INSIDE THIS ISSUE. Tevet-Adar 5776 January-February

Transcription

1 Tevet-Adar 5776 January-February INSIDE THIS ISSUE Scholar-in-Residence!... Page 1 Men s Club Corner!... Page 2 Hazzan s Column!... Page 3 Eadie s Column & BESTT January!... Page 4 World Wide Wrap!... Page 5 Bar Mitzvah, Anniversaries!... Page 5 January Youth Group Programs!... Page 5 President s Corner!... Page 6 Yad Squad!... Page 6 Steve Kerbel!... Page 7 Tot Shabbat/Got Shabbat?!... Page 7 Pictures from Israel!... Page 8 BESTT February!... Page 8 Rosh Hodesh Shevat!... Page 8 Sisterhood Shabbat/Kugel Kiddush!.. Page 9 Sisterhood Scoop!... Page 10 Life & Legacy!... Page 10 We Share Your Joy!... Page 10 Board of Trustees Nominations!... Page 10 Rosh Hodesh Adar I!... Page 11 Bakers Community Rewards!... Page 11 Kadima Spaghetti Feed!... Page 11 Contributions!... Page 12 Detachable Calendar!... Page Sunday Speakers!... Page 15 Birthdays, Minyannaires!... Page 15 February Youth Group Programs!... Page 16 JFS Needs, Service Times!... Page 16 Women s Book Club!... Page 16 In Memoriam!... Page 16

2 2 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER Beth El Staff Steven Abraham!... Rabbi Michael Krausman!... Hazzan Larry DeBruin!... Executive Director Eadie Tsabari!... Director of Congregational Learning Margie Gutnik!... Program Director Michael Gerson!... Minyan Coordinator Melissa Massey!... Comptroller Laura Bair!... Kitchen Manager Cait Leff!... Office Manager Judy Tully!... Administrative Assistant Tamara Forte!... Executive Secretary Officers Joel Rich!... Beth El President Jon Jabenis!... Vice President Ari Riekes!... Vice President Jim Zipursky!... Vice President Men s Club Corner By Jason Blair Men s Club President Shalom Aleichem! The first order of business is to give a big Todah Rabbah to all the volunteers who assisted the Men s Club with the Annual Chinese Dinner. Without your help and support, this event would not be possible. We are all very fortunate to have such giving members in our community. Thank you for all you do! As we all settle into our winter routines, keep in mind the Men s Club will be hosting a couple of events in January and February. Our next Jews n Brews will be Sunday, January 17 at 6 pm. Please join us as we fire up the big screen, watch a game, and enjoy a little camaraderie and schmoozing. As is the Beth El tradition, the Men s Club will be participating in the World Wide Wrap on Sunday, February 7. This year we ve decided to get the BESTT kids more involved in this important program, and we are working with the teachers to implement some classroom instruction regarding the hows, whys, and spiritual contexts of laying T fillin. On the day of the event, our students will compete in a Wrap contest to show off their knowledge learned about this time-honored tradition. The purpose of the event is to educate the community about the Mitzvah of T fillin. The World Wide Wrap is not just to educate the kids though; if YOU would like assistance laying T fillin the day of the event, please arrive by 8:45 am and congregation members with extra sets of T fillin will be available to assist all wanting to fulfill this mitzvah. For more information, visit or contact Jason Blair at theblairs@rocketmail.com. Also in February, long time Men s Club member, Glen Fineman, will be hosting a Hearing Men s Voices" discussion. Hearing Men s Voices is an FJMC [Federation of Jewish Men s Clubs] program that Glen is extremely passionate about. More information will be forthcoming regarding this program as the topics are finalized. One recurring comment that I have heard from my regional and national FJMC contacts is that participants (both men and women) will definitely gain valuable information from the directed discussions. I hope all of you will consider attending this program and supporting Glen. He will be speaking at our Sunday Speakers Series on Sunday, February 21 at 11 am. Jay Gordman!... Treasurer Caryn Scheer!... Secretary Lloyd Roitstein!... Past President Lisa Marcus!... BESTT Chair Jason Blair!... Men s Club President Linda Fischer!... Sisterhood President Zev Krausman!... U.S.Y. President Looking ahead, it is almost time to organize the upcoming Men s Club Shabbat, scheduled for March 19. If you would like to reserve an honor before we start sending out the blanket s, please contact me directly at theblairs@rocketmail.com. In the past, individual participation has been amazing, and I am expecting we will keep raising the bar this year. One addition to this years service is the Club will be honoring both a man and youth of the year in accordance with the FJMC programming. We are finalizing the candidates for these awards, and given all the tremendous volunteers we have supporting our programming and the shul, the selection process will be difficult. Hope to see you soon, Jason Blair

3 YOUR HOME FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM 3 Shabbat Shira: A Celebration of Jewish Song and Jewish Women By Hazzan Michael Krausman One of the most exciting elements of our annual cycle of Torah reading is the joyous Song of the Sea or, Shirat Ha Yam. Found within the weekly portion of B Shalach, which recounts the movements of the newly freed Israelites as they begin to make their way to the Promised Land, the Shirat Ha Yam occurs immediately following the dramatic crossing of the Red Sea. The Song includes an account of how Miriam, Moses sister, leads the people in dance celebrating the successful crossing and the vanquishing of Pharaoh s pursuing army. Overflowing with ecstasy and gratitude, the children of Israel instinctively turn to song to express their deep emotions. Interestingly, the Song of the Sea is the first recorded prayer that simply praises God out of pure joy, rather than asking for a particular Blessing or favor. Shirat Ha Yam is documented in the Torah in a unique poetic language and style. The power of this hymn struck the framers of our liturgy so much that this ancient prayer is repeated each day in our morning service and portions of it, such as Mi Chamocha: Who is like unto thee O Lord?, are found in both the evening and morning prayers. In fact, it serves as the paradigmatic example of God s saving power. The Shabbat on which the weekly portion of B Shalach is read is known as Shabbat Shira the Sabbath of Song. This year, Shabbat Shira will occur on January 23, Shirat Ha Yam is chanted on Shabbat Shira by interspersing the beautifully majestic cantillation of the Song of Songs with the regular Torah cantillation melody. Shirat Ha Yam is not the only special song recited on Shabbat Shira. The Haftara contains the song of Deborah which describes how the heroine Yael saves the Hebrews from the mighty despot Sisera. (Spoiler Alert!) Yael invites the mighty warrior in to her home for a meal and ends up slaying him with a tent pin! You will have to come to services to get the whole story. Shabbat Shira is a time to reflect on the important role that music and song plays in our lives as Jews. It is also vital that Jewish music be used to enhance the atmosphere of our homes. Not only is music the best mechanism for expressing our deepest emotions, but it is the vehicle which transports prayers from our hearts to the gates of heaven. In fact in some instances such as Kol Nidre, the significance of the music exceeds that of the text. From Yiddish lullabies to Ladino love songs to the modern sounds of Israeli rock and roll, Jewish music is an integral part of the Jewish soul. Thus it is fitting that Shabbat Shira, the Shabbat on which we read one of the earliest and most striking incidents of musical expression, be dedicated to Jewish music. Due to the inspiration of the powerful biblical heroines about whom we read on Shabbat Shira, this Shabbat is also dedicated to celebrating the invaluable contribution our Sisterhood and all women make to our Beth El (continued on page 5) Gary Javitch, President 9740 Brentwood Road Omaha NE Phone: Fax: gary@mediation-omaha.com Jeff and Mari Rensch 78th & Dodge Street rd & K Plaza So. 132nd Street, Suite 200 Omaha, NE Ph: Fax: th & Maple Road Your West Omaha ENT & Audiology Connection Frances St., Suite 201 Omaha, NE omahaentclinic.com Voted #1 in Real Estate 4 years in a row JEFF MARI mari@renschgroup.com Thank you Beth El Synagogue For ad info. call Dan Hrdi at Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE A 4C

4 4 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER It Takes a Village By Eadie Tsabari, Director of Congregational Learning It takes a village to raise a child. This African saying has become more and more prevalent in our busy, high-speed world. I feel fortunate that Beth El Synagogue has become a part of your village and we are helping you raise your Jewish child. We try to be here for your family in happy times and at other times, too. To teach, learn and celebrate all things Jewish and to be part of your extended family. Although it s still cold outside, this is the time of year that we start to dream about summer and how our kids will fill their days. As our summer vacation gets shorter and shorter every year, I know that each day is precious and we have to make the best of them. Jewish summer camp is still the biggest bang for your Jewish dollar by far. The relationships built, the camaraderie developed and the pervasive Jewish spirit that infuses our kids are irreplaceable. From my own camping experience and that of my children, Jewish summer camp was probably the most influential activity that I ever invested in. And it is a huge investment. In Omaha, we are so fortunate to have both the Jewish Federation of Omaha and Beth El Synagogue here to help your kids have the experience of a lifetime. Everyone can apply and no kid needs to feel that they can t afford to go to camp. Center for Jewish Life The Jewish Experience Grant This gift from the Jewish Federation of Omaha is for children in grades 3-11 to encourage attendance at Jewish summer residential camp. Beth El Service Grant Program A Jewish living experience is the perfect complement to formal Jewish education. To enable our young people to go to Jewish camps or Israel programs, Beth El has established the Service Grant Program. Any members holding a primary membership with Beth El Synagogue who are registered BESTT or Hebrew High students can receive a grant to attend an approved program and "repay" the grant with service to Beth El during the following school year. Information will begin be posted beginning in January. Please use the resources available to your families. Together, we can give your kids the opportunity of a lifetime. We can make it happen. We want to help you make it happen. We are your village. BESTT Calendar January BESTT Hebrew School 4:15-6:15 pm Hebrew High Dinner & Classes 6:00-8:30 pm! 9 Shabbat s Cool - Grades :00 am - 12:30 pm 10 BESTT Hebrew School 9:45 am - 12:15 pm Torah Tots 10:30 am - 12:10 pm Kibbutz Chaverim Bowling 12:15-3:00 pm 13 BESTT Hebrew School 4:15-6:15 pm Hebrew High School 6:45-8:30 pm! 16 Bar Mitzvah of Danny Denenberg 10:00 am - 12:00 pm No Jr. Congregation or BESTT - MLK Weekend 20 BESTT Hebrew School 4:15-6:15 pm Hebrew High School 6:45-8:30 pm! 22 Family Shabbat - Led by Grades 4-5 Tot Shabbat/Got Shabbat? 6:00 pm Services followed by Shabbat Dinner 23 Jr. Congregation 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 24 BESTT Hebrew School 9:45 am - 12:15 pm Mitzvah Fair - Grades :15-11:45 am Torah Tots 10:30 am - 12:10 pm 27 BESTT Hebrew School 4:15-6:15 pm Hebrew High School 6:45-8:30 pm 30 Jr. Congregation 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Eadie Tsabari 31 BESTT Hebrew School 9:45 am - 12:15 pm

5 YOUR HOME FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM 5 Shabbat Shira (continued from page 3) community. Celebrate with us when our wonderful Sisterhood will be leading the service, reading the Torah and teaching on this special Shabbat. Bar Mitzvah Please come and pray with us on Shabbat Shira, January 23, 2016, as our dedicated and vigorous sisterhood leads us in a celebration of these most vital aspects of Jewish life: Jewish Song and Jewish women. Hazzan Michael Krausman World Wide Wrap Sunday, February 7 Minyan 8:45 am BESTT Breakfast Wraps for all 9:30 am BESTT Assembly on T fillin Wrapping 10:00 am BESTT Classes!! 10:30 am - 12:15 pm Parents are encouraged and invited to learn about the beauty of laying T Fillin. Bring your own or we can provide you with a set. January Youth Group Programming January 3, 11 am Omelets and Omanut January 10, 12:15 pm Kibbutz Chaverim Bowling January USY Shabbaton in St. Louis January 24, 12:15 pm USY/Kadima Ice Skating January 27, 5:00 pm USY Minute to Win It Kadima Nerf Wars January 31 Kadima Spaghetti Feed - 12:30 pm USY Bowling - 2:30 pm January 16, 2016 Danny Denenberg Son of Steve & Tippi Denenberg Anniversaries With 5-Year Multiples JANUARY Stanley & Ellene Edelstein John Stern & Cynthia Shafer-Stern FEBRUARY Bruce Potash & Linda Neumann-Potash Commercial Industrial Residential Sheet Metal Locally owned and operated for over 95 years! 6102 Arbor St. Omaha, NE TILMER S Tree Care, Inc. Systemic Injection Pruning & Shaping Fertilizing Removal Spraying Shrub Care 1st Class Licensed Aborist Tilmer Stone Fully Insured Free Estimates Belgrade Company (402) Rotella s Italian Bakery has built its reputation on quality and service. Our eighty plus years experience in the wholesale bakery business has established us as one of the premier wholesale bakeries in the industry. An Omaha family tradition since South 108th Street La Vista, NE Phone: [402] Fax: [402] Tritz Plumbing Inc. Family owned since Repair Remodel For ad info. call Dan Hrdi at Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE B 4C

6 6 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER We Thank Our Yad Squad The following members read Torah/ Haftarah in November: Chayei Sara Steve Riekes Michael Gerson Ben Shapiro Alan Shulewitz Spencer Gordman Jay Gordman Haftarah - Ari Saltzman Toldot Glen Fineman Sally Zipursky Steve Riekes Yonatan Feldstern Zach Stein Howard Kaplan Haftarah - Nancy Rips Vayetzei Sharon Brodkey Steve Riekes Marty Shukert Yonatan Feldstern Caryn Scheer Ben Shapiro Alan Shulewitz Haftarah - Ruben Furst Vayishlach Ben Shapiro Sharon Brodkey Yonatan Feldstern Josh Klein Caryn Scheer Haftarah - Rebecca Murow President s Corner By Joel Rich, President of the Board of Trustees In November, I had the privilege of attending the United Synagogue Biennial Convention. The theme for the conference was Shape the Center. There were over 100 speakers leading multiple sessions each day, making it a real challenge to select which sessions would best help Beth El. The opportunity to spend Shabbat and a couple of days with over 1,000 of the past, present and future leaders of Conservative Judaism was truly energizing. To see the enthusiasm of our youth (there were over 250 USYers in attendance) and the dedication of the experienced leaders was very rewarding. Nothing makes you more confident about the future of our movement as seeing hundreds of Conservative Jewish teens singing and dancing with excitement and enthusiasm! Two of the speakers discussing how Conservative Judaism needs to remain relative to the times and needs of our generation were Chancellor Arnold Eisen of the Jewish Theological Seminary and Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, Dean at the Zigler School of Rabbinic Studies. Eisen shared his thoughts on how Conservative Judaism has evolved and must continue to do so. Rabbi Artson shared exciting ideas on what needs to be done to continue to attract today's Jews and what different approaches to consider. Rabbi Artson will be a Scholar-in-Residence at Beth El for the last Shabbat of January. He is a very interesting speaker and you will want to experience his insight. Rabbi Steven Wernick, Chief Executive Officer of the USCJ, opened the convention, stressing how important it is to be part of the developing world of Conservative Judaism. He outlined a program, The Validation Project, first initiated by a USYer to use their special talents to make a positive mark on the world. It now has spread around the world, engaging more than 5,000 young people working one-on-one to raise awareness of issues such as bullying and domestic violence and advocating for equality. This very inspiring project shows the impact one person can have on helping people. Rabbi Wernick urged everyone to make the best use of the resources available at the convention. Other sessions and discussions were worthwhile as we position Beth El to grow in the future. Discussions were as varied as Welcoming Interfaith Families to Dues Models for Future Sustainability, to Staffing Models to Relationships with other "non traditional" members of the community. While visiting with others at the Biennial, it became apparent that Beth El is well positioned for the future and is doing many great things. We can be proud of the progress we have made. The closing session was lead by Rabbi David Wolpe of Los Angeles. He asked everyone to think about how to describe the "style" of Judaism we practice. Sharing ideas for a new "tagline" generated many interesting and unique ideas. The session was shared online and everyone was invited to make suggestions on Twitter. It was exciting to be part of such an important brainstorming session. There are many ways to describe Conservative Judaism other than "the one in the middle." With leaders from across the world, the outlook is strong for developing and attracting a wider audience of Jews who will, in the future, Shape the Center! Joel Rich

7 Steve Kerbel to Speak Shabbat Morning Saturday, February 6 During morning services YOUR HOME FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM 7 Steve Kerbel to Present Israeli Wine Saturday, February 6 7:30 pm at Beth El Join us as we welcome Steve Kerbel as our Shabbat speaker on Saturday, February 6. His topic will be, Putting the Joy Back in Judaism. Kerbel is an independent education consultant in the Greater Washington DC area, having been involved in formal and informal Jewish education for the last 30 years. He has served as Director of Education for Congregation B nai Tzedek, Potomac, Maryland, and the inaugural Retreat Director of Capital Camps & Retreat Center in Waynesboro, PA, and Director of Education of Ohr Kodesh Congregation in Chevy Chase, MD. Kerbel also served on the faculty at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, MD, and has been an educational consultant to the Seaboard Region of USCJ and USY. We look forward to welcoming him to Beth El Synagogue and urge you to join us to hear him speak. Join special guest Steve Kerbel for a tasting of Israeli wines. In additional to his educational expertise, Steve also has an avocation in presenting wine tastings featuring Israeli wines. In his wine tastings, Steve teaches about the geography from which the wines come along with information about the wine makers. He also discusses how wine has been a part of Jewish tradition and shares information on the various wines he serves at his Seder dinners. This wine-tasting event is co-sponsored by the Center for Jewish Life, Beth El, Beth Israel, and Temple Israel. Mark your calendars now to attend this fun, educational event. Registration information to follow. Tot Shabbat/Got Shabbat? January 22 & February 19: 6:00 pm services, followed by Shabbat Dinner Be part of our special Friday night Shabbat celebrations that are filled with singing, movement and prayer. Join other families with young children to explore the wonder and value of Jewish community. Stay after these children s services for Shabbat dinner and a chance to socialize. Designed for children 2nd grade and younger, but all are welcome! Register online at Home Technology Tutor INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING Generations of Love - A Legacy of Excellence Call today to schedule your personal tour W. Dodge Rd. Omaha, NE David M. Cohen, Ph.D. President Personal Computers Made Simple! Phone/text: Entertainment for business events and private parties TTGShows.com ~ Serving the Omaha Community ~ Turf Care Landscaping Landscape Lighting Irrigation Tree & Shrub Care Mowing Ray Ostronic, President Phone: Fax: For ad info. call Dan Hrdi at Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE C 4C

8 8 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER BESTT Calendar February BESTT Hebrew School 4:15-6:15 pm Hebrew High Dinner & Classes 6:00-8:30 pm! 6 Jr. Congregation 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 7 Breakfast Wraps 9:30-10:00 am World Wide Wrap & Hebrew School 10:00 am - 12:15 pm Torah Tots 10:30 am - 12:10 pm Kevah Family Program - Grades :15 am - 12:15 pm 10 BESTT Hebrew School 4:15-6:15 pm Hebrew High School 6:45-8:30 pm! No Jr. Congregation or BESTT President s Weekend 17 BESTT Hebrew School 4:15-6:15 pm Hebrew High School 6:45-8:30 pm 19 Tot Shabbat/Got Shabbat? 6:00 pm Services followed by Shabbat Dinner 20 Shabbat s Cool - Grades :00 am - 12:30 pm! 21 BESTT Hebrew School 9:45 am - 12:15 pm Torah Tots 10:30 am - 12:10 pm 24 BESTT Hebrew School 4:15-6:15 pm Hebrew High School 6:45-8:30 pm 27 Jr. Congregation 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 28 BESTT Hebrew School 9:45 am - 12:15 pm Babies, Bigger Kids & Bagels In December, the Mega Teen Mission gave teens and clergy from all three synagogues the opportunity to experience Israel together.

9 Sisterhood Shabbat is Saturday, January 23 Here s your chance to get involved! YOUR HOME FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM 9 There are Hebrew and English opportunities available, as well as non-speaking parts. Please let us know if you are available, and what part interests you. We would love to know if you are able to read Torah or lead a service. If you have never done it before, but are willing, please let us know as the Hazzan has graciously offered to provide whatever support you need (CD, meeting, skype conference, etc.) This is a great opportunity to branch out and try something new with the support of your sisters! Contact co-chairmen heatherkelln@yahoo.com or lkrausman@gmail.com asap to secure your favorite part of the service. Looking forward to hearing from everyone! Heartland Dental Welcomes New Patients Peter J. Gimenez, D.D.S. 132nd & Maple Next To Old Chicago West Maple Dental Specialists Lourdes M. Secola-Ocanto DMD, M.Sc.D, DDS We Specialize in Treating: Infants Children Adolescents Young Adults Special Needs W. Maple Rd., Omaha, NE Enterprise Bank 4320 S 102nd St, Omaha, NE Member FDIC W. Center Rd. 210 Regency Pkwy. Omaha, NE Omaha, NE Ph: Ph: For ad info. call Dan Hrdi at Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE D 4C

10 10 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER Sisterhood Scoop By Linda Fischer Sisterhood President Greetings! It's hard to believe that winter is around the corner and that another year has ended so quickly. I hope everyone had a joyous Chanukah. I also hope everyone enjoyed Beth El s yummy Shabbat Chinese Buffet on December 25. This annual tradition is something that many people look forward to attending and Sisterhood was happy to be part of the group of volunteers to help make it happen. Here are some updates for the upcoming year. Sisterhood Shabbat is around the corner. We would love for you to attend as well as participate in the service on January 23. Contact Laurel Krausman or Heather Kelln to participate. For Kiddush lunch following Sisterhood Shabbat this year, we invite you to make your favorite Kugel. See the details on page 9 and then sign up online to let us know which day you plan to bake, and to provide a copy of the recipe so we can have all the ingredients on hand. Thanks to Jane Dreyfus and Caryn Rifkin for hosting our Women s Rosh Hodesh for Tevet in December. We learned about the work of One World Community Health Center from CEO and Beth El congregant Andrea Skolkin and made blankets for donation to the center. Upcoming Rosh Hodesh activities include a Women's Tu B'Shevat Seder chaired by Alice Weiss on Sunday, January 24 and a sample Women's Self Defense Class taught by Sandy Gordon on Wednesday, February 10. If there is interest, Beth El will offer a 4-week class as a follow-up. Our Book Club will meet on February 3, 7:00 pm at Deb Kutler's home to discuss the book, "The Debt of Tamar" by Nicole Dweck. Our thanks go out to Deb for hosting February's meeting and to Darlene Golbitz for taking over the management of the group. We will roll up our sleeves once again and bake delicious Hamentashen on Sundays, February 28 & March 6 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. Be watching for a reminder in your inbox. This is an annual service project for our synagogue. We also bake so we can deliver these holiday goodies to residents of the Blumkin Home and shut-ins. Have a happy and a healthy new year. Stay warm and keep the home fires burning. We Share Your Joy On the Birth of: Oscar Zachary Dubrow Son of Kathleen & Sam Dubrow Best Regards, Linda J. Fischer Ibrahim Asif Kotok Grandson of Shane & David Kotok Nominations Open for Board of Trustees If you have the time and energy to get more involved in Beth El, consider serving on the Board of Trustees. The Board's primary objective is to serve Beth El's current needs and provide strategic planning for its future. The names of all congregants interested in serving on the board will be reviewed by the nominating committee, chaired by Lloyd Roitstein. To submit a name, contact loyd Roitstein at lloyd.roitstein@gmail.com or submit a name online at

11 YOUR HOME FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM 11 Re-enroll in Bakers Community Rewards Program to Help Beth El Bakers Grocery has announced the renewal of its Community rewards program with Beth El for To participate, register your Bakers Plus card online and designate Beth El Synagogue as your non-profit charity. Once enrolled, Beth El receives cash rewards each time you shop and use your Bakers Plus card. There is no cost to enroll and the program does not affect your fuel discount points or any coupon discounts. Even if you ve participated in the past, you will need to re-enroll for 2016 for Beth El to continue to benefit. To enroll, go to and follow the posted instructions. If you have any questions, contact the synagogue office for assistance. We thank Bakers and we thank YOU for your continued support of this community partner program. Rosh Hodesh Adar I Wednesday, February 10 7:30 pm at Beth El Join us in the West Court for Rosh Hodesh Adar I, when Beth El member and Self-Defense teacher and 3rd Degree Black Belt, Sandy Gordon, will give us a taste of her Keep It Simple Self Defense course. This interactive training session is designed to help you learn practical reality-based self defense in just a short amount of time. If there is interest following this sample session, Sandy will teach a four-week (1 hour per session) course that will cover how to anticipate and avoid dangerous situations; review safety basics; learn practical blocks, counter strikes and escapes and most importantly feel the confidence needed to perform these tasks. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing! Kadima Spaghetti Feed - Support Friends of the IDF Sunday, January 31-12:30-2:00 pm Cost: $5 per person/$20 per family of 4 or more Includes pasta, salad, breadsticks & dessert RSVP to Eadie at etsabari@bethel-omaha.org by January 25 Meet IDF Soldier Mica Solomon Fine Photography % Discount for Beth El Members Bar Mitzvahs Weddings Senior Portraits Special Events Mathew A. Davey, M.D., FAAD James M. Shehan, M.D., FAAD Amy K. Price, PA-C ph fax Pierce St, Suite 120 Omaha, NE Just off of 130th and Pacific Counseling Emergency Financial Assistance, Food Pantry Parenting Class Tzedakah and Project Dreidel Professional Snow & Ice Management (402) Contact Dan Hrdi to place an ad today! DHrdi@4LPi.com or (800) x2562 For ad info. call Dan Hrdi at Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE E 4C

12 12 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER Contributions to Named Endowment & Synagogue Funds This Kol lists contributions received by December 13, Donations received after that date will be listed in the next edition of the Kol. Contributions to Named s 21st Century In Memory of: Dorothy Yaffe Yahrzeit of: Harold Epstein Lorri Anne & Saul Z. Davis In Memory of: Ann Belmont, Lily Kay Drazen Family Summer Experience In Memory of: Lily Kay, Carol Schneider Donna Bernstien-Epstein In Memory of: Dorothy Yaffe Willis Epstein Birthday of: Gary Epstein Barbara & Dean Frankel Yahrzeit of: Rachel Segall Milton Marcus Instrumental Music Yahrzeit of: Betty Krasne Lee Jane Parsow In Memory of: Cantor Gabriel Berkovits, Lily Kay, Ida Richards, Dorothy Yaffe David & Ida Potash In Memory of: Ann Belmont. Recovery of: Merle Potash, Ruth Potash Yahrzeit of: Toby Dolgoff, Max Kaplan, Ida Potash, Chaya Dvora Potashnick, Grayce Slavin, Helene Wasserman Jerold I. Rosen Yahrzeit of: Monet Wintroub Stephen R. Skid In Memory of: Lily Kay, Dorothy Yaffe Harold & Etta Epstein Chapel Fund In Memory of: Jenda "Etta" Epstein General Fund In Memory of: Jenda "Etta" Epstein, Lily Kay, Cherie Kutler, Ida Richards, Lois J. Schrager, Dorothy Yaffe Yahrzeit of: Bess Brodkey, Rose Cohn, Eva Kosinovsky, Leo Paul Kravitz, Phillip Ostravich, Mae Ostrow, Sondra Ostrow, Paul Sacks, Samuel Shekhtman, Gerald Stein, Marjorie Weiss Mitzvah Meals Fund Yahrzeit of: Morris Miller, Lillie Steinhorn, Raymond Steinhorn Music Fund In Memory of: Ann Belmont, Cantor Gabriel Berkovits, Lily Kay, Carol Schneider, Dorothy Yaffe. Yahrzeit of: Dwayne Kushner Prayer Book Fund Yahrzeit of: Reva Goldstein General Memory of: Ida Epstein. Recovery of: Merle Potash Ann Goldstein Yahrzeit of: Theodore Gershun David & Idell Itkin Memory of: Cantor Gabriel Berkovits Marcel & Ilse Kahn Yahrzeit of: Arthur Walker Alan S. Kulakofsky Yahrzeit of: Frances Fox Lucille White Kitchen Yahrzeit of: Joseph Goldstein, William Pollak Arnold Stern In Memory of: Corinne Polsky Jerome Zeffren & Rosalyn and Andrea Zeffren-Alter In Memory of: Dorothy Yaffe Yahrzeit of: Andrea Zeffren Alter Contributions to Named Synagogue Funds Beth El Scholars Fund Birthday of: Morley Zipursky In Appreciation of: Allan and Janie Murow Yahrzeit of: Lori Sweet, Ruth Sweet Building Fund Yahrzeit of: Sylvia Summer Early Childhood Fund Yahrzeit of: Bertha Cook Rabbi's Discretionary Fund In Memory of: Ann Belmont, Ida Richards, Carol Schneider, Dorothy Yaffe Bert & Ruth Render Memorial Fund Yahrzeit of: Bert Render Ritual Fund Yahrzeit of: Leonard Lewis Scholarship Fund In Memory of: Ann Belmont, Lily Kay, Cherie Kutler, Fr. John P. Schlegel, Dorothy Yaffe Recovery of: Rabbi Paul Drazen, Beverly Fellman, Igor Mosenkis. Yahrzeit of: Miriam Cooper, Adele Mandell Youth Education Fund In Memory of: Ann Belmont, Cantor Gabriel Berkovits, Lily Kay, Dorothy Yaffe Yahrzeit of: Norman Anon, Elaine Bernstein, Isadore Plotkin

13 3 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 11:00 am - USY Program BESTT Winter Break 10 9:45 am - BESTT 10:30 am - Torah Tots 11:00 am - Sunday Speaker 11:00 am - Adult B nai Mitzvah Class 12:15 pm - BESTT Kibbutz Chaverim Bowling 17 11:00 am - Adult B nai Mitzvah Class 6:00 pm - Jews n Brews No BESTT - MLK Weekend 24 9:45 am - BESTT 10:30 am - Torah Tots 11:00 am - Sunday Speaker 11:00 am - Adult B nai Mitzvah Class 12:15 pm - USY/Kadima Ice Skating 4:00 pm - Tu B Shevat Seder 31 9:45 am - BESTT 10:00 am - Sunday Speaker 11:00 am - Adult B nai Mitzvah Class 12:30 pm - Kadima Spaghetti Feed 2:30 pm - USY Bowling :00 pm - Who Wrote the Bible Lunch & Learn 12 12:00 pm - Who Wrote the Bible Lunch & Learn 7:00 pm - BESTT Committee Meeting 19 12:00 pm - Who Wrote the Bible Lunch & Learn 7:00 pm - Board of Trustees Meeting 26 12:00 pm - Who Wrote the Bible Lunch & Learn 6 4:15 pm - BESTT 6:00 pm - Hebrew High Dinner and Classes 6:15 pm - Who Wrote the Bible Evening Class 13 4:15 pm - BESTT 6:45 pm - Hebrew High 20 4:15 pm - BESTT 6:15 pm - Who Wrote the Bible Evening Class 6:45 pm - Hebrew High 27 4:15 pm - BESTT 5:00 pm - USY Minute to Win It & Kadima Nerf Wars 6:15 pm - Who Wrote the Bible Evening Class 6:45 pm - Hebrew High :00 pm - Shanghai :00 pm - Nebraska AIDS Luncheon Family Shabbat and Tot Shabbat/Got Shabbat? 29 7:00 pm - Dinner with Rabbi Bradley Artson Scholar-in-Residence 2 9:30 am - Shabbat Services 12:00 pm - New Year s Mimosas after services 4:45 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 9 9:30 am - Cup of Coffee with God 10:00 am - Shabbat s Cool 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 4:45 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 16 9:30 am - Shabbat Services 10:00 am - Bar Mitzvah of Danny Denenberg 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 5:00 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 23 9:30 am - Sisterhood Shabbat Services 10:00 am - Jr. Congregation 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 5:00 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 30 9:30 am - Shabbat Services 10:00 am - Jr. Congregation 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 12:00 pm - Kiddush Lunch with Rabbi Bradley Artson 5:15 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv Scholar-in-Residence YOUR HOME FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM 13 January 2016

14 7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9:45 am - BESTT 10:30 am - Torah Tots 9:30 am - BESTT Breakfast & World Wide Wrap 11:00 am - Sunday Speaker 11:00 am - Adult B nai Mitzvah Class 14 11:00 am - Adult B nai Mitzvah Class No BESTT - Pres. Weekend 21 9:45 am - BESTT 10:30 am - Torah Tots 11:00 am - Sunday Speaker 11:00 am - Adult B nai Mitzvah Class 28 9:00 am - Hamantaschen Baking 9:45 am - BESTT 9:45 am - Babies, Bigger Kids & Bagels 11:00 am - Sunday Speaker 11:00 am - Adult B nai Mitzvah Class :00 pm - Who Wrote the Bible Lunch & Learn 9 7:30 pm - BESTT Committee Meeting 16 12:00 pm - Who Wrote the Bible Lunch & Learn 7:00 pm - Board of Trustees Meeting :15 pm - BESTT 6:00 pm - High School Dinner & Classes 6:15 pm - Who Wrote the Bible Evening Class 7:00 pm - Women s Book Club at the Home of Debi Kutler 10 4:15 pm - BESTT 6:15 pm - Who Wrote the Bible Evening Class 6:45 pm - Hebrew High 7:30 pm - Rosh Hodesh Adar I Meeting 17 4:15 pm - BESTT 6:15 pm - Who Wrote the Bible Evening Class 6:45 pm - Hebrew High 24 4:15 pm - BESTT 6:45 pm - Hebrew High :00 pm - Shanghai 18 5:00 pm - USY Game Night & Kadima Nerf Wars 25 5 OUR SHABBAT TABLES :00 pm - Tot Shabbat/Got Shabbat? 26 11:30 am - Nebraska AIDS Luncheon 6 9:30 am - Shabbat Services Shabbat Speaker: Steve Kerbel 5:15 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 7:30 pm - Israeli Wine Tasting with Steve Kerbel USY/KADIMA SHUL-IN 13 9:30 am - Shabbat Serivces 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 20 9:30 am - Minyan in the Round 10:00 am - Shabbat s Cool 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 27 9:30 am - Shabbat Services 10:00 am - Jr. Congregation 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 5:45 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 14 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER February 2016

15 YOUR HOME FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM 15 January 10! Oliver Pollak Navigating Family History on Four Continents: Taste, Memory and Documentation 24! Dr. Moshe Gershovich Love for France and Passion for Judaism: Adolphe Crémieux and the Alliance Israélite Universelle 31! Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson Renewing the Process of Creation February 7! Steve Kerbel! Jewish Humor in American Film 21! Glen Fineman! Hearing Men s Voices - Program sponsored by Federation of Jewish Men s Clubs 28! Curtis Hutt - Associate Professor of Religious Studies, UNO! Topic TBA Birthdays With 5-Year Multiples JANUARY Helen Abrahamson Marley Atlas Helena Backman Myles Backman Angela Brodsky Kathleen Dubrow Julia Edelstein Lexi Epstein Spencer Fields Ronald Giller Allison Gordman Jeffrey Kirshenbaum Richard Lerner Igor Meerovich Chad Menin Toni Rosen Melissa Shapiro Anne Skolkin Lazar Turetsky Gabrielle Witkowski FEBRUARY Samuel Cemaj Ronald Cooper Kaye Giller William Ginsburg Miranda Kahn Mark Kelln Sara Kohen Hannah Leff Evelyn Mitchell David Phillips Carl Riekes Marina Sadofsky Janette Salkin Chad Shulewitz Judith Stern Sherry Taxman Minyannaires Thanks to the following members of Beth El who attended at least one daily service between November 9 & December 13: Rabbi Abraham Brandy Bailey King Jason Blair Sharon Brodkey Arlene Cohen Paul Cohen William Cohen David Cooper Judy Cooper Larry DeBruin Bill Dreyfus Jane Dreyfus Jay Durmaskin Stanley Edelstein Ellene Edelstein Gary Epstein Lisa Epstein Ronald Epstein Ronald Feldman Yonatan Feldstern Glen Fineman David Finkle Pam Friedlander Morris Friedman Sheryl Friedman Cindy Friedman Michael Gerson Michael Giventer Irwin Goldenberg Donald Goldstein Betsy Goodman Dolores Goodman Michael Goodman Miriam Gottlieb Lea Grunkin Margie Gutnik Bruce Gutnik M'Lee Hasslinger David Herzog Jon Jabenis Fred Kader Sarah Kader Marcel Kahn Howard Kaiman Howard Kaplan Gloria Kaslow Howard Kaslow Judy Katskee Milton Katskee Leslie Kay Mark Kelln Steve King David Kotok Shane Kotok Laurel Krausman Hazzan Krausman Zach Krausman Zev Krausman Larry Kronick Janie Kulakofsky Joan Latchaw Scott Lustgarten Joan Marcus Myron Marko Lynda Mirvish Allan Murow Janie Murow Carol Nathan Ira Nathan Andy Nathan Dennis Paley Tomer Palmon Sandra Passer Steve Pitlor Karen Pollak Oliver Pollak Merle Potash Amy Reynolds Joel Rich Mary Rich Steven Riekes Caryn Rifkin Gary Rifkin Nancy Rips Lloyd Roitstein Marti Rosen-Atherton Sidney Rosenblatt Dottie Rosenblum Caryn Scheer Edward Schneider Ben Shapiro Michelle Shkolnick Stanley Silverman Tootie Simon Nancy Skid Kieran Smith Josh Stein Amy Tipp Steven Tipp Eadie Tsabari Judy Tully Stewart Tully Phyllis Wasserman Esther Wax James Wax Steven Wees Holly Weill Rita Yaffe

16 Beth El Synagogue California St. Omaha, NE NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID OMAHA, NE PERMIT #138 Beth El is a PROUD member of USCJ Women s Book Club Meeting Wednesday, February 3, 7:00 pm Home of Debi Kutler The Beth El Sisterhood Book Club has been meeting every 6-8 weeks for the past year. Conversations have been stimulated by the creative discussion questions prepared by one of the club members. We have been privileged to speak to one of our authors by phone, and received information and recipes from another. Following our goal of reading about strong women from varied cultures, we have prepared snacks based on cultures represented in our book selections. The next book,the Debt of Tamar by Nicole Dweck, promises to take us from Iberia and the Ottoman Empire to New York. We are open to any readers wishing to join our group! For more information, contact Darlene Golbitz at darlene. golbitz@gmail. com. In Memoriam Beth El extends profound sympathy to the families of: Ann Belmont Mira Etus Donald Hoberman Lily Kay Erika Neumann Dorothy Yaffe May the All-Merciful comfort and sustain them in their sorrow. The Jewish Family Service Food Pantry Needs Our Help The Jewish Family Service Food Pantry is especially looking for the following items to provide for the community in need: Fruit Spread - with no sugar or sweeteners Canned Fruit - packed in fruit juice only Canned Beans - other than pork or green beans Items should be brought to the collection bins at Beth El Synagogue s Community Court in January and February. Candle Lighting & Service Times Friday Evening Candle Lighting: January 1!... 4:47 pm January 8!... 4:54 pm January 15!... 5:01 pm January 22!... 5:09 pm January 29!... 5:18 pm February 5!... 5:27 pm February 12!... 5:36 pm February 19!... 5:44 pm February 26!... 5:53 pm Mincha/Ma ariv! Service Schedule: January 2!... 4:45 pm January 9!... 4:45 pm January 16!... 5:00 pm January 23!... 5:00 pm January 30!... 5:15 pm February 6!... 5:15 pm February 13!... 5:30 pm February 20!... 5:30 pm February 27!... 5:45 pm February Youth Group Programming February 6 USY/Kadima Shul-in February Kadima Kinnus in Ogden, IA February 18, 5:00 pm USY Board Game Night Kadima Karaoke Night February 21, 24 & 28 Purim Carnival Calls