Beth El Women to Celebrate at Blue Barn Theatre

Transcription

1 Cheshvan - Kislev - Tevet 5778 November-December 2017 Beth El Women to Celebrate at Blue Barn Theatre The lobby of the Blue Barn Theatre in the Old Market will be the scene for Opening Night -- a party to kick off The Miriam Initiative, a new concept in women s programming at Beth El Synagogue. The event is scheduled for Thursday, November 2, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Bus transportation from the Beth El parking lot will be available, leaving promptly at 7:00 pm. It s 2017, and the old model for women s auxiliary groups is dated, explained Joanie Jacobson, a member of the Initiative s Design Team. For years now, women have been working outside the home, transporting children to daily afterschool activities and weekend sporting events, traveling, exercising, and still trying to get dinner on the table -- all at record-breaking speed -- while texting, ing and answering voic s. So, who has time for volunteering? Assuming a leadership role, serving on a board, being a member of a working committee, attending monthly meetings -- especially for a year or more -- are commitments fewer and fewer women are willing to make. So, what can an organization do to attract volunteers? As we say at Beth El... embrace change. Enter The Miriam Initiative, a series of ongoing projects and programs created and presented by the women of Beth El Synagogue. No president. No board. No executive committee. No two-year terms. No by-laws. No monthly meetings. Just a chairperson or co-chairs for each project working in partnership with a designated synagogue staff person. The Miriam Initiative will replace Sisterhood as the umbrella concept for women's programming at Beth El. "I enjoyed the opportunity to be president of Sisterhood," noted Linda Fischer, president from "It gave me a new perspective on being an active participant in my Jewish community. The Miriam Initiative will allow us to keep the activities and projects that worked, create new activities and projects, and restructure to accommodate our busy lives." From social justice to social gatherings -- from the kitchen to the classroom -- from repairing the world to repairing yourself, the possibilities for exciting, informative, timely, provocative and entertaining programming are endless, said Jacobson. The Blue Barn is a great venue and Opening Night is just for fun -- a chance to enjoy a glass of wine, some nosh, and some great conversation. The November 2 Opening Night party for The Miriam Initiative and bus transportation to the Blue Barn are free of charge. However, reservations are needed for both and may be made by contacting Sibby Wolfson at or sibby.wolfson@gmail.com. Other members of the Initiative s Design Team are Laurie Epstein, Linda Fischer, Pam Friedlander, Margie Gutnik, Patty Nogg, Shiri Phillips, Caryn Scheer and Melissa Shapiro.

2 2 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER Mazel Tov on the Marriage of: We Share Your Joy Birthdays With 5-Year Multiples Alex Epstein & Lindsay Keuck Son of Gary D. & Lisa Epstein Mazel Tov on the Birth of: Julia Skye Fineman Granddaughter of Glen & Hollie Fineman November Anniversaries With 5-Year Multiples Howard & Sharon Epstein Bernard & June Schlessinger Michael & Melissa Schop December David & Patti Adler The Miriam Initiative!... Page 1 Birthdays/Anniversaries/Joy!... Page 2 Rabbi s Column!... Pages 3-4 Scholar in Residence!... Page 4 November Lev Denenberg Rebecca Denenberg Laurie Epstein Cheryl Lerner Sheila Polikov Maureen Rosenblatt Emma Hochfelder Isaac Jensen Sasha Brodsky Nicholas Ray December Mildred Altman Jeff Dworkin Tyler Epstein Marla Feldman Isaac Ferber Dolores Goodman Silvia Herszkopf Ari Kohen Hazzan Michael Krausman Zev Krausman Diane Malashock Betty Perelman Derek Rothe Joshua Shapiro Howard Stern Deborah Turetsky Ruth Sandkovsky Tyler Wees Kollectible!... Page 11 Torah Tots December!... Page 11 Yad Squad!... Page 12 Sunday Speaker Series!... Page 12 INSIDE THIS ISSUE In Memoriam!... Page 4 Shabbat s Cool/Torah Tots November!... Page 5 Eadie s Column!... Page 6 BESTT Calendar November!... Page 6 Service Grant Baking!... Page 6 November B nai Mitzvah!... Page 7 Cup of Coffee/Veterans Shabbat!... Page 7 Kibbutz Chaverim!... Page 7 President s Corner!... Page 8 BESTT Calendar December!... Page 8 B nai B rith Bible Quiz!... Page 8 December B nai Mitzvah!... Page 9 Kevah Family Programs!... Page 9 USY Chanukah Program!... Page 9 Contributions!... Page 10 Chanukah Dinner!... Page 10 Chesed Committee!... Page 12 Detachable Calendar!... Pages High Holy Day Thank You!... Page 15 Beth El Baking Dates!... Page 15 Shul-IN Pictures!... Page 16 Kids Night In!... Page 16 Rabbi s & Hazzan s Classes!... Page 17 USY & Kadima Programs!... Page 18 Shanghai!... Page 19 Candle Lighting & Service Times!... Page 19 Tot/Family Shabbat!... Page 19 Christmas Eve Dinner!... Page 20 Switch Day at the Blumkin Home!... Page 20 New Year s Toast!... Page 20 Dinner at the Stephen Center!... Page 20

3 The Struggle of Mental Illness By Rabbi Steven Abraham A man went to see his physician because he wasn t feeling well. Doctor, he said, I am suffering from a dark and unshakable depression. Nothing I do gives me any relief. I am overwhelmed with pain and most days, I can t even make it out of bed. Doctor, what should I do? The doctor thought for a moment then offered the following treatment plan. This is what you need to do. Tonight, go to the theatre where the Great Carlini is performing. He is the funniest man in the world and everybody who sees him finds him hysterical. By all means, go see Carlini. He is guaranteed to make you laugh and drive away your depression. Upon hearing these words, the man burst into tears and sobbed uncontrollably. But doctor, he said, I am Carlini. I am speaking about mental illness because I have seen parents desperately worried about their depressed teens. I have seen so many individuals who suffer from mental illness alone and isolated, looking for a way to connect. Most tragic are the families in our community whose lives have been permanently marred by the suicide of a son or daughter, a parent or sibling. This is not an easy topic to discuss, but easy topics are not how we grow; we only grow with open eyes and an open heart. Mental illness is not something that people often talk about; it is not something that is always self-evident. When a congregant comes into the synagogue in a wheelchair, we are clued in to offer help. We know how to ask that person what they might need, we ask if they are in pain, and we are understanding of their limitations. What we do not do well is care for those who are internally suffering from a different type of pain, yet no less real. We often do not know to offer assistance, we often do not see their struggle, and unfortunately, we often do not know of their pain. ROOTED IN TRADITION. EMBRACING CHANGE. 3 One in four Americans one out of every four of us will be affected by some form of mental illness during our lifetime. That can include depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it serves to illustrate how rampant this issue is. It is something that affects our Jewish community, and I wanted to share with you what I believe our tradition tells us about mental illness. For centuries, Judaism has understood depression to be a part of life. Moses leading the Israelites in the dessert had doubts about his ability to lead the nation and cried out to God, I can no longer bear the burden of this people alone it is too heavy for me Please kill me, let me no longer see my wretchedness. (Numbers 11:14-15) King Saul was said to have been overcome by a ruach ra-ah, a bad spirit. His melancholia was not (continued on page 4) Jeff and Mari Rensch Voted #1 in Real Estate 4 years in a row JEFF MARI mari@renschgroup.com Thank you Beth El Synagogue Proud to Support Beth El Synagogue th & Dodge Street rd & K Plaza th & Maple Road Your West Omaha ENT & Audiology Connection Burke Street, Suite 200 Omaha, NE omahaentclinic.com Contact Kjirsten Finnegan to place an ad today! kfinnegan@4lpi.com or (800) x2659 TONI ROSEN CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST Toni.Rosen@cbshome.com For ad info. call Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE. A 4C

4 4 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER Rabbi s Column (continued from page 3) constant, rather it is cited in the text whenever the evil spirit comes over you (1 Samuel 16: 16, 23). This has led biblical historians and many doctors to believe that King Saul suffered from what we see as bipolar illness today. Our history is not devoid of mental illness; our biblical ancestors faced horrific darkness. We look to them to be role models in good times, so too when life is tough. It is the most tragic of cases that we see today, when that horrific darkness leads to self-harm. The fact is, suicide is very difficult to understand. It is the tragic result of a complicated mix of factors such as hopelessness, impulsivity, and traumatic life circumstances (Harpel). 1 I want to be clear, and this is probably the most important thing of all, I want to say to anyone who has had these thoughts, that your family and friends and we, your community are not better off without you. If you hear echoes of yourself or someone you know in these descriptions, help is available. We love you. We accept you. We are here for you. There are four mitzvot, four Jewish calls to action, that can help guide our understanding of and response to mental illness: Bikur Cholim (visiting the sick), Pikuach Nefesh (saving a life), Nichum Aveilim (comforting mourners), and Halvayat HaMet (accompanying the dead). The first two speak to the kind of community we should strive to create to make it easier for those struggling with mental illness to find relief and healing. The second pair speaks to the way we should respond as a community when the tragedy of suicide occurs. Moses, as stated above, cried out to God that the burden was too much to bear, to kill him. What was God s response? To gather 70 elders of the community, bring them to the tent of the meeting that they may stand there with thee (Numbers 11:16). How did King Saul find relief from ruach ra-ah, his bad spirit? David consoled him and played his harp (1 Samuel 16:24). It was the people around them that were the answer. We are the answer. We need to make it safer for more people to come out from behind the shadows and find the support and care they need to continue to go on with their lives, both those living with mental illness and their family and friends who care for them. We need to start talking more openly about the secret illness that nobody wants to talk about. It wasn t so long ago that people only spoke in whispers about cancer. And while today we can speak about cancer and other diseases of the body freely, mental illness still carries with it a stigma and prejudice that prevents so many from seeking the help we need. But Judaism 1 understands that emotional and spiritual pain are as real and serious as that of the body. Just look at the Mi Shebeirach prayer, the prayer for healing we recite every Shabbat and holiday refuat he-nefesh uh-refuat ha goof, we pray for healing of spirit, the soul, and the body. And so many of us are in need of healing for both. To those who struggle with mental illness and those who care for those who struggle, I want you to know that while we can never fully understand the depths of your pain or the complexities of your life, you must know that you are not alone. We, your clergy and your community, are here for you. We will sit with you in your darkness, we will cry alongside you, and we will take your hand and lead you to the light of day when you feel ready. Continue to be brave and strong, and may this year help you to find compassion and contentment. And for those of you whose loved ones suffer from mental illness mothers and fathers and children and siblings and partners your heart is so full with both love and pain. I stand in awe of you and all that you carry every day. May God continue to strengthen you and lift you as you care for the ones you love. May God speedily heal us all in body and soul refuat he-nefesh uhrefuat ha goof. And let us say, Amen. Rabbi Steven Abraham In Memoriam Beth El extends profound sympathy to the families of: Jerome (Jerry) Lerner Dr. Milton Simons Shirlee Elaine Belgrade Solotorovsky May their memory always be for a blessing.

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6 6 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER BESTT Calendar November BESTT Hebrew School - Grades 3-7 4:15-6:15 pm Hebrew High Dinner & Class - Grades :15-8:00 pm 4 Jr. Congregation - Grades :00 am - 12:00 pm Bat Mitzvah of Julia Weill 5 BESTT - Grades K-7 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Torah Tots - Ages :30 am - 12:00 pm Kibbutz Chaverim - Grades :00-2:00 pm Daylight Savings Time at 2 am (Fall Back) 8 BESTT Hebrew School - Grades 3-7 4:15-6:15 pm Hebrew High - Grades :30-8:00 pm 11 Shabbat s Cool - Grades :00 am - 12:15 pm (includes lunch) 12 BESTT - Grades K-7 9:30 am - 12:00 pm 15 BESTT Hebrew School - Grades 3-7 4:15-6:15 pm Hebrew High - Grades :30-8:00 pm 17 Tot/Family Shabbat - led by Grades 5-6 5:30 pm PreNeg 6:00 pm - Services 18 Jr. Congregation - Grades :00 am - 12:00 pm Bar Mitzvah of Julian Witkowski 19 BESTT - Grades K-7 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Torah Tots - Ages :30 am - 12:00 pm Kevah Family Program - Grade 3 11:15 am - 12:00 pm Thanksgiving Break - November Hebrew High Goes to Siena Francis 4:00-7:00 pm BESTT Hebrew School - Grades 3-7 4:15-6:15 pm Time to Take Action By Eadie Tsabari, Director of Congregational Learning I ve said it before and I will say it again. Beth El is where you find your family. The High Holy Days are behind us and after learning with our youth the special meaning of acts of lovingkindness, doing Tzedakah, learning the real meaning of T shuvah or saying you are sorry and meaning it, it is time to take action and really think about repairing the world. Our kids have spent an enormous amount of time this fall in the building doing Jewish in a way that they will always remember and take with them their whole life. We just completed our INTENSE Shul-IN where more than 40 kids participated and had amazing experiences. Even though the rain could have dampened our spirits, we were able to venture outside for dinner in the Sukkah, a drive-in movie LaLaLa!, a campfire with s mores, and Saturn and star gazing with the Omaha Astronomical Society. How cool is it to be part of the Beth El family? As we return to somewhat of a normal schedule at BESTT and Hebrew High, we look forward to being with our Jewish friends and continuing to build the bond that will last a lifetime. We hope to see your kids and YOU for all of our activities, participating in our Tzedakah projects, learning about our wonderful amazing holidays, and being thankful for all that life brings to us. It s great to be a part of the BESTT family ever. Eadie Tsabari Want to pay back some of your Service Grant????? Students AND THEIR PARENTS BAKE Please join us in the Beth El Kitchen and make some baking magic! We need your help making sure our kids get yummy homemade treats at BESTT Sunday, November pm Please Rsvp to Eadie Need special ingredients? Please let me know by Sunday, November 12! Cell Work

7 ROOTED IN TRADITION. EMBRACING CHANGE. 7 Bat Mitzvah Bar Mitzvah November 4, 2017 Julia Weill Daughter of David and Holly Weill November 18, 2017 Julian Witkowski Son of Isaac & Susan Witkowski Have a Cup of Coffee with God & Veterans Shabbat Saturday, November 11, 9:30 am Join us for another session of this innovative learning service. The coffeepot will be on and the sweets will be plentiful. Grab a nosh, fill your cup and satisfy your appetite for knowledge and spiritual growth, as we daven and learn together. We will also honor our veterans this morning, so please join us as we thank our congregants who have served in the military. INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING Steve Tyler Agency Robyn Menin Beth El Member 679 N 132nd St Generations of Love - A Legacy of Excellence Call today to schedule your personal tour W. Dodge Rd. Omaha, NE CUSTOM INVITATIONS STATIONERY GIFTS WEDDING HOLIDAY PARTY 8720 Countryside Plaza (In Countryside Village) nanci@rsvpnotes.com Thank You Note Writing Workshop for Kids Sign up with Nanci at RSVP Main Phone: Men s Clinic: Med Spa & Weight Loss: ~ Serving the Omaha Community ~ Anti-Aging Aestetic Therapies Weight Management Hormone Replacement and Med Spa and Nutrition Nicholas St For ad info. call Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE. C 4C

8 8 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER BESTT Calendar December Jr. Congregation - Grades :00 am - 12:00 pm 3 BESTT - Grades K-7 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Torah Tots - Ages :30 am - 12:00 pm Kevah Family Program - Grades :00 am - 12:00 pm 6 BESTT Hebrew School - Grades 3-7 4:15-6:15 pm Israel Meeting at the JCC - Grades :00 pm Hebrew High - Grades :30-8:00 pm 9 Jr. Congregation - Grades :00 am - 12:00 pm Bar Mitzvah of Jack Cohen 10 BESTT - Grades K-7 Maccabiah I 9:30 am - 12:00 pm 13 BESTT Hebrew School - Grades 3-7 Maccabiah II 4:15-6:15 pm Chanukah Dinner - Details TBA 16 Jr. Congregation - Grades :00 am - 12:00 pm Bar Mitzvah of Peyton Kelln 17 BESTT Hebrew School - Grades 3-7 4:15-6:15 pm Torah Tots - Ages :30 am - 12:00 pm Winter Break - December 20 - January 5 B nai B rith Bible Quiz Sunday, December 3, 1:30 pm JCC Beth El high school students will compete in the annual B nai B rith Bible Quiz and hope to have another impressive showing. This year s questions will be from Deuteronomy. Come cheer on our teens as they test their knowledge and compete for cash prizes in this annual event. President s Corner By Jim Zipursky, President of the Board of Trustees Thanksgiving is my favorite secular holiday. Regardless of your religious views, Thanksgiving can be celebrated by everyone. It is a time for bringing family and friends together to share a meal, tell stories, and remember how lucky we are to live in America today. Even with all the craziness going on around us, ours is still the greatest nation on earth and we have much for which to be thankful. I am happy to share with you many of the things for which I am very thankful: I thank you for allowing me to be the President of our congregation. Beth El has had many, many fantastic Presidents (including my beautiful bride) who have all been great examples for me to emulate and mentors to guide me. I am lucky to serve you. I am thankful Rabbi Abraham is our spiritual leader. His ability to innovate and keep Beth El moving forward while remembering our traditions makes us a better congregation. I am thankful Hazzan Krausman is so engaging with our congregants, our b nai mitzvah students, and with the community at large. I am thankful for the tireless work and dedication of Allison, Eadie, Amy, Ariella, Debbie, Adrianna and the rest of our staff. They continue to make Beth El Synagogue a caring and welcoming place. I am thankful for the devotion to BESTT from all of our Talmud Torah teachers, who teach and train our kids and we know they are not doing it for the money! I am blessed to work with so many amazing leaders on the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees who volunteer their time to help make Beth El a fabulous congregation. I am thankful for both Jay Gordman and Bob Yaffe stepping up and agreeing to serve as the next two Presidents of Beth El, assuming approval from the congregation. With Jay and Bob s agreement to serve, we can develop our plans for the next four years. I am thankful for the generosity of our Patron Members and Life & Legacy donors whose financial contributions are critical to the wellbeing of Beth El Synagogue. I am thankful for the support each of you, the members of Beth El, provide to our synagogue and congregation. It is all about you and always about you. Without you, Beth El is a building. With you, Beth El is a family and congregation. I am thankful for all of the fabulous volunteers we have at Beth El and for everyone who comes to Beth El to pray and for spiritual enrichment. Finally, I am thankful to my family and to my friends for the love and support they always provide to me. I am so happy to be able to be your President and lead us all through our journey over the past 18 months at Beth El, a synagogue rooted in tradition but always embracing change. Jim Zipursky

9 ROOTED IN TRADITION. EMBRACING CHANGE. 9 Bar Mitzvah Bar Mitzvah December 9, 2017 Jack Cohen Son of Michael & Karen Cohen December 16, 2017 Peyton Kelln Son of Mark & Heather Kelln Kevah Family Programs November 19, 11:15 am - Grade 3 We ll make Siddur covers for the upcoming Siddur Celebration December 3, 11:00 am - Grades 5-7 We ll learn about the B nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program Call LPi today for advertising info (800) Abrahamson Law Office Hugh Abrahamson Jill Abrahamson Family Law & Criminal Defense Specializing in infants, children, adolescents, young adults and special needs Se Habla Español! Lourdes M. Secola-Ocanto D.D.S., M. Sc. D W. Maple Road, Omaha, NE (402) (office) (402) (fax) J Street Omaha, NE Enterprise Bank Member FDIC W. Center Rd. 210 Regency Pkwy. Omaha, NE Omaha, NE Ph: Ph: Classes Conveniently Located at Beth El and in Elkhorn omaha.kindermusik.net For ad info. call Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE. D 4C

10 10 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER Contributions to Named Endowment & Synagogue Funds This Kol lists contributions received by October 10. Donations received after that date will be listed in the next issue. Contributions to Named Endowment Funds 21st Century Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Rosaline Epstein Jacob & Ida Bernstein Endowment Fund In memory of: Sol Kutler, Eunie Denenberg Yahrzeit of: Pauline Wine Lorrie Anne & Saul Z Davis Endowment Fund In memory of: Phyllis Roffman Eunie Denenberg Yahrzeit of: Miriam Shafer, Dora Davis, Joe Milstein Drazen Family Summer Experience Endowment Fund In memory of: Eunie Denenberg Willis Epstein Endowment Fund In honor of: Harriet Epstein Yahrzeit of: Willis Epstein Barbara & Dean Frankel Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Jeanette Desnick, Irving Herzog Isaac H & Ruth S Friedman Endowment Fund In memory of: Eva Draco General Endowment Fund In memory of: Eunie Denenberg, Sol Kutler, Dr. Thomas Jaeger Florence Hurwitz Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Florence Hurwitz Linda H Lynn Kahn Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Linda Kahn Marcel & Ilse Kahn Endowment Fund In honor of the birthday of: Joan Marcus, Janet Glass, Jim Atkinson Forrest/Lisa Stewart Krutter Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Forrest Krutter Milton Marcus Instrumental Music Endowment Fund In appreciation of: Lisa and Howard Marcus and Sam Lieb In memory of: Sam Lieberfeld Ruth & David Platt Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Douglas Platt, Rebecca Platt Selwyn Roffman Endowment Fund In memory of: Phyllis Roffman Celia & Ben Schwartz Transportation Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Elsie Schwartz Stephen R. Skid Endowment Fund In memory of: Eunie Denenberg Arnold Stern Endowment Fund In memory of: Eunie Denenberg Eli & Sara Zalkin Endowment Fund In memory of: Eunie Newberg Denenberg Contributions to Named Synagogue Funds Building Fund In memory of: Eunie Denenberg Cemetery Improvement Fund In memory of: Tom Scholting Yahrzeit of: Max Moskovitz Etta & Harold Epstein Chapel Fund In memory of: Sol Kutler, Eunie Denenberg Yahrzeit of: Jenda Epstein, Abraham Epstein General Fund In memory of: Eunie Denenberg, Dr. Thomas Jaeger, Sol Kutler, Jerome Lerner, Dr. Sol Kutler Yahrzeit of: Gertrude Arav, Fred Ostrow, Robert Pappenheimer, Geraldine Trachtenberg, Dave Hahn Mitzvah Meals Fund Yahrzeit of: Ida Cooper, Samuel Cooper, Martin Cooper Music Fund In memory of: Eunie Denenberg, Sol Kutler Recovery of: Judy Tully Yahrzeit of: Lawrence Batt Prayer Book Fund Yahrzeit of: Ida Zoorwill, Ben Zoorwill Rabbi's Discretionary Fund In appreciation of: Rabbi Abraham In memory of: Dr. Thomas Jaeger, Dr. Sol Kutler, Eunie Denenberg,Tom Scholting Yahrzeit of: Emanuel Hecht, Saul Meisels, Abraham Kirshenbaum, Haskell Edelstein Bert & Ruth Render Memorial Fund In honor of: Bert & Ruth Render In memory of: Eunie Denenberg Seth Rich Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund In honor of: Harriet Singer In memory of: Seth Rich, Eunie Denenberg, Sol Kutler, Jennifer Kay, Thomas Jaeger Yahrzeit of: Mitchell Gordon, Julius Friedman, Ida B. Zoorwill, Ida Cooper, Ben A. Zoorwill, Martin Cooper, David Cooper, Benjamin Michael Littky, Robert Pappenheimer, Rosa & Moritz Stern, Ben Sutin Torah Repair Fund Yahrzeit of: Joseph Belmont USY Fund Yahrzeit of: Rebecca Abramson, Senta Schwarz, Vivian Schwarz, Walter Schwarz, Beatrice Freund Welcoming the Stranger Fund In memory of: Eunie Denenberg Blanche Wise Educational Fund In memory of: Eunie Denenberg Youth Education Fund In honor of: Joan Marcus, Larry DeBruin In memory of: Eunie Denenberg Yahrzeit of: Fajga Rosenberg, Kenneth Weiner

11 ROOTED IN TRADITION. EMBRACING CHANGE. 11 Kollectible Mazel Tov to Marty Shukert, who was honored by the Nebraska State Historical Society at their 2017 Annual Awards Gala and Meeting. Marty received the first ever Placemaker-History Maker award to recognize his leadership role in Omaha s evolution into one of the nation s most vibrant and livable cities. Kibbutz Chaverim enjoys a fun afternoon of bowling. (402) Innovation Intelligence Integrity Peter J. Gimenez, D.D.S. 132nd & Maple, Omaha (402) Heartland-Dental.com I St Professional Snow & Ice Management (402) Farnam St. Suite 500, Omaha NE For ad info. call Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE. E 4C

12 12 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER We Thank Our Yad Squad The following members read Torah/ Haftarah in August: Vaetchanan Heather Kelln Marty Shukert Yonatan Feldstern Alan Shulewitz Ben Shapiro Haftarah - Nancy Rips Eikev Zev Krausman Marty Shukert Elissa Wiener Ben Shapiro Zach Krausman Haftarah - Zach Krausman Re'eh Roni Reiter-Palmon Hazzan Michael Krausman Steve Riekes Yonatan Feldstern Haftarah - Laurel Krausman Shoftim Yonatan Feldstern Glen Fineman Steve Riekes Marty Shukert Haftarah - Marty Shukert For the latest information about our upcoming programs, visit Chesed Committee Beth El's Chesed Committee (Caring Committee) focuses on Acts of Lovingkindness such as phone calls, cards, meals, baskets, deliveries and personal visits. We are there when times are the most difficult (illness, aging, death) and also at the most joyous times ever (birth). Everyone is welcome to join us for our upcoming monthly visits: Blumkin Home - Thursdays, November 2, December 7, 2 pm Remington Heights - Tuesdays, November 14, December 12, 2 pm Sterling Ridge - Wednesday, November 15, 2 pm If you know of a congregant who is ill and would like the Chesed Committee to offer support, please contact Eadie Tsabari at etsabari@bethel-omaha.org.

13 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Daylight Savings Tim me ends on Sunday, November 5 at 2:00 ur clocks back one hour when you go to am. Be sure to set you bed the night before. 5 9:00 am - Shacharit Service 9:00 am - Beth El Baking 9:30 am - BESTT 10:00 am - Torah Study 10:30 am - Torah Tots 11:00 am - Musical Midrash 12:00 pm - Kibbutz Chaverim (Grades 3-4) 5:30 pm - Minyan Daylight Savings - Fall Back 12 9:30 am - Shacharit Service 9:30 am - BESTT 10:00 am - Torah Study 11:00 am - Musical Midrash 11:00 am - USY Board Meeting 11:00 am - BESTT Committee Meeting 12:00 pm - USY/Kadima Baking Date 5:30 pm - Minyan 19 9:30 am - Shacharit Service 9:30 am - BESTT 10:00 am - Torah Study 10:30 am - Torah Tots 11:00 am - Musical Midrash 11:00 am - USY Board Meeting 12:00 pm - Baking for Service Grant Families 5:30 pm - Minyan 26 9:30 am - Shacharit Service 10:00 am - Torah Study 5:30 pm - Minyan No BESTT: Thanksgiving Break 6 10:00 am - Beth El Baking :00 pm - Rabbi s Book Club at Whole Foods 14 2:00 pm - Chesed Committee Visits Remington Heights 21 12:00 pm - Rabbi s Book Club at Whole Foods 7:30 pm - Board of Trustees Meeting 28 12:00 pm - Rabbi s Book Club at Whole Foods 1 4:15 pm - BESTT 5:15 pm - USY Program 6:00 pm - Hazzan s Class 6:15 pm - Hebrew High Dinner & Class 7:00 pm - Rabbi s Book Club 8 4:15 pm - BESTT 6:30 pm - Hebrew High 6:00 pm - Rabbi s Book Club 7:00 pm - Rabbi Andrew Katz 15 2:00 pm - Chesed Committee Visits Sterling Ridge 4:15 pm - BESTT 6:00 pm - Hazzan s Class 6:30 pm - Hebrew High 22 4:30 pm - Kinnus Hype-Up 7:00 pm - Rabbi s Book Club No BESTT: Thanksgiving Break 29 4:15 pm - BESTT 4:00 pm - Hebrew High goes to Siena Friancis 6:00 pm - Hazzan s Class 7:00 pm - Rabbi s Book Club 2 2:00 pm - Chesed Committee Visits Blumkin Home 7:30 pm - Miriam Initiative at the Blue Barn Theatre 9 1:00 pm - Shanghai Thanksgiving 9:00 am - Shacharit Service USY KInnus Nov :00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat 10 9:30 am - Shacharit Service 6:00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat 17 5:30 pm - PreNeg 6:00 Kabbalat Shabbat Tot Shabbat with PJ Library Family Shabbat led by Grades :30 am - Nebraska AIDS Luncheon 6:00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat 4 9:30 am - Shabbat Services Bat Mitzvah of Julia Weill 10:00 am - Jr. Congregation 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 6:00 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 11 9:30 am - Cup of Coffee with God & Veterans Shabbat 10:00 am - Shabbat s Cool - Grades :45 am - Mini Minyannaires 5:00 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 18 9:30 am - Shabbat Service Bar Mitzvah of Julian Witkowski 10:00 am - Jr. Congregation 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 4:45 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 25 9:30 am - Shabbat Services 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 4:45 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv ROOTED IN TRADITION. EMBRACING CHANGE. 13 November 2017

14 3 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9:00 am - Shacharit Service 9:30 am - BESTT 10:00 am - Torah Study 10:30 am - Torah Tots 11:00 am - Prophets and the Cities with Rami Arav 1:30 pm - B nai B rith Bible Quiz at the JCC 5:30 pm - Minyan 10 9:30 am - Shacharit Service 9:30 am - BESTT 10:00 am - Torah Study 11:00 am - Prophets and the Cities with Rami Arav 11:00 am - USY Board Meeting 5:30 pm - Minyan 17 9:30 am - Shacharit Service 9:30 am - BESTT 10:00 am - Torah Study 10:30 am - Torah Tots 11:00 am - Prophets and the Cities with Rami Arav 11:00 am - BESTT Committee Meeting 12:00 pm - Kadima Program 5:30 pm - Minyan 24 9:30 am - Shacharit Service 5:30 pm - Minyan Annual Dinner - Details TBA No BESTT: Winter Break 31 9:30 am - Shacharit Service 5:30 pm - Minyan 5:30 pm - Dinner at the Stephen Center No BESTT: Winter Break Christmas Day 9:00 am - Shacharit Service Switch Day at the Blumkin Home 5 12:00 pm - Rabbi s Book Club at Whole Foods 12 CHANUKAH 1ST CANDLE 12:00 pm - Rabbi s Book Club at Whole Foods 2:00 pm - Chesed Committee Visits Remington Heights 19 12:00 pm - Rabbi s Class at Whole Foods 7:30 pm - Board of Trustees Meeting :15 pm - BESTT 6:00 pm - Israel Meeting at the JCC - Grades :00 pm - Hazzan s Class 6:30 pm - Hebrew High - Grades :00 pm - Rabbi s Book Club 13 4:15 pm - BESTT 7:00 pm - Rabbi s Book Club Chanukah Dinner Details TBA 20 5:15 pm - USY Chanukah Program 7:00 pm - Rabbi s Book Club No BESTT: Winter Break 27 No BESTT: Winter Break 7 2:00 pm - Chesed Committee Visits Blumkin Home 14 1:00 pm - Shanghai :00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat Services will be led by USY & Kadima USY/Kadima Shabbat 8 9:30 am - Shacharit Service 6:00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat 15 6:00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat 22 11:30 am - Nebraska AIDS Luncheon 6:00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat 29 6:00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat 2 9:30 am - Shabbat Services 10:00 am - Jr. Congregation 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 4:45 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 5:30 pm - Kids Night In 9 9:30 am - Shabbat Services Bar Mitzvah of Jack Cohen 10:00 am - Jr. Congregation 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 4:45 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 16 9:30 am - Shabbat Service Bar Mitzvah of Peyton Kelln 10:00 am - Jr. Congregation 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 4:45 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 23 9:30 am - Shabbat Services 4::45 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 30 9:30 am - Shabbat Services 12:00 pm - New Year s Toast 5::00 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 14 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER December 2017

15 ROOTED IN TRADITION. EMBRACING CHANGE. 15 To all who made High Holy Day calls to Congregants... Gabby Blair Matt Blodgett Danni Christensen Jane Dreyfus Dick Fellman Hollie Fineman Bruce Friedlander Darlene Golbitz M Lee Hasslinger Donna Hersch Andy Isaacson Joanie Jacobson Beth Katz Helen Kay Heather Kelln Larry Kronick Carole Lainof Joan Latchaw Cheryl Lerner Patty Nogg Carol Parsow Amy Reynolds Ari Riekes Caryn Scheer Melissa Shapiro Dora Shefren Nancy Skid Marilyn Tipp Jan Wayne Sibby Wolfson Bob Yaffe Barry Zoob Nora Zoob Our thanks to Nancy Skid for coordinating this annual project To our Service Coordinators... Michael Gerson Cary Grossman M Lee Hasslinger Les Kay To the leaders and assistants for our Tot Services, Children s Services, Junior Congregation and children s activities... Shira Abraham Deborah Kronick Patty Nogg Melissa Shapiro Jake Spivack Our BESTT student volunteers To our Gabbaim... Pam Friedlander Michael Gerson Ben Shapiro Alan Shulewitz Marty Shukert Jim Zipursky To our Singers and Musicians... Lisa Marcus Howard K. Marcus Bob Yaffe Jim Fried Steve Denenberg Gary Nachman Nancy Rips Andee Scioli Bob Adler Jimmy Friedlander Rebecca Wolfson Danny Denenberg Sophia Mavropoulos Julia Weill Dina Saltzman Brittney Clignett Bilu Usy BESTT Youth Choir To our Amazing Ba al Tekiah... Jerry Gordman To our Ushers... Larry DeBruin Bill Dreyfus David Finklestein David Finkle Judi Finkle Jay Gordman Miriam Gottlieb M Lee Hasslinger Mark Kelln Michael Levine Ophir Palmon Jeff Passer Alan Shulewitz Wayne Schwarz Jim Zipursky To our Torah & Haftorah Readers, Service Leaders and Service Participants... Steve Denenberg Bob Epstein Yonatan Feldstern Ari Finkelstein Ethan Finkelstein Jim Fried Pam Friedlander Michael Gerson Spencer Gordman Jerry Katskee Heather Kelln Lauren Kirk Laurel Krausman Zach Krausman Zev Krausman Benjamin Kutler Emily Kutler Lisa Marcus Phoenix Mavropoulos Sophia Mavropoulos Samuel Meisels Gary Nachman Steve Riekes Nancy Rips Dina Saltzman Caryn Scheer Ben Shapiro Matan Shapiro Marty Shukert Alan Shulewitz Bob Yaffe The B nai Mitzvah Class of 5777 To our Sensory Room Volunteers... Erika Lucoff Pam Kutler Bob Wolfson To our Sukkah Builders... Yonatan Feldstern David Finkelstein Mark Kelln Ari Kohen Bruce Kutler Dan Levitt Phil Lucoff Ben Shapiro David Weill Our Beautiful High Holy Day flowers inside and outside of the building were generously donated by Carol Gendler in memory of H. Lee Gendler, and by Bucky Greenberg and Family in memory of Caryl Greenberg.

16 16 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER A Shul-IN Under the Stars More than 40 kids came to Beth El s Shul-IN last month. Our teens planned and executed a fantastic event filled with fun, including time in the Sukkah, a drive-in movie, and a chance for star gazing with the Omaha Astronomical Society.

17 ROOTED IN TRADITION. EMBRACING CHANGE. 17

18 18 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER

19 ROOTED IN TRADITION. EMBRACING CHANGE. 19 Beth El Staff Steven Abraham!... Rabbi Shanghai is Going Strong The 2nd Thursday of each month 1:00 pm in Beth El s West Court Michael Krausman!... Hazzan hazzankrausman@bethel-omaha.org Allison Newfeld!... Executive Director anewfeld@bethel-omaha.org Eadie Tsabari!... Director of Congregational Learning etsabari@bethel-omaha.org Amy Dworin!... Director of Youth Engagement adworin@bethel-omaha.org Join us at the table on November 9 & December 14 Register online at or contact Phyllis Wasserman at ppw130@cox.net, Join us at this regular monthly game and be sure to tell your friends...this is open to the entire Jewish community. Ariella Rohr!... Engagement Coordinator arohr@bethel-omaha.org Ozzie Nogg!... Publicity Coordinator ozzienogg@cox.net Michael Gerson!... Minyan Coordinator mwgerson18@gmail.com Officers Jim Zipursky!... Beth El President Adam Kutler!... Vice President Caryn Scheer!... Vice President Robert Yaffe!... Vice President Jay Gordman!... Treasurer Ari Riekes!... Secretary Ari Kohen!... Religious Life Chair Joel Rich!... Past President Lisa Marcus!... BESTT Chair Candle Lighting & Service Times Friday Evening Candle Lighting: November 3!... 5:57 pm November 10!... 4:50 pm November 17!... 4:44 pm November 24!... 4:39 pm December 1!... 4:37 pm December 8!... 4:36 pm December 15!... 4:37 pm December 22!... 4:40 pm December 29!... 4:45 pm Saturday Mincha/Ma ariv Service Schedule: November 4!... 6:00 pm November 11!... 5:00 pm November 18!... 4:45 pm November 25!... 4:45 pm December 2!... 4:45 pm December 9!... 4:45 pm December 16!... 4:45 pm December 23!... 4:45 pm December 30!... 5:00 pm Weekday Services at 7:00 am and 5:30 pm Sunday Services at 9:30 am and 5:30 pm The Beth El Judaica Shop Judaica Shop Hours: Sundays 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (when BESTT is in session) Other times by appointment only; please call the office

20 Beth El Synagogue California St. Omaha, NE NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID OMAHA, NE PERMIT #138 Beth El is a PROUD member of USCJ Toast the New Year at Beth El Saturday, December 30, 12 pm Once again, we will toast the New Year in what has become a tradition. At Kiddush following morning services on December 30, we invite you to join us as we raise our glasses in an early toast to usher in Come celebrate the New Year, a bit of good cheer and the warmth of Shabbat with your Beth El family. Dinner at the Stephen Center Sunday, December 31, 5:00 pm 2723 Q Street Under the auspices of our Social Action Committee, congregants cook and serve dinner several times a year. If you would like to volunteer, contact Chairman M'Lee Hasslinger at mlee011@gmail.com. Limited spots available for servers, so please be sure to RSVP to M Lee.