Beth Israel Congregation s

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1 Beth Israel Congregation s March 2014/5774 BULLETIN Rabbi s Message Save the Date! General Service Schedule Friday 7:30pm; Saturday 10:00am The more things change, the more they stay the same. This phrase resonates with significance as we approach the Festival of Purim, which we will observe on Sunday, March 16 th. We recall the story of the Book of Esther, the Megillah, which portrays how the Jews of Persia were threatened with extinction by the evil designs of Haman, the advisor to King Ahasuerus. Ironically, some 2,500 years later, the Jews of Israel are threatened with annihilation through the nuclear aspirations of the Islamist region of Iran. The leadership of Iran continues to assert the most bellicose and hostile statements against Israel even with the emergence of its new political leadership. The charm offensive of Rouhani may appeal to some Western leaders but Israel and her people have not been deceived. A recent Iranian video has been produced which simulates the nuclear destruction of Israel by Iran. The genuine leadership of Iran is not its secular political leaders but its Shiite ayatollahs who determine the policies of the country. Iran feels it is in its ascendancy through its political surrogates throughout the Middle East. We recall the similarities in the situation in Persia some 2500 years ago. The Book of Esther portrays the weak character of King Ahasuerus who lacked the personal initiative to respond to Haman. The king required the intervention of Queen Esther to motivate him. Israel and the Sunni Arab nations wonder if the West is strong enough in its resolve to stand up to Iran. Sadly, Iran has already concluded from the response of the West to the desperate situation in Syria that it may proceed with its nuclear ambitions albeit in a somewhat more guarded fashion. Many Western companies are elated that the economic sanctions against Iran have been relaxed so they can restore their business relationships with the country. As always, economic interests trump humanitarian concerns in the international arena. March March Purim Megillah Reading & Carnival Shabbat Across America Dinner & Service Religious School Schedule March 4, 11, 18, 25 BIRS; 4:00pm- 6:00pm 2, 9, 16, 23 BIRS; 10:00am-12:00pm Shabbat Candle Lighting Times March 07 5:43pm March 14 6:50pm March 21 6:57pm March 28 7:03pm SAVE THE DATE!! Join us on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at 7:00pm for our Yom HaShoa Holocaust Memorial Service. Members of Salisbury s religious and civic communities will be present to share this evening of reflection with us. However, the Book of Esther instructs us that there are always individuals who are willing to risk their lives for principle. In the narrative of the Megillah, Mordechai and Queen Esther ultimately stand up to Haman. They are willing to put themselves in a precarious position in order to do what is right. They feel that somehow there will be a divine intervention to vindicate their bold assertion. Continued on page 2

2 Rabbi s Message, Continued Although the Book of Esther is not straightforward in its presentation of religious themes, behind the scenes, G-d is portrayed as the source of salvation for His people. Ultimately, Haman is defeated. As the month of March begins, the friends of Israel will converge upon Washington in the annual gathering of the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address the approximately 15,000 friends of Israel. Several years ago, I had the privilege of attending the AIPAC convention and hearing the Prime Minister speak. Like Mordechai and Esther of the Bible, he will not be silenced. As Jews we hold on to our faith that G-d will not abandon us in our time of need. Just as the Jews of Persia triumphed over Haman, our brothers and sisters in Israel will be vindicated. Please join us for our annual Purim event the Reading of the Megillah and the Purim Carnival on Sunday March 16, 2014 at 10 a.m. We are sharing the joy of Purim with our fellow Jews on Delmarva from Temple Bat Yam of Berlin and Temple Bnai Israel in Easton. We welcome all who celebrate the victory of Purim and pray for the triumph of what is good and right in our own time. Simchat Purim! A Joyous Purim to All! --Rabbi Bienstock From our President February was a good month at Beth Israel. We enjoyed one of Todd s tasty dinners before the youth service early in the month, and we hosted the Social Justice forum, which was very interesting. Thanks to Arlene and Shari for providing the delicious sweets and fruit for that event. I was sorry more members could not attend, but we had a room full of guests. The confirmation group from Trinity came last Friday night with their parents, and it was nice talking with them after the service. March promises to be even more exciting with our Purim carnival on the 16th, and the Shabbat Across America dinner on the 21st. Guests from other synagogues will be with us for Purim. Chris Parypa, has volunteered to cook for Shabbat Across America, so let Jackie know if you will be attending. Helpers are welcome for both events and for the upcoming Passover Seder in April. Come to services and events when you can, and share Shabbat and holidays with your Beth Israel friends. Susan n On Sunday, April 6 th at 2:30pm the incredible documentary Defiant Requiem will be presented at the Perdue Business School Auditorium on the campus of Salisbury University, in conjunction with the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council, The Salisbury Film Society and Beth Israel Congregation. The contemporary conductor, Murray Sidlin, took ten years and made the documentary. We are privileged not only to show the film, but to have Maestro Sidlin come to Salisbury and moderate the discussion after the film. The film costs $750 and we do have donations for some of the costs. We would like your assistance to insure that all who want to see this film can do so. Won t you consider sending a donation to Beth Israel Congregation/Defiant Requiem? We encourage you to attend the film showing, and support the Salisbury Film Society, as well. Donations do not include a ticket to the movie. The tickets are $9 for non-swac members, $8 for SWAC members and $4 for students. Please send donations to: Beth Israel Congregation/Defiant Requiem 600 Camden Ave. Salisbury, MD 21801

3 Member-to-Member Our thoughts and prayers are with Rabbi Bienstock at this time of his mother s illness. Thank you to our February Oneg Hosts: Janis & Kenneth Gold and family and to Susan & Tom Paciga and family. Thank you to Hannah Miller for helping to bring the Defiant Requiem film to Salisbury. Our best wishes for refuah shelemah, for healing, to Toby Rubin. We miss you! Thank you to Todd Berman for preparing the Jewish Deli Night dinner and to all of those who attended. Thank you to those members who donate refreshments for our weekly Onegs. Thanks to Arlene Miller and Shari Silbert for the wonderful fruit and desserts that they prepared for our Social Justice Program held on 2/23/14. SAVE THE DATE!! SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA! Beth Israel Congregation will host its own Shabbat Across America on March 21, 2014 at 6:30pm. New member, Chris Parypa, and his helpers will prepare a traditional Polish dinner. Menu: Baked Chicken w/ potatoes & carrots Or Vegetarian option of eggplant over Potato Dumplings Vernishkes (kasha w/butterfly pasta) Cucumber Salad (Presgorka) Carrot & Leek Salad Soup: Borstch w/ Potato dumplings Dessert: Apple Butter Babka You are invited to attend BIC s Passover Seder on Tuesday April 15 at 6:00pm. Our resident chef, Todd Berman, will be preparing dinner for you. Dinner will include: Brisket or Salmon, matzo ball soup, vegetables and desserts. Please RSVP for this event by April 8 th. ($20 per person for members and $25 for nonmembers) Cost: $10 for members $12 for nonmembers $ 5 for children ages 5-12 RSVP: To Jackie at bicsecretary@verizon.net Or by March 18 BIC Cards *Condolences to Clay, Robbie, Faith and Jason Tarpley Raffish on the loss of Clay s brother, Cliff Tarpley from: Jamie & Jeff Albright Hilliary & Harvey Needleman Arlene Miller *Condolences to Terry Cohen and family on the loss of Terry s brother, David Cohen from: Arlene Miller

4 From the Treasurer: Thank you to those members who have chosen to make payments using our new credit card option. We are pleased to accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards. We can even set up monthly or quarterly recurring payments. However for special contributions or purchases you will need to contact the office as we will not keep any credit card information here. Call Jackie at to discuss the details. --Susan Land Come Eat, Pray, and Play at the annual Beth Israel Purim Carnival Sunday March 16, 2014 Costume Contest Games Galore Face Painting Bouncy House PRIZES Lunch & Opportunities for Camp Scholarships for first time campers For 2014, new and increased scholarship opportunities are available for all USY summer programs. USY and the USY on Wheels program are now partners with the Foundation for Jewish Camp and its One Happy Camper program, where teens participating in USY on Wheels this summer as their first immersive Jewish overnight summer experience may be eligible to receive a grant to attend. We are eager to help anyone who wants to go to Israel with USY this summer. Hamentashen! Starting with a rousing rendition of the Megillah reading at 10am and swinging into the carnival and lunch at 11am. Young and old Short and tall All are welcome To have a ball! BIC Upcoming Events Sunday Celebration Purim Megillah Reading & Celebration with Bat Yam & Bnai Israel Friday 7:30pm-- Sunday Shabbat Across America Meal Service Defiant Requiem Film Tuesday Passover Seder Monday Passover Yizkor Service Sunday Yom HaShoa Holocaust Memorial Service Tuesday BIC Annual Congregational Meeting Passover is April 14 th and the gift shop has Seder plates and other giftware to make your Seder table beautiful. Not all of our plate selections will fit in the gift shop display, so please ask to see them all. For a limited time only--all Passover ware is 15% off. Come visit the BIC Gift Shop soon!!!

5 Yahrzeits: March YAHRZEIT NAME SERVICE DATE Claire Kutzin Mar 7-8, 2014 Daniel Allen Kamanitz Mar 7-8, 2014 Katie Klein Mar 14-15, 2014 Leon Herman Holt Mar 14-15, 2014 Milton Rubenstein Mar 14-15, 2014 Harry Balin Mar 14-15, 2014 Nathan Cohen Mar 14-15, 2014 Ann Kramer Mar 21-22, 2014 Samuel Hyman Mar 21-22, 2014 Beatrice Schwalb Mar 21-22, 2014 Edward Shilkret Mar 21-22, 2014 Charles Schwalb Mar 21-22, 2014 Louis M. Kaplan Mar 21-22, 2014 ESTELLE SANDHAUS Mar 28-29, 2014 Max Joseph Mar 28-29, 2014 D Hershtig Mar 28-29, 2014 Mildred Rossman Mar 28-29, 2014 Jack Settler Mar 28-29, 2014 Ethel Goodman Mar 28-29, 2014 Sylvia Masarsky Mar 28-29, 2014 Donations for February 2014 Yahrzeits Robert & Judy Scherr Andrea & Fred Kahn Janice Spieler Michael & Doris Ehrlich Murray Lustig Mel Snyder Jewish Deli Night Fran Lane In Memory of Ruth Feldman Sharp Anna Sherlock Yahrzeit Plaque Purchase Dayle Lansman for Harold Lansman and Ruth Feldman Sharp Yahrzeit of Bernice Kessler Yahrzeit of Roslyn Gnatt Yahrzeit of Sophie S Feldman Yahrzeit of Sophie Slavin & Jennifer Ehrlich Yahrzeit of Letman Lustig Yahrzeit of Elaine Snyder Barry Berger Fund Ann Hansen for Yahrzeit of Isidore Perlman Rabbi s Discretionary Fund Andrea & Fred Kahn Defiant Requiem Film Rabbi Susan Warshaw Hilliary & Harvey Needleman Richard & Elin Werksman Richard Polin BIRTHDAYS: March 17 Karen Karten March 22 Mina Pincus Notice to all Beth Israel Members: Annual Beth Israel Congregational Meeting Tuesday May 6, 2014 At 7:00pm in the BIC Social Hall No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. Proverb Look back on the last year, plan for the new year, and share your ideas and opinions.

6 Beth Israel Staff Rabbi: Arnold Bienstock Office Manager: Jackie Middleton Board of Governors President: Susan Tilghman Vice President/House: Todd Berman Secretary: Andy Karten Treasurer: Susan Land Youth: Shari Silbert and Sara Stivelman Membership: Robbie Tarpley Raffish Religious: Jaimi Hall Social: Arlene Miller Lifetime Member: Albert Berger Contact Us 600 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD Phone Fax General Information: Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Shabbat Services: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism The mission of this Congregation shall be to establish and maintain a Synagogue and such educational, religious, social and recreational activities as will help further the cause and objectives of the Synagogue and Conservative Judaism. Gift Shop Sale Established 1926 Stop by and visit the BIC gift shop for all your jewelry and giftware needs. Do you love ONEG? Who doesn t? So come celebrate a simcha, remember a yahrzeit or just make it a great end to a long week by hosting one! It s easy and quick. Call Jackie in the BIC office for details Beth Israel Cards Appropriate for every occasion and affordable, BIC Cards can be purchased in the Office. The Only Jewish Deli at the Shore! 63 rd Street and Coastal Highway Ocean City, Maryland (410) AMPLE PARKING IN OUR MARKED PARKING LOTS ON 63 RD STREET, BAYSIDE Open for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, or just a nosh Seating inside, or on our enclosed porch, or outside in the sun Full carryout menu; platters and catering also available All meats, lox, smoked fish and deli salads also sold to go by the pound Fresh bagels baked on premises; all other breads sold by the loaf to go A TRADITIONAL JEWISH DELI RESTAURANT... THE FOOD YOU REMEMBER... FINALLY, HERE AT THE SHORE!

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