CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL A Family of Families May May. Torah Study 11:00am CALENDAR OF RELIGIOUS SERVICES.

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1 CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL A Family of Families May 2009 CALENDAR OF RELIGIOUS SERVICES May Friday, May 1 7:30 pm Saturday, May 2 9:00am Friday, May 8 7:30 pm Saturday, May 9 9:00am Friday, May 15 7:30 pm Saturday, May 16 9:00am Friday, May 22 Yom Yerushalayim Traditional (Racusin Chapel) 7:30 pm Saturday, May 23 9:00am Friday, May 29 Family 6:00 pm Followed by family dinner Saturday, May 30 Yizkor for Shavuot 9:00am Torah Study 11:00am Dear Friends: Saturday, May 2 (remember, the Shabbat really begins on Friday night, May 1), is the 7 th of Iyar, and it is a day to be reckoned with in biblical history. In the apocryphal book of Jubilees (3:16), it is alleged that this is the exact day in pre-history when the serpent visited Eve in the Garden of Eden. There are at least two other dating traditions for this event. The Falasha Jews of Ethiopia believe that the encounter occurred nine days later on the 16 th of Iyar [Teezaza Sanbat, a book entitled The Commandment of the Sabbath], while the Talmud fixes the date on the first of Tishri (Rosh HaShanah). [b. Sanhedrin 38b] There are consequences for each of these different understandings. If the serpent tempted Eve on Rosh HaShanah, a day that is also supposed to be the birthday of the world in rabbinic tradition, we would need to assume that temptation was present in human life from its very beginning. On the other hand, if the serpent waited until Iyar, about seven months later, might we be justified in thinking that the concept of temptation can only occur when people have matured a bit. I don t know when temptation first reared its head in human life, but I do know that there is scarcely an hour, or at least a day, when we are not beset by tempting choices. Some choices offer temptations which are easy enough to reject; they involve choices between something evil and something good or between two bads. But most of the time, the image is hardly black and white; the choices are between values and things that might be considered good and might, but under other circumstances, be thought of as bad. And, as if that were not difficult enough, the Jewish tradition says that something in one light might be evil (like sex turned to incest or child abuse) might in other guises be the root of procreation and enjoyment. In other words, good is not always so good and bad is not always so bad; there are rarely absolutes; everything depends on the context. Our role in the face of temptation is to make thoughtful and mature choices. Judaism can help us do this, because rabbis and scholars over the millennia have recorded the struggles they went through to find the right path. I commend to you some of the great volumes of the Jewish tradition in this respect. Luzzato s The Path of the Righteous is a good place to begin. You will not find them wanting for sage advice and copious wisdom. Shalom, Kenneth D. Roseman

2 Dear Members of CBI: PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Frequently I am asked by various members of the Congregation why their annual Dues seem to increase every year. My initial response is to ask them if they have ever taken the time to look at our Annual Budget and the numerous line items that reflect the monthly and yearly expenditures that are required to keep CBI going. Most of the time the answer is no. I then provide them with a summary of what fixed expenditures are incurred every month as well as the unexpected expenses such as repairs to property, increased insurance premiums, replacement of items all of which need to funded to keep us going. Once this explanation is given, most but not all people respond I had no idea we had all of those expenses to cover; now I can understand the need we have to ask for an increase. The others generally respond we need to cut out everything that is unnecessary or why do we need such and such or is everyone paying their fair share..to those individuals, I respond back that yes your Board of Trustees takes their responsibilities seriously in reviewing and approving the Annual Budget; whatever the Board feels is not a necessity, it discusses the merits and votes accordingly ; as to the belief not everyone is paying equitably, my response is both the Dues Committee and Board take very seriously their mandate is setting a fair dues structure and make every effort to get members to pay what is believed to be fair based on the information that is known to them. The purpose of discussing the above is to let everyone who is part of the CBI membership know your Board and Dues Committee strives to do the best it can to maintain the necessary funding needed to operate CBI with the resources it has available. In so doing tough decisions have to be made by those who volunteer their time without fanfare that will not please everyone. As I finish out my two (2) year term, I am very positive I leave CBI and our next President in as sound financial shape as can be hoped for with the caveat that the uncertain economic circumstances we all face with the present economy will in all likelihood require more sacrifices from each of us if want to maintain CBI as it is.as you have in the past I am confident everyone will rise to the occasion. Andy Lehrman President CBI ROSENHEIM & MAYERSON UNVEILING SET The unveiling of the monuments in memory and honor of our beloved Vera Rosenheim and Mary Mayerson will be Sunday, May 24 at 1:30 pm at Seaside Memorial Park. The families of Vera Rosenheim & Mary Mayerson, will be honored and pleased if you can join them for this sacred occasion. CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL 4402 Saratoga Telephone /Fax congregation@bethisraelcc.com Rabbi Kenneth Roseman Debbie Bustillo, Office Administrator Susan Martin, Corpus Christi Community Religious School Administrator President Andrew Lehrman First Vice President Suzy Hilliard Second Vice President.....Maury Wolfson Secretary Lois Blum Treasurer Juan Rodriquez Past President Rona Train Sisterhood Co-Presidents...Nedra Lockhart Jill Jacobs, Natalie Honigbaum Cofty President Meredith Hilliard Adult Education....David Jacobs Cemetery Co-Chairs...Robert Adler, Carl Kuehn, Gary Blum and Leigh Sheinberg Ritual Committee Co-Chairs...Andrew Sheinberg and Joe Loon Program Coordinator Meredith Ryan Membership Committee Chair......Susan Martin Social Action Committee Co-Chairs.... Michelle Arevalo-Davila, Diana Stillman Dues Committee Co-Chairs Ann Engel and Leslie Kane Building Chair...Maury Wolfson Grounds Chair.Rikki Schmitchel Fine Arts...Laurie Mintz and Ross Burney Security Alan Yaffe Webmaster......Jack Widder

3 Everyone is invited to Join us on FRIDAY, MAY 8TH For an Oneg in honor of RABBI ROSEMAN S BIRTHDAY! Friday night service will be at 7:30 PM. Oneg to follow CBI has a new website. Look us up at BethIsraelCC.com Monthly Newsletters are available for download. MAZEL TOV Congratulations to Bill & Susan Martin on the birth of their new grandson born April 17, 2009 Eli Jolly Jones Congratulations to Richard & Jaki Hausman on the birth of their new grandson born April 15, 2009 The Bar Mitzvah of Joshua Josephs Ferrell will be on the evening of June 19th and the morning of June 20th at CBI. Please join the Ferrell Family in celebration of this simcha.

4 A Message from the Family Corner If you have missed out on our Family Shabbat Dinners and keep saying Next time, we are going! you need to come on May 29, This is our last dinner before the beginning of summer. Please do not miss out on this opportunity to meet some new people, chat with some old and just enjoy yourself. I look forward to seeing you Shalom Meredith Ryan RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES Sunday School 9:30 am May 3 & 17 Hebrew School 4:30 pm on Wednesdays May 6 & 13 Corpus Christi Community Religious School Susan Martin, Director It seems like ages since we ve met for classes. I ve missed seeing all those bright, shiny faces! Religious school students have received envelopes with tickets for the waffle breakfast to be held here at CBI on Sunday, May 17 th, from 8:30 until 11:30. We re asking students to sell 20 tickets per family and return their envelopes with money to CBI on or before May 17 th. If more tickets are needed, see Debbie in the CBI office. The student selling the most tickets will receive $50. This is a fundraiser for our school, so do your best to sell as many as you can! There WILL be religious school on the 17 th from 8:30 12:00, but students may eat waffles with their parents during that time. Also on that day, we will have our End of Year celebration at the JCC. There will be pizza, watermelon, and swimming from 1:00 until 3:00. Families of students are also invited to attend. Shalom! Susan

5 N From the Jewish Community Council We re looking for a volunteer! Just 2 hours a month to help us with the JCC Greeting Cards! Call for details. Thanks! CJ you Wh Co BRANDEIS BOOK SALE May at NEW LOCATION Sunrise Mall Muffins with Mom May 8th at 8:30 AM JCC Sunday Movie Matinee American East (2007) Two clashing cultures One American Dream May 3rd 3:00 PM Your Old, Like New stuff can be turned into $$$ for the JCC and a Donation Write Off for you. Please keep us in mind! Office Supplies Kid s Clothes Cleaning Equipment/Tools Gifts and Re Gifts Knick Knacks CDs, DVDs, Games

6 P E R P E T U A L YAHRZEITS Sabbath of May 1 Melville Samuels *Arch Allen *Dave Bergman *Tracy Braslau *Julius Brownstein *Robert R. Brodkey Ida Elzweig *Sadie Finkelstein *William Frank *Sam Goltzman *Howard J. Goodman *Arthur Haas *Max Katz *Samuel Kins *Adolph Krams *Irving Lepow *Philip Levy *Rose Lieberman *Julian Mandelstamm Edwin Mange Martha Mange Freda Marks *Harry Postrong *Maurice Rednick Gershon Rosenwasser *Morris Rosenwasser *Harry Samuels *Jacob Samuels *Juliette Susan Scott *Eugene J. Steiner *Frances Wasserman *Michal Wisznia *Benjamin Zane Sabbath of May 8 Curtis Alward *Louis Blair Marsha Falk Carchman *Michael Chasin Samuel H. Cohn *Edna Ducler *Max Engle *Frieda Falk *Mose Franklin *Eva Goltzman Asher Hooden *Dwight Marshall Lebowitz *Philip Levy Chinke Lieberman * Leon Sigfried Loeb, Sr. *Joseph A. Maizel *David Sidney Mendlowitz *Ida Racusin Celia Roosth Polly Heffler Roosth Vera Rosenheim Philip Sands *Max Schmidt Morris Wasserman Sabbath of May 15 *Simon Ray Alexander *David Berman *Bertha Brand *Sam Braslau *Leo Brown *Caecilia Dannenbaum Willard W. Davis, Jr. James Dixon Irving Frank *Henry Grossman *Ronald "Buck" Hausman Fannie Heffler *Jesse Lieberman *William Worth Nance *Isidor Posner *Henry Schaffer Ruth Simon Clara Simpkins *Tina Wisznia Sabbath of May 22 *Elaine M. Baum *Martell Benjamin *Edna Jacobson Brodkey *Michael Chasin *Gene Crain *Riwka Feld *Martha A. Gold *Ben H. Greenberg *Sadie Mushlin Grossman *Ethel Holtzman *Gertrude Wallock Hurwitz Sadie Korn Albert Lehrman Bertha Lieberman *Himan Pelofsky *Jeanette Carolyn L. Reiter *Julius Rosenberg Isidore Schaffer *Sylvan Weil Sabbath of May 29 Zingel J.C. Birnberg *David Greenberg Carolyn Henton *Esther Mendlowitz *Ben Pashkoff *Marcel Zebaida Sidney Zeidman

7 SHAVUOT A PILGRIMAGE, BUT WHICH WAY? In the earliest days of Israelite civilization, there was a festival called Hag Ha-Katzir and sometimes Yom Ha- Bikkurim. These annual celebrations marked the first harvest of the barley crop in the late spring of the year, usually around the end of May or early June. You can read about this practice in the biblical book of Ruth, especially beginning with chapter 2. So long as the ancient Hebrews were primarily an agrarian people, this festival remained fixed to its agricultural origins. Sometime between 900 and 650 Before the Common Era (BCE), however, Jews became more urbanized and more focused on the national-historical dimensions of their past experience. The agricultural festival of late spring took on a new meaning. According to the biblical account, the newly-freed Jews left Egyptian slavery on Pesach and traveled for fortynine days through the desert, eventually reaching to the foot of Mt. Sinai. It was on the fiftieth day that Moses ascended the mountain, stood in the presence of God and, at least according to tradition, received the revelation we now call Torah. One might even think of Torah as the first harvest of the nation s journey into freedom, thus converting the agricultural motif of the holyday into a historical image. The new holyday that commemorated this dual focus was called SHAVUOT, the Festival of Weeks, because it occurred seven weeks plus one day (7 weeks of 7 days = 49 days plus one = 50) after the exodus from Egypt. In Christian worship, it is called Pentecost (Pente is the prefix meaning five or fifty), and it is the day on which the Holy Spirit returned to earth after the assumption into heaven of the dead Jesus. There is a custom of eating dairy dishes on Shavuot, usually blintzes. Legend has it that no one knew when Moses would return from Sinai, but everyone was hungry. When he finally reappeared, no one wanted to wait until a meat meal could be prepared, so they grabbed whatever dairy dishes were available and satisfied their hunger. That s the legend; make of it what you will. In the Reform movement, Shavuot came to be the day on which we celebrate the confirmation of our young people. It is an appropriate time for them to come to the Torah and rededicate themselves in fidelity to the heritage of Israel. This year, CBI does not have a confirmation class, but we shall in SERVICES ON MAY 29 HAVE SPECIAL THEME Early on the morning of the fiftieth day after the Israelites rushed to freedom through the Reed Sea, Moses ascended Mt. Sinai as the rest of his community stood around the foot of the mountain. According to the Torah, he spent forty days and nights communing with God. There are two accounts of what happened at the summit: either God spoke and Moses wrote down the words or God actually inscribed them on the stone tablets with the divine finger. Jewish tradition holds that God revealed not only the Ten Commandments, but the entire Torah as we have it today. Many scholars dispute this assertion and believe that the Torah emerged over the course of about eight hundred years of Jewish civilization, finding its final form around the year 500 BCE. If one chooses the former alternative, one is an Orthodox Jew; the latter choice marks one as a Conservative or Reform or Liberal Jew. Whichever belief one holds, however, we celebrate the gift of Torah on the Jewish holyday of Shavuot, which, this year, will fall on Friday, May 29. Our family Shabbat and dinner that evening will focus on a theme of Torah and how special it is that the Jewish people have, for at least 2500 years, been able to turn to this text as the constitution of our people. We shall read a special selection from the Torah itself, pray special prayers and even, perhaps, hear a Torah-oriented story. Then, with a little luck, we might have a dinner that mirrors the Jewish tradition of eating dairy on Shavuot or at least a few blintzes! We invite everyone to join us for the service that begins at 6:00 PM and the dinner to follow. Come and celebrate the heritage that has made the Jewish people distinctive and special over the millennia.

8 Presidents REMARKS May 2009 On the Jewish American Experience: Celebrating Israel The State of Israel was established on May 14, 1948, corresponding to the fifth day of the Hebrew month of Iyar (this year falling on April 29), a day known as Yom Ha atzmaut, or Israel Independence Day. This May is also the fourth annual Jewish American Heritage Month, a month dedicated to commemorating the American Jewish experience and its contributions to American society. Taken together, these holidays give us an opportunity, as American Jews, to express our solidarity with the State of Israel, to highlight Israeli cultural contributions, and to ensure that the alliance between the U.S. and Israel remains strong. Americans celebrate Yom Ha atzmaut by saluting Israeli culture. Today, Israeli arts and culture infiltrate our cities, exposing a vibrant and creative side of Israel that is often overlooked. Israeli art hangs in our museums, Israeli actors and dancers fill our theaters, and Israeli music floods our airwaves. Israeli films and television are pervasive. The Israeli psychological drama, Waltz with Bashir, was named by the American National Society of Film Critics as the best overall picture of 2008, has garnered a Golden Globe as best foreign language film, and this year was nominated for an Oscar. The popular HBO series In Treatment, which was adapted from an Israeli drama series, has attracted huge audiences and swept television awards, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy. Jewish American Heritage Month commemorates the contributions of Jewish individuals to the history, heritage, and culture of the United States. One of the greatest of these contributions is the creation and preservation of a special relationship between the United States and Israel built on a foundation of shared values, democracy, liberty, and freedom. Since Israel declared its independence in 1948, the U.S. has been steadfast in its support of the Jewish state, and this relationship continues to thrive. Yet we can never take this relationship for granted, and we must work hard every day to fend off threats to the alliance and forge relationships with political leaders who are integral to strengthening the bond between these two great nations. This May, commit yourself as an American Jew to this effort of supporting Israel: to spreading the wealth of Israeli culture and to ensuring that the U.S. and Israel remain united by our common goals of peace, prosperity, and security. CONGREGANTS TO BE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE A representative of the Ritual Committee will begin making personal calls in the next week to ask members of the congregation iif they would be willing to help light the Shabbat candles, lead the kiddush and recite the Torah blessings during Friday night services. The first calls will go to members who have Yahrzeits on a particular Shabbat, in the hope that they will be attending anyway and would gladly accept the honor of this kind of participation. A full sheet of instructions will be provided to all who are willing to help in this way, and you don t have to sing! We hope everyone who is contacted will be willing to accept this aliyah on one Friday night during the year. And if you have children at home it s an honor they can share with parents or grandparents and derive a great sense of meaning and importance for their Jewish lives. Mitzvah Committee The Mitzvah Committee reaches out to members of our Jewish community in times of need, whether someone is sick, a loved one has passed away, or a congregant remains homebound for any reason. It is our mitzvah to deliver a home-cooked meal/food at times such as these. Please contact us if you or someone you know needs the Mitzvah Committee's help. It is our pleasure to do a mitzvah for you! Contact us: Congregation Beth Israel at Rona Train at Leslie Green at

9 LEAVE RELIGIOUS SCHOOL WITH A FULL TUMMY! WAFFLES FOR ALL! On Sunday, May 17, we shall conclude this year s religious school calendar. Our students are crammed full of knowledge and insight, Hebrew words and letters, religious practices and ethical and moral insights. Now, it s also time to fill our stomachs. Beginning at 8:30 AM on that Sunday, CBI will be serving a special waffle breakfast, including beef sausage links and lots of friendship. This celebration is also a fund-raiser for the religious school s ambitious programs for next year. Tickets (only $6.00 per person) have been mailed to all of you. We urge you to sell them, not only to members of the congregation and the Jewish community, but also to your non-jewish friends. After all, who could resist the savory smell of freshly cooked links and the sweet taste of syrup running across the face of a golden-brown waffle. We know we can t, and we bet you can t, so join us for that Sunday breakfast and then stay a few moments to celebrate the end of Religious School at the students final assembly.

10 The Congregation thanks you for the following contributions Sarah Reingold by Dee & Harriett Diaz Jack Kaufman by David & Ann Engel Ethel Horner by Sam Horner Frank Androski by Don & Carol Feferman YAHRZEIT DONATIONS In Memory of Benjamin Roosth Freda Marks by Hyman & Elinor Roosth Pearl Blum by A.I. Blum Bernard Grossman by Jill Grosman IRENE & SAUL GROSSMAN FLOWER FUND in Memory of Edith Mange by Melvyn & Annete Klein ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of Arch Allen by Gloria Wolfson MITZVAH FUND Recovery of Meredith Hilliard Rona Train by Mille Zalim OFFENBERG LIBRARY FUND TRAIN LIBRARY FUND in Memory of Sadie Finkelstein by Maurice & Rebecca Schmidt LA Train by Dee & Harriett Diaz Sam L. Susser-Recipient of the Russell Kirkland Award by Gary & Lois Blum in Memory of Pearl Blum by Gary & Lois Blum AUDREY ZANE SISTERHOOD MEMORIAL FUND Donation by Robert A. & Susan Epstein Fund RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND Recovery of Meredith Hilliard by Andrew & Leigh Sheinberg Rebbi ken Roseman by Joe & Ruth Sheinberg Congregation Beth Israel by Joe Loon

11 The Congregation thanks you for the following contributions NELSON LANDSCAPE FUND Donation by Dr. & Mrs. Robert Eckhart Andrea Dobson ADLER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND Robert Racusin's 90th Birthday Rabbi Roseman's 70th Birthday Sam L. Susser-Recipient of the Russell Kirkland Award Chris Adler's election to the City Council by Ruth & Herman Josephs Recovery of Rabbi Ken Roseman by Ruth & Herman Josephs SUSSER FAMILY FUND Sam L. Susser-Recipient of the Russell Kirkland Award by Dee & Harriett Diaz CEMETERY ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of David Rothenberg by Mille Zalim Edith Mange by Evelyn Maltz Recovery of Meredith Hilliard by Evelyn Maltz RABBI'S ENDOWMENT TRUST RACUSIN JEWISH OUTREACH FUND Robert Racusin's 90th Birthday by Selena Gordon CHAI TREE LEAF Rose Rozen-Happy 90th Birthday All of our love, Children, Grandchildren SIMCHA TREE LEAF Elinor Roosth for her many gifts of lovingkindness & friendship by Marcia Marks GENERAL FUND in Memory of Edith Mange by Larry & Patti Maltz Mille Zalim Don & Carol Feferman James & Annette Cottingham Dee & Harriett Diaz Marcia Marks Mary Ross Charles & Martha DeCou HEBREW REST FUND in Memory of Edith mange by Jerry & Elizabeth Susser Sam L. Susser-Recipient of the Russell Kirkland Award by David & Ann Engel Don t forget..you can remember a friend or relative with a minimum contribution of $5.00 to one of our many funds. These funds support camp scholarships, education, cemeteries, fine arts, library, and building improvements, to name a few. An acknowledgement card will be sent to the honored person or family. Please make checks payable to CBI and specify the fund. Call the CBI office with any

12 MAY 2009 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 7:30 pm 9:00 am Torah Study 11:00 am 3 Sunday School 9:30 am-12:00 pm Hebrew School 4:30 pm-6:00 pm Sisterhood 5:30 CBI 7 8 7:30 pm 9 9:00 am Torah Study 11:00 am 10 Mother s Day No Hebrew School Hebrew School 4:30 pm-6:00 pm Board Meeting 7pm :30 pm 16 9:00 am Torah Study 11:00 am 17 End of year Celebration Waffle Breakfast :30 pm Traditional Service Racusin Chapel 23 9:00 am Torah Study 11:00 am Memorial Day Office is Closed * 6:00 pm Followed by Family Dinner 30 9:00 am Torah Study 11:00 am

13 Miriam Award On May 6, The Jewish women s organizations will hold their annual Joint Installation and Miriam award presentation. This year, we will be honoring Phyllis Roseman. There have been questions as to the origin and history of this award. In 1970, the first award was presented to honor a Jewish woman, Frances Wasserman. Following that initial year, the Jewish Woman of the Year and The Jewish Woman of the Year, Emeritus was rewarded most years between 1970 and As our community changed and more women were involved in the workplace and in the general community, members of the committee felt a change was needed in the recognition of women s accomplishments. Thus, the Miriam Award was born. Rona Train was the first recipient in According to notes taken from a nomination meeting, the name was selected from the biblical Miriam, who protected her brother, Moses, as he floated down the Nile. Considered a Prophetess, she played an important role in Jewish history and has become the symbol of Jewish women. Miriam is also said to have shown maturity and fearlessness as she guarded Moses and was an inspiration to all around her at the crossing of the Red Sea. Please join us as we honor Phyllis Roseman at the Corpus Christi Country Club on Wednesday, May 6 as the 2009 Miriam Award recipient.

14 Upcoming Sisterhood Events Installation Luncheon Wednesday, May 6th CC Country Club New Board/Past Board Meeting Wednesday, May 6th, :30pm at CBI BRING YOUR BINDERS! Please include any notes you have taken while holding your position. If you are unable to attend, please drop off your binder at the CBI office, before the meeting, so we may pass it along Please contact Natalie Honigbaum at natalie@nrhdesigns.com or if you are unable to attend or have any questions.

15 CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of CBI will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 1:00 P.M. in the Grossman Auditorium of CBI. At that time, the Board and Committees will report on the year s activities to the membership, elections of new officers and Board members will be held and a budget for the coming fiscal year will be presented for adoption. Light refreshments will be served. We hope every member will strive to attend this meeting and support the continued health and achievements of the congregation.

16 CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL 4402 SARATOGA CORPUS CHRISTI, TX L Dor VaDor Judaica Shop Jewelry, Menorahs, Candlesticks, Tallit, Mezuzahs, & more Please call Clara Monday-Friday between 8 am-5pm to make an appointment.