February 2023 Shofar

Temple Directory

Rabbi Dr. Scott B. Saulson ssaulson@bellsouth.net

Cantorial Soloist

Heather Klein cantorialsoloist@templesinailv.org

Head of Shenker Academy

Dr. Sharon Knafo sknafo@shenkeracademy.com

Head of Mark L. Haberkorn Religious School

Rebecca Wilner rschool@templesinailv.org

Youth Group Director

Sherilyn Phillips sherilynphillips3@gmail.com

Executive Committee

Temple President

Roy Berger rberger@templesinailv.org

1st Vice President

Terri Hirschfield thirschfield@templesinailv.org

2nd Vice President

Lynne Lober lynne@expediteyourplans.com

Treasurer

Steven J. Gleicher steve@gleicher.net

Interim Secretary

Jodi Berkowitz jberkowitz@templesinailv.org

Board of Trustees

Myron Bernstein nynvberns@gmail.com

Robert Granados robgranados@yahoo.com

Linda McCarron linmac217@gmail.com

Brian Messing bmess@aol.com

Jillian Potashnick jillianpilates@gmail.com

Dr. Sharon Roth srothlacomd@gmail.com

Stephen Weiner sweinercpa@gmail.com

Past President

Ilana Shapiro eyeshaps@gmail.com

Sisterhood

Marge Nordell, Co-President sinaisisterhood@outlook.com

Men’s Club

Jonathan Savar, President jsavar85@gmail.com

Legal Counsel

Jay Kenyon jay@yan-kenyon.com

Temple Staff

Executive Administrator

Treasa McNamee execadmin@templesinailv.org

Controller

Elizabeth Larson controller@templesinailv.org

Director of Safety

Marc Geiger safetydirector@templesinailv.org

Administrative Assistant Delilah Cruz receptionlv@templesinailv.org

Marketing Assistant

Cynthia Cervantes shofar@templesinailv.org

Committees & Chairpersons

Bereavement Committee

Suzanne Myers suzannem626@gmail.com

Caring Community

Marge Nordell marge.nordell@aol.com

Chavurah

Lynne Lober lynne@expediteyourplans.com

Choir

Heather Klein cantorialsoloist@templesinailv.org

Education

Jodi Berkowitz jberkowitz@templesinailv.org

Endowment & Fundraising

Brian Messing bmess@aol.com

Facility Coordinator

Linda McCarron linmac217@gmail.com

Health & Safety

Sharon Karbal sharonthetwit@gmail.com

Life & Legacy

Nancy Shinder legacygift@templesinailv.org

Membership

Nancy Shinder membership@templesinailv.org

Programming Jackie Kolner zeeebrat@aol.com

Religious School Parents

Jillian Potashnick jillianpilates@gmail.com

Security Evan Schwartz Info@templesinailv.org

Senior Social Sanford "Sandy" Leff sandyleff@icloud.com

Social Action

Seventh Graders led by Heather Klein cantorialsoloist@templesinailv.org

Social Media

Jillian Potashnick jillianpilates@gmail.com

Spiritual Enrichment

Les Gilbert mrgilbertmath@hotmail.com

Tzedakah Shel Kolner jaqshel0530@gmail.com

Sinai News

Board Nominations

Nominations are now open and being accepted for positions on the 2023-25 Temple Sinai Board of Trustees. Terms are for two years. In this cycle there are seven seats open: four General Trustee positions and Board Officers of 2nd Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. If you would like to nominate someone or even yourself or have any questions about requirements and criteria, please contact Executive Administrator, Treasa McNamee at execadmin@templesinailv.org for an application.

Recommendation of Rabbi Baden

We hope you marked your calendars and plan to participate in the Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 7 pm via Zoom to approve the candidacy of Rabbi Ilana G. Baden becoming Temple Sinai’s settled rabbi effective July 1, 2023.

For those that didn’t see the original e-blast announcement on January 18, 2023, Rabbi Baden presently serves Temple Chai in Long Grove, Illinois, a Chicago suburb where she has been for the last eight years. She is a Chicago native and a graduate of the University of Michigan and has been a Jewish studies and leadership professional since 1999.

“I am honored and thrilled for the opportunity of joining Temple Sinai as your rabbi,” Rabbi Baden said. “Jeff and I were so impressed with the congregation and community during our visit to Las Vegas, and we cannot wait to be with you in the coming months.”

(A copy of Rabbi Baden’s bio is on pages 14 and 15. A related story is The President’s Message on page 6)

Shabbat in the Round

Shabbat in the Round will be replacing Friday Night Live, our Friday Shabbat services, for the remaining of the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The service will take place in Event Center C, still at 7:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you there!

The interview process will begin on or about February 13 with March 23 being the deadline to apply. Per Temple Sinai Bylaws, there are no nominations from the floor accepted at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation (May 7, 2023) so this is the only way to secure a seat. This cycle’s Nominating Committee members as appointed by Roy Berger are Terri Hirschfield, Shel Kolner, Brian Messing, Eric Potashnick, Nancy Shinder, Judi Stotland and Beth Miller who will serve as chairperson.

Last Chance for Tickets!

A few tickets remain for Saturday night’s Temple Sinai winter fundraiser featuring the show business talents of Roy Firestone and comedian Lindsay Glazer. The show begins at 7:30 pm at the Clark County Charleston Library in the Performing Arts Center. Seating is open on a first come basis.

Tickets are $100 each for members, with the funds being used for youth and adult continuing education. Please support us and make reservations either on the Temple website or by calling 702-254-5110 during office hours. Hurry and do it now; only a few remain!

Chesed From the Desk of Rabbi Saulson

Wake, Woke, Woken

Squeezed in a middle airline seat in the aircraft, the rabbi tried to stay focused on preparing a eulogy to be delivered at his destination. Meanwhile, his exit row mate to the left was engrossed in “Jurassic Park”, while his exit row mate to the right was glued to an “Indiana Jones” escapade. Both to his right and his left the world was going to hell on flat screens in fantasies devoid of the real threats beyond the fuselage. Only when the flight attendant offered all three refreshments, did his row mates notice the bible on the rabbi’s lap opened to the psaltery.

“Did the rabbi know something about the aircraft they didn’t,” they wondered. Not to mention that they now recalled seeing the rabbi move to the exit row just before the cabin doors were closed for departure.

In the meanwhile, playing out on the landscape thousands of feet below was a non-fictitious drama — the politicization of “woke.”

The term was originally coined by progressive Black Americans and was used in racial justice movements in the early to mid-1900s, including its use in a historical recording of the protest song, "Scottsboro Boys" by Lead Belly.1

To be "woke" politically in the Black community means that someone is informed, educated and conscious of social injustice and racial inequality — according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

LGBTQ+ identifiers are also “woke” for ample reasons of their own. Yes, “woke” knows no class, gender, or racial restrictions. Every system has its systemic underdogs and scapegoats.

Screenplays such as “Jurassic Park” and “Indiana Jones” provide a much-needed escape, especially on transcontinental flights. However, as a screenplay of its own, Scripture hardly provides any escape — at least not from “woke.” Indeed “woke” pervades its bulk. It refuses to ignore the dust swept under the political carpet or the grit and grime entwined in the warp and woof of even the most glorious and praiseworthy patterns of our culture.

Every airline passenger relies on the willingness and ability of their exit row occupants for their survival in an emergency, even as we rely upon the willingness and ability of thousands of ground and aircrew to see to our safety at and above our ports of call. Acknowledging, not maligning, the astutely “woke” permits our society to fly right.

— Rabbi Dr. Scott B. Saulson

1 https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/woke-conservatives/story?id=93051138

February Calendar

Every Sunday - Friday

8:00 AM Morning Minyan Service - ZOOM

Every Friday

7:00 PM Shabbat Worship

Every Saturday

9:00 AM Torah Study Group

10:00 AM Shabbat Morning Service

Every Sunday

10:00 AM Taste of Mussar

4:00 PM OFEK Cooking Class - ZOOM

First, Second and Fourth Sunday

9:30 AM Mark L. Haberkorn Religious School (Pre-K - 7)

First & Third Tuesday

10:00 AM Bereavement Group

Every Tuesday

5:30 PM Junior Choir

Every Wednesday

4:30 PM Mark L. Haberkorn Religious School (3-7, Confirmation)

Every Thursday

1:00 PM Mahjong Club - RSVP

6:30 PM Jewish Lifelong Learning - RSVP

10:00 AM OLLI: Jewish American Songwriters - RSVP

Friday, February 3

9:30 AM Boker Tov Babies: PJ Library

10:30 AM Men's Club Meeting

7:00 PM Shabbat in the Round

Saturday, February 4

7:30 PM Winter Fundraiser at Clark County Charleston Library

Sunday, February 5

12:30 PM Taste of Mussar

12:00 PM Jr. SVTY Youth Group

12:00 PM Lil' SVTY

7:00 PM Special Congregation Meeting

Monday, February 6

Tu B' Shvat

Tuesday, February 7

6:30 PM Song Circle

7:00 PM Programming Commitee Meeting

7:00 PM Book Club - ZOOM

Wednesday, February 8

6:30 PM SVTY Lounge Nights (Grades 8-12)

6:30 PM Rosh Hodesh (Grades 6-9)

Friday, February 10

5:30 PM Shabbaton: Lights Out! (Grades 3-7)

Saturday, February 11

10:00 AM Adult Bat Mitzvah of Lynne Herman

Sunday, February 12

6:30 PM Senior Singles Social 55+

Tuesday, February 14

11:45 AM Lunch Bunch

6:00 PM Jewish Lifelong Learning Committee

Wednesday, February 15

7:00 PM Conversion Class

Friday, February 17

6:15 PM Tot Shabbat

Saturday, February 18

10:00 AM Bat Mitzvah of Bella Hershberg

Sunday, February 19

12:00 PM Sisterhood Board Meeting

Wednesday, February 22

6:30 PM Rosh Hodesh

Sunday, February 26

12:00 PM Jr. SVTY Youth Group

TO BE A PART OF A COMMUNITY, TO SHAPE IT AND TO STRENGTHEN IT IS THE MOST URGENT, THE MOST VITAL OBLIGATION FACING THE JEWISH INDIVIDUAL - ELIE WIESEL

A Message from President Roy Berger

We’d be remiss if we didn’t use this space this month for a tip of the yarmulke to a committee who did such great work that for a reward they have been disbanded.

Todah rabah to the 12 members of the Rabbinic Search Committee. You have done your job superbly and the entire Temple Sinai congregation owes you a great big thank you!

If this committee doesn’t get seated again for a long time, then we know the work they just concluded was very special. Ilana Shapiro and Laurie Kelman served as co-chairs and were joined by Terri Hirschfield, Jodi Berkowitz, Josh Wilner, Ivan Lambert, Stuart Mann, Nachum Golodner, Beth Miller, Sandy Stolberg, Melanie Howard, and Shel Kolner.

A year ago, our rabbinic search was slow to form as we didn’t know of our vacancy until late in the game. When we got fully started, most of the applicants had already landed a ‘settled’ job. Of course, that led to engaging Rabbi Saulson for one year on an interim basis with the plan to get our ‘settled’ search started early this time around, and that’s exactly what happened. The committee posted our notice of vacancy with the Central Congress of American Rabbis in August and began accepting applications before the summer was over.

In total, 14 rabbis applied for the bema at Temple Sinai. Of those 14, the committee conducted Zoom interviews with six and second interviews with five. A few got third interviews before being invited for an on-site visit to see the facility and community and to meet the congregation. Then there were more hours of reference checks and candidate sermons watched by the group.

By no means did the committee’s work end there. Agendas for the visits were carefully scripted, leaving very few minutes for downtime. Meals were planned, congregational meet and greets, facility tours, religious school overviews, Shenker Academy walk-throughs, time with leadership, private meetings with Rabbi Saulson and Heather Klein, and if that wasn’t enough there were rides through Red Rock Canyon, the other highlights of Summerlin and housing tours. By the time the candidates left town, it wasn’t hard for them to fall asleep on the airplane.

Oh, and that’s not the end of it. All of our visitors were greeted in their rooms at the JW Marriott by a Temple Sinai swag bag that included those fancy blue temple socks, hats, snacks, water, a list of Summerlin fitness centers, restaurants, and Ethel M chocolates to keep their energy level up!

And despite anything you might have heard, only one contract offer was extended by the Rabbinic Compensation Committee consisting of Steve Gleicher, Robert Granados, and Terri Hirschfield. They were guided by our counsel Tina Yan of Yan Kenyon. And that offer produced the four best words we could shout:

Welcome Rabbi Ilana Baden!

So, when you see a member of Rabbinic Search make sure to give them a special thank you for their time and dedication. It was a job very well done.

- Roy

I became a Temple Sinai Trustee because...

I have been a member of Temple Sinai since its inception, and a member of Temple Beth Am and Ahavat Torah before that. That means that I've known a whole bunch of you folks for quite a long time now.

I've attended brises, weddings, B'nai Mitzvahs, game nights, potlucks, and shivas. We have prayed together, played together, watched our kids grow up together, and comforted each other in times of loss. As the years have passed, I have gotten more and more involved with committees and clubs, services, and study.

I joined the Board of Trustees because it felt like a good time to step forward and contribute a bit more to this community that has given me so much. Jewish values and communal life must be nurtured to thrive; each of us has something beautiful and valuable to share, and when we put our contributions together, we create an intentional holy place. This is our place, and like so many of you, it is the beating heart within me. I'm grateful to have this place, and I hope to do a good job caretaking it for all of us and future generations.

Did You Know?

Did You Know that Roy Firestone, the headliner for Saturday night's Temple Sinai Winter Fundraiser is a seven-time Emmy Award winner for his work on ESPN?

Since leaving the network, Roy has performed his ‘One Man Show’ over 2,000 times. He’s been a guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Show with David Letterman, and Larry King Live.

He had a major role in the movie Jerry Maguire as well as guest spots on televisions' Married With Children and Everyone Loves Raymond.

A few tickets still remain for Saturday’s fundraiser beginning at 7:30 pm at the Clark County Library on Charleston in the Performing Arts Center. Opening the show will be comic Lindsay Glazer.

Reservations can be made by calling the Temple office at 702-254-5110 or online at templesinailv.org and going to the Special Event Roy Firestone tab.

Dr. Sharon Roth Board Trustee 2022-2023

Cantorial Soloist Heather Klein

Chaverim,

With February comes Tu B’Shvat, the birthday of the trees - and, in Las Vegas, almost springtime.

This year I am excited to go back to Song Leader Bootcamp, which is a Jewish Reform music seminar. Being around like-minded music leaders always reminds me that I have so much more to learn. I always enjoy finding opportunities to grow musically, though it can feel like a daunting task next to our seemingly endless todo list here at the Temple.

Sometimes we forget how nourishing it is to just learn and give our brain a workout. My hope for us all is to integrate learning in whatever way we can in our lives.

The question is, how do we make the time? Every day seems jam-packed with tasks and other responsibilities at work and home.

Well, I say, be kind to yourself. Even if you read a few pages of a book at night, listen to a new podcast or learn a new recipe, you are learning, nourishing, and flourishing.

Maybe you want to explore Judaism in new ways, learn about a new culture, learn a language, learn to dance, read philosophy, or enjoy a page-turner crime novel. Whatever it is you have time for, remember to thank yourself!

I hope you all learn, nourish, and flourish this Tu B’Shvat season!

Welcoming the Spring Semester

Shenker Academy had a full week swinging back to learning and academic focus after two weeks of a winter break. Our calendar is different than other schools, and I thank our staff who diligently prepared for a wonderful first week after a long pause.

We are excited to start a busy semester which encompasses new academic materials, new academic programs, traditional Shenker celebrations, important themes for the upcoming weeks and months, and more. We hope to see parents, families, teachers and children celebrating education together, and we are very excited to enter a fruitful and full of content semester.

Shenker Academy is positioned in a long-term sustainability state, with wide ability to embrace and celebrate an increasingly diverse Las Vegas population and speak the language of millennial parents who value diversity, structured and creative academics, a young and energetic environment, and excelling results.

Our team is working around the clock to help parents with all their needs. From academic reporting to health, well being, evaluations, lunches, administrative needs, and much more, we will continue to provide superb service to all 396 registered students. We thank you parents for your ongoing trust and support.

- Dr. Sharon Knafo

Head of School

Dr. Sharon Knafo

Safety at Temple Sinai

Safety Director Marc Geiger

Undoubtedly, we have all heard about the tragic event of the Buffalo Bills NFL player Damar Hamlin having a cardiac event while on the football field. If not, the short version is that a healthy pro football player suffered a cardiac event during a live NFL game. He fell in distress on the field and passed out.

As expected, the NFL had a plethora of medical personnel present who all immediately responded to assist the player. CPR was provided along with the use and assistance of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). News reports stated that along with medical staff that the AED is credited with helping to save his life.

Hopefully, an event like this never happens especially at Temple Sinai, but if one does, we have several AEDs to help keep people safe. One is located next to the first aid kit between the large sanctuary and room B. A second AED is in the administration hallway of the offices next to the Rabbi's office. The AED is marked and looks like a large square red lunchbox. They are stored in a white glass storage unit mounted on the wall.

In a very abbreviated version of use, the AED is opened, turned on, and two chest pads (for adults only) or one child pad placed on the chest with self-adhesion on the chest of the patient. The device assesses the patient and provides directions as to administer CPR, a shock, or even both. The information assessed by the machine can even assist first responders and doctors during transport to a hospital.

Having served in law enforcement for over twenty years, I have used the AED with success four times. Four lives may not have been saved without the use of an AED. I can attest to the importance as well as ease of using an AED which truly is a life-saving device. It may seem intimidating but rest assured, a few minutes of familiarization can minimize any doubt about the basic functions.

Here at Temple Sinai, we have the Phillips Heartstart AED. Once opened it provides verbal instructions and picture diagrams to assist with the use. Every month the AEDs are checked for battery life and integrity to ensure they are ready to use in case of an emergency.

Please take a few minutes to check out the link (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=C8_C9vAyTHU) for a brief video on how the AED works. A second option is a basic search on youtube for our model (Phillips Heartstart). If you would like more information, feel free to contact me. Remember that a few minutes of time and education can minimize the intimidation of this emergency device and even potentially save a life.

- Marc

Event Center Hallway

Administrative Hallway

Administrative Hallway

Jewish Lifelong Learning

At Temple Sinai, we want to engage everyone in learning. Each month a schedule of learning opportunities nurture a spiritual growth mindset Local and guest teachers challenge us to think more Jewishly, expansively and creatively. Explore what it means to be Jewish. Whether you choose a multi-session course or a single class, online or in-person learning there’s room for you at the table.

An Extraordinary Ordinary Life: the Practice of Mussar

Mussar offers us a “map” of the inner life and a body of practices we can employ to transform our inner ways. Although there are at least 18 major character traits or middot, (and some masters include many more), we will explore seven middot within these 49 days, one middah for each week of the Omer, with a focus phrase, a meditation and practice that will hopefully help you to energize and balance this characteristic in your life.

This year’s Omer reflections take us on a journey of the soul into the Jewish practice of Mussar. Originated in the 19th century through the teachings of Rabbi Yisrael Lipkin Salanter, Mussar is based on the verse in the Torah that states: "You shall be holy." In essence, we are here on earth for no other purpose than to grow and blossom spiritually--to become holy. Through working on ourselves, we can influence the world around us. The task is to fill yourself up with wisdom and knowledge until you brim over, and the overflow spills out of you and into the adjacent vessels, who are other people.

Literally translated, mussar means "correction" or "instruction" and in modern Hebrew, "ethics". In practice, it is a path of spiritual self-development. Mussar considers “soul” not as a separate organ of our being, but the essence of who we are. Personality, emotions, talents, and desires; even logic, thought, and memory, are aspects of the soul. In Hebrew, the collective word for all of the character traits of the soul are called middot, or measures of our character. Although no traits are undesirable, certain traits exist in us in too high or too low a measure. That’s what sets our spiritual curriculum, to achieve balance.

As we learn to balance our character traits, and in this way, strengthen the good within ourselves with a spiritual focus, we can become more self-actualized, and thus live an “extraordinary ordinary life.”

If you would like to sign-up for each of the 49 Mussar messages, please email JLL@templesinailv.org

YOUR JEWISH JOURNEY: Jewish Lifelong Learning presents...

Jewish Advocate & Educator: Amy Albertson

Amy Albertson is a Jewish advocate and educator from California. Through online activism, public speaking, and workshops, Amy empowers young Jews to be unapologetically Jewish, both online and in their everyday lives. - AmyAlbertson.com

Temple Sinai is proud to welcome Amy Albertson to our synagogue on March 22-24, where she will be leading a workshop as well as a public presentation on her experiences growing up as a Chinese-American Jewish woman. Details and registration, contact JLL@templesinailv.org

March 22, 5:30 PM

Unapologetically Jewish Workshop, 7th-12th Grade

March 23, 4:00PM

Unapologetically Jewish Workshop, Young Adults

March 24, 7:00 PM

Being Unapologetically Jewish, Shabbat Service + Oneg Q&A

Taste of Mussar

Sundays, February 5-April 30, 12:30-1:15 PM

An ancient, contemplative practice of Jewish mindfullness.

A 10-session introductory course with Rabbi Dr. Scott Saulson. Safely explore and test out your character traits with an intimate group of learners. Limited to 10 participants.

Members Free; Not Yet Members $36 | Details and registration, contact JLL@templesinailv.org

What is Mussar?

Why is it hard to be good? It is a question Jewish thinkers have been asking for more than 1,000 years. While the commandments in the Torah and other Jewish texts are laid out pretty clearly, many often have a hard time following them.

Mussar (also spelled Musar), is a Jewish spiritual practice that gives concrete instructions on how to live a meaningful and ethical life, arose as a response to this concern. Mussar is virtue-based ethics — based on the idea that by cultivating inner virtues, we improve ourselves. This is in contrast to most Jewish ethical teachings, which are rule-based. Today, a number of people who do not follow traditional Jewish rules and rituals are attracted to Mussar because it offers opportunities for personal transformation through a Jewish lens.

“Being Jewish is an amazing, beautiful, and a positive thing, and we should never be afraid to show it.”

- Amy Albertson

This program made possible in part by a gift from Pamela Joy Ring in memory of Dr. H. Raymond and Rhoda Ring

A SERIES IN FOUR PARTS

Mussar masters recognized that simply learning about kindness does not make us more kind. Moreover, they understood that our inner drives, wounds and appetites often manifest as the Yetzer Hara (the Evil Inclination), actively preventing us from behaving as we know we should. One Mussar teacher, Rabbi Elya Lopian (1876-1970), described Mussar as “teaching the heart what the mind already understands.

As Mussar has become more widely practiced in the liberal Jewish world in the 21st century, many Jews are attracted to the mindfulness aspects of Mussar. Its concepts are universal and can be implemented by people at any level of Jewish literacy. Mussar practitioners focus on a rotating series of Middot, which are soul traits like Humility, Order or Truth.

Rabbi Saulson will offer a Mussar study group starting February 5. | To register, email JLL@templesinailv.org

Next Up:

Unit Three: Living a Jewish Life

February 2, 6:30-8:00 PM

Our Jewish Holidays: Chanukah, Tu B’Shevat, Tisha B’Av

Celebrating the holidays empowers us to live in Jewish time and to feel connected to Jews through the world and throughout time.

February 9, 6:30-8:00 PM

Purim: Anti-Semitism and Anti-Judaism

The meaning of Purim in our lives is the struggle against bigotry and persecution that continues today.

Unit Four: The Jewish Experience

February 16, 6:30-8:00 PM

The Jewish Story

Jewish history can be understood as a story of Jewish resilience and adaptation.

February 23, 6:30-8:00 PM

From Shoah to Israel

The story of the modern state of Israel is complex and still evolving. Learn your “yoms” from Yom HaShoah, Yom Hazikaron, to Yom Ha’atzmaut.

March 2, 6:30-8:00 PM

The American Jewish Experience

While not without many significant challenges, Jews thrived in America, and Judaism evolved and continues to progress today. Being Jewish in the modern world isn’t easy, and now we know we do not all look alike or think the same way.

March through April

The new IYUN group would run Wednesdays, from March 1 to April 26 - total of 7 classes.

Rabbi Ilana Baden

Personal Statement & Biography

I was five years old when I first declared my intention to enter the rabbinate. At the time, my parents were interviewing rabbinic candidates for our newly formed synagogue in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. I was intrigued by my parents’ involvement with this Jewish endeavor, and I was impressed by the rabbis they were bringing home for dinner as part of the interview process. When I announced my interest in the rabbinate, my parents expressed their pride in my young decision, but told me that there was no rush, and that I should explore other options as I grew older.

As the years went by, I kept my parents’ advice in mind and became active in a variety of organizations. In junior high school, I served as a tutor for the elementary school and considered becoming a teacher. In high school, I captained the debate team and considered becoming an attorney. I also served as editor-in-chief of the school’s newspaper and considered becoming a journalist. In college, I was a residential advisor and considered becoming a social worker or a therapist.

All the time, though, I kept the possibility of the rabbinate in mind. In addition to my secular activities, I also made sure to participate in Jewish life: I attended Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute during the summers—first as a camper, then as a counselor, and later as a unit head; I served on my local and regional youth group boards; I joined the University of Michigan’s Hillel and became student leader for several groups before becoming the president of the organization; I taught in the Hebrew and Religious Schools and worked as a youth group advisor at Ann Arbor’s Temple Beth Emeth.

My involvement in the Jewish community provided me with an outlet for expressing my commitment to my religious heritage. Through these experiences, I realized that being a rabbi would enable me to pursue many of my interests: teaching, deliberating, writing, and counseling. Deep down, I knew that my sincerest desire was to serve the Jewish people on this professional level. I was thrilled to study at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and treasured my courses and student pulpits. In addition, I appreciated the opportunities to teach in the local synagogues.

Not only did I gain a more profound appreciation for Jewish education, but I also gained a husband from my teaching experience. Jeff and I met while I was a Hebrew teacher and he was the song leader at one of the local religious schools. Since my rabbinic ordination, I have been honored to serve

in a variety of communities. I realize that our world can be filled with challenges, and it is important to have an anchor to ground oneself. I believe that connections—whether it be with other people, tradition, nature, and/ or God—provide a way for us to find meaning and fulfillment.

"Our Jewish heritage is a treasure trove that we can build upon to infuse our lives with deeper purpose and joy."

Rabbi Baden's Professional Career, Cont.

My work at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation fulfilled every expectation I had for my first official pulpit. I had the privilege of learning from my Senior Rabbi Eric J. Bram, of blessed memory, who was a generous mentor and gracious colleague. I enjoyed being able to teach, counsel, officiate, and facilitate. Connecting with people during significant moments fulfilled me not only professionally, but also spiritually.

After serving this congregation for three years, I was thrilled to join the staff of the historic Isaac M. Wise Temple in Cincinnati, Ohio as the Associate Rabbi. The years I spent there were a gift, and I appreciate all that I learned from Senior Rabbi Lewis H. Kamrass, as well as from the other talented members of the professional team and the incredible laypeople of this congregation. They allowed me to be part of their lives through learning opportunities, pastoral sessions, life cycle moments, worship experiences, and committee involvement.

After more than eleven years at Wise Temple, my family decided to relocate to Ann Arbor for my husband’s career. During our time in Michigan, I was delighted to serve as Rabbi at Temple Beth El of Battle Creek, teach adult education classes for the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, and work for the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor as Director of Community Engagement. As much as we loved Ann Arbor, my husband sensed that I was yearning to return to a full-time congregational rabbinate. He graciously encouraged me to seek a position that would allow me to flourish in the field that I love.

After exploring several options, I accepted a position at Temple Chai of Long Grove, IL. The committee explained that Rabbi Stephen A. Hart would soon be retiring after nearly 25 years of serving as Senior Rabbi. The leadership wanted to hire someone who could work with Rabbi Hart

Career Summary

and the team to ensure a smooth transition. I was impressed with this thoughtful process and enthusiastically joined the congregation as Senior Associate Rabbi.

There have been many twists and turns throughout my career, but nothing could have prepared me for what we have been experiencing these last few years with COVID-19. When we decided to become 100% remote in early March 2020, I knew that people would be experiencing an isolation for which no one was prepared. Through it all, I made sure that I not only maintained, but built up the connections within the congregation through regular phone calls, Zoom, Facebook, and other tools.

Now, as we incrementally emerge from the pandemic into our “new normal,” I am carefully evaluating, experimenting, assessing, and tweaking our practices so that we can best serve the needs of our community and its members as a multi-access congregation. As landscapes continue to shift, I am likewise evaluating and assessing my own path forward and am excited to see what might be next for myself and my family. I look forward to sharing and building upon these blessings as I continue my life’s journey toward its next destination which I hope will be Las Vegas, Nevada.

Integrity, Purpose,& Heart

• Senior Rabbi at Temple Chai ▪ Long Grove, IL ▪ 2015 - Present

• Rabbi at Temple Beth El ▪ Battle Creek, MI ▪ 2013 - 2015

• Collaborated with Board, Kitchen Cabinet, and other key leaders to successfully design and execute fiscal plan, resulting in $1M pay-down of $3M mortgage, and develop culture of philanthropy

• Director of Community Engagement at Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor ▪ Ann Arbor, MI ▪ 2013 - 2015

Donations

General Donations

Mr and Mrs Roy Berger

Mrs Deborah Breslerman

Goris Financial Group Inc

Ms Janice Hoffman

Mr and Mrs Daniel Rush

Mrs Dorothy Cohen

Mr and Mrs Donald Cole

Ms Ari Deutschkron

Mr and Mrs Dr Barry Duman

Mr and Mrs Dr Barry Duman

Mr Alan Engel

Mr and Mrs Marshall Everakes

Mr and Mrs Morton Friedlander

Mr and Mrs Dale Galsky

Mr Martin Gold

Ms Terri Hirschfield

Mr and Mrs Stuart Hockman

Mr and Mrs Alan Holtzer

Mr and Mrs Minao Kamegai

Mr and Mrs Jeffrey Klein

Ms Lynne Lober

Mrs Yocheved Mintz

Mrs Yocheved Mintz

Ms Carol Schwartz

Ms Jan Shumow

Mrs Selma Steiner

Temple Sinai Sisterhood

Mr and Mrs Joshua Wilner

Cantorial Soloist Discretional Fund

Jewish Family Service Agency

Mr and Mrs Jeffrey Klein

Mr and Mrs Jeffrey Klein

Mr and Mrs Jeffrey Klein

Mr and Mrs Mark Nagel

Ms Dr Sharon Roth

Rabbi Discretional

Mr and Mrs Scott Leader

Torah Fund

Mr and Mrs Ivan Lambert

Fund

IMO Arlene Berger

IMO Mark Breslerman

In recognition of Adam Neubauer As part of Goris Financial Group Inc organization gifts matching program

IHO Wally Wallace's 90th Birthday, from Janice Hoffman and Art Withop

IHO Suzanne Meyer and the Bereavement Committee on all you did for our family when Mitchell passed away We were overwhelmed with your love

From Dorothy Cohen, Suzanne Feigenson, Mimi Cohen and Josh Cohen

IMO Lillian Cole

IMO Denny Deutschkron

IHO Dyana Duman's Birthday

IHO Barry Duman's Birthday

IMO Edie Sweetwine

IMO Sylvia Landun Sassoon

IMO Dawn Frielander

IMO Eva Galsky

IMO Cynthia Bernstein, Jodi Berkowitz's aunt

IMO Sidney Zukofsky

IMO Joseph Holtzer

IMO Harry Spertus

In gratitude for surviving a difficult and challenging year

IMO Dale Weitzner, my sister

IMO Jeffrey Adam Mintz

IMO Lee Sol Mintz

IMO Phyllis Winokur

IMO Jean Shumow-Berlin

IMO Sol Steiner

IMO Charles Quintana, father of Renee

IMO Milton Simon

IMO Dr Leroy Pelton He was a social work professor for emerita of UNLV

Yiddish Cup Winner

IMO Rose Klein

IMO Robin Schimanski

IHO Heather Klein, as a thank you for her participation at our daughter Emily and new son-in-law Brian's officiant at their wedding ceremony. Heather went out of her way to make Emily and Brian comfortable and she was amazing!

IMO Sol Roth

IMO Lori Siciliano, mother of Debbie Dunaiskly

Donations made after the tenth of the month will be printedin the following month’s Shofar.

Head of Mark L. Haberkorn Religious School

Rebecca Wilner

Shalom!

The Mark L. Haberkorn Religious School has been back in the full swing of things for a while and we won’t be stopping or slowing down anytime soon. I am very pleased that as of now, our PreK through 4th-grade students have led beautiful Saturday Morning Shabbat services in the small shul. It is very apparent that both the teachers and students have been hard at work and are taking this responsibility very seriously.

Though not to worry—the students and teachers are also making time for fun lessons, building everlasting friendships, and creating beautiful art projects. I want to put a spotlight on PreK/Kindergarten. Each time I walk into the PreK/ Kindergarten classroom, Morah Stacey Tragermen, and Morah Sherilyn Phillips are up to their elbows in glue, tissue paper, colored markers, and glitter. These are the lessons students at such a young age remember the most--learning through handson play.

As parents, sometimes we don’t know what to do with all the art projects that our children bring home. Glitter, sequins, wet glue and paint, feathers, oh my!! It can create a little bit of chaos and mess. However, remember that these moments won’t last forever and that our punims will quickly grow up to become young adults. My advice is to treasure those projects, display them for all to see in your house, and pride your children on a job well done.

L’Shalom,

Rebecca Wilner Head of Mark L. Haberkorn Religious School

Youth Group with Sherilyn Phillips An Eventful

January Recap

Shalom Congregants!

The Youth Group at Temple Sinai reconvened in January after a wonderful winter break!

On January 20th-22nd, our SVTY teens attended their first Youth Retreat in four years at Potosi Pines! We spent the weekend playing games, Israeli dancing, crafting, and bonding. We even learned the Birkat!

The teens are excited about several fun events this spring including a splatter room and Knott’s Berry Farm. Junior SVTY had a pizza party after Religious School on Sunday, January 8th. We are still planning more programs to come.

Keep an eye out for future emails announcing Youth Group events and activities! The next SVTY lounge night is Wednesday, February 8th. Our Junior SVTY group is excited about Lights Out At Sinai in February. If your child would like to be a part of the Youth Group or have any questions, please contact me at (702) 686-9642 or sherilynphillips3@gmail.com.

Respectfully, Sher

Phillips

L’Dor V’Dor B'nai Mitzvah

I have been studying with Heather for over a year for my Bat Mitzvah. When I was growing up, girls didn't have Bat Mitzvahs so I never thought I would have one.

Now that I am retired from the Clark County School District after 30 years, I have had the time to do the work it took to accomplish my dream. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about doing this to take the leap and go for it. It is worth the work and I am so excited that the end is just around the corner.

February 11, 2023

Lynne Herman

Bat Mitzvah

What’s Ahead in our Torah?

February 3-4 Beshalach: “And the women dancing with their timbrels, followed Miriam …”; we cross the Sea of Reeds. God sends us manna and quail after we complain about our living conditions!

February 10-11 Yitro: Moses’ father-in-law brings him good advice. We gather at Mt Sinai to hear the words from G-d, the Ten Commandments

February 17-18 Mishpatim: We learn of the Pilgrimage Festivals – Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot. Moses spends 40 days and nights atop Mt. Sinai.

February 24-25 Terumah: We donate gifts for the building of the Mishkan. G-d gives us the instruction manuals for the Ark, menorah, and Tabernacle.

Presented by the Temple Sinai's Spritual Enrichment.

Shabbat Worship is every Friday night at 7:00 PM. Torah study is every Saturday at 9:00 AM in-person and on Zoom.

Shabbat Morning Worship follows at 10:00 AM in-person and on Live-Stream and Facebook Live.

Daily Minyan is Sunday - Friday on Zoom at 8:00 AM. Contact Les Gilbert at mrgilbertmath@hotmail.com for Zoom Codes.

From February through April, OLLI will celebrate Jewish American Songwriters through a weekly class. Each week will focus on songwriters that have made an impact on the American music scene. The goal is to enlighten, entertain, and share some memorable moments for you to take home and reflect.

Temple Sinai | Small Shul

Thursday, February 9 - April 20

10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

OLLI at UNLV members have access to so much more than classes! Members can get involved in a wide variety of interest groups and special events. Nurture your interest in current events, attend shows and exhibits, read and discuss thoughtprovoking books, perfect your artistic skills, etc.

Temple Sinai members have free membership to OLLI only if registered through olliatunlv@unlv.nevada

An Ugly Picture

The eighth candle is 5783 history, but never out of mind. Those who know the full story of Chanukah are aware of the shameful episodes which characterized the establishment and the existence of the First Jewish Commonwealth before its utter decimation by Rome. The internecine squabbling and bloodletting back then among our people were both shameful and self-destructive.

A similar episode can be said to be in the making within today’s Second Jewish Commonwealth. The current venal acceptance of corruption, racism, homophobia, theocratic bullying, and political arson bode ill both for our Homeland and, consequently, for our Diaspora.

Yet, we ought to remind ourselves that the enemies of Zionism have to this day never wavered from delegitimizing, demonizing, and double-standardizing our selfdetermination — regardless of what government was freely elected.

Practical politics and prophetic wisdom mandate a two-fold defense — defense of our place in the sun and defense of justice for all.

- Rabbi Dr. Scott B. Saulson

2/6

2/13

Yahrzeits

2/1 Norma Press by Norman Press

2/1 Dorothy Handelman by Steven Handelman

2/2 Robert O'Neel by Robert Bachant

2/2 Mark Sample by Lucie Sample

2/2 Homer Henry Hunt by Dale Thall

2/2 Lloyd Berkule by Samantha Johnson

2/3 Alexander Lackman by Rickie Orzen

2/3 Lilyan Lauren by Sheryl Honig

2/3 Carl Rothman by Paul Rothman

2/4 Leon Mordoh by Cindy Davis

2/4 Steven David Garr by Samantha Garr

2/4 Diane Percival by Howard Percival

2/5 Esther Kegan by Gay Lynne Kegan

2/5 Mark Klein by Sheila Klein

2/5 Cheryl Roth by Evan Roth

2/5 Reuben Weissman by Ruth Roth

2/6 Nat Wolf by Laurie Kelman

2/6 Leonid Kupis by Sofia Kupis

2/7 Steven Genard by Marsha Genard

2/7 Stuart Garr by Samantha Garr

2/7 Suzan Levin Coben by Matthew Levin

2/7 Michael Weiss by Gail Weiss

2/8 Cy Newman by Laura Coleman

2/8 Joe Bahel by Laura Coleman

2/8 Leda Hanin by Regi Topol

2/8 Ruth Shaffer by Glenn Ward

2/8 Maurice Bernstein by Carole Bernstein

2/9 Feebee Berman by Kenneth Berman

2/9 Frances Cohen by Dorothy Cohen

2/9 Jerome Parker by Linda McCarron

2/9 Seymour Wohl by Bonnie Wohl

2/10 Sidney Copeland by Lawrence Copeland

2/10 Robert Pichler by Wayne Pichler

2/10 Gloria Kopf by Stacy Nagel

2/11 Cynthia Berger by Wendy Kraft

2/11 Howard Stevens by Amy Stevens

2/11 Martin Gold by Amy Stevens

2/11 Robert Harris by Arlene Harris

2/11 Richard Swartz by Wendy Swartz

2/12 Yael Friedlander by Carin Bachant

2/13 Frank Klapman by Sharon Roth

2/13 Rose Hirsch by Amy Stein

2/13 Gary Kaufman by Jack Kaufman

2/13 Beth Hubner by Sharon Karbal

2/13 Howard Schnitz by Donna Hollander and Julie Ebling

2/13 Donna Zelkowitz by Juliet McCarthy

2/14 Tillie Schucker by Sue Schucker

2/14 Louise Unell by Steven Gleicher

2/14

Harold Brown by Myrna Brown

2/14 H. Raymond Ring by Pamela Joy Ring

2/15 Simon Gelfand by Laurie Kelman

2/15 Harold Treger by Marlin Kirshenbaum

2/15 Valerie Virginia Hunt by Dale Thall

2/16 Daniel Shinder by Joel Shinder

2/16 Elizabeth Ley by Carla Fishman

2/17 George Schimanski by Barbara Klein

2/17 Frank Galsky by Dale Galsky

2/18 Sylvia Buchsbaum by Harvey Buchsbaum

2/19 George Stein by Barbara Gilbert

2/19 Edna Goodman by Joyce Sperling

2/19 Adele Zukosky by Stuart Hockman

2/20 Deborah Sabel by Carin Bachant

2/22 Aaron Eigenberg by Sue Schucker

2/22 Kenny Kasman by Marge Nordell

2/22 Mollie Cutter by Susan Silver

2/24 Phillip Heflin by Joseph Heflin

2/24 Nancy McKinney by Jeanine Rappaport

2/25 Fannie Silvert by Debra Lazer

2/25 Lilly Fiol by Philip Fiol

2/26 Mabel Patent by Courtney Jordan

2/26 Freda Gelber by Pamela Joy Ring

2/27 David Sanders by Steven Sanders

2/27 Rita Bryant by Michael Bryant

2/27 Michael Barman by Honey and Barry Barman

2/28 Erwin Ritter by Renato Ritter

2/28 Charles Dian by Stewart Stenzel

2/28 Gerald Baker by Richard Baker

2/28 Dorothy Klatzkin by Esta Klatzkin

2/28 Ellen Appel by Joan Nazer

2/28 Herbert Berger by Roy Berger

2/28 Joan Charney by Cheri White

Sisterhood

Sisterhood Co-Presidents Marge Nordell & Rona Schwartz

Hope your holiday season was enjoyable and that your New Year will be wonderful.

We thank Helen Schussler and her committee consisting of Honey Barman, Judy Bryer, Barbara Holtzer, Florence Pollak, Ellen Royer, and Nancy Shinder for their diligent efforts to arrange our first-ever “Women’s Holiday”. This was an all-day of fun and learning. We had a terrific response to this event and a wonderful time was had by all. We are grateful to Helen and her committee for all their work on arranging a most interesting collection of programs for us.

We are also thankful to all who volunteered to conduct the various sessions provided and all who attended to make this day so special.

Please watch for a flyer for our February program which will be on February 18th, at 11:00 a.m.

Mark your calendars for our Annual “Women’s Seder”, which will be held at the Temple on Tuesday, March 28th at 5:30 p.m. This is always a special evening, and we look forward to celebrating an early Passover with you all.

The Gift Shop will be adding several new items and shortly we will have a selection of Passover necessities. We are always looking for new and different Judaica to tempt you.

L’ shalom, Marge & Rona

Men's Club

Dear Members,

Hope you are all getting back into the swing of things from the holidays.

This month, there will be no Men’s Club breakfast. However, next month, we will resume our breakfast with a Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Men’s Club featuring The Las Vegas Silver Statesmen Barbershop Chorus. This event is open to all. This should be a fun and exciting event of food and entertainment.

Keep your eye out for E-blasts for more information on this and other Men’s Club events.

We will be bringing back “Where in the World is Temple Sinai”. As you travel , wear your Temple Sinai hat, take a picture wearing it, and send the picture to us. Perhaps you will see yourself in the Shofar. More information to come later.

If you have any ideas of activities you would like to see or do, please feel free to send me your suggestions.

Men's Club President Jonathan

Savar

L' Shalom

Jonathan Savar President Men’s Club

Your Grocery Shopping can benefit the Temple!

1. Create a digital account at www.smithsfoodanddrug.com

2. Link your card to our code "JJ010"

3. Start Shopping! 0.5% of every eligible purchase goes to Temple Sinai!

988

988 becomes the new 3-digit suicide prevention hotline.

How does 988 work?

After dialing or texting 988, you'll be connected with a trained mental health professional at a local or regional crisis center. If your local center cannot connect you to a counselor, national backup centers can pick up the call.

The lifeline is administered by the nonprofit Vibrant Emotional Health.

C: 702.497.3499

E. eyeshaps@gmail.com

Serving the Las Vegas Valley as a Realtor for over 15 years, Ilana Shapiro is committed to her Temple Sinai community.

With a firm belief in Temple Sinai’s motto, “Your family, your home.” Ilana is here to help you get to your new home.

For every referral that results in a closing, Ilana will make a donation of $180 to the Temple Sinai Sustainability Fund.

When you or someone you know is ready to make the move, be sure to give Ilana Shapiro a call.

Ilana Shapiro, Realtor

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