A Reform Congregation

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1 Friday Services start at 7:30 PM Saturday Services start at 10:30 AM June, 2015 A Reform Congregation Volume 10, Issue 12 FROM THE RABBI In Exodus 25.8, after the Israelites have been freed from Egyptian slavery and are in the Sinai wilderness, God states, And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them. What do these words actually mean? And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them? Was it possible that God was telling the Israelites that without a sanctuary, without a building, without a place for the Ark, they wouldn t sense the presence of God in their lives? Are sanctuaries necessary for worship, for finding God? Does God require a building in order to dwell among human beings? Jewish tradition teaches that we experience God in many ways. God is to be found in the beauty and mystery of nature, in the love and friendship we share with others, in the spiritual impact of a ritual or celebration, and in the work done to promote justice, generosity and peace. There s no exclusive place for God. There are many places where God dwells. So if there is no mikdash or sanctuary which is the exclusive place of God, then what can the Torah mean when it reports that God said to Moses, And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them? What is the purpose or the function of the sanctuary in the Jewish tradition? The early rabbis offer an answer through an imaginary conversation between God and the people of Israel. They picture the people explaining to God that all human rulers have beautiful palaces, rooms where offerings are brought to them and where the people can demonstrate their loyalty and love. The people say to God, Shouldn t You, our Ruler, have such a palace? And, according to the rabbis, God responds, My children, I have no such need for such a place. After all, I don t eat or drink. Obviously, however, you have a need for such a place. It will help you experience Me. For that reason, build a sanctuary and I will dwell in your midst. What the early rabbis sensed was our need for a place of worship, a special space set aside for meditation and prayer. It s the nature of human beings to uplift the importance of buildings by assigning them unique functions and names. Out of bricks and mortar, steel and poured concrete, we create and decorate structures we call capitals and museums and concert halls and theaters and courts. Like capitals, museums or concert halls, religious sanctuaries serve a significant function. They re the unique spaces we set aside for our meetings with God through prayer, study, and social interactions with others, which is why a synagogue is called a Beit Knesset - a house of meeting - a Beit Midrash - a house of study - and a Beit T fillah - a house of prayer. Does that mean that synagogues are the only places where God dwells? Of course not. Just as we can enjoy music and art in a variety of places outside of concert halls and museums, we can pray and encounter God in many different places as well. But we create religious sanctuaries out of our need for beautiful and inspiring environments where we can find moments for reflection, comfort and hope in difficult times, direction and wisdom when we face moral and ethical choices and beautiful rituals with which we celebrate the most important moments of our lives. Our sanctuaries provide us with spaces where we can share with others and sense the support and enthusiasm of a community. As the early rabbis taught, our sanctuaries answer our human and spiritual needs. And so Temple Shalom s new home - its own home is a tangible and visible assurance of the bond that God forged with the people of Israel at Mount Sinai over 3,000 years ago. It s a reminder that God dwells among us. It s a reminder that God and Judaism remain alive in our hearts and in our actions. And, hopefully, it will inspire our members, and those who have not yet become members, to be better Jews and better human beings. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

2 2 SHABBAT SERVICES We meet at 4023 Belle Terre Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC. Parking is located in front and in back of the building. PO Box Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 903-ONEG (6634) TempleShalomMyrtleBeach.org Rabbi David Weissman Board of Directors President Lily Ann Revitch Vice President Linda Post Treasurer Robert Post Secretary Flo Pflaster Immediate Past President Cookie Brenner At Large: A Reform Congregation Steven Firestone Gabe Brenner Natalie Kramer Henry Gonzales Burt Kramer Jeff Kane Committee Chairpersons Calendar & Bulletin Dine & Schmooze Education Finance House Committee Membership Oneg Publicity Ritual Chairman Webmaster Food Bank Chair Yahrzeit Notices Sisterhood President Brotherhood President Dave Pflaster Felice Breidner Natalie Kramer Rabbi Weissman Lily Ann Revitch Gabe Brenner Burt Kramer Flo Pflaster Burt Kramer Burt Kramer Dave Pflaster Natalie Kramer Ze ev Revitch Sheila Honer Gabe Brenner Our Friday evening services begin at 7:30pm. There is an Oneg after services. On Saturday mornings services begin at 10:30 am. A small Kiddush is celebrated after services. FROM THE PRESIDENT: Dear Friends, It has been an amazing month. We moved into our new building. On May 8th we marched with our Torahs and flags to the front door. We placed a mezuzah on the door post, then went inside to place the Torahs in the ark and the flags in the stands. With a blessing from our Rabbi we started our first service in our new Temple home. I am also glad to report that the Eva Katz estate was settled and we received our check. What a wonderful gift from a very special lady. I want to thank all those that served on our board this past year and thank, in advance, those that will be serving through the next two years. Our next board meeting will be June 17th at 7:30PM. All our board meetings are open to our members. We look forward to many exciting events starting with our Tenth Anniversary Gala on June 7th. Our Mah Jongg Marathon will be on June 30. It is always a fun day for our ladies (& any men that like to play this game). We also are planning more Shabbat dinners prior to Friday Shabbat services, A notice will go out for our next date. We look forward to many old and new friends joining us through the High Holidays. Our doors are wide open. I wish you all a wonderful summer if you are traveling be safe and return to us in good health. Lily Ann Revitch President Plan well rest easy I hope many of you have thought about estate planning. Who will take care of your funeral? In its first few years Temple Shalom purchased a number of cemetery plots for our congregation. We still have a few left. This was the first thing that Jewish people thought about when they moved to new countries or cities. The benevolent society was formed even before the synagogue,so this was not a new concept for us. If we can be of any assistance contact Lily Ann Revitch

3 3 ONEG NEWS Hopefully everyone is enjoying their summer in our corner of Paradise! We need people to step up and provide onegs in July, August, September and October. Almost all these Fridays are open. Other dates toward the end of this year are also still available. Since we are now in our OWN building and we have some new members and some who haven't done onegs in a while, I just want to review how to do one. Bring snacks (nuts, fruits, chips, veggies, and whatever you would like). Make sure you get a challah. Publix and Lowes carries them as well as other local places. The Temple supplies wine, grape juice, coffee and all serving utensils, bowls, plates and cups. Everything for serving the Oneg is on the metal cabinet next to the refrigerator. The wine and juice are in the refrigerator and extra bottles are in the cabinet where the coffee pot sits. The coffee is usually prepared by Mary Weissman, Sam Breidner and others if you're not comfortable doing that. Before closing the building, the Oneg host/hostess will sweep the social area (broom and dustpan next to the refrigerator) and wash out the coffee pot. Trash needs to be removed from building. There are always others around willing to help on all levels, but the host/ hostess must take responsibility to see that everything is done. The host/hostess lights the candles (page 121) at the start of the service. Any questions about this, ask Rabbi David. For any other questions or concerns, ask me! Flo Pflaster dfp324@atmc.net

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5 Donations 5 Yahrzeits This Month General Fund A Donation For Temple Shalom's New Home Roberta Atkins Irving & Reva Kaufman (Highland Park NJ) Paul & Francine O Connor (Myrtle Beach ) In loving memory of Thelma Nawve sister of rabbi David Weissman David & Flo Pflaster Ze'ev & Lily Ann Revitch Maryann & Sandy Lempert Chava Revitch Mother of Ze'ev Revitch Yehoshuah Ben Baruch Revitch Grandfather of Ze'ev Revitch Saide Fairbloom Mother of Lily Ann Revitch Ze'ev & Lily Ann Revitch Samuel Kamchi Father of David Kamchi David & Lynn Kamchi Mary Lempert Mother of Sandy Lempert Maryann&Sandy Lempert Helen Huberman Mother of Sheila Komito Sheila Komito Ruth Post Mother of Robert Post Dorothy Waring Mother of Linda Post Harry Warshafsky Grandfather of Linda Post Linda & Bob Post Birthday Rabbi David Weisman June 5 David Kamchi June 7 James Klein June 11 Sandi Goldstein June 18 Dorothy McCawley June 18 Arthur Falk June 22 Elaine Hough June 22 Anniversary Sam & Felice Breidner June 3 Ellen & Gabe Brenner June 11 Mary Ann & Sandy Lempert June 20 Norbert & Susan Flatow June 23 Helen Huberman Mother of Sheila Komito 1 Louis Shuman Father of Alvin Shuman 1 Lotte Herzfeld Grandmother of Bonnie Wasserman 3 Helen Topaz Mother of Lynn Sostrin 5 Henry Crow Jr. Brother of Ron Crow 7 Ruth Allen Sister of David Weissman 7 Louis Mayer Brother of Max Mayer 7 Jacob Brenner Father of Gabe Brenner 12 Henry Wellisch Father of Natalie Kramer 12 Leo Wine Father of Beth Crow 15 Harriet Cohen Sister of Sandy Lempert 16 Mary Kaplan Mother of Marc Kaplan 17 Father in Law of Susan Marks 17 Jack Marks Sall Flatow Father of Norbert Flatow 18 Rena Hough Mother of Jay Hough 18 Benjamin Lempert Father of Sandy Lempert 18 Esther Samler Mother of Jessica Forman 20 Bessie R. Bereslawsky Great Grdmother of Beth Crow 20 Claire Wine Grandmother of Beth Crow 22 Anna Ciesla Mother of Maryann Lempert 28 TORAH READINGS JUNE 2015 The link between the Creator and His creatures, by means of prophecy, is one of foundations of the creation of the world. Chazon Ish, Emunah U Bitachom, Ch 6 6/6 Behalotecha Num 8:1-12:16 6/13 Shelach Num 13:1-15:41 6/20 Korach Num 16:1-18:32 6/27 Chukkat Num 19:1-22:1 If you are having trouble keeping up your reading while out of town try downloading an app such as Tanach from itunes. From the editor s desk Deadline for July/August Bulletin is June 23, 2015 Submission is via to : djp3747@atmc.net

6 6 June SIVAN 13 tammuz SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 12:00 Sisterhood luncheon at Maggie D s Service: 7:30 PM Oneg: Weissman Mary/David Rabbi's 80th birthday Morning Service 10:30AM 14 SIVAN 15 SIVAN 16 SIVAN 17 SIVAN 18 SIVAN 19 SIVAN 7 10th Anniversary Celebration 5PM Clarion Hotel Service: 7:30 PM Oneg: Kramer Natalie/Burt Morning Service 10:30 A.M. 20 SIVAN 21 SIVAN 22 SIVAN 23 SIVAN 24 SIVAN 25 SIVAN 26 SIVAN Board mtg 7:30PM Service: 7:30 PM Oneg: Flatow Sue/ Norbert yahrzeit of Norbert's father Sali Flatow Morning Service: 10:30AM 27 SIVAN 28 SIVAN 29 SIVAN 30 SIVAN 1 TAMMUZ 2 TAMMUZ 3 TAMMUZ Service: 7:30 PM Oneg: Post Linda/ Bob Morning Service: 10:30AM 4 TAMMUZ 5 TAMMUZ 6 TAMMUZ 7 TAMMUZ 8 TAMMUZ 9 TAMMUZ 10 TAMMUZ Mah Jong Marathon start 10AM 11 TAMMUZ 12 TAMMUZ 13 TAMMUZ

7 7 May 8,2015 Temple Shalom s First Service In New Home

8 8 FOOD BANK SUPPORT Temple Shalom members can bring nonperishable food items for the Low Country Food Bank to the Temple and leave the food in the food collection box which is located near the main entrance of the Temple. For more information about the Low Country Food Bank go to it s website: Natalie Kramer, Food Bank Chairman, Temple Shalom The Largest Cremation Provider in the Area an affordable funeral and cremation provider We have a 115 seat chapel capable of large services and other rooms throughout the facility for virtually any type of service. Our casket and urn display room is second to none. Credit Cards Accepted

9 9 ISRAEL S ENCOUNTER WITH ITS GOD AT SINAI by Rabbi Leon Spotts, Ph.D. (NOTE: Rabbi Spotts, a member of Temple Shalom, is a former Executive Director of the Atlanta Bureau of Jewish Education.) After sacrificing the paschal lamb and performing the ceremonies of the Passover Seder for the first time in recorded history, the Israelites traversed the Sea of Reeds (not the Red Sea), and then turned into the desert on their way to Mt. Sinai. This historic journey can be dated to May/June, about 1275 BCE ( Before the Common Era generic form for B.C.; similarly, CE, or Common Era is the generic substitute for A,D.). Moses gathered about him the leaders of the tribes of Israel and issued the following instructions as the Word of God: Beginning on the Second Day of Passover, as you travel, you shall count seven weeks; you shall count a total of 49 days, The next day, i.e., the 50th day in the counting, turns out to be 6 Sivan, a major agricultural festival in ancient Israel the start of the annual Wheat Harvest. This Festival is known in the Bible as Hag hashavuot, The Feast of Weeks, undoubtedly in recognition of the injunction to count seven weeks from the second day of Passover. Because the People of Israel were directed to Mt Sinai immediately after leaving Egypt, there to receive God s Holy Torah, the Rabbis added a second meaning to hag hashavuot: the yearly anniversary of Israel s acceptance of the Torah. It should be noted that the initial communication of the laws and rituals to be executed by the People of Israel was strictly oral in character. God transmitted the contents of His Torah to His chosen People in a series of verbal declarations which appear sequentially in the first five Books of the Hebrew bible, also designated as The Five Books of Moses. The response of the People of Israel to the successive proclamations from On High was both positive and unqualified. Even before the first words of Torah were uttered by God, the community of Israel exclaimed, Na aseh v nishma ( We shall carry out the Law; then we shall reflect on it and study it closely ). In other words, the People of Israel accepted unconditionally God s Torah, together with the unique mission with which God intended to entrust them: to obey and apply God s Word, and to teach and disseminate His Torah of truth and justice to all mankind. In this sense, the Jews became not only the CHOSEN People to fulfill the task of mentoring the nations of the earth, but also the CHOOSING People in respect to following and modeling the Laws of the Torah for all humanity. But what, more specifically, was this Torah which the People of Israel received at Sinai? In fact, the Hebrew word Torah is derived from a Biblical root meaning, TEACHING or IN- STRUCTION. The Torah, then, contains God s instructions to the Hebrews as to their observance of His Law. Much of this material is couched in the form of mitzvot, or Commandments. Our Rabbis have identified a total of 613 Commandments, (continued on next page)

10 10 (continued from previous page) which, hypothetically, are incumbent upon every Jew to perform. Of these 613, 248 are positive (i,e. you shall do such and such) and 365 are negative (i,e., you are forbidden to do so and so). Interestingly enough, the word mitzvah (Commandment) also has another connotation a meritorious act or a good deed. At the same time, there is no extrinsic reward for performing a given mitzvah the most we can say in that regard is, s char mitzvah - mitzvah. ( The reward for fulfilling any one of the Commandments inheres in the very act of performing that Commandment.) But we have not yet determined which parts of the entire Torah were included in the instruction articulated to the Israelites at Sinai. In this connection, it will be helpful to distinguish between two separate categories of Torah which were established some centuries ago. These are known as, respectively, (1) Torah she-bichtav ( the written Law ), or Divine instruction included in the documented Biblical record transmitted to the People of Israel at Sinai about 1275 BCE; AND (2) Torah she-b al peh ( the Oral Law ), or Divine instruction emphasizing how Biblical Torah should be applied in societal conditions wholly different from those that prevailed in Biblical times. Indeed, it is highly likely that the Rabbis of the Talmudic Period would never need to have the Torah she-b al peh" committed to writing, so that Rabbinic Law could retain maximum flexibility for adaptation and change in the face of the inevitable evolution of accepted norms and practices. Unfortunately, circumstances both within and without the Jewish community mandated a change in approach: the Rabbinic leadership, was now convinced that unless the oral law were written down, it could be lost to all future generations., Recording the oral law in documentary form was accomplished in two phases, the second of which involved the compilation in about 500 CE of the Talmud under the leadership of Rabbi Ashi. It was probable that, at this juncture, the Rabbis introduced a concept which later became central to traditional, and especially Orthodox Jewish theology: the oral law was thought to have been revealed to the People of Israel at Sinai, together with the written law. But, according to this belief, over the ensuing decades the oral law was forgotten and needed to be relearned in anticipation of the transcription of the Talmud. Now it was time for Moses to ascend the mountain, Jewish tradition holds that he started out on 1 Elul, and came down after 40 days, that is, on 10 Tishri. Notably, the Torah received by the Israelite tribes at Sinai designates 10 Tishri as Yom Hakippurim, the Day of Atonement. This calendar date has continued to be so observed in every generation by Jews throughout the world. Memorial Plaques Have you thought about placing a plaque on the Memorial Board for a loved one. It is never too late to give honor to those that have pass before us.if you would like to place a plaque by the High Holidays it must be ordered as soon as possible Contact Cookie Brenner

11 11 Sisterhood News At our Congregation Meeting, Sisterhood will be presenting Temple Shalom with a check for $1500. Also, we will be continuing to pay for the cleaning of the Temple, costing $1,200. This brings our total donation to $2,700. Thank you to all of Sisterhood for making this possible. We are looking forward to our closing luncheon on June 1 at Maggie D's in Myrtle Beach. A new year will begin on July 1 and we have lots of new things planned for the coming year. Please be sure to come to our July Meeting on the 6th. Your input is very important to us. See you at the luncheon. Sheila Honer Temple Shalom Sisterhood President Annual Congregational Meeting Temple Shalom held its annual meeting on Wednesday, May 20th. After a light supper the meeting was opened where our President reviewed the year s business. Highlights included the events leading to the purchase of our building, treasurer report, and committee reports. This was followed by annual election of board members for open positions. Congratulations to all. Thank you to Linda Post and Steve Firestone for their service. Mazel Tov to Cookie Brenner (new V.P.) and MaryAnn Lempert who were elected to the board. An amendment to our constitution that would stagger executive board terms was approved. Mi Sheberach list We all pray that those who are mentioned on the Mi Sheberach list each Shabbat regain their health and continue to join us. However, Beginning immediately, persons whose names are on the list will be mentioned each Shabbat for a period of 30 days. If you want to extend that mention beyond the 30 days, please contact Rabbi Weissman each month as appropriate. As always, at Shabbat services you can add a name to the Mi Sheberach list.

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14 14 PO Box Myrtle Beach, SC To: Please Use This Form For Donations Please accept my donation in the amount of $ to the fund specified below. General Fund Mi Shebeirach Yahrzeit Other Rabbi s Fund High Holy Day Fund High Holy Day Book Inscription $36 Mishkan T'filah $50 In Honor / Memory/On the Occasion of Please send an acknowledgement to: Name Address City State Zip