Beth Israel Congregation s

Transcription

1 Beth Israel Congregation s May 2013/5774 BULLETIN Rabbi s Message I recently finished reading the brilliant 2011 historical novel In the Garden of the Beasts by Erik Larson. Several congregants had recommended this brilliant work of non-fiction that reads as an incredible page turner. Once you start to read this portrayal of Berlin in the 1930s, you cannot put it down. The book resonated personally with me because I had traveled to Berlin in 2011, and knew all the locations the author was describing. The title of the book refers to Tiergarten, the large park in the middle of the city. The novel documents the rise of Hitler and the Third Reich in Germany through the eyes of the American Ambassador to Germany, William Dodd, and his daughter Martha. The meticulously researched work shares the ambivalence of the United States to the persecution of the Jews in the 1930s in Germany due to both American anti-semitism and personal indifference. The upper class socialites in Germany were more focused on their parties and cultural activities to be concerned with legislation passed against Jews and violence committed against them. Ironically, I have just read that Hollywood has plans to make this literary gem into a major motion picture. The rumor is that Michel Hazanavicus, the director of The Artist has asked Tom Hanks to play the part of Ambassador Dodd and for Natalie Portman to play his daughter Martha. The theme of the book is the apathy of both Americans and Germans in response to the rise of Hitler in the 1930s when he could have been stopped. The very same message was shared in our Holocaust Memorial in April. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) dedicated this year s commemoration to Heeding the Warning Signs and taught the history of Hitler s rise to power. I think we can see and have seen many warning signs in our country today particularly in light of the hideous bombing of the Boston Marathon, which result in the murder of three innocent individuals as well as the profound injury of more than two hundred people. The warning signs of Islamism have been with us for quite some time now. However, since September 11 th, most Americans have forgotten that radical Islam continues to grow throughout the world as it influences young men like the Tsarnaev brothers. Continued on Page 2 May Save the Date! 15 th Shavuot Yizkor Service, 7:30 PM 17 th Café Shabbat Service, 7:30 PM Beth Israel Religious School: Tuesday, May 7 and 14, 4:00 PM Sunday, May 5, 12 and 19 (last day of school), 10:00 AM Kesher T sirim Sunday, May 12 at 10:00 AM General Service Schedule Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. Shabbat Candle Lighting Times May 3 7:37 PM May 10 7:44 PM May 17 7:50 PM May 24 7:56 PM May 31 8:01 PM Are you planning to attend the Annual Beth Israel Congregational Meeting? Tuesday, June 4, :00 PM in the BI Social Hall Look back on the last year, hear plans for the coming, elect the new slate of officers and have a nosh with friends. See you there!

2 Rabbi s Message, Continued For some reason, American Jews feel they are immune from the effects of Islamism. However, it should be noted that Tamerlan Tsarnaev s spiritual mentor had been Feiz Mohammad of Australia. The latter laughed when he called for the killing of Jews. Mr. Tsarnaev was about to buy the infamous anti-semitic tract The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a Russian forgery that describes Jews through anti- Semitic stereotypes. If we heed the warning signs, we become aware of the reality that Jewish security is threatened in many cities in Europe. Islamists have attacked Jewish individuals in Sweden and France. Quietly, about fifty Jewish families are leaving France each month because they no longer feel safe in that country. Tragically, the American academic community is beginning to imitate its European counterparts in boycotting Israel and preventing Israeli academics from conferences. The student body at University of California Berkeley has just approved divestment from any American companies that have invested in Israel. A similar idea for divestment has been supported by one hundred professors at my alma mater, Columbia University. Last year, Harvard University held a conference calling for the elimination of Israel from the map. A similar conference was sponsored by the political science department of Brooklyn College in New York. We should realize that Nazism succeeded by gaining support of the academic elite of the German universities. There are frightening parallels with anti-israel rhetoric at European institutions of higher learning which is now spreading to this country. The instructive best seller, In the Garden of the Beasts teaches us that Nazism grew gradually in Germany while Americans enjoyed themselves in Berlin or ignored discrimination against Jews because of their own biases. In our own time, we should heed the warning signs such as the attack upon the innocent runners in the Boston Marathon. If we pay attention, we may avoid the catastrophe of radical evil engulfing our world. - Rabbi Arnold Bienstock Beth Israel Cards Appropriate for every occasion and affordable, BIC Cards can be purchased in the Office. It s back! Bang on the tables, stomp on the floor! Celebrate the end of the school year at the BIRS Student Shabbat Dinner & Café Service Friday, May 17 - FREE Dinner 6:30 p.m. Service & Dessert 7:15 p.m. BI Social Hall Led by BIRS Students & Friends Comings and Goings Congratulations to Sam Pincus, Isaac Paciga and Faith Tarpley, all long time BI USYers, who graduate high school this May. Sam will graduate Colonel Richardson High School on May 30 and will attend Salisbury University next fall to study biochemistry. Faith, who graduates The Salisbury School on May 31, will attend Emerson College in Boston in the fall to study radio/tv/film and journalism. Isaac, who graduates The Salisbury School on May 31, will attend Salisbury University to study engineering. Welcome back to snow birds Hilary and Harvey Needelman! We thank them for volunteering to again chair the Memorial Book and New Year s Card projects for our shul. It s déjà vu all over again: welcome back to two returning members Debbie Dinkel and Paulette Arnsparger. We re so glad we will be seeing you around the place again! Mail Bag Dear Beth Israel Congregation, Thank you so very much for the scholarship to USY on Wheels this summer. I can t wait to leave and see the country. On a bus. With 43 other Jewish kids. Yes, really. I know it will be an amazing experience, and I look forward to telling you about it when I get back. Sincerely, Jason Tarpley

3 Member-to-Member Thanks to Shari Silbert and Jaimi Hall for hosting the Silpada jewelry fundraiser on April 28. It was a nice way to spend a Sunday morning: eating, kibitzing and buying beautiful things. It raised more than $500 and we are looking to do it again before Hanukkah. Thanks to the BIRS religious school for a lovely Student Shabbat. The 6:30 PM family-style service was very well attended and joyous. Look for more information about these services in the coming months. Thanks from Andy Karten to Jaimi Hall and Rabbi Bienstock for their hard work in coordinating the Holocaust Service; to Daniel McIntyre for playing the piano; Professor Diana Wagner for her remarks and to all who participated in readings and the candle lighting. Thank you to Andrea Kahn for providing the lovely flowers and to Toby Rubin and Arlene Miller for coordinating the social after the program. We had a good attendance at this year s program but our goal for next year is to increase attendance. We hope everyone will see the importance and significance of this program and make an effort to attend. It is the least we can do to pay our respect and honor all who lost their lives. Milestones Happy birthday to Will Pincus and Robbie Tarpley Raffish (May 31) Happy anniversary to Steve & Laurie Schwalb Donations Thank you to all who supported BIC this month, including: Len Jaffe Yahrzeit Memorial Plaque in memory of Nora Kaye Len Jaffe Yahrzeit Memorial Plaque in memory of Herbert David Ross Paulette Arnsparger Yahrzeit Memorial Plaque in memory of Caryn Kunie Janice Spieler on the yahrzeit of Edward Spieler Peter & Marian Nason on the yahrzeit of Irving Nason Peter & Marian Nason on the yahrzeit of Dorothea Nason Barbara J. Polin on the yahrzeit of Hanna Brouse Steve & Laurie Schwab on the yahrzeits of Martha Rothberg and Hattie Keats Jamie & Jeff Albright to the Rabbi s Discretionary Fund in memory of Malcolm Pierce Murray Lustig on the yahrzeit of Susan Lustig Donations & Cards To: From: Mark & Susan Tilghman and family in memory of Mark s mother, Margaret Peggy Carter Tilghman Jamie & Jeff Albright Hilliary & Harvey Needleman Mark & Lucille Rudnick The Edelmans & Hansens Andrea & Fred Kahn and family Nadine & Cory Wieder and family To: Get Well Wishes to Judy Glenn From: Hilliary & Harvey Needleman To: Get Well Wishes to Cory Wieder From: Hilliary & Harvey Needleman Susan & Mark Tilghman & Family To: Andrea & Fred Kahn in memory of Andrea s mother, Roslyn Gnatt From: Susan & Mark Tilghman and family To: Cory Wieder, Judy Glenn, Michael Land and Mike Gershenfeld, our prayers for healing, refuah shelemah. From: The entire Congregation Do you love ONEG? Who doesn t? So come celebrate a simcha, remember a yahrzeit or just make it a great end to a long week by hosting one! It s easy and quick. Call Jackie in the BIC office for details

4 Beth Israel Staff Rabbi: Arnold Bienstock Office Manager: Jackie Middleton Board of Governors Co-Presidents: Susan Tilghman and Jaimi Hall Treasurer: Susan Land Youth: Shari Silbert Building/Grounds: Todd Berman and Mark Glushakow Membership/Bulletin: Robbie Tarpley Raffish Religious: Andrew Karten Social: Arlene Miller Lifetime Member: Albert Berger Contact Us 600 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD Phone Fax General Information: Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Shabbat Services: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism The mission of this Congregation shall be to establish and maintain a Synagogue and such educational, religious, social and recreational activities as will help further the cause and objectives of the Synagogue and Conservative Judaism. Established 1926 Looking Ahead: The High Holidays Come Early! September 4 th (eve) to 6 th Rosh Hashanah September 13 th (eve) to 14 th Yom Kippur Check the BIC Judaica Shop for all your HighHoliday needs! Yahrzeits YAHRZIET NAME SERVICE DATE AARON SCHWARTZ May 3-4, 2013 FRANK ROBIN May 3-4, 2013 ALLAN MAINEN May 3-4, 2013 JULIA SCHNEIDER May 3-4, 2013 SARA FELDMAN May 3-4, 2013 BENJAMIN WEISS May 3-4, 2013 ABE J. MANDELL May 3-4, 2013 JENNY ROTH May, ROSILYN SHILKRET May 3-4, 2013 JAMES HARTMAN May 10-11,2013 BETTY SEGAL HOFFMAN May 10-11,2013 MENDEL LEVIN May 10-11,2013 FANNY MARKOWITZ May 10-11,2013 MILDRED ALBRIGHT May 10-11,2013 MERWIN RUBIN May 10-11,2013 IRVIN LEONARD KAMANITZ May 10-11,2013 EIDITH WEISS May 10-11,2013 LAZZAR BAKER May 10-11,2013 FANNY BAKER May 10-11,2013 URSULA STEIN May 17-18, 2013 JACOB SADICK May 17-18, 2013 GERTRUDE GERSHENFELD May 17-18, 2013 JACOB HOROWITZ May 17-18, 2013 MICHAEL BENJAMIN May 17-18, 2013 MAURICE BLACK May 17-18, 2013 LEAH BEATUS May 17-18, 2013 CELIA KRASNER May 17-18, 2013 MINNIE MILLER May 17-18, 2013 FAYE GANGI May 17-18, 2013 ANNA GELBARD May 17-18, 2013 BENJAMIN GIVARZ May 24-25, 2013 BERNARD S. LIEBMAN May 24-25, 2013 WALTER Weinberg May 24-25, 2013 BESSIE BERMAN May 24-25, 2013 ALEXANDER BURTON May 24-25, 2013 FAY GUERRIERI May 24-25, 2013 HARRY RUBENFELD May 24-25, 2013 PEARL WOORMAN May 31-Jun 1,2013 SOL LIEBMAN May 31-Jun 1,2013 JOSEPH SHUSTER May 31-Jun 1,2013 MORRIS ROSENBERG May 31-Jun 1,2013 PRISCILLA COLBY May 31-Jun 1,2013 ABNER M. GNATT May 31-Jun 1,2013 ROBERT STARR May 31-Jun 1,2013 EVA COHEN May 31-Jun 1,2013

5 Guest Column: Father Ed Aigner From the Bridge (I told this story back 2002 when I discovered that I wasn't the first Father Aigner! The other one grew apples. I grow herbs and tomatoes. But we both spoke our minds.) Korbinian Aigner, born in 1885 in Bavaria, Germany, as the oldest of eleven children, was destined (and expected) to take over the large family estate. Instead, against the wishes of his family and, surprisingly, his local pastor, he pursued his desire to become a priest. He entered the local minor seminary but, because of poor grades in Latin and Greek, he was dismissed. (This guy has to be related to me!). Following High School in Munich, he became a Theology student at the seminary in Freising. Eventually, he was ordained a priest. While he was a pastor, Father Aigner followed a local tradition of tending fruit trees since money was in short supply and growing food was better than buying food. In 1930, he took over the Chairmanship of the Fruit and Garden Society for Upper Bavaria. In addition to his interest in apples, Father Aigner followed politics. When he attended a Nazi meeting and heard Hitler tell of his plan for the death of Jews, Communists and priests, he thought that Hitler was drunk. After hearing him again, he became an outspoken critic of the führer. He caused an uproar in his parish when he refused to baptize any child named Adolf, a popular name at that time. When the swastika appeared on the National Flag, he said from the pulpit, So that you don t come to any wrong conclusions, I am informing you that the flag is not consecrated and doesn t belong inside the church! (I think I would really like this guy!) Yet, as often happens, speaking your mind when it goes against popular opinion involves a price. After a failed assassination attempt on Hitler in 1939, Father Aigner was quoted as saying, I don t know if what the assassinator had in mind was a sin because it would have spared one million people s lives. This landed Korbinian in jail for a year. After he got out of jail, he was taken to a concentration camp. While in Dachau, he planted apple trees on a small strip of lawn between the barracks. He even developed a new variety of very successful apples that later became a common apple variety in the Freising area and, in 1985, 100 years after his birth, the name was changed to Korbiniansapfel (Korbinian s apple). Just before the end of the war, the SS evacuated Dachau and marched 10,000 weak prisoners south towards Tirol. Father Aigner escaped and fled to a convent near Lake Starnberger where the nuns hid him from the SS. Days later, the Americans liberated Dachau and Father Aigner came out of hiding. He returned to his parish after the war and ministered into his old age, all the while still tending his apple orchard wearing his concentration camp coat. He died from a lung infection on November 5, 1966 and was buried in the cemetery at his parish church with his concentration coat draped over his coffin, as was his wish. What a shame that this Father Aigner, known today as the Apple Priest, is not still around. I would love to sit and toss down a few steins of Bavarian, er, ciders while listening to stories of apples, wartime politics and priesthood! c2012 NOW OPEN! 63 rd Street & Coastal Hwy Ocean City, Maryland (410) AMPLE PARKING ON 63 rd STREET and IN OUR MARKED PARKING LOTS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, or a Nosh Eat-In, Take-Out, Platters, Catering Meats, Smoked Fish, Deli Salads by the pound Fresh Bagels, Challah, Rye Bread To Go! A TRADITIONAL JEWISH DELI RESTAURANT... THE FOOD YOU REMEMBER... FINALLY, HERE AT THE SHORE!