Temple Israel / Memphis, Tennessee
PRIDE SHABBAT SIXTH ANNUAL TEMPLE ISRAEL MOVIE NIGHTS REFLECTION: GOD IN THIS PLACE
Summer Issue 2019 / vol. 73; no 3 / timemphis.org
RABBI JEREMY SIMONS TEACHER LEARNER ALLY
Contents 03 Reflection By Rabbi Katie Bauman
06 LGBT-Jew Passover Social + Pride Shabbat By Baylee Less
08 Rabbi Jeremy Simons: Teacher, Learner, Ally By Melinda Lejman
12 Mazel Tov! Congratulations to our congregants on your lifecycle events!
14 MICAH’s Temple Team: Stronger Than Ever
16 Since the Last Voice Recap of Temple Israel happenings
24 Donations January through March 2019
Cover photography by Paige Miller
@templeisrael @timemphis Purim Carnival
@templeisrael
at Temple Israel Purim 2018
Reflection GOD IN THIS PLACE
One of my very favorite Torah verses is Genesis 28:16 in which Jacob, awakening from his famous dream, alone in the desert in what had been up to that moment a hopeless and fearful place, declares: ידעתי לא ואנוכי הזה במקום יהוה יש אכן. Surely, God was in this place, and I did not know it! I love this verse because it is a simple expression of wonder in the midst of the very universal experience
ate, and committed to knowing congregants.
tend forty different Memphis-area schools
of seeing a familiar place with new eyes. Ja-
And it is why the lay leadership of Temple Is-
will have a Jewish home they love. TI Chai
cob’s location has not changed from the time
rael give unselfishly of their time, resources,
teens are constantly being empowered to
he goes to sleep until the moment he awak-
and energy to be sure all of this can continue
find their Jewish voices, whether through mu-
ens, but his perspective has. He does not - he
to be.
sic, teaching, advocacy, peer-to-peer leader-
cannot - remain in this godly place, but he carries its presence with him throughout the rest of his life.
We are a part of the fabric of our city. In the last two years, Temple Israel Crosstown has been an amazing laboratory, hosting in-
ship, or through individual learning experiences with rabbis. And adults of all ages will always have Temple Israel as a portal to a vast and powerful array of ideas and experiences,
The gift of a new perspective on a familiar
teresting and cutting-edge programs, speak-
place is one that I treasure at this moment,
ers, and conversations. Our presence in the
as my family prepares for a massive physi-
Crosstown space is a reflection of our passion
cal transition. It’s not that I didn’t know God
for invigorating Memphis and building for it
was in this place, Temple Israel, before the
a strong future. We are a founding partner
The blending together of every fleck of
current moment. I have felt a holy presence
of Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action
color in this community is what produces
in this place for most of my life, whether as
and Hope (MICAH). Dozens of TI members
its brilliance. I have always felt it, always
a teenager attending a NFTY conclave, as an
have already been involved in MICAH’s work,
known it, but now, I’m able to see it even
intern in my first real job, or as a rabbi. But
which has only just begun. Despite and be-
more clearly than ever before. Like Jacob,
as I contemplate leaving Temple, I marvel at
cause of our relative privilege, Temple as an
I am so grateful for that perspective, even
its magnificence - both its majestic body and
institution is devoted to equity for all Mem-
as I proceed on my own personal journey to-
its vibrant, beating heart. The broad brush-
phis’ residents, harnessing our power to work
ward what lies ahead. This season, filled with
strokes that come together to make Temple
for better and safer schools, higher wages,
graduations and retirements and prepara-
what it is have produced a masterpiece of re-
fairer lending, and anti-racism initiatives in
tions for our final yearly festival of Shavuot,
lationship, integrity, and creativity that has
this city. Temple Israel will always be a safe
is one of reflection and celebration, both cul-
changed me, taught me, and inspired me,
harbor, but it will also always be a launching
turally and Jewishly. It is time for basking in
and I believe with perfect faith that it will
pad for Jewishly inspired engagement in the
the glow of all that is good and hopeful in our
continue to do so for generations to come.
broader community.
lives, a time for culmination, and a time for
And what are those brushstrokes, to my eye?
Torah is alive here. No matter who the
Individuals and their stories matter here.
rabbis, cantors, or educators are at Temple
That is why each and every Confirmand and
Israel, they have always been and will always
Graduate is celebrated as an individual and
be individuals who believe in the power of
why almost all of our teens continue to learn
Jewish living and learning to make lives and
at Temple throughout high school. It is why
the world better. The Barbara K. Lipman
each young Jewish Memphian is cherished
Early Learning Center is among the finest in-
here, whether or not she happens to be an
stitutions of its kind in the country, by any
official member yet. It is why we are intense-
measure. Young children of all ethnicities
ly proud of being the first Jewish congrega-
and religions are being cared for and guided
tion in Memphis to join the Keshet Equality
daily by Jewish values that promise to make
Guide, designating us as an LGBTQ-friendly
menschlichkite the greatest achievement of
organization, a description we wear as a
all. The Wendy and Avron Fogelman Religious
badge of honor. It is why the clergy team of
School is filled with joy and celebration each
Temple is accessible, friendly, compassion-
week, ensuring that Jewish children who at-
all predicated on the fervent belief that Torah, in all its forms, is a balm and a beacon in this world.
enjoying the view. From my vantage point, I see for Temple Israel, a place I have loved, a place where I’ve sought and found God and holy purpose throughout my life, a future full of sacred striving, rich revelation, and profound connectivity that will only deepen and grow with time. If I may take the liberty of paraphrasing Jacob: Surely God is in this place, and I now know how blessed I was to have dwelled here. I will carry you with me, and I will rejoice as I see Temple Israel go from strength to strength.
BY
R A B B I
K AT I E
B AU M A N
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2019
SIXTH
JUNE 4 • JUNE 11 • JUNE 26
T H E R E I S N O C H A R G E T O AT T E N D . M O V I E N I G H T S A R E O P E N T O T H E C O M M U N I T Y.
Please bring your friends!
Special thanks to the Hohenberg-Scheidt Fund for Lifetime Learning at Temple Israel for making Temple Israel Movie Nights possible. We are grateful to the Temple Israel Movie Night Co-Chairs: Janice & Jimmy Ringel and Dorothy & Rob Goldwin.
Movie Nights S I X T H
A N N U A L
F E A T U R I N G
T E M P L E
T H R E E
I S R A E L
I N S P I R I N G
M O V I E
N I G H T S
M O V I E S
Films will be screened in the Sanctuary this year. No food or drink can be taken into the Sanctuary, but the chairs will be comfortable! Please enjoy complimentary snacks at the receptions before the films at 6:30 pm. Films will begin at 7 pm.
HENRI DAUMAN: LOOKING UP Tuesday, June 4 Peter Kenneth Jones’ documentary chronicles the life and career of the photojournalist who captured celebrated images of many of the 20th century’s most iconic figures.
S ATA N & A D A M Tuesday, June 11 Sterling Magee experienced the music industry’s exploitation of black musicians firsthand. So he walked away to play on the Harlem streets for “his people.” Reborn as Mr. Satan, he spread his gospel and became a NY City legend. When a white, Jewish musician named Adam Gussow asked to play with him, their lives took a powerful turn. Dr. Adam Gussow will be a guest speaker, and guests can purchase a signed copy of his book, Mister Satan’s Apprentice: A Blues Memoir, for $20.
THE SAMUEL PROJECT Wednesday, June 26 Eli (Ryan Ochoa) gets to know his grandfather Samuel (Hal Linden) for the first time when he makes him the subject of an animated art project for school. With dreams of becoming a professional artist, Eli discovers that his Jewish grandpa, a San Diego dry cleaner, was heroically saved from Nazi capture in Germany by a young woman when he was a boy.
R E G I S T E R F O R T E M P L E I S R A E L M O V I E N I G H T S AT
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Current ConnecTI Board member, Rebecca Bramlett, emphasized that “Temple Israel has been a welcoming and open place for those in the LGBTQ community, and I’m thrilled that Temple Israel is actively celebrating its members who identify as LGBTQ with the Passover social in April and the Pride Shabbat in June.” Oftentimes, “pride” receives a negative reputation because of its association with “vanity.” People equate being a proud person to being ostentatious, even disdainful. Yet, these words profoundly differ from one another. Pride arises from achievement, from boosts in self-esteem, and from utter and youthful delight; it’s another form of joy just one that demands more work and feels more intense.
“I enjoyed the Passover social and how it brought together a multigenerational group of LGBT-Jews. I look forward to getting to know others in the future.” -JASON RING
LGBT-Jew Passover Social + Pride Shabbat ONE COULD FEEL THE EXHILARATED BUZZ IN THE AIR AS TEMPLE ISRAEL MEMBERS gathered for a celebration of each other, Passover, and community. On April 23, our LGBT-Jew Passover Social filled TI Crosstown with laughs and lively conversation. With a matzah pizza making activity to bridge the gap, cross-generational connections sprouted over common experiences or while reaching for a shared favorite, flavorful topping. Although Temple Israel champions a strong, distinct history as an open and welcoming congregation to all, our members mentioned how important this official creation of community meant to them. 6 • VOICE • SUMMER ISSUE • 2019
The LGBT-Jew Passover Social was - for me - a moment of fierce pride and elation because that evening Temple Israel helped dozens of members feel heard, celebrated, and safe. We took a small step to hopefully spread a little more pride across the Temple Israel community. We continue to embrace our LGBTQ+ community at our Pride Shabbat on Friday, June 14. This special Shabbat is open to the entire congregation and community. Please join us to celebrate love in all its colorful and vibrant forms. B Y
B A Y L E E
L E S S
F R I D AY
JUNE 14
RABBI JEREMY SIMONS T E A C H E R
B Y
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L E A R N E R
M E L I N D A
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L E J M A N
RABBI JEREMY SIMONS DIDN’T PLAN ON BECOMING A RABBI. BORN IN PROVIDENCE, RHODE Island, he moved frequently during his childhood due to his father’s work in the restaurant industry. His family left Providence for a suburb of Boston and then moved to Nashville when Jeremy was in 5th grade. In 8th grade, they moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he attended Worthington Kilbourne High School. His plan was to become a lawyer, and he went so far as to take the LSAT and make a deposit to a law school. But at the end of his last semester of undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University, an unexpected conversation made him think twice.
He had been teaching religious school, and while clearing out his classroom on the last day of the school year, his co-teacher (a childhood friend) said to him, “It’s too bad you’re going to law school. You would have been a really good youth group advisor.” He agreed and convinced himself and his parents that deferring law school for a few years to work with youth groups was a good idea. He began applying for youth group director jobs and ended up back in Boston. A few years turned into four, and it was during that time he realized his true calling.
very confidently in saying not only are these not our religious beliefs, but we are in fact on the record strongly opposed to these types of ideals.” While the judge ultimately ruled against the passage of the bill, the decision was eventually overturned on appeal.
Rabbi Jeremy Simons at the Mississippi Capitol to speak against House Bill 1523 the morning after Judge Carlton Reeves struck it down. Photo: Jackson Free Press
“I knew then that I wanted to be part of a Jewish community,” says Rabbi Simons. “Not just a teacher, but also a learner. And what I figured out is that a rabbi is someone who teaches and someone who learns, and the fact that I could do that as a career was perfect for me.” He began preparing for rabbinical school and the
could legally be denied to LGBTQ+ individuals and others based on three religious beliefs that were considered widely-held across major religions. “Those three positions were that marriage is between a man and a woman, sexual relations should only
“I was honored to be asked to testify and speak to the religious traditions in Judaism, and say that these are not my religious beliefs or those of the Reform movement.”
In 2014, Rabbi Simons graduated from the Hebrew Union College (HUC) and had taken a job as the Director of the Rabbinic Department of the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) in Jackson, Mississippi. It was his position at ISJL that brought him to testify in court against Mississippi House Bill 1523 (also known as the Religious Freedom Bill) which had been rushed to the legislature and signed by the governor, according to Simons. The bill was designed to protect local businesses and government entities, allowing them to claim religious liberty in discriminatory practices. More specifically, services
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“I think what I came away with after three years was an appreciation for the dedication of Jews in small-town areas like Jackson. It’s easy for Jews in other parts of the country that have larger populations to say, ‘You can’t really be Jewish in a place like that,’ and it is true that there are a lot fewer opportunities. You don’t have the infrastructure. “On the other hand, these places where people had to drive two, three, or four hours to pick up matzah for Passover…you’re going to tell me that they’re not committed to Judaism? That you’re more committed just because you live in a city with all of these communal resources versus someone who has to work every day to preserve their Judaism and does for generations? It changed my perspective on what it means to be a committed Jew.”
Rabbi Jeremy and Rabbi Bess spending Passover with a Jewish Community in Crimea during rabbinical school.
rest is history. But as it turns out, not going to law school wouldn’t keep him out of the courtroom.
If you’ve had occasion to speak with Rabbi Simons, you’re familiar with his reserved yet welcoming demeanor. Perhaps it’s because he has moved so frequently that he has learned to make himself feel at home, wherever home happens to be. Upon moving from Los Angeles to Jackson to work for the ISJL (he’d just graduated from Hebrew Union College in LA) Rabbi Simons went from living in a place where his immediate neighborhood had more Jews in it than the entire state of Mississippi to serving smalltown, Southern Jews whose roots went back three, four, and five generations.
take place within such a marriage, and that gender is assigned at birth and not changeable,” says Simons, who was brought in by a New York group that was challenging the bill. “The State’s justification was that (the bill) didn’t just protect one religion, but was one of broad religious protections. The way to counter that was to bring people on the stand who identified as religious to say, ‘Those are not my religious practices,’” says Simons. “I was honored to be asked to testify and speak to the religious traditions in Judaism, and say that these are not my religious beliefs or those of the Reform Movement.” A few years earlier, the Reform Movement had unanimously passed an inclusion resolution affirming transgender recognition within synagogues and camps. “I felt I could speak
Following his work with the ISJL, Rabbi Simons accepted a two-year term as the Director of the Hillels of Rhodes College and the University of Memphis. Helping Rhodes establish a Hillel was especially meaningful. “Hearing from Jews in the Memphis community, and hearing from alumni of Rhodes in particular who never imagined there would be a Jewish community there
Rabbi Jeremy and Rabbi Bess in Egypt during rabbinical school.
Thinking back to his own time in high school, Rabbi Simons recalled his time working on the school newspaper. Not sure if anyone would respond, he put out some feelers to see if anyone who identified as LGBTQ would be willing to share their story. In a school of about 1600 students, where Rabbi Simons recalls no one was “out,” one came forward. “I think it started my own personal activation of realizing how to be a good ally and how important it was to give anyone who is in a marginalized community a voice, and I think that does tie directly back to Judaism,” says Rabbi Simons.
- and to know that I got to be a part of it - that’s powerful.” It also didn’t hurt that taking the job meant he and his now wife, Rabbi Bess Wohlner, would be living in the same city. We know how their story ends, but how did their romance begin? “That depends on who you ask,” says Rabbi Simons. “Technically, we probably met at a NFTY event at a summer camp in Indiana. We were both there at the same time during high school, but we don’t remember meeting.” In 2007, he recalls that they definitely met at a youth professional seminar before the Reform biennial conference. “We were in the same break-out group with six or so other people, and we didn’t quite click right away,” says Rabbi Simons. “But then we found out we were going to rabbinical school together a year or two later, and the rest is history.” Last month, Rabbi Simons officially joined Temple Israel as its newest Assistant Rabbi. Rabbi Bess Wohlner was recently elevated to Associate Rabbi, and the couple looks forward to working together in serving the Temple community. In addition to leading the congregation from the pulpit, Rabbi Simons will direct the high school programming for grades eight through twelve, which includes the Sunday afternoon class program, and other
“We have the ability to affect the lives of others, and not only can we, but we should, we have to – it’s our obligation.”
elements like the madrichim program and MeFTY youth group. “The most impactful Jewish experiences I had as a young person were through a congregation and I’ve always felt very connected to synagogues,” says Rabbi Simons. “The chance to be a congregational rabbi is very exciting for me, and to be enmeshed in one community that grows over time.” Rabbi Simons is also looking forward to engaging with youth programming in his new role at Temple. “I’m really excited to be part of the teen community and to help build and strengthen the community of young people that we have. I’m inheriting a phenomenal program and just looking at the numbers of how many teens are engaged in our high school versus what averages are in other synagogues, it’s really remarkable what we have.”
“Jews have been in the margins of society, with some exceptions, but we are now blessed to be in a position of comfort and success in this country. Not all Jews, of course, but as a community, Jews have found a home in America. And I think that many of us realize we have a chance for our voices to be heard. Now that we have representation, we have the ability to affect the lives of others, and not only can we, but we should, we have to – it’s our obligation.” When asked about proposed legislation in Tennessee that would allow adoption agencies to deny same-sex couples the right to adopt, Rabbi Simons responded with a call to action. “I think it’s a reminder that it was tempting to declare victory after the Supreme Court case legalizing gay marriage and think ‘This is over now, we can move on and take up other issues,’ but these battles are far from over, and we have to be careful not to be complacent or to have this false sense of complacency that the laws in place now will protect people. As a Jewish community and as allies, we have to keep fighting this.”
WELCOME RUTHIE! Ruth “Ruthie” Simons Wohlner arrived on May 30, 2019 weighing 9 pounds and 3 ounces and measuring 21 inches long. TIMEMPHIS.ORG • 11
Mazel Tov! C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S T O T H E S E B ’ N A I M I T Z VA H
MARRIAGES Sophie Samuels & Alex Petraglia Brooke Vogel & Matt Ortman
CALEB RADTKE Son of Wendy & Stephen Radtke, Caleb became a Bar Mitzvah on February 16. He is a rising eighth grader at Lausanne Collegiate School and the grandson of Dolly & Steven Bromberg.
BIRTHS Stefani & Brian Polak on the birth of a son; Sandy & Roger Polak on the birth of a grandson.
M AT T H E W E N G E L B E R G Son of Shannon & Marc Engelberg, Matthew became a Bar Mitzvah on February 23. He is is a rising eighth grader at Collierville Middle School and the grandson of Sandra Guillon and Ruben & Estelle Engelberg.
Leigha & Mitchell Friener on the birth of a son; Ilene & David Friener and Cheryl & Chuck Francis on the birth of a grandson; Tootsie Friener on the birth of a great-grandson.
Son of Sherie & Todd Rosenblatt, Adin became a Bar Mitzvah on March 2. He is a rising ninth grader at Christian Brothers High School and the grandson of Marxann & Edward Lazar and Barbara* & Harvey Rosenblatt.
Rabbis Lindsey & Michael Danziger on the birth of a daughter; Jeanne & Rabbi Harry Danziger, Patricia & John Neuhaus, and Beth & Stephen Rothschild on the birth of a granddaughter; David Rothschild on the birth of a great-granddaughter.
E L L I E R O YA L
NEW MEMBERS
A D I N R O S E N B L AT T
Daughter of Leigh & Craig Royal, Ellie became a Bat Mitzvah on March 30. She is a rising eighth grader at St. Mary’s Episcopal School and the granddaughter of Susan Thorp and Allan Thorp and Judy Royal and Robert Royal.
Through May 15, 2019 We welcome the families of: Ashley Allen & Jeremy Kahn Adam Badrian
CALLA ROSE COONIN
Terry Eleazer, Jr.
Daughter of Anna & Victor Coonin, Calla became a Bat Mitzvah on April 6. She is a rising eighth grader at White Station Middle School and the granddaughter of Joyce Kwapien and Ceil Coonin.
Martha & Danny Franklin Ramie & Jason Glick Rebecka Handler & Eric Feinsilber Bev Kay
N AT H A N I E L C O O P E R
Leah & Matt Pinkston
Son of Michelle & Ben Cooper, Nathaniel became a Bar Mitzvah on May 4. He is a rising eighth grader at Riverdale Elementary School and the grandson of Elizabeth & Frank Maher and Wendy & Leonard Cooper.
Abby Pohlman & James Fortney Ryan Saharovich Julie & John Sauls Sandy Schwartz and Sig Schwartz
H AV E A M A Z E L TO V ? If you have a lifecycle “Mazel Tov” in your family that you would like to share, call Jan Klein in the Rabbi’s office: 901.937.2771. *of blessed memory 12 • VOICE • SUMMER ISSUE • 2019
Kimberlee & Scott Strome
Confirmation Class of 2019/5779
Graduation Class of 2019/5779
On May 3, 2019, Temple Israel recognized 25 Confirmands
On May 10, 2019, Temple Israel celebrated its 2019–5779
in its 156 Confirmation Class. The full Confirmation Class is
Graduation Class. The full Graduation Class is listed below –
listed below – congratulations everyone!
Mazel Tov to all!
Grant Daniel Baxter
Gavin Alexander Leonard
Alexander Bailey Buring
Grant Neuman Malkin
Emmett Kent Campbell
Tatum Gerber Lindy
Avery Coonin
Benjamin Samuel Mayer
Sophie Rose Chertow
Cameron Alan Lytle
Sophie Rose Cooperman
Lennox Le Vine-Miller
Alyssa Michelle Evans
Sophie Amelia Manis
Jonathan McConnell Fogarty
Mira Simone Milman
Samuel Joseph Franklin
Nathaniel David Mayer
Matthew Ruden Grosman
Ev Nichol
Abigail Rose Friedman
Devin Morris Meyers
Jacob Ray Hackney
Hayley Rae Royal
Jonathan Manh Geiger
Joshua Blake Pearce
Lucas Richard Jalenak
Batya Renee Salomon
Mason Daniel Gronauer
Lauren Nelly Pearce
Ryan Alex Karchmer
Jordan Philip Shermer
Gerard Arthur Geuss IV
Alexandra Brooke Rochkind
Harper Lazarov
William Fussell Slavney
Zachary Nathan Herman
Hannah Rachel Siegler
Jack Lazarov
Polly Michelle Strassburger
Robert Israel Kamin
Sophie Ilene Skolnick
Abigail Teresa Leitner
Joshua Harris Tanenbaum
Jackson Perkins Fogelman
Sydney Nicole Weiss
Jacob Alan London
Sarah Beatrice Unowsky
Madeline Rose London
Isaac Weiss
th
Alex Lincoln Le Vine-Miller
TIMEMPHIS.ORG • 13
MICAH’s Temple Team: Stronger Than Ever We are pleased to announce that Rabbi Bess Wohlner will be taking over as the lead clergy for our partnership with the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH).
Please contact Rabbi Bess if you would like more information about MICAH or to learn how to get involved. We are also looking for Temple teens to get involved in the MICAH Youth Council.
Thanks to our co-chairs Janis Finan, Matthew Hollon, and Karin Rubnitz for coordinating our efforts on the three focus areas: Education, Immigration and Inter-Cultural Equity, and Economic Equity.
R ABBI BESS B. WOHLNER
rabbibess@timemphis.org
MICAH (Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope) is a coalition of faith-based and community organizations joining together to give a more powerful voice for issues of justice in our city. We will organize and speak to our community and its leaders, always seeking to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” The purpose of MICAH is not to replace each congregation or community organization’s efforts, but instead to amplify the voice and the impact by working together interdependently.
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“It is not your responsibility to finish the work [of perfecting the world], but you are not free to desist from it either.” - R A B B I TA R F O N TA U G H T ( P I R K E I AV O T 2 : 1 6 )
JOIN THE SCOUTS AT T E M P L E I S R A E L Cub Scouts Pack 25 at Temple Israel is the only Jewish-focused scouting program in the Memphis area. It feeds into Boy Scout Troop 25, the oldest troop still operating in the Chickasaw Council. Cub Scouting is family-oriented fun with a purpose for both boys and girls in first through fifth grades. Scouts learn leadership, character development, sportsmanship, fitness, knot tying, camping, archery, citizenship, and more. As a Cub Scout, you do your best and help others. Cub Scouts at Temple Israel is an important way for our Scouts to learn and bond while having fun and gaining valuable life skills. Moreover, being a Cub Scout means you are a member of a worldwide youth movement that stands for important values and beliefs. We would love for you and your family to become part of Temple’s Scouting family.
WHEN DO WE MEET Cub Scouts meet regularly on Sundays (when religious school is in session) in the Scout building behind Temple Israel, with lunch from noon to 12:30 immediately following religious school, and activities from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
I N F O R M AT I O N If you have any questions about the Cub Scout program, please contact: SHANNON ENGELBERG shannon@abcisc.com 901.603.8110
SINCE THE LAST VOICE TI HAPPENINGS
WRJ-Sisterhood Musical Passover Seder
Changemakers Luncheon Rabbi Micah Greenstein and Pitt Hyde, III were honored at the Leadership Memphis Changemakers luncheon last month.
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The Greatest Megillah Purim Celebration and Carnival
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165th Anniversary Shabbat 165th Anniversary Shabbat with guest speaker Edward Felsenthal, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of TIME. Welcome new trustees, and congratulations to Rabbi Bess Wohlner on being elevated to Associate Rabbi!
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Institute of Jewish Rock Congratulations to all our IJR students on an amazing semester of making music at Temple! We’re so proud of you. Rock on!
Pancakes & Prayer
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MRJ-Brotherhood 16th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
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Hebrew Union College Visits Temple Travels in American Jewish History at Temple Israel’s historic cemetery in Memphis with mentors and HUC-JIR rabbinic professors, American Jewish Archives Director, Dr. Gary P. Zola & Dr. Jonathan Sarna, Distinguished Braun Professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University.
Celebrating Rabbi Katie Bauman & Family Thank you for sharing in our celebration of Rabbi Katie Bauman and her family. We are so grateful for your help in honoring Rabbi Katie and her indelible impact on Temple Israel. Thank you to WRJ-Sisterhood and MRJ-Brotherhood for sponsoring the celebration and to the Co-Chairs of the celebration: Paula Jacobson, Meggan Kiel, and Leigh Mansberg.
TIMEMPHIS.ORG • 23
Donations
Linda Ellen & Ron Sklar Sylvia Wagman
A C C O R D I N G T O T H E TA L M U D, G I V I N G I S A S I M P O R TA N T A S A L L O F T H E O T H E R C O M M A N D M E N T S C O M B I N E D. Thank you to those listed below who made donations to these funds from January through March 2019: Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center, Cemetery, Clergy’s Discretionary, ConnecTI, General, Grounds & Beautification, Mary Shainberg Archives, MeFTY, Brotherhood, Museum, Service to the Blind, Beulah R. Vosse Library, Rabbi Wax Memorial, WRJ-Sisterhood, and the Wendy & Avron Fogelman Religious School.
FOR THE R E C O V E RY O F Judy Boshwit Arlene & Vic Schlesinger Maury Bronstein Sondra Abraham Alla Lubin Nancy & Alan Kline Alan Samuels Judy & Nick Ringel Sherri Steiger Dee & Stewart Cannell Barbara Towbin Judy & Jerry Shore Joan Weiss Arlene & Vic Schlesinger Mildred Schwartz Larry Wilk Ken Levi
2018-2019 B’nai Mitzvah Class The Hofmann Family Rabbi Katie Bauman Penny Lewis Laurie & Harry Samuels Amy & Tod Singer Edna Weiner Marriage of Jennifer & Zack Beal Birth of Logan Grant Friener Ilene & David Friener and Family Judy Bearman Collierville United Methodist Church Bat Mitzvah of Rayna Berlin Lisa Usdan & David Portnoy Birthday of Jed Dreifus Karen & Murray Riss
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Abbie Strauss David Yaffe Rabbi Feivel Strauss Ron Goldfarb Marshall Sashkin Birthday of Russell Strauss Donald Strauss Birth of Mia Taube Ken Levi
Birthday of Gloria Felsenthal Martha & Jim Boyd Judy & Peter Felsenthal Joyce & Fred Graflund Ann & Mason Hawkins Natalie & James Jalenak Peggy & L.R. Jalenak, Jr. Randa Lipman & Bob Phillips May Lynn Mansbach Louise & Jerry Sklar
Judy & Jerry Shore Ed Wise
Barbara & Norman Towbin Carole & Charles Plesofsky
Russell Jackson Gina Jolly
Birthday of Muriel Turner Gerry Haspel
Baylee Less Rabbi Eric Solomon
I N M E M O RY O F
Anniversary of Freddi & Joel Felt Rachel Tasch
Wedding of Margo Libby & Nathan Franklin Marilyn Notowich
Celia Abraham Alice & Abe Goodman, Jr. Donald May Patty & Lee Abraham
Birth of Granddaughter of Jo Anne & Jon Fusco Judy Royal Carol Geller Deborah Jacobs Margo & Nathan Franklin Karen & Jody Franklin Marilyn & Louis Glazer Nan & Jim Youngerman John Goldsmith Susan & Brian Groppe
IN HONOR OF
Charlotte Sophia Olstein Melissa & Richard Faber
Rabbi Micah Greenstein Sandy Goldstein Susan Lewis Barbara & Bruce Newman Nexus Leaders Faith Ruch Gill Stephenson and Marylew Lewis Rabbis Micah Greenstein and Katie Bauman Wendy & Stephen Radtke Mark Halperin Margaret & Sam Graham 60th Birthday of Don Heitner Steve Silver 100th Birthday of Rabbi Martin Hinchin Shellie & Jeff Lewis Sherry & Gerald Merfish Jeff Sanford and Family
Cindy Katz Iris Ruden
Billy Orgel on Being Honored by the Boy Scouts of America Arlene & Jerry Averbuch Marriage of Lindsay & Aaron Poulin Cathy Poulin Birthday of Mary Lynn Perl Dolly & Steven Bromberg Shari & David Gubin Ann Rabinovitz Engagement of Mindy Belz & Neil Westheimer Nancy & Alan Kline Bar Mitzvah of Caleb Radtke Dolly & Steven Bromberg Special Birthday of Gary Raileanu Dale & Richard Caen Ann Rabinovitz Conversion of Faith Ruch Baylee Less Wedding of Sophie Samuels & Alex Petraglia Laurie & Harry Samuels Special Birthday of Rudi Scheidt, Sr. Marilyn & Jack Belz 100th Birthday of Mildred Schwartz Arlene & Jerry Averbuch Jeff Sanford and Family
Celia Abraham Abe Goodman, Jr. Leigh & Rob Hendry Natalie & L. Julian Alexander Phyllis & Eddie Kaplan David Alperin Paula & Avrahm Cohen Amy & Michael Egerman Melissa & Richard Faber Wendy & Avron Fogelman Sandy Goldstein Martha & Jerrold Graber Marilyn Haas Peggy & L.R. Jalenak, Jr. Barbara & Ira Lipman Robin & Billy Orgel Connie & Mike Sherman and Family Charles Wexler Pat Anzaroot Carol & Bert Barnett Richard Eiseman Lynn & Jerry Eisenstatt Martha & Jerrold Graber Marilyn Haas Rochelle & Frank Perlman Carole & Charles Plesofsky Curt Ward and Jeffrey Ward Frank Balkin Lynn & Vic Butcher
Marvin Ballin Frank Lansky Nancy & Alan Kline Sylvia Reiser Baras Jay Snetman Margie Snetman Ike Baruchman Beverly Buchalter Harriet Beck Susan & Jerome Franklin Robin & Billy Orgel Laurie & Harry Samuels Stacy & Jerry Siegler and Family Barbara & Norman Towbin and Family Adele Bedrin Linda Bedrin & Don Klotwog Michelle & Brian Blake Ernie Bernhardt Regina Jacobsen Emily Bernhardt Herb Berns Judy & Jim Stephenson Alexander Lee Bernstein Joan & Allan Bernstein Lewis Binder Irma Binder Alfred Blatnikoff Rae Jean & Sandy Lichterman Jim Blinkoff Betsy Mandel-Carley Larry Bloch Deborah & Sam Brackstone Wendy & Avron Fogelman Marilyn Haas Elaine & Leonard Lurie Racelle Mednikow Carole & Charles Plesofsky Edna Weiner Harry Bloom Toba & Leslie Kornberg Minnie Bluthenthal Ruth Toff Burton Bodan, Jr. Doris Bodan and Mary Callaway Gertrude Bozof Derene Akins Jean & Buddy Ballin Belmont Village Jewish Community Partners Jan & Daniel LaVene Rae Jean & Sandy Lichterman Pearl & David Pollow Judy & Nick Ringel Nora Rothschild Stacy & Jerry Siegler and Family
Jeanette Branson Janet Branson
Esta Katz Fargotstein Laura Fargotstein
Leo Brody Natalie Graber and Family
Sydney Fertel Welville Hirsch Wolfson Deborah & Sam Brackstone
Doris Buchalter Beverly Buchalter Carol Stapp Fran Buchalter Harry Blumenthal and Murray Pitts Lynn & Jerry Eisenstatt Margie Snetman Robert Buchalter Beverly Buchalter Rochelle & Frank Perlman Carol Stapp
Barry Fife Kelley Fife Marcia & Tom Fisher Carol & Joel Hertz Robin & Sergio Musicante Robin & Billy Orgel Carole & Charles Plesofsky Mildred Schwartz Stacy & Jerry Siegler and Family Carol & Bob Tessler Edna Weiner
Sonia Van Buskirk Gail & Myron Lewis
Robert Aaron Fink Wayne Charles Fink Sandy Grissom
Sophie Kaplan Ceitlin The Biller Family
Jill Fisher Marcia & Tom Fisher
David Millard Cohen Pattye Cohen
Bernard Frisch Douglas Frisch Ellen & Herb Kahn
Isaac Cohen Ronald Underberg Howard Cohn Anise & Ron Belz Madelyne & Jay Daneman Cathy & Richard Kessler Judy Royal Diane Rudner Sara Cooper Jamie & Justin Cooper Sarah & Abe Davidson Edith & Murray Reiter Marilyn & John Blumbeks Flora & Sam Davidson Norman Davidson Holocaust Family Gertrude & Sam Jacobs Hermine Davidson and Family Mindy Diament Natalie & Ron Lefkowitz Issy Paul Engelberg Ida & Leonard Engelberg Selma Chambers Nell Ettelson Sandra & William Ettelson Gertrude Eubanks Marsha & Mike Underberg Rose Gerber Evans Paula & Joel Picker Maynard Evensky Leonid Saharovici Ilene & David Friener and Family
Ruth Goldring Laurie & Harry Samuels Larry Goldsmith Barbie & Ray Dan Goldsmith Family Foundation Richard Gomez Martha & Jerrold Graber Susan & Brian Groppe Amy & Dave Howe Monique & Charles Jalenak Peggy & L.R. Jalenak, Jr. Yvonne & Glenn Kiersky Barbara Long, Malcolm Levi, and Ken Levi Lewis Metzger and Family Mike Perdzock, Gavion LLC Laurie & Elkan Scheidt Jane & John Shelton Stephanie & Jonathan Simon and Family Jackie & Robert Solmson Curt Ward Kent Wunderlich Marvin Gottlieb Alice Gottlieb Rita Green Sue Ann Lipsey Daniel Greif Linda Bernstein Herman Gruber Lynn & Vic Butcher Freda Gubin Ann Pugh
Frederika Halski Robin & Billy Orgel Carole & Bob Pinstein David Hutkin Bobbie Shainberg Sam Jaffe Paul Jaffe Sarah Karno Jeffer Sidney Lazarov Roselle Lazarov Ruth Kahn Peggy Sternberger Judy & James Mosely Freida & Morris Kaminsky Neil Kaminsky Ernest Ray Kaplan Adele Kisber Rena Karchmer Barbara & A.W. Karchmer Nina Katz Elaina, Mike, and Roy Sexton Nina & Morris Katz Marilyn & Alan Magnus Melvyn Harris Kirsch Philip Louis Kirsch Rose Brown Kirsch Muriel Zuckerman Ronni Kirsch Richard Kisber Janet Kisber Steve Kisber George Klein Deborah & Sam Brackstone Charles Wexler Anne Borod Kline Ira Kline Isabel & Louis Klitzner Judy & Jim Lindy Rebecca Cooper Klyce Ellen Klyce Abe Kriegel Leonard Kriegel Reva Kriegel Abe Herman Kriger Lisa Usdan & David Portnoy Annie Krivcher Ezra Krivcher Hyman Krivcher Jill Eileen Krivcher Doris Tenenbaum Sonya Krivcher Doris Gerber Lansky Irvin Lansky Cheri & Henry Rudner and Family
TIMEMPHIS.ORG • 25
Badana & Herman Lasnick Ann & Julius Lasnick Terry Orgel
Margie Snetman Jackie & Robert Solmson Phyllis Tamm and Laurie Tamm
ADDITIONAL D O N AT I O N S
Beatrice Leach Rose Morrison
Bertha Cohen Plesofsky Carole & Charles Plesofsky
Joseph Aaron Lebovitz Ida & Leonard Engelberg and Family June & Jerry Odegard Maxine & Mike Shepard
Emily Fargotstein Poe Leslie & Bill Fargotstein and Family Sandy Kessler & Michael Woolsey
Judith & Richard Laitman Elaine & Leonard Lurie Laura Morris Edward Ordman Cecile Prager Nancy & Richard Robinson Leigh & Craig Royal
Gilbert Levy Brother Joel McGraw
David Edward Rosenthal Philip Engel Bonnie Roquita
Gladys Strasberg Lindy Judy & Jim Lindy
David Rothschild Judy Royal
Harry Sidney Loket Lynn & Robert Kline Evelyn & Martin Snyder
Florence Feldman Royal Robert Royal
Rena & Nathan Loskovitz Myrna Thomas Barnett Magids Jan & Jack Magids Hubert “Maury” Malkin Janis Iansmith
Alan Schwartz Carolyn & Brian Schwartz Elizabeth Abraham Seligmann Nora Rothschild Milton Seligstein Myrna & Sonny Salomon
Irving Manis Shirley Manis
Victor Shainberg Deanna & Albert Burson and Family
Nancy Lou Markt Lisa & Jonathan Frisch
Selma Bauer Simon Martha & Jerrold Graber
Leon May Janis & David Iansmith
Ruth & Gerald Slavney Patricia Conklin
Herbert Miller Sharon Gould
Helen Stein Ken Levi
Richard Dennis Miller Deborah & Steven Bilsky
Charles Steinberg Ken Steinberg Mark Steinberg
Dianne Gallant Morris Don Gallant Joan Newman Lynn & Jerry Eisenstatt Nancy & Alan Kline Herbert Notowich Mary Shainberg Suzanne Lazarov Dick Orgel Ilene & David Friener and Family Margaret & Sam Graham Nancy & Alan Kline Joseph Perl Mary Lynn & Arnold Perl and Family Saul Perlman Rochelle & Frank Perlman Carolyn Pinsel Patty & Lee Abraham Dot & Stanley Bilsky Martha & Jerrold Graber Marilyn Haas 26 • VOICE • SUMMER ISSUE • 2019
Harry Stone Linda Stone Kaplan Maury Strauss Margie Snetman Madison Strauss Gary Tritsch Sharyn & Thomas Tritsch Polly Underberg Ronald Underberg Arthur Varsubsky Charlotte & Morris Straitman Helen Goldstrom Wax Jonathan Wax and James Wax Patty Evans Wurzburg Debbie & Bucky Parker
O U R S Y M PAT H Y We extend our sincerest sympathy to the families of: Gary Tritsch Al Vorspan Mindy Diament Carolyn Pinsel Sydney Fertel Larry Bloch Larry Urena Gertrude Bozof Barry Fife Harriet Friener Beck John Kilzer Howard Allen Cohn Frances Weingart Harriet Jaeger Seymour Cywiak Jane Goldner Teresa Philippides Joy Bearman Beverly Aronowitz Klein Aimee Wolf Ginsburg Jacqueline Feinstein Carolyn Rudolph Bertie Kaplan Richard Mann Sam Chawkin Siegfried Steinberg Elizabeth “Billie” Lazarov Howard Scheuner Lena Belle Lefkowitz Nancy Stallings Linda Lerner Bernstein Edward Eiland Laurie Schaffer Toney Mark David Goodman Grace Kahn Katz Bernie Black Steve Miller
Led by Rabbi Greenstein and Temple Israel clergy, Exploring Judaism is for anyone born Jewish, interested in Judaism, or entering marriage with a Jewish partner. We will explore Jewish belief and thought through the reality of a pluralistic Jewish world and consistent with historic Jewish tradition. While this class is a pre-requisite for those contemplating conversion to Judaism, it is also highly recommended for lifelong Jews seeking to grow and learn more about Judaism on an adult level. C L A S S E S B E G I N O N S AT U R D AY, S E P T E M B E R 7 T H & M E E T B E T W E E N 8 : 4 5 - 9 : 4 5 A M
For more information or to register for the class, contact: RABBI FEIVEL STRAUSS rabbifeivel@timemphis.org 901.761.3130.
1376 East Massey Road, Memphis, TN 38120
Remember When… For the Summer issue, we found this great photo of Boy Scouts at Kia Kima. Recognize anyone or know the year? Let us know! Call 901.761.3130.
Temple Israel is a sanctuary for prayer and inspiration, a vibrant center for Jewish learning, and a congregational home for living Torah. We are a source of strength and a force for good for Reform Jews, the greater community, and the world. Rabbi Micah D. Greenstein Senior Rabbi
Harry K. Danziger Rabbi Emeritus
Wendy T. Rotter Vice President
Melissa Faber WRJ-Sisterhood President
Rabbi Bess B. Wohlner Associate Rabbi
John M. Kaplan Cantor Emeritus
Betsy Saslawsky Secretary
Alex Evans MRJ-Brotherhood President
Rabbi Jeremy Simons Assistant Rabbi
Mark Fogelman President
Mark Finestone Treasurer
Stacy Canales Executive Director
Rabbi Feivel Strauss Senior Educator
Laurie Meskin Senior Vice President
David L. Bearman Counsel
Abbie Strauss Cantorial Soloist
Leigh Baim Mansberg Vice President
E. Elkan Scheidt Immediate Past President
Temple Israel • 1376 East Massey Road • Memphis, Tennessee 38120 • 901.761.3130 • timemphis.org Temple Israel is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism. • reformjudaism.org • urj.org