Beth Shalom s Centennial Luncheon BE SURE TO ATTEND OUR EVENTS THIS SPRING! Sisterhood Shabbat. Men s Club. World Wide Wrap.

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1 5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA MISHPACHTENU VOLUME 18 ISSUE 4 FEBRUARY APRIL, 2017 Shevat/Adar/Nisan/Iyyar 5777 BE SURE TO ATTEND OUR EVENTS THIS SPRING! Sisterhood Shabbat Men s Club World Wide Wrap Men s Club Sports Luncheon Men s Club Shabbat Purim Megillah Reading Purim Carnival Sisterhood Torah Fund Brunch Pesah 5777 Beth Shalom s Centennial Luncheon

2 Enriching lives through community, lifelong Jewish learning, & spiritual growth IN THIS ISSUE... Upcoming Events!... 3 President s Message... 5 Words of Kedushah... 5 Executive Director s Corner... 6 Thank You to Our Donors... 7 Men s Club Sports Luncheon... 8 From the Men s Club... 9 Spring Benei Mitzvah... 9 Growing Through the ELC Youth Tefillah Learning with J-JEP BSUSY Notes Purim Schedule Passover Information Yahrzeit Plaque Form Our Congregational Family Our Vision CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM 5915 Beacon Street Pittsburgh, PA Clergy and Staff Rabbi Seth Adelson...Senior Rabbi Rabbi Mark N. Staitman... Rabbinic Scholar Rob Menes...Executive Director Liron Lipinsky...J-JEP Director Jennifer Slattery... ELC Director Rabbi Jeremy Markiz... Director of Youth Tefillah Marissa Tait... Director of Youth Services Lonnie Wolf... Cemetery Director Officers David Horvitz...President Debby Firestone...Executive Vice President Ria David...Vice President Todd E. Rascoe...Vice President Steven P. Albert...Secretary Michael Samuels... Treasurer Emeriti Stephen E. Steindel, D.D... Rabbi Emeritus Moshe Taubé... Cantor Emeritus Amir Pilch F.S.A...Executive Director Emeritus Fern S. Moscov...Preschool Director Emeritus Morris Sklar...Rabbi Emeritus Adult Ed. Programming Contributions Calendars Staff Directory Thank You to Our Volunteers... Steve Albert Edwin Balis Frayda Cohen Ria David Mitchell Dernis Julian Elbling Ilene Fingeret Debby Firestone Ira M. Frank Carolyn Gerecht Lidush Goldschmidt Seth Goldstein Board of Trustees Dorothy Greenfield Alan Himmel David Horvitz Joseph Jolson Stefi L. Kirschner Judy Kobell Gerald Kobell Adam Kolko Elaine Krasik Bunny Morris Jennifer Murtazashvili Gail Neft Stephen Neustein Connie Pollack Todd E. Rascoe Kate Rothstein Mike Samuels Marc Schwartz Dee Selekman Barry Stein Howard Valinsky...for helping us with Latkepalooza, The Men s Club Sweepstakes Dinner, the Centennial planning, and your overall good spirits. Norton Freedel Harriet N. Kruman Alan Greenwald Marianne Silberman Milton Eisner Yale Rosenstein Harvey Robins Julian Elbling Past Presidents Barry J. Palkovitz Judy Kornblith Kobell Jay L. Fingeret Steven H. Schwartz Ira M. Frank Connie Pollack Stefi L. Kirschner Howard Valinsky Honorary President Ruth Ganz Fargotstein Auxiliary Presidents 2 MISHPACHTENU Alex Kiderman...Men s Club Joseph Finkelstein... USY President

3 Sisterhood Shabbat Saturday, February 4, Shevat 5777, at 9:30 am Save the Date: Women s League Torah Fund Brunch Sunday, April 2, Nisan 5777, Congregation Beth Shalom MISHPACHTENU 3

4 Friday evening is a time to let go of our mundane concerns and ascend the rungs of engagement with the Divine as we enter Shabbat. The Shekhinah, God s presence, comes to dwell with us as we lift ourselves up with song to meet her. Join us for a transformational experience as we greet the Shabbat Queen with intense and moving melodies, featuring instrumental accompaniment. Fourth Friday of each month at 6:00 PM. Always Free! Scheduled Hod vehadar Dates: February 24 March 24 April 28 May 26 June 23 August 25 Congregation Beth Shalom 5915 Beacon St., Pittsburgh, PA All Are Invited: World Wide Wrap with J-JEP students and Beth Shalom s Men s Club! Sunday, February 5, :30 am at Rodef Shalom Come & Learn with Us!

5 President s Message As we celebrate the 100th year of Beth Shalom, our joy is tempered by the recognition that our troubles as a Jewish people never disappear. Anti-Semitism is rampant in Europe and on the rise in the United States. The situation in Israel remains uneasy. Throughout these unsettling times, Beth Shalom will be here as it has been for the past 100 years to provide ways to ease your anxieties. We will continue to introduce innovative programming to enrich our daily experiences. Our spiritual travels from Shabbat services through life cycle events will be highlighted by learning opportunities and teaching moments with Rabbi Adelson. We will schedule events to meet socially and enjoy one another s company to lift our spirits and do what Jews do well - eat, of course, and find humor even in dark times. This is our chicken soup for the soul. Yes, we have a road ahead of us strewn with potholes and obstacles, real and unseen. We will overcome these and find the way through. Our ancestors did the same and through their experiences became the nation of Israel, a remarkable triumph and example for the world. As a kehilla, we can draw strength in solidarity of purpose as we strive to better our lives and those of others. While the history and longevity of Beth Shalom is truly remarkable, what is most important is what Beth Shalom now means, and can mean, to you and your family. Together as a growing congregation we can make our lives more meaningful and provide our children a guiding light in this tumultuous world. Help make our Synagogue a stronger foundation to sustain Judaism with your involvement and commitment. Beth Shalom is your center for Judaism, and your home for an enriching Jewish life, and everyone will always be welcomed as friends. Beshalom, David Horvitz mistervitz@gmail.com Words of Kedushah Curiously, this issue of Mishpachtenu straddles not one, but two Jewish new years days of the four throughout the year. The fifteenth day of Shevat, also known as Tu Bishvat, is the new year for the trees, on which every tree in the world celebrates a birthday. And the first of Nisan is described in the Mishnah (Rosh Hashanah 1:1) as the new year for the kings and festivals. The idea of a new year for trees might seem ridiculous. Why should it matter? There is, of course, the statement in the Torah about how we cannot eat the fruit of a tree that is less than five years old (Leviticus 19:25), so Tu Bishvat might exist simply for practical reasons. But I think that there is a more elegant message suggested by this day. Not long ago, some City of Pittsburgh workers came to my neighborhood to cut down a very old tree. It was apparently suffering from something called root rot. The stump that was left behind features, as best as I can count, about 105 rings. More than a century of Tu Bishvats come and gone. But those rings contain a message: each of our years is an irregular, somewhat circular path that contains all of the previous paths. Each of our seasons has its own opportunities for growth and learning. Each of our layers has its own unique features. And yet, we change, carrying each of our previous years with us as we add new rings. That corner of Douglas Street has seen plenty of change over the life of its old, familiar friend; even as we grow, we embrace the new while reflecting on what has passed. Tu Bishvat in Pittsburgh is wintry; it is the season of resetting, when the earth lies fallow, perhaps under snow and ice. But spring is coming: the next new year is only a month and a half away, heralding the celebration of our departure from Egypt. It is filled with the promise of a new ring, and as we embrace our past and consider our future, we continue to grow onward and upward. Happy Tu Bishvat, Purim, and Pesah! May this be a season of growth and change. Rabbi Seth Adelson rav@bethshalompgh.org MISHPACHTENU 5

6 Executive Director s Corner We have arrived! We have made it to 100. No other benchmark of longevity is recognized so clearly. It is as if we have crossed the sea and arrived at a holy place. But where are we? Have we settled in a flourishing oasis or are we now going to wander in the desert? I believe we take our cue from our forefathers because it s a little of both. We have a building that needs repair. We have expenses that must be paid. We have a grand vision that will cost money. However, we have talented people working at Beth Shalom and a committed membership. We have a community that is strong, caring, and knowledgeable. We are in a city that wants us to thrive. We have to recommit ourselves to the idea that every person is important. Regardless of age, background, or knowledge, Beth Shalom is the place to come to nurture your soul. By embracing each individual, we become even stronger as a community. On April 23 rd, we will celebrate our milestone with the Centennial Luncheon. It is a recognition that those who came before us have made something here in Squirrel Hill. Unlike the Israelites who crossed the Sea of Reeds, we are not starting from nothing. We have not only a hundred years but thousands of years of tradition to guide us in this task. Rob Menes rmenes@bethshalompgh.org invitation forthcoming 6 MISHPACHTENU

7 $3,000, $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $900,000 $800,000 $700,000 $600,000 $500,000 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 MISHPACHTENU 7

8 8 MISHPACHTENU BETH SHALOM MEN S CLUB PRESENTS OUR ANNUAL SPORTS LUNCHEON YOU ARE INVITED! SUNDAY, February 26, 2017 At 12:00 Noon in the Samuel and Minnie Hyman Ballroom SPORTS FANS OF ALL AGES ALL ARE WELCOME! Featuring... Local Sports Celebrities AUTOGRAPHS AND SURPRISES Hamburger & Hot Dog Lunch Volunteers Needed! Starting at 10 A.M. Please RSVP by FEBRUARY 21 st Help Sponsor Our Special Needs Guests Any donation is appreciated Become a Men s Club Angel: $118.00/table NAME PHONE No. attending Amount of Check Enclosed MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: THE BETH SHALOM MEN'S CLUB COMMITTEE: STEPHEN A. NEUSTEIN, Esq., JEFFREY ROSENTHAL, HARVEY E. ROBINS, Esq. SANDY ZAREMBERG, ROBERT ZAREMBERG, MARTY KLINE IRA FRANK, Dr. MARC SCHWARTZ & ALEX KIDERMAN

9 From the Men s Club Dear Congregants, Men s Club Members, Community Friends, I hope everyone is having a meaningful winter season, taking part in the beautiful services and various Beth Shalom activities. Men s Club winter/spring schedule is very busy and many of our members are becoming more involved in our programming. We are pleased to invite you to a joint World Wide Wrap program with J-JEP at Rodef Shalom Congregation on February 5, 2017, at 9:30 am. Our annual Sports Luncheon for People with Special Needs will be held on February 26, If you are able, please volunteer at 10:00 am. Everyone is invited to join us for this special event. Men s Club Sponsored Annual Spaghetti Dinner will be on April 9, We hope that you can attend. Everyone is invited to either volunteer or just join us for any or all of our exciting events. We are planning additional compelling programs and appreciate everyone s role in our Club. As always, if anyone is interested in becoming more involved in Men s Club or have any suggestions, please contact me via at alexanderkiderman@yahoo.com as we welcome new members, new ideas and your participation in our programs. Beshalom, Alexander Kiderman alexanderkiderman@yahoo.com MEN S CLUB SHABBAT Featuring Our Guest Speaker, Dr. Radu Bordeianu, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Theology, Duquesne University Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 9:30 am Congregation Beth Shalom 5915 Beacon St. PGH, PA Mazal Tov to Our Spring Benei Mitzvah! Avi Rosen, son of Judi and Steve Rosen, and the brother of Max Rosen, will celebrate becoming a Bar Mitzvah on March 4, He is the grandson of Shirley Holtzman Schwartz, Allan Schwartz, Stanley Holtzman z l, Alice Rosen z l and Alfred Rosen z l. Avi attends Community Day School. He enjoys playing piano, drawing, reading a good book and playing Ultimate Frisbee. He currently volunteers at Friendship Circle. Kylie Kunkle will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, April 22, Kylie is a sixth grade student at CAPA majoring in Vocal. She loves to sing and dance and won the Championship during her one and only season of co-ed flag football. Kylie is a smart, fun and energetic girl with a heart of gold. Seth Kunzman, son of Dana and Jason Kunzman, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday April 29, Seth attends Community Day School and loves sports. He is charismatic, energetic and brings joy to all around him with his huge smile. MISHPACHTENU 9

10 Growing Through the ELC As I write this article I can smell latkes cooking in the ELC. Children are exploring light in the Valinsky Art Studio. Singing Hanukkah songs in Music. In the classrooms the children are busy learning about the story of Hanukkah, building Hanukiot with blocks, and playing with dreidels. It may be cold outside, but the children s smiles and energy are keeping us warm inside the ELC. The ELC has so many exciting things happening in our beautiful building. First of all, we received a grant for over $1,000 from Let s Move to pay for our students to participate in yoga. We will have a yoga educator visit us a few times a week starting in January to explore the calmness of yoga. A big thank you to one of our amazing educators, Lindsay Rusnak, for writing this grant. Next, we received another grant for over $38,000 from Keystone Stars of Pennsylvania to purchase new classroom furnishing and supplies. Our amazing Assistant Director, Hilary Huelsmann, took the lead on this time-consuming project. Last but not least, we will have a special visitor on January 31. Her name is Tiffini Gorman, Early Childhood Manager in the Office of Early Childhood under Mayor Peduto. She is coming to tour our school and find out what she can do to help us continue the important work we do in the field of Early Childhood Education. I want to thank our amazing parent volunteers who helped with the Yankee Candle fundraiser: PTO Co-Presidents Ilene Rinn and Stacy Wendell. In addition, they helped organize the holiday gifts for our amazing educators. Everett Herman planned our first PTO Happy Hour at Hidden Harbor. Karen Galor took the lead on our annual Winter Playdate in the Beth Shalom Gymnasium. In addition, I want to thank Rebecca Elhassid, Aviva Lubowsky, Rabbi Markiz, Rabbi Adelson, Michelle Resnick, and Adam Resnick for all their hard work putting together Shababababa and Shabbat Haverim. The attendance at Shababababa and Shabbat Haverim has been record breaking with over 100 participants. It is because of all of our parent volunteers and Rabbis that our Beth Shalom ELC community is so strong and vibrant. Jennifer Slattery slattery@bethshalompgh.org Early Learning Center Calendar February 2017 April 2017 Monday, February 20, 2017 President s Day (Staff In-Service) - ELC Closed Friday, March 10, 2017 All School Family Purim Celebration 1:00 pm Monday, April 10, 2017 Erev Pesah - ELC Closes at 3:00 pm Tuesday, April 11 Tuesday, April 18, 2017 Passover Break - ELC Closed Wednesday, April 19, 2017 School Resumes STAY CONNECTED! WEBSITE FACEBOOK Every Day Is Magic! 10 MISHPACHTENU

11 Youth Tefillah 101 Ask a New Question: Harvesting Your Freedom A few years ago, I remember someone asking the rabbi, did the splitting of the sea really happen? I wondered about what concerns, hopes, and needs informed this question. Did this person need it to be historically true? What would it mean if it didn t literally happen? The fundamental truth of our tradition is the freedom to even ask the question. While perhaps counter-intuitive to some, Judaism never asks us to leave parts of us behind. We are encouraged to be curious, to ask hard questions, and to bring the rigor of our daily lives to the table. We are challenged to pay attention to our reality and to bring every part of ourself to the conversation. With this in mind, I wish to learn the lessons of the Rabbis of Bnei Brak in the Hagaddah. Let us take the opportunity to delve deeply into our seder. (And no, you don t have to stay up all night!) Ask a new question, challenge a previously held assumption, and try something new. This is what it means to harvest the freedom that is embedded in our tradition. You don t have to have answers to all of the questions, but as you metaphorically pick the fruit off the trees, you will recognize the natural sweetness inside. Hag Sameah! Rabbi Jeremy Markiz jmarkiz@bethshalompgh.org Shababababa A Musical Shabbat for Families in Pittsburgh Led by Rabbi Seth Adelson Shababababa is supported by the Reuben A. and Selma W. Cohen Fund. Shabbat Haverim Musical Kabalat Shabbat for kids grades K-4 Led by Sara Stock Mayo We re bursting at the seams with kids! So, due to popular demand, we re launching a fun, musical Kabbalat Shabbat service led by Sara Stock Mayo for early elementary schoolers running concurrently with Shababababa. Beth Shalom is growing, and so are we! Save the Dates: February 17 March 17 April 21 5:45pm Service 6:20pm Optional Dinner KIDS EAT FREE! Wine for adults! Reservations needed for dinner only: Cost of dinner for ages 12 & Up Register more than a week before event: $12 Register the week of the event: $17 Minyan Mishpahti February 4, March 4, April 1, 2017 Minyan Mishpahti is a new family service geared towards to elementary-aged youth, their families, and siblings. We believe it is important that families share spiritual and meaningful prayer experiences together. We will sing and pray together followed by an interactive d var Torah. This service will be led by Rabbi Jeremy Markiz and Sara Stock Mayo. MISHPACHTENU 11

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13 I can contemplate a tree. I can accept it as a picture... I can feel it as a movement... I can assign it to a species and observe it as an instance... I can overcome its uniqueness and form so rigorously that I can recognize it only as an expression of law... I can dissolve it into a number, into a pure relation between numbers, and externalize it. Throughout all of this the tree, the tree remains my object and has its time span, its kind and condition. But it can also happen, if will and grace are joined, that as I contemplate the tree, I am drawn into the relation and the tree ceases to be an It. - I and Thou, Martin Buber Celebrating Tu Bishvat in Pittsburgh is rather funny, and always makes for interesting dialogue with our students. How can we sow seeds when our gardens are still covered in snow and the ground is far too frozen for new seeds? I try to focus on the image of the Spring beauty that is already brewing beneath all the snow. The mystery of what s to come when the snow melts is a reason to pause, wonder, and appreciate our daily blessings and miracles. At J-JEP, Tu Bishvat marks for us the time where the plans for the next J-JEP season ( ) begin to brew. We look at all parts of J-JEP through a magnifying glass and begin our annual review of curricular materials, take stock in the experiences we offered our participants, and envision the possibilities. Stay tuned! Learning with J-JEP See What s Coming Up in J-JEP J-JEP Calendar February April 2017 All Are Welcome! Register at today! Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Tu Bishvat Dinner & Seder Tuesday, April 11 Tuesday, April 18, 2017 Pesah - J-JEP Closed Wed., April 26, 2017 Last Day of Wed. Hebrew Classes View the full J-JEP Calendar at: jjep.org/calendar Thurs. April 27, 2017 Last Day of Tue./Thurs. Hebrew Classes Sunday, April 30, 2017 Celebration of Learning, J-JEP s 5th Anniversary! Last Day of J-JEP Connect on Facebook: JointJewishEducationProgram More programming information coming soon! Liron Lipinsky headofschools@bethshalompgh.org MISHPACHTENU 13

14 14 MISHPACHTENU BSUSY Notes This fall we started off with a bang when we hosted a very successful regional convention. The USYers worked tirelessly and were delighted to be recognized for the largest percent increase in attendance. We caught election fever and collaborated with other youth groups to sponsor Voice the Vote, skated the day away with families from Rodef Shalom and enjoyed decorating Hanukkah cookies. We welcomed a new Kadima Advisor, Ethan Einhorn, who attended Kadima Kinnus, and is busy planning amazing activities! With a wide variety of programming planned for Chaverim (K-2nd), Atid (3rd-5th), Kadima (6th-8th) and USY (9th-12th) this winter from basketball games, a USY Shabbat Dinner and Discussion, trips to Laser Storm, a Tu Bishvat Planting Party, Chocolate Seders, to even a Waffle Pageant we continue to stay very busy. The next few months are jam-packed with events for all ages. We hope to see you there! In March, Our Beth Shalom youth are excited to invite you to celebrate Purim with us at our annual Carnival to be held on Sunday, March 12, from 10:00-1:00pm. The cost is $5 per person OR $10 Per Family for fun games, great music, tasty Hamentaschen Boardwalk food, and FUN FOR ALL. This year the Purim Carnival theme is Monopoly! The Purim Carnival is a time-honored tradition that benefits the Youth Department Programming. We hope you take a CHANCE on us, PASS GO and collect $200! All Are Welcome! CHECK OUT THE PURIM FLYER ON THE BACK COVER OF THE MISHPACHTENU! Marissa Tait youthdirector@bethshalompgh.org X463. At Congregation Beth Shalom, our Youth Department continues to thrive! Upcoming Events Kadima Waffle Pageant February 12th 1:00-3:00 pm Kadimaniks will dress up their waffles and enter them into a Pageant. Each waffle will need: a creative back story, special talent and a great outfit. Get ready for a lot of laughs! Event costs $10.00 Synagogue Basketball Begins February 21st, Time TBD Do you like playing basketball? Join Beth Shalom League and play against other Jewish organizations around Pittsburgh. Please contact Marissa Tait at youthdirector@bethshalompgh.org USY Israeli Lounge Night February 23rd, 7:00-9:00 pm Join BSUSY for a special lounge night! We will taste Israeli food and dance the night away! Purim Carnival March 12, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Monopoly Edition! Kadima Laser Tag March 26, Time TBD Atid/Chaverim Chocolate Seder April 2, 1:00-2:00 pm THE WHOLE SEDER IN CHOCOLATE! Kadima Chocolate Seder April 4, 6:15-8:15 pm THE WHOLE SEDER IN CHOCOLATE! USY Chocolate Seder April 6, 7:00-9:00 pm THE WHOLE SEDER IN CHOCOLATE! More Passover information will be available soon. Call Marissa at x 463 with any questions.

15 Purim! Saturday, March 11, 2017 Congregation Beth Shalom 7:00 pm - Join us for our Family Megillah Reading. We ll share a special Havdalah and sing songs. March with us in the children s costume parade with fun and games. 8:00 pm - Following the Family Megillah reading we ll enjoy a sneak peek of HADASSAH A Persian Musical, the HAMILTON-inspired community-wide Purim Spiel! 8:30 pm - Refreshments with Full Megillah Reading to follow. MISHPACHTENU 15

16 Ma ot Hittin - Passover Tzedakkah Fund With the approach of spring and Passover, it has always been the tradition of our congregation to establish a Ma ot Hittin fund which will be used to help the impoverished Jews of our city and others in need to prepare for the great festival of liberation. It is our communal responsibility to provide the necessary food for a Passover Seder and for the observance of the holiday in general. Please send us your contribution (checks should be made payable to Beth Shalom Ma ot Hittin Fund) so that we have adequate funds to help the many Jews who will be turning to us prior to Passover. Your generosity will help make other Jewish families happy as they celebrate this holiday of freedom. Thank you. _ MA OT HITIN - PASSOVER CHARITY FUND Online form available at Enclosed is my contribution in the amount of $ for the Ma ot Hitin Fund. Please make check payable to Congregation Beth Shalom Ma ot Hittin Fund. Thank you. NAME ADDRESS PHONE Passover Yizkor Appeal 5777 Each year, during the holidays of Pesah, Shavu ot, Yom Kippur, and Shemini Atzeret, a special Memorial Service is held. It is a time when we honor the memory of our beloved departed family members. Yizkor Services are held on these four holidays and, in the tradition of the mitzvah of giving, an appeal is made for funds during the Yizkor Service. Our Passover Yizkor Service will take place on Tuesday morning, April 18 at approximately 10:30 am. It is appropriate to make a contribution in order to link the memory of dear ones to an act of loving kindness. If you wish, please fill out the form below with the name of the loved ones you wish to honor so that their names can be printed in Mishpachtenu. If you would like additional information regarding the Yizkor Appeal, please call the office at With grateful thanks for your continued support of our synagogue, and with all good wishes for the coming Festival. Please tear off and mail to Congregation Beth Shalom, 5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA Thank you. In memory of: I/We wish to contribute to the Passover 2017 Yizkor Appeal Online form available at (Please Print) Enclosed please find my check in the amount of $. Name: Address: Phone #: 16 MISHPACHTENU

17 SELLING OF HAMETZ As we approach the spring we naturally begin to focus on Passover (Pesah in Hebrew). People start planning their Seder; who will be coming, which night will they have at their house or at someone else s, what new kosher for Passover foods are there, where did we put Grandma s special cookie recipe? In addition to all of these thoughts, we also begin to work on cleaning our homes. We work as diligently as possible to rid our homes of all hametz. In the Torah we are instructed that no leaven shall be seen or found in your possession during Passover. Some people work towards eating up all of their hametz before Passover and give away or dispose of any that is left over. This is hard to do and for many it is not feasible. Knowing of this hardship, the rabbis introduced a way for us not to own any hametz. Before Passover we sell the hametz to a non-jew for Passover. After Passover, the goods all revert back into our ownership. If you want to know more about the intricacies of this custom, please feel free to ask Rabbi Adelson for details. Please take the opportunity to fill out the form below and return it to the synagogue by 11:00 am on Monday, April 10 in order to have your hametz included in the sale. While not mandatory, it is customary to include a donation to support the vulnerable in our community. These funds will be contributed to Rabbi Adelson s Discretionary Fund which is used to provide scholarships, offer assistance to those in need and to promote Jewish cultural, educational and religious activities. Hag kasher vesameah (A Happy and Kosher Pesah)! Rabbi Seth Adelson CONTRACT FOR THE SELLING OF HAMETZ 2017/5777 Online form available at I (We) hereby fully empower and authorize Rabbi Seth Adelson to dispose of all hametz that may be in my (our) possession wherever it may be: at home, place of business or elsewhere (knowingly or unknowingly). Rabbi Adelson has the full right to sell, dispose of and conduct all transactions in accordance with the detailed terms explained in the Hebrew contracts. The above power hereby given is meant to conform with all Torah and Rabbinic regulations to meet the requirements of Jewish law. NAME(S): ADDRESS & LOCATION OF HAMETZ: SIGN HERE: MISHPACHTENU 17

18 Buy Giant Eagle Gift Cards at Beth Shalom! Amazon.com Babies R Us Best Buy Dick s Sporting Goods DSW Home Depot Marriott Hotels Nordstrom Regal Cinemas Seven Springs Resort GetGo! Gas Gift Cards Simplify your shopping and buy Giant Eagle Gift Cards from Beth Shalom and take care of all of your holiday gift giving! With Giant Eagle Gift Cards, buy various gift cards and earn foodperks and fuelperks! Over 140 popular stores and restaurants to choose from! Call Judy Kayam at x 110 now! Celebrating a simcha or honoring the memory of a loved one? To sponsor a catered Kiddush, contact Michelle Vines: ext. 113 catering1@bethshalompgh.org If you d like to sponsor a full Kiddush Club Kiddush ($250), contact Kate Rothstein: , crosskatherine@hotmail.com Save the Date! Men s Club Sponsored Annual Spaghetti Dinner Sunday, April 09, 2017, at 6:00 pm Samuel and Minnie Hyman Ballroom GOOD NEWS! Wishing our friends a Happy Birthday! As part of revamping the birthday greetings, you can now write one larger check and draw down on your deposit as you send greetings during the year. Look for more improvements soon! PLEASE download the birthday form from our weekly announcements or see the form in our office to complete and return it to our office. Thank you! Host Your Event at Beth Shalom! Anniversaries Baby Namings: Brit Milah Simchat Bat Benei Mitzvah Parties Birthday Parties Fundraising Events Business Meetings Bridal Showers Weddings and more! Our elegant event space can be configured for any occasion. Free Parking Full Security Stage & Dance Floor Dietary Laws Observed VAAD Glatt Supervision Available For more information, contact: Michelle Vines, Event Coordinator at x 113 or catering1@bethshalompgh.org 18 MISHPACHTENU

19 A Brief Pesah Kashrut Guide Kashering Utensils A full description of kashering processes and listing of permitted foods can be found at: The process of kashering utensils depends on how the utensils are used. According to halakhah, leaven can be purged from a utensil by the same process in which it was absorbed in the utensil (kevolo kakh polto). Therefore, utensils used in cooking are kashered by boiling, those used in broiling are kashered by fire and heat, and those used for only cold food are kashered by rinsing in cold water. A. Earthenware (china, pottery, etc.) may not be kashered. However, fine translucent chinaware which has not been used for over one year may be used if scoured and cleaned in hot water. B. Metal utensils (wholly made of metal) used in fire (spit or broiler) must first be scrubbed and cleansed and then made as hot as possible. Those used for cooking or eating (silverware, pots) must be thoroughly cleaned and completely immersed in boiling water. Pots should have water boiled in them which will overflow the rim. The utensils should not be used for a period of at least 24 hours between the cleaning and immersion in boiling water. Metal baking utensils cannot be kashered. C. Oven and Ranges - Every part that comes in contact with food must be thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned. Then, the oven and range should be heated as hot as possible for a half hour. If there is a broil setting, use it. Self-cleaning ovens should be scrubbed and cleaned and then put through the self-cleaning cycle. Continuous-cleaning ovens must be kashered in the same manner as regular ovens. A microwave oven, which does not cook the food by means of heat, should be cleaned and then a cup of water should be placed in it. Then the oven should be turned on until the water boils. A microwave oven that has a browning element cannot be kashered for Pesah. D. Glassware - Authorities disagree as to the method of kashering drinking utensils. One opinion requires soaking in water for 3 days, changing the water every 24 hours. The other opinion requires only a thorough scrubbing before Pesach, or putting it through the dishwasher. E. Dishwasher - After not using the dishwasher for a period of 24 hours, a full cycle with detergent should be run. It may then be used for Pesah. F. Electrical Appliances - If the parts that come in contact with hametz are removable, they can be kashered in the appropriate way (if metal, follow the rules for metal utensils). If the parts are not removable, the appliance cannot be kashered. (All exposed parts should be thoroughly cleaned). G. Tables, closets and counters - If used for chametz, they should be thoroughly cleaned and covered and then they may be used. H. Kitchen Sink - A metal sink can be kashered by a thorough cleaning and by pouring boiling water over it. A porcelain sink should be cleaned and a sink rack used. If, however, dishes are to be soaked in a porcelain sink, a dish basin must be used. I. Hametz and non-passover utensils - Non-Passover dishes, pots and hametz, whose ownership has been transferred, should be separated, locked up or covered, and marked so as to prevent accidental use. Permitted Foods A. The following foods require no kasher lepesah label when purchased before or during Pesah: fresh fruits and vegetables that have not been coated, eggs, unflavored tea bags, unflavored regular coffee, 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, whole or raw tree nuts, whole (unground) spices, fresh fish from a kosher source and fresh kosher meat or frozen, raw hekhshered meat (other than ground products as ground products with prohibited materials could be made on the same equipment). B. The following products require reliable kasher lepesah certification (regular kosher supervision not being sufficient) whether bought before or during Pesach: all baked goods (farfel, matzah, any product containing matzah, matzah flour, matzah meal, Pesach cakes), all frozen processed foods, candy, canned tuna, cheeses, chocolate milk, decaf coffee, decaf tea, dried fruits, herbal tea, ice cream, liquor, non Grade A butter, oils, soda, vinegar, wine, yogurt. C. The following foods require no kasher lepesah label but do require kashrut supervision if purchased new and unopened before Pesach: all pure fruit juices in plastic or glass bottles, filleted fish, frozen fruit (no additives), non-iodized salt, pure white sugar (no additives), unsalted Grade A butter, white milk D. Any processed food bought during Pesah must have a kasher lepesah label. E. Any detergent, because it is not a food and it is not eaten, may be used for Pesah as long as it has valid kosher supervision. Medicines: Since hametz binders are used in many pills, the following guidelines should be followed: If the medicine is required for life sustaining therapy, it may be used on Pesah. If it is not for life sustaining therapy, authorities differ in their approaches. Please consult with your rabbi. Capsules, because they do not need binders, are preferable to pills. In December 2015, the Committee on Jewish Laws and Standards ruled kitniyot, or non-hametz grains and legumes such as rice, millet, chickpeas, fenugreek, etc., are acceptable for Ashkenazim to consume during Pesah provided the kitniyot have been checked 3 times before Pesah and were not stored with hametz. To read the full teshuvah, response, please go to: www. rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/default/files/public/halakhah/teshuvot/ /levin-reisner-kitniyot.pdf. Please contact Rabbi Adelson if you have any questions: rav@bethshalompgh.org / x115 MISHPACHTENU 19

20 Celebration of Pesah 5777/2017 Pre Pesah Preparations Sunday Evening April 9 Home Ceremony of Searching for Hametz Monday Morning April 10 Morning Service, 7:30 a.m. Helfant Chapel Siyyum Bekhorim 8:15 a.m. with breakfast following sponsored by the Maharam Educational Fund Bi ur Hametz All hametz must be removed from your possession or sold by 11:00 am (see pg.17) First Day of Pesah Monday Evening April 10 Evening Service, 6:00 p.m. Helfant Chapel First Seder Candle lighting time 7:36 p.m. - Blessings #1 & #2 on pg. 21 Tuesday Morning April 11 Early Morning Service, 6:30 a.m. Helfant Chapel Morning Service, 9:00 a.m. Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom Youth Tefillah, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Second Day of Pesah Tuesday Evening April 11 Minhah only Service, 5:30 p.m. Helfant Chapel Second Seder Candle lighting time 8:36 p.m. - Blessings #1 & #2 on pg. 21 Congregational Second Night Seder Wednesday Morning April 12 HOL HAMO ED - INTERMEDIATE DAYS Wednesday Evening April 12 Thur. - Friday Morning April :00 p.m. Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom Celebration of Freedom Early Morning Service, 6:30 a.m. Helfant Chapel Morning Service, 9:00 a.m. Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom Youth Tefillah, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. Helfant Chapel Morning Service, 7:30 a.m. Homestead Hebrew Chapel Thursday Evening April 13 Evening Service, 7:00 p.m. Helfant Chapel Shabbat Hol Hamo ed Friday Evening April 14 Evening Service, 6:00 p.m. Helfant Chapel Candle lighting time 7:40 p.m. Saturday Morning April 15 Early Morning Service, 6:30 a.m. Helfant Chapel Morning Service, 9:00 a.m. Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom Youth Tefillah, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturday Evening Evening Service, 7:40 p.m. Helfant Chapel Sunday Morning April 16 Morning Service, 8:00 a.m. Homestead Hebrew Chapel CONCLUDING FESTIVAL DAYS 20 MISHPACHTENU Seventh Day of Pesah Sunday Evening April 16 Evening Service, 6:00 p.m. Helfant Chapel Candle Lighting time 7:42 p.m. - Blessing #1 Monday Morning April 17 Early Morning Service, 6:30 a.m. Helfant Chapel Morning Service, 9:00 a.m. Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom Youth Tefillah, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Eighth Day of Pesah Monday Evening April 17 Evening Service, 7:55 p.m. Helfant Chapel Candle Lighting time 8:42 p.m. - Blessing #1 Tuesday Morning April 18 Early Morning Service w/yizkor, 6:00 a.m. Helfant Chapel Yizkor Morning Service w/yizkor, 9:00 a.m. Faye Rubenstein Weiss Sanctuary (Yizkor will be recited at approximately 10:30 a.m.) Concluding Service & Havdalah Tuesday Evening April 18 Evening Service, 7:55 p.m. Helfant Chapel

21 Countdown to Pesah 5777/2017 MA OT HITTIN - PASSOVER TZEDAKKAH FUND From the beginning of the month of Nissan, we are especially sensitive to the needs of fellow Jews who may need our special help and support toward fulfilling all the mitzvot of the Pesah season. BEDIKAT HAMETZ: SUNDAY NIGHT, APRIL 9 The traditional search for hametz on the night before Pesah falls this year on Sunday night immediately after sunset. The blessing for bedikat hametz, found at the beginning of most Haggadot, is recited and the kol hamira formula nullifying unseen hametz may be recited. Hold any found hametz for ritual burning the following morning, April 10. If you need help finding these prayers, please contact Rabbi Adelson. SALE OF HAMETZ: MONDAY MORNING, APRIL 10, before 11:00 A.M. As you are aware, one of the central commandments of Pesah is that we rid ourselves of all forbidden hametz in our possession. Individuals who fully observe Pesah do their best to eliminate hametz as far as possible and then traditionally resort to the procedure of selling any hametz which may have been packed away or missed. All hametz must be removed or sold by 11:00 a.m. FAST OF THE FIRST BORN & SIYYUM BEKHORIM: MONDAY, APRIL 10 All first born should fast on the day before Pesah in commemoration of the deliverance from Egypt of the Israelite firstborn. The Rabbi offers a siyyum (public completion of study) which is followed by a festive meal at which all present may eat, and once having eaten, a first born need not fast that day. The siyyum and the se udat mitzvah will be held this year on Friday morning in the Helfant Chapel and Palkovitz Lobby at 8:15 a.m., following the 7:30 a.m. morning minyan. This Special Siyyum Breakfast is sponsored by Stanley & Cherie Maharam in loving memory of beloved parents and grandparents Bess & Aaron Maharam. BI UR HAMETZ - MONDAY MORNING, APRIL 10 The ritual burning of the hametz found during Sunday night s search should be completed by 11:00 a.m. The stove should be fully kashered and all cooking proceeds in Pesah pots with Pesah utensils only. Traditionally no hametz or matzah is eaten after this time. Candle Lighting Blessing MISHPACHTENU 21

22 Light A Candle, Preserve A Memory! TM by Stephen Neustein Yom HaShoah begins at sundown on Sunday, April 23 Light A Candle, Preserve A Memory! TM Burned within our collective Jewish identity and memory is an image of loss, grief and sadness. Horrific. Incomprehensible. Horrific. Senseless. Six Million lives, stolen, tortured, and murdered. Light A Candle, Preserve A Memory! TM Those who forget their history are doomed to repeat it. The lessons of the Shoah? Unforgettable? My parents were married in Israel had miraculously survived and was a reality. I was raised in the security of a Jewish neighborhood. I went to a Jewish Day School, synagogue and went to Jewish camps. I was related to and knew survivors and their children. There was no Yellow candle program nor need for one. No one could imagine forgetting the vivid frightful horrors of the holocaust. It was unthinkable that the world could ever forget. Today, I am not so sure. Survivors are fewer, Israel is stronger, and the world is still filled with hate. Civilized society is often merely a thin veneer easily ripped apart. Human rights are trampled regularly throughout many parts of the world. Light A Candle, Preserve A Memory! TM Hitler s final solution: Genocide? Jewish tradition teaches that in every generation evil will raise its ugly head again to threaten the Jewish people and all of mankind. Amalek has not been destroyed. Today I fear that many lives are still threatened by Amalek. Peaceful fragile people s existences are still being extinguished while the world shrugs its collective shoulders and watches in silence. Light A Candle, Preserve A Memory! TM Created in 1981 by FJMC clubs to keep alive the memory of the Six Million who perished in the Shoah. The Yellow Candle is modeled after a traditional Jewish memorial Yahrzeit candle that burns for 24 hours during periods of mourning and on the Yahrzeit anniversary of a family member. The candle s yellow wax serves to remind us of the yellow arm band which Jews were forced to wear during the Nazi regime. The program logo is a yellow Magen David (Star of David) outlined with barbed wire, with the word Jude in the middle. This preserves the memory of the armband or cloth patch that Jews were forced to wear in the ghettos of Eastern Europe. Light A Candle, Preserve A Memory! TM The FJMC estimates that over 4,000,000 of our Yellow candles have been lit on Yom HaShoah (the Day of Remembrance). It is a good start. It is not enough. This year the FJMC has set a new goal. Challenge the world to light 1,000,000 candles! It is a good next step. It will not be enough. Our ultimate goal is to light one candle for every victim of the Holocaust. Light A Candle, Preserve A Memory! TM It was not just the Jewish People who were the victims of Nazi Germany s infamous criminal cruelty and we are reaching out to non-jewish people also. And they are responding! Many non-jewish groups recognize the need to make sure the world never forgets. They too are lighting candles on Yom HaShoah Light A Candle, Preserve A Memory! TM Be part of this worldwide effort! Tell your congregants. Tell your, friends, neighbors and relatives. Teach your children. Never forget. Commit to lighting a candle. Be part of your community and synagogue Yom HaShoah programs. Let the world know that the victims of the Shoah are not forgotten. Light A Candle, Preserve A Memory! TM Log on the FJMC s website and register your participation. You can order candles for your synagogue today featuring artwork by renowned artist and survivor, Dubie Arie. Light A Candle, Preserve A Memory! TM Stephen Neustein is a past President of our Men s Club, a past of FJMC International Vice President, and a past International Chairman of the FJMC Yellow Candle Program 22 MISHPACHTENU

23 1432 YAHRZEIT PLAQUES PLEASE ORDER PLAQUES FOR YOUR BELOVED DEPARTED PLAQUES WILL BE UNVEILED DURING YIZKOR SERVICES OF YOM KIPPUR, SHEMINI ATZERET, PESAH, and SHAVUOT Member Rate Non-Member Rate PLAQUE IN THE FAYE RUBENSTEINWEISS SANCTUARY $ 400 $ 500 When you purchase a Yahrzeit Plaque, we make the commitment that the name of your beloved will be published in the Shabbat bulletin on the Shabbat preceding the anniversary of the yahrzeit. Please complete and mail the following form today with your check to: CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM 5915 BEACON STREET PITTSBURGH, PA English Name of Deceased: Date of Death: (English Date) (Hebrew Date) Before Sunset After Sunset Ordered by: (Name - Please print) (Telephone) Address: (Street) (City) (State) (Zip Code) Your relationship to deceased: Unveiling date: PESA H 5777 SHAVUOT 5777 YOM KIPPUR 5778 SHEMINI ATZERET 5778 Check enclosed for $ Signature: PLEASE LIST COMPLETE NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF THOSE WHO WISH TO BE NOTIFIED FOR THE YAHRZEITS (Name) (Street) (City) (State) (Zip Code) (Name) (Street) (City) (State) (Zip Code) (Name) (Street) (City) (State) (Zip Code) Updated 01/2017 MISHPACHTENU 23

24 Give your loved ones a sense of peace by planning ahead. Plan For Your Future Now We Can Help With: Pre-need Planning Plot Selection Monument Ordering We Offer to You: Beth Shalom Cemetery Beth Shalom Mausoleum Temple Ohav Shalom Memorial Garden Homestead Hebrew Cemetery Visit Our Cemetery Cemetery gates open at 8:00am & closes at sunset. The Cemetery is also closed at sundown on Friday through the Sabbath and all Jewish holidays For more information, contact: Lonnie Wolf, Cemetery Director at x 193, (c) or cemetery@bethshalompgh.org Nihum Avelim - Comforting Mourners October 15 - December 16, 2016 Rich Feder on the death of his mother Mildred Feder. Sharon Brody on the passing of her mother Gail Ryave. Yakov Vaisleib on the passing of his mother, our member, Raisa Vaisleib. Eileen & Larry Paper on the passing of Eileen s brother Stuart Sobel. Joe Goldston and family on the loss of his grandmother Florence Leebov. Seudah Shelishit Sponsors October 15 - December 16, 2016 Chester & Samuel Spatt, in memory of beloved wife and mother, Ellen Gordon Spatt. Diane Silberg & Stanley Kirshenbaum in celebration of their 35th wedding anniversary and in memory of beloved sister Gail Michelle Silberg. Ronald & Toby Neufeld, in memory of Helen Heringer and Milton Neufeld. Sandy & Elinor Zaremberg, Lea E. Davidson, and Robbie Zaremberg, in memory of beloved parents and grandparents Sara and Robert Davidson and Ruth and Samuel Zaremberg. Dan & Ronna Askin, in memory of beloved family members. 24 MISHPACHTENU

25 Milestones - Mazal Tov! October 15 - December 16, 2016 Rebecca & Dror Elhassid on the naming of their daughter, Sophie. Jan Levinson on being awarded the Israel Service Award by the Zionist Organization of America: Pittsburgh. Shirley Zionts on the engagement of her granddaughter Kayla Zionts to Andrew Rubin Laurie & Harry Zionts on the engagement of their daughter Kayla Zionts to Andrew Rubin Lasin-Rosen Family on the celebration of Talia Rosen becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Elisa Recht Marlin on the marriage of her son Barry Joshua Marlin to Samantha Nicole Greene. Olga & Mark Pizov on the celebration of Benjamin Moshe Pizov becoming a Bar Mitzvah. Eileen & Larry Paper on the celebration of their grandson, Zachary Morgan Paper becoming a Bar Mitzvah. Debby Firestone for being honored for the NA AMAT s Spiritual Adoption Event. Rachel & Benjamin Antin on the birth of their son and Lisa and Mitchell Antin on the birth of their grandson. Shirley Weinberg on the birth of her great-grandson, Adam Aaron, son of Rachel and Benjamin Antin. Diane Samuels on the birth of her grandson, Jackson Zane, son of Marc and Naomi Samuels. Anita & Ted Heyman on the marriage of their son Jeremy Heyman to Yael Taler. Jamie & David Harris-Gershon on the celebration of Mayan Nehama Harris-Gershon becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Joel & Judy Smalley on their grandson Joshua Bailey becoming a Bar Mitzvah on December 10th at Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, Mass. Joshua is the son of Leslie & Mark Bailey. Congregation Beth Shalom helps support the Squirrel Hill Community Food Pantry Pick up a Food Pantry brown bag Fill with food to help our neighbors POMEGRANATE CATERING at Congregation Beth Shalom Questions, please or call: pomegranatepgh@gmail.com Beth Shalom Membership Committee would like to thank Murray Avenue Kosher & Hebrew Free Loan for the new membership bag donations! MISHPACHTENU 25

26 26 MISHPACHTENU Congregation Beth Shalom s Vision

27 Adult Education Programming Shabbat Morning Learner s Service Second Shabbat of Each Month, December 2016 to June 2017 Rabbi Adelson will lead a special service for those who would like to learn more about tefillah / Jewish prayer. This will be primarily aimed at beginners, but will also be useful and informative for all ranges of daveners. In addition to basic tefillah skills and choreography, we will also cover some history, structure, and meaning behind the words, and find ways to seek personal connections within tefillah. This program is free; all are welcome. Will meet from 10:30 AM to noon in the Homestead Hebrew Chapel. Shabbat Shi urim Shabbat Afternoons After kiddush on Shabbat our Adult Education Committtee will present speakers to address a variety of Jewish topics. Lox and Learning Sunday morning at 10:00 AM throughout the year Come to Beth Shalom on Sunday mornings to learn from fellow congregants. We have a broad community with a wide variety of interests and accomplishments: game designers, paleontologists, criminologists, authors, artists and more. Over a light brunch we will learn what makes their chosen field so interesting. Rabbi s Tisch: Praying with a Full Heart Every Shabbat Afternoon October 29, 2016 to April 8, 2017 Every Shabbat afternoon, beginning after Simhat Torah and continuing until Pesah, we come together as a community for se udah shelishit (the third Shabbat meal), and spend some time discussing an item of Jewish text with Rabbi Adelson. This year s theme is Siddur Lev Shalem, the newly-published siddur / prayerbook of the Conservative movement. Free; all are welcome. Meets in the Eisner Commons starts 1.5 hours before Havdalah time (check website for schedule). Tisch to be followed by Ma ariv and Havdalah. Community Pesah Seder April 11th: 2nd night of Pesah A cup full of wine makes the bitter herb go down! We know what Rabbi Yosei the Galilean, Rabbi Eliezer, and Rabbi Akiva say about the plagues. And what does the wise son say? Please join a community second seder at Congregation Beth Shalom, with a festive Passover dinner, people led by Rabbi Adelson, when we will share family traditions and ask even more questions: Can vegetarians replace the shank-bone with molded tofu? Why do Persians sing Dayyeinu ( It would have been enough for us ) while whipping their neighbors with scallions? Why on Earth are we dining like ancient Greeks on a Jewish holiday? More information is forthcoming. J-JEP Parent Elective: Grow your Judaism through Hai Mitzvah One Sunday a month during J-JEP 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Rodef Shalom Join Rabbi Adelson, Rabbi Bisno and others for a unique experiential Jewish journey that blends monthly group study with personal choices of Jewish engagement, called the Jewish Bucket List. Each month we will study a topic using a specially designed curriculum that is accessible to those of all backgrounds and styles of practice, offering texts in Hebrew and English, from contemporary and traditional sources. Our tradition tells us that a full Jewish life involves our head, heart, and hands. Hai Mitzvah participants will be encouraged to build their Jewish Bucket List through identifying what is personally meaningful to them by incorporating study, spirituality and social action. February 12: Adding New Insights and Meaning to the Passover Seder March 5: Israel and the Jewish Spirit April 9: Gratitude: Modim Anachnu Lach April 23: Judaism and the Environment J-JEP Parent Elective: From Sinai to Seinfeld: The History of Jewish Humor Feb 5, 12, 26 March 5, 19 9:30am-11:00am at Rodef Shalom This J-JEP series invites adults to join Rabbi Danny Schiff for this 10 class Melton School series while J-JEP is in session. A treasure of irresistible jokes from the Israelite relationship with God to the growing divide between cultural and religious Judaism in the early 21st century. Treating Jewish jokes as text, this series invites students to analyze and interpret the evolving concerns, styles, rhythms, preoccupations, and values of the Jewish people that lie buried deep in words that make us laugh as Jews, and that bond us as a people. Squirrel Hill History Series Sheila Chamowitz and Murray Avenue Thursday, February 23, 2017, starting at 7:30 pm Presents a close-up view of life on Murray Avenue in the traditional Jewish neighborhood of Squirrel Hill in Pittsburgh, Pa. Reveals how generations of residents confronted the coldness of urban living and provides a glimpse of a lifestyle that is all but gone. Helen Wilson Talks About the History of Squirrel Hill Thursday, March 16, 2017, starting at 7:30 pm Helen will talk about the history of Squirrel Hill. Helen Wilson is vice president of the Squirrel Hill Historical Society and writes articles for the Squirrel Hill Magazine about the history of SH. She previously worked as an art teacher, curriculum writer, illustrator and editor for the Pittsburgh Public Schools. When she retired in 2006, she began to concentrate on researching the history of SH and found it to be a complex, fascinating, and often unexpected story, much of it illustrated by artists and described by writers. Everyone with an interest in learning more about our city and our past is welcome. Dinners for Circles East Liberty Monthly throughout the year Join a group of spirited fellow Beth Shalom members as we provide monthly dinners for a program that helps people move out of poverty. You can choose to make a main meal or just drop off cookies, fruit or a salad. You can also come to the site to learn more about the Circles program, and meet the participants and the facilitators. Either way, you will contribute immeasurably to addressing the root causes of poverty in our city, together with other Beth Shalom members. For more information contact Nancy Bernstein at or visit Beth Shalom s Adult Education Committee is pleased to offer a variety of programs in 5777 that will address Jewish topics. As well, we aim to provide programming that meets throughout the week both at Beth Shalom and out in the community. We hope to see you and your family at an event this year! For general registration information, call our office at MISHPACHTENU 27

28 2016 Awards Brunch In Honor Of: all of the honorees at this year s Awards Brunch. Thank you for giving of yourselves to strengthen and renew our congregation. You are our friends, our family, our mentors, and pillars of our community. Jonathan Weinkle & Vita Nemirovsky Adult Education In Honor Of: Mr. & Mrs. Richard Glasser Naftali E. Lustig Fern Moscov Early Childhood Scholarship Fund In Honor Of: Talia Rosen s Bat Mitzvah Aviva & Noah Lubowsky In Memory Of: Ilene Greenstone Paul & Jean Reznick Dan & Ilana Schwarcz s loss Noah Lubowsky & Aviva Lubowsky General Fund Donations: Ina Laman Ira & Kate Rothstein Charles & Sima Shalman In Memory Of: Richard Feder s beloved mother, Mildred C. Daniel Askin Nathan & Janice Bahary Alan & Linda Doernberg Milton & Sarita Eisner Harriet Kruman Ronald & Susan Polansky Patricia Weiss Howard & Nicole Valinsky Charles & Jane Yahr Thank You for Your Contributions October 15 - December 16, 2016 Lynn Dueser Howard & Nicole Valinsky Gail Ryave Sandra Margolis Bunny Morris Ida Steinberg Margie Gross s beloved husband Jerry Bunny Morris Edward Silverman s beloved mother, Louise Dr. Alan & Fern Steckel Max Ezra Children s Hospital of Pittsburgh Gail Ryave Steven Berger Karen Lipsitz s beloved parent Dr. Alan & Fern Steckel Laurel Rudavsky Jerome Mattes In Honor Of: We enjoyed the Holiday Services. Peter & Gilit James Ruth Reidbord s special birthday. Bunny Morris Rachel Marcus retirement! Bunny Morris Stanley Kirshenbaum & Diane Silberg s 35th Anniversary Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Paper Meyer Simon s 80th birthday! Mr. & Mrs. Joel Smalley Speedy Recovery: Ferne Meadowcroft Emanuel & Dorita Krifcher Marce Schwartz Emanuel & Dorita Krifcher Linda Herer Goldsmith Camp Ramah Fund In Honor Of: Judy Grundfast and family on the loss of her mother Richard & Stephanie Lappen Debby Firestone on her Award Richard & Stephanie Lappen Philantropic Fund In Memory Of: Richard Feder s beloved mother, Mildred Richard & Rhoda Judd Paul & Jean Reznick In Honor Of: Danny Rosen & Shani Lasin on Talia s Bat Mitzvah Paul & Jean Reznick Samuel & Mollie Zytnick Endowment Fund In Memory Of: Gail Ryave Howard & Nicole Valinsky Sisterhood Fund In Memory Of: Richard Feder s beloved mother, Mildred Harold & Honey Forman Samuel & Ruth Zaremberg Sanford & Elinor Zaremberg Youth Fund In Honor Of: Debby Firestone on her Award Ralph & Audrey Silverman Ida Steinberg Diane Samuels on the birth of her grandson, Jackson Zane Bunny Morris In Memory Of: Mildred Feder Mr. & Mrs. Barry Stein Edythe Lebo Ruth Weiss Eugene Kasper Ruth Weiss Stuart Sobel Mr. & Mrs. Steven Frank 28 MISHPACHTENU

29 Barbara Abraham Cynthia R. Abrams Sally Abrams Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Adelson Anna Adler Mr. and Mrs. Robert L Albert Dr. Gerald & Mrs. Carol Alpern Marc Antis Seymour Antman Florence Aronson Anna Aynbinder Barbara Azizo & Caplan Azizo Marylyn Baker Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Bales Shirley Barasch, Ph.D Marilyn Barmak Dr. Alan and Patricia Barnett Wendy Bee James Beebe Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Bendas Sofya Berdichevskaya Irvin & Freya Berger Elaine Berkowitz Irwin Berliner Howard M Berman Thomas & Karen Bernstein Gilbert & Diane Block Cheryl Blumenfeld Barbara Braunstein David Breakstone & Sharon Bauer Sheila Britz Nancy Bromberg Lois Bron Marshall Brown Sally Calig Jonathon Charney Isabel Chernoff Mr. & Mrs. Lev Chudnovsky Geri Coffey Carol Cohen Yahrzeit Donations October 15 - December 16, 2016 Mrs. Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Cohen Eileen Cook Natalie Cuban Lea Davidson Robert Davis Hilda Demsky Bernard Dickter Dr. Larry & Mrs. Sharon Dobkin Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Edelstein Hanna Edelstein Milton & Sarita Eisner Julian Elbling Bobbi Elmer Judy Epstein Evelyn Favish Mr. & Mrs. Richard Feder Bruce & Susie Feldman Dr. & Mrs. Ronald Fibus Mr. & Mrs. Jay Fingeret Jonathan Finkel Dr. Bernard Fisher Dr. Stephen & Mrs. Maxine Fisher Susan Fisher Harold & Honey Forman Barbara Franklin Mr. & Mrs. Gary Friedman Ruth Garvin Mr. & Mrs. Semyon Geshiktor Elayne Gilbert Harvey & Wendy Gillis Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ginsburg Bernice Goldberg Bruce Goldberg Carolyn Goldberg Mr. and Mrs. Richard Goldman Robert Goldman Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Goldring Marjorie Goldstein Dr. Morton & Mrs. Racelle Goldstein Dr. Robert Gorman Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Green Richard A Greenberg Ronna Greenberg Ellen Grinberg Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Grobstein Beverly Groudine Mark Groudine Mrs. Polya Gutman Perry & Michele Haalman Harvey Haber Harold & Judy Haffner Jack & Mimi Halpern Arlene Handmaker Howard & Sara Harris Mr. and Mrs. Michael Harris Mr. & Mrs. Steven Hecht Jack & Charlotte Helfer Mr. & Mrs. Rick Helfer Elaine R. Herer Mr. & Mrs. Ted Heyman Joseph B. Hoffman William Hoffman Mr. & Mrs. Larry Holtzman Retta Horelick Stanley & Reva Horn Dr. Emil Horowitz Richard Horowitz David & Teddi Horvitz Mrs. Valentina Iomdina Dennis Jett & Lynda Schuster Richard & Rhoda Judd Mr. & Mrs. Earl Kaiserman Dr. & Mrs. Charles Kalson Mr. & Mrs. Sam Kamin Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kantrowitz Joan Katz Robert L. & Clarice Katz Carole Kaufman Mr. & Mrs. Jack Kessler MISHPACHTENU 29

30 Eugene & Lois Kessler Myrna Kingsley Judith Klarfeld Natalie Klein Joseph & Ellen Kleinerman Gerald Kobell & Judy Kornblith Kobell Mr. & Mrs. Elliott Kramer Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Kramer Rachel Krasnow Corinne Krause James & Sheri Krell Emanuel & Dorita Krifcher Mr. & Mrs. Naum Krinberg Harriet Kruman Linda Kurtz Shirley Kurtz Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kweller Dr. Howard & Mrs. Carol Lang Bernice Lasser Racille Lazar Mr. & Mrs. Darrell H. Lazarus Hillard & Joan Lazarus Jocelyn Lehman Rabbi Yaier Lehrer Honey Leon Terry & Cindy Lerman Zita Levin Merle & Myriam Levine Murray Levith Charilee Levy Ruth Levy Dr. Harvey Lincoff Marc & Kathy Lipsitz Sanford Lipsitz Susan Lipsitz Murray J Lubisch Donald Machen Alan & Judy Maglin Dr. and Mrs. Michael Mallinger Yahrzeit Donations October 15 - December 16, 2016 Mr. and Mrs. Jack Marcus Dr. & Mrs. Richard S. Margolis Sandra Margolis Dr. Alvin Markovitz Dr. Barry & Mrs. Martha Markovitz Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Marmins Bernard & Barbara Mars Mr. & Mrs. Jay McKenzie Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Mendelbaum Herbert & Donna Mendelsohn Barbara Sachnoff Mendlowitz Dr. & Mrs. Joel Merenstein Polina Mezhebovskaya Isabel Miller Ravenna Miller Rachel Millstone Bunny Morris Yuriy & Raisa Mudrenko Rona F. Mustin Annie Chijner Myers Lloyd & Deborah Myers Morris & Dolores Naimark David & Lynetta Neft Dr. & Mrs. Lee Neiman Ronald & Toby Neufeld Dr. & Mrs. Charles Neuman Daniel & Marta Nizhner Stuart Nord Steven Nydes Shirley Oppenheim Mark Perlin & Ria David Harriet Perlman Jane Pettko Howard Podolny Alvin Pollack Mr. & Mrs. Alex Rapport Marilyn Rattner Efrem & Lauren Reis Richard & Barbara Reisner Esther Resnick Paul & Jean Reznick Sylvia Reznick Lois Rickin Anatol & Sofia Risov Dr. Arnold Robbins Carolyn Robbins Sarah Robbins Ruth Roberts Mr.& Mrs.Larry Robin Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Rogow Dorothy Rosen Dr. Rochelle Rosen Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Rosen Mr. & Mrs. Paul Rosenberg Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Rosenberg Natalie Rosenbloom Wilma Rosenbloom Mr. and Mrs. Gerald I. Rosenfeld Dr. Mitchell B. Rosenfeld Norman Rosenfeld Mr. & Mrs. James Rosenthall Lynn Rosenthal Ralph & Dolores Roskies Susan Ross Belle Roth Myron Roth Mr. & Mrs. Elliot Rothman Zarky Rudavsky Alexander Rybchinsky Ruth Sacks Mrs. Joseph Safyan Judah Samet David Sufrin & Diane Samuels Mr. & Mrs. Michael Samuels Sally Santman Elaine Savage Stuart Savage Jonathan Schachter Carl & Roni Schiffman Steve Schimmel 30 MISHPACHTENU

31 Mr. & Mrs. Robert Schutte Mr. & Mrs. Howard S. Schwartz Irving Segal Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Seiavitch Adam Selker M. & Barbara Seltman Norma Rae Shadoan Karen K. Shapiro Paul & Karen Shapiro Mr. & Mrs. Neal Shenderovich Mr. & Mrs. Aryeh Sherman Florence Sherman Mark & Dr. Vera Sherman Rosalyn Sherman Lois Sherry Dr. Harvey Shipkovitz Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Shire Alexander Shklyar Herbert & Nancy Shuman Joseph Siegel Phillip & Hershelle Siegel Saundra Siegel Marianne Silberman Richard & Mary Silk Stanley Silverblatt Ralph & Audrey Silverman Cina Simon Mr. & Mrs Elliott Simon Larry & Evelyn Simon Mark & Diane Simon Meyer & Evelyn Simon Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Simon Ben G. Sissman Tamara Skirboll Howard Smalley Mr. & Mrs. Joel Smalley Mr. and Mrs. David Smith Edwin & Iris Smith Harold & Connie Smolar Neil Smolar Yahrzeit Donations October 15 - December 16, 2016 Dr. and Mrs. Eric Snyder John Spiegel & Adi Rapport Ahuva Stadtlander Dalia Stadtlander Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Stein Mr. & Mrs. Barry Stein Bernard Dane Stein Jay & Jessy Stein Karen Stein Nancy Stein Steven & Janet Stoller Judith Teitelman Richard Tenebaum Dr. & Mrs. Barry Tenenouser Gertrude Tepper Mr. & Mrs. David Topolsky Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Tucker Leona Vanscoyk Raisa Vaysleyb Mr. & Mrs. William Veshancey Ralph & Barbara Vogel Arnold Wagner Mr. & Mrs. Richard Wagner Harry Waldbaum Florence Walk Arthur & Rochelle Wathey Barbara Wein Morris & Claire Weinbaum Stanley Weiner Judith Weinstein Mr. & Mrs. Jim Weiser Dr. Lee Weiss Patricia Weiss Robin Weiss Larry & Judy Whitman Dr. Robert Whitman Mr. & Mrs. Charles Wilf Mr. and Mrs. Roger Wilk Ralph Wise Alison Wright Mr. & Mrs. Fred Young Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Young Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Young Mr. & Mrs. Yevgeniy Yuger Polina Yurkovetsky Mr. & Mrs. Sanford Zaremberg Sandor & Barbara Zelekovitz Shirley Zionts Marion Zlotnik Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Zukerman Sisterhood Judaica Shop FEBRUARY 30% OFF Kiddush Cups & Candle Sticks March & April 30% OFF Seder Plates & Matzah Plates Friday: 10a - 12p or by appointment. Barbara Kaiserman MISHPACHTENU 31

32 February 2017 Shevat / Adar MISHPACHTENU

33 March 2017 Adar / Nisan 5777 MISHPACHTENU 33

34 April 2017 Nisan / Iyyar MISHPACHTENU

35 Our Staff Celebrates Purim with Fun Caricatures! Staff Directory Please reference this directory for updated staff contact information. We look forward to speaking with you! OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm and Friday, 8:00 am - 3:00pm * Staff schedules vary Rabbi Seth Adelson Rabbi x115 rav@bethshalompgh.org Rabbi Jeremy Markiz Youth Tefillah Director jmarkiz@bethshalompgh.org Audrey Glickman Rabbi s Assistant x112 rabbiasst@bethshalompgh.org Marissa Tait Director of Youth Programs x463 youthdirector@ bethshalompgh.org Jennifer Slattery Director of the ELC slattery@bethshalompgh.org Hilary Huelsmann Asst. Director of the ELC x 390 Hhuelsmann@bethshalompgh.org Kara Olsen ELC Operations preschl@bethshalompgh.org Liron Lipinsky Director of J-JEP jjeppgh@gmail.com David Horvitz President x106 mistervitz@gmail.com Rob Menes Executive Director x226 rmenes@bethshalompgh.org Dale Caprara Controller x109 controller@bethshalompgh.org Judy Kayam Bookkeeper x110 accounting@ bethshalompgh.org Michelle Vines Events Coordinator x113 catering1@bethshalompgh.org Lonnie Wolf Cemetery Director x193 cemetery@bethshalompgh.org Anthony Colaizzi Communications & PR Specialist x108 communications@ bethshalompgh.org Meghan McNeil Receptionist x114 receptionist@bethshalompgh.org Who should I ask about......membership dues?...making a donation?...planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Dale Judy Michelle...scheduling a Beth Shalom-related meeting?...purchasing a plot at the Beth Shalom or Homestead Hebrew Cemetery? Rob Lonnie...sponsoring a Shabbat kiddush?...shabbat or daily services? Michelle Audrey...content in weekly s or Mishpachtenu?...touring the Early Learning Center? Anthony Kara...information included in the Shabbat Bulletin?...staff assistance with projects or events? Audrey Rob All caricature illustrations were created by our Communications Specialist, Anthony Colaizzi. If you d like to hire him for a party or special occasion please him at cartoonanth@gmail.com MISHPACHTENU 35

36 Congregation Beth Shalom PURIM 2017 $10.00/Family Are You Looking to Buy Real Estate?! Benefits Youth Programming! The purchase of available real estate in our Purim Carnival will be greatly appreciated! Name as on Card / / / CC Number CVV Number / / Exp. Date Signature [ ] Please charge my card Be A Sponsor for Purim! [ ] Carnival: Park Place......$118.00/rent [ ] Food Table: Boardwalk......$54.00/rent [ ] Game Booth: Atlantic Ave...$36.00/rent [ ] Arts & Crafts: New York Ave...$18.00/rent [ ] Other Gift...$ /rent Your Name Address Phone Number Make checks payable to Congregation Beth Shalom, 5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217