Messenger - March 2019

MESSENGER

103

volume

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE RABBI THECALENDAR SYNAGOGUE | CONGREGATION B’NAI EMUNAH | TULSA | MARCH 2019 | NUMBER 3

THE PURIM SCHEDULE AT THE SYNAGOGUE—SEE PAGE 5

March 2019.indd 1

2/27/2019 2:36:28 PM

MILESTONES

DIRECTORY

BIRTHS

Marc Boone Fitzerman.................................................Rabbi Daniel Shalom Kaiman..................................................Rabbi Sally A. Donaldson................................................ President Dr. Elana Newman........................................ Vice-President Ross Heyman........... Vice-President for Finance/Treasurer Nancy Cohen.......................................................... Secretary Jeremy Rabinowitz......... Synagogue Foundation President Janis Finer, M.D.................................. Sisterhood President Sara Levitt..................Director of Jewish Life and Learning Betty Lehman.............................. Synagogue Administrator Shelli Wright........................................... Preschool Director Didi Ralph........................................................... Bookkeeper Valerie Henderson.........................................Rabbis’ Offices Gwenn RedCorn......................................... Co-Receptionist Nicki Johnson............................................. Co-Receptionist Nancy Cohen............................ Sisterhood Gift Shop Chair

Eliana Rivka Berryman born to Natalie Brankle and Tristan Berryman. Eliana is the sister of Uriah Brankle.

Harrison Hart Gellman born to Lauren and Hart Gellman.

Harrison’s brit milah ceremony took place in February in Tulsa with Dr. Trent Rosenbloom officiating.

Leo Benjamin Sandler born to Dr. David and Iris Sandler. Leo is the brother of Isaac. Leo’s brit milah ceremony took place in February in Tulsa with Dr. Trent Rosenbloom officiating.

IN MEMORIAM Anna Globe Wife of the late Jonas Globe

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Larry Jacobs Husband of Bonnie Jacobs Father of Brad, David, Mike, and Ben Jacobs

Steven Aberson Brian Brouse Randee Charney Mark Goldman Ross Heyman Matt Katz Jeremy Rabinowitz David Sandler, M.D. John Schumann, M.D. Eva Unterman

Loren Frederick Husband of Vicki Frederick Father of Ashley and Courtney Frederick Carol Spritz Mother of Wayne Spritz Steve Ripley Father of Elvis Ripley

Emily Melton Bolusky Sharon Cash Nancy Cohen Sally Donaldson Barbara Eisen Terry Marcum Dr. Elana Newman Debby Raskin Angela Taubman Ricki Wimmer

Janis Finer, M.D.

THE MESSENGER

Paul Weinstein Father of Jeffrey Weinstein

March 2019 - Published Monthly | Bimonthly

Anita Schonfeld Sister of Dr. Stanley Pastor

CONGREGATION B’NAI EMUNAH 1719 South Owasso Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120 Office: (918) 583‑7121 School: (918) 585‑KIDS Fax: (918) 747-9696 Website: www.tulsagogue.com

ON THE COVER “Esther and Mordechai Write to the Jews”

by Aert de Gelder (1645 - 1727). This image describes the moment at the close of the Megillah when the queen and her cousin authorize self defense among the Jews of the empire. Interestingly, it communicates no hint of the violence ahead, or the tension between Mordechai and Esther, themselves.

They could be writing out the recipe for prune or poppy hamentaschen.

2

March 2019.indd 2

2/27/2019 2:36:28 PM

THE MARCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS 1

mica counter-top. You’re hungry for this, and we’re ready to feed you. For just $18 a person, fulfill the nostalgic longing of the Jewish people over a deli dinner. Bring friends, bring neighbors, bring appetites! Visit tulsadeli.org today to reserve your spot.

FIRST FRIDAY SHABBAT

After a brief winter hiatus, we’re back downtown celebrating Shabbat and enjoying one of Tulsa’s great cultural experiences. Join us for a monthly musical Shabbat service in the heart of the action. Stop in and sing while taking in the downtown galleries or make our service your final destination, Shabbat and First Friday make a wonderful combination. It all gets started at 6:30 p.m. in the Flyloft which is just above the Woody Guthrie Center. Look for the sign on the west side of the building.

2

15

With open doors and open arms, this is a beautiful way to start your weekend. This month we’ll celebrate the anniversary of Steve Aberson and Brent Ortolani with a special blessing. An optional communal meal accompanies this service so that your Shabbat can be truly restful and restorative. Please note that our new program, Capes and Crowns, continues with a gift of regal dress for two of our young students each month. No reservation is needed for the service at 7:00 p.m. But please call or visit our website to make your meal reservations. Dinner begins at 6:15 p.m.

THE ART OF PURIM

Calling all middle school Synagogue students! Join us for a pre-Purim event at AHHA Tulsa downtown. The program will include a private studio session on Purim arts. The event kicks off with Havdallah at 7:00 p.m. and concludes at 9:00 p.m. Cost is $10 per student. RSVP to Sara Levitt at slevitt@bnaiemunah.com. You can learn more about AHHA Tulsa by going to the website.

3

20

TO|GATHER | IT’S PURIM!

21

PURIM PALOOZA

The entire community is invited to join in celebrating Purim on Thursday evening, March 21. Events begin at 5:30 p.m. with an optional delicious, festive dinner featuring homemade hamantaschen for dessert. At 6:15 p.m., we’ll gather in the Sanctuary for an interactive Megillah reading for the whole family. The evening will culminate with the legendary Shushan-o-Casbah-Rama, a Purim carnival for kids young and old. Inflatables, games, and face-painting abound as we celebrate with treats, hamantaschen, popcorn, cotton candy, and so much more! Hope to see you there. Visit our website or call our offices to make your meal reservations soon.

Cost for the meal is $14 for adults and $7 for kids 12 years of age and younger. The service and carnival are free of charge.

Participants are encouraged to come in costume.

CHALLAH BAKING

One of the essential smells of Shabbat is that of warm bread baking in the oven. Join us in the Dairy Kitchen at 6:00 p.m. to take the first steps of challah making together. By the time you’re done, you’ll have dough enough for two challahs on Friday afternoon. Please call Valerie at the Synagogue at (918) 583-7121 to reserve your space at the kneading table.

Space is limited, so please call early. No cost to anyone.

10

MILLENNIALS: THE SELF REVEALED

This very special program is a mask-making workshop for Purim with visual artist Matt Moffett. We look forward to an experience of craft, tradition, introspection, and artistic freedom. See the article on page 4 for details.

It’s a Sunday morning program for young children and their families. The theme this month is: It’s Purim! Students age 4 and below, along with their parents, are invited to participate in a morning of hamentaschen baking, funny hat wearing, gragger shaking, along with our usual singing and story time. The fun begins at 10:30 a.m. and will conclude in time for our families to join the ShulSchool end-of-school singalong. If you have any questions or want to RSVP, please be in touch with Sara Levitt at slevitt@bnaiemunah.com.

6

SHABBAT FOR EVERYONE

24

SEVENTEENTH STREET DELI

SOCIAL JUSTICE STORY HOUR

The Khalid Jabara Tikun Olam Library takes its signature program on the road to AHHA Tulsa. This month will be a women’s living history experience featuring some of Tulsa’s most prominent social justice leaders. For more information, contact Preschool Director Shelli Wright through the Synagogue offices. Story hour begins at 2:00 p.m.

It’s an authentic Jewish delicatessen in Tulsa, Oklahoma— house-cured pastrami and corned beef, freshly baked rye bread, half sour pickles; the only thing missing is the For-

3

March 2019.indd 3

2/27/2019 2:36:28 PM

MARCH CALENDAR [CONT.]

MILLENNIALS

(continued from previous page)

27

THE SELF REVEALED

PULITZER WINNER LAWRENCE WRIGHT

The Book of Esther pays close attention to the tension between what we reveal and what we conceal. Esther, herself, cloaks her religious identity out of some combination of fear and conformism. It's her cousin, Mordechai, who presses her to the limit of her capacity.

Lawrence Wright is a staff writer for The New Yorker and author of many notable books, including In the New World, The Looming Tower, Going Clear, Thirteen Days in September, The Terror Years, and God’s Favorite. He will visit the Synagogue to offer a reading and book talk related to his most recent work, God Save Texas. This ticketed event is hosted in partnership with Magic City Books. Tickets may be purchased in advance at magiccitybooks.com.

30

Millennials are invited to explore these issues (what we hide, what we disclose, and how to balance the two) in a mask-making workshop with Matt Moffett on the eve of Purim, Wednesday, March 20, at 7:00 p.m. The evening will

BAT MITZVAH OF CONLEY BOLUSKY

The Synagogue notes with pride the upcoming Bat Mitzvah of Conley Bolusky, daughter of Richie and Emily Bolusky, sister of Campbell. Conley’s preparations have been led by tutor Nina Fitzerman-Blue. The Shabbat morning celebration will begin at 9:00 a.m. Mazal tov to the entire Bolusky family.

31

BBYO PRESENTS

Our community youth group presents its singers, dancers, and theatrical performers in a showcase of student talent. It happens just once every two years and we hope that many people will offer their support. Watch your mail for details.

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS 6

feature seasonal craft beer and tapas, along with stimulating art play at every level of ability.

SISTERHOOD SHABBAT

9

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

12

BIBI-DIBI

14

MILLENNIALS SIP AND STUDY

16

THE DEATH PENALTY: DAVID DOW

20

SECOND SEDER AT THE SYNAGOGUE

25

MILESTONE DINNER: ANNA QUINDLEN

Matt is a truly accomplished artist and arts educator. He was the founding director of the Tulsa Girls Art School, and recently returned from coveted fellowships in Budapest and Penland, the renowned arts academy in North Carolina.

Matt works gently with adults and students to evoke powerful, unexpected results.

Please call Sara Levitt at (918) 583-7121 or write her at slevitt@bnaiemunah.com to claim a place in this experience.

We have a limited number of slots available, so please make contact soon. The cost is $18 per person and includes all edibles, drinkables, and materials.

CHALLAH BAKING ON MARCH 6 AT 5:45 P.M.

4

March 2019.indd 4

2/27/2019 2:36:29 PM

MANY THANKS

FEATURED EVENTS

TODAH RABAH

HOLD ME TIGHT: IT’S PURIM!

Many thanks to the Mental Health Assocation | Oklahoma for its contribution of a 40-quart industrial mixer to the Synagogue Dairy Kitchen. This gift reflects the long-standing partnership between the Association and the Synagogue in the work of the Altamont Bakery. The mixer will simplify the work of dough preparation and increase our capacity significantly. Thanks!

It’s the Jewish carnival season at Congregation B’nai Emunah. Costumes, dancing, confetti, toys! Purim-Palooza is one massive celebration that you will not want to miss. The holiday of Purim is that time of year we recall the story of Queen Esther and her triumphant victory over the evil Haman, who plotted to destroy the Jews. On this day, we celebrate the distinction between good and evil, and the ability for the righteous to prevail, even in the most dangerous circumstances.

Our thanks to Brian Brouse and Carol Brouse Windland for underwriting our tree-planting ceremony at Metropolitan Baptist Church on Tu Be-Shevat. The Brouse Family made its contribution in memory of Sidney and Jenny Brouse and in honor of Dorothy Gibbs.

On Thursday, March 21, at 5:30 p.m., our evening will begin with an optional Purim feast. At 6:15 p.m., we’ll delight in an interactive, musical Megillah reading. And by 7:00 p.m., we will let loose at the most fantastic carnival you’ve ever seen. There will be new games and toys. Balloon artists, face painting and games will delight and engage people of all ages. And don’t forget all the necessary delicious treats. This multi-generational event is fun for the entire family.

On December 24, Cookiebake 2018 and 24 for 24, our annual social service projects, were huge successes. Homemade cookies were lovingly prepared and delivered to essential services all over the city. Twenty-four Christmas dinners were cooked, packaged and delivered to needy hospice families serving nearing 120 individuals. These projects enabled our neighbors and friends to have a more joyous holiday season. This good work was only possible thanks to the hard work and support of many talented volunteers. We’d like to offer special thanks to everyone who contributed their time, energy and resources. A special thank-you to Terry Marcum for leading our Cookiebake efforts, and Jeff Bonem and Alin Avitan for leading 24 for 24.

The following people baked and trayed cookies: Lily Adcock, Molly Berger, Laurie Berman, Tina Bollin, Randi Brodsky, Brian Brouse, Randee Charney, Nancy Cohen, Marcy Cyter, Harriet Dunitz, Barbara Eisen, Evan Fadem, Jan Finer, Liat and Ophir Gal, Dr. Linda Goldenstern, Lillian Hellman, Jennifer Joels, Seth Lapidus, Emily Lapidus, Jackie Lasky, Debbie Lederman, Keith Lehman, Marti Levinson, Hillary Lieberman, Isabella Lieberman, Katherine Pierandri, Micah Pierandri, Nikki Sack, Mia Sack, Jolene Sanditen, Sarah-Anne Schumann, Dana Shapiro, Carol Spritz, Kristi Tarabolous, Dr. Jack Tarabolous, Angela Taubman, Bobbi Warshaw, Allie Wenger, Dianne Wolff, Phyllis Zeligson, Betsy Zeligson, Lauren Zeligson, Scott Zeligson, & Jane Zemel.

Purim 2018 at the Synagogue To make reservations for the optional meal, please visit our website or call the Synagogue offices. No reservations are necessary for the Megillah reading and carnival. If you’d like to be part of the carnival host team facilitating activities and running concessions, please contact Rabbi Kaiman.

Another big thank-you to the folks who helped deliver cookies, including: Michael Abdoveis, Jeff Alderman, Richard Borg, Adam Brimer, Michael Cyter, Marcy Cyter, Sally Donaldson, Dr. Scott Dunitz, Harriet Dunitz, Barbara Eisen, Dr. Barry Eisen, Karin Fine, Larry Fine, Rebecca Fine, Jennifer Flexner, Stuart Flexner-Bury, Sophia Flexner-Bury, Mike Jacobs, Jen Jacobs, Lilah Jacobs, Zeke Jacobs, Tyger Jacobs, Rebecca Joskey, Jackie Lasky, Art Lasky, Kate Lehman, Abby Lehman, Dean Mandlebaum, Carol Mandle-

Two additional opportunities to observe the mitzvot Purim will take place over the holiday. On Wednesday evening, March 20 at our 5:30 p.m. service we will include a Megillah reading. Millennials will gather that same evening for a mask-making workshop. See page 4 for details. And on Thursday morning, March 21, at 8:30 a.m., we will gather for a short, traditional service followed by a traditional chanting of Megillat Esther in Hebrew. All are welcome.

(continued on the following page)

5

March 2019.indd 5

2/27/2019 2:36:30 PM

NOTES AND NEWS

FEATURED EVENTS [CONT.] PULITZER PRIZE WINNER AT B’NAI EMUNAH

WEDDINGS Elliot Rambach, son of Jeffrey Rambach and Lisa Padek, was married to Louise Damiano in Paris, France on May 26, 2018 at City Hall in the Mairie du 15eme arrondissement.

The couple makes their home in Paris. Elliot is an audio book producer for Simon Schuster. Louise is an independent graphic artist and teacher.

An NPR Best Book of the Year and a New York Times Notable Book for 2018, God Save Texas is a deep dive into one of America’s most controversial states. With a balance of red and blue, oil and tech, minimal regulation and extraordinary growth, and striking income disparities, Texas is a familiar and perplexing place worth investigation.

Molly Rambach, daughter of Jeffrey Rambach and Lisa Padek, was married to Andrew Duenner in Coral Gables, Florida on December 29, 2018. The couple has settled in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Molly is employed at MFS Investment Management as a Benefits Consultant. Andrew is completing his graduate degree in Engineering at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In God Save Texas, Lawrence Wright, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Texas native, takes a look at the political and the personal to draw a colorful, wide-ranging portrait of our neighbors just south of the Red River. Wright is a prolific writer whose previous books include investigations into Al Qaeda (The Looming Tower) and Scientology (Going Clear). His work includes film scripts, plays, and features for The New Yorker.

Hannah Leah Sieler married Ian Sowle in Tulsa on October 6, 2018. Officiating was Rabbi Debbye Zanerhaft. The couple is now living in Salt Lake City, Utah.

ADULT LEARNING Rabbi Fitzerman’s new class, Greatest Hits from the Babylonian Talmud, is now enrolling eight new students for the first weeks of April. If you’d like to be included in the next round, please call Valerie Henderson at (918) 583-7121 or write vhenderson@bnaiemunah.com.

Wright will visit the Synagogue on Wednesday, March 27, at 7:00 p.m., to discuss his most recent work. This ticketed event is hosted in partnership with Magic City Books. Tickets may be purchased in advance at magiccitybooks.com.

MANY THANKS

THE OK ALLIANCE FOR ANIMALS NEEDS YOUR HELP IN REPLENISHING ITS STOCK OF SHEETS, BLANKETS AND TOWELS. PLEASE DROP OFF YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS AT THE SYNAGOGUE. OUR THANKS TO CHERYL MYERS FOR BRINGING THIS TO OUR ATTENTION.

(continued from the previous page)

baum, Ryan McDonald, Oliver McDonald, Levi McDonald, Marty Newman, Steve Rankin, Nikki Sack, Stephen Sack, Mia Sack, Gabriel Sack, Dr. John Schumann, Dr. Sarah-Anne Schumann, Jesse Schumann, Noa Schumann, Stephanie Singer, Kristi Tarabolous, Jack Tarabolous, Mimi Tarrasch, Bob Warshaw, Bobbi Warshaw, Ricki Wimmer, Amelia Wimmer, Lauren Zeligson, Scott Zeligson, and Jane Zemel.

6

March 2019.indd 6

2/27/2019 2:36:30 PM

FROM RABBI MARC B. FITZERMAN GREATEST HITS FROM THE TALMUD

SHOE POLISH POLITICS

We had another great turnout of students for the second round, and I hope that eight more will enjoy the third. The dates are the first three Wednesdays in April, between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the afternoon. We’ll take a look at excerpts from a literature that continues to shape Jewish life today.

Whatever you think of Virginia state government, it has helped to foreground certain fundamental truths. When you admit that you were the medical student in blackface, you can’t un-admit it the following day, even if you admit that you were in another kind of blackface, but it was not the “real” kind of blackface because you only used a little bit of shoe polish. However the mess in Virginia is resolved, it is never good to have poor moral judgment, especially when its paired with poor political judgment. I happen to be a reliable Democratic voter, but I’d make an exception for Governor Northam and Attorney General Herring. And I’d make the same exception for a Lieutenant Governor who has two trustworthy women claiming that he did them harm.

If you’d like to participate, please call Valerie Henderson at (918) 583-7121 and she will sign you up. If we go over eight, we’ll put later callers on the list for June.

MAZAL TOVS KUDOS

But the issue of blackface goes still deeper than Governer Northam. Its one of the many ways our country has humiliated black people, even in periods when they were technically free.

It takes a diverse and varied population of human beings and reduces it to a crude and demeaning sterotype. Everything that makes for individuality and difference is obliterated in a statement about the color of one’s skin. It’s the classic assault against the fundamentals of personhood, the idea that we exist in three dimensions, and that we are more interesting and important than our constituent parts.

Congratulations to Allie Wenger, who brings joy to her congregation with the news that she has just been named an Oklahoma National Merit Finalist. Allie will attend the University of Kansas next Fall. Mazal to Allie and her entire family!

And remember that blackface is part of a theater of disrespect.

It’s not only the way a person’s skin may be tinted, but how all black people supposedly behave—gesture, intonation, accent, personal conduct. Blackface is hardely ever deployed alone. It’s part of a performative mockery of African-Americans.

My point is that blackface is not a form of mischief, the harmless self-indulgence of a college prankster. It’s a real assault against real people, with the potential for deep and long-lasting harm. When German propagandists were laying the groundwork for annihilation, one of their most successful strategies was a taunting vocabulary of images that turned European Jews into lesser creatures that could be swept away with no loss to the Fatherland. Think of near-sighted lechers with enormous hooked noses, reaching greedily toward bags of gold or Aryan virgins.

Add to that nouveau riche diamond stickpins and stubby hands encrusted with gold and precious stones. It was what a social scientist would call an act of “othering,” setting apart a minority and marking it as an object of hostility.

A Tulsa United States Tennis Association Women’s Super Senior (ages 65 and up) team, representing LaFortune Park, captained by Shirley Brody, competing in the National Championships in Surprise, Arizona, placed third of the 15 qualified teams competing in January. They defeated teams representing New York (from the Eastern Section), Michigan (Midwest Section) and Pennsylvania (Middle States Section).

It’s true that everyone makes mistakes and does stupid things with some regularity. If Governer Northam is true to his word, he will devote the next part of his life to understanding what he inflicted. He probably needs to answer for a lot, and not just as part of an exercise in introspection. It needs to be a real conversation with the community he hurt, in which he hears, first hand, about the power of blackface and its ability to undermine the dignity of other people.

The victorious team members are Bonnie Bell, Shirley Brody (captain), Bonnie Canfield, Vivienne Culver, Veronica Donnelly, Blanca Falcon, Janice Green, and Vibsen Lay. Mazal tov to Shirley and her teammates.

7

March 2019.indd 7

2/27/2019 2:36:31 PM

FROM SARA LEVITT

BAT MITZVAH

A NEW KIND OF PURIM STORY

CONLEY LENA BOLUSKY

Each Sunday morning at ShulSchool I have the pleasure leading Tefillot, morning prayer services, for our youngest students. We have our routine of waking up our souls and voices with prayer and song, and our bodies with stretching and movement.

Conley Lena Bolusky, daughter of Richard and Emily Bolusky will become a bat mitzvah on Saturday, March 30, 2019, corresponding to the 23rd of Adar II, 5779, at Congregation B’nai Emunah.

Conley is a seventh-grade student at Carver Middle School. She enjoys playing volleyball for Club One and the Carver Middle School team, which recently won the TPS City Championship. As a member of the National Charity League, Conley contributes much of her time to service projects across the city. She inspired and founded the Myriam Poppins Costume Closet, which collects and distributes Halloween costumes to children in need.

Conley’s greatest love is travel and adventure. In fifth grade, she participated in an exchange program in which she lived with a host family and attended school for two months in Madrid, Spain. This summer she will be attending her second year of Camp Ramah in the Rockies.

Our morning experience always peaks with a story.

Sometimes the story connects directly to an upcoming holiday or season, while other times our story is about grandparents immigrating to America, Shabbat, Jewish values, and more. Our stories spark imagination, questions and conversation, encouraging our youngest of students to think about their own families and their own Judaism.

As Purim approaches, I am thrilled to read one of my new favorite books to our students again. The Purim Superhero tells the story of Nate, his sister Mimi, and his two dads getting ready for Purim at their synagogue. Nate’s frustration about his costume choices for the holiday (his friends are all going to be Superheroes, but he wants to be a dinosaur) is the core of the lesson here; being different, like Queen Esther in the story of Purim, should be celebrated and encouraged, even if that is hard to do. The story does an incredible job of connecting Nate’s desire to wear a different costume from his friends to the story of Purim, while quietly noting that Nate has an Abba and a Daddy.

Conley is the granddaughter of Eric Bolusky and the late Janis Bolusky, and Reed and Carol Melton of Tulsa. Conley is the loving older sister to Campbell.

Preparations for her bat mitzvah have been led by Nina Fitzerman-Blue.

I love that this story, unlike so many in the repertoire of Jewish books for kids, tells the tale of a family with two dads.

What’s more remarkable was the reaction of our youngest students when I read this story to them for the first time last year. Not a single student mentioned a word about Nate’s Abba and Daddy. Rather, they emphasized the importance of being able to wear what you want on Purim, of being like Queen Esther and standing up for what is right, even if it’s as minimal as your costume choices. They seemed to simply gloss over any questions about a boy with two dads and went right for Jewish values and the connection to the holiday.

Their reaction strengthened my own feelings and desire to read books with diverse characters, who reflect the mosaic of cultures, colors, genders and family makeup of the Jewish community of 2019. This trend in Jewish children’s literature is slowly picking up steam, but I am proud to bring these important books to our school community whenever possible. Purim is the perfect time to continue the conversation on difference and kindness, bravery and acceptance for all members of our Jewish community, and our children are leading the way. Chag Purim Sameach to all!

8

March 2019.indd 8

2/27/2019 2:36:31 PM

SISTERS | JANET DUNDEE

FROM RABBI KAIMAN

UPCOMING (CONCLUDED)

SISTERHOOD SHABBAT ON APRIL 6

RENEWAL

The congregation is invited to Sisterhood Shabbat, Saturday morning, April 6. Services begin at 9:00 a.m., with Sisterhood members leading the service.

Spring is a beautiful time of year. The days are getting longer. The crisp air is softening, and we are all eager for the renewal of this new season. In the coming weeks, we will spend more time outside. We will be able to put away our winter coats. And we will engage in that time-honored tradition of “spring cleaning.” Of course, for many Jews, this practice can be connected to the cleaning and home renewal we will undertake as part of our preparations for Passover.

But regardless of the reasoning, something is refreshing and compelling about the practice of digging through our closets and sorting through the basement as we evaluate our relationships with the material objects in our lives.

Once again, Jackie Lasky and Jennifer Joels have been preparing women to lead the Torah service and take all the roles which are part of the Shabbat morning service. Jodi Finer is assisting this year, while Hillary Roubein is chairing the Kiddush lunch following the service. Sisterhood Shabbat is celebrated annually and is always a wonderful spiritual experience for all who participate and attend.

CALLING ALL KNITTERS

When Moses received the two tablets for the second time (after having smashed the first set upon seeing the sin of the Golden Calf), he was given the specific command to “carve for himself” the two tablets. And then, God would inscribe them with the law. It’s a peculiar moment, because the first time Moses received the two tablets, it would seem that God had also done the carving work. Why, the second time around, does Moses have to undertake the carving responsibility?

Sisterhood has undertaken a new project and we need everyone who enjoys knitting to sign up. The project is inspired by Knots For Love, which has as its mission warming the hearts and heads of children, women, men, and veterans going through chemotherapy by offering them knitted caps.

Sisterhood has purchased a generous amount of yarn for this project and has as a goal to contribute 50 caps locally to oncology patients needing caps.

I think the message here is a lesson about how we understand the material objects in our lives. When we are given something that we have not had to earn, we can sometimes be cavalier and unappreciative. That item can end up smashed into bits and pieces and lying on the floor. Or it can just be tossed in the trash and forgotten. But when we have had to play a role in the creation of the material objects we use, our relationship with those things shifts. We feel a more acute responsibility to tend and care for those possessions. Moses is told to carve the tablets himself. This is a reminder that we have to see ourselves as part of the creative process of the material objects in our lives.

A volunteer knitter will be available on Sunday mornings in the Synagogue Board Room at 10:00 a.m. to help get you started or to answer questions about patterns for the caps.

SISTERHOOD ANNUAL MEETING Sisterhood will present the Woman of Valor award to Nancy Cohen at its annual meeting set for late Spring of this year. As Chair of the Sisterhood Gift Shop and a thoroughly engaged and important volunteer since she joined the Synagogue, Nancy exemplifies a Woman of Valor.

Sisterhood is pleased that Nancy has accepted this honor and invites the entire congregation to join Sisterhood at its annual meeting. Watch the Messenger and the Synagogue email newsletter for details.

As we sort through our closets and basements, we may be tempted to fill trash bags and have our things hauled off and out of sight. But I think there is another way to approach this moment of renewal. Like Marie Kondo, we should consider each item in our life with thoughtful seriousness; we should see ourselves as part of the creative process which brought that item into our lives; and then, should we choose to discard it, we should do so in a way that does the most good for the largest number of people. May spring cleaning bring about a renewed connection to the material objects in our lives. Indeed, spring is a wonderful time of year.

MAH JONGG TOURNAMENT A SUCCESS Terry Marcum reports that the Second Annual Sisterhood Mah Jongg Tournament, held on January 13 at the Synagogue, was a sold-out event which helped to raise funds to benefit the Tulsa Girls Art School.

Winners of both the intermediate and advanced levels of (continued on the following page)

9

March 2019.indd 9

2/27/2019 2:36:32 PM

SISTERHOOD

SUSTAINABILITY

(continued from the previous page)

Mah Jongg were awarded prizes at the completion of the afternoon’s games. Many thanks go to the hard-working members of the Sisterhood Mah Jongg planning committee, including Laurie Berman, Nancy Cohen, Sally Donaldson, Barbara Eisen, Jan Finer, Terry Marcum, Hillary Roubein, Jolene Sanditen, Rhonda Wagnon and Debbie Zeligson.

Are you inerested in becoming part of the Synagogue’s sustainability team? Please call Betty Lehman at (918) 593-7121. We’d love to have your help on our next projects.

SPRING BOOK CLUB The NY Times best-seller, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, has been selected for the spring meeting of the Sisterhood Book Club. This book, authored by Heather Morris, now available in paperback, has been on the NY Times best-seller fiction list since fall of 2018. The discussion will take place on Sunday, April 14, at 1:00 p.m., in the Synagogue Library. Carla Weston will lead the discussion.

THIS IS THE RIGHT MONTH FOR FINAL DUES PAYMENTS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR. MANY THANKS FOR YOUR

The novel is based on the real-life story about a Slovakian Jew, Lale Sokolov, who is forcibly transported to a concentration camp and conscripted to tattoo numbers on his fellow prisoners. His skill with languages and his ability to manipulate situations allows him to help keep some of the camp’s prisoners alive.

TIMELY SUPPORT.

The story shows how, in the most desperate and harrowing situation, love can develop between people in the camp.

Lale meets Gita as he is forced to tattoo her arm. At this first encounter, Lale promises that he will survive the war and, when liberated, he will marry her.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions and is highly acclaimed by readers of this book.

THANK YOU, IRON GATE VOLUNTEERS Sisterhood thanks all those folks who have joined together on Sunday mornings to serve breakfast to guests of Iron Gate. If you want to join this heartwarming project, let Sarah-Anne Schumann know that you are available on the last Sunday of the month, from 8:30-10:30 a.m., to meet, greet and serve breakfast at Iron Gate. Contact Sarah-Anne at Hennschu@gmail.com. Anyone over the age of 13 is welcome to be involved.

MILESTONE DINNER Thursday, April 25, at 7 p.m. (continued on following page)

10

March 2019.indd 10

2/27/2019 2:36:32 PM

EVA UNTERMAN

Join us for the 2019 Touro Celebration on Sunday, May 19, 2019. Watch your mail for details.

11

March 2019.indd 11

2/27/2019 2:36:32 PM

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SYNAGOGUE 24 x 24

Dianna Wolff

John Pena Ramirez Raul Leonardo Pena Ramirez

Altamont Bakery Fund

Endowment 2000 Fund

Cindy and Michael Guterman Rebecca and Ronald Holland Gale Mason

Ann Beerman Flower and Garden Fund

Cindy and Michael Guterman

Bikur Cholim Fund

Mary and Craig Abrahamson Gale Mason Nancy Resnick

B’nai Emunah Preschool

Taylor Bovaird and Drew Barnes Megan and Ryan Buchan Candice and Cory Davis Lauren and Jordan Helmerich Monica and Bryan Howard Marti and Andy Levinson Maren and Lance Lively Tracey and Hayden McCalman Danielle and Dr. Ranan Mendelsberg Abby and Jacob Reid Adria and Brad Sanditen Olivia Sisti and Aaron Murphy Jennifer and Chuck Sloan

B’nai Brith Youth Education Fund

Donna and Gary Dundee Ira Smith

Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund Jane Mudgett and Sam Peled

Chevra Kadisha Fund Nancy Resnick

Education Endowment Fund Joan Green Andres Cesar Pena Ramirez

Contributions for March 2019.indd 1

Sharon Neuwald

Joe and Dorothy Katz Senior Adult Fund

Sheila and Samuel Harding

Meyer Rozen Prayerbook Fund Marsha and Steve Cohen Michelle Zeff

Morris and Toby Fell Landscaping Fund Toby Fell

Morris and Edith Sylvan Transportation Fund Elaine and Jerry Muhlberg Isrella Taxon

Norman and Shirley Levin Fund for Prayerbook Publication Iris Levy Androphy Shirley and Norm Levin

Rabbi Arthur D. Kahn, D. D., Culture Fund Janet Dundee and Jeff Darby Bonnie and George Kennedy Susan and Jerry Sokol

Rabbi Daniel S. Kaiman Discretionary Fund

Steven Aberson and Brent Ortolani Julie Frank Vicki Frederick Dr. Andrew Gottehrer Jennifer and Sam Joels Phyllis Raskin The Emily Renberg Trust Tona and Ron Willhoite

Rabbi Marc Boone Fitzerman Discretionary Fund

Dr. Harvey Blumenthal Susan Contente/G. Kurt Piehler Julie Frank Vicki Frederick Dr. Andrew Gottehrer Amy and Eric Henderson Laura and Tim Howard Ada Middlebrook and Fran Jacobson Hilary Kitz Phyllis Raskin Faye and Marvin Robinowitz Gilbert Schechtman Eric and Dr. Jacqueline Scholl Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation Lynn Shirley Dr. Don Simkin Tona and Ron Willhoite Debbie and Kate Zeligson

Robinowitz Library Fund Rosetta and Avrom Brodsky Faye and Marvin Robinowitz

Rose Borg Sukkah Fund

Rosalyn Borg (St. Louis) and Family

Sam Plost Matzah Fund Iris Levy Androphy

Scott Foreman Zarrow Rabbinic Endowment

Hilary, Rachel and Ali Zarrow

Stuart and Sherri Goodall/Blanc Art Education Fund Rhoda and Daniel Glickman Rebecca Joskey and Steve Rankin

Synagogue Endowment Fund Maxine Milgrim

Synagogue General Fund Vellie Bloch Brian Brouse Linda Brown O’Neil Cobb

2/27/2019 2:47:26 PM

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SYNAGOGUE Synagogue General Fund (continued)

Marcy and Michael Cyter Irene and Irving Fenster Brad Frank Julie Frank Carol and Irv Gertner Nancy and Phil Hammond Maureen Crawford Hertz Anna Hudson Elaine and Allan Jeffy Barbara and Michael Kahn Elaine Kahn Karen and Jon Meyer Philanthropic Fund Cheryl and Greg Myers Anika Rohla Irene Silberg Ann Weisman and Charles King Barbara and Ronald Winder Jan and Judy Winzinger Nancy Zankel

The Religious School Fund Nancy Fisher Julie Frank Nikki and Dr. Stephen Sack Ira Smith

In Loving Memory

Helen Abrahamson Sandy Blumenthal Irving Borg David “Toots” Borochoff

Phyllis and Marion Brodsky Lois Contente Barbara Robinowitz Curnutt Herman Cyter Hyman Dundee Yetta Dundee Irvin Frank Loren Frederick Fannie Gertner Anna Globe Bessie Goldsmith Sylvia Golsen Stuart Goodall Renee Gottehrer Robert Green Michael Guterman Ursula Guterman Marvin Hart Occie (Ossie) Edna Hawkins Renetta Jacobson Herman Jeffy Ralph Jeffy Ella Kahn George Kahn Marvin Kahn Mischa Kahn Molly Katz Leonard Kitz Delphine Loomstein Ruth and Seymour Marcum Dr. Elliott Mason Fannie Miller Fred Mudgett Adolf Neuwald

[CONT.]

Mary Raskin Emma Reeves Melvyn Resnick Barbara Robinowitz Frances Robinowitz Sharon Robinowitz Freda Robinson Etta Sack Morris Schechtman Allan P. Scholl Ray Shirley Stanley Silberg Ellen Singer Sylvia and Darrell Smith Carol Spritz Norman Tugenberg Minnie Freighter Weinstein Paul Weinstein William Weisman Sam Wittels Dorothy Wolowitz Scott Foreman Zarrow Daniel Zeligson

In Honor Of

Brian Brouse The Finer Family, on the birth of their first grandchild/great-grandchild and the marriage of their daughter, Jodi Dr. Jan and David Finer, on the birth of grandson, Noah James Gluck Rabbi Marc Boone Fitzerman Rabbi Daniel Shalom Kaiman Felipe Oyarzo Greg “Skee” Raskin Cantor Faith Steinsnyder

The STORY OF ESTHER AND MORDECHAI as told in paintings by the students of The SYNAGOGUE Thursday, March 21, beginning with Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Call us for REservations!

Contributions for March 2019.indd 2

2/27/2019 2:47:26 PM

march | adar i-adar ii Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

1

6:00 PM Candles 6:18 PM Sunset 5:30 PM Service 6:30 PM First Friday Shabbat

Saturday

2

8:30 AM Siddur Study 9:00 AM Shabbat Service 6:25 PM Closing Service 6:40 PM Havdalah

Torah: Vayakhel

3

9:00 AM ShulSchool 10:30 AM To|Gather 5:30 PM Service

4

5:30 PM Service 7:00 PM Adult Institute

5

1:00 PM Altamont Baking 5:30 PM Service

6

9:00 AM Altamont Packing 4:00 PM Hebrew Lab 5:30 PM Service 6:00 PM Challah Baking 6:30 PM Midrasha

7

5:30 PM Service

Rosh Chodesh Adar II

10

9:00 AM ShulSchool 5:30 PM Service 6:00 PM 17th Street Deli

11

5:30 PM Service

12

1:00 PM Altamont Baking 5:30 PM Service 7:00 PM Board of Directors

13

9:00 AM Altamont Packing 4:00 PM Hebrew Lab 5:30 PM Service 6:30 PM Midrasha

14

5:30 PM Service

8

6:07 PM Candles 6:25 PM Sunset 5:30 PM Service

Rosh Chodesh Adar II

15

7:13 PM Candles 7:31 PM Sunset 5:30 PM Service 6:15 PM Dinner 7:00 PM Shabbat for Everyone

9

8:30 AM Siddur Study 9:00 AM Shabbat Service 6:30 PM Closing Service 6:45 PM Havdalah

Torah: Peuday

16

8:30 AM Siddur Study 9:00 AM Shabbat Service 7:40 PM Closing Service 7:55 PM Havdalah

Torah: Vayikra

17

5:30 PM Service

18

5:30 PM Service

19

5:30 PM Service 1:00 PM Altamont Baking

20

9:00 AM Altamont Packing 5:30 PM Service and Megillah

21

8:30 AM Purim Service and Tradition Megillah 5:15 PM Service 5:30 PM Purim-Palooza

22

7:19 PM Candles 7:37 PM Sunset 5:30 PM Service

h Erev Purim Midrasha Spring Break Trip to Orlando

24

2:00 PM Social Justice Story Hour at AHHA 5:30 PM Service

25

5:30 PM Service

31

5:30 PM Service

26

5:30 PM Service 1:00 PM Altamont Baking

27

9:00 AM Altamont Packing 4:00 PM Hebrew Lab 5:30 PM Service 6:30 PM Midrasha 7:00 PM Booksmart | Lawrence Wright

23

8:30 AM Siddur Study 9:00 AM Shabbat Service 7:45 PM Closing Service 8:00 PM Havdalah

Purim

28

5:30 PM Service

Torah: Tzav

29

7:25 PM Candles 7:43 PM Sunset 5:30 PM Service

30

8:30 AM Siddur Study 9:00 AM Bat Mitzvah of Conley Bolusky 7:50 PM Closing Service 8:05 PM Havdalah

Torah: Shemini

Messenger Calendar - March 2019.indd 1

2/27/2019 2:39:28 PM

THE SYNAGOGUE

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID

CONGREGATION B’NAI EMUNAH

Tulsa, Oklahoma Permit No. 587

1719 South Owasso Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120 P.O. Box 52430 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74152

YAHRTZEIT CALENDAR­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ — 24 FIRST ADAR THROUGH 24 SECOND ADAR Friday, March 1 - 24 Adar A Alfred E. Aaronson Myron W. Glichouse Amelia Josey Isaac Lebow Saturday, March 2 - 25 Adar A Chasye Dundee Neta H. (Blumenfeld) Dundee Ronnie Singer Larry Sitrin Sunday, March 3 - 26 Adar A Sam R. Dritch Bernard Jacobs Marguerite E. Mandell Monday, March 4 - 27 Adar A Rose R. Friedman John Payne Hammond Henry Levy Elsie Moran Jack S. Price George Joseph Renberg Jack Winer Tuesday, March 5 - 28 Adar A Bessie Contente Norman Lewis Frey Diane G. Kaiser

Sheine Mehl Sarah Schusterman Ida Sucherman Jerry Wolens Wednesday, March 6 - 29 Adar A Anna Apt George Fein Samuel Gershowitz Joe Levit Israel James Miller Samuel Schiff Ida Stekoll Thursday, March 7 - 30 Adar A Morris Myers Elmer Livingston Abraham (A.J.) Sanditen Alex Taubman Abraham Travis Friday, March 8 - 1 Adar B Herbert Gussman Isadore Karchmer Saturday, March 9 - 2 Adar B Albert Supofsky Monday, March 11 - 4 Adar B Rebecca Robbin

Tuesday, March 12 - 5 Adar B Abbo Arcader Sarah Finkelstein Dr. Gerald Sanford Richards Thursday, March 14 - 7 Adar B Florentine Binstock Louis Lederman Fannie Eva Vinick Friday, March 15 - 8 Adar B Michelle Borofsky Deissig Sunday, March 17 - 10 Adar B Harry S. Blufston Jack Eilenberg H.Z. Fell Bessie Zeldich Ungerman Tuesday, March 19 - 12 Adar B Scott Sanditen Wednesday, March 20 - 13 Adar B Solomon Finkel Arnold Schreier Leonard A. Springer Leona Taylor Jack J. Weisberg

Saturday, March 23 - 16 Adar B Hilda Cyter Sunday, March 24 - 17 Adar B Lawrence Tauben Monday, March 25 - 18 Adar B Martin R. Kopelman Tuesday, March 26 - 19 Adar B Nathan Martin Frank Sitrin Dr. Joseph Stovin Wednesday, March 27 - 20 Adar B Florence Klein Herbert Unterman Sunday, March 31 - 24 Adar B Joan Kutner Asher Zeldich Martin Weise

Friday, March 22 - 15 Adar B Mia Sarah Cyter Emil Turk

May their souls be bound up in the bond of life everlasting. Please note that each yahrtzeit begins at sunset on the day before the date listed.

Yahrtzeits for March 2019.indd 1

2/27/2019 2:50:19 PM