Messenger September 2016

MESSENGER

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volume

FROMB’NAI THE RABBI HIGHLIGHTS THECALENDAR SYNAGOGUE | CONGREGATION EMUNAH | TULSA | SEPTEMBER 2016 | NO. 9

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HELLO, SARA LEVITT. SEE PAGE 8 FOR DETAILS

PERSONALS

MASTHEAD

BEREAVEMENTS

THE MESSENGER

Madeleine Torianyk Mother of Eric Torianyk

September 2016 - Published Monthly | Bi-Monthly

CONGREGATION B’NAI EMUNAH

MAZAL TOV

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

Mazal tov to Mindy and Craig Silberg on the recent wedding of new couple Lindsay and Alessandro Kola, which took place in July in Colorado. Congratulations to the newlyweds.

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news. (Isaiah 52:7)

TODAH RABBAH

CENTENNIAL NOTES

One of the most impactful ways to experience community is to step forward as a volunteer and give of yourself for the sake of the broader community. Over the past month, many individuals have involved themselves in the work of our congregation in both large and small ways. We are deeply grateful for all those who continue to give to make our congregation more welcoming, special and vibrant.

YOUR HELP NEEDED If you’ve been a member of the Synagogue fifty years or more and missed Milestone Shabbat, not to worry! We have beautiful artisan-crafted tzedakah boxes for all who did not attend. We will be distributing them in the course of our Centennial Year at signature events.

We thank the following volunteers from the past month: Alin Avitan, Jeff Bonem, Brian Brouse, Nancy Cohen, Harvey Cohen, Rachel Gold, Matt Katz, Janelle Katz, Shahnaz Khalil, Jackie Lasky, Matt Levitt, Isabella Lieberman, Lori Lieb-Rosas, Terry Marcum, Aaron Miller, Cheryl Myers, Sofia Nagda, Mike Noshay, Debby Raskin, Lily Raskin, Noa Schumann, Carol Sweet, Bhadri Verduzco, Allie Wenger, and Tim Wood.

PLEASE CONTRIBUTE TO ART FROM THE HEART BY DROPPING OFF FRAMED WORKS AT THE SYNAGOGUE. HEADED BY DR. MELISSA WEISS, THIS PROJECT HELPS TURN APARTMENTS FOR THE HOMELESS INTO COMFORTABLE, APPEALING HOMES.

RESERVATIONS You can make reservations for any Synagogoue event by calling Gwenn or Caroline at the Synagogue Office (918) 583-7121 or going to our website: www.tulsagogue.com.

ON THE COVER The Synagogue owns two large metal platters, one gifted by Dr. David and Vicki Hurewitz and the other trailing no verifiable date or benefactor. On this one, the figure of Aaron the High Priest is almost as prominent as his brother, Moses, who is just beyond the border of the image. This reflects the enormous affection of the tradition for Aaron, who is depicted as a peacemaker and intercessor. The band on his forehead indicates that he wears the crown of priesthood. It is probably no accident that he looks more than a little like Theodore Herzl in the famous pictures from the early 20th century.

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THE SEPTEMBER CALENDAR AT B’NAI EMUNAH 9

bat. A delicious, kid-friendly Shabbat dinner accompanies this program. It all gets started at 6:00 p.m. Please call or visit our website by Thursday, September 22, to reserve your spot on the floor!

SHABBAT FOR EVERYONE: HELLO, SARA!

This one is all about Sara Levitt, the Synagogue’s first-ever Director of Jewish Life and Learning! We’ll also take an opportunity to welcome home all of our kids returning from Jewish summer experiences all over the world. No reservation is needed for the service at 7:00 p.m. Dinner begins at 6:15 p.m. Please contact us by calling (918) 583-7121 or visiting our website by Wednesday, September 7, to guarantee your place at the dinner table.

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What does it mean to be a Jew in Tulsa? What does it mean to be a member of B’nai Emunah? Our elders and our young people (including the very young) reflect on our Jewish lives and exactly these questions in the forthcoming essay collection My Jewish Tulsa. To make your meal reservations, please visit our website or call the Synagogue Office. The program will begin at 6:45 p.m. See page 8 for details.

DOING JEWISH: HOLIDAY HONORS

Open the Ark? Close the Ark? Have an aliyah? Lift and wrap the Torah? Whether attending a regular Shabbat morning or a High Holiday service, there are quite a few opportunities for honors and involvement in services. If you’ve ever wanted to learn this choreography and take a closer look at these honors, join us as we kick off another season of our workshops in practical Jewish living. It all gets started at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. We send a special invitation for those participating in our High Holidays for the first time this year. For questions or more information, contact Rabbi Kaiman in the Synagogue Office.

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OCTOBER AT A GLANCE

SEVENTEENTH STREET DELI

It’s a different night and time this month, but the Seventeenth Street Deli returns with great flavors and classic tastes in September. We’ll be debuting a new vegetarianfriendly menu item. We don’t want to tip our hands, but it rhymes with “wishes.” We bet you’ll love this one. To make your reservations, visit www.tulsadeli.org or call (918) 973DELI. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Don’t delay, space is limited!

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THE LEGO SYNAGOGUE

You never thought you’d see it and now you will: the only Lego model of a synagogue in North America and it’s B’nai Emunah. Please participate in the reveal of our treat for the children of the congregation. We’ll get started at 11:15 a.m.

Please see Rabbi Fitzerman’s article on page 5 for details.

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SELICHOT: PORTAL TO THE HIGH HOLIDAYS

BIBI-DIBI: BABIES AND BLESSINGS

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EVE OF ROSH HA-SHANAH

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FIRST DAY OF ROSH HA-SHANAH

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SECOND DAY OF ROSH HA-SHANAH

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KAPPAROT: PIGEON RELEASE

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KOL NIDRAY

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YOM KIPPUR | BREAK-FAST

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BEGINNING OF SUKKOT

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SUKKOT DINNER

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SIMCHAT TORAH DANCING

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ZARROW FAMILIES LUNCHEON Please call the Synagogue to order your new Centennial T-Shirt. The cost is $18.

Very young children and their parents are invited to join us for another soft and cuddly Shabbat experience. Parachutes, rattles and toys sit at the center of our circle, while parents and kids share in the blessings of peaceful Shab3

JEWISH LIFE AND LEARNING—SARA LEVITT MAKING IT NEW Feeling more optimistic? Keeping their needs and desires at the forefront of our planning and dreaming about Jewish teen experiences is paramount to their interest and involvement in our programs.

Perhaps one of our greatest concerns in the American Jewish community is how Jewish tradition and culture will live on and thrive in the future. These concerns, arising in each generation, are not new and not unique to the Jewish community. It seems that, in every generation, we wonder, what will we do with “them “or how will “these kids” keep our tradition alive? Throughout our modern history, we can point to moments where young people were misunderstood, seen as rebellious, wild and pushing the envelope in many different realms of society. As generations wade through the waters of teenage angst, the world around them continues to evolve and change.

While our partners in informal education (Jewish young groups and camping) have seen continued success for a multitude of reasons, in the formal Jewish education sphere, communities around the country are working to create and sustain formal supplemental education experiences for Jewish teens, and Tulsa is no exception. Over the summer, Jenn Selco, Temple Israel’s Director of Education and Program, and I spent time re-imagining our community Teen Education program, Midrasha. On August 31, we held the first day of class, with new offerings supporting the needs and desires of our teens.

For example, teens can now engage in learning outside of the Wednesday night time slot, through online distance learning and internships (for high school students).

With the innovation of instant connectedness through the invention of applications like Instagram and Snapchat, or the internet and cell phones, our teens today are more plugged into the world around them and simultaneously lonelier than generations before them. We might perceive this generation of American Jewish teenagers to be self-involved, not engaged with the world around them, and frightfully uninterested in Jewish life.

For the regularly scheduled Wednesday classes, we reimagined class structures to be more connected, focused learning experiences. Teens will choose to be a part of a chavurah (Hebrew for learning/friend group), building relationships with teens and teachers alike, diving deeply into topics meaningful to them. The Service Learning Chavurah, for example, will explore why Judaism values tzedakah and gemilut chasadim, learn about social issues in our Tulsa community and create and participate in an action project. Middle school students will continue with their classes by grade and also choose an elective for the second half of the evening. Understanding the needs of our teens will help to better engage them in learning and experiences that are meaningful and powerful.

These experiences will have a lasting impact on their commitment to Jewish life.

Our concerns are not unfounded, with rates of participation in both formal and informal Jewish experiences decreasing across the country. Jewish teens fall neatly into the national trends of teens being overcommitted, overstimulated and under immense pressure to maintain good grades, get into college, and have a lot of friends. Coupled with these trends are our assumptions about a shift in parenting. Gone are the days where parents stand firm with their children’s commitment to Jewish life because “that is what you are supposed to do.” Parents too are conflicted with various commitments, perhaps even feeling the pressure of their teens’ success.

National Jewish institutes are taking this challenge head on, looking to understand what teens need and want out of their Jewish communities and lives, and how we as communities can adapt and evolve with our teens. In their 2016 study entitled Generation Now: Understanding and Engaging Jewish Teens Today, the national Jewish Education Project asked teens themselves what they are looking for to engage in Jewish life. Highlights from this study tell that teens are interested in: “pursuing happiness and joy, balancing joyful and value-added experiences, seeing Judaism as more than just a religion, open and welcoming environments, exhibiting universalist attitudes, valuing their family life greatly, feeling positively about B’nai Mitzvah, wanting Jewish knowledge to be relevant, seeking greater meaning and purpose, understanding the complexities of Israel, viewing Jewish activities as an obligated choice and having a range of choices in Jewish opportunities.”

Within the walls of B’nai Emunah, our Madrichim (teaching assistant) program in our Religious and Hebrew School is getting a facelift as well. Our program will begin to include regular Madrichim training, support and feedback, special formal and informal programs for our teens and more. The success of a well-executed program should have a lasting impact on our teens.

We must take responsibility and ownership in helping our teens to create meaningful Jewish experiences that propel them into an adulthood of a connection and passion for our community. Shifting our understanding and expectations of teens today is imperative to our success in ensuring a Jewish community in the future, even if that community looks a little different than before.

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FROM RABBI MARC B. FITZERMAN

SISTERHOOD I truly hope that you’ll be able to be with us. A celebration like ours has to operate on many levels, with something for everyone, regardless of age or experience. Lego is for everyone, but you knew that already. See you on the morning of September 18!

WE DID IT One of the sweetest projects on our Centennial Wish List was a scale model of the Synagogue made up in Lego. Putting it on the list was a piece of cake. We simply said that we wanted a Lego synagogue. Who wouldn’t want a Lego synagogue? If I had my way, I would be a Lego rabbi, living in a Lego Tulsa in a Lego universe. Lego is one of my favorite building toys and, not to put too fine a point on it, I’ve been through a lot of childhood building toys.

Getting the job done was another story. It turns out that Lego is a tricky medium. You can’t order specially molded parts. Everything you do has to be reimagined as the product of the conventional, off-the-shelf components. This is beyond the ken of normal human beings. You have to be a master builder, with one of those crazy, agile, Lego-friendly minds.

You’re always thinking about little plastic bricks and how you can use them to build the Guggenheim Museum.

Enter Lego master builder Adam Reed Tucker. As it happens, I knew Adam’s work, even if I didn’t know Adam, himself. His was the crazy, agile mind behind my own personal Lego Guggenheim Museum, given to me by Alice for Chanukah 2014.

It’s a thing of beauty, and not by accident. Adam is a so-called Certified Lego Professional (CLP). He’s a former architect, a Lego community genius, and one of exactly thirteen people in the world who are allowed to call themselves CLPs. His work is part of the Lego line (see the White House kit), and he has been hired to model iconic buildings by sponsoring organizations all over the country. He is part of the Lego inner circle, and his career already puts him at the top of this class.

Lego master builder Adam Reed Tucker and “Fallingwater.”

SPEAKING OF RABBIS Rabbi Daniel Kaiman, my colleague and friend, has been a joy for all of us since his arrival three years ago. He’s smart, expressive, and beautifully educated. On top of that, he makes friends for the Synagogue with a natural fluidity of spirit and generosity. His knowledge of the tradition and openness to all comers make him a crucial addition to a synagogue like our own. The long and short of it is that I am delighted to be working by his side.

What this means is that we were very lucky. Adam’s decision to model the Synagogue meant that our success was assured. We sent pictures, architectural drawings, and then more pictures. A little team of us stayed in regular touch. I’m happy to say that the hard work is now done. In the middle of July, our model arrived, packed like a giant Faberge egg. I’ve never seen more bubble wrap in my entire life.

I’m also happy to say that we have reached an important milestone. Rabbi Kaiman came to us as an Assistant Rabbi and he is now officially the Associate Rabbi of the congregation.

All of this means a step up for B’nai Emunah and a sign of our congregation’s affection and regard.

And we’re almost ready to reveal the results. On the morning of Sunday, September 18, you’re invited to be part of the Great Lego Reveal. At 11:15 a.m. we’ll talk a little about the model, the challenges of the project, and the work of Adam Tucker.

I personally look forward to many years of working with Rabbi Kaiman and offer my thanks, both to him and Rachel Gold. Both have contributed mightily to our community, and their presence and professional work in Tulsa is a benefit to us all. Onward and upward!

Many of our young people will add to the project by presenting Lego models of their own homes, all of which will be displayed in the Synagogue. We’ll lay things out like a little neighborhood: the homes of our members next to the shared home of the Synagogue. And we’ll celebrate another milestone in our Centennial Celebration.

Committed to the cause of ending homelessness?

Support the bakers of the Altamont Bakery!

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SISTERHOOD NEWS | JANET DUNDEE

UPCOMING (CONCLUDED)

howdy to Mona, and we look forward to having Mona serving as Treasurer on the Sisterhood Board.

MEMBERSHIP Sisterhood has just completed a busy and exciting year of programs and activities. By now, women of the congregation should have received a letter which offers an opportunity to join Sisterhood for 2016-2017.

BIG THANKS A really big thank-you to staff members, Gwenn RedCorn and Valerie Henderson, who spent a great deal of time helping to put Kum Essen V together and ready for purchase.

The cookbooks come to us with all the tabs in the back of the book. Gwenn and Valerie took all those cookbook tabs and put them in the correct place in each cookbook. That was truly an effort, which is totally appreciated. We are ready for more cookbook sales! Stop by the synagogue and purchase Kum Essen V for $36.

For a membership fee of $36, you can become an important partner in all Sisterhood activities. All you need to do is send a check or a credit card for $36 dues to join Sisterhood.

If you are able, a supplemental donation to Sisterhood would be much appreciated. Then get ready to enjoy all the possibilities Sisterhood offers you.

Important dates? The high point of the coming year is Sisterhood Shabbat, Saturday, January 14, with a follow-up program on Sunday, January 15. Special guest will be Joanne Caras, the author of two important cookbooks: The Holocaust Survivor Cookbook and Miracles and Meals. Joanne is an intriguing and animated speaker who donates all sales of the cookbooks to a soup kitchen/restaurant in Israel.

Bonus: you will receive a free group of postcards designed

by Jackie Lasky which you can send to the person whose recipe you have chosen to make, letting that person know when and why you selected her/his recipe to prepare for an occasion.

FUN WITH LEATHER AND SILVER

Keep in mind, also, Sisterhood’s partnership with Iron Gate, an organization in Tulsa which feeds Tulsa’s hungry. Sign up to help serve breakfast on a select number of Sunday mornings. Those who have already participated have reported it to be a satisfying mitzvah.

Big thanks go to Sharon Benjamin for organizing a wonderful program of creating a leather and silver bracelet. This program was sold out, which shows that women of our congregation love to get together to create something for themselves, as well as having the opportunity to socialize, get to know each other better, and enjoy yummy snacks. Watch for more programs like this.

Do you enjoy shopping for Judaica? Go directly to the Sisterhood Gift Shop. Proceeds from the Gift Shop allow Sisterhood to donate $7,500 to the Synagogue’s Religious School. Aren’t you feeling better already about Judaica Retail Therapy?

SUKKOT

You can also look forward to Sisterhood’s Membership Breakfast on November 6. Free to all members, this program is always a terrific gathering with lots of delicious foods. Come join the fun! Sisterhood has a place for you!

FREE SUKKAH A member of the congregation is ready to part with a family sukkah, complete with all the components. In order to claim the sukkah in question, please call Valerie Henderson in the Rabbis’ Office at (918) 583-7121. We will be glad to put you in touch.

HAPPY TRAILS TO SHARON BENJAMIN Sharon and Fred Benjamin will soon be leaving for a new home in the Chicago area. Sharon has been a truly organized and dedicated Treasurer, and we appreciate all she has done to keep the treasury in good shape. In addition, Sharon’s enthusiasm and creativity have added a great deal to Sisterhood programs.

SEPTEMBER SHABBAT FOR EVERYONE

HELLO TO MONA SMITH

ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9. PLEASE JOIN US

We are fortunate to be able to call on Mona Smith to step in as our new Treasurer. Many of you know her as a dedicated person who handles responsibility with vigor. We say

AS WE WELCOME SARA LEVITT

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THE SYNAGOGUE ARCHIVE

This vintage photograph depicts the demolished east facade of Congregation B’nai Emunah as it was originally constructed in 1941 and 1942. Its design is a subtle tribute to the style of architecture then prevalent in Pre-State Israel. Massive steel grates stood above porthole doors which led into a terazzo vestibule. Two of those grates have been turned into magnificent glass tables we currently use for special events.

Just opposite this entrance are the houses that face the Synagogue on South Owasso.

Eventually, the congregation abandoned this entrance, especially when a parking lot was constructed on the north edge of the property. The dream of a neighborhood synagogue within easy walking distance of all members gave way to the practicalities of travel by automobile. Please note that the Synagogue called itself The B’nai Emunah Center in this period. Those are the words affixed in aluminum letters above the rotunda doors. Quite clearly, the congregation wanted to be more than a synagogue, offering a full array of cultural, recreational, and socal opportunities.

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FEATURED EVENTS AT THE SYNAGOGUE HELLO, SARA! ON SEPTEMBER 9

MY JEWISH TULSA ON SEPTEMBER 24

Early this winter, our congregation began the work of sorting candidates for a new position, Director of Jewish Life and Learning. We wanted someone who brought together skills in informal and formal Jewish education, and who also had a feel for the social and cultural work of a modern synagogue. It was important to us that the right candidate have established commitments to social justice, along with experience working in a diverse community, and be at ease in many different social settings. Good recuiting and outreach skills were also part of the package.

What does it mean to be a Jew in Tulsa? What does it mean to be a member of B’nai Emunah? Our elders and our young people (including the very young) will reflect on our Jewish lives and exactly these questions in the forthcoming essay collection My Jewish Tulsa.

Join us on Saturday evening, September 24, as we hear readings from two of our contributors, Dr. Joli Jensen and Yolanda Charney. The evening will begin with a light Shabbat meal at 6:45 p.m., followed by a special welcome and gifts for those individuals and families who have formally affiliated with our congregation in the past year. Our speakers will be followed by Havdalah and then a short version of Selichot, which introduces the motifs of the High Holidays and sets the musical mood of the season.

To make your meal reservations, please visit our website or call the Synagogue Office at (918) 583-7121. We’d be delighted to answer any questions you have.

HIGH HOLIDAYS PREPARATIONS Although the holidays are still over a month away, we are now planning the meals scheduled for October and hope that you will call the Synagogue at (918) 583-7121 to register or for additional details. We hope it helps to share the following : We’re happy to remind you that Sara Levitt was our final pick. Recommended to us by Rabbi Eliav Bock, Director of Ramah in the Rockies and someone intimately familiar with B’nai Emunah, Sara relocated with her husband, Matt, from Denver earlier this summer, and she is now settling into her new portfolio. We’re going to pause in the rush of fall events and holiday celebrations to formally welcome her on Friday evening, September 9. It all gets started with an optional communal Shabbat dinner, followed by a joyful and lively musical service. Klay Kodesh, the Synagogue’s musical group, will lift your spirits and send you singing into a restful weekend.

A kiddush lunch on October 3, the first day of Rosh HaShanah, will honor the memory of Charles and Bessie Goodall. There is no charge, and no reservation is necessary.

A holiday meal for Young Jewish Professionals will take place at the home of Richie and Emily Bolusky on October 4, the second day of Rosh Ha-Shanah. Please call the Synagogue to reserve a place. The cost is $10.

A community break-fast in memory of Sharna and Irvin Frank will take place at the close of Yom Kippur on the evening of October 12. There is no charge, but please call to let us know if you are coming.

We’ll also take an opportunity to welcome home all of our kids returning from Jewish summer experiences all over the world. From Israel to Colorado to Nicaragua and beyond, our teens will share stories and lessons from their experiences.

Sukkot Dinner is scheduled for Friday evening, October 21. Please call (918) 583-7121 for reservations as soon as possible for the meal, the largest Sukkot dinner in Oklahoma. Thanks to the Brouses for supporting this event.

Our Simchat Torah dinner will take place on Monday evening, October 24. There is no charge, but please call for a reservation.

No reservation is needed for the service at 7:00 p.m.

Dinner begins at 6:15 p.m. Please contact us by calling (918) 583-7121 or visiting our website by Wednesday, September 7, to guarantee your place at the dinner table.

The complimentary Zarrow Families Luncheon will take place the following day at 11:30 a.m.

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GENEROSITY

NEW PUBLICATION

AMAZON SMILE

THE RABBIS

We’ve never done anything like this before, but we’re experimenting this month with Amazon Smile, a new program for charitable contribution. If you register soon at the new smile.amazon.com website (just type in Amazon Smile), your purchases will result in a charitable contribution from Amazon to the Synagogue. There is no cost to you and no cost to the Synagogue.

Our latest Centennial Event was the release of The Rabbis, a portfolio of biographies on each of the Synagogue’s seven rabbinic leaders. Written by Danny Kraft (now at Harvard Divinity School), the work takes readers through the related stories of Rabbi Morris Teller through Rabbi Marc Fitzerman. Each rabbi engaged in the ongoing conversation between traditionalist and progressive viewpoints.

This one seems like the proverbial win-win for a charitable organization like ours, but please let us know what you think. Synagogue Administrator Betty Lehman would be glad to walk you through the registration process, and she would love to hear if you find this approach worthwhile. At our end, everything (including small things) helps keep the Synagogue strong and healthy.

Danny’s lecture is now available as a podcast on the Synagogue website (www.tulsagogue.com), along with Faces: Portrait of the Synagogue, drawn from B’nai Emunah’s pictorial archive. “Faces” includes 100 images, part of the larger group that will be screened on the evening of the Synagogue Centennial Gala on Sunday, December 11. The Rabbis is now available in the Synagogue office for a contribution of $18.

Please reserve your copy today.

Join us atThe Synagogue We’re ready for the holidays with beautiful music, warm hearts, and genuine affection. No tickets, charges, or reservations of any kind. Come home this year to B’nai Emunah.

ROSH HA-SHANAH Sunday, October 2, at 6:00 p.m.

Monday and Tuesday, October 3 and 4, at 9:00 a.m.

YOM KIPPUR Tuesday, October 11 at 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, October 12, at 9:30 a.m.

Closing Service at 6:00 p.m.

Shofar Blowing & Community Break-Fast at 7:30p.m.

See our full schedule at www.tulsagogue.com.

Childcare & youth programming start to finish.

The Synagogue: Peoria at Seventeenth.

(918) 583.7121

Tulsa Jewish Review Invitation - 2016 - 6.5 inches x 5 inches.indd 1

8/3/2016 8:34:38 PM

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FROM RABBI DANIEL S. KAIMAN BAT MITZVAH

and increasingly factionalized society. We should bring light to one another by transcending divisions—not reinforcing them.

It’s difficult work, but community is a forum for coming together, and we’re all here to help one another walk this path.

DAY AND NIGHT? The Rabbi asked her students, “How do we tell the difference between night and day?” It was a sensible question to ask. After all, the students thought to themselves, there are plenty of mitzvot that belong only to the day or to the night.

Their teacher must be challenging them to think about the technical aspects of marking time. And so the students, eager to satisfy their teacher, began to consider their observations and experiences of night and day.

As we prepare for the High Holiday season, may we be empowered to find increasing light in one another. And through this light, may we all be strengthened. From our hearts to yours, Rachel and I wish everyone Shanah Tovah u’Metukah—a sweet, happy and healthy new year.

Thinking aloud, a student offered an answer, “I can tell the difference between night and day as the sun rises each morning. At the moment there is enough light that I can tell the difference between my house and my neighbor’s house—that is the difference between night and day.”

LET US HELP YOU

A second student, sitting on the other side of the study hall, both agreed and disagreed with her classmate, saying, “I agree that we’re dealing with a question of sunrise. But I disagree with your distinction. The moment we can tell the difference between night and day comes when we’re working in the fields early in the morning. As we look back at the town, when there’s enough light to distinguish all the houses from each other—that is the difference between night and day.”

Child care is always available at the Synagogue. All you have to do is to let us know two days in advance of an event or a service and we will be glad to help. We love having children in the Sanctuary and the Chapel, but sometimes they are uncomfortable with their surroundings and make it difficult for others to hear. Please let us help you strike the right balance between having your children at your side and making it possible for others to participate comfortably. Todah rabah!

A third student thought differently. “This all has to do with animals. When you can distinguish between the cows and horses and sheep—that is the difference between night and day.”

MEMBERSHIP

CHILD CARE AT THE SYNAGOGUE

NEW FACES AT THE SYNAGOGUE

Still a fourth student proffered this response, “I’m thinking about the colors of a flower. When there is enough light to distinguish between reds and greens and yellows and blues— that is the difference between night and day.”

Here’s where we introduce new faces to B’nai Emunah.

Members and their families are a source of strength to all of us, and we are pleased to bring good people to your attention.

Meet our new member:

Busy crafting their answers, the students didn’t notice the increasingly concerned look on the face of their teacher. Confused and dismayed that they had not pleased their teacher they finally asked, “So what is the answer?”

David Goldsmith 824 S. Rockford Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120

Calmly the rabbi responded, “My students, why do you divide? Darkness of night comes from neighbors not knowing one another—from war and fighting and famine. The light of day arrives when brothers and sisters come together in friendship and understanding—when peace and justice and freedom are felt by all. When we transcend our divisions, then we are able to see.”

We look forward to welcoming David as an official member of the Synagogue family. Here’s to a great relationship!

The students had misunderstood the question. They had unintentionally exhibited the darkness inducing divisiveness that can feel so prevalent. A response demands that we do the hard work of understanding one another in order to counteract these broken feelings. Ours is an over-politicized, polarized

We’re glad to bring members to Synagogue events. Please call us at (918) 583-7121 to arrange a ride.

SYLVAN TRANSPORTATION FUND

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Centennial Highlights

Over the next several months, we’ll be using this space to remind you of events connected with the Synagogue’s centennial celebration. Please make note of these dates and join us for times of festivity and rejoicing.

The Lego Synagogue Sunday, September 18, at 11:15 a.m.

Join us for The Great Reveal of a spectacular new model of Congregation B’nai Emunah, done in Lego by master builder Adam Reed Tucker. Our students will enhance the display with Lego models of their own homes, creating a Synagogue-centered Lego neighborhood.

The Centennial Gala Sunday, December 11, at 6:00 p.m.

This is the culminating event for our Centennial Year of Celebration.

We’ll ring out our year of festivities, exhibitions, and events with a grand banquet, audio-visual summary of our history, dancing and toasts. Look for your invitation in the first part of September.

Please note that there are many other events on the Synagogue Centennial calendar. Watch this space for more good things to come.

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HILLEL AT T.U.

KUM ESSEN ORDER FORM

A WARM AND WELCOMING PLACE As professors prepare courses and students move into freshly painted dorm rooms, the rituals of a new year are under way.

This fall, a community of Jewish students and their allies will reconvene on campus, and Hillel at the University of Tulsa will be ready to welcome a new year of programming and involvement. An affiliate of the largest Jewish student organization in the world, Hillel builds connections with emerging adults and inspires them to direct their own path.

Name

The new programmatic year will be framed by twice-weekly programing—a mid-week Bagel Nosh and a home-cooked Shabbat dinner every Friday evening. With events taking place in the Hillel apartment on the TU campus, Hillel is well positioned to serve undergraduate and graduate students at colleges and universities throughout Northeastern Oklahoma.

Pickup?

Address Phone E-Mail

Ship ($12.65 for 1 to 3 books)?

Ship to

David Goldsmith and Andrew Spector will serve as this year’s Hillel Fellows, along with student organizers Lily Kopita and Gregory Diskin. David is a third-year law student who grew up in Tulsa and returned from his undergraduate experience at the University of Oklahoma ready to invest himself in the important work of building community. This will be David’s second year as a Hillel Fellow.

Number of books ordered

Andrew came to Tulsa via Teach for America and enters his second year as a sixth-grade teacher at Bell Elementary School. With formative experiences as a Hillel student leader and interfaith activist at the College of Charleston, Andrew has a natural gift for experiential leadership.

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Total ($36 per book) Total enclosed (including shipping)

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Under the direction of Rabbi Dan Kaiman and with significant support from Faculty Advisor Dr. Avi Mintz and its Board of Directors, Hillel is grateful to all who give generously to enable these efforts. If you are interested in learning more about ways to support Hillel, or if you have a student Hillel should engage, please write team@oklahillel.org.

Expiration date CVC Make checks payable to B’nai Emunah Sisterhood and send to Jennifer Joels, 1205 South Tamarack Ave., Broken Arrow, OK, 74012

FRANK MEMORIAL LECTURE

For Administrative Use:

RUTH WISSE TO LECTURE

Name

Please set aside time on Sunday, September 11, at 7:30 p.m. for one of the outstanding events on Tulsa’s Jewish cultural calendar. The speaker for this year will be Ruth Wisse, addressing Laughter in a Time of Crisis. Wisse is a prominent scholar and longtime faculty member at Harvard University. The event honors the memory of the late Sharna and Irvin Frank and we hope that many of our members will be fortunate enough to attend. The event will take place at the Charles Schusterman Jewish Community Center.

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12

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SYNAGOGUE 92nd Street Y Fund Aaron Miller

Altamont Bakery Fund

Debbie and Barry Lederman Karly and Dr. Jeremy Mason Sheryl and Harold Springer

Ann Beerman Flower and Garden Fund Frieda Grossbard Joe Secan

Anne Zarrow Courtyard Fund

Sheryl and Harold Springer

Bikur Cholim

Debbie and Barry Lederman Carol and Dean Mandlebaum

Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund

Hannah Dow Karen and Alex Goldberg

Chevra Kadisha Fund

Jerry Borofsky Jon Kantor Debbie and Barry Lederman Sheryl and Harold Springer

Dave Sylvan Joyful Music Fund

Debra Sylvan DeLeeuw Karen Neuwald Barbara and Dave Sylvan Nancy Wilk and Charles Brown

Edgar and Isabel Sanditen Preschool Fund Ellen and Nathan Lifsics

Janis Bolusky Memorial Outreach Fund Gloria and Robert Joels

Joe and Dorothy Katz Senior Adult Fund Brenda and Jerry Katz Michelle Zeff and family

Joe Kantor Hebrew School Fund Jon Kantor

Josh and Lillian Price Memorial Fund Robyn and David Price

Louis Klein Nursery Fund Sharon Markman

Rose Borg Sukkah Fund

April and Richard Borg Rosalyn Borg (St. Louis) and family

Sam Plost Matzah Fund

Dr. Marcel Binstock Drs. Linda and Richard Young

Scott Sanditen Memorial Community Service Fund Judith Ungerman

Sharna Frank Music Fund Barbara and Dave Sylvan

Synagogue Endowment Fund

Meyer Rozen Prayerbook Fund

Debbie and Barry Lederman Maxine Milgrim

Mizel Family Philanthropic Fund

Synagogue General Fund

Sylvia and Michael Vaughn

Susan and Jerry Sokol

Morris and Edith Sylvan Transportation Fund Barbara and Dave Sylvan

Rabbi Arthur D. Kahn, D. D., Culture Fund

Jerry Borofsky Janet Dundee and Jeff Darby Barbara and Dave Sylvan

Rabbi Daniel S. Kaiman Discretionary Fund Joan Green

Rabbi Marc Boone Fitzerman Discretionary Fund Anonymous Joe Degen Sherri and Stuart Goodall Joan Green Cookie and George Kaiser Rita Levit Stephanie and Dr. Stan Pastor Judith Ungerman

Anonymous Sam Brenner and Megan Brenner O’Neil Cobb Harvey and Nancy Cohen Linda and Burton Comess Nancy Fisher Mark Goldman and Dr. W.C. Goad Arthur Hansen Dr. Nancy Inhofe Helen and Henry Katz Bonnie and George Kennedy and family Ruth Lebow Karen and Dr. Avi Mintz Madelyn and Franklyn Moskowitz Rachel Prescott SGA Design Group Jolene Sanditen-Stephens & Jim Stephens Latona and Ron Willhoite Carol and Harry Windland Jan and Rudi Winzinger Linda Zoblotsky

The Religious School Fund Sally and Bob Donaldson Jan and Jerry Potash

In Loving Memory

Miriam and Sam Abravanel

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SYNAGOGUE In Loving Memory (continued) Beverly Axelrod Kenneth Axelrod Ann Beerman Joe Borg Brona Borofsky Larry Borofsky Phyllis Brodsky Fritzi Haskell Curtis Green Ivan Kaplin Sam and Helen Kassel Yetta Kassel Lou and Nettie Lederman Steven Lederman Dr. Jerald Miller

Joseph C. Miller Joseph Panken Harry Moskowitz Josh Price Lillian Roberts Benjamin Schwartzberg Lucille Sobel Ezzie Springer Hanna Ungerman Maynard Ungerman Dr. Allen Zeff Irma Zimmerman Morris Zoblotsky

In Honor Of

Jeff Darby Rabbi Marc Boone Fitzerman Mark Goldman, on his birthday Rabbi Daniel Shalom Kaiman Jacob Markarian, on his bar mitzvah Harris Prescott, on the anniversary of his bar mitzvah Sophie Raskin, on her bat mitzvah Mary Sanditen, on her birthday Barbara and Dave Sylvan

Speedy Recovery Of Jonathan Jeffy Isrella Taxon

Please call the Synagogue at (918) 583-7121 if you’d like the names of your loved ones included in the High Holidays 2016 edition of the

SYNAGOGUE YIZKOR BOOK The official deadline is September 15.

A complete guide to High Holiday observance is available at the Synagogue website: www.tulsagogue.com

Seventeenth Street Deli | Kosher Eats at the Synagogue!

september | av-elul Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

1

Thursday

5:30 PM Service

2

Friday

5:30 PM Service

Candles: 7:29 PM

4

5:30 PM Service

Rosh Chodesh Elul

11

9:00 AM Religious School 11:00 AM Doing Jewish 5:30 PM Service 7:30 PM Frank Lecture at JCC

18

9:00 AM Religious School 11:15 AM The Lego Synagogue 5:30 PM Service

25

9:00 AM Religious School 5:30 PM Service

5

5:30 PM Service

Labor Day Preschool & Offices Closed

12

5:30 PM Service 6:30 PM 17th Street Deli

19

5:30 PM Service

26

5:30 PM Service

6

1:00 PM Altamont Baking 5:30 PM Service

7

9:00 AM Altamont Packing 3:30 PM Hebrew School 5:30 PM Service 7:00 PM Midrasha

8

5:30 PM Service

9

1:00 PM Altamont Baking 5:30 PM Service

20

1:00 PM Altamont Baking 5:30 PM Service

27

1:00 PM Altamont Baking 5:30 PM Service

14

9:00 AM Altamont Packing 3:30 PM Hebrew School 5:30 PM Service 7:00 PM Midrasha

21

9:00 AM Altamont Packing 3:30 PM Hebrew School 5:30 PM Service 7:00 PM Midrasha

28

9:00 AM Altamont Packing 3:30 PM Hebrew School 5:30 PM Service 7:00 PM Midrasha

15

5:30 PM Service

22

5:30 PM Service

29

5:30 PM Service

9:00 AM Shabbat Service 7:55 PM Service

Rosh Chodesh Elul Torah: Re’eh Havdalah: 8:15 PM

10

5:30 PM Service 9:00 AM 6:15 PM Shabbat Service Shabbat Dinner 7:45 PM Service 7:00 PM Shabbat for Everyone: Hello Sara

Candles: 7:19 PM

13

3

Saturday

Torah: Shoftim Havdalah: 8:05 PM

16

17

Candles: 7:09 PM

Torah: Ki Teitzei Havdalah: 7:55 PM

23

24

Candles: 6:58 PM

Torah: Ki Tavo Havdalah: 7:45 PM

5:30 PM Service

5:30 PM Service 6:00 PM Bibi-Dibi

30

5:30 PM Service

Candles: 6:48 PM

9:00 AM Shabbat Service 7:35 PM Service

9:00 AM Shabbat Service 5:30 PM Service 6:45 PM My Jewish Tulsa and Selichot

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— 28 AV THROUGH 27 ELUL 5776 Thursday, Sep. 1 - 28 Av Lucille Berman Joseph Foreman Robert Greenberg Avram Natan Nacht Dinah (D.G.) Sanditen Sophia Taubman Friday, Sep. 2 - 29 Av Anna Berman Sophie Eisen Tauben Harry M. Rubin Regina Mary West Saturday, Sep. 3 - 30 Av Edrea Ann Appleton Abraham Greenberg Ida Leah Stolov Sunday, Sep. 4 - 1 Elul Leon Brody Anna Markovitz Annie Geffen Sanofsky Bessie Skuy Monday, Sep. 5 - 2 Elul Andy Dickson Carl Fischbein Barbara Schreier Jennifer Reinstein Stern Tuesday, Sep. 6 - 3 Elul Theresa Andelman David Isaac Contente Shaine Rochel Donde William Tilkin Wednesday, Sep. 7 - 4 Elul Sam Moyen Fanny Neuwald Thursday, Sep. 8 - 5 Elul Maurice Binstock Joseph E. Borg Abraham Isralsky Clara Klein Myron Silver Melvin Stein

Friday, Sep. 9 - 6 Elul Jake Glenn Norman R. Wilcove Brock Zeff-Bakke

Friday, Sep. 16 - 13 Elul Lillian Rae Krawitz Lillian Rubin Barry Saveth

Saturday, Sep. 10 - 7 Elul Herman Deacon Cohen Jeanette Fedman

Saturday, Sep. 17 - 14 Elul Jack I. Brown Catherine B. Campbell Fannie Marks Allen Politzer Aaron Rabinovitz Sarah Roberts Kauffman Simon Selinger

Sunday, Sep. 11 - 8 Elul Samuel Cohen Cadi Klein Betsy Rosenthal-Davis Don Tranin Monday, Sep. 12 - 9 Elul Rose Fleischman Dr. Harry Green Harriet L. (Gerber) Harkavy Leonard Krasne Rachel Ungerman Tuesday, Sep. 13 - 10 Elul Gertrude Drissman Samuel Ettleman Ethel Golman Fell Mark Malkove Joseph Mandlebaum Reuben Getzel Prezma Louis F. Schnur Wednesday, Sep. 14 - 11 Elul Abe Alexander Aaron Goff Lawrence Siegel Thursday, Sep. 15 - 12 Elul Lionel E.Z. Aaronson O.G. Bortel Dudley Gottehrer Sophia Marks Lilian Moran Harry Robbin Sharon Romer Chaya Schwartzblatt Jewell Steinberg Surloff Harry J. Weiner

Sunday, Sep. 18 - 15 Elul Abe Charney Frank Goodman Sarah Magoon Nancy Sue Polishuk Ben Prezma Mike Robinowitz Evelyn Wolf Monday, Sep. 19 - 16 Elul Israel Friedberg Fannie A. Mizel Stockfish Louis Weiss Samuel Zolt Tuesday, Sep. 20 - 17 Elul Martin R. Abrams Rose Blacher Weinstein Wednesday, Sep. 21 - 18 Elul Harold Guller Luie Kurtz Esther Milan Pearl Myers Herman Sternfield Thursday, Sep. 22 - 19 Elul Samuel M. Kantor Abraham Krasne

Saturday, Sep. 24 - 21 Elul Celia Annette Albert Shirley Alcouloumre Miriam Davis Bluma (Lovie) Jacobson Sunday, Sep. 25 - 22 Elul Robert James Darby Tybie Mary Shavlow Herman Paul Taubman Nathan Tugenberg Monday, Sep. 26 - 23 Elul Mary Fedman Dorothy Teichman Tuesday, Sep. 27 - 24 Elul Celia Kirsh Adler Myra Gock Louis Kerbel Charles Israel Lebow Leah Singer Janice Taubman Gertrude (Gete) Weisman Wednesday, Sep. 28 - 25 Elul Herbert Berger Harold Ingle Josey Harry Krawitz Elsie Sternfield Maurice Arthur Weinstein Thursday, Sep. 29 - 26 Elul Rose Brown Michael Carson Tillie Feldman Israel Prescott Friday, Sep. 30 - 27 Elul Herman Appleman Ferd Falk

Friday, Sep. 23 - 20 Elul Mary Louise (White) Young Chaim Plost Max Samuel Eva Spector Wittels

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.