COM bulletin. President s message INSIDE SPECIAL EVENTS. BREAKFAST IS SERVED! Details on page 11 VISIT US! CONGREGATION OF MOSES Kalamazoo, Michigan

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1 COM bulletin CONGREGATION OF MOSES Kalamazoo, Michigan Volume 5, Issue 6 June 1, 2013 Sivan - Tammuz 5773 INSIDE GETTING TO KNOW YOU page 8 A VERY SPECIAL BIRTHDAY pages SISTERHOOD page 15 FILM FESTIVAL WRAP-UP pages RELIGIOUS SCHOOL page 18 RABBI'S MESSAGE page 21 HADASSAH page 22 YAHRZEITS page 23 SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR MEETING June 5 CAMP KESHET June June NAOMI VERNE BAT MITZVAH June Dear COM members, It is with great pride and honor that I serve as your new president for the next two years. As a small synagogue, we are facing many challenges ahead. With the Board of Directors and its committees, the Executive Committee, Trustees, Sisterhood, Men's Club, Rabbi and especially our dear members, we have all the elements for great achievements. This past May, our shul was bubbling with great activities: the Sisterhood Torah Fund honoring Joyce Camhi as 2013 Woman of Achievement, the Men's Club Mother's Day Brunch, Shavuot services and the dedication of our new, beautiful, light Torah, the Religious School High School graduation, Religious School's end-of-the-year picnic, the B'nai B'rith Scholar-Athlete Awards, Rachel Wolf 's Bat Mitzvah, and Shabbat services with beautiful z'mirots (songs). I am looking forward to a year of challenges, activities/events and fundraising for different functions. On the calendar for this coming year: Naomi Verne's Bat Mitzvah, Camp Keshet, our annual Summer BBQ and Talent Show and Rabbi Spivak's 25th Silver Anniversary celebration, just to name a few wonderful events. I treat COM with great care; this house of worship, learning and social gathering is like a second home for me. When I first came to this community from Brasil, I felt embraced and welcomed by so many z"l and present members and I hope to pass the same feelings around. Our doors are always open; come, let's fill this shul with greatness, and you will feel at home. Todah rabah to all of our members for your services in every capacity, for your loyal dedication and for trusting me with this great honor: President of the Congregation of Moses. B'Shalom, Tema Lando President President s message BREAKFAST IS SERVED! Details on page 11 VISIT US!

2 CONGREGATION OF MOSES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS always welcomes comments from COM congregants and invites you to attend its regular board meetings, typically held the first Tuesday of each month. Minutes of board meetings are available upon request from the synagogue office. Executive Committee President Tema Lando st Vice President Beth Grode nd Vice President Mike Koffron Treasurer Ed Goldenthal Secretary Connie Bowman Immediate Past President Tamara Norman Past President Shirley Wise Synagogue Staff Rabbi Harvey Spivak Religious School Principal Susan Katz-Scheinker Office Manager Shirley Mengel ANNUAL CALENDAR MEETING Wed., June 5, at 7 p.m. COM Sofen Room All chairs of committees and heads of organizations who will be scheduling events involving COM congregants should plan to attend or send a representative to this meeting. We will meet in a collegial atmosphere with everyone having equal opportunities to select optimal dates for activities and events. Please come prepared with two to three alternative dates/times for major events. Thank you. Diane Fogel COM Board Secretary Building Manager Rod Anderson combldmgr@yahoo.com The COM bulletin is published monthly by the Congregation of Moses for the benefit of its members. The deadline for submitting articles, photos and ads is the third Monday of each month for publication the following month. Please send submissions to Cindy Beer, editor, at cinbeer@aol.com. PAGE 2

3 Shabbat service schedule FRIDAY June 7 SATURDAY June 8 FRIDAY June 14 SATURDAY June 15 FRIDAY June 21 SATURDAY June 22 FRIDAY June 28 SATURDAY June 29 7:30 p.m. Announcements: Jon Isley 9:30 a.m. Judy Davis & Al Rosenthal Special Anniversary Kiddush Torah: Numbers 17:25-18:32 Al Rosenthal Haftarah: I Samuel 11:14-12:22 Announcements: Ken Goodman 7:30 p.m. Announcements: Beth Grode 9:30 a.m. Torah: Numbers 21:11-22:1 Earl Norman Haftarah: Judges 11:1-11:33 Ken Eisenberg 7:30 p.m. Oneg sponsored by Jenna and Richard Verne in honor of their daughter Naomi s Bat Mitzvah Announcements: The Verne Family 9:30 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Jenna and Richard Verne in honor of their daughter Naomi s Bat Mitzvah Torah: Numbers 23:27-25:9 Rabbi Spivak Haftarah: Micah 5:6-6:8 Naomi Verne Announcements: Tema Lando 7:30 p.m. Announcements: Ed Goldenthal 9:30 a.m. Torah: Numbers 28:16-30:1 Dave Rosenberg Haftarah: I Kings 18:46-19:21 Rabbi Spivak Candle lighting JUNE 7 JUNE 14 JUNE 21 JUNE 28 8:58 p.m. 9:02 p.m. 9:04 p.m. 9:05 p.m. Barucha for candle lighting Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech haolam asher kideshanu bemitsvotav vetzivanu l hadlik ner shel Shabbat PAGE 3

4 June calendar SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT Board meeting 7:30 pm 5 Calendar meeting 7 pm Special Anniversary Kiddush Judy Davis & Al Rosenthal Hadassah Board Meeting 10 am Camp Keshet 9:30 am-2 pm 18 Camp Keshet 9:30 am-2 pm 19 Camp Keshet 9:30 am-2 pm 20 Camp Keshet 9:30 am-2 pm 21 Camp Keshet 9:30 am-2 pm 22 Naomi Verne Bat Mitzvah Bulletin and monitor deadline 5 pm Hadassah Book Club 7:30 pm Executive Committee Meeting 7:30 pm Naomi Verne Bat Mitzvah Camp Keshet 9:30 am-2 pm 25 Camp Keshet 9:30 am-2 pm 26 Camp Keshet 9:30 am-2 pm 27 Camp Keshet 9:30 am-2 pm 28 Camp Keshet 9:30 am-2 pm Unveiling for Stanley Besbris 11:30 am PAGE 4

5 July calendar SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT 1 2 Board meeting 7:30 pm Bulletin and monitor deadline 5 pm Executive Committee Meeting 7:30 pm PAUL F. DAVIDOFF ATTORNEY AT LAW PAUL F. DAVIDOFF, P.C. The Cornerstone Building 405 W. MICHIGAN AVE., SUITE 130 P.O. BOX KALAMAZOO, MI Telephone: (269) Fax: (269) pdavidoff@ameritech.net PAGE 5

6 Mishpacha MAZEL TOV TO... Dave Rosenberg on the birth of his grandson, Samuel Joseph Grueling Jon Isley on his special birthday Tamara and Earl Norman on the birth of their grandson, Theodore Milo Norman Joyce Camhi for receiving the Sisterhood Woman of Achievement Award Sydney Angel, Rachel Torres and Sam Siegel on their graduation from the Marvin and Rosalie Okun Religious School Laurie Richlin on her special birthday Selma Price on her very special 90th birthday Rachel Wolf on her Bat Mitzvah Tema Lando on being elected President of COM Joseph Dion, Ethan Rocklin and Ari Solomon on their graduation from high school SPEEDY RECOVERY WISHES TO... Marvin Okun GENERAL FUND Donations have been made to the following tzedaka funds Mazel Tov to Dave Rosenberg on the birth of his grandson, Samuel Joseph Grueling. Mazel Tov to Tamara and Earl Norman on the birth of their grandson, Theodore Milo Norman. Mazel Tov to Joyce Camhi for receiving the Sisterhood Woman of Achievement Award. Mazel Tov to Sydney Angel, Rachel Torres and Sam Siegel on their graduation from the Marvin and Rosalie Okun Religious School. Mazel Tov to Tema Lando on being elected President of COM. Mazel Tov to Jon Isley and Laurie Richlin on their special birthdays. Mazel Tov to Selma Price on her very special 90th birthday. Mazel Tov to Rachel Wolf on her Bat Mitzvah. Mazel Tov to Joseph Dion, Ethan Rocklin and Ari Solomon on their graduation from high school. Wishing Marvin Okun a speedy and complete recovery. Joanne & Mike Simon, Phil Horwich, Shirley Wise & Frank Szopo, Men s Club In honor of Uncle Marvin Okun s birthday. In loving memory of my grandfather, Morris Spivak. Steve Brown Harvey Spivak RABBI S DISCRETIONARY FUND In honor of Rabbi Spivak. In loving memory of my dad, Jack Levene. In loving memory of my mother-in-law, Diana Zheutlin. In loving memory of my parents, Frieda and Morris Friedman. In loving memory of my mother, Jean Grossman. Anne Arbetter Fischell Lori & Glenn Putman Marilyn Zheutlin Dona Satir Leonard Lebowitz PAGE 6

7 BUILDING FUND Mazel Tov to Dave Rosenberg on the birth of his grandson, Samuel Joseph Grueling. Mazel Tov to Joyce Camhi for receiving the Sisterhood Woman of Achievement Award. Mazel Tov to Sydney Angel, Rachel Torres and Sam Siegel on their graduation from the Marvin and Rosalie Okun Religious School. Mazel Tov to Jon Isley and Laurie Richlin on their special birthdays. Mazel Tov to Selma Price on her very special 90th birthday. Mazel Tov to Rachel Wolf on her Bat Mitzvah. Mazel Tov to Joseph Dion, Ethan Rocklin and Ari Solomon on their graduation from high school. Wishing Marvin Okun a speedy and complete recovery. Sallie & Ken Goodman, Tamara & Earl Norman Mazel Tov to Tamara and Earl Norman on the birth of their grandson, Theodore Milo Norman. Sallie & Ken Goodman, Maxine & Neal Berke Mazel Tov to Tema Lando on being elected President of COM. Tamara & Earl Norman, Sallie & Ken Goodman, Maxine & Neal Berke Thank you, Tamara Norman, for your service as President of COM. In loving memory of our parents, Jeanette and Louis Brown and Molly and Simon Okun. In loving memory of my parents, Jack and Betty Levene. In loving memory of my mother, Diana Zheutlin. In loving memory of David Rose and Louis Rose. Maxine & Neal Berke Rosalie & Marvin Okun Rae Lee & Mac Howard Shirley Grekin & family Jackie Rosenberg & Susan Rose MARVIN AND ROSALIE OKUN RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND Happy birthday wishes to Marvin and Rosalie Okun. In honor of Rabbi and Natalie Spivak s 25th wedding anniversary. Condolences to Marian Fisher on the passing of her son, Marc. Barb Brown, Jane Greischar & Marda Brown Rosalie & Marvin Okun Mazel Tov to Dave Rosenberg on the birth of his grandson, Samuel Joseph Grueling. Mazel Tov to Joyce Camhi for receiving the Sisterhood Woman of Achievement Award. Mazel Tov to Sydney Angel, Rachel Torres and Sam Siegel on their graduation from the Marvin and Rosalie Okun Religious School. Mazel Tov to Tema Lando on being elected President of COM. Mazel Tov to Jon Isley and Laurie Richlin on their special birthdays. Mazel Tov to Selma Price on her very special 90th birthday. Mazel Tov to Rachel Wolf on her Bat Mitzvah. Mazel Tov to Joseph Dion, Ethan Rocklin and Ari Solomon on their graduation from high school. Wishing Marvin Okun a speedy and complete recovery. Judy & Lowell Seyburn, the Fischell Family Mazel Tov to Tamara and Earl Norman on the birth of their grandson, Theodore Milo Norman. The Fischell Family, Judy & Lowell Seyburn, the Angel Family, Carolyn & Brad Kennedy Condolences to Raye and Larry Ziring on the passing of her sister, Leslie Sipes. Judy & Lowell Seyburn See page 9 for more Mishpacha PAGE 7

8 homes. Their families enrolled them in public religious- Zionist schools. After growing up just three miles apart, unaware of each other, the two met in high school. Both had strong affinity toward math and science, but their bond resulted from their time together at the magnificent sandy Tel-Aviv beach. FEATURING Pnina & Judah Ari-Gur Pnina and Judah were born and raised in what was little Tel-Aviv a couple of years after Israel s independence. The spirit of Zionism and idealism was dominant. It was also a relatively short time after the end of World War II, and the quiet trauma was felt in the air, but was not much discussed. The economy was tough in the young State. Food was rationed (each family had a limited allocation), and both Pnina and Judah lived with their respective families in communal apartments, where each room accommodated a family of four, and the facilities were shared by several families. Both were raised by devoted mothers, who were widowed after the fathers passed away at a young age. The adults strived to provide their children (both Pnina and Judah had an older sibling) with normal childhood, free from fear, the burden of the Holocaust memories and the financial hardship. After-school activities included piano and ballet for Pnina, while Judah excelled in competitive sports, and both were also book worms. Both Pnina and Judah grew up in traditional Jewish Story by Pnina & Judah Ari-Gur Photo by Carolyn Kennedy In 1971, the couple married in Tel-Aviv and built their home in their beloved city of Haifa, the city that is home to the Technion Israel Institute of Technology. The union between an Ashkenazi and Sephardi was very uncommon at the time, but that did not deter them from going after their heart s calling. The couple s two daughters were born between the books while Judah and Pnina were pursuing their engineering graduate work at the Technion. Busy as they always were, family was always a priority. The family traveled and spent time together. After completing their doctoral degrees in Israel, Pnina and Judah headed to the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, for their post-doctoral research work. The family also crisscrossed beautiful British Columbia. After two years, the family returned to Haifa, where the couple s son was born. In the fall of 1985, the family of five came to Kalamazoo, where Pnina and Judah joined Western Michigan University as engineering professors. The Ari-Gur household enjoyed stimulating discussions around the dinner table, where the children were active contributors to dialogs about world affairs from a very young age. They also shared household chores, and some of the best dinners were skillfully prepared by the couple s oldest daughter. The Ari-Gurs enjoy being part of the Congregation of Moses family and participating in services. Judah, who is experienced in the art of chanting Torah, helps Pnina master the art. The years have passed, and in 2001 Pnina and Judah became grandparents to Ayelet. Her siblings and cousins were born in the following years, and little Zuriel, their sixth grandchild, was born just a couple of months ago. When the Ari-Gurs are not hard at work, they like to play tennis, bowl, spend time with friends and read. They also enjoy traveling to visit with their family and far-away friends and touring the world. PAGE 8

9 Mishpacha (continued from page 7) MORT & JOYCE FISHER KITCHEN/ONEG/KIDDUSH FUND In loving memory of my mother, Jean H. Morrison. Elisabeth & Donald Thall HERMAN AND ROSE FISHER LIBRARY FUND Mazel Tov to Dave Rosenberg on the birth of his grandson, Samuel Joseph Grueling. Mazel Tov to Tamara and Earl Norman on the birth of their grandson, Theodore Milo Norman. Mazel Tov to Joyce Camhi for receiving the Sisterhood Woman of Achievement Award. Mazel Tov to Sydney Angel, Rachel Torres and Sam Siegel on their graduation from the Marvin and Rosalie Okun Religious School. Mazel Tov to Tema Lando on being elected President of COM. Mazel Tov to Jon Isley and Laurie Richlin on their special birthdays. Mazel Tov to Selma Price on her very special 90th birthday. Mazel Tov to Rachel Wolf on her Bat Mitzvah. Mazel Tov to Joseph Dion, Ethan Rocklin and Ari Solomon on their graduation from high school. Wishing Marvin Okun a speedy and complete recovery. Marilyn & Art Feinberg SAVE THE DATE! Unveiling for Stanley Besbris June 30, 2013, 11:30 a.m. Be sure to be in town and non-conflicted on SATURDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 5 This is important for you as a member of the Congregation of Moses. You do not want to miss this! Place October 5th on your calendar NOW! Stay tuned... Werner PAGE 9

10 RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES REPORT The Synagogue celebrated the holiday of Shavuot with a special dedication of our new torah. The purchase of this torah was made possible with funds from the Ida and Sadie Zimmerman Fund. It is a beautiful torah and very light-weight, enabling more members to take part in carrying or lifting the torah during services. If you have looked ahead in your calendar you may have noticed that the High Holy Days begin very early this year to be exact, on Wednesday evening, September 4. Due to this early date, the Religious Activities Committee will be mailing out High Holiday packets on Wednesday, July 17. Valerie Eisenberg Religious Activities Committee Chair Board of Directors Our Board of Directors has been installed for the year beginning June 2013 and ending May Members of the Executive Committee for the year are: PRESIDENT 1ST VICE PRESIDENT 2ND VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER SECRETARY IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT PAST PRESIDENT TEMA LANDO temazysla@chartermi.net BETH GRODE beth.grode@yahoo.com MIKE KOFFRON mkoffron@tetron.com ED GOLDENTHAL wingold@charter.net CONNIE BOWMAN conniebowman18@gmail.com TAMARA NORMAN tdnorman@sbcglobal.net SHIRLEY WISE goldensmw@sbcglobal.net Serving three-year board terms: Joyce Camhi, Maxine Berke, Bruce Patrick, Brad Hirschbein, Jill Ruterbusch Serving two-year terms: Emily Hoffman, Arlen Rubin Serving a one-year term: Beth Morrison, Effie Gelman THANK YOU to everyone who attended the COM Annual Meeting in May and who participated in the election of officers. Todah rabah to outgoing Executive Committee and Board members for a job well done, and congratulations to our new officers and Board members for stepping up to fill these positions. We wish you all the best! PAGE 10

11 BREAKFAST IS SERVED! COM TEENS PERFORM MORNING MITZVAH AT MINISTRY by Beth Grode On a Sunday morning in May, seven Congregation of Moses teens, assisted by four parents, helped prepare and serve a special breakfast to the patrons of the Ministry with Community in downtown Kalamazoo. All teens and parents felt this was a very valuable and worthwhile way to spend their Sunday morning and went home feeling good about doing something to help those who are less fortunate than themselves. They are eager to return and help again. Our duties included preparing the breakfast, setting the tables, serving patrons, clearing the tables and washing dishes. Thanks to a generous donation from a fellow COM congregant during the High Holiday Youth Food Drive, we will be able to sponsor three breakfasts at the Ministry with Community. This first breakfast consisted of waffles, scrambled eggs and bacon, which was a real treat for the patrons considering breakfast usually consists of grits, cold cereal and toast. Thank you to Blue Koffron, Matt and Jason Ruterbusch, Sam Siegel, Avi, Tamar and Shoshana Grode, Liz Siegel, and Jill and Rudy Ruterbusch for taking the time to help those in need. We received a thank-you letter from Ministry with Community saying our monetary gift as well as our help in the kitchen makes a difference in the lives of our members (those we serve). Ongoing support from community members like you is important because it allows us to continue to live out our mission, which is to help our members succeed in an atmosphere of dignity, hope and unconditional acceptance." Our second breakfast is scheduled for Sunday, June 9. If you would like to help with this very important and meaningful mitzvah, please contact me at beth.grode@ yahoo.com. PAGE 11

12 90 A milestone birthday for Selma Price By Marcia Kalb and Gloria Besbris Long-time congregant Selma Price was feted more than once last month in celebration of her 90th birthday. Selma turned 90 on May 23. Gloria Besbris and Sandy Rose organized a birthday luncheon in her honor on May 13 at Friendship Village. Selma s four children Cheryl, Jeffrey, Andrew and Larry and their spouses, children and grandchildren celebrated with Selma on her special day. Selma had the opportunity to meet her new great- grandchildren when the family convened in Kalamazoo. Selma and Zachary Price arrived in Kalamazoo from New Jersey more than 40 years ago proving that what the East Coast lost the Midwest gained. Zachary worked at Goodwill Industries and Selma was instrumental in turning Gilmore s Second Floor Sportswear Department into the place to go for fashionable clothing. Selma cared for Zachary during an extended illness until his death and felt supported by her many friends and members of the Congregation of Moses. These friends were thrilled when she developed her friendship with our congregant Al Katz. Selma and Al enjoyed several years of lovely companionship with one another. When Selma moved from her home on Bronson Boulevard she was welcomed to the warm community at Friendship Village where she participates in many activities. Besides being a bridge player, she enjoys her weekly mah jong games and continues to be a stylish dresser. Rabbi Spivak, the Board, Trustees and the congregation wish Selma mazel tov and many more happy, healthy birthdays! PAGE 12

13 HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY, SELMA PRICE! by Werner Sichel Ninety years ago a baby girl was born, and was she ever a cutie, She didn't change all that much, and during her entire life she's been a beauty. A beauty to look at but also a wonderful person to know, A sparkling personality and always perfectly attired from head to toe. The men found her attractive and the women were a bit jealous, But Selma thought "the heck with the women, I have the fellows." She had many good matches to choose among, and finally selected Zachary Price, He was a good-looking guy and, above all, very nice. They enjoyed life together and had four wonderful kids who they adored, They did lots of fun things and never were bored. Many years later Zachary became ill and after some time passed away, So Selma had to find a new man with whom to play. Al Katz and Selma made a lovely couple and had some very good years, Filled with many nice trips, much laughter, and, of course, some tears. In her later years she was again alone, She made a good decision to sell her home. She found a new home at Friendship Village where she lives very well, And has made a good life for herself, which is easy to tell. Selma's positive attitude always makes her a winner, She enjoys her friends and all the amenities at Friendship Village, especially dinner. There's a TV program that always reminds me of Selma, whether day or night, It tells all of us what we already know: "The Price is Right." Happy 90th birthday, Selma, you're still going strong, And remember what I'm telling you, you can never be wrong. You have the magic to always follow the bright light, Because as we have already determined, "The Price is Right." PAGE 13

14 NAOMI VERNE JUNE Naomi Lee Verne will become a Bat Mitzvah on June 21 and 22 at the Congregation of Moses. The congregation became her spiritual home seven years ago when she moved to Kalamazoo from Oak Park, a Western suburb of Chicago. Bat Mitzvah For those of you not familiar with this bright, poised and inquisitive child: Naomi loves to read. In fact, as you re reading this, she probably just finished another book. This love of books has done her well as she is heading into her final year at Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts with high marks yet again. For her tzedaka project, Naomi asked congregants to bring in various personal items, including unused soap, deodorant, razors, small packaged food and more to assemble Friend-In-Need Bags for members of the local homeless community. Nomi, as her friends and family call her, will fill each bag with several items and then return the small bags to the lobby of the synagogue for people to take and store in their cars in lieu of handing out money to the homeless. Nomi s parents, Jennifer and Richard, are especially thankful for her Religious School teachers and Rabbi Spivak for their help in strengthening her Jewish life during these formative years. A special shout out is in order for Drill Sergeant Cathy Cheron for whipping this young lady into Hebraic shape in time for her special day. Brother Eli and little sister Miriam have been observing it all and they are officially on notice! June celebrations The Congregation of Moses wishes mazel tov and yom haledet sameach to our members who are celebrating anniversaries and birthdays this month. If you would like to be included in our monthly recognition of birthdays and anniversaries, please contact Joanne Simon at (269) or jhsimon@charter.net. BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES 6/1 Paul Krell 6/2 Ken Goodman 6/2 Marcia Kalb 6/7 Don Thall 6/7 Hannah Green 6/11 Chelsea Angel 6/12 Stacey Rocklin 6/12 Dona Icabone Satir 6/14 Evan Fischel 6/14 Jonathan Fischel 6/15 Larry Beer 6/15 Alfred Blum 6/16 Marvin Berkowitz 6/23 Alyssa Beer 6/25 Arlen Rubin 6/26 Joanne Krell 6/27 Simon Gelman 6/28 Phillip Horwich 6/29 Natalie Spivak 6/30 Rabbi Harvey Spivak 6/5 Sara & Marc Amy 6/13 Janet Heller & Michael Krischer 6/15 Tema & Robert Lando 6/20 Joanne & Michael Simon 6/20 Shirley & Pete Mengel 6/21 Tamara & Earl Norman 6/25 Cheryl & Jon Isley 6/25 Ria (Rachel) & Jake (Jacob) Smuszkovicz 6/26 Ken & Marian Fisher 6/29 Genia & Moritz Angel PAGE 14

15 SISTERHOOD NEWS Sisterhood recently held a successful Torah Fund dinner at the Congregation of Moses, where we honored our Woman of Achievement for 2013, Joyce Camhi. Joyce was chosen for the honor for her wide-ranging contributions as former co-principal of the Religious School and as chair of the Religious School Committee, as well as her willingness to always pitch in with cooking and baking for many Sisterhood and synagogue events. Joyce is the go-to person when things need to happen, and she's always happy to do it. You can continue to support the Jewish Theological Seminary (all year long) by purchasing Torah Fund cards for $4 each. Choose from sympathy cards, get well cards and mazel tov cards. Just send a check payable to Jewish Theological Seminary, or JTS, along with the name/address of the recipient, the type of card desired and how you would like the card signed. Send to Emily Hoffman, 4002 Old Field Trail, Kalamazoo MI I can also sell them to you in person if you phone or me. Emily Hoffman, Sisterhood President emily.hoffman@wmich.edu (269) Rabbi Spivak and his wife, Natalie, join congregants and guests at the Annual Torah Fund Dinner benefiting the Jewish Theological Seminary. From left: Beth Grode, 2013 Woman of Achievement Joyce Camhi and Tema Lando. 269 PAGE 15

16 Jewish Film Festival finishes on high note The 2013 Southwest Michigan Jewish Film Festival began with The Other Son on April 13 and finished strong with The Yellow Ticket on April 21. With each successive festival we have grown, not only with the number of films we ve been able to bring to this area, but also with increased attendance and a broader range of community support. First, we would like to thank the Jewish Federation of Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan. Beth Grode, Federation President, and the entire Federation Board have been very supportive of the film festival since its inception in We are fortunate to be under the Federation s umbrella of programs that strengthens not only the Jewish community in this area, but also the community at large. We appreciate each and every dollar contributed to the film festival. These generous contributions help us meet our many expenses and bring unique films to our area. Special thanks to our business sponsors: Child & Family Psychological Services (Larry Beer, Ed.D., film sponsor), Randall L. Brown and Associates (film sponsor), Professional Life Coaching (Annie Fainsinger), Career Momentum (Rhonda Messinger), Kenneth A. Goodman, DDS, and Comprehensive Women s Health Center (Cathy Cheron, M.D.). These local community leaders chose to support Jewish culture, and we hope that you will thank them by patronizing their businesses. A special thank you to three businesses that were new festival partners this year, and who made significant in-kind donations that greatly benefited the film festival. First, the planning committee was thrilled to work with Carolyn and Brad Kennedy at LuckyDog Media. Their beautifully designed brochure, flyer, program and s helped us to dramatically improve our publicity and marketing of the film festival. Second was the Raddison Plaza Hotel and Suites, which generously donated hotel rooms for the two musicians who performed the score to The Yellow Ticket. Also providing an in-kind donation was Mike Siegel of MS Productions who lend his expertise to the sound production of "The Yellow Ticket" at a discounted rate. Again, we hope you will acknowledge our sponsors' generosity by supporting these local businesses. We are equally thankful for our individual sponsors. These 24 donors have been a key part of our success during each of our three film festivals, and we could not have a festival without their support. This year, special thanks go to Anne Arbetter Fischell, Nancy Land, and Jeanne and Marc Schupan, who generously sponsored three of our films. Please see page 11 for a full list of sponsors. If you have questions about the Jewish Film Festival, please feel free to Naomi Morse at michiganish@ yahoo.com. Thanks again to everyone who made this year s film festival successful. See you again in 2015! The Southwest Michigan Jewish Film Festival Planning Committee: Naomi Morse, Chair Annie Fainsinger Pat Kirschner Charlotte Marvin Janet Nykaza Jerry Robbins Myral Robbins Jill Ruterbusch Liz Siegel We d like to take this opportunity to answer an often-asked question: How do we choose our films? We are pleased to be part of Detroit s Lenore Marwil Jewish Film Festival. By sharing the cost of licensing fees, shipping and insurance with Detroit s other sites, these costs are much more affordable for us. Staff and volunteers in Detroit screen more than 200 films each year before they narrow their choices down to approximately 30 films for showing throughout Eastern Michigan. In consultation with Detroit s film festival director, we choose and preview approximately eight films each year, and these are viewed by some members of the Southwest Michigan Jewish Film Festival Planning Committee. Our final choices are made with certain criteria in mind. We choose films that have the most engaging stories, the broadest appeal, and are as varied as possible. While we would love to show a comedy or family-friendly film at each festival, high-quality options are not always available to us. Jewish film festivals throughout the country would like to show more kid-friendly films, but unfortunately, good options are few and far between. We did show one film this year that was not part of Detroit s lineup ( The Yellow Ticket ), and the planning committee will evaluate if it is feasible to do this again in the future. PAGE 16 FESTIVAL FILMS: HOW WE SELECT THEM

17 2013 JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL SPONSORS BUSINESS SPONSORS In-Kind Donations ($250-$1,500) LuckyDog Media (Carolyn and Brad Kennedy) Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites MS Productions (Mike Siegel) Executive Producer ($500) Jewish Federation of Greater Kalamazoo and SW Michigan Child & Family Psychological Services (Larry Beer, Ed.D.) Randall L. Brown and Associates Anonymous Donor Advised Fund at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation Producer ($250) Professional Life Coaching (Annie Fainsinger) Studio Executive ($125) Career Momentum (Rhonda Messinger) Kenneth A. Goodman, DDS Comprehensive Women's Health Center (Cathy Cheron, M.D.) INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS Oscar Winner ($1,000) Nancy Land Best Director ($540) Anne Arbetter Fischell and Family Jeanne and Marc Schupan Best Actor ($180) Janet and Scott Nykaza Lawrence and Raye Ziring Anonymous donors Alan Halpern Best Supporting Actor ($108) Tamara and Earl Norman William Stein Ellen and Henry Winter Joshua Weiner Janis and Michael Leinwand Myral and Jerry Robbins Best Screenwriter ($72) Shirley Wise and Frank Szopo Kenneth and Marian Fisher Best Fans ($18-$54) Judith Steere Paul and Linda Wienir Pat and Richard Kirschner Peter Blickle and Jaimy Gordon Nan and Edwin Goldenthal Carolyn and Brad Kennedy Harvey and Natalie Spivak Sandi and Fred Kopelman TL and Terrie Adamson Celebrating Israel's 65th birthday With April 16 marking the 65th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, our community gathered the following Sunday to celebrate Israel Independence Day at the Epic Center in downtown Kalamazoo. Beth Grode, president of the Jewish Federation of Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan, which sponsored the event, estimated that 150 people turned out for the festivities. The celebration followed the Kalamazoo Jewish Film Festival s special presentation of "The Yellow Ticket." Beth, Jen Rubin and Anne Fischell led attendees in a Prayer for Israel and a moving rendition of "Hatikva," Israel's national anthem. Plenty of blue and white balloons and Israeli flags set a cheerful tone for a free Mediterranean dinner of falafel, Mujadara (rice, lentils and caramelized onion), hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouli, fattoush salad and pita. Delicious desserts made by Liz Siegel's and Beth Grode s ELIZaBETHs Catering Company continued the blue-and-white theme. As one Film Festival attendee wrote when asked for feedback on the experience: One of the best parts was the community... coming together... to participate in Jewish culture, Jewish life. What a good feeling to look around the theater and see 'my community' coming out for this event. Also, the whole experience of 'The Yellow Ticket' (great film, amazing music, interesting discussion, and tasty food).... What a wonderful afternoon all around. PAGE 17

18 Marvin and Rosalie Okun Religious School May was a fun and busy month, and now summer is officially here for the Rosalie & Marvin Okun Religious School! We began our summer break on Sunday, May 19, with a fun picnic. Our wonderful families brought dishes to share and the weather was beautiful. Thank you to Joyce Camhi, Tamar Grode and Shoshana Grode for setting up the festivities and bringing everything together. Erev Shavuot was so much fun, and the Religious School would like to thank Michelle Angel for baking delightful cookies and Valerie Eisenberg for creating a fun Ice Cream Sundae Bar. Mazel tov again to Sydney Angel, Rachel Torres and Sam Siegel and each of your families on your recent High School graduation on May 10. Camp Keshet is upon us. Two sessions are offered: June and June Camp runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day with a fun-filled field trip offered each session. The cost is $100/week or $180 for both weeks. The registration deadline is June 1 contact Beth Grode at beth.grode@yahoo.com to register. If you have CD players that you are not using, whatever size, the Religious School will gladly make great use of them. You can drop them off with Shirley in the synagogue front office and she will make certain that they find us. Thank you to our wonderful teachers, Jennifer Rubin, Tema Lando, Jamie Peters, Gillian Thommes and Erin Kaplan, for leading our Religious School education this calendar year. What a fun learning environment you have all created. Thank you also to our wonderful volunteers, Shoshana Grode, Tamar Grode, Lexie Sittsamer and Zoe Marrich- Simon, for all of your support and dedication this calendar year. We hope to have you join us again. I am honored to learn and grow with our Religious School families. B Ahava, Morah Susan/Susan Katz-Scheinker Religious School Principal Summertime... and the givin' is easy Graduations, Father's Day, baseball season and barbecues... Why not give grads and dads Scrip gift cards? Easy to give, easy to use. Playing baseball and needing some new sliding shorts or a pair of cleats? We get 8 percent back on every dollar you spend at MC Sports. It's barbecue season - why not get all the fixins at Meijer? We get 3 percent of each dollar you spend. You can order using the form on the following bulletin page. For a more complete list of merchants, please go to scrippro.com. All orders should be placed through the synagogue office. PAGE 18

19 SCRIP ORDER FORM NAME: Retailer/Denomination Qty Gross Amt DATE: PHONE: EASY TO ORDER: 1. Fill out the form. 2. Enclose a check payable to COM. 3. Drop off at Congregation of Moses. QUESTIONS: Call Jill Ruterbusch or COM office manager Shirley Mengel KALAMAZOO MERCHANTS Visit scrippro.com for a complete list of merchants SCRIP ORDER FORM COM benefits from every gift card you purchase through Scrip! NATIONAL MERCHANTS AMT % RETURN AMT % RETURN Air Zoo $15 4% Amazon.com $25/100 3% Bacchus $10 7% Barnes & Noble $10/25 9% Bilbos Pizza $10 8% Bigby $10/25 8% Chocolatea $10 8% BP Gas $50/100 2% CoRage Inn Pizza $20 13% Cabela's OuTiRers $25/100 11% Courthouse Bucks $10 9% CelebraVon Cinemas $10 4% Douglas and Sons Paint $25 4% D&W $25/100 2% Erbellis $20 7% Groupon $25 7% Gale's Hardware $10 9% Home Depot $25/100 3% Heilman's Nuts $10 6% itunes $15/25 4% LiRle Chick Shoes $25 8% Kohls $25/100 4% Millenium Restaurants $25/100 8% Land's End $25/100 15% Epic Bistro LL Bean $25/100 17% Fieldstone Grill Macy's $25/100 10% Martell's MarrioR Hotels $50/100 8% Union Meijer $25/100 3% Neighborhood Cleaners $10 9% Panera Bread $10/25 9% PuRer's Golf and Game $5 25% Qdoba $25 7% Sweetwaters $5 13% Red Robin $25 9% Theo and Stacy's $10 4% Shell Gas $25/100 2% Treat Street $5 10% Speedway $25/100 2% Water Street Coffee $25 13% Starbucks $10/25 7% Talbots $25 9% Target $25/100 2% TJ Maxx/Marshall's $25/100 7% Walgreens $25/100 3% Walmart/Sam's Club $25/ % PAGE 19

20 Attention High School Seniors, College Students and Non-Traditional College Students THE 2013 JERROLD M. RAFFEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND The purpose of the Jerrold M. Raffel Scholarship Fund is to strengthen the area of expertise in all areas of higher education by giving financial assistance to a worthy college student who is a member or whose family is a member of the Congregation of Moses and is attending an accredited institution of higher learning. A. General Rules 1. The Jerrold M. Raffel Scholarship will be given to a college student who is a member or whose family is a member of the Congregation of Moses. 2. The scholarship will be given to a college student attending any institution of higher learning. 3. The scholarship will be in the amount of $ The scholarship will be awarded annually in August. 5. The scholarship will be used within one year of date of issue. B. Selection of Recipient 1. The application and guidelines may be obtained from the COM office. 2. Applications are due to the committee chairman, Fran Raffel, by August 1, The Scholarship Committee shall be composed of a Chairman, selected by the Raffel Family and three other members chosen by the Scholarship Chairman. The three committee members, not the Chairman, will choose the recipient. C. Obligations of the Recipient 1. Verification of enrollment submitted to the Scholarship Chairman by the student. 2. The recipient must send a brief written report, one page or less, to the Scholarship Chairman on the proposed use of the scholarship. Do not include your social security number. D. Contributions and interest accrued to the Jerrold M. Raffel Scholarship Fund finance the scholarship. If you would like to apply for this scholarship, stop by the synagogue office to pick up an application or contact Shirley Mengel in the office at We offer caring and comprehensive counseling services for adults, teens and children of all ages individual, family, couples and group counseling psychological testing substance abuse evaluations 34 therapists in two locations most insurances accepted Kalamazoo Office (269) Director: Larry Beer, Ed.D. Portage Office (269) Director: Tim Howard, Ed.D. PAGE 20 More than 20 years of treating people right

21 Rabbi s message At board meetings throughout the year, I take a moment to say todah rabbah/thank you to individuals who have made a particularly noteworthy contribution to synagogue life and to our mission as a place that nurtures the spiritual and cultural values of an active Jewish community. It's called the Rabbi's Recognition Certificate. Looking at the recipients of the Certificate during the past year gives you an appreciation of the ways in which members use their personal talents and interests to benefit the community. This past year the Recognition Certificates went to: Joyce Camhi, chair of Religious School Committee Bruce Stein, chair of FOC (building and facilities) Valerie Eisenberg. chair of Religious Activities Committee and High Holiday Services Joe Hirschfield, Shabbat service and poster display memorializing the Jews of Milevsko, where our Holocaust Torah came from Cindy Beer, editor of our beautiful bulletin Sue Welbourne, years of service as Religious School principal and teacher Diane Fogel, board secretary and work on the communications, library, beautification and building renovation committees as well as caring for the gardens on the synagogue grounds Gary Kushner and Rob Lando, years of leadership for the B'nai B'rith Scholar-Athlete Awards Once again, a well-deserved thanks to each of these members! Rabbi Harvey Spivak Be part of the CONVERSATION OF THE CENTURY, a gathering of 21st Century Jews and today's most innovative leaders, teachers and performers. This is a conversation too important to miss... This October in Baltimore, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism will celebrate its Centennial with The Conversation of the Century, an extraordinary event addressing vital questions about Jewish life right now and in the future. This event is for anyone looking for personal inspiration and the tools to foster thriving communities in a changing Jewish landscape. The Centennial will begin with a joyous, engaging Shabbaton and continue with an essential conference featuring brilliant presenters, workshops and performers. Come to Baltimore with big questions. Leave with fresh ideas and great strategies to make them happen. To see an up-to-date list of speakers, presentations and conversations and to register, go to PAGE 21

22 HADASSAH UPDATE Hadassah Donor takes a sentimental journey Chances Are, if you were among the 40 people who attended the Hadassah Donor on April 28, you had your fill of Yakety Yak, without feeling too All Shook Up. We enjoyed a delicious buffet at the Kalamazoo Country Club before A Whole Lotta Shakin Going On got started with the Lana Hawkins Trio. Before long the call went out Do You Want To Dance? and there were numerous guests ready to Rock Around The Clock. We Sincerely thank the Donor Committee of Charlotte Marvin, Gerry Tregerman, Shirley Weiss, Joyce Camhi, Marlene Denenfeld and Sharon Wittenberg. And to our faithful members, Because of You we made a profit of $1,700. TOP ROW, from left: Edgar and Rachel Inselberg cut the rug; Charlotte Marvin s family (l-r) daughter Amy, husband Greg, parents Jenny and Chuck Milller, daughter Layla, Charlotte, and son Sam. MIDDLE ROW: Ken and Sallie Goodman and Pat Kirschner; Bassist Dennis Shubakof crooning an Elvis song; welcome to Sharon and Joel Wittenberg. AT RIGHT: Gerry Tregerman, Shannon Dion, Shirley Wise, Charlotte Marvin and Shirley Weiss. Great job, ladies! PAGE 22

23 Yahrzeits June 7, 8, (30 Sivan 6 Tammuz) Ruthe Bernard* Arthur Paul Felix Izidor Freiwald* Dorotha I. Goldstein* Israel Lookholder Miriam Roodin* Sidney Seyburn* Paula Strauss* June 14, 15, (7 Tammuz 13 Tammuz) Marsha Abrams Siegfried Baum* Bernard Kurlan* Pauline Kushner* Sadye Rosenbaum* Betty Ruden Leah Schensul* Dorothy B. Slavin* Ruth Sofen* Edith Stenesh Siegfried Strauss* June 21, 22, (14 Tammuz 20 Tammuz) Norman Brickman* Israel Israelson* Harry C. Kaufman* Meyer H. Lebowitz* Louis Loeser* Charles Marks* Sophie Miller* Edward Okun* Antoinette Price Sara Rose* Irving Schensul* Elmer Steinberg* June 28, 29, (21 Tammuz 27 Tammuz) Samuel Gottlieb* Esidore H. Graff* Norman Graff* Robert Grekin* Louis E. Koss* Herman Benjamin Lando* Yetta Marcus* Mollie Wolfe* Milton Wruble* * Denotes a memorial plaque in the synagogue WE LOVE GETTING PHOTOS FROM YOU! If you enjoyed seeing all of the photos of COM members in this issue, you might be interested to know that they were all submitted by congregants like you. All photos are appreciated. So the next time you take photos of a COM or Jewish community event, please consider sharing them with the congregation by submitting them to the bulletin. Digital photos are best. Please photos (preferably as jpg attachments) and a few details (who-when-where-why) to Cindy Beer, bulletin editor, at cinbeer@aol.com. Thank you! PAGE 23

24 CONGREGATION OF MOSES 2501 Stadium Drive Kalamazoo, MI (269) PAGE 24