Chailights NOVEMBER 2017

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Rabbi Jeffrey Kurtz-Lendner Our Holy Community I am delighted to share with you that a group of members have taken it upon themselves to organize a Chevra Kadisha, which is Hebrew for Holy Community.

1 Rabbi Jeffrey Kurtz-Lendner Our Holy Community I am delighted to share with you that a group of members have taken it upon themselves to organize a Chevra Kadisha, which is Hebrew for Holy Community. This is the term used for the group of volunteers who come together to assist in the preparation of the deceased for a Jewish funeral. Just as we come into this world in perfect purity, so do we depart this world in purity. The rituals of the chevra kadisha represent the restoration to purity including a cleansing of the deceased and dressing the deceased in traditions funeral garb. Some of the members of our chevra kadisha have participated in this ritual in the past and have found it to be so meaningful that they organized such a group for our own community here at Beth Israel. A description of the rituals of Jewish burial traditions can be found at the following website. The organization s executive director visited us in September to assist with training our volunteers with the specific procedures in following this tradition. NOVEMBER 2017 anyone here to decide for you. We accept Jews for who they are and the choices they make. No one needs to feel guilty or judged for following a tradition or not following a tradition. The choice is YOURS. Learn about our traditions and follow the ones that bring you spirituality, make you feel closer to our community or make you feel closer to your relationship with God. Our chevra kadisha is one more opportunity for our members to explore Jewish tradition and learn about rituals from which you may find meaning. If you ever have any thoughts or questions about any spiritual matters, never hesitate to come talk to me. It will be my pleasure to have that conversation with you. And thank you to the members of our chevra kadisha for your commitment to volunteer to make one more tradition available to our members. AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ARAB ISRAELI CONFLICT Beth Israel s chevra kadisha will make its services available for any member of our community who would like to avail themselves of this honor when the time comes. As in all aspects of Reform Judaism, we encourage our members to learn about traditions and rituals that they find meaningful and incorporate those meaningful practices into their lives. The Reform Movement affirms that the ultimate authority over ritual matters for each individual is him or herself. We hope our members learn about those rituals and then determine for themselves which are meaningful. Some people come to Shabbat services regularly; others do not. Some participate in our holiday festivities; others do not. Some follow the dietary laws; others do not. We encourage our members to learn about these traditions so that you can make the best determination for yourselves which traditions you want to incorporate into your lives. A three week class providing a brief overview of the Arab Israeli Conflict Taught by Rabbi Kurtz-Lendner Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. in the Temple Library November 1, 2017 November 8, 2017 November 15, 2017 Please RSVP to Rabbi Kurtz-Lendner at: rabbijkl@bethisraelms.org But no one will tell you that you should or must fulfill any particular tradition. That is for YOU to decide, not for

2 From Our President Michele Schipper President As you will see in the pages of this newsletter, there are A LOT of classes and activities that are planned for the coming months. Our dedicated staff and volunteers spend hours planning and often need resources (dollars) to make sure the programs are able to take place. Your generosity helps us continue the programming that we have all come to appreciate and to continue our strong Jewish community and presence in the greater Jackson community. We have all recently received our pledge forms for Every dollar that we donate or pledge is important. As we complete our forms, let s consider the variety of programs that are offered from educational to social to spiritual. Please make a meaningful pledge, as we all help support our community. Beth Israel is where we gather together and pray together. It is where we celebrate our holidays and Shabbat. It is where we pass on our tradition to the next generation. It is where we form lasting friendships within our community. Please join us as our daughter Lauren Alana Balfour is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah November 11, 2017 at 10:00a.m. Kiddush Luncheon immediately following Dr. and Mrs. Eric Balfour Doubt and Discovery (and pizza) We hope you will join us for a home-based discussion group open to BIC members and friends to explore spirituality, religion, God, and life. We may not find answers, but the journey should be worthwhile and fun. Possible Topics: Are spirituality and religion different? The space between Big Bang and The All Knowing, All Powerful God Near death experiences and other glimpses of God PRENEG Friday, November 10 at 5:30 p.m. in the Library A preneg is like an oneg but takes place before the service. Our preneg in July was well attended and everyone enjoyed the opportunity to have a nosh and visit with one another before service begins. We have another preneg scheduled for Friday, November 10 at 5:30 p.m. in the Library. This preneg is sponsored by the ISJL board in honor of Michele Schipper being named the next CEO. When November 28, 2017 at 6:15 p.m. Where Chez Finkelberg (4134 Oakridge Dr. in Fondren) Food Pizza and Salad What can you bring? You and your questions Please RSVP (of if you have questions) to: Arty Finkelberg: arty.finkelberg@raymondjames.com or Bill Morris: wildenmor@gmail.com or Hope to see you on November 28, 2017 at 6:15 p.m. Arty Finkelberg Bill Morris Page 2

Sisterhood Spotlight Strong women stand together when things are rough, hold each other up when they need support, and laugh together when there's no reason to.

3 Sisterhood Spotlight Strong women stand together when things are rough, hold each other up when they need support, and laugh together when there's no reason to." ~Anonymous Sisterhood is truly a wonderful & dedicated group of enthusiastic & welcoming women from our Congregation working hard on many events during the year. It takes everyone! Specials thanks to our hard-working Sisterhood Chairs for these wonderful & well attended events: Susan Snyder, Erica Abeles & their many volunteers for organizing Sukkot! And Jan Docter, Cheryl Katz & their many volunteers for hosting such a wonderful Simchat Torah potluck. Kudos to George Glass for coming through when needed he picked up the chicken for us! Sisterhood really is a group effort, and enjoyed by everyone. Please join us for these upcoming events: Lunch Bunch Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Yia Yia s Greek Kitchen, 587 Hwy 51, Ridgeland, MS Meet at 11:45 a.m. Dutchh Treat. Please RSVP to Charna Schlakman at or Charna515@aol.com. Thank you Charna for organizing this fun get-together! Manicures, Pizza & a General Meeting Tuesday, November 14 at 5:00 7:00 p.m. at Rouge Nails, 5352 Lakeland Drive #1900, Flowood, MS 39032, Cost $25. Dutch Treat Dinner will be followed at Soul Shine in Flowood. A fun & casual way to spend time with our Sisterhood! Please RSVP to Suzanne Freedman at Suzfreedman@aol.com or so we have an idea of how many to expect. Chanukkah Dinner December 15 at 5:30 p.m. More info to follow. RSVP's will be needed in advance to Esther Roberts at travelwithesther@yahoo.com or Still more: Please be sure to visit our Judaica Shop filled with so many new and wonderful items! Thank you to Jan Docter and Cheryl Katz for overseeing the Gift Shop! They have done a fabulous job adding new merchandise we think you will enjoy! Hours are Friday nights before services, and on Sunday mornings during Religious School., BIC Blasts, s, FB Sisterhood Closed Group: If you are a Sisterhood member, you should be receiving s, as needed. If you haven t been, please let me know so I can correct the situation. Please also join our Beth Israel Sisterhood Closed Facebook Page. If you re not already a part of this, please request to join, and I will provide access. I post updates here often. We may call or text on a case by case basis, as well. And be sure to look for Sisterhood updates and important information to be sent via Chai Lights and Bic Blasts, with special thanks to Rita for coordinating! I d love to hear from you, so please share your ideas! As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Best regards, Suzanne Freedman Sisterhood President Suzfreedman@aol.com November 14, 2017 Calendar Events for Please plan to join us! December 15, 2017 January 12, 2018 February 4, 11, 18, 25, 2018 March 21, 2018 March 31, 2018 April 22, 2018 May 4, 2018 Our next Sisterhood Book Club meeting will be held at the Temple on Sunday, December 3, at 11:00 a.m. Our December selection is Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly. Please plan to join us. See edited Goodreads summary below. New York socialite Caroline Ferriday, is posted at the French consulate, but her world is forever changed, when Hitler s army invades Poland in September,1939, and then sets its sights on France. An ocean away from Caroline is Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager, who senses her carefree youth disappearing, as she is drawn deeper into her role as courier for the underground resistance movement. For the ambitious young German doctor, Herta Oberheuser, an ad for a government medical position seems her ticket out of a desolate life. Once hired, though, she finds herself trapped by Nazi secrets and power. The lives of these three women are set on a collision course, when Kasia is sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious Nazi concentration camp for women. Their stories cross contients, as Caroline and Kasia strive to bring justice to those, whom history has forgotten. General Meetings ~ Manicures & Pizza Chanukah dinner Sisterhood Shabbat Bazaar Cooking Dates 51st Bazaar Passover 2nd Seder General Meeting, Slate of New Officers Sisterhood Installation Page 3

Ladies Lunch Bunch A Sisterhood Event Please join us for a fun Ladies Lunch Bunch on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 11:45 a.m. Yia Yia Greek Kitchen, 587 Hwy 51, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Dutch Treat!

She is a former correspondent for CNN and Israel Television. Linda's work includes an interview with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, conducted while Israel was under attack by scud missiles!

Today, Linda is a PR and Media Consultant, in which capacity she meets with, and advises the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Ms.

Last year we delivered over 50 blankets donated by you to Stewpot Community Services to distribute to the homeless. Our annual drive this year will include both blankets and socks.

4 Ladies Lunch Bunch A Sisterhood Event Please join us for a fun Ladies Lunch Bunch on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 11:45 a.m. Yia Yia Greek Kitchen, 587 Hwy 51, Ridgeland, MS Dutch Treat! RSVP to Charna Schlakman at: or Charna515@aol.com Please join us for a wonderful Jackson Jewish Federation Shabbat and Oneg on Friday, November 17, 2017, at 6:15 p.m. Our guest speaker will be Linda Scherzer, a very dynamic and interesting speaker. She is a former correspondent for CNN and Israel Television. Linda's work includes an interview with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, conducted while Israel was under attack by scud missiles! At Israel TV, she became the first North American to work as an on-air reporter for the Hebrew news. Today, Linda is a PR and Media Consultant, in which capacity she meets with, and advises the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Ms. Scherzer will discuss how news is gathered, alleged bias and how to combat negative media images. BIC ANNUAL TIKKUN OLAM BLANKET DRIVE! Last year we delivered over 50 blankets donated by you to Stewpot Community Services to distribute to the homeless. Our annual drive this year will include both blankets and socks. Before Chanukah, please bring NEW socks for men, women, and children and/or NEW blankets to the box which is in the hallway outside the Temple office. If you need more information, please contact Dana Larkin at danaflarkin@gmail.com. Please join Jewish Cinema Mississippi for a special 2018 Film Festival Preview event in the Social Hall on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. We will be showing "Dough," a funny and heartwarming film about a Jewish London baker and his new Muslim apprentice. Page 4

Religious School part of the Jewish experience Our Mad richim The Beth Israel Religious School consists of our students, their teachers, and a very special group of young adults.

The mad richim (mad rich [m], mad richah [f]) are partners with our teachers and work as assistants in the classroom.

5 Religious School part of the Jewish experience Our Mad richim The Beth Israel Religious School consists of our students, their teachers, and a very special group of young adults. You might recognize them by their distinctive royal blue shirts on Sunday mornings! The mad richim (mad rich [m], mad richah [f]) are partners with our teachers and work as assistants in the classroom. More than just teachers aides, they are to be counselors and mentors and Jewish role models for our students. Indeed, as the school year progresses, the mad richim will all be given opportunities to studentteach under the supervision of our regular instructors. Serving this year are Eric Schipper, Tovah Rubinsky, Richard Smith, Ella Rockoff, Max and TJ Grossman, and Isabel Lehman. As part of their training to fulfill their responsibilities to our students, Danielle Wahba has created unique learning sessions. Recently the diverse but important topics of practicing mindfulness and understanding shame, guilt, embarrassment, and humiliation, were discussed. The goal is to teach self-awareness and better relationship skills. This translates into a more effective presence in the classroom when interacting with students and others. These sessions will continue during the school year. Our mad richim are the Jewish leaders of the future. We are grateful for their participation in Religious School. ENHANCED ONEG Many thanks to the following congregants who have volunteered to host an enhanced Oneg Shabbat: Civil Rights & Jews: Continuing the Special Relationship Fifty years ago, Beth Israel s building and our Rabbi s home were bombed, the culmination of a terrorist campaign on houses of worship in Mississippi by racists seeking to resist social progress. During those tumultuous times, Rabbi Perry Nussbaum and members of the congregation worked together with the NAACP and other civil rights organizations to promote integration and racial equality in Jackson and throughout the state. Fifty years later, we will celebrate this historic alliance and discuss how we can work together once again to promote a better Mississippi for all of its citizens. On Friday evening December 1st, leaders of the Mississippi chapter of the NAACP will join us for Friday evening services followed by a special program examining this historic relationship and what our future might look like working together again to promote social justice and Tikkun Olam. Participants will include Corey Wiggins, Executive Director of the Mississippi NAACP, Beth Israel members, historian Stuart Rockoff who is Executive Director of the Mississippi Humanities Council and Beth Orlansky, who serves on the Commission for Social Action with the RAC, and is Advocacy Director of the Mississippi Center for Justice. Please join us December 1 st for this important evening to share in the conversation. Please RSVP to Dana Larkin (danaflarkin@gmail.com) so we may plan a special Oneg for the evening. September 8, 2017 Debra and Joel Jacobs, Tamar and Peter Sharp October 20, 2017 Susan and Mark Fijman December 22, 2017 Paula and Edward Erlich January 26, 2018 Rebecca Laskin February 23, 2018 Melanie Dobel Paula and Edward Erlich March 9, 2018 Danielle Wahba April 27, 2018 Marla Harbor and Erik Hearon Sisterhood provides the wine and challah. The enhanced Oneg host only needs to bring fruit, and/or cookies or brownies, hummus and pita chips and/or veggies, or cheese and crackers to add to the wine and challah. Your name(s) will be included in the Friday night leaflet. To Daniel and Mado Glass on the birth of Gabriella Sofia on September 28 th in Danbury, Connecticut. Big sister, Arianna, welcomed her into the world, as did proud Grandparents, Sherrie and George Glass. Page 5

6 4th Annual Singing Together Jackson Tuesday, December 5 th 6:30 p.m. Beth Israel Congregation 5315 Old Canton Road $10 in Advance Tickets $15 at the Door *Free for children 10 and under This is an annual celebration and fundraising event held to support Working Together Jackson s mission to strengthen institutions by developing new leaders and solutions to the issues facing our community. For more information contact: Heather Ivery: (601) or heather.ivery@yahoo.com Khalid Hudson: (601) or khudson.wtj@gmail.com Chevon Chatman: (601) or cchatman.wtj@gmail.com Page 6

WE APPRECIATE THE THOUGHTFULNESS OF THOSE WHO SUPPORT BETH ISRAEL BY REMEMBERING AND HONORING THEIR FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES THROUGH THEIR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS Donations may be applied to the

FUND SATURDAY MORNING FUND MUSIC FUND CEMETERY FUND CARING FUND (SISTERHOOD) ART FUND PROGRAM FUND JEWISH CINEMA MISSISSIPPI BITY MITZVAH FUND (SISTERHOOD) RELIGIOUS SCHOOL HOLOCAUST FUND CAPITAL

7 WE APPRECIATE THE THOUGHTFULNESS OF THOSE WHO SUPPORT BETH ISRAEL BY REMEMBERING AND HONORING THEIR FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES THROUGH THEIR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS Donations may be applied to the following funds, per your request: GENERAL FUND MEMBERSHIP & ENGAGEMENT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND TIKKUN OLAM FUND ENDOWMENT FUND ONEG FUND LIBRARY/PRAYER BOOK FUND WEBSITE FUND RABBI S DISCRETIONARY FUND SATURDAY MORNING FUND MUSIC FUND CEMETERY FUND CARING FUND (SISTERHOOD) ART FUND PROGRAM FUND JEWISH CINEMA MISSISSIPPI BITY MITZVAH FUND (SISTERHOOD) RELIGIOUS SCHOOL HOLOCAUST FUND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND In Memory of T. Stanley Orkin Donna & Ted Orkin Donation Morgan & Aaron Samuels GENERAL FUND In Memory of Jonathon Sonkin Mary Gail & Haroold Kolodney In Memory of Ellis T. Hart Joan Daniel In Memory of Dora & Murray Leventhal Stuart Leventhal In Memory of Judy & Albert Wahba Julius M. Cruse & Robert E. Lewis In Memory of Ellis T. Hart Mr. & Mrs. J. M. Fried, Jr. In Honor of Dr. Howard Katz Mr. & Mrs. J. M. Fried, Jr. In Memory of Sarra Gorelik, Lef Aronov & Vladimir Ivshin Izabella Ivshin MITZVAH FUND (Sisterhood) Donation Anonymous RABBI S DISCRETIONARY FUND Donation Mike Wahba ROLL OF REMEMBERANCE Donation Kathryn Wiener CEMETERY FUND Donation Morgan & Aaron Samuels In Memory of A. J. Orkin, Sr. Donna & Ted Orkin In Memory of Leon Lipsich Helen Leighton In Memory of David Lipsich Helen Leighton In Memory of Beatrice Fischer Dana & Jonathan Larkin In Memory of Ellis Hart Tamar & Peter Sharp In Memory of Ellis Hart Lynn Crystal In Memory of Meyer Crystal Lynn Crystal In Memory of Samuel Mandel Molly & David Mandel In Memor6y of Elaine Mack Sidney Mack In Honor of Josh Wiener Reva Hart In Memory of Kerry Stone Briggs In Memory of Judy Wahba In Memory of Asher Katz In Memory of Lee Shornick In Memory of Ellis T. Hart In Memory of Eric Bowley Dinah J. Briggs, Donald Jacques, Robert Elton and Stephen Jacob Briggs HOLOCAUST FUND In Memory of Ellis T. Hart Sondy and Bob Berman NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1 Thomas McGregor 14 Joseph Metz 17 Rebecca Docter 1 Lucy Cohen 15 Monique Guimbellot 28 Tille Docter 1 Bette Shornick 17 Helen Greenberg 28 Casey Mabry 1 Matthew Harris 17 Mary Golde Howell 28 Dinah J. Briggs 2 Ellen McGregor 17 Charlotte Salvage 29 Nina Mabry 2 Steve Silberman 17 Matt Dreffin 29 Stefanie Salvage 3 llia Giammarco 18 Judy Stamm 29 James Paul 4 Rebecca Laskin 19 Emma Pollack 4 Aaron Samuels 20 George Glass NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES 5 J. B. Sandifer 21 Phoebe Spencer 1 Becci and John Craig 5 Bear Atwood 22 Reed Leonard 2 Erin and David Brower 10 Emily Kamber 22 Amy Finkelberg 8 Morgan and Aaron Samuels 10 Morris Mermelstein 23 Karen McDougal 10 Elizabeth Rankin and Bill Albright 11 Cheryl Katz 23 Gary Schneider 18 Elizabeth and Trey McGregor 12 Ben Russell 26 Joel Jacobs 25 Sandra and Steve Liverman 12 Max Grossman 26 Peggie Omolara 13 Emily Fertig 27 Andrea Fish 13 Mickey Fischer 27 Spencer Nessel Page 7

8 Non-Profit Org U. S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #123 JACKSON, MS P.O. Box Jackson, MS Phone: (601) Fax: (601) bethisraelms.org We Remember Yahrzeits for NOVEMBER /5-11/11/2017 Bruce Kweller Edward Prager *Wolfgang Wernicke Charles Ross Samuel Galea Frank Friedler Rick Swick Lillie S. Rouz Anne Rush Ruth Greenfield Maurine Wiener Aaron Klavsner Morris Zelmon Tessie Levy Morris Trubman 11/12/-11/18/2017 Theadore Lamensdorf O. Rosemary Sharp Esther Feldman Simon Sharp *Stanley Shindell Martha Thielman Timothy Amedee Guierl Lee Smith Sara Chain Ben Kreitman Frances Kast *Florence Lehman *Marian Docter *Jane Levy Mollie L. Spitzberg Lester Burgh Dorothy Hoffman Sadie Bloom Carl Bonas 11/19 11/25/2017 Meyer Lebed *Isidore Lehman Ross Allyn *Albert Mitchell Howard Fishman Saul Grossman *Stephen Asher Ida Schwartz Emil Lutfy Cornelia Prager *Albert Rosenfield *Freda Orkin Bernard Lasky 11/26-12/2/2017 Sidney Goldfarb Harold Berg Ann Taylor Allan Stewart Melvin Slifkin Mina Gran Emile Wise Charles A. Clarke Isadore Draft Lucien Loeb Maurice Sontheimer Harvey Nelson Samuel Libglid Minnie Nelson Adele Bernstein Phillip Gressel Martin Zapletal *Leonard Pepper Milton Friedman *Memorial Alcove

Chailights. The Meaning of Hanukkah Rabbi Jeffrey Kurtz-Lendner

Chailights. The Meaning of Hanukkah Rabbi Jeffrey Kurtz-Lendner Rabbi Jeffrey Kurtz-Lendner The Meaning of Hanukkah Rabbi Jeffrey Kurtz-Lendner One of my favorite definitions of the real meaning of Hanukkah came from a cartoon my kids watched when they were little.