w w w. b e t h e l - o m a h a. o r g Elul-Tishrei September

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1 w w w. b e t h e l - o m a h a. o r g Elul-Tishrei September

2 Bar Mitzvah Online Hebrew Reading Course Would you like to be able to read the Hebrew of the prayer book but can t commit to coming in to the synagogue for class? Do you have family or other obligations that make it difficult to leave home at night? Would you like the convenience of learning in your own home? Great news! Hazzan Michael Krausman is forming an online Hebrew reading class. All you will need is a computer with an internet connection and one hour a week.you will see the material on the screen and be able to hear (but not see, so be as comfortable as you wish) and interact with the others in your class. If there is sufficient interest, classes will begin after the High Holy Days. If you are interested or want more information, please Hazzan Krausman at hazzankrausman@bethel-omaha.org. September 5, 2015 Spencer Gordman Son of Jay and Allison Gordman L Shana Tova from Your Beth El Family Life & Legacy The High Holy Days are a time for reflection and introspection. It is a time to consider all of the things that are important to us such as family, the Jewish community and making a difference for future generations. Through your participation in the community-wide Life & Legacy initiative, each of us has the ability to leave a gift that will positively impact our Jewish community. A Life & Legacy gift does not require a cash donation today, but a promise for the future. As a member of Beth El Synagogue, we appreciate the support you provide our congregation in a variety of ways. Now you can take an even more important step and include us in your will or estate plan, or by adding or changing a beneficiary designation on a retirement fund or life insurance policy. By participating in Life & Legacy, you can assure that the connection you feel to the Jewish community and our congregation will exist for generations to come. All of us, regardless of our age or wealth, have the ability to leave a legacy. Your legacy gift can be of any size and can be customized and structured to fit your dreams, lifestyle, family and financial needs. Your commitment can be a percentage or a specific dollar amount. As we enter the Days of Awe, we thank you for your commitment to Beth El Synagogue, and on behalf of the Board of Trustees and staff we wish you and your family a happy, healthy, peaceful and sweet new year. If you would like more information on how you can be a part of the Life & Legacy program, please contact our Life & Legacy Chair, Lloyd Roitstein at Lloyd.roitstein@gmail.com or The KOL is Sponsored by The Beth El Judaica Shop Gift Certificates Available Judaica Shop Hours: Wed. 2:30-5:00 pm & Sun. 10:00 am - 12:15 pm (when BESTT is in session) 2

3 Selichot: Helping Us Find the Reflection of God s Divine Light by Hazzan Michael Krausman A young student once asked a wise teacher during his morning prayers, What does God look like? The teacher smiled and replied, Look in my Tallit bag and you will find the answer. Opening the Tallit bag, the student found only a small mirror that the teacher used when adjusting the Tefillin box on his forehead. The student gazed quizzically into the mirror and said, But teacher, all I see is my own face. Exactly, replied the teacher. We are all created in God s image. If you look at yourself carefully, you can see God s reflection. As we approach the High Holy Days season, beginning with the first day of Elul (the final month on the Jewish calendar), there is a task that we each must undertake. We must examine our inner souls in light of our thoughts, behavior, goals and aspirations, to see how we personally reflect the Divine image. The official liturgical kickoff of the High Holy Days season is the Selichot service. Selichot is a poignant collection of prayers of repentance and supplication that is recited for a week preceding Rosh Hashanah in the Ashkenazi community, and for an entire month by the Sephardim. While it is traditional to recite Selichot in the early hours of the morning, in most Ashkenazi synagogues, the beginning of Selichot is marked by a special late night service held on the Saturday evening preceding Rosh Hashanah. Selichot prayers facilitate the worshipper s ability to acknowledge those areas in which improvement may be required and to embark on a path that leads to forgiveness or Teshuvah (return). This year, Selichot services will be held on Saturday, September 5, Many of these prayers originate from earlier times, some as far back as the time of the Mishna. However, the first collection of Selichot can be found in the Siddur of the great ninth century sage, Rav Amram. Rabbi Abraham Rosenfeld, a former Hazzan, is a noted compiler and editor of prayer books. In the introductory section to his comprehensive, annotated compendium of Selichot prayers, Rabbi Rosenfeld indicates that although some of these moving supplications date as far back as the seventh century of the Common Era, the service compiled by Rav Amram is very close to the Selichot service we still perform in modern times. Various types of poetry make up the Selichot service. Some have repeated refrains; some are alphabetical acrostics, but all are comprised of biblical verses stitched together by gifted liturgical poets. Also included in the Selichot service is the Vidui (confessional) and portions of Tachanun (prayers of supplication). In essence, the goal of Selichot is to embark on a mission to strengthen our inner Jewish souls and sharpen the Sacred Image we reflect. It is customary to precede the prayers with a program or discussion. Our program this year will focus on, A Season of Active Remembering, and will include congregants sharing High Holy Days memories of loved ones who have passed away in recent years. We invite you to take part in this meaningful program. On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we gather as a community, supporting each other in our quest for the celestial light of God s reflection. Through communal prayer, singing, meditation and study, we, like the young student in our story, gaze into the mirror of our souls to find, deep within ourselves, God s image. We also seek inspiration to better reflect the light of that Holy image in the way in which we live and interact with the world. During the High Holy Days Musaph (additional) service, we rise as a community and recite the passionately plaintive U'Nitane Tokef prayer which contains the memorable phrase, U Va Shofar Gadol Yitaka V Kol D Mamadaka Yishama, a great Shofar blast is sounded and [yet] a still small voice is heard. If we listen very carefully, we can yet hear that tiny voice within our soul sustaining us and encouraging us to look into the mirror of our inner selves, to find the reflection of God s Divine light and to radiate that Holy energy, both individually and communally, to the entire world. Selichot is the first step along the path of actualizing this goal. On behalf of Laurel, Zev and Zach, may you and all of your dear ones be inscribed for a year of blessing, Shanna Tova U Mtukaka; a good and sweet year. Hazzan Michael Krausman 3

4 We Thank Our Yad Squad The following members read Torah/ Haftarah in July: Balak Zach Krausman Roni Reiter-Palmon Ophir Palmon Heather Kelln Ben Shapiro Haftarah - Yonatan Feldstern Pinchas Heather Kelln Alan Shulewitz Ben Shapiro Rifka Keilson Pam Friedlander Haftarah - Leigh Emas Beth El High Holy Days Policies In order for services and programming to run smoothly during our High Holy Days celebrations, we ask members of our Beth El family to adhere to the following: Please notify the synagogue office of any out-of-town guests who will be joining us at services. We encourage guests to make a donation to the synagogue to help offset operational costs. Due to security measures, you may be asked to show a form of identification. Please do not be offended we appreciate your cooperation. Do not enter the sanctuary during the sermon or recitation of the Amidah; you may join the service afterward. We want to make sure that your children are safe while they re at Beth El and ask that parents always know where their children are while on the premises. Parking guidelines: Parking is prohibited in the synagogue s drop-off lanes and around the islands. Overflow parking is permitted in the Latter-Day Saints Church lot to our west. Traffic control personnel will be available to assist with parking and exiting on California Street. Thank you for helping us usher in the New Year in a safe and courteous manner. Matot-Masei Andy Greenberg Ben Shapiro Gary Nachman Rifka Keilson Marty Shukert Haftarah - Ben Shapiro Devarim Glen Fineman Rifka Keilson Alan Shulewitz Alan Potash Marty Shukert Haftarah - Rifka Keilson The following members read Torah/ Haftarah on Tisha B Av: Tisha B Av - Aicha Hazzan Michael Krausman Steve Denenberg Laurel Krausman Ben Shapiro Tisha B Av Morning Haftarah - Hazzan Michael Krausman The Jewish Family Service Food Pantry Needs Our Help The Jewish Family Service Food Pantry is especially looking for the following items to provide for the community in need: Toilet Paper Dish Detergent Deodorant Facial Tissue Diapers - Size 2 & Size 6 Items should be brought to the collection bins at Beth El Synagogue s Community Court in September. 4

5 President s Corner by Joel Rich, President of the Board of Trustees September is an exciting time of year. It's a time to prepare for the next year and reflect on things we've accomplished over the last year. The Beth El family has many items to think about at this time of year. With the end of summer, the children who have attended Jewish summer camps have returned home and can now share the experiences with their families, friends, and classmates. They may not be able to tell us specifically what they learned at camp, but their actions and how they participate in Jewish activities show us what they experienced. It is easy to see how they have grown and matured and are more engaged in living a Jewish life. The future leaders of the Jewish community are often developed at camps. Beth El is so proud of our 31 young people who, with the encouragement of their families, were able to enjoy a Jewish summer camping experience. This time of year also brings the start of school, both public school and Beth El Talmud Torah. The enrollment in BESTT and our Hebrew High continues to increase each year as we provide many new experiences for the children attending. We are proud of our Beth El families who have children who are attending Friedel Jewish Academy. Jewish day schools make a significant impact on the lives of children as they grow into committed Jewish adults. Soon the High Holy Days will be here and with them, our opportunity to pray together. This year Rabbi Abraham and Hazzan Krausman have made some changes to the schedule of services. Please check the schedule that was mailed and note where we have listed new times of services. I'm confident that you will appreciate your experiences at our services this year. The Cemetery Expansion program has been taking place over the last year. Thanks to the efforts of many members of Beth El, we have been able to complete the first phase of this important project. On September 20 at 11:00 am, during the annual Memorial Service, we will be dedicating the completion of this phase of the expansion program. The Wall of Honor will be unveiled at the program. My deepest thanks to all who contributed. Please join us for this meaningful event. On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, I want to wish all members of the Beth El family a Happy New Year, LaShana Tovah Tekatevu! Joel Rich We Thank Our Yad Squad The following members read Torah/ Haftarah in August: Vaetchanan Marty Shukert Ben Shapiro Steven Riekes Rabbi Steven Abraham Haftarah - Ben Shapiro Eikev Michael Gerson Ben Shapiro Zach Krausman Haftarah - Nancy Rips Re'eh Steven Riekes Hazzan Michael Krausman Alan Shulewitz Marty Shukert Ben Shapiro Haftarah - Yonatan Feldstern Shoftim Sharon Brodkey Heather Kelln Janie Murow Marty Shukert Haftarah - Marty Shukert Ki Teitzei Roni Reiter-Palmon Glen Fineman Marty Shukert Ben Shapiro Haftarah - Patty Nogg Shanghai Lessons at Beth El Card players and newbies alike have had a chance to learn the game of Shanghai during relaxing afternoons at Beth El Synagogue. Shanghai is easy to learn and fun to play. The rules are simple, and each month seasoned Shanghai players are on hand as teachers. We even provide mechanical card shufflers at each table. Shanghai players meet at Beth El on the second Thursday of each month at 1:00 pm. Snacks and cards are provided, all we need is YOU! RSVP online at or contact Phyllis Wasserman at ppw130@cox.net if you are interested so we know to expect you. Then plan to enjoy a relaxing afternoon of playing, practicing or learning. 5

6 BIRTHDAYS With 5-year Multiples David Cooper O Bryen Edwards Steven Friedman Becki Goldberg-Kahn Lea Grunkin Grant Jabenis Ava Jensen Philip Katz Aaron Kurtzman Sheryl Lee Samuel Meisels Carol Nathan Dinah Raful Nancy Rampey Alexander Rich Zachary Rich Joel Schlessinger Frances Snyder Matthew Stein Anna Yuz-Mosenkis ANNIVERSARIES With 5-Year Multiples Jay & Allison Gordman Jerome & Linda Gordman Robert & Roxanne Kahn Uriel Sandkovsky & Silvia Herszkopf Irving & Judith Zucker IN MEMORIAM Beth El extends profound sympathy to the families of: Rita Biniamow Marcia Cohen Cantor Gerald DeBruin Jean Duitch Eva Frydman Sherm Golbitz Laura Jean Kutler Robert S. Littky Jerome "Jerry" Milder Dr. Sidney Mirvish Rita Novak Mary Saferstein Stan Widman May the All-Merciful comfort and sustain them in their sorrow. 6

7 Sisterhood Scoop By Linda Fischer, Sisterhood President Greetings! My name is Linda Fischer. I am delighted to be your new Sisterhood president. My dear friend Heather Kelln paved the way for me so I can follow in her footsteps. I look forward to an exciting year together. Here is a quick glance at what s happening over the next few months: Can you believe the New Year is right around the corner? Men s Club, Sisterhood and YAC want to kick off 5776 by getting you and your family together for a family BBQ on our new playground. We are planning the BBQ for Sunday, September 20 (the weekend after Rosh Hashanah). Complete details are listed on page 6. We hope to see all adults on Saturday night, October 3, for our annual combination Jews n Brews and Dames & Drinks in the Krausman s family Sukkah. Sunday November 15, from 10:00 am 3:00 pm, we anticipate a huge crowd for the return of our much anticipated Beth El Boutique, chaired this year by Joni Brooks. She and her committee have been hard at work for months to ensure a wonderful shopping experience! They can always use additional volunteers for the day of the event. Our monthly Rosh Hodesh programming will kick off after the holidays. Thank you to all the men and women who volunteered to make holiday calls. We appreciate your willingness to participate. Many thanks to Nancy Skid who organized this year s effort assisted by Helen Epstein and Alice Kosowsky. On Friday night, December 25, we ll once again join forces with Men s Club for their annual Chinese dinner. Volunteers are needed and appreciated! This is just a quick look at the next few months. Be watching for details as each event gets closer. As we approach the New Year, I want to ask you to be a part of a different kind of Bucket Challenge. There is no ice and water involved, only kind hearts joining together to help those in need. Imagine for a minute if you were struggling to feed your family and if they were hungry on a regular basis. There are so many families like this in our community depending on help from others. When you come to synagogue for services or a program or event, you can help by bringing non-perishable food items for the bin in Beth El s community court. When Yom Kippur approaches, you ll be asked to contribute to Operation Isaiah to feed the hungry. Again, please do what you can. Feeding those who are hungry is a mitzvah and together we can all do our part to help conquer hunger in our part of the Heartland. Have a sweet New Year! Fondly, Linda J. F!cher 7

8 Prayer When Visiting A Grave In memory of male/female relatives or friends: May God remember the soul of my father my mother my husband my wife my partner my brother my sister my son my daughter my relative my friend (others) Did You Know? Why Jewish cemeteries are not traditionally decorated with flowers Traditionally Jewish cemeteries are not decorated with flowers for two reasons. First is that throughout history, the placing of flowers on graves was the custom of other faith traditions. It is a perfectly acceptable tradition, but something that was not Jewish. In Judaism everyone is buried in a plain unadorned wood casket, in part because there is no distinction between rich and poor. When we die, all we are left with is our name. Historically, flowers have only been left by the wealthy and as such the custom goes against the principle of everyone being seen as equal. The second reason for not placing flowers is in no small part due to the fact that we are supposed to place something else on the grave. Jewish tradition suggests that we place stones upon the headstone of those we want to honor. A stone is both much more permanent than flowers, as well as readily available. In addition, stones are a connection to our Jewish past, as we find examples in the Tanakh (Jewish Bible) of monuments being erected using stones. As such, at Beth El Cemetery we ask that family and friends place stones on the marker instead of flowers when they come to visit. Who has [have] gone to his/ her [their] eternal home. In loving testimony to his/her life [their lives], I pledge tzedakah to help perpetuate ideals important to him/her [them]. Through such deeds, and through prayer and remembrance, may his/her [their] soul[s] be bound up in the bond of life. May I prove myself worthy of the many gifts with which he/she [they] blessed me. May these moments of meditation strengthen the ties that link me to his/her [their] memory. May he/she [they] rest in peace forever in God s presence. Amen To my Beth El family I cannot begin to tell you how deeply touched my family was by the support, comfort and outpouring of love we received from Beth El Synagogue during the period surrounding the loss of my father, Cantor Gerald DeBruin. Your kindness, concern, phone calls, personal visits, cards and meals have made our dealing with his loss so much easier to endure. From the bottom of our hearts we thank each and every one of you for your kindness and for helping to honor his memory. Sincerely, Larry DeBruin 8

9 New Beginnings By Eadie Tsabari, Director of Congregational Learning BESTT is back and ready for another wonderful school year. We are so happy to have our kids in the building again. Everyone is a little taller, tanner and totally excited to see their friends here at Beth El. We love hearing the stories of Jewish summer camp and the new schools that so many of our kids are starting. Rosh Hashanah is a time for new beginnings. Here at BESTT and Hebrew High we have a wonderful staff, with both seasoned and brand new teachers. Our parents are taking responsibility for and you shall teach your children very seriously, by becoming teachers in our school. We appreciate all of the hard work and dedication of our staff including our marvelous Madrechim, our high school students who spend their Shabbat and Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons paying it forward to our younger students. In the Shema, the need to teach Torah is considered so basic that it requires no explanation. The reason to teach Torah to our children is to be able to have God and Judaism in their world and in their lives. To accomplish this, it is clear that we must first cultivate the love of Torah and the sense of Jewish community. The beauty of Torah is that it doesn t just tell us who and where, but it gives us the tools to be the kind of people we need to be in today s world. As our students grow, they continually receive more insights through their study of Torah about what it means to be a Jew. It is the month of Elul, a time for reflection, as well as looking forward. We will be asking our students to do just that by talking about our goals for the year and how to improve our Jewish learning. One of the most important things to do this month is to make sure we say we are sorry for the things that we did that maybe weren t so great and to really mean it: to our family, our friends and even to God. Our Selichot board is full of messages from our children. Please take a moment to stop in and see what they have created in our school. Eadie Tsabari USY & Kadima Programming September USY Campout at River West Park Wednesday, September 9, 5:45 pm - USY Board Meeting Wednesday, September 16, 5:45 pm - Kadima Meeting Saturday, September 19, USY Havdallah & Bonfire Wednesday, September 30, USY/Kadima Lounge Night after school - with Dinner at 5 pm BESTT Calendar September BESTT Hebrew 4:15-6:15 pm Hebrew High School 6:45-8:30 pm 5 Bar Mitzvah of Spencer Gordman 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 6 No BESTT - Labor Day Weekend 9 BESTT Hebrew School 4:15-6:15 pm Hebrew High Dinner & Program at the JCC 6:00-8:00 pm 12 Shabbat s Cool - Grades K-7 10:00 am - 12:30 pm 13 Stay at Home Sunday - No BESTT Today 14 Rosh Hashanah Tot Service - Kdg. & younger 9:00-10:00 am Rosh Hashanah Youth Service - Grades :15 am - 12:30 pm 15 Rosh Hashanah Tot Service - Kdg. & younger 9:00-10:00 am Rosh Hashanah Youth Service - Grades :15 am - 12:30 pm 16 BESTT Hebrew School 4:15-6:15 pm Hebrew High School 6:45-8:30 pm 19 Jr. Congregation 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 20 BESTT Hebrew School 9:45 am - 12:15 pm Synagogue Mystery Tour - Grades 1-2 9:45 am Torah Tots 10:30 am - 12:10 pm Kibbutz Chaverim 12:15-3:00 pm 22 Kol Nidre 6:15 pm 23 Yom Kippur Tot Service - Kdg. & younger 9:00-10:00 am Yom Kippur Youth Service - Grades :00 am - 12:30 pm 26 Jr. Congregation 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 27 BESTT Hebrew School 9:45 am - 12:15 pm Babies, Bigger Kids & Bagels 9:45-10:30 am 30 BESTT Hebrew School 4:15-6:15 pm Hebrew High Grades at Temple Israel 6:00 pm (includes dinner) Hebrew High Grades 8-10 at Beth El 6:45-8:30 pm 9

10 Beth El Staff Steven Abraham... Rabbi Michael Krausman... Hazzan Larry DeBruin... Executive Director Eadie Tsabari... Director of Congregational Learning Margie Gutnik... Program Director Betsy Goodman... Youth Advisor Michael Gerson... Minyan Coordinator Melissa Massey... Comptroller Laura Bair... Kitchen Manager Cait Leff... Office Manager Judy Tully... Administrative Assistant Tamara Forte... Executive Secretary Officers Joel Rich... Beth El President Jon Jabenis... Vice President Ari Riekes... Vice President Jim Zipursky... Vice President Jay Gordman... Treasurer Caryn Scheer... Secretary Lloyd Roitstein... Past President Lisa Marcus... BESTT Chair Jason Blair... Men s Club President Linda Fischer... Sisterhood President Zev Krausman... U.S.Y. President New KOL to Provide New Opportunities for Advertisers to Reach Beth El Congregants Beginning in November, 2015, Beth El Synagogue's KOL will be printed in color and have a new format and publisher, Liturgical Publications. Their representative, Dan Hrdi, will be contacting congregants and vendors in late August and early September to inquire about placing ads in the KOL. The printing cost will be underwritten with advertising, saving Beth El Synagogue a substantial expenditure each month. Beth El will also share in the profits generated by ad sales. For those interested in placing an ad, this is your opportunity! Are you a business owner or professional who wants to promote your business? Sponsor an ad in the KOL and you will receive: Advertising in a trusted source that our members will receive ten times a year. An economical way to reach the local community. The appreciation of your congregation! Are you looking for a way to support Beth El Synagogue? Consider placing a personal ad. Sponsor an ad for your favorite group or organization to gain recognition and visibility in the community. Sponsor a personal ad such as "In Memoriam," "In Appreciation," or "Compliments Of." The KOL is printed with the financial backing of businesses which sponsor it with their advertisements. Say "thank you" by patronizing them and letting them know you appreciate their support. Feel free to contact Larry DeBruin with any questions you might have. Or you can contact Dan at dhrdi@4lpi.com or call him at , ext 2562; or To see examples of ads available for purchase, go to: Minyannaires Thanks to these members of Beth El who attended at least one daily service between June 7 and August 3: Rabbi Steven Abraham Mike Abramson Diane Axler Baum Brandy Bailey King Ellie Batt Donald Baum Bob Belgrade Jill Belmont Jason Blair Sharon Brodkey Judy Brookstein Bill Cohen Hanna DeBruin Larry DeBruin Stanley Edelstein Helen Epstein Ron Feldman Yonaton Feldstern Glen Fineman Bruce Friedlander Art Friedman Morris Friedman Sandy Friedman Sheryl Friedman Michael Gerson Irwin Goldenberg Donald Goldstein Dolores Goodman Michael Goodman Andrew Greenberg Carole Greenberg Andrea Grossman Lea Grunkin Bruce Gutnik Margie Gutnik David Herzog Grant Jabenis Jon Jabenis Fred Kader Ilse Kahn Marcel Kahn Howard Kaiman Howard Kaplan Judy Katskee Milt Katskee Helen Kay Les Kay Steve King Andrew Klein Emma Klein Janet Klein Lori Kooper-Schwarz David Kotok Shane Kotok Laurel Krausman Hazzan Michael Krausman Zach Krausman Zev Krausman Larry Kronick Molly Kudym Seth Kudym Janie Kulakofsky Joan Latchaw Shelly Lerner Scott Lustgarten Joan Marcus Lisa Marcus Lynda Mirvish Anna Mosenkis Janie Murow Carol Nathan Patty Nogg Dennis Paley Steve Pitlor Karen Pollak Alan Potash Merle Potash Ruthie Potash Amy Reynolds Joel Rich Mary Rich Ari Riekes Steve Riekes Caryn Rifkin Gary Rifkin Nancy Rips Lloyd Roitstein Dottie Rosenblum Marc Scheer Wayne Schwarz Ben Shapiro Aveva Shukert Marty Shukert Stan Silverman Tootie Simon Nancy Skid Barry Snyder Fran Snyder Hannah Stein Julie Stein Mort Steinberg Lauren Tam Gady Tene Mindy Tene Steve Tipp Judy Tully Stewart Tully Esther Wax Jim Wax Joye Wees Steven Wees David Weill Benjamin Wiesman David Wiesman Jim Zipursky 10

11 Youth Services & Babysitting During the High Holy Days We re pleased to offer our popular Mini Minyannaires tot service for children in kindergarten and younger on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, Monday, September 14, and on Yom Kippur, Wednesday, September 23. New this year, we will also offer Rosh Hashanah Story Time on the second day of Rosh Hashanah on Tuesday, September 15. These programs will take place from 9:00-10:00 am in the social hall annex and are free of charge. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Our youth service for children in grades one through seven, will be held from 10:15 am - 12:30 pm on both days of Rosh Hashanah and from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm on Yom Kippur. These services will be held in the Chapel and led by Eadie Tsabari and our BESTT teens. Babysitting will be available for children from three months to five years old during all Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. Advanced registration is required; cost is $3.50 per child for each day, with a maximum charge of $25 per family for those who register by September 7; after that date late fees will apply. Register online at Please see the back cover for a complete listing of High Holy Days services. 11

12 This Kol lists contributions received by August 10, Donations received after that date will be listed in the October edition of the Kol. Contributions to Named Endowment Funds 21st Century Endowment Fund Sherman Golbitz, Caryl Greenberg, Bernie Meyers Sandra & Edward Belgrade Endowment Fund In Memory of: Marcia Cohen, Cantor Gerald DeBruin, Richard Fox, Alan Friedman, Caryl Greenberg, Bernie Meyers Recovery of: Jarold Kohll Jacob & Ida Bernstein Endowment Fund Birthday of: Sylvia Wagner Rose Blumkin Endowment Fund In Memory of: Caryl Greenberg, Rita Novak. Yahrzeit of: Rose Blumkin Lorri Anne & Saul Z. Davis Endowment Fund In Memory of: Arthur Jacobson. Yahrzeit of: Barry Belmont, Sol Milstein Drazen Family Summer Experience Endowment Fund Birthday of: Richard Fellman In Memory of: Marcia Cohen, Cantor Gerald DeBruin, Jean Duitch, Sherman Golbitz, Alan "Buddy" Goodman, Caryl Greenberg, Robert Littky, Rita Novak, Stanley Widman Harold & Etta Epstein Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Ben Abrahamson Willis Epstein Endowment Fund Anniversary of: Ron & Harriet Epstein, Merle & Ruth Potash Birthday of: Ronald Epstein, Jodi Epstein In Memory of: Marcia Cohen, Richard Fox, Rita Novak Dr. Leon Fellman Scholar-in-Residence Endowment Fund Anniversary of: Merle & Ruth Potash Caryl Greenberg Barbara & Dean Frankel Endowment Fund Birthday of: David Herzog Yahrzeit of: Herman Herzog, Pearl Herzog Magda Fried Endowment Fund Richard Fox, Alan Friedman, Caryl Greenberg Isaac H. & Ruth S. Friedman Endowment Fund In Memory of: Soralee Cohn, Cantor Gerald DeBruin, Alan Friedman, Sherman Golbitz, Caryl Greenberg, Jane Levin Freeda & Abe Gendler Endowment Fund Caryl Greenberg General Endowment Fund In Memory of: Caryl Greenberg Ann Goldstein Endowment Fund In Memory of: Jerome Milder Jessica Goldstein Endowment Fund Sherman Golbitz Florence Hurwitz Endowment Fund In Memory of: Stanley Widman David & Idell Itkin Endowment Fund In Memory of: Richard Fox Linda H. Lynn Kahn Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Benjamin Kahn, Stewart Kahn Ilse and Marcel Kahn Endowment Fund Anniversary of: Marcel & Ilse Kahn. Birthday of: Eric Ahronheim, Sylvia Wagner In Memory of: Cantor Gerald DeBruin, Richard Fox, Alan Friedman, Eva Frydman, Alan "Buddy" Goodman, Caryl Greenberg, Milton Moskvitz, Rita Novak Yahrzeit of: Nathan Rubin Rabbi Alexander Katz Endowment Fund In Memory of: Sherman Golbitz, Caryl Greenberg Alan S. Kulakofsky Endowment Fund In Memory of: Lance Arnold, Cantor Gerald DeBruin, Caryl Greenberg, Bernie Meyers, Rita Milder Milton Marcus Instrumental Music Endowment Fund In Memory of: Jerold Dann Marriage of: Lisa Lieb & Howard Marcus Yahrzeit of: Milton Marcus Rita & Harold Novak Endowment Fund In Memory of: Rita Novak Yahrzeit of: Elsie Novak Jay Parsow Endowment Fund In Memory of: Alan Friedman Lee Jane Parsow Endowment Fund In Memory of: Marcia Cohen, Jean Duitch, Sherman Golbitz, Jerome Milder Ruth & David Platt Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Bertha Shyken David & Ida Potash Endowment Fund Anniversary of: Merle & Ruth Potash Yahrzeit of: Melvin Dolgoff, Edythe Rosenblatt Harry Ratner Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Philip Ratner Henry & Dorothy Riekes Endowment Fund Anniversary of: Steven & Margo Riekes Selwyn Roffman Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Evelyn Ratner Jerold I. Rosen Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Reba Rosen, Herman Ziegman Celia & Ben Schwartz Transportation Endowment Fund In Memory of: Sherman Golbitz. Stephen B. Skid Endowment Fund Richard Fox, Sherman Golbitz, Caryl Greenberg, Stanley Widman Arnold Stern Endowment Fund In Memory of: Marcia Cohen, Jerold Dann, Richard Fox, Caryl Greenberg, Bernie Meyers, Stanley Widman, Ruben Witkowski Recovery of: Norman Denenberg, Jarold Kohll, Jeanne Shechet Yahrzeit of: Naomi Cohn Phineas & Sadie Wintroub Scholarship Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Sadie Wintroub 12

13 (continued from pg. 12) Sara & Eli Zalkin Endowment Fund In Memory of: Marcia Cohen, Cantor Gerald DeBruin, Richard Fox, Alan Friedman Jerome & Roslyn Zeffren and Andrea Zeffren-Alter Endowment Fund Jean Duitch, Sherman Golbitz, Stanley Widman Yahrzeit of: Jerome Zeffren Contributions to Named Synagogue Funds Adult B'nai Mitzvah Fund In Memory of: Caryl Greenberg Beth El Scholars Fund In Appreciation of: Rabbi Steven Abraham Birthday of: Gary Nachman Sherman Golbitz, Robert Littky, Rita Novak Yahrzeit of: Louis Remer, Sadye Remer Building Fund In Memory of: Marcia Cohen, Cantor Gerald DeBruin, Sherman Golbitz Yahrzeit of: Leo Taub Cemetery Improvement Fund In Honor of: Alan Potash being appointed CEO of the Jewish Federation of Omaha In Memory of: Sherman Golbitz, Rita Novak, Stanley Widman Yahrzeit of: Meyer Katzman, Anne Moskovitz, Leo Moskovitz, Belle Nystrom Early Childhood Fund In Honor of: Leor Abraham & Family Recovery of: Patty Nogg General Fund Anniversary of: Steven & Margo Riekes Birthday of: Steven Riekes, Aveva Shukert In Memory of: Cantor Gerald DeBruin, Jean Duitch, Richard Fox, Sherman Golbitz, Alan "Buddy" Goodman, Caryl Greenberg, Charlotte Koom, Bernie Meyers, Jerome Milder, Rita Novak, Stanley Widman Marriage of: Lisa Lieb & Howard Marcus Recovery of: Debbie Roitstein, Natan Schwalb Yahrzeit of: Samuel Bernstein, Ben Blatt, Michael Cohen, Tauba Feidman, Walter Feidman, Anna Frank, Lena Kaplan, Sidney Klopper, Mara Levit, Moses Litvin, Sarah Litvin, David Manvitz, Khaya May, Marvin Sabes, Rose Sabes, Maria Secola, Arthur Stein Lucille White Kitchen Fund Birthday of: Richard Fellman, Aveva Shukert In Memory of: Marcia Cohen, Cantor Gerald DeBruin Mitzvah Meals Fund In Memory of: Sherman Golbitz, Caryl Greenberg Music Fund In Appreciation of: Hazzan Michael Krausman In Memory of: Cantor Gerald DeBruin, Sherman Golbitz, Caryl Greenberg, Stanley Widman Yahrzeit of: Max Kushner, Ann Newman, Shirley Schaffer, Morris Silverbrand Prayer Book Fund In Birthday of: Nancy Rips In Memory of: Jean Duitch, Caryl Greenberg Programming Fund Sherman Golbitz, Caryl Greenberg, Bernie Meyers, Jerome Milder Rabbi s Discretionary Fund Anniversary of: Merle & Ruth Potash In Appreciation of: Rabbi Steven Abraham, Hazzan Michael Krausman 13 In Honor of: Rabbi Steven Abraham receiving the Jody & Neal Malashock Award for Professional Excellence Alan Friedman, Sherman Golbitz, Alan "Buddy" Goodman, Caryl Greenberg, Rita Novak, Stanley Widman, Ruben Witkowski Yahrzeit of: Esther Cohen, Henry A. Cohen, Merriam Cooperman, Denise Digate, Meyer Kirshenbaum, Yenta Kirshenbaum, Ilene Klein, Stanley Passer, Stanley Weiss Scholarship Fund In Anniversary of: Gregory & Debbie Greenberg, Marty & Aveva Shukert Birth of: Bradley Polikov In Memory of: Marcia Cohen, Jerold Dann, Cantor Gerald DeBruin, Jean Duitch, Richard Fox, Sherman Golbitz, Alan "Buddy" Goodman, Caryl Greenberg, Charlotte Koom, Robert Littky, Bernie Meyers, Jerome Milder, Rita Novak, Stanley Widman, Ruben Witkowski Recovery of: Howard Kaiman, Patty Nogg, Jeanne Shechet Yahrzeit of: Yetti Bercovici, Soll Kronick, Steven Lustgarten, Solomon Silver, Leo Taub, Molly Tully, Tollman Tully Youth Education Fund Anniversary of: Steven & Margo Riekes In Memory of: Cantor Gerald DeBruin, Eva Frydman, Sherman Golbitz, Caryl Greenberg, Robert Littky, Bernie Meyers, Stanley Widman, Ruben Witkowski Recovery of: Jerry Chesen, Norman Denenberg, Patty Nogg, Jeanne Shechet Yahrzeit of: Roslyn Barry, Yenta Kirshenbaum, Robert Yager Honor Your Loved Ones with a Leaf on Our Tree of Life Have you noticed Beth El s beautiful Tree of Life lately? This lovely wall sculpture, located outside the chapel, bears the names of many past and present Beth El members, and truly links our community together. Are you looking for a meaningful way to pay tribute to a beloved family member or friend? Inscribing his or her name on a leaf or stone on the Tree of Life is a wonderful way to honor a birthday, anniversary or other special simcha; it also serves as a loving memorial which will be displayed for generations to come. For inclusion on the tree, the cost follows: leaves, $300; Bikkurim leaves, $1,000; small stones, $5,000; large stones, $10,000. For more information or to add your loved ones names, please contact Larry DeBruin in the synagogue office.

14 Our Kids are the BESTT! The 2015/2016 Beth El Talmud Torah (BESTT) school year kicked off on August 16 with a delicious pancake breakfast served by the Men s Club, followed by classroom activities and plenty of smiles. We Share Your Joy On the Births of: Simon Joseph Finkle Grandson of Judi & David Finkle Great-grandson of Rose Davis Henry Arthur Kutler Son of Abigail & Adam Kutler Grandson of Debi & David Kutler Friday Evening Candle Lighting: Mincha/Ma ariv Service Schedule: Mara Einat Phillips Daughter of Shiri & David Phillips Granddaughter of Julie & Eric Phillips and Mindy & Gady Tene September 4...7:33 pm September 5...7:30 pm September :22 pm September :15 pm Bradley Polikov Grandson of Sheila & Marv Polikov September :10 pm September :15 pm September :58 pm September :00 pm Samuel Becker Stoller Grandson of Jenny & Peter Gordon On the Marriage of: Weekday Services at 7:00 am and 5:30 pm Sunday Services at 9:00 am and 5:30 pm 14 Howard K. Marcus & Lisa Lieb Son of Joan K. Marcus and the late Milton Marcus Daughter of Linda & Jerry Gordman

15 September EREV ROSH HASHANAH 27 EREV SUKKOT 7 LABOR DAY 14 ROSH HASHANAH 28 SUKKOT - DAY I 15 ROSH HASHANAH 22 KOL NIDRE 23 YOM KIPPUR 29 SUKKOT - DAY 2 30 SUKKOT - DAY 3 6 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday No BESTT - Labor Day Weekend 9:30 am - Shacharit Service 10:00 am - Torah Study 7:05 pm - Men s Club Goes to Storm Chasers Game USY Overnight at Platte River No BESTT - Stay at Home Sunday 9:00 am - Shacharit Service 10:00 am - Torah Study 6:00 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 20 8:00 am - Men s Club Sukkah Building 9:00 am - Shacharit Service 9:45 am - BESTT 9:45 am - Grades 1-2 Synagogue Mystery Tour 10:00 am - Torah Study 10:30 am - Torah Tots 11:00 am - Memorial Service at Beth El Cemetery 12:15 pm - Kibbutz Chaverim 4:00 pm - Men s Club/Sisterhood BBQ 8:00 am - Men s Club Sukkah Building 9:00 am - Shacharit Service 9:45 am - BESTT 9:45 am - Babies, Bigger Kids & Bagels 10:00 am - Torah Study 6:55 pm - Candle Lighting 9:00 am - Shacharit Service 8:30 am - Morning Service 9:00 am - Tot Service 10:15 am - Youth Service 4:45 pm - Tashlich Service 6:00 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 8:17 pm - Candle Lighting 21 9:30 am - Morning Service 7:53 pm - Candle Lighting 1 12:00 pm - Lunch & Learn at Spirit World 8 12:00 pm - Lunch & Learn at Spirit World 7:30 pm - BESTT Committee Meeting 8:30 am - Morning Service 9:00 am - Tot Story Time 10:15 am - Youth Service 7:45 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 8:15 pm - Havdallah 6:30 pm - Kol Nidre 9:30 am - Morning Service Mincha (following services) 12:00 pm - Soup-er Sukkah Lunch 2 4:15 pm - BESTT 6:45 pm - Hebrew High 9 4:15 pm - BESTT 6:00 pm - Hebrew High & Dinner at the JCC 16 4:15 pm - BESTT 6:45 pm - Hebrew High 9:00 am - Morning Service 9:00 am - Tot Service 11:00 am - Youth Service 5:15 pm - Study Session 6:00 pm - Mincha-Ne ila 7:45 pm - Children s Procession 8:01 pm - Sounding of Shofar 7:00 am - Morning Service 4:15 pm - BESTT 5:00 pm - USY/Kadima Lounge Night 6:00 pm - Grades Meets at Temple Israel 6:45 pm - Grades 8-10 Meets at Beth El :00 pm - Shanghai :00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat 11 6:00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat 18 6:00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat 25 11:30 am - Nebraska AIDs Luncheon 6:00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat 5 9:30 am - Shabbat Services 10:00 am - Bar Mitzvah of Spencer Gordman 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 7:30 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 8:45 pm - Selichot 12 9:30 am - Shabbat Services 10:00 am - Shabbat s Cool 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 7:15 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 19 9:30 am - Shabbat Services 10:00 am - Jr. Congregation 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 7:15 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 7:30 pm - USY Havdalah & Bonfire 26 9:30 am - Shabbat Services 10:45 am - Mini Minyannaires 10:00 am - Jr. Congregation 7:00 pm - Mincha/Ma ariv 15

16 Selichot High Holy Days Service Schedule 5776/2015 Saturday, September 5 Mincha... 7:30 pm Havdallah... 8:30 pm Program/Selichot... 8:45 pm Rosh Hashanah Sunday, September 13 Ma ariv... 6:00 pm Candle Lighting... 7:19 pm Monday, September 14 Babysitting... 8:30 am Morning Service... 8:30 am Tot Service... 9:00-10:00 am Torah Service... 9:30 am Shofar Service... 10:15 am Jr. Congregation... 10:15 am Musaf... 10:45 am Sermon... 12:00 pm Final Shofar Blasts... 12:30 pm Tashlich Service... 4:45 pm Refreshments, Mincha-Ma ariv... 6:00 pm Candle Lighting... 8:17 pm Tuesday, September 15 Babysitting... 8:30 am Morning Service... 8:30 am RH Story Time... 9:00-10:00 am Torah Service... 9:30 am Shofar Service... 10:15 am Jr. Congregation... 10:15 am Text Study/Discussion... 10:45 am Musaf... 11:00 am Final Shofar Blasts... 12:30 pm Mincha-Ma ariv... 7:45 pm Havdallah... 8:15 pm Shabbat Shuvah Friday, September 18 Kabbalat Shabbat... 6:00 pm Candle Lighting... 7:11 pm Saturday, September 19 Morning Service... 9:30 am Mincha-Ma ariv... 7:15 pm Havdallah... 8:10 pm Sunday, September 20 Memorial Service - Beth El Cemetery... 11:00 am Cemetery Dedication Babysitting - begins as advertised and concludes 10 minutes after conclusion of services Tot Service - Kindergarten and younger RH Story Time - Kindergarten and younger Jr. Congregation - First grade and older Yom Kippur Tuesday, September 22 Babysitting... 6:15 pm Kol Nidre... 6:30 pm Candle Lighting... 7:05 pm Wednesday, September 23 Babysitting... 9:00 am Morning service... 9:00 am Tot Service... 9:00-10:00 am Torah Service... 10:00 am Jr. Congregation... 11:00 am Musaf... 11:00 am Sermon... 12:15 pm Yizkor... 12:30 pm Study Session... 5:15 pm Mincha-Ne ila... 6:00 pm Children s Procession... 7:45 pm Sounding of Shofar... 8:01 pm Sukkot Erev Sukkot - Sunday, September 27 Mincha- Ma ariv... 5:30 pm Candle Lighting... 6:55 pm Sukkot I - Monday, September 28 Morning Service... 9:30 am Mincha-Ma ariv... 5:30 pm Candle Lighting... 7:53 pm Sukkot II - Tuesday, September 29 Morning Service... 9:30 am Mincha (following services) Sukkot III, IV, CH M Wednesday, September 30 & Thursday, October 1 Morning Service... 7:00 am Mincha-Ma ariv... 5:30 pm Sukkot V CH M - Friday, October 2 Morning Service... 7:00 am Kabbalat Shabbat... 6:00 pm Sukkot VI CH M - Saturday, October 3 Morning Service... 9:30 am Mincha-Ma ariv... 6:45 pm Havdallah... 7:44 pm Sukkot VII CH M - Sunday, October 4 Hoshanna Rabbah... 9:00 am Mincha-Ma ariv... 5:30 pm Candle Lighting... 6:44 pm Shmini Atzeret - Monday, October 5 Morning Service... 9:30 am Yizkor following Torah Service Mincha-Ma ariv - Hakafot... 5:30 pm Candle Lighting... 7:41 pm Simchat Torah - Tuesday, October 6 Morning Service... 9:30 am Mincha-Ma ariv... 6:45 pm Havdallah... 7:39 pm