iengage: Jewish Values and the Israeli- Palestinian Conflict

Transcription

1 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017 / ELUL-TISHREI-HESHVAN 5777/5778 iengage: Jewish Values and the Israeli- Palestinian Conflict An Exciting New Program from Hadassah We are pleased to be offering an exciting new class this fall, sponsored by Hadassah and the Shalom Hartman Institute, where Rabbi Katz has been studying for the past two summers. This course explores one of the most divisive issues affecting the Jewish people today: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through the study of Jewish narratives about Israel and the unpacking of the complex meanings of peace in Jewish tradition, participants are invited to explore the ideas and values that animate different attitudes toward the conflict and how these values shape their own political understandings. Though a shared political platform may not be attainable, this course strives to achieve a shared respect for our differences. Together, we will engage in a new values-based discourse about Israel, including topics such as: Living with Difference, the Israel We Imagine, Jewish Narratives of Peace, Attitudes Towards the CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Page 2 My Experience with the Healing Racism Institute Page 5 New Adult Education Classes Page 6 Dr. Rachel Korazim to Speak at TBE Page 8 High Holy Day Service Schedule Page 10 My First Experiences of the Jewish Year Page 11 Meet Phyllis Levenson Joint Selihot Services with Sinai Temple Saturday, September 16, 7:00 pm Join us at Sinai Temple for a joint Selihot program on Saturday, September 16 at 7:00 pm. The evening will begin with refreshments and Havdalah, followed by the film, Seed of Life. After the film, Selihot services will begin at approximately 9:30 pm, led by clergy from Temple Beth El and Sinai Temple. Seed of Life is an award-winning Israeli documentary. In August 2002, Israeli soldier Kayven Cohen was killed in Gaza. Moments after receiving the news, his parents make an unprecedented decision: to harvest sperm from his body to enable him to father a child. Eleven years later, his mother launches a search for the woman who will become her grandchild s mother and raise him. Nine months of pregnancy turn into a long turbulent journey leading up to one incomprehensible moment. We hope to see you there! Simhat Torah Dancing Shoes and Clapping Hands for a Thursday Night Thursday, October 12, 6:30 pm Yes, because our own calendar does not seem to move holidays to weekends, we all get to have a delicious dinner-out on a Thursday night, followed by some wild music to clap or dance to, some surprise celebrities at the mic, our kids singing while a huge tallit (prayer shawl) is spread above them, even the final words of our Torah as we leave our people at the edge of the Jordan. Delicious desserts will be the backdrop for a great happy hour after the excitement. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 MMTemple Beth El Founded In 2008 merged with Congregation B nai Jacob (founded 1891). Devoted to seeking God, doing Mitzvot, studying Torah, and creating Community. 1

2 2 Tiffany Greene In May, I attended a 2-day seminar with the Healing Racism Institute of the Pioneer Valley. The experience was deeply personal, yet one I feel compelled to share. The Institute s goal is to engage participants in a process that facilitates an understanding of the root causes and effects of racism and the institutional nature of racism. No, we as participants do not heal racism, but we lay the foundation for important conversations about race and oppression, how they came to be, and how we can influence meaningful change. Although I ve always considered myself sensitive to the issues of race, particularly as a Jew keenly aware of the Holocaust, I began to understand the impact of white privilege. This was apparent during an exercise highlighting the extent to which skin color allows advantages. The thirty participants lined up at a starting line and were told to take a step forward or back, depending upon whether statements such as the following were personally applicable: My family owned our own home ; We were denied housing because of our race ; I could move about freely in my community without fear of violence ; Access to healthcare has never been a problem for me ; I was encouraged to go to college ; Alternative professions in my community included prostitution, pimping or drug dealing ; I have been given employment due to connections in the community ; A parent lost his or her job for a reason believed to be related to race. The result was a visual representation of how skin color helps us climb ahead or be held back. White men came out ahead, often by a large margin. Many people of color passed the starting line by only a few steps if they passed at all. Women were consistently behind the men of the same ethnicity. The results weren t a surprise, but how I processed them was new: I am privileged, because I am white. My success is due at least in part to the color of my skin. And my African American and Latino and Muslim colleagues have to work The deadline for the November/December issue is Friday, September 15. Please all articles or photos to communications@tbespringfield.org. My Experience with the Healing Racism Institute Weekday Mornings Monday through Friday...7:00 am Sunday...8:30 am Weekday Evenings Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday...5:45 pm Shabbat Worship Erev Shabbat...6:00 pm Shabbat morning...9:30 am Shabbat afternoon...6:00 pm Labor Day Monday, September 4 Morning Service...8:30 am Selihot (at Sinai Temple) Saturday, September 16 No 6:00 pm Minhah service at TBE Havdalah & Dessert Reception...7:30 pm Film...8:00 pm Musical Service... (approx.) 9:30 pm much harder for the same safety and inclusion and professional opportunities. The younger generation was represented by people of color and their position behind the starting line was alarming. The distance between us told me this: Life does not deal an even hand. Our society is failing too many young adults of color. It is not fair at all, and that reality is still sitting very heavy with me. Until we as white people acknowledge our privilege, we may not even see the ways in which life is harder for minorities. We may not even notice that they start behind the line, without the safety and comfort of things we take for granted: a warm house, a good education, an encouraging community, the means to buy what we need, and access to quality healthcare. And if in some situations we are not treated well or fairly, we don t have to wonder: Is it because of my skin color? To press on as if there is no disparate impact in our world is an injustice. So the big question emerges: How do we repair injustice? It starts with acknowledging, we are not all equal. Many of us have never had to worry about gang activity in the streets, or whether a police officer would confuse our actions for criminal activity, or if we will be denied an opportunity due to our skin color. But black men in this country have the highest rates of hypertension. Why? They live with the highest amount of stress, their physical and emotional safety is continually threatened. This is their everyday reality. We know there is only one race the human race. That was the transformative idea. We are 99.9% the same DNA. So many of our perceived differences are superficial and lead, among other things, to this unnecessary construct called race. We all rejoice at Rosh Hodesh Heshvan Friday, October 20 & Shabbat, October 21 Morning Service...6:45 am See page 8 for the High Holy Day service schedule Please Note: Beginning on November 4, Shabbat afternoon services will be held at 5:00 pm. birth, we cry at death, we hold our babies tight, so tight, and want the absolute best for them. We all want peace, satisfaction and meaning in our lives. Love is love is love. People are people are people. The lessons of the Institute are lessons of the heart and lessons for all of humanity because they are based on our history. To help us understand the long history CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

3 Rabbi Amy Wallk Katz Getting ready for the High Holy Days isn t an easy task. I don t mean the writing of sermons or organization of the honors list. I am talking about soul work. Real work. Being open to repairing our wrongs and admitting where we have fallen and need to do better. I do believe that your experience on the High Holy Days depends most on how you prepare yourself. The professional staff and I are doing our part, and we hope you will do yours. Rabbi Yehoshua said, An evil eye, the evil inclination, and hatred of others remove a person from the world. I don t take this to mean that God physically separates us when we engage in this behavior. Rather, when we let a grudge come between us and our community, we emotionally isolate ourselves. When an argument with a family member feels stronger than the willingness to start over, loneliness lurks around the corner. Often showing that you are in the right translates into quiet paths of solitude, paths of silence rimmed with anger, hurt and an unsettled soul. John Kendrick Bangs, American author and satirist, writes the following: If an unkind word appears, File the thing away. If some novelty in jeers, File the thing away. If some clever little bit Of a sharp and pointed wit, Carrying a sting with it File the thing away. If some bit of gossip come, File the thing away. If suspicion comes to you That your neighbor isn t true Let me tell you what to do File the thing away. Do this for a little while, Then go out and burn the file. The Psalmist reminds us, Teach us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Meaning, don t waste time. Make your days count. And dwell on whatever it is that s worth dwelling upon. No need to be a pushover. But just as important: recognize those moments and conversations that should be pushed aside. When we figure that out, that s when the holy work has truly begun. Hineni: Send Me Someone once cried to God: Adonai, the world is in such a mess everything seems wrong. Why don t You send someone to help and change the world? The voice of Adonai replied: I did send someone. I sent you! We pray for life we ask God for a year of health and happiness. We cannot merely ask. Tell the Almighty tell the world tell yourself: Send me! Hineni, here I am! Shlacheni, send me! RABBI GERALD WOLPE Help Feed the Hungry in Our Community Rabbi Katz invites our members to join her on Wednesday, September 6 and Wednesday, October 4 at 11:45 am to serve lunch at the Loaves and Fishes Community Kitchen, located at Christ Church Cathedral, 35 Chestnut Street in Springfield. There s no need to prepare any food ahead of time--just show up with a gallon of whole milk, and help serve the hungry. We will also serve dinner to approximately 50 hungry adults on the fourth Sunday of the month at Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church, 797 State Street, Springfield on Sunday, September 24 and Sunday, October 22 at 4:45 pm. Contact our Social Action Chair, Susie Rosenberg, at pawssgr@comcast.net to sign up and coordinate who will bring different items. Food can be cooked at home or purchased. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 SIMHAT TORAH DANCING SHOES AND CLAPPING HANDS FOR A THURSDAY NIGHT What else could it be but Simhat Torah at Temple Beth El? This year you will be helping us honor our temple teens who have been staying connected to community Jewish life by participating in USY, Kadima, BBYO, or B Yahad: Glenn Baevsky, Sam Blumberg, Joshua Brody, Abigail Chiz, Leo Chiz, Emily Cooper, Jared Cranna, Sarah Cranna, Aleza Falk, Harry Gevanthor, Brandon Goodman, Yasmin Goodman, Anna Gorfinkel, Leah Gorfinkel, Adam Greene, Sadie Kaim, Adam Katz, Nina Katz, Zachary Kornbum, Sarah Kurbanov, Nathan Pen, Talia Rapaport, Jacob Rome, Sydney Rome, Will Rome, Sammi Rubin, Isaac Schein, Eli Smith, Elizabeth Smith, Sophie Smith, Olivia Smith, Sam Starkman, Eli Vinci, Aylee Weiss, Kayla Weiss, Max Weissman, Jared Zippin. If you can, come for dinner at 5:30 pm (or whenever you get there as long as the food is still out) and leave the dishes to us! With the help of generous sponsors, our new menu, provided by Catering by Meital, features delicious salads and salmon, detailed below. At 6:30 pm, we begin the celebration and prayers, with the joyous parades ( hakafot ) of dancers and Torahs starting a few minutes later. Please come as soon as you can! And in any case, please stay for dessert (to be served around 8:00 or 8:30 pm). See you there! Menu: Assorted rolls & butter, green salad, poached salmon with pineapple teriyaki glaze, roasted vegetable platter, wild rice with almonds, orange & dried cranberries, baked ziti with marinara sauce. (Please discuss with us any dietary restrictions.) The cost for the dinner, if reservations are made by Friday, September 29, is $14 per adult; $6 per child ages 5-9; free for younger children; $35 maximum per family. The cost after this date and up to Monday, October 9, is $16 per adult; $8 per child ages 5-9; free for younger children; $40 maximum per family. To make dinner reservations, please contact the temple office at or visit 3

4 4 From the Director of Education Hello Temple Beth El family! Caryn Resnick I am looking forward to the religious school opening, meeting new students, and seeing returning students. CARYN RESNICK Family education, adult education, and youth groups will have more opportunities for involvement and engagement. The school year will begin with High Holy Day and Shabbat plans for children and families. I am also enthusiastic about the plans for our holiday celebrations throughout the year, like Sukkot, Hanukkah, and Purim. I will be coordinating a new Melton Foundations of Jewish Living class for parents and making sure that our high schoolers are learning and spending time at B Yahad, our Hebrew High School program. I m thrilled to announce that I will be planning another wonderful, inspiring and transformative AIPAC trip in Washington, DC for our 10-12th graders. I am looking forward to being with you for another year of wonderful learning opportunities for our community. SKLC Religious School Famil Sukkot Program Wednesday, October 4 Come and perform the mitzvah of assembling and eating in the sukkah. This program is for families with children in grades K-12. From 3:00 5:00 pm, we will decorate the sukkah, and at 5:15 pm dinner will be served. Watch your mail for further information. High Holy Days Guide Visit to view and download our High Holy Days Guide. It contains details on our High Holy Day services, family programs, tickets, and spiritual information from Rabbi Katz. High Holy Day Prep Program A Taste of the Melton Foundations Class Sunday, September 17 Join us for an afternoon of learning, music, fun, friendship, and communitybuilding on Sunday, September 17 from 1:00 2:30 pm. Come as a family and learn about our new Melton Foundations of Jewish Living class. Foundations of Jewish Family Living is a curriculum for parents that provides a thought-provoking encounter with the core values of Judaism. This 9-week, Saturday afternoon class will provide parents with the learning, the language, and the confidence to be a teacher to their children. The class will be facilitated by Rabbi Amy Katz. Children s learning activities and babysitting will be provided during the class time. See more information about the Foundations class on page 5. Apple Picking with PJ Library There is a community-wide apple picking program sponsored by PJ Library at Easy Pickin s Orchard in Enfield on Sunday, September 17 from 3:00 4:30 pm. There will be holiday crafts and, of course, lots of apples and other vegetables to pick. This is a free program just pay for what you pick. To reserve your spot or ask a question, Kim Starkman at kstarkman@ jewishwesternmass.org. Upcoming Youth Group Events USY is our temple youth group for teens in grades We will begin the new year with a Mystery Night and overnight on Saturday, September 16. Be sure to watch your mail for a special invitation! Kadima is our youth group for children in grades 5-8. Our opening event will be a game night at Temple Beth El on Saturday evening, September 16. On Sunday, October 1, from 11:00 am 2:00 pm, our USY teens will join with all the other local Jewish youth groups for a community-wide sukkah raising in preparation of the community SukkahFest to be held at the JCC (see information on page 9). Teens will engage in leadership and teambuilding activities as they create our sukkah village for this event. On October 4, we will have a Sukkot preparation party at the temple at 3:30 pm, followed by dinner in the sukkah. Watch your mail for more details. We are excited to share that our youth group will be coordinating events with both the Northampton and West Hartford chapters. Our advisors will be Max Schnaper, Rebecca Kossman, Max Rubin and Penina Beede. Upcoming Dates for Tot Shabbat Services Our lively Tot Shabbat services are designed for children ages 5 and under with a parent or grandparent. These services are held at 11:00 am in the Katz Family Library, usually on the first Shabbat of the month, unless there s a conflict with a holiday. Join Cantor Barber and her ukulele, and celebrate Shabbat with songs, dance, instruments, stories, and more. It s a great way to get to know other Jewish families with young children. Following the short service, everyone is invited to stay for Kiddush lunch with the rest of the congregation. Nonmembers are always welcome! Our next Tot Shabbat services will be held on October 7, November 4, and December 2.

5 Sundays, September 10, 17, October 8, 15, 22 & 29 at 9:00 am During September, we will use these three weeks to prepare for the High Holy Days, looking closely at particular prayers and themes in the Mahzor. There will be no class on October 1. On October 8, we will begin a new course in which we will study Mishnah together. No previous experience with Mishnah is required, and no Hebrew skills necessary. This class is an introduction to Mishnah and an introduction to Rabbinic literature. Adult Jewish Education Classes Melton Foundations of Jewish Family Living The Foundations of Jewish Family Living is a curriculum for parents of school-age children that provides a thought-provoking encounter with the core values of Judaism. Developed by the renowned Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, a project of The Hebrew University, the curriculum brings to life the master stories from our tradition and the profound messages they convey. This rich learning experience for adults will provide an opportunity for you to bring the Jewish conversation home to share with your young child. At a time in your family s life when your child is experiencing his or her own Jewish education, Foundations of Jewish Family Living provides you with the learning, the language, and the confidence to be a teacher to your own children. Come as a family and learn about this new Melton class. Caryn Resnick will be coordinating childrens learning activities and babysitting during class time.. Don t miss out on this great opportunity! This class is co-sponsored by TBE and the Springfield JCC. Space is limited. This is what some previous students have to say about the class: Foundations of Jewish Living was a great experience for my husband, Scott, and me. Many of our closest friends are ones we met at that program almost 9 years ago! Rabbi Katz does a wonderful job connecting Jewish concepts and values with everyday life, and bringing meaning to our beautiful traditions and heritage. We enjoyed the conversation and the participants, and it became something we would look forward to. It brought us much closer to the Jewish community, and helped shape our beliefs as Jewish parents and citizens. TIFFANY GREENE The Foundations of Jewish Living was an amazing class. Both parents and children were fully engaged and our family is still close friends with many of the families in the class. We bonded over our Jewish heritage and have celebrated many Jewish holidays and simchas together over the years. AMY & MASON RAPAPORT Dates & Times: Saturdays, October 28 (4:30 6:00 pm), November 18 (3:30 5:00 pm), December 9 (3:30 5:00 pm), January 13 (3:30 5:00 pm), February 10 (3:30 5:00 pm), March 10 (4:30 6:00 pm), April 14 (4:30 6:00 pm), June 9 (4:30 6:00 pm), and Sunday, May 20 (4:00 5:30 pm) Location: Temple Beth El Instructor: Rabbi Amy Katz Tuition: $75 per person, plus $45 for the textbook Registration: Contact Caryn Resnick at CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 Book Discussion Group News Liz Marinelli, Librarian 10:30 am in the library, all are welcome The book group will meet on September 13 to discuss the novel The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gilman. After fleeing Russia in 1913 for Manhattan s dismal Lower East Side, young Malka Treynovsky is abandoned by her family and eventually sets off across America in an ice cream truck to seek LIZ MARINELLI her fortune. This ambitious rags-to-riches immigrant tale is filled with humor and verve. Due to the High Holy Days, there will be no meeting in October. Here are a few of the latest fiction additions to the library: The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish. An ailing historian with a fondness for Jewish history reviews 17th century documents discovered during a renovation in Amsterdam, and learns the story of an emigrant who worked as a scribe for a blind rabbi just before the onslaught of the plague. The One Man by Andrew Gross. When a World War II physics professor with information vital to Allied forces is sent to a Nazi concentration camp, intelligence officer Nathan Blum is sent undercover to infiltrate Auschwitz and bring the professor to safety. After Anatevka: A Novel Inspired by Fiddler on the Roof by Alexandra Silber. Follows Tevye s second-eldest daughter Hodel as she travels to Siberia to follow her Socialist-leaning fiancée Perchik, who has been exiled to a labor camp for his support of the resistance. 5

6 6 As we approach the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel, Temple Beth El is planning a series Dr. Rachel Korazim to Discuss the Story Behind an Iconic Israeli Poem Tuesday, October 31, 7:00 pm Please join us on Tuesday, October 31 at 7:00 pm for an inspiring evening with Dr. Rachel Korazim. Rachel is a freelance Jewish education consultant in curriculum development for Israel and Holocaust education. Rachel opens for her audiences a window to Israeli society through literature; through stories, poems and songs of the best of Israel s writers, she invites listeners to engage with Israel in an innovative way. Born in Israel, she served in the IDF as an officer in the central training base for women, and was later a member of the IDF delegation to Niger (West Africa). She is a graduate of Haifa University with a PhD in DR. RACHEL KORAZIM Jewish education. Rachel has vast experience in Jewish education both in Israel and Happiness 101 Wednesday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m. What s so great about having greater access to positive emotions? They feel good! They also change the body s chemistry which enables us to be more creative, be better problem solvers and be more productive. Don t miss this program led by Life Coach Julia Mines. For more information, contact Caryn Resnick at cresnick@tbespringfield.org. of events. Some of these events will be held in conjunction with other community agencies and some will be solely TBE events. The following is being held in conjunction with the Springfield Jewish Community Center the Diaspora. She teaches at Israel s wellknown learning centers such as Pardes and the Shalom Hartman Institutes as well as numerous Jewish communities around the world. Among the many poems and songs sung and recited on Israel s Memorial Day ceremonies, there is one that stands out and is always part of the ritual: The Silver Platter by Nathan Alterman. Our session will offer a fresh reading of this classical Israeli text. Who was the poet who created it and when did he write it? What were the events leading up to its composition? And above all, what are the poetic qualities that make it still valid, still vibrant and heart-breaking? As Israel is approaching its 70th anniversary this year, The Silver Platter will be our venue into the moments of its creation. Rabbi Katz commented, Rachel is one of the most charismatic and inspiring literature teachers I have ever had. You don t want to miss this opportunity to study with this remarkable Jewish educator. There is no cost to attend, and no R.S.V.P. is necessary. Funding for this program is provided by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Virtual Tour of NYC, Deli Lunch and the film Deli Man Sunday, October 29 12:30 p.m For more information contact Caryn Resnick cresnick@tbespringfield.org. COMMUNITY SHABBAT DINNER FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17 AT SINAI TEMPLE Sneetches As the High Holy Days draw near, enjoy a classic Dr. Seuss story. Rabbi Katz will talk about this classic story on Rosh HaShanah. From The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss: One day, making tracks In the prairie of Prax, Came a North-Going Zax And a South-Going Zax. And it happened that both of them came to a place Where they bumped. There they stood. Foot to foot. Face to face. Look here, now! the North-Going Zax said, I say! You are blocking my path. You are right in my way. Who s in whose way? snapped the South-Going Zax. I always go south, making south-going tracks. Then the North-Going Zax puffed his chest up with pride. I never, he said, take a step to one side. And I ll prove to you that I won t change my ways If I have to keep standing here fifty-nine days! And I ll prove to you, yelled the South- Going Zax, That I can stand here in the prairie of Prax For fifty-nine years! For I live by a rule That I learned as a boy back in South- Going School. Never budge! That s my rule. Never budge in the least! Not an inch to the west! Not an inch to the east! I ll stay here, not budging! I can and I will If it makes you and me and the whole world stand still! Well Of course the world didn t stand still. The world grew. In a couple of years, the new highway came through And they built it right over those two stubborn Zax And left them there, standing un-budged in their tracks.

7 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 ADULT JEWISH EDUCATION CLASSES Greatest Hits from the Talmud Begin your morning with a taste of Talmud! In this class, we will encounter some of the most fascinating discussions of the ancient sages as recorded on various pages of the Babylonian Talmud. Join us in exploring these different gems of the Talmud and attempting to wrestle with their meanings in their time and in our own. This class is for beginners and beyond, seekers, and lovers of Jewish learning! Dates: Thursdays, beginning November 2 Time: 9:30 10:45 am Location: Michael s Café, JGS Lifecare, 770 Converse Street, Longmeadow Instructor: Rabbi Devorah Jacobson Registration: Contact Lisa in the TBE office at or llaudato@tbespringfield.org The Jewish Book of Why Why do some Jews keep kosher? Why do people refrain from spending money on Shabbat? Why do we think that God hears us when we pray? Do you have questions? Your community clergy have answers! Join rabbis and cantors from around Springfield as we explore the classic book of Jewish wisdom, The Jewish Book of Why. Each week we will look at questions ranging from theology, customs, and ritual practice. Additionally, we will collect questions throughout our sessions from our class and devote a final session to answering our own questions of why. Dates: Wednesday, October 18-November 15 (5 weeks) Time: 7:00 8:00 pm Location: Springfield JCC Instructors: Local Jewish clergy Cost: $36 JCC members and members of area synagogues, $54 general public Registration: Contact the JCC at Birthday Shabbat Please join us as we celebrate September birthdays at services on September 8 and 9 and October birthdays at services on October 13 and 14. New Activities in Response to Community Conversations Two common threads have emerged from the Community Conversations held to date a desire for more home-based activities as well as opportunities to help members of our community. In response, the following monthly activities have been added to the temple calendar for the new year. Potluck Shabbat Dinners Getting together for Friday night dinners is something that many of our congregants enjoy. However, the cost of dinners at temple, which are partially subsidized, may still be prohibitive for some. In addition, sharing a leisurely dinner in a smaller home setting can feel more warm and relaxing. In looking for ways to increase our sense of community while acknowledging these issues, we are offering Potluck Shabbat Dinners on the first Friday of each month at member homes. The first of these will take place on October 6 (Hol HaMoed Sukkot) at 6:00 pm in the sukkah of Sue & Stan Polansky, and the second will be held on November 3 at the home of Rob & Karen Engell. There is no charge, but each participant is asked to bring a dairy or vegetarian dish to share. The office will coordinate this effort, so please call to let us know which dinner you d like Mark Your Calendars for Shabbat Zimrah Services Friday, November 10 & Friday, December 8 at 6:00 pm Our next Shabbat Zimrah services will be held on Friday, November 10 and Friday, December 8 at 6:00 pm. Don t miss these special services featuring Cantor Barber and guest musicians. Following the services, enjoy an appetizer buffet and time to schmooze with friends. These services are especially spirited and lively. If you haven t previously attended Shabbat Zimrah, this is your opportunity to check them out. Just Show Up! to attend and what you would like to bring. Details on addresses and the amount to bring will be provided when you make your reservations. Future dates and locations will be announced in Tekiah and in congregational s. Please call the office if you would like to host a future dinner. Your home does not need to be kosher to participate. Hesed Kitchen Cooking classes and opportunities to prepare food with friends have been popular activities at TBE. We also know that many of our members who are dealing with ill health have welcomed delivery of such items as soup, homemade bread and kugels. On the first Monday evening of each month beginning on November 6 at 7:00 pm, those who are interested will meet at Rabbi Katz s home to prepare items which can be frozen and the delivered when the need arises. We are calling this program Hesed Kitchen. If you are interested participating on either or both of those dates, please call the office. We are looking for future locations as well, so if you would like to volunteer your kitchen, please call the office. Your home does not need to be kosher to participate. ADULT B NOT MITZVAH SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 The entire congregation is invited to a very special Shabbat service on November 18 when the students in our Adult B not Mitzvah class will celebrate their B not Mitzvah. The students include: Jan Finkelstein, Ann Labb, Estelle Lakritz, Phyllis Levenson, Debbie Peskin, Mary Tenenbaum, Heidi Thibodeau, and Heather Wasilewski. Stay tuned for more details! 7

8 High Holy Day Schedule 5778 Wednesday, September 20 Erev Rosh HaShanah... 6:00 pm Candle Lighting...6:33 pm Thursday, September 21 First Day of Rosh HaShanah... 8:30 am Shofar service...approximately 10:20 am D var Torah...approximately 11:00 am Tashlikh/Minhah...5:00 pm at Forest Park No service at Temple Beth El Candle Lighting...7:33 pm Friday, September 22 Second Day of Rosh HaShanah... 8:30 am Open to the Community Shofar service...approximately 10:20 am D var Torah...approximately 11:00 am Erev Shabbat...6:00 pm Candle Lighting...6:29 pm Friday, September 29 Kol Nidre...6:00 pm Candle Lighting...6:16 pm Shabbat, September 30 Yom Kippur... 8:30 am D var Torah...approximately 12:30 pm Yizkor to follow Minhah...4:45 pm Neilah... 6:00 pm Sounding the Shofar...7:16 pm Wednesday, October 4 Erev Sukkot First Evening of Sukkot...6:00 pm Candle Lighting...6:11 pm Thursday, October 5 First Day of Sukkot... 9:30 am Second Evening of Sukkot...6:00 pm Candle Lighting...7:11 pm Friday, October 6 Second Day of Sukkot... 9:30 am Erev Shabbat...6:00 pm Candle Lighting...6:05 pm Shabbat, October 7 Hol HaMoed Sukkot Morning Service... 9:30 am Minhah...6:00 pm Havdalah...7:05 pm Wednesday, October 11 Hoshanah Rabbah... 6:45 am Erev Shemini Atzeret (Yizkor)...6:00 pm Candle Lighting...5:56 pm Thursday, October 12 Shemini Atzeret (Yizkor)... 9:30 am Erev Simhat Torah...6:30 pm Candle Lighting...6:56 pm Friday, October 13 Simhat Torah... 9:30 am Erev Shabbat...6:00 pm Candle Lighting...5:53 pm 8 High Holy Day Reminders Cemetery Visits Rev. David Aminia will be at the cemetery on Sunday, September 17 and Sunday, September 24 from 9:30 am noon for families or individuals who need assistance in the reciting of appropriate prayers. Family Services We will hold our annual services with your children on the first day of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur (see schedule). Marlene Rachelle will be leading the family services on Rosh HaShanah, and Rabbi James Greene will be leading them on Yom Kippur. Do not miss these innovative and musical services in our outdoor tent. We acknowledge the support of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts in helping us to provide security during the High Holy Days. The Federation s security funding is to help ensure the safety of our congregation during services. Tashlikh Join us for Tashlikh on Thursday, September 21 at 5:00 pm in Forest Park, as we literally throw away our mistakes from the past year by using breadcrumbs which are symbolic of our sins. Just let the guard at the gatehouse as you enter the park, know that you are from TBE and you will not be charged an admission fee. Please note there will be no evening service at Temple Beth El for the second night of Rosh HaShanah. Lulav and Etrog - The deadline to order your lulav and etrog is Wednesday, September 27. The cost is $60 per set. Break the Fast Temple Beth El will once again host a congregational break fast after the sounding of the shofar on Saturday, September 30. A sumptuous dairy buffet will feature: Maple teriyaki Salmon with Carmelized Onions & Sweet Potato Mixed Green Salad with Beets, Carmelized Nutes, Dried Fruit & Carrots Wild Rice Salad with Walnuts, Dried Apricots, Dried Cranberries, Scallions & Orange Zest Bowtie Pasta Salad with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Roasted Zucchini, Marinated Mushrooms & Black Olives Sweet Noodle Kugel Assorted Bagels, Cream Cheese and Lox Spread, Sliced Tomato, Cucumber & Onion Pizza Bagels for Children Fresh Fruit Assorted Cookies, Pastries and Coffee Cakes The cost is $12 per person ages 10 and over, $10 per child ages 5 9, and free for children under 5. Attendance is by reservation only. The deadline for paid reservations is Monday, September 25 by calling ( ) or ing (office@ tbespringfield.org) the temple office. We d like to thank Fred Brownstein and Elaine Geha once again for generously underwriting the Break Fast. For more details on our High Holy Day services and programs, please refer to the High Holy Day Tekiah. It s available at

9 Sukkahfest Sunday, October 8 & Monday, October 9 Western Massachusetts is getting ready to Shake It Up during a two-day, community-wide and free Sukkot extravaganza, including music and dance, crafts and activities for all ages. Gourmet kosher food will be available for purchase. No R.S.V.P. necessary. The Western Mass Sukkahfest will take place on Sunday, October 8 from 10:00 am 9:00 pm and Monday, October 9 from 10:00 am 7:00 pm and will be held in the fields at the Springfield JCC, 1160 Dickinson Street in Springfield. The Western Mass Sukkahfest represents the joint efforts of more than a dozen local Jewish organizations to create a lively, exciting and inspiring community celebration TOGETHER! For more information about the Sukkahfest, schedule, or to get involved, please contact Michelle Anfang at (413) or visit Disturbing the Peace Film & Discussion Monday, September 11, 6:30 pm On September 11 at 6:30 pm, Bay Path University is presenting the film Disturbing the Peace, followed by a panel discussion. Rabbi Katz will be one of the participants on the panel discussion, which will be facilitated by TBE member Josh Weiss. Disturbing the Peace is a film about former Israeli and Palestinian combatants who have changed their ways and are now working for peace with their peoples. Follow their journeys as they struggle to make sense out of the violence and how they changed course and are working for a more peaceful future. For more information, contact Bay Path University at (413) Sustainability Kallah Sunday, October 15, 9:45pm As part of Sinai Temple s recent initiative to prioritize sustainability and tikkun olam, Men and Women of Sinai will hold a Sustainability Kallah featuring breakfast and speakers on two aspects of climate action on Sunday, October 15 from 9:45-11:30 am. The first speaker, TBE s Andrea Chasen, will present an analysis of the current state of climate change and note trends. The second speaker will discuss the Jewish mandate of protecting the Earth from climate destruction. TBE members are invited to attend this important event. A $5.00 donation is requested to underwrite the breakfast. R.S.V.P. to Robin Blanchette-Gage at rblanchettegage@sinai-temple.org or by call Sinai s office at CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 IENGAGE: JEWISH VALUES AND THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT Land, Justice, Self-Preservation, Compromise, and the Idea of Jewish Exceptionalism. Each session includes text study and discussion led by Rabbi Amy Katz and Sue Polansky, and video lecture and interviews with leading Hartman scholars. Sue is currently the Zionist Affairs task force chair of Hadassah and has been studying with other Hadassah leaders to prepare for teaching the Hartman iengage class. Membership or associate membership (for men) in Hadassah, the Women s Zionist Organization of America, is required to participate in the class. For more information about membership, visit Here are the details about the class: Dates: Wednesdays, beginning November 8 (10 weeks). Dates are: November 8, 15, 29, December 6, 20, January 3, 17, 31, February 14, 28. Time: 4:00 5:30 pm Location: JGS Lifecare, 770 Converse Street, Longmeadow Instructor: Rabbi Amy Wallk Katz & Sue Polansky Cost: Tuition: $ per student, plus the cost of Hadassah membership for any new or associate member ($36 annual membership for women; $250 life membership for women; $250 associate membership for men). For more details on becoming a Hadassah member, visit Registration: Registration for this class will be handled directly Hadassah. Please visit events/iengagespringfield or contact Hadassah Northeast at (781) or hne@hadassah.org. For questions, please contact Lisa in the TBE office at Space is limited; please note that there is a maximum of 20 students for this class. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE HEALING RACISM INSTITUTE of racism from ancient times to the present is an imperative of the Institute. The message? We have not learned from the atrocities of mankind the genocide of early American settlers, slavery, world wars, the Holocaust, Armenia, Rwanda, Darfur, Srebrenica massacre, Aleppo in Syria these crimes against humanity continue. I was gripped by history in a way not possible when I studied the subject in school without the context of life experience. The lessons settled on me with a weight that felt like being pinned under steel. WE HAVE NOT LEARNED THIS. HOW CAN WE NOT HAVE LEARNED THIS! I was mad as hell. The following weekend, I read the news of a white supremacist rally in Virginia. I am still mad as hell. There were many, many moments when the emotion of the seminar hit me hard. I had strangers offer a gentle hand on my back, another bring me a tissue or allow me to give them a spontaneous hug, and so many brief but exquisite human connections. Once the two days came to a close, I felt a great loss. I spent that weekend alone with my thoughts and reactions; a very real sense of loss set in. To honor the work, I donated to the Institute s scholarship fund and share my experience here with you. This is only a beginning. I m determined to help the Healing Racism Institute Director, Waleska Lugo-DeJesús, promote the beautiful work of the Institute. The website for the Healing Racism Institute of the Pioneer Valley is For those who are interested in the broad work of the Institute, I recommend reading Healing Racism by Nathan Rutstein. Please, consider this amazing experience for yourself. I would love to talk to you more about it. As Jews, as people of empathy and compassion, and members of ONE race, we must carry the learning forward. The staff and Board of Trustees of Temple Beth El wish you and your family a very sweet, healthy and peaceful New Year. 9

10 10 My First Experiences of the Jewish Year Cantor Elise Barber In honor of our upcoming visit next spring by Abigail Pogrebin to discuss her book My Jewish Year, Rabbi Katz encouraged me to share with you some of my first experiences in the cycle of Jewish holidays. Since the age of 9, I celebrated Passover on Long Island with my stepmother s family. The first year was jarring because being from Tennessee, I did not understand that people could argue for intellectual exercise and fun. I thought everyone was angry, and ran upstairs crying. When my parents came to check on me, I said, Everyone is yelling! The walls are shaking! They tried to explain what was happening. Eventually, I came to love Passover and looked forward to celebrating it every year. I was moved by those in attendance planning how to make the world a better place. I had never heard people talk like that before. When I started to convert to Judaism as an adult, I learned about the strict dietary restrictions of the holiday. My first couple of years trying to follow these rules, I was very careful to avoid hametz, but I did not use separate dishes or utensils. At first, I didn t know you were supposed to use different kitchen items, and then it was hard for me to do as a single adult in a New York studio apartment with no one around me doing the same thing. Eventually, I did make this big change, too. I have to say the restrictions of Passover were (and still are) challenging, but I found they helped me connect with other Jews and find creative new ways to prepare food. Shavuot I found strange staying up all night? In New York, it was exciting finding places to go. Many synagogues had famous guest musicians and interesting speakers. People were dining on cheesecake and blintzes all night, which was unfortunate for me since I don t like the mixing of cheese and sugar. Still, it was intriguing how we as a people take learning so seriously. And make it fun. My first experience with Tisha B Av was incredible. I was greatly affected by sitting on the floor in the dark with flash lights. It felt magical. And then the Eicha (Lamentations) trope! It was so beautiful. The words were harrowing. The whole experience of the words, melody, and intimate experience of sitting on the floor with others touched me and my eyes couldn t help welling up. It s hard to remember exactly my very first High Holy Days. I have jumbled memories from the first few years. At my synagogue, I was drafted into the choir which was terrifying. What was someone like me so new to Judaism doing up on the bimah? What if I made a mistake? What if I moved incorrectly? I was constantly looking at everyone else trying to figure out what I should be doing. When I got to observe at other synagogues or just sit in the pews at my own, I enjoyed the music but felt confused by all of the concentration on sin. I thought concentrating on sin was Christian and did not understand this was a chance to start anew, grow, repair, and change. I was also surprised the services were so long. When I went to shul with my step-grandmother on Long Island, I was shocked that the rabbi s sermon took 45 minutes. In addition, I was puzzled (and I admit, relieved) that people could come to services late and leave early. It was difficult not to have a Jewishly active extended Jewish family during the High Holy Days. I could see that others were gathering joyfully for holiday meals. I did not know I should ask my clergy to be included in home celebrations. Fasting was definitely a challenge. I felt proud that I was trying and once again felt a strong bond with other Jews going through the same experience. Sukkot back then was very different from how I celebrate it now with a sukkah in my own yard. My little synagogue had a tiny sukkah that was in kind of an alley/ passageway that I could visit whenever I pleased and another larger one on the roof of the building next door. I was disappointed on Friday night that there was hardly any Kabbalat Shabbat. I did enjoy the attention to the cycles of nature and I especially loved the lulav. It was quite interesting for me as a new Jew to do something in worship that involved plants. It felt both pagan and ancient. I had no idea what to expect on Simhat Torah. We were downstairs in the small social hall of my synagogue when all of the sudden people started moving chairs out of the way. What in the world were they doing? Everyone was smiling and excited. When the hakafot began, I was confused. Dancing? Carrying Torahs? The cantor and some kids were using a microphone in the corner to gleefully sing a bunch of songs I didn t know. Everyone was so happy and excited, but I felt awkward not knowing the songs or having any clue what was going on. The next two years were more fun when I knew more what to expect. I still didn t know the songs, but it was good to dance and celebrate anyway. Hanukkah was one holiday I had celebrated with my stepmother and father a little as a child. When I was 9, we made a menorah together out of clay. A few times we lit candles together, and presents from my stepmother were called Hanukkah presents instead of Christmas gifts. When I became interested in Judaism, it actually brought Hanukkah back into my stepmother s life just a little bit. We had an annual tradition of going to my step-grandmother s house for a party one of the eight nights, but then for the rest of the nights, I started going to my stepmother s apartment to light candles on my way home from work. I think these were the first times my stepmother had lit the candles in her own home (instead of just one night at her mother s) since I was a child. It felt very sweet to do this together. It was also moving to get my stepmother back in touch with her roots a little bit. Once again, I felt awkward not knowing the blessings, but my stepmother taught them to me. Even though I am now Jewish clergy, I am still learning more about the holidays every year and always experience them differently. Where I spend the holidays, who I spend them with, what is happening in my life, what is happening in my family, what is happening in my community, and what I am learning all affect my experience and understanding of the celebrations. I want to take this opportunity to wish you all Shanah Tovah. I hope we can be open these High Holy Days to change, comfort, awe, beauty, family, and new insights.

11 Meet Phyllis Levenson Phyllis Levenson Soon after I was married in 1972, I moved to the Springfield area. Growing up in Revere, MA, I always lived minutes from the ocean (my last home was only 8 houses from a beautiful private beach in the Point of Pines neighborhood of the city.) My two girls, Robin and Debby, grew up in Longmeadow and later graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, where Robin majored in Biology and Debby in Chemical Engineering. My oldest daughter, Robin, is a radiologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston and has two children, Sophie (5) and Ben (2 1/2). Robin and her husband, Elliot, who is an analyst for a financial company, live in Newton. My daughter Debby earned a Master s degree in Food Science from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and works as a group leader in product development for Mondelez International in NJ. She lives in Morris Township, NJ, with her husband, Steve, who is a high school science coordinator as well as a chemistry and physics teacher. They have two children, Brooke (6) and Ari (4). My husband, Barry, suddenly passed away about 8 years ago, right after we both retired, so my retirement has not been exactly as we planned. My sister and brother and much of their family live north of Boston, close to the beach in Marblehead and Swampscott. As my children and siblings do not live in this area, I am often making road trips to visit them. I graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and later received a master s in education in counseling from Salem State University and earned an additional 60 credits from a variety of colleges. While I was trained as an elementary teacher, I only worked 11 years in that field. I spent most of my years of work as a high school guidance counselor and as a vocational counselor for the state employment office. Locally, I worked as a guidance counselor at West Springfield High School before having children. After being home for 10 years, I started working in the Westfield school system and retired after working there for 23 years. For many years I have been an active member of the state and local counseling associations, serving as president and board member of the Western MA Counseling Association. In 2009, I proudly received the Retired School Counselor s Award from Massachusetts Association of School Counselors. My retirement has been pretty busy as I tend to like to keep active and have a hard time saying no when asked to help out. Someone once said to me you are everywhere. I am a volunteer usher in a number of theaters in the Springfield, Hartford, and Berkshire areas. My other volunteer activities include being an ambassador for the Greater Springfield Travel and Convention Bureau (now called Western Mass), serving on the Council of Jewish Women Scholarship Committee, being part of the Scholarship Selection Committee for the Community Foundation, being a past member of the Awards for Excellence in Jewish Education committee, and helping on various committees for the Jewish Federation. After my retirement, I had the time to take a variety of classes at STCC. I am on a bowling league, attend a few book clubs, and have taken knitting classes. I am excited about being one of the four members of the planning committee for the University of Massachusetts 50th year reunion in April At Beth El, I serve as the Adult Education Chairperson, am part of the Education Committee, and lead the temple s monthly book club. I have enjoyed being the organizer of the famous Mike Henderson NYC tours. (Watch for our next tour!) If you go to evening minyan, you just might see me there. My Jewish education has expanded since I retired. I was a member of the first Melton class that started when Rabbi Katz came to town. Since then, I have taken most of the graduate classes that were offered. I think our community has been so fortunate to have a group of such dedicated and accomplished teachers who have made all the classes come alive. Thank you to Rabbi Katz, Rabbi Jacobson and Dalia Davis for allowing me to not only learn new things, but to also expand my mind as we delve into a variety of topics. These classes inspired me to join 11 other local people on a wonderful Melton trip to Israel in I recently returned from an amazing Melton trip to Italy. As a member of Beth El s current adult Bat Mitzvah class, I have been preparing for our November B not Mitzvah by learning CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 11

12 12 We mourn the loss of the following from June 1 through July 31. Bobby Axler Husband of Roberta Axler David Ira Wallk Brother of Rabbi Amy Wallk Katz Shirley Uman Norman Burstein Dr. Melvin Hutner Harriet Brisk Robin Leib Driben Daughter of Jay Leib Edna (Nicky) Bogoff Mother of Lesly Reiter Phyllis Oster Negrin Mother of Lisa Zippin Truth is a mirror in the hand of God. IN JUNE & JULY To our Torah Readers: Sasha Kogan, Esta Farkas, Sue Kline, Ray Possick To our Haftarah Readers: Mark Sherman, Sasha Kogan, Maxine Bernstein, Adele Miller, Dennis Gordan, Ray Possick, Stanley Light, Ellen Ratner To our Service Leaders: Steve Weiner, Dennis Gordan To our Service Leaders: Maxine Bernstein, Dennis Gordan BREAKFAST SPONSORS: In memory of her sister, Beth Lieberman Niejadlik Debbie Lieberman In memory of his mother, Mollie Sherman Mark Sherman In memory of all the minyannaires Susan Burk In memory of her father, Abraham Miller, & father-in-law, Robert Greenhut Adele Miller In memory of his mother, Charlotte Metz Larry Metz In honor of Gene Baker s 95th birthday The minyanaires If you would like to sponsor a breakfast, please contact Reverend Aminia at the temple office at KIDDUSH SPONSORS: In honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Sasha Kogan Alex & Alina Kogan In honor of the aufruf of Jen Sklar & Brian Grenier Joe & Nancy Sklar In honor of the naming of their granddaughter, Sophia Isabelle Altman Phyllis & Elliot Altman Paul & Esta Farkas If you are interested in sponsoring a Kiddush lunch to commemorate a special event, please contact Rhoda Peskin at the temple office at Ellen Shankman on the birth of her granddaughter, Gabriela Chava Jenson, on June 2. Gabriela is the daughter of Jamie & Curt Jenson of Suffield, CT. Danielle & Jason Altman, and Phyllis & Elliot Altman on birth of their daughter & granddaughter, Sophia Isabelle Altman. She was born on May 15. Meryl & Hy Darling on the birth of their granddaughter, Mia Reese Perilman. She was born on June 14 to Jaclyn & Zev Perilman of NYC. Judy Ingis, who has been selected as one of the four 2017 recipients of The Order of the William Pynchon award for community service. Judy established Rachel s Table with the support of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts 25 years ago. Nancy & Joe Sklar on the marriage of their daughter, Jennifer, to Brian Grenier. They were married on June 24 in Lenox, MA. Donna & Steve Feldman on the marriage of their daughter, Lindsay, to Zach Bilchik. The couple was married on June 24 in Manchester, VT. Important News from Rabbi Katz The following is a letter which Rabbi Katz has sent to our school families about our educational program for the coming year. Dear School Families! I hope that you are having a restful and enjoyable summer. It is hard for me to believe it is August already. I am pleased to tell you that Caryn Resnick has agreed to return to direct our TBE school program for grades K - 7, opening SKLC in September In the next two weeks you will be hearing from Mrs. Resnick with a school calendar and with registration information. I realize that this is not what I promised you in the spring. I am sorry. There are so many stakeholders who need to participate in creating a community-wide program. It has taken much longer than I had expected to formalize plans. The good news is that we are committed to a communitywide program. We will continue to work towards this goal, with Michelle Konigsberg. Any of you who would like to be involved in securing funding, planning experiential programs, developing curricula, or recruiting students, please let me or Maxine Bernstein know. We do want to include you and your ideas in our plans. Thank you for your patience. I am mindful that the uncertainty of the school program has been unsettling. All of us are committed to providing the best possible Jewish education for your children and we appreciate your confidence in us. Finally, thank you for being our partners. By working with you, we create meaningful experiences for our children. With much appreciation for your support and patience, Amy

13 This list includes all donations of at least $10 received between May 20-July 21, TEMPLE FUND In memory of Dr. Melvin Hutner Jody & David Small Lawrence E. Cohen Iris, Fred & Steven Bernstein In memory of David Ira Wallk Dieter Lutz Muriel Dane Helene & Claudio Orefice Gary & Abby Goodman Judi & Alan Bullock Ellen Alpert Brian & Briannah Axler The Axler Family B nai Torah s Chesed Committee Evelyn & Sidney Baron Elliot & Anne Bloom Martin & Marian Broder Bill Caplin & Mary Jenewin-Caplin Jonathan & Ellen Chilton Rae & Howie Davis Jan Draymore Benjamin & Adena Falk Ellen & Maurice Fieldstein Susan & Bill Firestone Dr. & Mrs. Alan R. Gerstein Ellen & Mark Gold Susan & Jonathan Goldsmith June & Walter Gordenstein Susan & Ron Grodsky Carol Haase & Family Miriam Hirschhaut Judy & Ted Ingis Steven & Leslie Kaim Bernice Kalicka Jan & David Kalicka Craig & Norah Kazin Ed & Sue Kline Krystyna Laskiewicz Dr. Bruce & Devra Lerner Jean & Bill Licht Iris Linson Bea & Jay Loevy Mitzi & Larry Mackler Jeff & Sherry Mandell Rhoda Mandell Mila Miazga Bev & Allen Nadler John & Lisa Nascembeni Goldie Newman David & Debbie Peskin Stan & Sue Polansky Harold & Sally Ann Resnic Caryn Resnick Ralph & Debra Ritchie Susie Rosenberg Eileen Rutman Jane & Barry Schulman Herbert & Sharon Schwartz Grace Sperling Betty Szlajen Alan & Charlotte Zeller Al, Barbara & Alex Zippin Wishing David Ratner a speedy recovery Art & Edie Hessel Mazel tov to Paul & Esta Farkas on the birth of their grandson Helene & Claudio Orefice Judi & Alan Bullock In honor of Sue Polansky Rabbi Devorah Jacobson In memory of Barbara Binsky Christine Gin Yan Lau In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Dovie Stiefel Richard & Sherry Leaderman In memory of Stan Winer Ellen & David Ratner Elliot & Anne Bloom Mazel tov to Stuart Anfang on his award Ellen & David Ratner In memory of Shirley Uman Charlotte Meyer In memory of Bobby Axler Elizabeth Klein Marion Pava Shirley & Alan Levitz Aaron & Eileen Stein, Gary & Patti Stein, Barbara & Bruce Winer Steven Hochberg Michael Kaskell Maurice & Denis Cloutier In memory of Grace Marsala Phyllis Levenson In honor of the birth of Phyllis & Elliot Altman s granddaughter, Sophia Beth & Gary Danforth In honor of Craig & Norah Kazin s daughter s marriage Judi & Alan Bullock Susie Rosenberg In memory of Gladys Sadow Lynn Dean In memory of Harriet Brisk Peggy & Arthur Grodd Abbie & Meyer Weiss Melissa & Jayson Stambovsky KIDDUSH FUND Mazel tov to Paul & Esta on the birth of their grandson, Benjamin Ellen & David Ratner Mitzi & Larry Mackler In memory of Rosalyn Mackler Miriam Hirschhaut Mitzi & Larry Mackler In memory of Bobby Axler David Neigher Yahrzeit of Steve Rappaport, beloved brother-in-law Esta Farkas Yahrzeit of Doris Cantor, beloved mother & mother-in-law Yahrzeit of Bernard Cantor, beloved father & father-in-law Yahrzeit of Benjamin Farkas, beloved father & father-in-law Yahrzeit of Ellen Farkas, beloved mother & mother-in-law In memory of Barbara Cohen In honor of Aufruf of Lindsay Kazin In honor of the marriage of Aaron Elman & Kelsey Richards In honor of Bar Mitzvah of Caleb Zive In honor of Bat Mitzvah of Sarah Cranna In honor of Bat Mitzvah Marissa Burstein In honor of Bat Mitzvah of Briannah Axler In honor of Bat Mitzvah of Anya Jordan In honor of Susan & David Porter s new grandson, Elliot In honor of birth of daughter Nili to Meital & Joel Illouz In honor of Phyllis & Elliot Altman s granddaughter, Sophia In honor of Iris & Marc Linson s new granddaughter, Mia MINYAN FUND In memory of Robin Leib Driben Myra & Jerry Gold In memory of Harriet Brisk Myra & Jerry Gold Mazel Tov to on the birth of their grandson Susan & Jonathan Goldsmith In honor of Eugene Baker s 95th birthday The Baker/Solis-Cohen Family Wishing Allen Mackler a speedy recovery Steven Lepow In memory of Bobby Axler Myra & Jerry Gold Yahrzeit of Shirley Marfis, beloved mother-in-law Ed Gerstein In memory of Burton Shaker Karen Winer In honor of birth of Phyllis & Elliot Altman s granddaughter, Sophia Debbie Lieberman Wishing Rabbi Gary Greene a speedy recovery Debbie Lieberman SANDI KUPPERMAN LEARNING CENTER FUND Wishing Linda Weiss a speedy recovery & the best of health Anne Shapiro Mazel tov to Paul & Esta Farkas on the birth of their grandson Caryn Resnick In honor of Marissa Burstein s Bat Mitzvah Caryn Resnick In honor of Anya Jordan s Bat Mitzvah Caryn Resnick In honor of Briannah Axler s Bat Mitzvah Caryn Resnick In honor of Sarah Cranna s Bat Mitzvah Caryn Resnick In honor of Sasha Kogan s Bat Mitzvah Caryn Resnick In appreciation of Heather Wasilewski & David Lieber James, Jen, Talyah & Kol Greene In memory of Bobby Axler Sally & Mal Schneider YAHRZEIT FUND David Sklar, beloved father Joseph Sklar Joseph Berg, beloved father Gerald Berg Leonard Gilman, beloved father Judith Mason Mollie Sherman, beloved mother Mark Sherman Samuel Korolick, beloved father Joan K. Rubin Mildred Libowitz, beloved mother Howard Libowitz Edna Frankel, beloved wife Seymour Frankel Jennie Frankel, beloved mother Seymour Frankel Sidney Lewis, beloved brother Florence Barowsky Ruby Burstein, beloved father-in-law Ruth Burstein Naomi Levine, beloved mother Ruth Burstein Myer Finkel, beloved father Edward Finkel Barry Levenson, beloved husband Phyllis Levenson Samuel Korolick, beloved father Harrisia Lee Rappaport Mary Michaelson, beloved mother Saul Michaelson Joseph Barr, beloved father-in-law Arthur Lutz Louis Goldberg, beloved father Shirley Levitz Philip Rudek, beloved father Ellen Alpert Seymour Presser, beloved father Jay Presser Aaron Posnik, beloved father Barbara Fishman Mae Sharin, beloved aunt Bill Caplin & Mary Jenewin-Caplin Ida Freedman, beloved mother-in-law Eleanor Freedman Manuel Sperling, beloved father Grace Sperling Louis Goldberg, beloved father Ellis Goldberg Millie Abrams, beloved mother Caryl Portnoy Eva Caplin, beloved aunt Bill Caplin & Mary Jenewin-Caplin Dr. Freeman Maltz, beloved father Janis Maltz Green Lila Falik, beloved mother Jay Falik Harold Lefelstein, beloved uncle Beth & Gary Danforth Mildred Davey, beloved aunt Bill Caplin & Mary Jenewin-Caplin Hilda Hand, beloved sister Florence Barowsky Charlotte Metz, beloved mother Lawrence N. Metz Frank Cohen, beloved father Susan Grodsky Irene Leibman, beloved mom Florence Gurwitz Morris Irving, beloved father Philip Irving Hebert Lapidus, beloved father Marcy Mekler Nathan Shrage, beloved father Harvey Shrage & Amy Cohen Mollie Goldberg, beloved cousin Muriel Dane Henry Hellman, beloved father Eileen Rutman Harvey Perlman, beloved brother Sharon Rosenberg Ruben Wolkoff, beloved grandfather Stuart Anfang Jacob Retchen, beloved grandfather Caryl Portnoy David Hurwitz, beloved father-in-law Joan Hurwitz Anna Lewis, beloved mother Florence Barowsky Abraham Reback, beloved father Sally Ann Resnic Gertrude Feinstadt, beloved aunt Peter Benjamin Ellie Scher, beloved mother Jan Kalicka Celia B. Cohen, beloved mother Paul Cohen Sidney Corn, beloved father David B. Corn Shirley Chipkin, beloved mother Linda Weiss Florence Jackowitz, beloved mother Herbert Jackowitz Rebecca Schaffer, beloved mother Frances Jackowitz Samuel Schaffer, beloved father Frances Jackowitz Nathan Dalitzky, beloved brother Dr. & Mrs. Milton Dalitzky Morris Okun, beloved father Dr. & Mrs. Milton Dalitzky A. Robert Draymore, beloved father Mark Draymore Robert Draymore, beloved husband Jan Draymore Bessie B. Korolick, beloved mother Harrisia Lee Rappaport Bess Korolick, beloved mother Joan K. Rubin Abraham Zarefsky, beloved father & father-in-law Beth & Gary Danforth Mona Zarefsky, beloved sister & sister-in-law Beth & Gary Danforth Gedaly Gorodisher, beloved father Vladimir Gorodisher Hava Gorodisher, beloved mother Vladminir Gorodisher Ilya & Gregory Gorodisher, beloved brothers Vladminir Gorodisher Sadie Hoff Kinsler, beloved mother Claire K. Rubin Tayla Samuel Shneyder, beloved mother & father Raisa Gorodisher Rose Schecter, beloved aunt Rhoda Mandell Anna Simon, beloved grandmother Abby Goodman Shirley Goldberg, beloved wife Jack Goldberg Hannah Goldberg, beloved grandmother Jack Goldberg 13

14 14 Rose Greenberg, beloved grandmother Carol Halpern Wernick & Richard Halpern Miriam K. Zeller, beloved mother Barbara Zippin Leslie Baker, beloved husband Maya Baker Rose Schecter, beloved aunt Myrna Metz Norman H. Kurland, beloved husband & father Barbara, Justine & Joshua Kurland Ethel Coren, beloved mother Marlene Ratner Carolyn Winer, beloved sister-in-law Karen Jessop Winer Ben Alper, beloved father Claire Brittman Pearl Goldstein, beloved grandmother Steven Goldstein Edward Goldstein, beloved father Steven Goldstein A. Robert Kaufman, beloved father Myrna Robbins Sara S. King, beloved mother Carole Cohen Marvin Eisler, beloved father John Eisler Paul Weissman, beloved father Stuart Weissman A. Robert Kaufman, beloved father Judith Shelasky Gerda Benjamin, beloved mother Peter Benjamin Natalie Somerset, beloved mother Meri Horowitz Harry Gordenstein, beloved father Walter Gordenstein Lou Mindel, beloved husband Marion Mindel Isidor Cooper, beloved father Ruth Bennett Fanchon Ratner, beloved mother Patricia Ratner Mcweenzy Ruth & Abe Baevsky, beloved grandparents Robert Baevsky Frank Hano, beloved father Robert Baevsky Milton J. Barowsky, beloved husband Florence Barowsky Joseph Barowsky, beloved father-in-law Florence Barowsky Ilean Simon, beloved mother Roberta Goodman Gerald Simon, beloved father Roberta Goodman Sara Goodman, beloved mother Bern Goodman Abraham Neurick Goodman, beloved father Bern Goodman Maurice Morganstein M.D., beloved father Phyllis Salvage Morey Colton, beloved father Miriam Mackler Anne Ackerman, beloved mother Doris Margolis Max R. Ackerman, beloved father Doris Margolis Stella Margolis, beloved mother-in-law Doris Margolis Julius Margolis, beloved father-in-law Doris Margolis Aaron Margolis, beloved husband Doris Margolis Jennie Meyer, beloved grandmother Jan Meyer Freida Lipovsky, beloved grandmother Steven Lepow Dr. Irving Steinberg, beloved uncle Steven Lepow Rose Mirkin beloved mother Marlene M. Kimball Bertha Chase, beloved mother Martin Broder Frank Stone, beloved father Phillip A. Stone Edward Berinstein, beloved brother-in-law Morton Katz Morris Perlman, beloved father Sharon Rosenberg Bunia Horowitz, beloved mother Ben Horowitz Sheryl Passo, beloved sister Gary Okun Rosalyn Gloth, beloved mother, grandmother & great-grandmother Joanne Gloth-Rome Harry Greenfeld, beloved grandfather Susie Rosenberg Albert Greenfeld, beloved father Susie Rosenberg A. Robert Draymore, beloved father Jill D. Guz Samuel Horowitz, beloved father Shirley Graziani Samuel Horowitz, beloved grandfather Bryan Graziani Rebecca Wiedman, beloved mother Emanuel Wiedman Sylvia Belsky, beloved mother Laura Broad Louis B. Belsky, beloved father Laura Broad Samuel Horowitz, beloved father Rosaline Horowitz CINDY KLIGERMAN YOUTH FUND In memory of Sidney Wilgowicz Tom, Eli, Netania, Adina & Alan Kligerman In honor of Lisa Woolfe completing her first triathlon at Hudson Crossings Tom Kligerman ALAN GOLDBERG YOUTH FUND In memory of David Ira Wallk Sally Shapiro Deb Shapiro Cohen Sora Torff & Jack Goldberg In memory of Bobby Axler Jack Goldberg NETTIE & MORRIS GOLDSTEIN FUND In memory of David Ira Wallk Phyllis & Elliot Altman In honor of Charlotte Meyer s special birthday Phyllis & Elliot Altman CANTOR MORTON SHAMES SANCTUARY RENOVATION FUND Wishing Bernice Kalicka a speedy recovery Miriam Lieff In memory of Frannie Shames Barbara Fishman Congratulations to Judy Ingis on being honored with the Pynchon Award for her community service Miriam Lieff In memory of David Ira Wallk Steven Lepow Miriam Lieff Susan & David Porter Marilyn & Joel Davidson Wishing David Ratner continued good health Miriam Lieff BERNARD & SARAH ALTMAN MEMORIAL ISRAEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND Yahrzeit of Marcia Schwartz Milton, Eric, Joel & Steven Schwartz Yahrzeit of Bernice Altman Elliot M. Altman Yahrzeit of Sarah Altman Elliot M. Altman NECHAMEN CHERNICK FUND Mazel tov to Anne & Elliot Bloom on the birth of their grandson Ellen & David Ratner Mazel tov to Steve & Donna Feldman on their daughter s marriage Ellen & David Ratner WEINBAUM CHAPEL FUND Yahrzeit of Dora Saxe, beloved grandmother Lynn W. Cartwright Yahrzeit of Lillian Weinbaum, beloved grandmother Lynn W. Cartwright PHILIP & MIRIAM ZELLER CHILDREN S EDUCATION FUND In memory of Bernard Freedlander Charlotte & Allan Zeller FINGEROTH FAMILY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND Mazel tov to Iris & Marc Linson on their triple simchas! Sari & Chris s baby Mia, Elyse s graduation from medical school, and Elyse & Hari s wedding Harriet & Rick Fingeroth RABBI S DISCRETIONARY FUND Mazel tov to Paul & Esta Farkas on the birth of their grandson Diane Miller & Steven Weiner Wishing Suzanne Halberstadt Chorowski well Diane Miller & Steven Weiner In memory of Bobby Axler Judith & Allen Kronick In appreciation of Rabbi Katz Eric & Melinda Elman Roberta Axler In memory of David Ira Wallk Marcia Albert Donna Oberstein & Ace Allen Audrey & Michael Asher Sheila Blum Linda & Alan Cohen Barbara & Jack Corcoran Norma Feder Lynn & Bill Geller Myra & Jerry Gold Goller Family Philanthropic Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City Marcia Chipkin Guzy Dorita & Michael Henderson Sydney & Jerry Hirsch Amanda & Isadore Jermyn Ann Koenig Judith & Allen Kronick Phyllis Levenson Rabbi Daniel Levin CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 MEET PHYLLIS LEVENSON Debbie Lieberman Shirley & Alan Levitz Selma & Bernie Milstein Susan & Alan Proctor Betty, Steven & Ilyse Ross Marvin Szneler Annette & Don Weinshank In memory of Dr. Melvin Hutner Max & Shirley Shepro CANTOR S DISCRETIONARY FUND A special thanks to Cantor Barber for getting Rabbi Rhonda Shapiro- Reisser to come to teach the Bat Mitzvah class how to lay tefillin Heidi Thibodeau In honor of our granddaughter Sophia s baby naming Phyllis & Elliot Altman In honor of Marissa s Bat Mitzvah Jeffrey & Elysa Burstein TREE OF LIFE Leaves for the Tree of Life may be purchased for $250 and stones may be purchased for $2,500 to honor a friend or family member. Please contact Rhoda Peskin at if you would like to order a leaf or stone. YAHRZEIT PLAQUES Yahrzeit plaques are a fitting way to remember a loved one s yahrzeit in perpetuity. They are displayed in the temple lobby each year during the week of the yahrzeit. The cost is $375. If you would like to purchase a plaque, please contact Reverend David Aminia at Hebrew and trope as well as practicing my portions of the service. Without a doubt, this has proven to be one of my most challenging activities. Except for his college years, my late husband, Barry, always lived in Springfield and had his Bar Mitzvah at Beth El. My in-laws, Paul and Sylvia ( Toots )Levenson, were members of the temple for many years even after they moved to Florida. (You can actually see a picture of my sister-in-law, Cynthia, on the first confirmation photograph on the wall of Beth El.) My family joined Beth El over 35 years ago. When my children were young, I was an active member of the Sisterhood and on the Board of Education. For a number of years, I was also a board member at United Hebrew School. We have had many life cycle events involving the temple. After studying at United Hebrew School, both of my girls had their B not Mitzvah at the temple. Cantor Shames instructed Robin with her Bat Mitzvah lessons while Debby studied with Rev. Aminia. Rabbi Schwartz officiated at Robin s wedding and Rabbi Katz was the officiant at Debby s wedding. I had the help of the clergy at the funeral and shiva of my in-laws as well as my husband. I was also fortunate to have the support of Rabbi Katz for a long time after. I am often at the temple for classes, book club, meetings, services, and various other activities. As you can see, Beth El has definitely played a major role in my life.

15 What s TBE Programs for Children SKLC Classes Monday, September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 16, 23, 30 and Wednesday, September 13, 27, October 4, 18, 25 at 3:00 pm B Yahad Thursday, September 14, 28, October 12, 19, 26 at 6:30 pm Tot Shabbat October 7 at 11:00 am Babysitting September 2, 9, October 7, 14, 28 from 10:00 am to end of services Youth Group Programs USY Mystery Night & Overnight Saturday, September 16 at 7:00 pm Kadima Game Night Saturday, September 16 at 6:00 pm Sukkah Assembly Sunday, October 1 at 11:00 am Sukkot Preparation Party Wednesday, October 4 at 3:00 pm Adult Education Programs Cuppa Joe Sundays, September 10, 17, October 8, 15, 22 & 29 at 9:00 am Katz Family Library Book Club Wednesday, September 13 at 10:30 am Adult B not Mitzvah Class Sundays, October 15, 22, 29 at 3:30 pm Taste of Foundations High Holy Day Prep Program Sunday, September 17 at 1:00 pm Foundations of Jewish Living Class Saturday, October 28 at 4:30 pm An Evening with Dr. Rachel Korazim Tuesday, October 31 at 7:00 pm Programs for All Ages Selihot Saturday, September 16 (at Sinai Temple) at 7:30 pm Break Fast Saturday, September 30 at 7:16 pm Family Education Program Wednesday, October 4 at 3:00 pm Potluck Dinner Friday, October 6 at 7:15 pm Simhat Torah Dinner & Service Thursday, October 12 at 5:30 pm Social Action Programs Loaves & Fishes Wednesday, September 6 & October 4 at 11:45 am Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church Sunday, September 24 & October 22 Hesed Kitchen Monday, October 2 at 7:00 pm Meetings Board of Trustees Wednesday, September 13 & October 18 at 7:00 pm Shabbat Information September 1 Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 pm Candle Lighting 7:04 pm September 2 Shabbat Ki Tetzei Havdalah 8:04 pm September 8 Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 pm Candle Lighting 6:52 pm September 9 Shabbat Ki Tavo, Havdalah 7:52 pm September 15 Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 pm Candle Lighting 6:40 pm September 16 Shabbat Nitzavim-Va-yeilekh Havdalah 7:40 pm September 22 Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 pm Candle Lighting 6:28 pm September 23 Shabbat Ha Azinu, Havdalah 7:28 pm September 29 Erev Yom Kippur Candle Lighting 6:16 pm September 30 Yom Kippur Havdalah 7:16pm pm October 6 Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 pm Candle Lighting 6:04 pm October 7 Sukkot, Havdalah 7:04 pm Tot Shabbat 11:00 am October 13 Simhat Torah Candle Lighting 5:52 pm October 14 Shabbat B reishit Havdalah 6;52 pm October 20 Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 pm Candle Lighting 5:41 pm October 21 Shabbat Noah Havdalah 6:41 pm October 27 Kabbalat Shababt 6:00 pm Candle Lighting 5:31 pm October 28 Shabbat LekL kha Havdalah 6:31 pm Office Closings September 4 Labor Day September 21 1st Day Rosh HaShanah September 22 2nd Day Rosh HaShanah October 5 Sukkot October 6 Sukkot October 12 Shmini Atzeret October 13 Simhat Torah TBE Members Can Save on Airport Parking Do you have travel plans this fall? Z Airport Parking in East Granby, CT offers our members discounted parking rates, and Temple Beth El benefits as well. It s a win-win! Visit and use the Promo Code TBE. Make your parking reservation through this portal and receive a discounted rate of $5.95 per day, with the 7th day free (plus the added 10.6% airport access fee and 6.35% state tax that all airport parking companies must charge). This rate is lower than the regular rate of $7.95 plus fees and tax. TBE receives a monthly check from Z Airport Parking as a part of this promotion. Please take advantage of this special opportunity to save money, and help your synagogue at the same time! 15

16 Temple Beth El (413) (413) Fax Dickinson Street, Springfield, Massachusetts Office Hours: Monday Thursday: 9:00 am 5:00 pm, Friday: 9:00 am 3:00 pm OFFICERS David Ratner, President Maxine Bernstein, Vice President Susan Weiss Firestone, Vice President Daniel Plotkin, Vice President Elina DeAngelis, Vice President Eric Ratner, Treasurer Michelle Anfang, Financial Secretary Rhonda Goldberg, Recording Secretary Paul Farkas, Immediate Past President CLERGY Amy Wallk Katz, PhD, Rabbi Elise Barber, Cantor Reverend David Aminia, Ritual Director Herbert Schwartz, Rabbi Emeritus STAFF Rhoda Peskin, Executive Director Caryn Resnick, Education Director Lisa Laudato, Administrative Assistant Alexandra Espinal, Comptroller Marie Sampson, Administrative Assistant Debbie Peskin, Communications Coordinator Penina Beede, Max Schnaper, Rebecca Kossman, Max Rubin, Youth Leadership Team Liz Marinelli, Librarian NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID SPRINGFIELD, MA PERMIT NO. 327 Synagogues don t work The shofar doesn t work Sermons don t work Praying doesn t work The Al Chet doesn t work Yizkor doesn t work Kaddish doesn t work Kol Nidrei doesn t work Unetaneh Tokef doesn t work Neilah doesn t work Ashamnu doesn t work Responsive readings don t work Tashlikh doesn t work Torah readings don t work Piyyutim don t work Tzom Gedaliah doesn t work You work! Any effort at spiritual awareness requires discipline patience and energy. Prayer is not a spectator sport; the congregant takes an active role rather than a passive role. Prayer requires an investment of energy. If you sit back and wait for something to happen, nothing will. You must devise your own agenda. Especially on the High Holy Days, the real work of the services goes on in your own mind. How do you evaluate the past year? Where have you succeeded? Where have you fallen short? And by what criteria do you make such judgments? You may get the most out of the prayer book if you view it as a repository of topics for your personal reflection. 16