2013 Sisterhood Shabbat Musician-in-Residence Weekend

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1 ig LIGHTS PUBLISHED MONTHLY NO. 1 JANUARY Sisterhood Shabbat Musician-in-Residence Weekend Friday, January 11th 6:15pm Sisterhood Shabbat Music Service Most melodies composed by women Sermon-in-song Saturday, January 12th 9:00am Shabbat Services 10:15am Torah Study 7:30pm Sacred Jewish-Chanting Havdallah & Dessert Reception Guest Musician: Hannah Spiro Sacred Jewish chanting takes text and puts it to simple melodies which, when chanted in repetition, help us feel them deeply. Sacred chanting is "meditation for people who hate meditating," because it puts you in a reflective place supported by a melody, a drum beat, or the voices around you. Speaking of drums, bring your congas, djembes, or other hand drums! Don't be shy -- chanting is for everyone. Sunday, January 13th at Religious School Camp Song-Session led by Hannah Spiro Henry S. Jacobs Camp Presentation by Camp Director, Jonathan "JC" Cohen RSVP to Charna by January 9th charna515@aol.com or No charge Hannah is a rabbinical student at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia. She has been performing since age 13, and has recently released a new album, "It Is Upon Us". Hannah's sound is a combination of folk, pop and rock. With her interpretive liturgy, musical midrash, and other folk-rock music, Hannah combines raw emotion with thought and purpose. She is also included on Jewish Rock Radio's list of emerging artists OLD CANTON ROAD JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI PHONE FAX Founded 1860 A member of the Union for Reform Judaism, Serving Reform Congregations in North America

2 Divrei HaRav: Words from Rabbi Cohen The language of humanity is not only a means to express ideas but in itself a creation. Yosef Chaim Brenner Our world and technology continue to change and our language and ways of expression continue to change. This is an eternal truth - we see it also in Judaism: our tradition went from an oral tradition to a written one, and now perhaps we re moving toward digital (although I doubt Jews will ever completely give up paper books). As we share ideas with each other, whether one-on-one or between groups, our challenge is to determine the most effective, appropriate, and meaningful methods of communication for those involved. The purpose of congregation is to create meaningful ways for congregants to live Jewish lives - but we have to advertise it or sell it. This is one of the many challenges we are faced with, especially in the office at Beth Israel. Public Relations, Advertising, and promoting what happens at temple has become a major part of the work we do. We are an incredibly vibrant community with activities almost around the clock. We also share with each other joys and sorrows, interesting Jewish tidbits and news, and community happenings. We used to just make announcements at Shabbat Services or list events in our Shabbat Bulletin. Then we began to produce the Chailights - our monthly paper bulletin. Along with that came event flyers, mailed and made available. When technology changed, we went digital. We sent out a barrage of s, and then consolidated them into our BIC Blast, now an e-newsletter. We created our own webpage and Facebook page, and every now and then still do some snail mail). But of course, the best method is always word-of-mouth. If you see something interesting, tell others. Staff and leadership work very hard to present information in an effective, appropriate, and meaningful way - as well as esthetically pleasing, when possible. We are always willing to take suggestions on how we can do this better. Nothing works if people don t read or look at the incoming communication from temple. Then again, I m preaching to the choir since you re reading this. Let s make sure everyone knows what is happening at Beth Israel our spiritual home. Jewish Yoga: Balancing Mind, Body and Spirit 7:30-8:30pm Resuming on January 9th $5 per session Instructor, Debi Lewis (owner of JoyFlow Yoga), and BIC Member, Hannah Orlansky We need 10 people to keep it going! 2 BETH ISRAEL CONGREGATION

3 January 4th 6:15pm Special Oneg to follow Join us to honor righteous volunteers in our congregation: Dana Larkin Donna Orkin Ted Orkin Do you know of a congregant we should honor as B nai Tzedek? Contact Rebecca Laskin rebecca@laskintherapygroup.com Hebrew II : Prayerbook Hebrew 5:15pm Begins on January 10th BIC Library unless otherwise noted We will learn how to read and chant some of the prayers as well as basic prayer vocabulary. This class is appropriate for those who already know the Aleph-Bet. Thanks to all of you who have already returned your pledge forms. So many of you have made additional donations to the Cemetery and/or Capital Fund over and above your pledges. These donations and your yearly financial commitments are especially appreciated at this time. If you have not returned your pledge form, please the bookkeeper at kim@bethisraelms.org Guess Who Got Engaged? Ann Kimball & Chris Kientz Benji Orlansky, son of Beth and Steve Orlansky & Emily Harry Brianna Larkin, daughter of Dana and Jonathan Larkin & Benjamin Shahvar 3

4 Jewish Cinema Mississippi 2013 Award Winning Independent Jewish and Israeli Themed Films Sponsored by Beth Israel Congregation & the Jewish Culture Organization at Millsaps College January & 26 27, 2013 Malco Grandview Theater (Madison, MS) My First Wedding (Argentina) In Loving Memory of Suzanne Goodwin Wednesday, January 23, 7:15pm An action-packed 90 minutes unveils religious and personality tensions between families, theological musings of a wandering priest and rabbi, a sex/drugs/rock-n-roll senile grandparent and the hidden motives of ex-lovers. A Bottle in the Gaza Sea (Israel) Thursday, January 24, 7:15pm A gripping, unsentimental drama (of the Israeli/Gaza conflict) with a lot of action and a pacifist message of hope and reconciliation. A Bottle in the Gaza Sea is must-viewing." Hava Nagila (USA) & Klezmer Concert* Saturday, January 26, 7:15pm Sponsor Appreciation Night (Sponsor Reception at 6:00pm Special Ticket Required) Follow the infectious party song on its fascinating journey a hilarious and surprisingly deep film. *Klezmer Trio featuring Glenn Hartman and Jonathan Freilich, two of the founding members of The New Orleans Klezmer Allstars and local legend Buddy Dr. Rhythm Fish. Remembrance (Germany) Sunday, January 27, 3:00pm In Commemoration of the United Nations-Sponsored International Holocaust Remembrance Day To those who swore they d seen enough Holocaust-themed films to last a lifetime: Rescind your vow, just this once. Remembrance is that good. It s better than good. It s unforgettable. For all things JCM2013 visit My Charitable Gift to JewishCinemaMississippi2013 Please support the work of JCM2013 by becoming a Sponsor or purchasing a Festival Pass. Your tax deductible contribution allows us to continue to bring high quality independent films to the region. All funds raised by JCM help to support the film festival, other art and educational programs at Beth Israel and the Jewish Culture Organization at Millsaps. SPONSORSHIP Each sponsorship level comes with festival passes and other benefits, including admission to the Sponsor s Reception. Producer, $5,000 Director, $2,500 Movie Star, $1,000 Actor, $500 Film Critic, $200 Payment Information: Please make payment to Beth Israel Congregation by check, bank draft, credit card or PayPal via the donate tab on the BIC website. Indicate clearly that the payment is for Jewish Cinema MS. FESTIVAL PASSES (Includes one ticket to each film and the Klezmer Concert.) For payment received prior to January 18, 2013 $15, Students and $35, All Others For payment received on or after January 18, 2013 $20,Students and $40, All Others INDIVIDUAL TICKETS For All Film Except Hava Nagela: $5, Students and $10, All Others Hava Nagila & Klezmer Concert: $10 Students and $15, All Others Sponsors Reception, January 26th at 6pm: $30 The Festival Planning Committee thanks you in advance for considering a donation to JCM BETH ISRAEL CONGREGATION

5 "The Laugh in Peace Tour" A Muslim, a Christian, and a Jew walk into a store... Wait! Is this some kind of joke? Yes! It's a whole evening of jokes and laughter! Three top-notch comedians, Azhar Usman, Rev. Susan Sparks, and Rabbi Bob Alper are coming to Jackson, MS for a live show! Millsaps College January 22, :00pm Academic Complex Recital Hall For information, contact: james.bowley@millsaps.edu As 2012 comes to a close, I m pleased to announce that almost every one of us has returned our pledge letter making our annual financial commitment, the gift of our hearts and minds, to support the mission, vision, and goals of BIC. On behalf of the Rabbi, Officers and Board of Trustees, I d like to thank each and every one of you for fulfilling the Mitzvah of Tzedakah for our congregation. We are especially appreciative to those of you who were able to find a way to increase your pledge for the coming year. In my December Chailights article, I mentioned that our congregation is extremely fortunate to have so many individuals who are B nai Tzedek (individuals doing righteous acts), freely giving their time and talent to the projects and needs of our Congregation. Please join me at services on January 4 th for the first of our series of B nai Tzedek Shabbats as we honor and thank those who perform the Mitzvah of Tzedakah. Be there to learn why Dana Larkin, Donna Orkin, and Ted Orkin are truly B nai Tzedek. Rebecca Laskin, BIC Board President Special talk on the History and Heritage of Black Jews February 15 6:15pm Shabbat Services By Azriel Devine 5

6 The Sisterhood Spotlight Golda Meir said, I never did anything alone. Whatever was accomplished in this country was accomplished collectively. For many years, Sisterhood members have accomplished familiar goals, such as events for the Jewish holidays and the hugely successful, annual bazaar. How has this been achieved year in and year out? I believe it is through innovation and creativity while respecting tradition. My goal as Sisterhood president has been to make Sisterhood authentic and simultaneously vital. The balancing act is not always clear: some will favor one course and others a different course. Change can be disorienting but the alternative is lack of vitality. As seen over and over again our Sisterhood has found its center because we ultimately strive to accomplish the goals of enhancing our Jewish community and local community. The very act of participating is an affirmation of our resolve to make things better. We truly welcome your involvement as it takes broad participation to make our community better. In honor of the women of Beth Israel Sisterhood, we will be celebrating a very special Sisterhood Shabbat on Friday, January 11 th. You can find information about it on the 1st page of Chailights. I hope everyone can join us. Sisterhood Lunch-Bunch Wednesday, January 16, :00 Noon River Hills Country Club Dutch-treat RSVP to Jan Docter by January 14th jan_4200@yahoo.com Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy Charna Schlakman President Beth Israel Sisterhood Sunday, January 27th at 11:00 a.m. Please join us. Everyone is welcome. January " Blue" Sale Chanukah is very early next year Stock up now! Judaica Gift Shop all items Our January selection is: The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman February - Unorthodox (Feldman) 6 BETH ISRAEL CONGREGATION

7 How quickly that time rolls around again. Yep, it s time to start planning your cooking and helping out at the Sisterhood Bazaar! This year, we don t have to contend with Spring Break because the bazaar is in April April 10 th to be exact. Gives you several extra weeks to cook some more casseroles and desserts for the Take Home Booth and the Gourmet Dessert Booth, right? And more time to solicit items for the Silent Auction and gather up your things for the White Elephant section, too. As I write this article on the first night of Chanukah, I am again thankful for all of the people who come together to make this event a success every year. I hope we can count on our chairwomen, head cooks, blintz fryers, meat slicers, salad makers, and bottle washers again this year. We will be calling soon and hope to hear resounding "yes"es that you will serve positions of responsibility again. Or that you will accept a new position of leadership for one of the many elements that make up the Bazaar. We also need people to respond to our requests for help on our cooking days in January, February, and March as well as come to our aid for setup the Sunday before the bazaar and help with all the other last minute tasks on the Monday and Tuesday before the BIG DAY! Let s make 2013 another banner year for our annual event. This is the 46 th year that we have had a Bazaar, and we don t want to disappoint our adoring customers and fans. It is heartwarming to see all of the loyal Jacksonians who flock to Beth Israel on this day for our food and fellowship and even more exciting to see so many of our temple members work together side-by-side. I m thinking we may have at least as many members in the temple on Bazaar day as we do on Rosh Hashanah. Mark April 10 th on your calendar as a day to spend at the temple we need you! Sincerely, Jo Ann Gordon and Carol Kossman Bazaar 2013 Co-Chairs 46th Annual FAQs you need to know: Sisterhood Bazaar: A one day annual fundraising event featuring homemade Jewish foods and culture. Date of the Bazaar: April 10, 2013 Silent Auction: "Biggest money-maker." Sisterhood members are asked to bring AT LEAST 2 items each. White Elephant Sale: "One man's cast off is another man's treasure!" Gently-used items for sale donated by congregants. Take Home Food Booth : Congregants are asked to prepare and freeze meals and desserts to be sold. Taster's Plate: Best food option on Bazaar Day - a little bit of everything. Raffle: You will receive 10 tickets in the mail to sell (or buy yourself) for fabulous prizes. PVC Pipe: Used to set-up the booths the Sunday before the Bazaar. We always need volunteers! Sisterhood Bazaar Silent Auction It s time to start thinking about what you can contribute to the Sisterhood Annual Bazaar Silent Auction. The Silent Auction is a huge fundraising portion of the Bazaar, and we need all of our congregants help to make it a success. Proceeds from the Bazaar help fund the many projects that Sisterhood undertakes during the course of the year. Some of the items that do well in the Silent Auction are: gift cards to local restaurants, retail stores, spas and salons; pottery items; kitchen and home items; autographed sports memorabilia; original artwork. Please contact Susan Fijman at or sfijman@gmail.com if you have any questions or to let her know what you will be contributing this year. Contributions can be delivered directly to Susan or the Temple office. Thanks for your support. 7

8 Campaign for Kindness: Congregant Spotlight Kindest Congregants of the Month Serving in the Rain: Christmas at Stewpot and Meals on Wheels People still get hungry when it rains. For over 25 years, Beth Israel has been providing and serving Christmas lunch at Stewpot, and this year was no different. A little rain okay, a lot of rain did not keep our kind and dedicated congregants away. At the top of the list is Kim Graham Accountant at Beth Israel and honorary congregant. She took over planning Christmas at Stewpot. She told her daughter Brayden that Christmas presents couldn t be opened until they served someone else first. Joining Kim, Brayden, and Bryant Graham was David Kweller (he helps heat up the food every year, and knows the Stewpot kitchen better than the Temple kitchen!); Gil Hoffberg; Bert, Tammy, Ashley and Tovah Rubinsky, and Rebecca Laskin. Also on Christmas this year was our regular Meals on Wheels route. We were still responsible for our route even though it fell on a Federal Holiday: hunger doesn t take a vacation. Cooking and delivering food in the rain on Christmas this year was Traci Stratford, Adam Wassell, Gail Dellar, Bill Albright, Marcia Barron, Emily Kamber and Peggie Omolara. Thank you to all our kind congregants. May 2013 be another year filled with gemilut Chasadim: Acts of Loving-Kindness. The Earl Hill Academy of Interfaith Studies: Keep your eyes open for... Spring Series discussing challenges between Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Beginning January 29th We will learn more about each other and then ask the "hard questions" with Beth Israel Congregation, Wells United Methodist Church, and the Raindrop Turkish House. More Information Coming Soon! Purim is Right Around the Corner! We are looking for actors, singers and just random crazy people for our Annual Purim Spiel! "Greased Purim" Date of Spiel: Saturday, February 23rd 7:00pm NO talent required just energy and enthusiasm! Limited rehearsals and lots of fun! Contact Ben Russell ben@bethisraelms.org It is both a thrill and honor to begin a new challenge as chair of your Tikkun Olam Committee. Your suggestions and support are essential. After a beautiful and rewarding sojourn in Israel, it is wonderful to be home with the congregational family of Beth Israel. Look for our children's book drive to be announced soon. There is also a special Tikkun Olam Shabbat with Guest Speaker Ed Sivak, founding director of the MS Economic Policy Center, on February 1st. In keeping with the year long theme of kindness, our focus goal is advocacy for Mississippi. No more last in the best nor first in the worst. Please do join our efforts. Sincerely, Jean Comley Tikkun Olam Chair 8 BETH ISRAEL CONGREGATION

9 Talmud Class Noon BIC Library Starting new Tractate: Chagigah, Chapter 2 Topics: Secrets of Creation and Early Mysticism Tikkun Olam Shabbat with Shirim Choir "What Do Children Need?" February 1st 6:15pm Guest Speaker: Ed Sivak, Founding Director of the Mississippi Economic Policy Center RSVP By February 1st kdrrost@gmail.com BITY Annual Superbowl Sunday Chili and Salsa Sale February 3, 2012 BITY is once again selling homemade chili and salsa ready for pick-up on Superbowl Sunday, February 3rd, 2013 between 10:30am and 12:30pm Orders are Due by February 1st! Order forms will be available in the office and on the Temple website. All proceeds will go towards BITY's Relay for Life Team, benefiting the American Cancer Society. Chili (beef or veggie) $25.00 (serves 4) Salsa (spicy or mild) $

10 Announcements Birthdays & Anniversaries Announcements Birthdays & Anniversaries From The Office Contributions processed after January 10th will be included in the March issue of ChaiLights. To protect your privacy and ensure checks are handled in a timely manner, please put all checks in the black lock box by the BIC Office door. The box is conveniently located on the wall to the left of the door. PLEASE DON'T LEAVE CHECKS ANYWHERE ELSE. Thank you! Reports and articles for the February issue of ChaiLights are due Thursday, Jan. 10 th. Submissions can be ed* to support@bethisraelms.org. Submissions received after the 10 th will be included on a spaceavailable basis. *Please note in the subject line (February 2012) ChaiLights submission. Dates to Remember 1/1 OFFICE CLOSED FOR NEW YEAR'S DAY 1/7 Meals on Wheels, 8:30am 1/11 Meals on Wheels, 8:30am 1/11 Sisterhood Shabbat 1/13 Federation Board Meeting, 10:00am 1/16 Sisterhood Lunch Bunch, 12:00 noon 1/17 Monthly Board Meeting, 6:00pm 1/18 Tovah Rubinsky's Bat Mitzvah, 6:15pm 1/19 Tovah Rubinsky's Bat Mitzvah, 10:15am 1/20 Sisterhood Book Club, 11:00am 1/21 OFFICE CLOSED 1/23-1/27 Jewish Film Festival 1/27 Sisterhood Book Club, 11:00am Happy Anniversary to... 1/3 Susan and Macy Hart 1/4 Lique Coolen and Mike Lehman 1/4 Tamar and Peter Sharp 1/17 Shirley and Gary Eriksen 1/17 Amy and Arty Finkelberg 1/18 Michele and Kenneth Schipper 1/19 Natalie and Erez Allouche 1/19 Jarmila and Peter Zapletal 1/26 Marcia and Robbie Barron Happy Birthday to... 1/1 Gerald Crystal 1/3 Drew Harris 1/3 Greg Pollack 1/4 Joy Roffwarg 1/5 Peter Sharp 1/6 Arty Finkelberg 1/6 Rabbi Marshal Klaven 1/7 Eric Schipper 1/7 Sophie Sharp 1/8 Lanny Greenberg 1/8 Jackson Haber 1/8 David Taub 1/9 Luise Draft 1/9 Francis Springer 1/10 Carol Kossman 1/11 Bernard Blumenthal 1/12 Jackalyn Schwartz 1/13 Adriel Allouche 1/13 Shelley Crunk 1/14 Katy Barham 1/15 Craig Robbins 1/16 Michael Balfour 1/16 Kimberly Schneider 1/17 Caroline Metz 1/19 Mikaela Phillips 1/22 Andrew Johnson 1/22 Bob Lazarus 1/25 Ellen Alexander 1/25 Jennifer Rosenberg 1/26 Sheryl Davidson 1/26 Daniel Kolodney 1/27 Gabriel Freedman 1/28 Marla Harbor 1/28 Asher Katz 1/28 Marcy Nessel 1/29 Nina Humphrey 1/29 Helene Johnson 1/31 Izabella Ivshin 1/31 Stuart Rockoff 10 BETH ISRAEL CONGREGATION

11 In Memory of Elaine Crystal By Kelly and John McGregor to the General Fund By Barbara and Alan Glazer to the By Janice and Buddy Blumenthal to the By Rebecca Laskin to the By Luise Draft to the By Marilyn and Mark Blackburn to the General Fund By Sheila and James Palmer to the General Fund By Lauren Rosenbaum Brown to the By John N. Palmer to the General Fund By Valerie White to the General Fund By Alan H. Walters of First Commercial Bank to the General Fund By the Marilyn and Michael Glosserman Community Fund to the General Fund By Marilyn and Marshall Glick to the By Mary Jo and John Lyle to the By Bea Gotthelf to the General Fund By Barbara Avishay to the By Jean Mintz and Morris and Melinda Mintz to the By Rebecca Boswell to the By Michael Steiner to the Jewish Cinema MS By Beth and John Paxton to the General Fund By The Howard Glick Family to the By Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Daniel, Jr. to the By Tammy and Bert Rubinsky to the By Sally Thompson to the In Memory of Beth Sollek By Janice and Buddy Blumenthal to the By Rebecca Laskin to the By Luise Draft to the By Michael Steiner to the Jewish Cinema MS By Tammy and Bert Rubinsky to the In Memory of Claire Simon By Janice and Buddy Blumenthal to the In Memory of June Miller By JoAnn and Gary Maddox to the General Fund In Memory of Harold Gotthelf By Rebecca Laskin to the In Memory of Lucile P. and Albert M. Rosenfield By Roger Rosenfield to the In Memory of Harry Draft By Rebecca Laskin to the By Luise Draft to the In Memory of Barry Draft By Rebecca Laskin to the By Luise Draft to the In Honor of Rabbi Valerie Cohen By Honorine and Allen Weiss to the Capital Improvement Fund In Honor of Our Children By Honorine and Allen Weiss to the Capital Improvement Fund In Memory of Lena Finegold By Honorine and Allen Weiss to the In Memory of Betty and Toby Rubinsky By Honorine and Allen Weiss to the In Honor of the Past Presidents By Amy and Arty Finkelberg to the In Memory of Maurice M. Cohen By Stephen J. Goldberg to the Rabbi s Discretionary Fund In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. I.A. Rosenbaum By Lauren Rosenbaum Brown to the Capital Improvement Fund In Appreciation of Donna Orkin and Rebecca Laskin By Lauren Rosenbaum Brown to the Rabbi s Discretionary Fund In Honor of the BIC Staff: Kim, Meg, Traci, Jimmie and Susan By Amy and Arty Finkelberg to the Capital Fund In Memory of Manny Crystal By Lynn Crystal to the 11

12 5315 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS Phone: Fax: We Remember January 4-5 Louis Jacob Buchman Morris Danzinger Donald DeWitt, Roy Hanf Adolph J. Orkin III Kitty Steckel Fradie Bear Cecil Julia Cohen Arnold Draft Jacobo Jose Fijman Samuel Friedman Rose Kirby Phillip Needle Leo Phillip Gradinger* Julius E. Hatry* Anna Kuerschner Estelle Pollack Greer Beth Pollack* Pauline Samuels Milton Spiro Toby Grossman Adolph Jospeh Orkin, Sr* Sally Spiegel Rose Bennett Bertha Helen Geiger* Margaret Guenther Betty Shapero January Hassiba Ifrah Elfassy Rosa Wolff Schwartz* Max Turteltaub Dorene Norma Bowley Edward Byous Moody Grishman* Maurice Joseph Morton Phillips Morris Priebatsch* Joseph Sawyer Frances Berman* Beatrice Binder Charles Shapero Sr Julian Wiener* Shalom Kaminsky Ruth Segal Shepherd Tucker Samuel Fermon Lena Schwartz* Florence Sandler Milton Cherkasky Yahrzeits for January 2013 Michael V. Giranda Lester Lasky January Ada Berman Daniel Anne Garshman Goldberg* Ann Plotkin* Ida Stein Rona Libglid Maurice Luxenberg Dora S. Orlansky Joseph Rosen Shirley Balkin Ephram Cohen Raymond Docter Shirley Goodman Heyena Gorelik Anna Lewine* Sol A. Lind Marshall Nirenberg Cecille Shornick* Bernard Stein Tom Underwood Odessa Goldstein* Toby Greenberg Fayga Millstein Rose Seligman Lottie Botnick Eisman Joen Mykoff Fannie Wallick Norman Muskin* Rhea C. Shindell* January Jeffrey Korelitz Jerry Paukin Myrtle Byous Abe Rones Florine Abrams Lottie Brady Erna Ascher* Natalie Gordon Harold McRae Loeb* Shirley Miller Vera Miller Ethel Neveleff* Edith Sherman Benjamin Berendt Hattie Mitchell Dorman Mae Freedman* Minnette Safer Ralph Davis