TEMPLE BETH EL of ONEONTA March 2016

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "TEMPLE BETH EL of ONEONTA March 2016"

Albert Parks
5 years ago
Views:

1 TEMPLE BETH EL of ONEONTA March 2016 Friends, This edition of the Shofar marks the retirement of Hollie Jaffe as editor. As you may know, Hollie will also be retiring from her post as Director of our Religious School at the end of the current school year. We thank her for her service to our community, and wish her well! We welcome Sue Carbone as our new Shofar editor. Prior to this, Sue was our webmaster, a role that has been ably filled in the last months by Ohad Shemtov. We thank Sue for graciously agreeing to take on the Shofar, and look forward to the new look that her personal touches will bring to our newsletter. Thanks as well to Ohad! This spring, we will celebrate a number of smachot (aka simchas joyous occasions). In May we will celebrate the graduation of a number of our young people from High School. Please contact me to include your child in the celebration! In June, we will celebrate two happy occasions Marni Jamieson will become a Bat Mitzvah, and Delanie Shem-Tov, our youngest member, will be formally welcomed to the Jewish community as an official MOT Member of the Tribe!! More information will be forthcoming about these joyous events, to which all are invited. Next year, our Religious School will become a Jewish Family School. While I will be writing the curriculum, choosing books and materials, sequencing lessons and devising the calendar for the year, parents in the school will be stepping up to do most of the teaching themselves. I will also be creating learning opportunities for parents, so that they can feel secure in the knowledge needed to teach our children about Jewish life. I am looking forward to working with parents on this exciting new venture. Purim is coming!!! If you would like to be part of our Purim Spiel whether you have participated in past spiels or not please do let me know!! All you need is a willingness to have fun! We will celebrate Shabbat as a community on Friday night March 11 th at 7:30 PM and March 25 th at 6:00 PM. In order to accommodate families with small children our Purim celebration will take place on Friday March 25 th at 6 PM followed by our monthly potluck dinner at 7:30 PM. Please do join us in sharing the warmth of our community and the companionship of being a part of it. It is not too late to join us for Judaism 101 Lunch and Learn! You can attend on a drop-in basis, for as many or as few sessions as you like. This course of study introduces our sacred calendar, Jewish life cycle rituals, the sweep of Jewish history, thought, literature, and more. It is geared for Jews, non-jews with Jewish partners, and those considering the possibility of becoming Jewish. Please reach out to folks who you feel fit this description, and/or contact me if you would like a copy of the syllabus or class handouts. This month we will meet on Saturday March12 th and 26 th from noon 2 PM. Please bring a meat-free, shellfish free lunch. Torah Study meets this month on Saturday March12 th and 26 th. Coffee and Shmooze starts at 9:00 am, and we begin our studies at 9:30. As always, please don t hesitate to reach out to me at rabbimollykarp@gmail.com at any time or for any reason. Kol tuv (all the good), Rabbi Molly Karp 1

2 President s Column As president, I am busy with finances, managing TBE business, addressing members concerns, conferencing with Rabbi Karp, promoting programs, supporting the parent- led Hebrew School, keeping abreast of synagogue administration issues through USCJ (United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism), and making sure all the toilets work properly. (When they don t I call Howie.) Being responsible for these tasks forces me to think institutionally about TBE, but that addresses only the business and physical plant perspectives. I am also compelled to reflect on membership, programs, and participation. I am aware of our strengths and weaknesses, which often leads me to wonder if Temple Beth El is a half- full or half- empty synagogue. As you probably understand, it can be difficult to decide. For a variety of reasons ranging from the many encouraging acts of members to a personal goal of not seeing the worst in everything, I remind myself to always think optimistically. And there are good reasons to. Recently there has been a resurgence of interest in social justice and activism among some of our members. Civic engagement and social justice have been part of Temple Beth El s history (remember all the CROP Walks?), but during the past decade we have drifted away from these duties. Of course we have the monthly volunteering opportunity at The Lord s Table (contact Hollie for more information, hjjaffe@hotmail.com) and the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. service, but those are the last remaining examples of our synagogue s tradition of community participation. In Deuteronomy (16:20), the Jewish people are commanded: Tzedek, tzedek tirdof! or Justice, justice shall you pursue! We can easily look at Jewish history, particularly in the United States, and point to achievements made through the long tradition of Jewish activism. The American Jewish community has always demonstrated great sensitivity to suffering and injustice. This was evident in our synagogue when the call went out to aid a Syrian refugee family and an overwhelming response of concern and support was heard. In Jewish Dimensions of Social Justice (1998), Rabbi David Saperstein, a Reform rabbi and United States Ambassador for Religious Freedom, wrote that serious Jewish study inevitably leads to the soup kitchen, and serious prayer prepares us to do battle with injustice. He contends that the thread of social justice is so authentically and intricately woven into the many colored fabric we call Judaism, that if you seek to pull out that thread, the entire fabric unravels and the Judaism that results is distorted and rendered aimless. That is a powerful metaphor, and I hope one that inspires all our members. Engagement comes in many forms. Deb Marcus has volunteered to serve as Temple Beth El s representative on a community committee dedicated to bringing a Syrian refugee family to Oneonta. Recently, Sue Carbone answered the call to assume the role as editor of The Shofar. We are grateful to Hollie Jaffe for the years of service she dedicated to this demanding task and the very demanding work of leading the Hebrew School. The parents of Hebrew School students are now poised to become teachers. Jill Grundfest, a long- time TBE member, reached out to the Board months ago asking if we are planning a Passover seder this spring. We were not, but only because there was no one to assume the responsibility of running this event. Jill immediately offered to do so, and with Howie Gelbsman s generous offer to manage the kosher catering for the meal, we have a seder! At this time we need to know whether or not there is interest among our members. If you would like to gather with other members of the synagogue, please Jill Grundfest at jgrundfest@gmail.com by March 20th. Please also indicate if you are willing to help set up before, or clean up after, the seder. If you are not online, call me to RSVP ( ). The decision to go forward or cancel the seder will be made on March 20th, so please contact Jill as soon as possible. I know most people do good deeds outside of synagogue, and that is great. However, there is something special about taking action together as a Jewish community. Please contact me to get involved in any of our synagogue committees (Religious School, Budget and Finance, Membership, Ritual, Social Action, House, or Building and Grounds) or to get something new started. The Board welcomes suggestions. Engagement and social justice action begin at home, in our home - our synagogue. Is Temple Beth El half- full or half- empty? It certainly seems half- full and rising. Ken 2

3 PASSOVER SEDER Are you interested in coming to a Temple Beth El seder? (Traditionally held on the second night of Passover) Please let us know. This requires a great deal of work to plan and carry out, so we will only undertake the effort and expense if we have interest. Please Jill Grundfest BY MARCH 20th: jgrundfest@gmail.com and please also indicate if you are willing to help set up before, or clean up after, the seder. Purim is coming!!! If you would like to be part of our Purim Spiel whether you have participated in past spiels or not please do let the Rabbi know at All you need is a willingness to have fun! In order to accommodate families with small children, PURIM services will be held on Friday March 25 th at 6 pm followed by potluck dinner at 7:30 pm Dear Friends, It is with some regret that I need to inform you of my decision to end my tenure as Music Director. I was brought in by Rabbi Roberts over 15 years ago and have enjoyed bringing music to the Temple Beth El community during that time. The highlights for me have been the teen choir, adult choir, playing and singing for Friday night services, helping with the purchase of the piano that now sits in the sanctuary and bringing outside musicians to our Jewish community- - including the 40- member SUCO choir that recently helped the synagogue celebrate its 80 th anniversary. It s been fulfilling, rewarding and fun. However, time constraints and life transitions are mandating this change. Thank you so much for letting me share with you what I have had to offer. Warmest regards, Robin 3

YOU CAN EARN MONEY FOR TEMPLE BETH EL BY SHOPPING AT AMAZON.COM Every time you shop at Amazon.com, Temple Beth El receives a percentage of that sale with no cost to you.

4 YOU CAN EARN MONEY FOR TEMPLE BETH EL BY SHOPPING AT AMAZON.COM Every time you shop at Amazon.com, Temple Beth El receives a percentage of that sale with no cost to you. You still pay the same Amazon prices as usual and Amazon donates a portion of that sale to our Temple. It s EASY. All you have to do is go to the Temple s webpage at this address: Once at our website, click on the AMAZON tab at the top of the page (second tab from the right) Then, click on the Amazon.com link and shop as you normally do. For everything you buy, Amazon will donate to the Temple. It s as simple as that. Two extra clicks (first, go to the Temple s website, then, click on the Amazon Tab and Amazon link) and you re ready to donate, just by shopping. It really helps and it really adds up. Remember us when you shop. You have to do a few extra steps but then it s shopping as usual and we reap the benefits. Just continue buying what you would buy anyway, and the Temple makes money. How great is that? 4

5 Chesed Committee The Chesed Committee provides help and support to Temple members in times of need and in times of joy. Anne Green and Bernadette Winters Bell are available to offer support. Bernadette Winters Bell Home # cell # Anne Green Home la0130@stny.rr.com Home # THANK YOU FOR DONATIONS TO TEMPLE BETH EL Robin Seletsky for the music fund in memory of Shep Friedman. May the name of Shep Friedman always be remembered for a blessing. Debra Marcus for the temple s 80 th anniversary. AN INVITATION FROM NORWICH JEWISH CENTER Our neighboring synagogue, the Norwich Jewish Center, has invited Temple Beth El members to join them at a number of cultural programs. Historically, they have been a good friend of ours, so it would be nice if we supported their efforts. The schedule of events is included here. March 6. Jeff Weingrad, noted author and journalist, and co writer of "Saturday Night: A Back Stage History", will present. He will be speaking about the crazy zany characters of the original show: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtin, and Gilda Radner. Over his long career he has encountered many notables including The Dali Lama, John Lennon, JFK, Ronald Reagan, Dan Rather, Mickey Mantle, Prince Charles, Meryl Streep, Howard Stern, and many more. He will present funny and compelling anecdotes. March 24. Celebrate Purim with religious services conducted by Rabbi Goldstein. May 1. Nationally recognized musical touring artist Peri Smilow will perform her exquisite melodies while educating about Jewish themes and values. Be prepared for a singing voice to long remember. For more information, contact Mark Vogel at voguesmp@gmail.com or

6 Thank you to Susan and Neil Carbone for sponsoring the oneg Shabbat on Friday March 11th, in memory of Susan s mother Ethel Singer Schoenfeld. May the name of Ethel Singer Schoenfeld always be remembered for a blessing. The Lord s Table Thanks to Deb Marcus, Hollie Jaffe, and Nancy Bondurant-Couch for helping at the community feeding program in February. Our shift is the 2nd Thursday each month. Please call or Hollie at hjjaffe@hotmail.com ( ) to volunteer. We could use a few more volunteers, especially during the winter months. It s only once a month for a few hours, and very satisfying. It s a great community service, and we stand with many churches and community organizations in taking a monthly turn at feeing the hungry. Rabbi Molly Karp s Adult Education Classes following 9:30 am Torah Study Torah study is interactive No preparation required we read the weekly portion together March Lunch and Learn Judaism 101 for Adults If you are coming for the first time, Bring a dairy or vegetarian brown bag lunch of a dish to share. March 12 th 12:00 2:00 pm March 26 th 12:00 2:00 pm Topic to be determined Topic to be determined Please contact Rabbi Karp for a syllabus, readings and information. Shabbat Torah Study: at 9:30 am, following 9 am coffee and schmooze on Saturday mornings. Services at 10:30ish. 6

7 A Blast from the Past: Members of Temple Beth El gathered for the 1996 CROP Walk Members of Temple Beth El gathered for the 2006 CROP Walk 7

8 MEMBER NEWS We wish refuah shlema to George Bercovitz, father of Jim Bercovitz. We wish refuah shlema to Douglas Sternberg, brother of Rich Sternberg. We wish refuah shlema to George Betts. This spring we will be honoring our high school graduates at a Friday night service. Please contact Hollie Jaffe or hjjaffe@hotmail.com with your child s name and high school. We ll want to try to schedule this so as many of them can come as possible. Men s Club Breakfast The Men s Club Breakfast will be held Sunday, March 20 th in the downstairs social hall. Yahrzeit List for March 2016 March 4 10 (24 30 Adar I) Sidney Granett March (8 14 Adar II) Arthur Markson March (1 7 Adar II) Ethel Singer Schoenfeld March (15 21 Adar II) Erna Vollweiler Harry Holtz Pauline Kornblath Pearl Budin In case of emergency Rabbi Karp is not reachable via on Shabbat and festivals. To reach her in the event of a rabbinic emergency, or in the case of an urgent need on Shabbat, please contact Temple Beth El's President, Ken Sider at or ksider@hotmail.com. At all other times, you can reach Rabbi Karp at rabbimollykarp@gmail.com. In the event of a death, please contact Steve Feuer, at

9 MEMBER AND SUPPORTER BUSINESSES 9

www.templebetheloneonta.org TEMPLE BETH EL WEBSITE ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY Please email TBEOneonta@gmail.com for more information about this FREE service for members. Thanks, Dr. Neal Schultz!

10 TEMPLE BETH EL WEBSITE ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY Please for more information about this FREE service for members. Thanks, Dr. Neal Schultz! Purchase any products from BeautyRX. The profits from all purchases from Temple members will be donated to the Temple. Just go to redeem it by applying code "tbeth" in the shopping cart or checkout page. Or call beautyrx -that s , thank you. 10

Temple Beth El Shofar published by TEMPLE BETH EL PO Box 383 83 Chestnut Street Oneonta, NY 13820 www.templebetheloneonta.org Rabbi Molly Karp 607/432-5522 (synagogue) www.rabbimollykarp.

11 Temple Beth El Shofar published by TEMPLE BETH EL PO Box Chestnut Street Oneonta, NY Rabbi Molly Karp 607/ (synagogue) Rabbi Emeritus Donald Neil Roberts March 2016 Adar I/Adar II 5776 OFFICERS Ken Sider President Howie Gelbsman Vice President Hollie Jaffe Secretary Anne Green Treasurer Immed. Past Pres. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rick Weinberg Susan Carbone Robert Garfield Stephanie Bauer SAVE THE DATES... and times. Friday night services at 7:30 on March 11. Shabbat morning Torah study starts at 9:30am on March 12 and 26, following coffee and schmooze at 9, with the monthly Lunch and Learn from Bring your own meat-free, shellfish-free lunch or a dish to share. Please NOTE the time change in order to accommodate families with small children, Friday March 25th PURIM services will be held at 6 pm followed by potluck dinner at 7:30. Please call or Amy Zoltick at or amysays@gmail.com. Israeli Movie night will return in April Steven Feuer Men s Club President Irene Weinberg/Joyce Gelbsman Sisterhood Hollie Jaffe Hebrew School Director Temple Beth El PO Box 383 Oneonta, NY

TEMPLE BETH EL of ONEONTA March The Shofar

TEMPLE BETH EL of ONEONTA March The Shofar TEMPLE BETH EL of ONEONTA www.templebetheloneonta.org March 2017 Friends, The Shofar This month we will celebrate two exciting events. On Friday March 10 th at 7:30 PM, we will celebrate Purim with a performance