JOIN US for THE BEST Latkes in TOWN Dec. 21

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1 December 2014 Kislev Tevet 5775 Temple Beth-El 24 Coveway Drive Brownsville, Texas (956) JOIN US for THE BEST Latkes in TOWN Dec. 21 Happy Hanukkah

2 The True Meaning of Hanukkah Happy Hanukkah The original miracle of Hanukkah was that a committed band of people led a successful uprising against a much larger force, paving the way for Jewish independence and perhaps keeping Judaism itself from disappearing. It s an amazing story, resonant with America s own founding, that offers powerful lessons about standing up for one s convictions and challenging those in power. Many believe the rabbis in the Talmud recounted the miracle of the light alongside the military victory because they did not want to glorify war. That in itself is an important teaching, as are the holiday s related messages of renewal, hope and turning away from darkness. But it s a story with dark chapters as well, including the Maccabean leaders religious zealotry, forced conversions and deadly attacks on their neighbors. These transgressions need to be grappled with. And that is precisely what the most important Jewish holidays do: Jews on Passover spill out wine from their glasses to acknowledge Egyptian suffering caused by the 10 plagues, and congregations at Rosh Hashana read and struggle with God s order to Abraham to bind his son Isaac as a sacrifice. If we re going to magnify Hanukkah, we should do so because it offers the deeper meaning and opportunity for introspection that the major Jewish holidays provide. Tzedakah: Charity The obligation to perform tzedakah can be fulfilled by giving money to the poor, to health care institutions, to synagogues or to educational institutions. It can also be fulfilled by supporting your children beyond the age when you are legally required to, or supporting your parents in their old age. The obligation includes giving to both Jews and gentiles; contrary to popular belief, Jews do not just take care of our own. Contributions: We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who remember and honor their friends and loved ones through their donations. Contributions to the General Fund In loving memory of: Benjamin Hirschhorn By: Leon & Muriel Horn On the recent death of June Faris Pierce, (Mother of Mike Pierce) By: Julie & Bill Best Bernice Edelstein Education Fund In Honor of Mr. Leon Horn for receiving the first plaque in United States in memory of the Holocaust. By: Julie & Bill Best Bernice Edelstein Yahrzeit Fund In loving memory of: Her dear brother Mordechai Fuhrer By: Judith Neumann Flower Fund In loving memory of Betty Hayter & Sidney M. Zimel By: Bob & Ruth Hayter Building Fund In Memory of: Ralph Frapart & Mrs. June Farris Pierce By: Sylvia Holzman Hebrew Cemetery Luke & Rosie Fruia Julio Ramos

3 Good Recipes... Sweet Potato Pablano Latkes (Makes 6-8 Potato Pancakes) These are not your mother s latkes, but they are so delicious. Don t get me wrong I love traditional potato pancakes, but the sweet potatoes and pablano peppers have a such great flavor. I also added a bit of cayenne pepper to give them a little kick. The best thing is that they are quick and easy to make, so you can eat them as often as you like! Directions: Ingredients: 1 medium White Potato 1 medium Orange Sweet Potatoes 1/2 large Yellow Onion 1 Large Pablano Pepper 2 large Eggs 1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper 1/2 tsp. Salt 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper Oil for Frying (I use Canola) Slice the pablano pepper into thin strips about 2 in length. Set aside. Using a box grater, grate the potato, sweet potato, and onion. Place mixture in a cheese cloth, and twist to wring out all of hte excess liquid. In a large bowl, combine together potato mixture, pablano peppers, eggs and seasoning. Pour about 1/2 of oil into a pan, and heat. The oil should be hot enough that it sizzles when you add the latke mixture (or a drop of water). Form the mixture into small patties using the palm of your hand, and carefully drop into the hot oil. Fry in hot oil until crispy and brown on both sides (about 3 min per side).

4 Calendar of Events December Yahrzeits 05 **Elizabeth Rothenberg *Max Ziman *Mike Weisenthal Marky Wolf **Cecilia Freiman Toyve Greenspan 12 *Donald L. Leonard *Leonard Leonard **Sidney Zimel *Eli Edelstein Richard Witz 19 *Fred Kauffman *Alicia Pasol *Jennie Weisenthal Al Cook *Jerry Jokl **Sam Huddelsteon **Laura Sommer *Samuel Kenigstein *Peter Oshman Belle Witz 26 George Goldsmith Vickie Furgatch *Jacob Stein **Simon Rubinsky Virginia Gosse Morton Lasky Rosalie Steinberg Monthly Oneg December 21 Oneg Shabbat will be hosted by *Patricia & Morris Edelstein, Bernice Edelstein and Julie & Bill Best. Please come to services and enjoy some Mishpachah time and goodies. Oneg Reminder Please make sure to check the Oneg list when you are in charge. The list is a follows: Challa, decaf coffee, cream, sugar, fruit, nuts, cheese & crackers, cookies, cakes, cold drinks, cups, plastic ware, napkins, plates. Also, please make sure to clean after the Oneg is finished and take the tablecloths to be washed. We are all responsible for leaving our kitchen organized and in the conditions it was found. First night of chanukah The first night of chanukah falls on the 16 of December through the 23. Please bring your Hannukiahs Friday December the 19th so we can light our candles together. Happy Chanukah!!! Board Meeting: The Board of Directors meets every second Wednesday of the month in the Temple library. This month is going to be on the 10th. Everybody is welcome to attend the meetings. Mid-year Congregational meeting and Latke Brunch We will have our mid year congregational meeting and latke brunch, prepared by the men in our Congregation, Sunday December 21 at 10:30 am. Please make plans to come as we will discuss several topics that need your input. It is also time to get the Nominating Committee together. We will need new Board members, please think about becoming one. December Birthdays: 18 Adam Riezenman 22 LaVerne Harari 24 Sharon Levin Huerta 28 Lynn Victor 29 Zachary David Edelstein December Anniversaries: 09 Larry & Susan Holtzman 28 Leon & Muriel Horn Our services begin every Friday at 6:30 PM. Board bimah assignment: 05 Huerta Vayishlach 12 Kenigstein Vayeshev 19 Riezenman Miketz 26 Blinder Vayigash Saturday services begin at 9:30 AM with Torah study immediately following in the Temple Library.

5 Dear Members of Temple Beth-El: This letter is to let you know that we will have our mid year congregational meeting and latke brunch, prepared by the men in our Congregation, Sunday December 21 at 10:30 am. Please make plans to come as we will discuss several topics that need your input. It is also time to get the Nominating Committee together. We will need new Board members, please think about becoming one. Rossana Bogorad Temple Beth-El Administrator The annual Latke Breakfast and congregational meeting will be held on Dec 21,2014 at the temple. If you wish to help preparing latke s please confirm your acceptance ASAP. This year we are entering the 21st century in latke preparation. We purchased an electric potato grater. If the grater works the way it should, no more knuckle injuries. We will be taking donations to offset the cost of the electric grater. The cost of the grater was $400, a small price to pay for no knuckle pieces in the Latkes hahahahaha just kidding on the knuckles...not kidding on the donations.

6 Fun(ny) page Is Superman Jewish? 1) Superman was created by Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, two Jewish boys from Cleveland. 2) Superman s name on Krypton was Kal-El, which means Voice of God in Hebrew. 3) Superman was sent to Earth as a baby by his parents to save him from destruction; he was adopted by people not his own. This was like Moses, sent out in his basket to escape death and plucked from the bulrushes by the Pharaoh s daughter. 4) Kent could be an Americanization of Cohen though I have to say that there are no Kents in my family....see more reasons at: article/article aspx Do you know how difficult it is to find a Jewish Zebra? First night of chanukah The first night of chanukah falls on the 16 of December through the 23. Please bring your Hannukiahs Friday December the 19th so we can light our candles together. Happy Chanukah!!! Pencil Dreidel

7 Religious School News Dear Members of Temple Beth-El: Our Sunday School will be having our Annual Bake Sale on Sunday December 21 at 10:30 am. Please join us in helping our children have a successful event. Other News Vanessa Humm, Nathan Pierce fiancée was sworn in by Federal Judge Andrew Hanen on November 18, She is our community s newest attorney. Welcome Vanessa!

8 Sunday January 18th Fantastic Reception & Book signing to follow Jewish Bible Scholar to speak at Temple Beth-El 24 Coveway Dr. Brownsville, TX On the Bible s Cutting Room Floor FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Dr. Joel Hoffman The Bible you usually read is not the complete story. Some holy writings were left out for political or theological reasons, others simply because of the physical restrictions of ancient bookmaking technology. At times, the compilers of the Bible skipped information that they assumed everyone knew. Some passages were even omitted by accident. During his lecture, On the Bible s Cutting Room Floor, Dr. Joel M. Hoffman will give us many examples of the stories and other texts that didn t make it into the Bible even though they offer penetrating insight into the Bible and its teachings. His lectures are always filled with AHA moments! After his lecture, learn more from Dr. Joel Hoffman with a signed copy of his book Meet Joel Hoffman! And take home his book for only $26. Cash, Check, Credit or Debit Card. Dr. Joel M. Hoffman focuses on translation, Hebrew, and the Bible, and is known for his "fresh insights and interpretations about religious life in the 21st century." A popular speaker, Dr. Hoffman presents to churches, synagogues, community groups, and university audiences across the world. He holds a Ph.D. in linguistics and has served on the faculties of Brandeis University and Hebrew Union College. Another Proud Presentation of the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life For more Information: This Event is made possible by: The Temple Beth-El Education Fund RSVP temple.bethel@yahoo.com or Call

9 Hadassah Hadassah Book Club Hi Book Readers: We are reading The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure. The author s specialty is historic preservation and architecture. Therefore, writing this book as a gifted architect is perfect for him. The cover of the book says The Paris Architect asks us to consider what we owe each other, and just how far we ll go to make things right. Join us Sunday, December 14th at 10:00 a.m. in the Temple library to discuss this point! If you haven t read the book, please come anyway. We always need new members. See you December 14th. Harriet Light Hanukkah by the Sea village is on display at the Dean Porter Park until January 2nd. There is one new addition to Hanukkah by the Sea. There is a photo of Sean Carmeli. Look for it. We are taking donations for repairs of the house and perhaps a few new items that we can buy for next year. Thank you Robin Pierce Ongoing Fundraisers Temple Beth-El sells HEB cards. Please pick up one or a few here at the office. A percentage of the sales go to Hadassah and the temple but this is only possible if we all buy a card. HEB cards can be used for purchasing of groceries, gas and medicines.

10 Cemetery News Isadore Dorfman was born July 14, 1895 in Galveston, Texas to Julius and Sarah Leff Dorfman. He had only a third grade education but was home schooled by his mother. In his early years he aspired to be a professional ballroom dancer and danced with several famous people. As a spoiled young man growing up in Galveston he had the 1 st car in the town. While growing up he learned the jewelry business in Houston and Boston, Massachusetts. Isadore served in the United States infantry during WWI. He married Dorothy Oshman of Richmond, Texas August 10, His parents insisted that Dorothy keep a kosher home but Isadore s sisters would come over to cook bacon at her house. She decided they should move out of Houston so Isadore contacted some good friends in Brownsville in the furniture business by the name of Edelstein and were convinced to pack up their belongings and make the trek to the deep southern part of Texas. Isadore tried many side businesses from raising turkeys and pigeons to opening the first Edsel dealership in the valley. His first Brownsville jewelry store was on Elizabeth Street. Later when he got ill he was Dr. Michael E. DeBakey s first Dacron artery replacement patient. They told him he had to slow down so he closed the store and opened an office in the First National Bank building down the street. During the 1940 s Isadore had a business in Mexico manufacturing sterling silver lighters by the name of Dorcel (Dorfman-Celaya)/ His daughter, Elaine (Wiedermann), went down there to run the business for a while. Isadore continued to serve his country in the Texas Defense Guard as a Major and helped keep Brownsville safe. In 1952 Isadore purchased a piece of property on Palm Boulevard from Snake King and his granddaughter Jean Michael Wiedermann (Mehl) dug the first spade of dirt when he developed it into the first strip center in Brownsville. He moved his office from downtown and opened Dorfman s Jewelers of Palm Village Shopping Center. A few months later his youngest daughter, Sarah, with her husband Ralph Frapart and son, Jules, moved to Brownsville to open Ralph s of Palm Village, a woman s fine clothing store. One of the largest diamond importers from New York, Joe Lipschitz, used to travel to Brownsville just to visit Isadore and see his latest addition to his collection of natural colored diamonds. Isadore was involved in numerous organizations. He was a Master Mason and belonged to the Rio Grande Masonic Lodge in Brownsville (now located in the 1 st Cameron County Courthouse). Thanks to Jules Frapart for preparing this history about his grandfather Isadore Frapart.

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12 other stuff... If you have any events or pictures, please submit them for the Shofar and or website. LIVE Vist us at: Donations may be made to Temple Beth-El in memory, in honor, in appreciation, etc. for the following funds: General, Yahrzeit, Yizkor, Education, Building & Grounds, Flower, Torah, Cantor s Discretionary Funds. You may use this form: Donations form Please find enclosed a donation to the Fund, given in Honor Memory Appreciation Speedy recovery of Please send acknowledgment to: Name: Address: Donor information: Name: Address: Please note that any contribution submitted without a designated fund will be placed in the General Fund. Make checks payable to Temple Beth-El and mail to: 24 Coveway Brownsville, TX Thank you! Committees & Chairs Budget Committee: Chair, Mike Furgatch/Irwin Riezenman Building/Ground Committee: Javier Huerta Dues Committee & Membership Committee: Mike Furgatch Fundraising Committee: Alex Blinder/Morris Edelstein House Committee/Welcome Committee: Sara Kenigstein/Barry Goldsmith Library Committee: Harriet Light Religious School Committee: Patricia Edelstein/Leon Weisberg Ritual Committee: Sara Kenigstein Scholarship Committee: Larry Holtzman Temple Beth-El 24 Coveway Drive Brownsville, Texas (956) temple.bethel@yahoo.com