CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL A Family of Families February 2010

Transcription

1 CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL A Family of Families February 2010 CALENDAR OF RELIGIOUS SERVICES February Friday, February 5 7:30 pm Saturday, February 6 9:00am Friday, February 12 The Torah will be read by Rikki Schmitchel 7:30 pm Saturday, February 13 9:00am Friday, February 19 Reform Traditional (Racusin Chapel) 7:30 pm Saturday, February 20 9:00am Friday, February 26 6:00 pm Followed by Family Dinner Saturday, February 27 9:00am Torah Study 11:00 am Please come and join us. Dear Friends, For the last two weeks of January and from now on until Simchat Torah in October, we re reading Torah passages completely suffused by the presence of Moses. He is such a ubiquitous figure that the Pentateuch is often called Torat Moshe, the Torah of Moses. And that is because the name Moses appears in the text almost as often as the name of the deity! Let me share two ideas about Moses and his popularity. First, you might note the difference between God and Moses. God is the giver of the Torah; Moses is the receiver. Neither one is sufficient without the other, much in the same way that the quarterback is irrelevant unless there is a wide receiver somewhere down the field to catch his pass during the Super Bowl. Early midrashic texts (about 1500 or more years ago) tell us that God had the Torah in heaven long before the creation of the world, but that the Torah without people to act on it was, in reality, a dead letter. Nothing could happen with Torah, it could have no effect, until some people on earth received it and took it seriously. Moses and the Israelites who gathered at Sinai with him and all of their successors, which means us became the doers of Torah, the catalyst that made the high ideals embodied in the books come to life. Moses, then, becomes the symbol for all of us who proudly proclaim that we are the people of the book. (By the way, that expression first was used in the Koran, where Jews are called ul hakitab. Sometimes it helps to read what others have written about us. Maybe they are not always wrong.) Our mission, our task on earth, is to make the values of Torah real in the society in which we live. Like Moses who had to transmit the values of the new revelation to his people, our purpose as modern Jews is no different: we are the people who are commanded by God to make Torah values come into reality in our world. That makes Moses a pretty important and persistent figure; he represents what we ourselves are supposed to do with our lives. A second thought I have been reading Bruce Feiler s book about Moses. It is called America s Prophet, and it is a book well worth reading. Bruce traces how the idea and image of Moses has persisted in American history, motivating all sorts of different people in different eras and ages to thoughts and actions that produced freedom. From the words of the New England Pilgrims to George Washington to the Civil War (both sides!) to Martin Luther King, Jr., Moses has been summoned to speak for the oppressed and persecuted and to encourage those who would alleviate their burdens. In a telling passage, the author points out that Moses was called forward more frequently in Civil War rhetoric than even

2 Jesus; he was that important. Bruce s point is that no other figure in the mythology of America has been so constant and so important as Moses, and that alone should make us want to hear, over and over, the story of this legendary Jewish leader. You will enjoy and learn from reading Bruce s book. Even more, you will enjoy and learn from reading Moses book. Or better yet, try both. Like chicken soup, it won t hurt you, and it might just make a difference in your life. Shalom, Kenneth D. Roseman, Rabbi CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL 4402 Saratoga Telephone /Fax congregation@bethisraelcc.com Website: bethisraelcc.com Rabbi Kenneth Roseman Debbie Bustillo, Office Administrator Susan Martin, Corpus Christi Community Religious School Administrator President Maury Wolfson First Vice President Suzy Hilliard Second Vice President... Rikki Schmitchel Secretary Rona Train Treasurer Ed Mange Past President....Andy Lehrman Sisterhood Co-Presidents...Meredith Ryan Iris Karas Cofty President Meredith Hilliard Adult Education David Jacobs Cemetery Co-Chairs...Robert Adler, Carl Kuehn, Gary Blum and Clara Braslau Ritual Committee Co-Chairs....Andrew Sheinberg and Joe Loon Program Coordinator.... Meredith Ryan Membership Committee Chair...Susan Martin Social Action Committee Co-Chairs.... Michelle Arevalo-Davila, Diana Stillman Dues Committee Co-Chairs Ann Engel and Leslie Kane Building Chair......David Jacobs Grounds Chair....Rikki Schmitchel Fine Arts...Laurie Mintz and Ross Burney Webmaster.....Jack Widder Dear Members of CBI, PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Our Congregation continues to move forward with religious services, adult study sessions and special projects. The board, Sisterhood, and all committees work efficiently for the betterment of Congregation Beth Israel. You are important as a congregant. Shortly you will receive a call from an officer or board member requesting suggestions that we might implement. During my many years of participation in our Jewish Community, the one thing that gratifies me most is the fact that our board efforts result in positive outcomes and without rancor. Later this month, we will celebrate the festival of Purim. We read the Megillah and twirl the grogers-noisemakers as we drown out the name of Haman. We also pay homage to the beautiful Queen Esther. As we close, I am pleased tell you that attendance at services has increased. Come participate. Congregation Beth Israel is the place to be for Jewish stimulation.. Shalom, Maury Wolfson

3 Corpus Christi Community Religious School In anticipation of Tu B Shevat, which falls on January 30 th this year, students gathered under the Dr. Ben Groner pergola on Sunday morning, January 24 th. Rabbi Roseman gave us a tour of the biblical garden. We are hoping the plants will survive the freezing weather we had earlier. After returning to their classrooms, students made bird feeders and played Tu B Shevat games celebrating the birthday of the trees. Look for pictures in this bulletin. Stefani Rozen, senior assistant director of Greene Family Camp and a former student of our religious school, will visit on Sunday, February 31 st, to tell our students about this summer s camp. Brochures with camp dates and other information are on the table just inside the door. Hopefully, all parents of religious school students received an from me about the Corpus Christi Ice Rays game on Saturday, February 20 th. Gregg Silverman has generously offered tickets to our students and their families. Contact me by Sunday, February 7 th, if you re able to attend. We will not have Sunday School on February 14 th. Following school on Sunday, February 28 th, everyone is encouraged to attend the JCC Purim carnival. Details will follow. Shalom! Susan A Message from the Family Corner Thank you to all who have helped with the Shabbat dinners. This month will prove to be just as enjoyable. If you would like to have your child utilize the childcare during services, please make sure to check them in and out. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Meredith Ryan at Shalom, Meredith Ryan RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES Sunday School 9:30 am - 12:00 pm February 7, 21 & 28 Hebrew School 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm on Thursday February 4,11, 18 & 25

4 From the Jewish Community Council

5 The Yellow Lily is the floral symbol of gratitude, our theme for Sisterhood for this year. SISTERHOOD NEWS February 3rd Sisterhood Executive Board Meeting 12:00 March 7th Passover Wine and Appetizer Party Location and Time to be Announced Volunteers needed... If anyone is interested in taking over the Sisterhood Secretary position or helping Clara in the gift shop, please contact Meredith Ryan at or Iris Karas at The new Sisterhood Cookbook is officially underway!!! We are in need of volunteers and co-chairs for a variety of committees, and everyone who wishes to volunteer for any committee should or call Barbara Schwamb (ethuil@aol.com, ) or Rona Train (ronatrain@swiff-train.com) to join the team!! Current list of the committees and the chairpersons for each: Appetizers: Judy Itkin, Dolly Oshman, Sandra Oshman, co-chairs Breads: Rona Train, Barb Schwamb, co-chairs Soups, Cheese & Egg Dishes: Suzy Hilliard, Elisa Cox, co-chairs Meat, Poultry & Fish: Meredith Ryan, co-chairs Salads: Laura Smith Noe, Robin Adams, co-chairs Vegetables: Elisa Cox, chair Jewish Foods: Judy Itkin, chair International Foods: Meredith Ryan, chair Deserts: Amy Krams, chair Food Fest Favorites: Publishing: Natalie Honigbaum, chair Sponsor Solicitation: Toby Shor will co-chair (We are hoping to find several sponsors for the book and the various chapters in it!) Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary. -Margaret Cousins

6 PURIM SHABBAT DINNER FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH SERVICES 6 PM DINNER TO FOLLOW DRESS IN YOUR FAVORITE COSTUME!! BRING YOUR FAVORITE DESSERT IF YOU WOULD LIKE. PLEASE CONTACT MEREDITH RYAN AT WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

7 FEBRUARY-TRAIN LIBRARY NEWS By popular demand the CATS have added a newly released book to the Train Library Start-Up Nation The Story of Israel s Economic Miracle By Dan Senor and Saul Singer Learn the answer to the trillion dollar question: how is it that Israel, a 60 year old country of 7 million people, surrounded by enemies, with no natural resources, produces more start-up companies than large, stable and peaceful nations like Japan, China, India, Canada and the UK? When an Israeli entrepreneur has a business idea he will start it that week. Israelis put chutzpa first claim the authors. While our economy struggles with economic recovery, Israel s resiliency provides surprising clues for success. Start-Up Nation is easy to read, fascinating in its content and perfect for discussion. A Must Read! Shalom in 2010 The Library Cats Rabbi Roseman Gave Sunday School Students a tour of the Biblical Garden.

8 PURIM IS HERE WELL, ALMOST The festival of Purim begins on Saturday night, February 27 and continues through the next day. Purim, as most of us know, is the celebration of the deliverance of the Jews of Shushan (Persia) from the sinister plot of Haman and his henchmen. According to the book of Esther, Haman schemed to murder the Jews in order to confiscate their wealth. However, because he could not assert this motivation openly, especially to King Ahashuerus, he told the ruler that the Jews were flaunting the laws of the kingdom and, presumably, were therefore both disloyal themselves and a model of treasonous behavior for others. This rationale was obviously a fraudulent excuse for Haman s real purpose, but it was enough to secure assent from the not-very-bright king. Esther, the beautiful Jewish heroine of the story, replaces Vashti as the queen and learns of the plot. She is initially afraid to appear before the King, since he has not invited her to come forward. But her uncle, Mordecai, persuades her to enter the royal banquet chamber. Esther invites Ahashuerus and Haman to a sumptuous dinner. During the dinner, Ahashuerus must go out into the garden to relieve himself. Haman seizes the opportunity to persuade Esther not to unmask his nefarious doings. But, on the way across the room, he trips and falls on top of the reclining queen. Just at that moment, Ahashuerus returns and sees his prime minister in a compromising position. Haman is arrested, not for the reason that he ought to be, but for making a sexual advance toward the queen. He and his sons are executed, Mordecai is promoted to high station, and everything turns out well for the Jews of Shushan. The book of Esther is a controversial book. It purports to have been written during the Babylonian Exile, but is probably several centuries later, a story written during the Persian period (fourth or even third century, BCE). After the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans, the new rabbinical leadership of the Jewish community gathered at Yavneh (near Tel Aviv) and tried to decide what books would be in the canon (approved list) of Scripture. Esther was one of the problematic books, mostly because there is no mention of God or prayer or religion in the book and because of its rather bawdy passages. Their conclusion was, however, that Esther belonged in the Bible because a salvation of a Jewish community, such as is described in the book, could not have occurred unless it had been part of God s plan. WE SHALL CELEBRATE PURIM WITH THE READING OF THE MEGILLAH ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26 AT 6:00 PM SERVICES. COME IN COSTUME COME PREPARED TO DROWN OUT HAMAN COME TO CELEBRATE AND HAVE FUN, SING AND REJOICE THEN STAY AND JOIN TOGETHER FOR A FESTIVE FAMILY DINNER

9 TRADITIONAL KABBALAT SHABBAT SERVICES SCHEDULED Once-a-month, lay members of Congregation Beth Israel conduct traditional Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat (Welcoming the Sabbath) services in the Racusin Chapel. These services last about 45 minutes; attendees often then join the rest of the congregation in the Sanctuary for the Rabbi s sermon, the concluding parts of the service and the Oneg Shabbat. The mood of these services is relaxed and celebratory, and all are welcome. The schedule for the entire year is: February 19, 2010 May 21, 2010 March 26, 2010 June 18, 2010 April 30, 2010 We encourage you to enter these dates on your calendar now so that you will be able to attend these services when they occur. Brandeis National Committee The next meeting of the Brandeis National Committee will be on Wednesday, February 17 at 11:30 AM at the home of Elizabeth Susser, 225 Wilshire Place, Brown-bag lunch. Jacques Hettera will demonstrate how to make baklava. We shall eat lunch while our dessert is baking. $10.00 fee is requested. RSVP to or Nedradl@aol.com Congregational Passover Seder The congregational Passover seder will be held on the second night of Pesach, which, this year, falls on Tuesday, March 30, The seder will be held in the Grossman Auditorium of CBI. A reservation form will be included in the March issue of the CBI Newsletter, and we encourage you to return it as soon as possible. Reservations are a must. Because of the popularity of this seder, priority will be given to reservations from members of CBI; only if there is space available will reservations be made available at a later date to unaffiliated members of the community.

10 february 2010 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Hebrew School 4:30pm 6pm 5 7:30 pm 6 9:00 am Torah Study 11:00 am 7 Sunday School 9:30am 12pm CBI Board 7pm 11 Hebrew School 4:30pm 6pm 12 7:30 pm 13 9:00 am Torah Study 11:00 am 14 No Sunday School Hebrew School 4:30pm 6pm 19 7:30 pm (Traditional Services held in Racusin Chapel) 20 9:00 am Torah Study 11:00 am 21 Sunday School 9:30am 12pm Hebrew School 4:30pm 6pm 26 6:00 pm Followed by Family Dinner 27 9:00 am Torah Study 11:00 am 28 Sunday School 9:30am 12pm 1 March Hebrew School 4:30pm 6pm 5 7:30 pm 6 9:00 am Torah Study 11:00 am

11 P E R P E T U A L YAHRZEITS Sabbath of February 5th *Bernice Beck *Joseph Sigmund Bein *Ernest Everett Bobys *Isaac Braslau *Max Geschwir Stephen Gold *Anna Goltzman *Ben E Gordon *Jacob Greenberg *Dorothy E. Grossman Gussie Harris Millie Heffler *Sam Krasner *Simon Kratzenstein *Freda Lebowitz Mary Mayerson *Kornelia Meister Sarah Rodriguez Charles Theodore Shimansky *Helen Silver *Anna Wallock *Marcus Wiener Sabbath of February 12th *Ida Grossman Cohen *Lucy Danziger Henia Ferszt *Sarah Goldstein *Mollie Grossman Aaron Harry Karas *Zula M. Kridel *Rosalind Lieberman David Radunsky *Harold Louis Rockmore *Jack Roth David Schlang Sarah Jean Swiff Lesser *Jacob Wiener Sabbath of February 19th *Rachel Abbey Esther Allen *Fannie Sokolov Braslau Charles Browne Max Browne Abe Feferman Madeline Levinson Forman Howard Freedman Abe Geller *Hirsch Goldstein *Oscar Greenberg *Harry Jacobson *Esther Jessel Claire Joseph Julius Karchmer *Nathan Kessler *Rae Kleinman *Vera Reich Kleniec Robert Meyer Korn Sophie Krams *Florence Krinsky Kuritsky *Martha Levy *Ann B. Luce *Bertha E. Minsky Martha C. (Bess) Nance *Arel Nisenson Rochelle Eileen Roby Fannie Shapiro Solomon *Yetta Tatar *Hyman Tolman *Sidney D. Weisman *Louis Weltman *Rabbi Sidney A. Wolf *Isadore Ziedman Sabbath of February 26th Evelyn Baum *Moritz Daniel Cohn *Heinrich Dannenbaum *Lester Kenneth Davis *Jack Ducler Abraham Feinberg *Irving Leo Fenster *Nathan Friedman *Archie Goodman David Greenberg *Sidney Irving Greenberg *Lester Gunst *Bert Haas *Alice Harrosch *Adolf Hausman *Freda Jacobson *Sheldon Katz *Daniel Laser *Samuel David Levinson *Shirley Liedeker Alvin Roseman Harry L. Shapiro *Rose Siskind *Louis Susser *Rae Weltman *Dora Wolfson

12 The Congregation thanks you for the following contributions Yahrzeit Donations In Memory of From Sam Roosth Hyman & Elinor Roosth Joesph Jessel Willard Martin Sarah Adler Robert Adler Bertha Liedeker Barbara Samuels Reva Horn Fannie Maniloff Jerry & Phyllis Rozen Bertha Train Herbert Train Rona & LA Train Bill Adams, Sr. Bill & Robin Adams Phil Seldin Iris & Andy Lehrman Harold Robert Applebaum Gertrude Applebaum Adult Education Fund In Memory of From Nathan Stillman David Jacobs Dee & Harriet Diaz Audrey S. Zane Memorial Sisterhood Fund In Memory of From Libby Isenberg Laurie Mintz Cemetery Endowment Fund In Memory of From Max Goodman Marvin Rubin Marilyn & Irving Braslau Sam Hausman Fine Arts Fund In Memory of From Frida Shejet Sharfman General Fund Bill & Susan Martin In Memory of From Nathan Stillman Michael Weil Joseph Jessel Lew Engel Irvin Seymour Block Suzanne & Joseph Patrick Doris Katz & Annette Cottingham Jerry & Phyllis Rozen Frank & Paula Armstrong Raymond & Elizabeth Falk Jerry & Phyllis Rozen Jay & Barbara Lack Herman & Ruth Josephs In Honor of From Scott Rhodes and Kari Oshman Jerry & Phyllis Rozen Conversion of Grace Kopf Raymond & Elizabeth Falk Dottie Heffler's Birthday Phyllis Roseman's Birthday Jerry & Phyllis Rozen Donation From LA & Rona Train Hebrew Rest Cemetery Fund In Memory of From Marvin Rubin Jerry & Elizabeth Susser High Holyday Appeal Donation From Scot & Deborah Oshman Annette H. Holliday Bernice H. Beck Marvin Rubin Albert Zalim Marvin Rubin Nathan Stillman Marvin Rubin Lorraine Hausman Mille Zalim Marvin & Yetta Leshin Leslie Simon Scholarship Fund In Memory of From Ed & Heleen Mange Andrew Mange Mitzvah Fund In Memory of From Frida Shejet Sharfman Brian & Natalie Honigbaum

13 The Congregation thanks you for the following contributions Nelson Landscape Fund In Memory of From Nathan Stillman George & Helen Barron Sikora 11 Fund In Honor of From Grace Kopf's conversion Dr. & Mrs. Gary & Lois Blum Oshman Family Foundation Fund In Memory of From Dr. Joseph Oshman Dr.& Mrs. Lowell & Elizabeth Kepp Jay & Barbara Lack Dr. Joseph Oshman Dr. & Mrs. M.E. Hanisch Penny Baum Perpetual Torah Fund In Memory of From Marvin Rubin Chris & Robert Adler Frida Shejet Sharfman Marvin Rubin Karma & Michael Lakin Recovery of From Joyce Wormser Karma & Michael Lakin Rabbinical Endowment Fund In Memory of From David & Ann Engel Recovery of From LA Train David & Ann Engel In Honor of From Dorothy Jessel's Birthday David & Ann Engel Racusin Jewish Outreach Fund In Memory of From Louis Racusin Miriam Racusin Dr. Joe Oshman Joe Jessel Robert Racusin Recovery of From Joe Sheinberg Robert & Chris Adler Ruth Josephs Seaside Beautification Fund In Memory of From Dee & Harriet Diaz Train Library Recovery of From LA Train Robert & Chris Adler Rabbi's Discretionary Fund In Memory of From Michael Weil Nathan Stillman Robert & Chris Adler Rosalyn & Maury Wolfson Frida Shejet Sharfman Mille Zalim Rosalyn & Maury Wolfson Alan & Norma Levens Marvin Rubin Sam J. & Pat Susser Rosalyn & Maury Wolfson Donald & Lillian Katz Sam J. & Pat Susser Rosalyn & Maury Wolfson Marcia Marks Alan & Norma Levens Donald & Lillian Katz Nathan Stillman Rosalyn & Maury Wolfson Marvin Rubin Nathan Stillman Frida Shejet Sharfman Jeri Kolpack Michael Weil Bruce & Shelly Jacobson Recovery of From LA Train Charles Clark Evelyn Maltz & Kenneth Maltz LA Train Jeri Kolpack Bruce & Shelly Jacobson In Honor of From Grace Kopf's conversion Dorothy Jessel on her Birthday Jeri Kolpack Bruce & Shelly Jacobson Don t forget..you can remember a friend or relative with a minimum contribution of $5.00 to one of our many funds. These funds support camp scholarships, education, cemeteries, fine arts, library, and building improvements, to name a few. An acknowledgement card will be sent to the honored person or family. Please make checks payable to CBI and specify the fund. Call the CBI office with any questions.

14 RABBI ROSEMAN IN THE COMMUNITY On Wednesday, February 17, Rabbi Roseman will be the guest speaker at the weekly meeting of the Trinity Encores, a group of residents at Trinity Towers. He will speak about Purim and the biblical book of Esther. On Friday night, February 19, Rabbi Roseman will be the guest speaker at Temple Beth El in Fort Worth as part of there invited preacher series. He will talk on the topic Why Jews Succeeded in America.. CONGRATULATIONS To Chris Adler who is being honored with a roast on February 25 by the Leadership Corpus Christi Alumni group Your Congregation Beth Israel Board at Work: You will soon be receiving a phone call from a member of CBI Board of Directors. We want to find out what can be done to make your membership more valuable. Thanks for taking a little time to help us help you.

15 THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY Rabbi Kenneth D. Roseman, Ph.D. It is no secret, of course, that Israel has gotten some bad press recently. Some of this we always expect, particularly from Israel s Arab neighbors. Israel sometimes does something questionable, and then it should be legitimately held to account. But what would be remarkable is if its neighbors had anything good to say about the Jewish state. Televised images from the conflict in Gaza and the subsequent Goldstone report, Israel s security fence and alleged mistreatment of Palestinians have undermined the State s standing in world opinion. This is hardly news. It s the kind of perspective we can read on the editorial pages of many newspapers on a regular basis, that our kids hear all the time on college campuses and that is common currency, especially in certain elitist intellectual circles. So, it s nice to know that there is another side to the story, even if that side is rarely told in the journals that delight in attacking Israel, in UN debates and in demonstrations on college quadrangles. The side to which I refer is Israel s long history of providing aid to other countries when they are in desperate need. Israel s efforts began in 1958 with the establishment of MASHAV, the Center for International Cooperation. Foreign Minister Golda Meir made made her first visit that year to Africa. She was appalled by conditions she witnessed and arranged MASHAV s first outreach to the extraordinarily dry and impoverished countries of sub Saharan Africa. Very quietly because, after all, most of these are Moslem countries and the PR fall out would have been destructive if it became known that they were accepting help from Israel or Jews Israeli agricultural technicians went into Mali and Niger and Chad and other places to teach the people how to use drip irrigation and how to maximize their food production. By the 1970s, Israel had extended its humanitarian agenda by opening its borders to refugees from Vietnam, Bosnia and Kosovo, and this at the same time that the nation was resettling hundreds of thousands of Jewish refugees from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia. The principles at work are biblical. Deuteronomy (15:7) tells us: If there be among you a needy man, one of your brethren, within any of your gates, in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your needy brother. And Leviticus (19:16) commands that you shall not stand by idly while your neighbor bleeds. In this day and age, when communication capabilities have made our world one very small community, it is easy enough to think of every human being on the face of the planet as, in some way, a brother or a sister, as a neighbor. Since MASHAV began, fifty two years ago, Israel has extended its hand of helpfulness and support to over 140 countries. When disaster strikes, Israel has been among the first to respond. By 1997, MASHAV decided that the needs were sufficiently acute that it established a specialized unit to coordinate and provide medical help on the international scene. In Israel s Eye Treatment Camps, opthamologists provide medical care and train indigenous professionals. These programs include training in epidemiology and emergency and disaster medicine and a course in Advanced Trauma Care. In the year 2000, Israel conducted such programs in Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, the Dominican Republic, Latvia, Uzbekistan and China. No big publicity; no taking of credit. Israel did this simply because it can, and it s the right thing to do. In the same year, 2000, projects included upgrading the Trauma Center at Al Amal Hospital in the Gaza Strip (Did Hamas or the PLO or their friends ever breathe a word of this?), the construction of a cancer center in Mauritania, an ICU unit in Kharkov (Ukraine) and medical facilities in Turkey following a disastrous earthquake there. All of the staff and equipment was donated by Israel.

16 Cont. Just a week ago, only 48 hours after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Israel had assembled and sent airborne two 747s loaded with military and civilian medical personnel, including 120 doctors and nurses, rescue teams, search dogs and equipment and supplies for establishing a sophisticated field hospital capable to treating 500 patients daily. The hospital even included an MRI machine and the satellite capability of consulting with specialists all over the world to assure the best medical treatment possible. By Friday afternoon last week, the hospital was up and running, the only facility in Haiti offering advanced treatment for the seriously wounded. A reporter from CNN was amazed that Israel was able to send a complete, modern hospital halfway around the world, while the United States, which lies only a few hundred miles away, had yet to put its mission in place. The sad aspect of this heroic story is that Israel was able to mobilize so quickly because its people have had much experience too much experience in addressing emergencies. The rapid response skills displayed in Haiti have been honed through years of rescuing critically wounded victims of suicide bombings and other acts of terrorism. Among other Israelis responding to the Haitian crisis is a team of Israeli Orthodox Jews from ZAKA, an organization founded during the first wave of suicide bombings to collect the scattered body parts of victims in order to bury them in conformity with traditional Jewish religious law. ZAKA s team arrived so rapidly that its workers were in position to rescue the living, which they do with incredible speed and skill. They arrived in Haiti on Friday afternoon, just before the Sabbath. At once, they were dispatched to a collapsed school building, where they pulled eight students from the rubble. They worked straight through the Shabbat because Jewish law mandates that the saving of human lives takes precedence over even the most serious ritual obligations. They paused only briefly to welcome Shabbat with wine and bread, an experience they reportedly shared with rescue workers from Egypt and Qatar. Israel is often accused of using disproportionate force to protect its citizens. When you hear that kind of statement, I hope you will also be ready to respond with evidence of disproportionate goodness. Israel is a small country; its population is about 7.5 million people, less than one third the number of people who live in Texas, and Israel certainly has its own financial stringencies and needs. Yet, as a responsible citizen of the world community and as a bearer of a strong and long religious tradition of caring and helping the needy, regardless of who they are, Israel has a remarkable record of helping whenever and wherever help is needed. I hope you will share this information with others; they need to hear the other side of the story.

17 Miriam Recognition Award The annual Jewish Women s Joint Installation will be held on Wednesday, May 12, An invitation is forthcoming, but please save this date. The MIRIAM RECOGNITION AWARD will be presented recognizing an outstanding woman of the Corpus Christi Jewish Community. The recipient will be honored at this luncheon and will receive a MIRIAM S CUP. The committee will be accepting nominations for this award from the community. A NOMINATION WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED WITH A RESUME OF THE INDIVIDUAL, according to the following guidelines: 1. Full participation in a variety of calendar community activities, with emphasis on contributions to Jewish organizations. 2. Ongoing acceptance of responsibility as a Leader and/or a Worker in the Jewish community. 3. Value and quality of contribution in time and work to the Jewish community. 4. Previous recipients of the Woman of the Year Award and the Miriam Recognition Award are NOT eligible. IT IS NOT MANDATORY TO MAKE A SELECTION FOR THE MIRIAM RECOGNITION AWARD EACH YEAR. Please do not go to the person you intend to nominate for the resume. If you obtain help from family members, please ask them not to consult the nominee. If you need help preparing a resume or have questions concerning the nomination, please contact any of the following recipients of the Woman of the Year/Miriam Recognition Award: Chris Adler Ruth Josephs Marcia Marks Leigh Sheinberg Fran Brodkey Glenda Kane Laurie Mintz Ruth Sheinberg Roz Ferrell Ruth Kane Mary Lynn Rhodes Elizabeth Susser Dorothy Heffler Amy Krams Elinor Roosth Rona Train Suzy Hilliard Karma Lakin Phyllis Roseman Mille Zalim Nedra Lockhart Please send your nominations for the Miriam Recognition Award to: Important Reminders: Suzy Hilliard 4817 Lake Granbury Corpus Christi TX or Suzyhh@sbcglobal.net by March 1, A resume is needed for the nomination 2. Do not consult the nominee for a resume 3. Nomination deadline is March 1, 2010.

18 CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL 4402 SARATOGA CORPUS CHRISTI, TX L Dor VaDor Judaica Shop Jewelry, Menorahs, Candlesticks, Tallit, Mezuzahs, & more Please call Clara