Rabbi s Message, Continued

Transcription

1 Beth Israel Congregation s September 2015/5776 BULLETIN Rabbi s Message General Service Schedule Friday 7:30pm; Saturday 10:00am A Volatile Year As the Jewish year of 5775 draws to its conclusion, the description of the recent performance of the New York Stock Exchange has given us a very appropriate term volatile. Indeed, it has been a volatile year. The brutal violence in the Middle East continues as the Syrian Civil War has claimed 250,000 lives and the Islamic State proceeds with its conquest of additional territory. The destruction of the Syrian city of Palmyra, one of the best preserved monuments to Roman civilization, is a testimony to the irrational behavior of the Islamic State. In our own nation, random acts of violence and the tense relationship between inner city populations and their police departments also undermine our sense of security. Israel and her friends are terrified by the prospects that may result from the P5 + 1 agreement with Iran. Iran will receive a bounty of $150 billion from renewed trade with the West which will replenish the armaments of Hezbullah and Hamas. Iran s self-monitoring of its nuclear ambitions seems to be a sham of meaningful arms control. Iran s hostile rhetoric which calls for the annihilation of Israel has not abated despite its alleged rapprochement with the West. Indeed, the word volatile is valid, not only to describe our economic condition, but our general sense of insecurity at this time. At this difficult time, we come to the synagogue to welcome the New Year of The beautiful words of our Mahzor, our High Holy Day prayer book, offer comfort and hope. G-d s presence is with us to sustain us despite the seemingly difficult reality that surrounds us. Repentance, prayer, and acts of loving kindness avert the severity of the decree. So proclaims the moving prayer of Unetaneh Tokef, which is recited on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Spiritual reflection can indeed transform the outcome of events. Americans were deeply moved by the response of the African-American church in Charleston, South Carolina to the brutal murders of the members of its Bible class. Instead of hatred, the bereaved families called for forgiveness and introspection. Charleston, unlike other American cities, retained its dignity and grace in response to a savage crime. September Events Sep 12@ 7:30pm Selichot Service & Reception Sep First day of Religious School Sep Book Club See complete listing of High Holidays services located on page 3 Religious School Schedule Sept 13, 20, 27 BIRS; 10:00am-12:00pm 15, 29 BIRS; 4:15-5:30pm Shabbat Candle Lighting Times Sep 04 7:10pm Sep 11 6:59pm Sep 18 6:48pm Sep 25 6:37pm The first day of Beth Israel s Religious School will be Sunday, September 13 from 10am-12pm. We are looking forward to an exciting new school year. Register your student for Beth Israel Religious School by contacting Sara Stivelman at sarastive@yahoo.com. (Schedules will be sent out to each student by mail) --Continued on page 2

2 Rabbi s Message, Continued The hideous murders of a Palestinian baby and a teenage Israeli girl at the Jerusalem Pride Parade have brought about soul-searching in the Israeli Orthodox community. Despite tensions in the Holy book City, will Jerusalem be Introduction remains a testimony to of tolerance among its diverse inhabitants. The light rail line which encircles all of Jerusalem will continue to be a reflection of the unity of the city Arab and Jewish, secular and religious. Interestingly, the majority of Arabs in Jerusalem today have expressed the desire to become Israeli citizens in a recent survey. Acts of loving kindness have been demonstrated throughout the current upheaval in the Middle East. The economic strain placed upon Greece and Italy as they deal with a refugee crisis unparalleled in recent history is balanced with compassion and empathy for those fleeing from turmoil and chaos. As always, Israel provides medical assistance to all, despite their political ideologies. Israel has set up a field hospital to assist the victims of the Syrian Civil War as it continues to provide medical care to Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. Currently, Israel is trying to balance the humanitarian concerns of African refugees from East Africa with its need to secure its border. Finally, as it often said, Prayer never hurts. We think of the moving words and melody of Avinu Malkenu. Have mercy upon us and answer us although we are without merit. Deal with us charitably and lovingly save us. Prayer helps us focus on what is essential. In the silence of reflection we can hear the still, small voice of the divine. It was that voice that gave Elijah the prophet to face the evil of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. It is that same voice that will give us the courage and determination to confront the volatility of the world in which we live today. I extend my best wishes to you and your loved ones for a New Year of peace and tranquility. I hope and pray that it will truly be a Shana Tova, a year of goodness and blessing for us, for Israel, and for all humanity. --Rabbi Bienstock The Beth Israel Congregation Book Club will meet on Sunday, September 20 th at 10:00am. The book will be Introduction to Kabbalah by Rabbi Steven Wernick. Newcomers are welcomed and encouraged to join the Book Club. From the President: The seasons are changing. You can feel it in the air and sense it by the shortening of the days. For me, it is that time again when my house is filled with moaning about returning to school. Pam is dreading long school days and learning to deal with new initiatives. My kids are excited to see friends that they have not seen, but also nervous about the school work they have quickly forgotten. My summer seems so short, maybe we can fit in one more trip on the bay or a barbeque with friends? Yet, fall must come. For us Jews, this is also a time to reflect on our past year. Whom do we need to apologize to? Whom do we need to repay? Maybe even, who do I owe a word of thanks? Each year as the High Holiday season approaches, I reflect on my own personal issues. I try to take stock of how I could do better for my family, my congregation, my friends, and even possibly my professional career. We are all not perfect but, especially at this time of year, it is important to look back and try to make things right. I look forward to this process because after the High Holidays, with sincere praying and thought, we can emerge new with all that weight lifted off our shoulders. We all carry too much baggage with debts of words, money, and regrets. We need to lessen our loads by shedding these burdens. To get my preparation for the Holidays started, I want to extend my most sincere apology to members and non- members of the congregation that I may have offended. I also want to take a minute to say, I am really sorry that I was not able to spend more time with a good friend that just passed away, Bernie Rubin. I had the fortune to talk to him several times after services and also at a monthly poker game. Bernie always had questions about trees or stories about his latest contractor issues. He was one of the few people that actually took the time to talk to people. He led a very busy life but, he always had time for a good story. I will deeply miss Bernie and send my hope of healing to his family during their period of mourning. Lastly, I know I owe many of you a most sincere thank you for all that you do to make Beth Israel a terrific place to worship and fellowship. I wish you an easy Yom Kippur fast and a new prosperous Year. --Todd Berman

3 Beth Israel High Holidays Schedule: Fri Sept 11 7:30 pm Selichot Program/Service Sun Sept 13 Rosh Hashanah Eve Service 7:30 pm Mon Sept 14 Rosh Hashanah Morning Service 9:00 am, Youth Service -10:30 am Mon Sept 14 Tashlich Service at Boat Launch 1 pm Mon Sept 14 Second Eve Rosh Hashanah 7:30 pm Tues Sept 15 Second Day Rosh Hashanah Service 9:00 am Sun Sept 20 Cemetery Memorial Service 1:00 pm Tues Sept 22 Kol Nidrei Service 6:30pm Wed Sept 23 Yom Kippur Morning 9 am Youth Service 10:30 am Memorial Service Yizkor 11 am Mincha Afternoon Service 5:45 pm Neila Concluding Service 6:45 pm Sounding of the Shofar Break Fast 8:00 pm Sun Sept 27 Sukkot Eve in Sukkah 7:30 pm Fri Oct 2 Pizza in the Hut 6:30 pm Dinner; 7:30 pm Service Sun Oct 11 Blessing of the Animals 12 pm Thank you to the following members who have donated towards our High Holiday flowers: *Jeff & Joanne Sherr in memory of Sidney F. & Bernice S. Sherr High Holiday Announcements: Anyone interested in participating in our Shofar squad or who wishes to read the Torah or Haftarah for the High Holy Days may contact the Rabbi. Rabbi Bienstock is willing to work with anyone interested in reading. High Holiday seating will again be open seating so please make an effort to arrive on time. Each member in good standing will receive a ticket for High Holiday admission. Tickets are required for admittance and will be mailed in the near future. Any member whose dues are two quarters or more in arrears will be required to pay a local resident fee of $300 to attend the Holiday services. Letters have been sent to those members whose dues are not current. Non-adult children living at home do not need a ticket, but any guests, including adult children, will need a ticket for entry. The price of a guest ticket for a member of good standing is $50 per guest. Guest tickets need to be prepaid. Contact Jackie at the office. Please note that the Kol Nidrei evening service on Tuesday Sept. 22nd will begin at 6:30pm. You must arrive on time for admittance. Break the Fast will be held on Wednesday, September 23 rd at 8:00pm. The charge will be: $10 for members $15 for nonmembers $ 5 for children 5-10 No charge for children under 5 *Bob & Judy Scherr in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Max Kessler and Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Scherr *Sharon Ferger in memory of her husband, John Ferger *Andy & Karen Karten in loving memory of Dr. Alfred Spieler and Irv Karten *Steve & Laurie Schwalb in memory of our loved ones *Jamie & Jeff Albright in memory of Mildred Albright and Malcolm Pierce *Teri & Tom Quigley in memory of Truman Lee Harris

4 Income Amount BIRS $3, Grants 6, Donations (includes one- time donation of $50,000) 78, Events 6, Membership Dues 55, Room Rentals Israeli Bonds 30, Total Income 182, Expense Cash Awards $1, BIRS 2, Building Maintenance 8, Business Expenses 11, USCJ Dues 3, Events 5, Insurance 6, Investment Transfer 36, Office Expense 3, Taxes 1, Utilities 17, Wages 49, Total Expenses 147, Net Income 34, (less certificate of deposit opened 8/20/2015) -23, Dear Beth Israel Congregation, Thank you so much for encouraging the five of us to go USY encampment and Kamp Kadima. We had a great time. Some of the things we did while we were there was Grade War One, which was a teaching activity demonstrating the actions that took place in World War One. Also Maccabia which stands for "color wars" in Hebrew. Third making amazing new friends. Forth, Shacharit which was the morning prayers and finally, Ruach which was all the kids singing and dancing Jewish prayers and songs which made us feel part of a group, warm and welcomed by our new USY/Kadima family. Last, we want to thank the board for the scholarships they gave us and Ms Davis (mom) for driving us to Capitol Camps in Waynesboro Pennsylvania. We hope that we will have the chance again to be united with our new USY/Kadima friends. Sincerely, Aaron Davis, Gabe Berman, Will Pincus, Sadie Hall and Shayna Davis FY income $11, Beth Israel Congregation Profit Loss Statement from 7/01/2014-6/30/2014 Beth Israel s USY students enjoying camp this summer. Pictured: Gabe Berman, Shayna Davis, Sadie Hall and Will Pincus Look for more pictures coming by soon!

5 Member-to-Member Beth Israel Congregation extends its sincerest condolences to Toby Rubin and sons, Howard, Leonard and Allan and their families upon the. passing of our beloved member, Bernard Rubin. We also extend condolences to the family of longtime member, Marilyn Seidel. In addition we send condolences to the family of former member Ed Herring, who passed away shortly after celebrating his 60 th wedding anniversary. We share the words of comfort of our tradition to the members of these families, May G-d comfort you among your fellow mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. May G-d spare you from any further sorrow and grant you healing. Selichot Service on Friday, September 11 th 7:30pm Kick off the High Holidays with a Selichot service. We will begin at 7:30pm with a little nosh, wine, cheese and dessert, then a short service at 8:00pm, followed by more communing. This is a great way to introduce potential new members to Beth Israel so bring any Jewish friends or neighbors who might be interested. Prayers for a refuah shelemah- for healing- for Mel Snyder. Congratulations to Sharon Ferger on her recent marriage. Thank you to Oneg Hosts Andy & Karen Karten and Mark & Lucille Rudnick for hosting during the month of August. Best wishes to all of our students and teachers returning to their respective schools and universities. BIC Cards: *Condolences to the family of Bernie Rubin from: Jamie & Jeff Albright, Ann & Roy Hansen, Sharon Ferger, Andy & Karen Karten and Arlene Miller *Condolences to the family of Marilyn Seidel from: Andy & Karen Karten and Arlene Miller *Condolences to the family of Ed Herring from: Toby Rubin and Ann & Roy Hansen Shana Tova! BIC Birthdays: Roy Hansen Sep 2 Susan Land Sep 8 Murray Lustig Sep 8 Andrea Kahn Sep 12 Andrew Sortman Sep 14 Mark Rudnick Sep 15 Shayna Davis Sep 16 Keith Hall Sep 23 Jamie Albright Sep 26 BIC Anniversaries: Todd & Pam Berman Sep 17

6 Yahrzeits: September YAHRZIET NAME SERVICE DATE SADIE SCHERR Sept 4-5, 2015 JACK STEIN Sept 4-5, 2015 MEYER BEN JOSEF GINCHER Sept 4-5, 2015 HARRY BAKER Sept 4-5, 2015 MILTON MEHLMAN Sept 4-5, 2015 HARRY(HERSHEL) RADERMAN Sept 4-5, 2015 ISRAEL L BENJAMIN Sept 4-5, 2015 RAPHAEL BOGAGE Sept 4-5, 2015 FANNIE WEISS Sept 4-5, 2015 SIDNEY FRANK SHERR Sept 4-5, 2015 DOROTHY NEEDLEMAN Sept 11-12, 2015 BENJAMIN JACOB SCHERR Sept 11-12, 2015 RACHELE BERNSTEIN Sept 11-12, 2015 SADIE RUBENFELD Sept 11-12, 2015 LILLIAN ROSS Sept 11-12, 2015 LENA BAKER Sept 11-12, 2015 WILLIAM SEGAL Sept 11-12, 2015 HERBERT MILLER Sept 11-12, 2015 ROSE MASOWITZ Sept 11-12, 2015 ANNA MYERS Sept 11-12, 2015 DANIEL MILLER Sept 11-12, 2015 BERNARD LEPSELTER Sept 11-12, 2015 ETTA SCHWARTZ Sept 11-12, 2015 DEBORAH FINK ZIGUN Sept 11-12, 2015 PATRICIA WILCOX Sept 11-12, 2015 PHILIP SILVERSTEIN Sept 18-19, 2015 MARY ROSOFSKY Sept 18-19, 2015 MAURICE ROSENBERG Sept 18-19, 2015 FRIEDA COOPER Sept 18-19, 2015 FRANCES KERPELMAN Sept 18-19, 2015 MILTON MARMER Sept 18-19, 2015 SARAH SCHWARTZ Sept 18-19, 2015 CYNTHIA KALMANSON Sept 25-26, 2015 ROSE MASOWITZ Sept 25-26, 2015 ANNA ROSENBERG Sept 25-26, 2015 RICHARD SCHNEIDER Sept 25-26, 2015 JOSEPH SEIDEL Sept 25-26, 2015 DR. HOWARD FURMAN Sept 25-26, 2015 JOHN EDWARD HESS Sept 25-26, 2015 ILYA FISHBERG Sept 25-26, 2015 HARRY MILLER Sept 25-26, 2015 MILDRED KALMANSON Sept 25-26, 2015 LEWIS MICHAEL HESS Sept 25-26, 2015 DORA MASARSKY Sept 25-26, 2015 ANNA SEGAL Sept 25-26, 2015 Donations for August Yahrzeits Janice Spieler Ann Hancock Cyvia Marmer Jeff & Joanne Sherr Bob & Judy Scherr General Fund Dr. James Hatley Barry Berger Fund Steve & Laurie Schwalb In Memory of Gilbert Bers Sachs Figurelli, LLC Bruce & Joy Katzenberg In Memory of Marilyn Seidel Ronald & Susan Wilkins In Honor Of Steve & Laurie Schwalb Steve & Laurie Schwalb Steve & Laurie Schwalb Yahrzeit of Alfred Spieler & Jack Kerman Yahrzeit of Hattie Rosenberg Yahrzeit of Benjamin Marmer Yahrzeit of Sidney Sherr Yahrzeit of Sadie Scherr Yahrzeit of Mitchell Keats In Honor of Lindsay Schwalb for earning a Master of Integrated Marketing Communications degree From Reed College of Media At West Virginia University In Honor of their 40 th Wedding anniversary In Honor of Steve s Retirement from Perdue after 33 years

7 Beth Israel Staff Rabbi: Arnold Bienstock Office Manager: Jackie Middleton Board of Governors President: Todd Berman Vice President: Arlene Miller Secretary: Andy Karten Treasurer: Shari Miller Youth Education: Sara Stivelman USY: Ella Davis Religious: Jaimi Hall Membership: Susan Tilghman Ways & Means: Susan Lewis Paciga House: Joe Beatus, Mike Folkoff Contact Us 600 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD Phone Fax General Information: Office Hours: Tuesday- Friday 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Shabbat Services: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism The mission of this Congregation shall be to establish and maintain a Synagogue and such educational, religious, social and recreational activities as will help further the cause and objectives of the Synagogue and Conservative Judaism. Established 1926 Would you like to honor a loved one? There are many ways to acknowledge your loved ones at Beth Israel. Consider a leaf on our Tree of Life, displayed in the lobby. This is a wonderful way to commemorate a special event or to honor or remember a special person. The cost of a leaf is $500. You may also wish to consider purchasing a Yahrzeit Memorial Plaque for your loved one. The cost is $360 and will be displayed in our Sanctuary. Or maybe you'd like to purchase a chair for the social hall in the honor/memory of a loved one. The cost for a chair is $50. Please contact Jackie at the Synagogue Office and she'll be happy to assist you with your tribute. BIC s Gift Shop is GOING OUT OF BUSINESS The Holy Days are coming and the Gift shop is closing! Come pick up some of your High Holiday needs: kipohs, tallis clips, and honey and apple dishes at 50% off! Beth Israel Cards Appropriate for every occasion and affordable, BIC Cards can be purchased in the Office. Do you love ONEG? Who doesn t? So come celebrate a simcha, remember a yahrzeit or just make it a great end to a long week by hosting one! It s easy and quick. Call Jackie in the BIC office for details

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