Ann know.)
Mazel tov and l’chaim goes to Peter Howard on his upcoming 75th birthday!
Mazel tov and l‘chaim goes to Matt and Karen Harris on their upcoming 25th anniversary!
Welcome to Dorothy Fraifeld Jenkins! She will be living at Stratford House.
Our heartfelt condolences go to Judy and Gene Lyles on the recent passing of their son, Gordon, who passed away on August 8th at the age of 52. May his memory be for a blessing.
Our wishes for good health are extended to Bernard Baker, Mildred Barth, Mira Becher, Carol Caplan, Don Loper, and Lynne Steinberg de Loper. We know that some of our congregants become ill, have surgery, or suffer an injury between The Shofar publications, so please know that we extend a prayer of comfort and continued recovery to those who are not specifically named.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
September Birthdays: 1 – Barry Koplen; 3 – Sydney Fryman; 3 – Sean Fryman; 8 – Ronnie Mand; 11 – Barrett Eisner; 16 – Peter Howard
September Anniversaries: 6 – Ben and Debbie Rippe; 15 – Joe Eisenberg and Melissa Laverack; 29 – Jason and LaTrice Eisner
October Birthdays: 7 – Bonnie Brumfield; 16 – Paul Mandel
October Anniversaries: 16 – Matt and Karen Harris; 31 – Don and Lynn Loper
Uplift another congregant’s spirits by giving them a call or sending them a card, email or text! It only takes a few minutes and it will make a big difference in their day and yours!
Remember: “Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.”
Temple Beth Sholom Donations
Please remember the Building Fund for such things as Sympathy, Mazel Tov, Thank You, and Speedy Recovery. The list is endless. Your contribution will brighten someone’s day and help support YOUR temple at the same time!
Peter and Jo Ann Howard
In loving memory of Aunt Cora Howard and dear friend Barbara Manheim
Our calendars for 5785 are here! Thank you to Townes Funeral Home for their generous annual gift! The pictures are beautiful and of course you will have the most up-to-date information on holiday observances. Let Jo Ann know if you want to come by to pick one up. They will also be available at services.
The Month of Elul
(Adapted from a reading in Covenant of the Soul)
The month of Elul is a time for reflecting on our spiritual life. As the month unfolds (September 4), Jewish tradition urges us to conduct a truly honest appraisal on the way in which we have used God’s gift of life in the past year. Whom have we helped? Whom have we hurt? Before we can ask the Holy One for forgiveness, we must ask those we have hurt to forgive us. Before we ask God to forgive us, we must forgive ourselves.
The URJ-ADL Partnership to Combat Antisemitism and Hate
Amid an alarming rise in antisemitic rhetoric and violence, the Union for Reform Judaism has joined with the Anti-Defamation League, the world’s leading antihate organization, in the creation of a multi-faceted partnership. The partnership will offer our organizations the opportunity to work together to respond to acts of antisemitism and hate. Together we will provide education, webinars, advocacy opportunities, and a digital resource that provides both congregations and individuals with the tools to respond to acts of antisemitism and hate in their communities.
The digital resource links the expertise of the ADL and the network of the URJ to better equip the Jewish community across North America to respond to and prevent acts of antisemitism and hate. The incident reporting form offers an opportunity to report acts of antisemitism and hate that have occurred in Reform congregations and communities, and allow for follow-up and assistance.
Access the complete resource via the ADL’s website
Resource user guide
Report an incident
Learn more about the URJ-ADL partnership
Watch: URJ-ADL webinar "Responding to Upticks in Acts of Antisemitism and Hate"
Please don’t overlook the link above “Report an incident”. If you have friends in another city or state who can make use of this information, please email this page to them.
A Little Humor is Good for the Soul!
Let’s lighten the mood! Here are a few puns to bring a smile to your face:
Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!
What do you call fake spaghetti? An impasta
Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field
What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire? Frostbite
Why did the bicycle fall over? Because it was two-tired
Why don’t skeletons fight each other? They don’t have the guts.
I used to play piano by ear, but now I use my hands.
I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down!
Did you hear about the guy who invented Lifesavers? He made a mint.
I’m on a seafood diet. I see food and I eat it.
Why don’t some couples go to the gym? Because some relationships don’t work out
Why did the math book look sad? Because it had too many problems
What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho cheese
Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants? In case he got a hole in one.
What do you call a factory that makes good products? A satisfactory
Why don’t eggs tell jokes? They’d crack each other up.
Cheers!
A grasshopper walks into a bar and orders a drink. The bartender looks at him and says, "You know, we have a drink named after you."
The grasshopper replies, "You got a drink named Stanley?"
September - October 2024
A Message from Martha
Wow, it’s so hard to believe that the summer is almost over! And on a more serious note, it is so hard to believe that it has been almost eleven months since Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, raping and killing innocent civilians and taking numerous hostages.
The conflict in the Middle East continues to this day and while occasionally there seems to be some sign of progress (if not towards peace, at least away from active warfare) there is no end in sight. And while the situation there is more than troubling, we need also to be concerned about the increase in antisemitic rhetoric that includes threats of violence against Jews and Israel as well as the increase in pro-Palestinian demonstrations that seem to call for sweeping Israel off the map.
And in our own country, political polarization runs rampant especially when the “other side of the aisle” is accused not just of being wrong but of being evil and dangerous. Where can we find any good news these days?
And of course the answer is with Hadassah! I was grateful to be able to watch “Together We Will Heal: Hadassah’s Medical Innovation Since October 7th” on August 27th, to hear from Doctor Meir Liebergall, Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, on the use of 3-D printers to make replacements for bones destroyed by battlefield injuries as well as instruments tailor-made to fit the surgical treatment needs in dealing with these injuries. These innovations have made the difference between life-long disability and the ability to resume normal activity levels.
In addition, Lt. Colonel Jonathan (Yonti) Bahat, who sustained serious injuries on the battlefield and was in an induced coma for weeks in ICU, reported on his ongoing and arduous rehabilitation at the Gandel Rehabilitation Center. As he pointed out, “I need to be a very active part of this process” and at the same time stated that the environment, as it is at the Center, needs to be a healing one for the treatment to be successful. The Gandel Rehab Center opened months ahead of schedule to provide physical and occupational therapies, hydrotherapy, mental health treatment, and other specialized forms of rehabilitation to those impacted by the ongoing conflict, the longest war that Israel has experienced in its history.
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As the conflict continues, so do the challenges that Hadassah and HMO face. The Gandel Rehab Center requires completion as well as further work at the Round Building in Ein Kerem to provide an ICU that would double HMO’s capacity for this level of treatment as well as six more underground operating rooms so that surgery can continue even under the direst of circumstances.
Hadassah Danville’s iconic Angels of Mercy campaign will begin shortly and as always, will support the Hadassah hospitals in Israel. Now, more than ever, your support is crucial for HMO to provide its life-giving and life-restoring care. Please be generous and encourage others to be generous as well! Know that you will be contributing to tikkun olam with your donation.
This president’s message is a bit longer than my usual one, and I didn’t even get to Hadassah’s efforts to combat antisemitism and our advocacy on the issues that we care so passionately about (e.g., infertility treatment!). However, I hope you have found it relevant and encouraging. You can find more information at hadassah.org and I encourage you to do so.
The High Holydays will soon be upon us, and my prayer for all of us is that we can look back with few regrets and look forward with hope and optimism. May 5785 bring peace to us, and to the entire world, and let us say: Amen.
Shalom,
Martha Woody, President
FALL
INTO 5785!
Danville Hadassah invites you to a Special Program on Sunday, September 22, 2024 (the autumn equinox!) at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. Our program will be “Together We Will Heal”, HMO’s role in the aftermath of 10/7. There will also be updates on Hadassah Danville’s activities, time to schmooze with friends, and a chance to light a virtual menorah to kvell or kvetch! The Zoom link will be sent closer to the meeting date.
5785 Hadassah New Year Card forms and checks are due to Susan Dufour by September 6th. Oops…if you haven’t mailed yours back yet, please do it today! The money made from this project will be used for Young Judaea Scholarships, which offers opportunities for our children and grandchildren to attend educational programs and Young Judaea camps, which will help them develop their Jewish identity.
Angels of Mercy – We’re almost ready to kick off this year’s Angels of Mercy campaign! When your letter arrives asking for your support for our two world renown Hadassah hospitals in Israel,don’t hesitate to respond. Just think, research at our hospitals is shared world-wide and might affect you or a family member!
Birthday/Anniversary Cards –What a wonderful way to remember family and friends on their anniversaries and/or birthdays and at the same time support the YouthAliyah villages in Israel. You will receive information in early November.
Rays of Hope and Celebration – This year-round project gives you a way to virtually light a menorah at a meeting and/or send a mazel tov, get well, or an expression of sympathy to a friend or family member. If you need more information, contact Jo Ann Howard.
Hadassah Mourns the Deaths of Murdered Hostages
SEPTEMBER 2, 2024
Statement from Carol Ann Schwartz, Hadassah National President
Today, we mourned along with thousands who attended Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s funeral, and with the Jewish community worldwide, as he was laid to rest after enduring 11 months of captivity at the hands of Hamas. Hersh, 23, was the grandson of Leah Polin, a beloved member of the Hadassah family, and the son of Jonathan and Rachel, who our leaders and members met and formed a special bond with on Hadassah's Israel solidarity missions. Their willingness to share their story and the lengths to which they have gone for the release of all the hostages has profoundly impacted us.
We grieve with all the families of the six hostages who were executed by Hamas – Hersh, Ori Danino, Eden Yerushalmi, Carmel Gat, Almog Sarusi and Alex Lobanov. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and may the memories of these six innocent souls be a blessing.
Hadassah continues to advocate and pray for the safe, immediate return of the hostages who remain in Gaza under the most unimaginable circumstances and to urge the international community to hold Hamas accountable for their evil crimes against humanity.
Words seem insufficient. As a community, we are shattered, in anguish. Yet, together, we will continue to see beyond despair to find solace and hope, as we always have.
View the livestream of Hersh’s funeral (please note it's in Hebrew and English).
Hospital Volunteers Lauded by Israeli Ministry of Health
AUGUST 27, 2024
The Hadassah Medical Organization was awarded with the Israeli Minister of Health’s Shield for Volunteerism in August in recognition of the some 900 volunteers at Hadassah hospitals and the departments that manage their activities.
In a moving ceremony at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, Health Minister Uriel Busso presented the award to Talya Hirshman, head of Hadassah’s Volunteer Unit; Nurit Shatz, volunteer coordinator; and Sima Ben-Hamo, head of human resources.
“Many people discover the possibility of volunteering and the need that arises precisely when they or a loved one are hospitalized,” Hirshman said. “At that moment, they understand that a supportive hand, even if it is just to make a cup of tea, or the attention of a caring smile, means the world, especially to those who are in a difficult time during hospitalization or a medical examination.”
“The medical staff gives a lot of themselves and definitely influences the positive patient experience,” she added. “But the volunteer has an advantage: they can focus solely on that specific help they came to provide and give it without interruption or involvement in anything else.”
The award is given annually to individual volunteers, groups and organizations that make a special contribution to the advancement of health in Israel.
‘Our Volunteer Department at Hadassah is a role model, and many organizations from across the country come to see it up close and learn how such an impressive mechanism operates,” Prof. Yoram Weiss, director general of the Hadassah Medical Organization, said. Receiving the Ministry of Health’s Shield Award “illustrates how strong the spirit of our people is, and we are grateful for being chosen, along with our volunteers.'”
Hadassah’s Iconic Round Building Reopens Its Doors
MAY 3, 2024
With support from donors all over the world, and after many years of planning, construction and anticipation, Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem welcomed the first patients into its reimagined Round Building, including the Alberto and Vicky Saba Internal Medicine Complex, in Jerusalem on May 2.
“I’m very excited and thankful to our donors, our supporters and to HWZOA, to the Hadassah organization,” said Dr. Yaniv Sherer, Hadassah Ein Kerem director, standing in one of the newly renovated patient rooms. “From me and from the entire management and the employees of the hospital, thank you.”
The Round Building has been an iconic mainstay on the hospital campus for decades. Since its opening in the early 1960s, however, the population of Jerusalem has tripled and medical demands on the Hadassah Medical Organization have grown exponentially.
“I’m so proud that we could do this. It’s truly l’dor v’’dor because my mother-in-law and father-in-law were at the opening of the original Round Building,” said Miki Schulman, chair of the 360 Degrees of Healing campaign, which made the opening of the renovated structure possible. “Here we are full circle –– and it’s the Full Circle campaign here in 2024 and we have the privilege of witnessing the opening again of this wonderful facility.”
The newly designed building stands in the footprint of history and significantly enhances the hospital's capacity, providing a modern space for some of Israel’s most cutting-edge medical care and top experts, especially in the fields of internal medicine, surgery, ophthalmology, maternity, oncology, dermatology and more. Patients are now being cared for on Floors 7 and 8 of the Round Building, with Floors 6 and 9 slated to open early this fall. When fully complete, new features will include an additional 200 beds as well as the modernization of 17 operating rooms.
In 2020, architect Arthur Spector, who also designed the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower at Hadassah Ein Kerem, told supporters, "The challenge is to save the icon but update it to become a completely contemporary inpatient building." Construction continued through the COVID pandemic.
The new Round Building design prioritizes efficiency. Larger, more comfortable rooms, as well as visitor lounges, will help patients and their families feel more at home so that they can focus on treatment and recovery.
More than 25,000 donors have contributed to the 360 Degrees of Healing campaign, with more than $42 million raised to date.
“Our donors made it happen,” added Schulman. “Their commitment to Hadassah and Israel enabled us to do this.”
The reimagined Round Building is just a start; however, as the 360 Degrees of Healing campaign continues to deliver hope for Israel’s children, now focusing on enhanced services in pediatrics.
Read more Hadassah news: https://www.hadassah.org