Temple Topics: July - August 2017

July – August 2017

7 Tamuz – 9 Elul 5777

Temple Topics www.tebh.org

Upcoming Events Elul Classes Thursdays, August 24 & 31, September 7

7:00 pm, Davidson-Sheffer Hall With the High Holy Days coming in September we are gearing up and getting ready! Our Elul classes are preparation sessions intended to deepen our experience, and provide new ways of approaching the upcoming High Holy Days. We begin to wake up and do the work of Heshbon HaNefesh (accounting of the soul), leading us to be prepared for our repentance during the Days of Awe (the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur).

Join the clergy as they each tackle an important topic we can reflect upon during this contemplative time of year.

High Holy Days Courtyard Shabbat Friday, July 14

!

Save These Dates

NEW

6:15 pm, Courtyard at 300 N Clark Drive We are taking our Simply Shabbat outdoors! Join us for a Simply Shabbat service in the temple courtyard and make the most of the beautiful Los Angeles weather.

ChaiVillageLA Movie Night Wednesday, July 19

Tisha B’Av Service Monday, July 31

7:00 pm, Temple Isaiah

6:30 pm, Weinberg Auditorium ChaiVillageLA is showing the award winning documentary The Lost Boys of Sudan. This film is an in-depth look at the refugee crisis of young Sudanese children brought on by the ongoing civil war in their country. Follow these “lost boys” as they travel from a refugee camp in Kenya to the United States to start their new life. A touching story of friendship, and the difficulties of adjusting to life in a new country. For more information, please email Devorah Servi at Devorah@ChaiVillageLA.org.

2

Temple Topics July – August 2017

Mark your calendars and be sure to keep an eye out for information packets and tickets in the mail. Members in good standing will be mailed tickets automatically. To fulfill your contribution, visit tebh.org/MembershipDues. We look forward to seeing you at this most special time of year.

Erev Rosh Hashanah September 20

This day marks the most somber day in the Jewish calendar, as it is a day of mourning the destruction of both holy temples in Jerusalem. Traditionally, it is a day of fasting. During this Erev Tisha B’Av service, we will chant from the Book of Lamentations, offer an opportunity to reflect on the suffering that still occurs around the world, and provide space to be gracious and grateful for those who we have in our lives.

Rosh Hashanah September 21 Kol Nidre September 29 Yom Kippur September 30 Sukkot October 4–12 Simchat Torah October 12– 13

Calendar of Services & Special Events July Saturday, July 1 Expression of Soul 10:00 am, Belle Chapel Shabbat Morning @Emanuel 10:00 am, Bess P. Maltz Center

Friday, July 7 Simply Shabbat 6:15 pm, Belle Chapel

Saturday, July 8 Expression of Soul 9:30 am, Belle Chapel Shabbat Morning @Emanuel 10:00 am, Bess P. Maltz Center

Friday, July 14 Courtyard Shabbat 6:15 pm, Courtyard

Saturday, July 15 Expression of Soul 9:30 am, Belle Chapel Shabbat Morning @Emanuel 10:00 am, Bess P. Maltz Center

Saturday, July 22

Friday, August 11

Expression of Soul 9:30 am, Belle Chapel Shabbat Morning @Emanuel 10:00 am, Bess P. Maltz Center

Simply Shabbat 6:15 pm, Belle Chapel

Saturday, August 12

Simply Shabbat 6:15pm, Belle Chapel

Expression of Soul 9:30 am, Belle Chapel Shabbat Morning @Emanuel 10:00 am, Bess P. Maltz Center

Saturday, July 29

Friday, August 18

Friday, July 28

Expression of Soul 9:30 am, Belle Chapel Shabbat Morning @Emanuel 10:00 am, Bess P. Maltz Center

Simply Shabbat 6:15 pm, Belle Chapel

Saturday, August 19

August

Expression of Soul 9:30 am, Belle Chapel Shabbat Morning @Emanuel 10:00 am, Bess P. Maltz Center

Friday, August 4

Friday, August 25

Simply Shabbat 6:15 pm, Belle Chapel

Welcome Back Beatles Shabbat & BBQ 6:15 pm, Private Home (details to follow)

Saturday, August 5

Saturday, August 26

Friday, July 21

Expression of Soul 10:00 am, Belle Chapel Shabbat Morning @Emanuel 10:00 am, Bess P. Maltz Center

Expression of Soul 9:30 am, Belle Chapel Shabbat Morning @Emanuel 10:00 am, Bess P. Maltz Center

Simply Shabbat 6:15 pm, Belle Chapel

Visit tebh.org/Calendar for our full schedule of events and programs.

Dear Rabbi...

Every year you offer “Elul Preparation Classes” at Temple Emanuel. What are we preparing for, and why during Elul?

Sincerely,

– Too Elul for School

Dear Too Elul for School, During the month of Elul, Jewish tradition provides several preparatory words, symbols, and actions leading up to the High Holy Days (the month of Tishrei). This month is considered a time when God is more accessible to the Jewish people. The letters in the name of the month, aleph, lamed, vav, lamed, are the first letters of the phrase “Ani l’dodi v’dodi li,” meaning, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is

Submit your questions to DearRabbi@tebh.org mine.” This phrase from Song of Songs reflects the closeness of God and the Jewish people during this month.

There are special scriptural readings called the “Haftarot of Consolation,” that lead us towards compassion and redemption as we hope for a good year ahead. The shofar is sounded at each morning service (except Shabbat) leading up to Rosh Hashanah, so that we begin to wake up and do the work of “Heshbon HaNefesh” (accounting of the soul), in preparation for our repentance during the Days of Awe. On the Saturday evening closest to Rosh Hashanah, the difficult work of reflecting on ourselves and the past year begins in earnest with a late night service where the unique musical melodies from the High Holy Days and some of the most significant liturgy are heard for the first time.

Our preparation classes are intended to deepen the month of Elul experience, and provide new ways of approaching the upcoming High Holy Days.

– Rabbi Jonathan Aaron Temple Topics

July – August 2017

3

Our Temple Family Mazel Tov to...

Margery Chirchick and family, on the birth of her grandson, Ezra Samuel Fox Talla Farivar and Zach Kuperman, on their wedding Belinda and Jeff Pop on the wedding of their daughter, Sami Pop, to Josh Weinstock Nicole Robinson and Joe Sharaf, on their wedding Leslie and Scott Shlecter and family, on the birth of their grandson, Joshua Liam Twersky Phyliss Shlecter and family, on her 90th birthday, and the birth of her great-grandson, Joshua Liam Twersky Zsuzsanna Ward and Evan Bogart, on their wedding

Mazel Tov to Our B'nai Mitzvah Naomi Ortiz August 12, 2017 “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m Possible’.”

– Audrey Hepburn

Condolences to…

Veronica Abney and Ruth Abney and family, on the passing of their mother, Nina Abney Betsy and Marc Axelrod and family, on the passing of her mother, Greta Von Steinbauer Don and Fran Kates and family, on the passing of his brother, Harvey Kates Joyce Kates and family, on the passing of her husband, Harvey Kates The family of Louise Silver Robbins, on her passing The family of Cantor Gary Shapiro, on his passing

Welcome to our New Members

Megan Brown Sharone Kohen and Nick Farinella Greg Goodman Barbara Marom-Pollack and Jonathan Pollack

To learn more about membership and how to join our great community, visit tebh.org/Join

Sally Shapiro August 12, 2017 “Every change you make brings you one step closer to changing the world.”

– Sally Shapiro

Leon Shams-Schaal August 26, 2017 “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.”

– Thomas Alva Edison

Adam Lutz – Our New Rabbi Educator I am so excited to officially join the community at TEBH! Leading up to this moment many people have asked me: “How will your journey to this point in your life influence your leadership as Rabbi Educator?” This question gives me reason to pause and reflect on my journey from aerospace engineer to rabbi and educator and on the core values that drive me each and every day. Let’s call these the Rabbi Lutz’s “ABCs.” Let’s start with “A”…the value of authenticity resides at the core of my being. People are often surprised to hear that I really liked my job as an aerospace engineer. I was part of a specialized team in charge of creating products that never before existed. Although engineering was fun, being an engineer was only part of me. It was a job that occupied my mind, but I wanted a vocation which exercised my mind, heart, and soul. I wanted a job where I could be my authentic and whole self each and every day. What I realized was that the moments in my life in which I felt most authentically me, were all Jewish moments: my bar-mitzvah, my confirmation, Jewish summer camp, Jewish college life, and living in Israel. All of these experiences challenged me to embody my whole genuine self: mind, heart, and soul.

Today, as I reflect on my journey, I also realize that the journey towards authenticity is aspirational. All of my Jewish experiences built on the previous ones, each allowing me to get closer and closer to that aspirational true self. I believe Jewish education is a vehicle for us to practice embodying that concept of our identity, so that each day we feel more connected to our own authenticity. My vision is that over this next year, we can begin to honestly define and embody who we are as a Jewish educational community. Then as individuals we can practice what it feels like to be our authentic selves.

I already feel at home in the TEBH community and look forward to meeting each and every one of you. So, come ask me about “B” and “C” and share your core values with me, as we continue on this Jewish journey together.

4

Temple Topics July – August 2017

Temple Emanuel in Photos

7

Temple Topics

July – August 2017

5

Contributions Rabbi Aaron’s Discretionary Fund In appreciation From Talla Farivar and Zach Kuperman, in honor of their wedding From Wennie Lu, in honor of her conversion From Stephanie Simon and Jason Newman, in honor of Jake’s Bar Mitzvah From Zsuzsanna Ward and Evan Bogart, in honor of their wedding In honor of Rose B. Kaplan, from Susan L. Kaplan Sami Pop and Josh Weinstock’s wedding, from Belinda and Jeff Pop In memory of Harold Kates, from Joyce, Gary, Don Kates and family Rabbi Bassin’s Discretionary Fund In appreciation From Rachel Cox and Scott Thompson, in honor of their wedding From Wennie Lu, in honor of her conversion From Marissa Trester and Casey Horrigan, in honor of their wedding Cantor Weiss’s Discretionary Fund In appreciation From Joy Brook From Wennie Lu, in honor of her conversion From Stephanie Simon and Jason Newman, in honor of Jake’s Bar Mitzvah In memory of Harold Kates, from Joyce, Gary, Don Kates and family Rabbi Geller’s Discretionary Fund In honor of Rabbi Geller’s birthday, from Stella Feuer Shabbat Morning @ Emanuel Lunch Fund In honor of Great grandsons Remy Shlecter and Joshua Twersky, from Phyllis Shlecter

Temple Emanuel Early Childhood Center General Fund In appreciation from Bill Grubman In memory of Bernard Rosenberg, from Penelope Rosenberg and family Gus Pollet Memorial Fund In honor of Judy Narvid and Jill Cahn’s birthday, from Gayle, Steve, Jeremy, Whitney, Danielle, and Justin Jagoda Alys Pollet’s special birthday, from Gayle, Steve, Jeremy, Whitney, Danielle, and Justin Jagoda Alys Pollet and Albert Kaufman’s special birthday, from Anna and Lenny; Jeff, Yoko, Mei and Nico; Jared, Leila, and Gabriel Yahrzeit Fund Richard Abramson, from Joan and Stan Abrams Jackson Alberts, from Sylvia Alberts Murray Averack, from Susan Lava Rose Baumgold, from Sharon Baumgold and Roy Young Mickey Beckenfeld, from Esther Degen Mickey Beckenfeld, from Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Monastirsky and family Aaron Robert Berman, from Susan Afriat Martin B. Berman, from Marianne Berman Jeanette Block, from Jan and Alan Block Frederick Brand, from Marcelle and Jake Brand Regina Brook, from Harold Brook Sophie Coyne, from Dr. Barbara Coyne and Dr. Jeffrey Hendel Miriam Digiaro, from Ethel Abel Emil Gillman, from the Kadosh family Adam Goldstein, from William Goldstein Sure Goldstein, Rosa Gartel, Norma Mazzei, Miguel Lerner, from Nison and Elisa Adeff Paul Hoffman, from Pamela Bennett

Leadership Clergy Jonathan Aaron: Senior Rabbi Sarah Bassin: Associate Rabbi Lizzie Weiss: Cantor Laura Geller: Rabbi Emerita

Senior Staff Eric G. Reiter: Executive Director Adam Lutz: Rabbi Educator Julie Macht: Director of Development Stacy Kesner, M.A.: Early Childhood Center Director Alex Kojfman: Director of Communications

6

Temple Topics July – August 2017

Stanley Jackson, from Susan Jackson and Ken Dreshfield Irwin Jameson, from John and Kristin Jameson Max Kahn, from Charlene and Sandy Kornblum Roberta Knaster, from Belinda and Jeffrey Pop and family Irving Kornblum, from Charlene and Sandy Kornblum Rose Kortz, from Pearle Rae and Mark Levey Edward Krawll, from Joyce Krawll and Kathy Feinberg Irving Kreeger, from Muriel Kreeger and family Merwin Kreeger, from Muriel Kreeger and family Abraham Leibzon, Israel Ha Levi Leibzon, Reuven Vainstein, from Rimme and Roman Leibzon Gertrude P. Levy, from Charlotte M. Schwartz Marie Luffman, from Esther Elfenbaum Arkady Myaskovsky, from Sima Myaskovsky Vivian Nislick, from Marty Nislick and Beth Alpert A. Louis Noah, from Mark and Janet Noah Dorothy Oppenheim, from Sheri Neuberg Irene F. Paris, from Sanford P. Paris Alma Pop, from Belinda and Jeffrey Pop and family Gertrude Prezant, from Claire Rexon Sydney Rushakoff, from Alissa and Warren Roston Esther Schulman, from Roberta Holland Helena Schweid, from Rena Brooks Aharon Sheer, from Lora and Jaime Jerugim Clara Sheffer, from Hinda Lee Sheffer Nancy Siegel, from Robert Siegel Suzanne Siegel, from Robert Siegel Irving Sternig, from Sandra Sternig Babcock Irving Sternig, from Debbie, Michael, and Brianne Bear Fanny Stevens, from Connie Bennett Arnold Stone, from John and Lorrie Stone William (Willie) Walder, from Helen Walder Rogaway Howard Weiss, from Sandra Borak Ella Weissberg, from Diane and Max Weissberg Ken Yale, from the Bishop Yale Family

Board of Directors Officers Barry Brucker: President Myra Lurie: Executive Vice President Farhad Novian: VP Legal Affairs Mark Schwartz: VP Development and Secretary

Kristin Jameson: VP Governance and Synagogue Operations Bonnie Nissenbaum: VP Marketing Eric Muhlheim: Treasurer

Directors – Committee Chairs Scott Stone: Chairperson – Facilities Tony Storm: Chairperson – Religious School Lewis Rudzki: Chairperson – Human Resources John Adler Jan Block Harold Brook Judie Fenton

Bunni Fischer Noah Furie Talia Hassid Julian Javor

Jackie Kassorla Nancy Lee Lilly Lewis Dr. Jack Quinn

Peter Siegel Jennifer Stempel Jeffrey Wolf

Pillar Members Angel Kobor Family Sheryl & Jon Sokoloff Tzadikim Kathy & Tommy & Julian Javor L’dor V’dor Nadine & Harold Davidson Barbara Coyne & Jeffrey Hendel Marilyn & Jeffrey Katzenberg Helene & Arthur (z"l) Laub Shana & Don Passman Sylvia Price Stephanie Haymes Roven & Charles Roven Kate Capshaw & Steven Spielberg Marcie & Howard Zelikow Sustaining Anonymous Lili & Jon Bosse Sue & Barry Brucker Toni & Bruce Corwin Myra Lurie & David Goldman Blanche Howard Abby & Alan Levy Julie & Ken Moelis Cathy & Steve Needleman Belinda & Jeff Pop Marcia & Dick Schulman Ron & Shelley Singer Laurie Goodman & Don Spetner Double Chai Renee & Harold Brook Jay Glazer Bonnie & Bernie Goler Janice White & Gene Krieger (z"l) Marcia & Ron Levenson Pearle Rae & Mark Levey

Lilly & David Lewis Anne & Harold Mills Farhad Novian Jill & Dennis Roach Brian Rosenstein Lisa & Mark Schwartz Bunny & Jerry (z"l) Steinbaum Elisa Newman-White, M.D. & Andrew White Chai Isa & Bill Aron Denise & Terry Avchen Arleen & Sam Bachner Lynda Barrad Cynthia & Neal Baseman Roberta & Elliot Berkowitz Alberta Stahl Bilson Jan & Alan Block Barbara & Morton Bowman Ronda & Stanley Breitbard Deborah & Gabriel Brener Barbara Bruser & Richard Clark Mitzi Costin Iris & Gordon Cutler Brad Donenfeld Allison & Michael Druyanoff Rita & Izzy Eichenstein Lorraine & Jerry Factor Jane & Max Factor III Bonnie & Ronald Fein Jessica & Ben Feingold Bunni & Murray Fischer Elayne Garber & John Forbess Leslie & Clifford Gilbert-Lurie Milton Golden (z"l) Linda & Gary Goldfein Patty & Larry Goodman Andie & Larry Harrow

Prayer of the Month There are lots of ways to describe the phenomenon of self-doubt, that you have “psyched yourself out” or that “your head is not in the game”.

Maybe you are more prone to “not trusting yourself.” At the core, each of these phrases captures a sense of inadequacy. The feeling that we’re not good enough plagues every one of us – to greater and lesser degrees. Often, religion can serve as a tool to reinforce these feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy by pointing out our shortcomings and

Roberta Holland Kristin & John Jameson Judy & Ron Kabrins Aviva & Aric Kadosh Gloria Kaplan Terri & Michael Kaplan Vickie & Fred Kaplan Judy Karlan Ruth Karp Shirley Karton Jackie Kassorla Fran & Don Kates Joyce & Harvey Kates Michelle & Alan Kaye Sue & Bob Kazdan Linda & Ross Kemper Lauren & Richard King Barbara & Stuart Klabin Char & Sandy Kornblum Joyce Krawll Nancy & John Lee Amy Cohen & Sid Levinson Pamela Skaist Levy & Jefery Levy Rochelle & Richard Maize Jeanne & Leonard Marks Stacey Mickell Jody Minsky Lauren & Eric Muhlheim Janet & Mark Noah Corinne Auge & Laurent Opman Nancy & Stephen Paul Kathleen & Larry Paul Vicki Reynolds & Murray Pepper Ondania & David Pick Alys Pollet Elizabeth & William Quicksilver Jack Quinn Cathy Costin & Mitch Reback Carol & Jerry Redston

Claudia & Bruce Resnikoff Ronda & Fred Rose Sally & Ron Rosenblatt Alissa & Warren Roston Lois Roston (z"l) & Ellsworth Roston (z"l) Mary & Robb Rothman Paula & Allan Rudnick Louise & Robert Schwab Karen Breslow & Bobby Schwartz Diane Vanette & Sander Schwartz Marla & Richard Seff Leslie & Scott Shlecter Phyllis Shlecter Hope Stevens & Peter Siegel Marilyn & Edgar Simon Linda Smith Terri & Michael Smooke Annika & Abe Somer Lisa & Adam Stoll Lorrie & John Stone Rachel & Tony Storm Susan & Peter Strauss Holly & Ronald Toplitzky Sunnye & Richard Tuch Wendy & Bryan Turner Cathy & Len Unger Halina Wachtel Sheila & William Wasserman Karen & Sandy Weiner Estelle Weisberg Susan Resnick West & David West Penny & Bob White Joan Cohen Wilson & Chuck Wilson Marilyn Weltman Wizenberg & Howard Wizenberg Leah Bishop & Gary Yale

with Rabbi Sarah Bassin

plaguing us with the language of sin.

But each morning, Jewish tradition gives us a spiritual antidote to the self-doubt that is likely to strike at some point during our day.

Elohai neshama shenata be tehora hee.

God – the soul you have given me is pure.

The prayer is framed as though we’re reminding God of this fact – that we want God to remember that we are good at our core, that we’re not just a pile of sinners. But if you change the

punctuation, it changes the orientation of the prayer. When I recite this prayer, it’s more accurate for me to punctuate it as: “God?........... The soul you have given me is pure.”

When I’m seeking that external validation that I am worthy in spite of my faults, it’s not unnatural to cry out in prayer. And when the response is inevitably silence, it reminds me that I have all the tools I already need. I have purity of soul. I have a core of goodness. I’m not reminding God that my soul is pure. I’m reminding myself.

So when I face those moments of doubt, of psyching myself out, of my head not being in the game... this is prayer that helps me find my center – my core of goodness.

Temple Topics Topics Temple

July – August 2017

7

Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills 8844 Burton Way (at corner of Herzl Way) Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Main

310.288.3737

Clergy 310.288.3742 Membership

310.409.4634

Accounting 310.409.4650 Venue Rentals

310.409.4644

Religious School

310.409.2950

tebh.org/Schools/ReligiousSchool

Early Childhood Center

310.276.9776

tebh.org/ECC

Family Center

310.409.2950

tebh.org/Schools/Family-Center

Website tebh.org Facebook facebook.com/TempleEmanuelBH Twitter @TempleEmanuelBH Instagram Instagram.com/TempleEmanuelBH

Host your next event at

Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills Stunning premier event spaces in the heart of Beverly Hills

Make sure your next special event fulfills its most memorable potential. Whether you are hosting a wedding, engagement party, bar or bat mitzvah, bris, or important meeting, the premier venues at Temple Emanuel will accommodate your individual needs and preferences. All religious, secular, social, and civic events are welcome.

For more information, or to schedule a private tour, contact Lia Fischer: Lia@tebh.org, 310.409.4644.