Judaism s Best Ideas ~page 13. A storied past comes to life as we count the Omer

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1 Temple Cares ~page 10 Temple Israel volunteers continue to be a force for good Judaism s Best Ideas ~page 13 A storied past comes to life as we count the Omer Temple Israel / Memphis, Tennessee May 2016 / vol. 70; no. 9 / timemphis.org Southern Hospitality ~page 14 A new Memphian was embraced, welcomed, and fit right in voice New President Sisterhood s leadership is in good hands Bowled Over Help this Temple teenager ~page 13 build up to something ~back page Shehecheyanu Moments Our Confirmation and Graduation classes invite you to share in their simchas ~pages 8-9 L dor Vador New Temple Israel President Elkan Scheidt and his father Rudi Scheidt share more than a name ~page 4

2 2 timemphis.org instagram/templeisrael SHABBAT SHALOM We hope you find these Shabbat celebrations to be soulful, thought-provoking, and uplifting. PRENEGS Fridays, 5:45-6:15 pm Enjoy these light receptions before Shabbat services. Thank you to Sisterhood for hosting the prenegs, as well as Drs. Valerie and Thomas Arnold (May 27, in honor of the upcoming marriage of Lauren Arnold and Brandon Bell). Please note: The prenegs on May 6 and May 13 will be from 5:30-6pm. TORAH STUDY Saturdays, 8:45-9:45 am All are invited and encouraged to participate in these weekly stimulating discussions. EVENING SERVICE Friday, May 6, 6 pm Temple s Confirmation Class will be honored. Note the earlier start time. See pages 8-9 for details. MORNING SERVICE Saturday, May 7, 10 am Gavin Leonard, son of Dr. Gina Prigoff and Dr. Paul Leonard, will become bar mitzvah. EVENING SERVICE Friday, May 13, 6 pm Temple s Graduation Class will be honored. Note the earlier start time. See pages 8-9 for details. MORNING SERVICE Saturday, May 14, 10 am Alexander LeVine-Miller, son of Samantha LeVine Schmidt and Michael Schmidt and Lynsey and Ted Miller will become bar mitzvah. L DOR VADOR SERVICE Friday, May 20, 6:15 pm See page 12 for details. MORNING SERVICE Saturday, May 21, 10 am Alyssa Evans, daughter of Whitney Evans, will become bat mitzvah. HAVDALAH PARTY FOR TOTS Saturday, May 21, 5:30 pm See page 12 for details. MORNING SERVICE Saturday, May 28, 10 am David Hahn, son of Sheila and Gary Hahn, will become bar mitzvah. Mazal Tov! Congratulations to these blessings who are becoming bar and bat mitzvah this month. Gavin Leonard, son of Dr. Gina Prigoff and Dr. Paul Leonard, will become bar mitzvah on May 7. As a 7 th grader at Houston Middle School, Gavin is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, the National Junior Beta Club, and is a Duke TIP Scholar. He participates in his school s robotics program and plays on the tennis team. For his bar mitzvah project, he coordinated a neighborhood donation drive for the Germantown Animal Shelter and has volunteered his time at the shelter and adoption events. Gavin has two brothers, and is the grandson of Bette Pollock, Morris and Michela Prigoff, and the late Jean and Sheldon Leonard. Alexander Lincoln LeVine-Miller, son of Samantha LeVine Schmidt and Michael Schmidt and Lynsey and Ted Miller will become bar mitzvah on May 14. Alex enjoys playing center for the Riverdale Middle School basketball team and excelling in all of his subjects at school. Alex is a much-loved sibling, always there to help out his brothers, Lennox and Julien, and now has a new stepsister, Alden. When Alex isn t playing basketball, he either is listening to music or watching basketball games. He always is willing to chip in around the house and lend an extra hand. For his bar mitzvah project, Alex is collecting items for Dorothy s Place, an Alzheimer s Day Center in Memphis. Alex is the grandson of Ricki and David LeVine, Susan and Jeff Miller, and Linda and Robert Schmidt. Alyssa Michelle Evans, daughter of Whitney Evans, and granddaughter of Alyse and Philip Evans, will become bat mitzvah on May 21. A rising 8 th grade student at White Station Middle School, Alyssa enjoys singing, is on the Temple Israel Teen Team, and participates in the new Music Hangouts with Cantorial Soloist Abbie Strauss. She loves Henry S. Jacobs Camp and has been attending every summer since the 1 st grade. In addition, she has been volunteering at Shabbat and holiday services at Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab since she was 2 years old. Alyssa chose as her bat mitzvah project to give back to the Temple she loves by working in the office of the religious school, which she will continue to do after becoming bat mitzvah. Alyssa is the great-granddaughter of Rae Jean and Sandy Lichterman, Irving Evans, and the late Phyllis Bloom Evans. David Hahn, son of Sheila and Gary Hahn, will become bar mitzvah on May 28. A rising 8 th grade student at Houston Middle School, David is an avid lacrosse player, enjoys playing basketball, and is a member of the Beta Club and National Junior Honor Society. For his bar mitzvah project, David is planning a social action event where Jewish, Christian, and Muslim students will get together to learn about each other s religions and prepare care packages for Syrian refugees. David is the grandson of Evelyn and John Starkey and Larry and the late Judy Hahn.

3 Torah worship loving deeds VOICE 3 3 BETWEEN YOU AND ME The greeting we exchanged over Passover was Chag Sameach! Literally translated as happy holiday, these words hold a secondary meaning. The word for holiday, chag, also can be translated as circle, and sameach, the Hebrew word for happy, can mean to grow or to increase. Therefore, we could translate chag sameach as increase a circle instead of happy holiday. So, what does this matter, especially now that Passover is behind us? In his book The Home We Build Together: Recreating Society, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks comments on the peculiar nature of the book of Exodus. The second book of the Torah, named for the event we commemorate at Passover that of the Israelites journey from slavery to freedom spends nearly a third of its word count discussing the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary. Rabbi Sacks argues, A nation at least, the kind of nation the Israelites were called on to become is created through the act of creation itself. Not all the miracles of the Exodus combined, not the plagues, the division of the sea, manna from heaven or water from Rabbi Bess Wohlner a rock, not even the revelation at Sinai itself, turned the Israelites into a nation. In commanding Moses to get the people to make the Tabernacle, God was in effect saying: To turn a group of individuals into a covenantal nation, they must build something together. Rabbi Sacks interpretation embodies the alternative translation of the phrase chag sameach. Building something together is what enabled each individual Israelite to increase the circle and include all those who were part of the building process. As we enter into this season of confirmation and graduation*, we celebrate what it is we have built together as Temple Israel-ites: a genuine community. As such, we celebrate each other s joys and accomplishments. There is no greater blessing to any community than raising our children and sending them off into the world to spread goodness. Join your community, your increased circle, as we celebrate the accomplishments of our 10 th and 12 th graders this month. It will be a chag sameach, in both meanings of the phrase. L Shalom, Rabbi Bess Wohlner *See pages 8-9 for details regarding our celebrations with our confirmation and graduation families.

4 Like father, like son There are many ways to de- scribe Rudi Scheidt and his son Elkan: thoughtful, full of life, introspective, kind-hearted, playful, and compassionate. However, perhaps more than anything else and like father, like son both are generous family-oriented men. But the similarities don t end there. When Elkan becomes Temple Israel s President at the Annual Meeting Shabbat and Dinner on April 29, he will join his father in holding that title. One of the great things in life is to have that experience, and I am proud of him, said Rudi, who served in that capacity from I like the concept that I have a son who is doing the same kind of things that I have done. The idea to serve the congregation really is an extension of both men s philosophy on life: service to others. I appreciate those who serve on the Temple board because I think it does everyone a whole lot of good to be involved in many things in this community. We all owe an obligation, and we should help wherever we can, and Temple is a great place that needs help and guidance, Rudi said. continued on page 5

5 continued from page 4 Rudi spoke at a gala in his and Honey s honor at the Germantown Performing Arts Center in I always have been involved deeply in Jewish congregations wherever I lived. My bar mitzvah, in San Francisco where I grew up, was a great occasion in my life. I ve always had deep interest in Jewish institutions and wanted to belong to one. Rudi and Elkan reflected on what makes Temple Israel meaningful to them. The community that we have, the relationships that we make, the spirituality, and the partnership between what we do for Temple and what the people do for us really makes it special to me, said Elkan. Rudi added, I m the kind of person who needs, wants, and appreciates a spiritual feeling, and this synagogue gives me that feeling, that prayerful existence that makes my life complete. And with giving to their numerous philanthropic causes, they both are trying to help make others lives complete too. Philanthropy is more than an obligation. It s about a sense of generosity, and generosity really comes from the heart, said Elkan. Philanthropy without purpose will never be fulfilling. If you really believe in what you have a passion for, then philanthropy will be fulfilling. For Rudi, the reason for his philanthropy is simple and yet deep-rooted. Torah worship loving deeds mishpacha family VOICE Elkan added, It really is a sacred task. You re doing something that not only benefits the congregation, but also yourself, and it s part of our message to repair the world. Temple Israel has played an extremely important role in my life, Elkan continued. My earliest memories of going to Temple as a child and listening to Rabbi Wax preach, the friends that I ve made, all of the life-changing religious experiences such as my bar mitzvah and confirmation, formed my attachment to Temple. That attachment, and the amount of good that Temple does for so many people, really attracted me to leadership at Temple Israel. Rudi echoed those sentiments. It gives me great satisfaction to be able to help someone s needs, he said. continued on page 6 Honey and Rudi Scheidt, with a portion of their extended family 5 temple israel

6 Shalom! 6 timemphis.org instagram/templeisrael sign up for our weekly s at timemphis.org continued from page 5 One of the things I ve learned in life is, as you grow older, some of the things you ve done you appreciate more, Rudi continued. I was blessed when I was 14, 15, 16, 17 years old to be surrounded by family members distant cousins, actually who really were the super generous givers to many institutions where I grew up. I think that example is what set me off on doing these kinds of things. It s interesting to me that, not by intent, we ve gone down almost the same paths, like giving to the synagogues, universities, all these things my relatives growing up supported strongly. Elkan and his son, Logan; wife, Laurie; and daughters, Mimi and Amanda Rabbi Greenstein and Rudi Scheidt shared a moment when muscian Josh Nelson performed in Temple Israel s Scheidt Family Center in For Rudi, who has been married to Honey for 61 years and has 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren (with another on the way), and Elkan, who has been married to Laurie for 26 years and has 3 children, their families are at the center of their lives. When asked how he would like to be remembered, Elkan offered an honest and straightforward answer. I am not particularly legacy-driven. When I m done with my term as Temple Israel s 50 th President, I want to think that I helped to perpetuate what we ve created over our congregation s long and proud history and make sure that it s relevant today and for future generations. As far as my legacy in life? I just want to leave the world a better place and to touch and inspire the people around me for greater good. I think that s what everybody wishes, said Elkan. If actions are greater than words, then Rudi and Elkan are achieving those admirable goals. Voice May 2016

7 of note HOLOCAUST VICTIMS REMEMBERED On the Shabbat concluding Yom Hashoah Holocaust Remembrance Day the names of loved ones lost in the Holocaust for whom there is no known yahrzeit date will be read. Call Carol Geller in the Rabbis office, , by May 4, if you have names to be recited during that Shabbat service on May 6. SHOPPING HERE IS A WIN FOR ALL Our Judaica Shop has many great items that make super gifts for high school graduates and confirmands. As always, funds raised through the shop are used for a huge number of projects, activities, services, events, and other charitable initiatives year-round. sisterhoodgiftshop@timemphis.org, RABBI GREENSTEIN IN THE NEWS On March 30 in Cincinnati, the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion conferred upon Rabbi Micah D. Greenstein the degree of Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, in recognition of his commitment, dedication, and service to Judaism and the Jewish People for the past 25 years. Also, congratulations to Rabbi Greenstein on his election to the National Board of the NAACP. The photo below shows him with Dr. Frank A. Thomas, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Shaila Karkera participating in a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., commemoration ceremony at the National Civil Rights Museum in Torah worship loving deeds VOICE SISTERHOOD HONORED MIFA Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association commemorated its 48 th birthday at a Founders Day celebration on March 31. During the celebration, which included a panel discussion entitled Interfaith in Memphis: The Time is Now, WRJ-Temple Israel Sisterhood received MIFA s Pathfinder Award for their faithful support as a MIFA partner organization for 15 years. VISITS FROM TEMPLE If people you know are hospitalized or at Memphis Jewish Home and Rehab and would like our clergy to visit them, please call Carol Geller, , in the Rabbi s office. LAST CHANCE TO SEE EXHIBIT Visit the Temple Israel Museum now through May 13 to see the Holocaust exhibit Fabric of Survival: The Art of Esther Nisenthal Krinitz. PRENEG HOSTS Thank you to Sisterhood and all of our preneg sponsors. Please call Sharon Nickol, , if you would like to sponsor a preneg before a Friday night Shabbat service. FLOWERS MAKE GREAT GIFTS Purchase Holland bulbs from Sisterhood! Contact Judy Royal, jeroyal@aol.com or , for more information. THANK YOU TO TEACHERS AND STAFF On May 1, WRJ-Sisterhood will thank the teachers and staff of our Wendy & Avron Fogelman Religious School for a wonderful year with a breakfast. Thanks to all! 7 mishpacha family temple israel

8 Shalom! 8 timemphis.org instagram/templeisrael MOMENTS Temple Israel s Confirmation and Graduation Classes will be honored th Dr. Brené Brown, bestselling author and research professor, beautifully articulated a sentiment worth considering when she said, I believe a joyful life is made up of joyful moments, gracefully strung together by trust, gratitude, inspiration, and faith. sign up for our weekly s at timemphis.org When Temple s Confirmation and Graduation Classes are honored this month, they and you will have two lasting joyful moments to enjoy and remember. One of the great joys of congregational life is that we get to be a part of one another s lives for many years, said Rabbi Katie Bauman. And when it comes to our young people, that joy is magnified tenfold for me. Getting to know the children who walk into my office when they re 12 to study for bar or bat mitzvah and then watching them become young adults at 16 or 18 years old is one of the most cherished parts of my job. I marvel yearly at how they develop their voices, their leadership skills, their strengths and special gifts and how they overcome challenges to find their identities as Jews and individuals. Rabbi Bauman continued, Every year in May when it comes time to celebrate this journey our young people are on, I reflect on what a gift their presence is in our congregation. Their energy is contagious, and their laughter and questions add immeasurably to the vibrancy of Temple Israel. I am so excited to share in the prayerful, meaningful, and inspiring services that sanctify our young people as the future of Temple Israel and the Jewish world, Rabbi Bauman said. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I finally understand what it means to grow up as a Jew and as a human being because of what the discussions in this year s Confirmation Class have taught me. This quote, said Rabbi Greenstein, who teaches the class, from one of the 21 members of the 2016 Confirmation Class affirms the essence of this milestone in Jewish life: confirming one s place as a young Jewish adult. At age sixteen, driver s license in hand and high school graduation on the horizon, a child is in a much different place than the seventh grade. The spiritual growth that unfolds in one s high school years is staggering, deep, and sacred. Rabbi Greenstein added, For all these reasons, Reform Judaism instituted this ceremony the first in Jewish life in which girls participated equally with boys. For over 150 successive years, Temple Israel has celebrated its Confirmation Class, and this year s extraordinary group has written a creative service for the entire congregation to enjoy. In a troubling and often dark world, these bright lights bring hope to the future of the Jewish people and all whose lives they touch. Please make plans to meet and hear the members of our Temple family who have reached this milestone in their unfolding Jewish lives. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Julie Fortune, Temple s Director of Teen Engagement, oversees the graduation class. Graduation ceremonies are special because they mark a moment in time that commemorates thirteen years of learning, Julie explained. We have watched our seniors grow from babies in the Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center to young adults. We have helped them with their Hebrew, traveled to New York and D.C. with them, and attended NFTY regional events with them. Now it is time for us to celebrate them and watch them transition to the next stage of independence. continued on page 9 Voice May 2016

9 Torah worship loving deeds VOICE 9 TO SAVOR is month. Share these shehecheyanu moments with them and their families. continued from page 8 For Temple Israel s graduation, we invite our seniors to respond to a prompt which asks them to talk about how they understand their Jewish identity, faith, and community. While in years past we have asked our seniors to write an essay, we now allow our students to answer the prompt in whatever way is meaningful to them, Julie said. She continued, Last year, we received two musical pieces, one song, and one piece of art in addition to the essays written in response to the prompt. In order to honor our teens, a member from the Board of Trustees, Brotherhood, and Sisterhood, evaluate our teens work and, the seniors who receive the highest marks earn scholarship money for their next stage. Other awards and honors also are given, including Temple Israel s Devotion Award, the Harry W. Ettelson Jewish Study Award, the Nachshon Initiative Award, the Elias Gates Youth Grouping Award, and the Emanuel Klein Senior Essay Award. Please join us to honor our seniors and their dedication to Temple Israel, Judaism, and our larger Memphis community. TEMPLE ISRAEL S CONFIRMATION CLASS OF 2016 WILL BE HONORED AT THE SHABBAT SERVICE ON FRIDAY, MAY 6, 6 PM Emily Barrach, daughter of Andrea & Brian Barrach Max Blen, son of Marcy & Michael Blen Sarah Boxer, daughter of Dorit & Paul Boxer Madeline Bullard, daughter of Samantha & Brian Bullard Ben Charney, son of Hallie & Marc Charney Madeline Danziger, daughter of Shara & David Danziger Hattie Fogarty, daughter of Cyndie & Larry Fogarty Matthew Fogelman, son of Margo & Mark Fogelman Jack Franklin, son of Stacy & Stephen Franklin Nora Goodman-Bryan, daughter of Laura & Marc Goodman-Bryan Sarah Guynes, daughter of Rebecca & Billy Guynes Matthew Lazarov, son of Eve & Craig Lazarov Jessica Lewis, daughter of Sarah & Jeffrey Lewis Tyler Lubin, son of Sharon & Justin Lubin Chloe McKessy, daughter of Melissa Buring McKessy/Brendan McKessy Matthew Moskowitz, son of Debbie Moskowitz/Craig Moskowitz William Royal, son of Natalie & Paul Royal Andrew Sacharin, son of Pam & Lee Sacharin Margo Shainberg, daughter of Karen & David Shainberg Lena Soares, daughter of Kathy Steuer Mason Weiss, son of Sheryl & Kenneth Weiss Living Torah Honor confirmands, graduates, or one or both of the classes with a sponsorship of Temple s Living Torah, which is permanently displayed in a case outside the Danziger Chapel. For details, please contact Program Director Jan Reisman, or janr@timemphis.org. TEMPLE ISRAEL S GRADUATION CLASS OF 2016 WILL BE HONORED AT THE SHABBAT SERVICE ON FRIDAY, MAY 13, 6 PM Ellie Ballin, daughter of Josie & Steven Ballin Samantha Ballin, daughter of Josie & Steven Ballin Hayley Bardos, daughter of Michelle & Istvan Bardos Alexandra Basar, daughter of Kathryn Basar/Steven Basar Joshua Bender, son of Susan & Mark Bender Joseph Besser, son of Julie & Byron Besser Paulina Bullard, daughter of Samantha & Brian Bullard Leo Fargotstein, son of Leslie & William Fargotstein Alexander Hunter, son of Karla Hunter Chuckie Hunter, son of Karla Hunter Hannah Jordan, daughter of Elise & Richard Jordan Jacqueline Kamin, daughter of Dawn Butler/Ehud Kamin Stephanie Lane, daughter of Suzanne & Steven Lane Harrison Leitner, son of Helen Leitner Daniel Levin, son of Audrey Zucker-Levin & Michael Levin Sophie Levy, daughter of Shelley & Donald Levy Katie Libby, daughter of Betsy & Stephen Libby Blake Lindy, son of Wendy & Peter Lindy Andrew Rogers, son of Michelle & Warren Rogers Wise Rudolph, son of Elizabeth & David Rudolph Rachel Seligstein, daughter of Marcy & Sidney Seligstein Brett Silver, daughter of Lisa & Howard Silver Lana Singer, daughter of Amy & Tod Singer Ryan Steinberg, son of Suzanne Bagley/David Steinberg Brittany Struminger, daughter of Terri & Scot Stuminger Claire Tanenbaum, daughter of Laura & Alan Tanenbaum mishpacha family temple israel

10 Shalom! 10 timemphis.org instagram/templeisrael new name, same mission sign up for our weekly s at timemphis.org On June 1 st Nadine King will be retiring after 26 years of devoted work with God s Unfinished Business. Dr. Nadine King This committee was created 34 years ago following a sermon by Rabbi Harry Danziger. Deanna Kaminsky, Rabbi Marc Belgrad, and Cantor John Kaplan served as key liaisons to this 1980s initiative which continues to do so much good for members of our congregational family. Through the years, what was known as the GUB committee has performed countless loving acts of kindness for Temple Israel members. Nadine would be the first to acknowledge the legions of volunteers she has inspired, but without her leadership the past 26 years, there would be no followers. (Stay tuned for an upcoming preneg reception in honor of Nadine.) The new name for this committee as it continues to grow is Temple Cares, Performing God s Unfinished Business. Voice May 2016 Cares A Jew, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel taught, is required to take a leap of action rather than a leap of faith, and I am thrilled to announce that our amazing outgoing WRJ-Temple Israel Sisterhood President, Debbie Jackson, has agreed to succeed Nadine in taking our caring congregation from strength to strength. Debbie Jackson The committee will not change, and Temple is so grateful for their commitment through the years. However, there will be some new faces on the team to reach more of our members and help connect Temple members to new areas of concern. Debbie s cabinet of new connectors will include, among others, Waynette Besser, Sheryl Gorden, Melissa Faber, Barry Lichterman, Cathy Poulin, Debbie Kriger, and Kathy Wexler. Temple Cares will continue visiting the Memphis Jewish Home and assisted living facilities, bringing meals to those who need assistance during a difficult time, delivering meals for MIFA, preparing lunches for hospital ICU families, Volunteers make visits to assisted living facilities and Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab. Volunteers deliver meals for MIFA. making bereavement calls, and driving Temple members to their doctor appointments. New directions include one-on-one visits to Temple members aging in place and to those with limited mobility living in other facilities. There will also be a resource for Temple families seeking help for family members in need of recovery from drugs and other addictions. If you are interested in volunteering for Temple Cares or know of someone who would not otherwise reach out, please contact Debbie at djack327@bellsouth.net or The key to Temple, as this rabbi sees it, has been members like Nadine and Debbie, whose leadership, initiative and new thinking helps us fulfill our mission to do the most good for the most people. L Shalom, Rabbi Micah Greenstein

11 VOICE Torah worship loving deeds ICYMI in case you missed it 11 1) March 15, ConnecTI pasta making 2) March 20, Kids Purimspiel 3) March 20, Purim Carnival 4) April 6, Dr. Gary Zola lecture 5) Feb. 19, Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center Grandparents Day 6) April 2, Brotherhood dinner/scotch tasting 7) April 17, Noah Aronson concert/havdalah 8) April 6, Music Hangout 9) March 23, Purimspiel 10) April 6, Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center Temple Town 11) April 7, Prime Timers dinner/music 12) Feb. 20, Dan Nichols Music Midrash/Havdalah mishpacha family temple israel

12 Shalom! sign up for our weekly s at timemphis.org 12 timemphis.org instagram/templeisrael coming up... a chronological listing of selected upcoming happenings CAREER TRANSITION GROUP Sunday, May 1 and Sunday, May 15, 9:30 am Receive help finding a job through resume writing tips, interview techniques, and other methods. The topic for May 1 st is Following Up with Networking Contacts and Employers. Ron Hoffman will be the guest speaker on May 15 th. Barbara Hermann, barbhermann@aol.com Rob Mann, robertdmann@gmail.com LIFELONG LEARNING Sunday, May 1, 11 am Engage in Judaism through a meaningful course with Dr. Joe Levy. The topic is: David: Warrior, Lover, Fugitive, Father, Hero, and Poet. MITZVAH OPPORTUNITY Wednesday, May 4, 5:30 pm Prepare snacks for the students, plus casseroles for them to take home to their families, in the Temple kitchen at this Sisterhood sponsored effort for MIFA s COOL initiative. Children ages 12 and older are welcome to participate. Elise Meyer, imaginethatem@aol.com GOLF TOURNAMENT Monday, May 9, 12 pm Ridgeway Country Club Tee it up at MRJ-Temple Israel Brotherhood s 13 th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. The fundraiser includes lunch from Corky s and dinner from Ruth s Chris Steak House. RSVP: QR code or timemphis.org brotherhood@timemphis.org ROSH CHODESH Tuesday, May 10, 7 pm So, what is this Rosh Chodesh, and why do we celebrate it? Join us in May for a fun evening while we learn some of the history and music surrounding this unique holiday. LIVING WISELY Wednesday, May 11, 12 pm This month s session of the Living Wisely series with Rabbi Strauss, which explores how Jewish holidays enrich our lives, is entitled, How to Turn History into Memory: How Memories of the Holocaust and Jewish History During the Omer Forge Jewish Identity and Meaning in Our Everyday Lives. Please bring your brown bag lunch; cookies and drinks will be supplied. RSVP (May 10): QR code, , or timemphis.org BOOK CLUB Wednesday, May 11, 1:30 pm The group will discuss Peony by Pearl Buck. All are welcome to attend these book club meetings, which are held on the second Wednesday of the month. (Read Natchez Burning by Greg Iles for the June meeting.) Dr. Joe Levy Rabbi Strauss NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM TOUR Sunday, May 15, 2:45 pm 450 Mulberry Street Ashley Tobias, chair of this program, invites adults of all ages to join Rabbi Greenstein who has served on the Board and Executive Committee of the National Civil Rights Museum since the 1990s as he leads a thought-provoking tour of the museum through a Jewish lens. Meet at the museum. RSVP ($13/ticket) by May 9: QR code, timemphis.org, or L DOR VADOR SHABBAT SERVICE & DINNER Friday, May 20, 6:15 pm This lively, music-filled, Shabbat service is for children to grandparents and everyone in between. After the service, enjoy dinner together. RSVP (by May 18): QR code or timemphis.org Jackie Evans, , jackiee@timemphis.org HAVDALAH PAJAMA PARTY FOR TOTS Saturday, May 21, 5:30 pm Havdalah is the beautiful, short, sensory service that ends Shabbat. Celebrate the end of the day of rest with games, dinner, and a musical Havdalah service, all in our jammies! RSVP (by May 18): QR code or timemphis.org Jackie Evans, , jackiee@timemphis.org MEET OUR LIVING TORAH ARTIST Sunday, May 22, 12-5 pm Bornblum Jewish Community School Meet Living Torah artist Michal Meron and her husband Alon Baker during this gallery show and sale, which will feature an exhibit on the 500 th anniversary of the Venice ghetto. Prints and paintings from her collection will be on display and for sale, as well as her collection of handmade glass mezuzah cases. co-sponsored by Temple Israel Jan Reisman, or janr@timemphis.org Michal Meron ONGOING MITZVAH OPPORTUNITIES Thursdays, 1:30-3 pm Knit and crochet bears for children in emerging nations who are affected by HIV/AIDS; and caps, scarves, and lap robes for MIFA s Love Caps Program and Wings at West Clinic. Jenny Baer, jjb8126@aol.com ONGOING MITZVAH OPPORTUNITIES Tuesdays, 8-11:30 am 1268 Jefferson Avenue Get involved at Manna House, a place of hospitality for the homeless. Welcome guests who drop in for coffee and conversation, a change of clothes, and hygiene items. Donations of t-shirts, baseball caps, jeans, and shorts are needed as well. Ann Wilson, anndwilson41@gmail.com Voice May 2016

13 Torah worship loving deeds VOICE 13 coming up... two featured programs JUDAISM S BEST IDEAS INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM FOR ALL LEARNERS According to the Torah, the Jewish people are commanded to count every day from the second day of Passover (the day the Omer harvest offering was brought to the Temple) to the festival of Shavuot, 7 weeks in total. The act of counting this 49-day period (7 weeks x 7 days) is called Counting of the Omer. It is a time of contemplation and anticipation which represents the journey of the Israelites from the Red Sea to Sinai, from Passover to Shavuot, the holiday when we celebrate receiving the Torah. During this significant 7-week period, our Temple clergy will offer a course entitled Judaism s Best Ideas. We look forward to learning with you! What: Judaism s Best Ideas an introduction to and exploration of several of the best ideas in Jewish religious tradition will be based on the book Judaism s 10 Best Ideas by Arthur Green, PhD. Who: This will be taught by Temple clergy and offered as an introduction to Judaism for those new to the religion and as an exploration and refresher for those looking to deepen their understanding (and everyone in-between). When: The classes will meet from 7-8 pm on these Wednesdays: May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, June 1, and June 8. Why: The Counting of the Omer is a perfect time to deepen our relationship to the Torah and Judaism; to learn more about ourselves and our neighbors, and to strengthen our community through learning. How: To RSVP by May 3, scan the QR code, go to timemphis.org, or call The cost ($18/Temple Israel member; $36/non-member) covers the book and other learning materials for the course and supports Temple Israel s educational initiatives. Questions? Please contact Program Director Jan Reisman, or janr@timemphis.org. Passing the Baton: Installation of Sisterhood s Board Thursday, May 19, 6 pm This wonderful occasion, which includes wine and appetizers in Temple s East Hall and dinner and the installation program in Ettelson-Wax Hall, honors outgoing Sisterhood President Debbie Jackson and her board and features the installation of incoming President Nancy Kline and her new executive committee. During the program, the Nominating Committee, chaired by Sue Pfeffer, will present the following proposed slate for the WRJ-Temple Israel Sisterhood Executive Committee: President: Nancy Shainberg Kline; Vice Presidents: Melissa Faber, Nancy Shainberg Kline Elise Meyer, Cathy Poulin; Treasurer: Waynette Besser; Membership Secretary: Rena Rose; Assistant Membership Secretary: Jennifer Ross; Recording Secretary: Deborah Bilsky; Corresponding Secretary: Julie Boshwit; Parliamentarian: Wendy Lippin; Directors: Sarah Eckstein, Bari Eiseman, Lisa Frisch, Phyllis Gregory, Cathy Kessler, Billie Pierce, Natalie Royal, Barbara Towbin, Kathy Wexler To RSVP (by May 15; $18/person) for this celebration, please call and send checks (payable to WRJ-Sisterhood) to Temple. Also, please indicate if you have any seating preferences. mishpacha family temple israel

14 14 timemphis.org instagram/templeisrael THE CONNECTION POINT A smooth transition by ConnecTI s Becci Jacobs connectimemphis.org I moved to Memphis about six months ago, so I think that I still count as a New Memphian, and I ve loved getting to explore everything this city and Jewish community have to offer. ConnecTI programming has been an incredible gateway for me to meet other young Jewish professionals, learn about Memphis, and most importantly grow my own Jewish identity in ways I never anticipated. At my first Underground Shabbat in the fall, I shared that the highlight of my week was being selected to participate in the URJ Roswell Klal Yisrael Fellowship an international Jewish leadership development program. With this fellowship, I traveled to Israel and spent a week with 17 other Jewish leaders from Reform and Progressive communities all over the world. It was incredible to meet Jews from places like Ukraine, Germany, and Hungary, and we spent the week critically examining our own Jewish communities and what we can do to improve them. During one session, the facilitator posed a very big, very difficult question to our group: What are the three biggest challenges facing the Jewish world today? We sat silently for a few minutes before the group slowly began to debate. The facilitator split us into smaller groups to dissect one of the problems, and my group chose the inaccessibility Becci Jacobs of religion, as we called it the idea that young adults are disassociating from religion and religious communities because they see it as outdated and irrelevant in the modern world. Then the facilitator told us we had to come up with a metaphor to represent the problem. Strange task, right? After some brainstorming, someone suggested the metaphor of a really strict teacher one who inhibits creativity or change and requires students to perform a task a certain way. An art teacher, for example, who asks students to draw a portrait of a model, but insists that is must be literal, realistic, using only ink and paper, therefore restricting students ability to be innovative and imaginative. This teacher, we concluded, represents the population that says there s only one way to be Jewish. Here in Memphis, however, I ve found a Jewish community that is quite the opposite: ConnecTI has introduced me to a passionate group of young adults who build Jewish community and identity in a way that s applicable to every other facet of our lives. We have endless opportunities to be Jewish : we participate in Judaism formally, in settings like Underground Shabbat and in the generous invitations we ve received to join Temple Israel families for pre-holiday meals; we use our Jewish community to grow professionally through the ConnecTI Mentorship Program and the incredible grown-ups we ve been paired with, and we engage with the greater Memphis community through social programming and volunteer opportunities. I often say that I m a Jewish professional and professionally Jewish: in working in Jewish camping and youth programming, a big piece of my job is to foster and develop Jewish identity among our children and teen participants. Memphis has given me a community that helps me practice for myself what I teach to others; ConnecTI is an incredible example of what it means to adapt Judaism in a way that s relevant and accessible in our lives, and I m grateful to have found a community that helps me grow my own Jewish identity. Voice May 2016

15 Torah worship loving deeds VOICE 15 According to the Talmud, giving is as important as all of the other commandments combined. Thank you to those listed below who made donations to these Temple Israel funds in the month of March: Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center, Cemetery, Clergy s Discretionary, General, Grounds & Beautification, MeFTY, MRJ-Brotherhood, Museum, Service to the Blind, Beulah R. Vosse Library, Rabbi Wax Memorial, WRJ-Sisterhood, and the Wendy & Avron Fogelman Religious School. For the recovery of Polly Dunn Hermine Davidson Marilyn Glazer Hilda Kaufman Barrie & Kenneth Wurzburg L. R. Jalenak Carole & Dr. Charles Plesofsky Faye Marks Marilyn & Herb Notowich Carole & Dr. Charles Plesofsky Ron Perel May Lynn Mansbach Dr. Charles Plesofsky Louise & Jerry Sklar Rochelle & Dr. Avron Slutsky In honor of Sylvia Appleton Jane & Dr. Gene Eckstein Vicki & Dr. Edward Lazarus Brett Bernatsky Hermine Davidson Gordon Louis Brode Jeri & Allen Israel Stacy Canales Alvin Notowich Jed Dreifus Karen & Murray Riss Freddi & Joe Felt Rachel Felt Tasch & Ted Tasch Avron Fogelman Ina & Dick Eiseman Inez Fried Hallie Elliot Sheryl Gorden Sharon Berman Rabbi Micah Greenstein Jean & Buddy Ballin Jim Craig Hermine Davidson M. Bene Kaplan Elaine & Dr. Robert Kaufman Wendy Kaplan, Harmon Bubba Miller & Susan Miller Mason Gronauer Janis & Pat Finan Skip Gronauer Dr. Steven Gubin Judy Kaplan McCown & Pete Lemmon Zachary Herman Hud McGehee Jay Kahn Marilyn & Herb Notowich Dot & Herbie Lipman Racelle Mednikow Judy Ringel Gil Travel Raymond Shainberg Deanna & Dr. Albert Burson Marilyn & Herb Notowich Judy & Nick Ringel Linda H. Usdan Aimee G. Ginsburg Art Wolff Bobbie & Herman Goldberger In memory of Ivy Miller Abel Sandra & Elliot Abel Ceil G. Abraham Patty & Dr. Lee Abraham Adele Bedrin Michelle & Brian Blake Alexander Lee Bernstein Mr. & Mrs. Allan Bernstein Dr. Burt Bodan Christian Brothers of the Midwest, Inc. Leo Brody Natalie Graber & family Dr. Rick Cohn Nancy & Dr. Morris Stallings & family Sara Natalie Cooper Jeanne & Dr. Bruce Alpert Trudi & Reid Evensky Rose Gerber Evans Paula & Joel Picker Bill Felt Harriet Alperin & family Jill Lyon Fisher Marcia & Tom Fisher Charlee Gross Baer Fleischer Aimee G. Ginsburg Curt & Jeffrey Ward Ruth Cecelia Glass Marianne & Berkley Wolff Abe Goodman, Jr. Patty & Dr. Lee Abraham Irwin R. Hollander Arlene Gritz & family Marjorie Kohl Inglis Phyllis & Edward M. Kaplan Lewis Pat Isaacs Carole & Dr. Charles Plesofsky Sam Jacobs Hermine Davidson Ernest Ray Kaplan Adele Kaplan Kisber Morris Katz Marilyn & Alan Magnus Ezra Krivcher Annie P. Krivcher Doris Z. Tenenbaum Sonya Krivcher Norman Kochman Trudi & Reid Evensky Bernard Lapides Shirley Lapides Mary Lapides Shela and Jason Shela Cathy Lapides Weil Joseph Aaron Lebovitz Leonard, Ida, Alec & Paul Engelberg Maxine & Mike Shepard Philip Levin Muriel Turner Kip Lichterman Barrie & Kenneth Wurzburg Nathan Loskovitz Rena Wagner Loskovitz Myrna Thomas Pauline Plesofsky Sandy Kessler & Michael Woolsey David Reagler, Sr. Shirley & H. I. Summerfield Sam Rosenblum Maureen Rosenblum Ronna Wilons Sandler Rochelle & Elliott Wilons Diana Sater Patty & Dr. Lee Abraham Bob Brame UT Med Ed Laura Edwards Bruce Kahn Ellen Cooper Klyce Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Nathan Carole & Dr. Charles Plesofsky Sylvia & Bill Ryan J. Michael Shields Zina Schaefer Yvonne & Paul Levine Ruth Selvan Myrna & Ron Halpern Barrie & Kenneth Wurzburg Victor Stanley Shainberg Deanna & Dr. Albert Burson Arnold Turner Muriel Turner Sonia Van Buskirk Gail & Dr. Myron Lewis Welville H. Wolfson Deborah & Sam Brackstone Sandra Young Fay & Buddy Jason We extend our sympathy and condolences to the families of these loved ones of blessed memory: Jack Drucker Charlee Fleischer Judy Goldfarb Lawrence Korshak Eunice Ordman Lenette Weinrit Schranze Scott Allen Terle Mazal tov to: Melanie Rudner Herron & Brandon Herron on the birth of a daughter; Cheri & Henry Rudner & Karin Herron on the birth of a granddaughter; Rosalie Rudner & Doris Lansky on the birth of a great-granddaughter. Karen & Todd Bernstein on the birth of a son; Linda Bernstein & Crystal Cooper on the birth of a grandson Alyssa Dragutsky & Eric Wilson on their marriage. We welcome our newest members to the Temple Israel family: Troy Greer Suzanne Gruner & Morgan Tate Amanda Druce & Mike Spinner Leigh Eisenberg & Jeremy Less Shira Shiloah & Matthew Arledge Bryna Woodman Bradley Roberts & Matthew Brewer Jennifer & Jeff Kollath and Presley Dr. Erica Kaye & Dr. Zach Abramson and Eliana Alyssa Dragutsky & Eric Wilson Melanie & Brandon Herron and Lailie Temple Israel ~ 1376 E. Massey Rd. ~ Memphis, TN ~ ~ timemphis.org Temple Israel is a sanctuary for prayer and inspiration, a vibrant center for Jewish learning, and a congregational home for living Torah. We are a source of strength and a force for good Micah D. Greenstein, Senior Rabbi Katie M. Bauman, Associate Rabbi Bess B. Wohlner, Assistant Rabbi Rabbi Feivel Strauss, Senior Educator Abbie Strauss, Cantorial Soloist Harry K. Danziger, Rabbi Emeritus John M. Kaplan, Cantor Emeritus Temple Israel is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism. reformjudaism.org ~ urj.org for Reform Jews, the greater community, and the world. Jonathan Frisch, President E. Elkan Scheidt, Sr. Vice Pres. Laurie Meskin, Vice Pres. David Rosenthal, Vice Pres. Alex Saharovich, Vice Pres. Leigh Mansberg, Secretary Mark Fogelman, Treasurer David L. Bearman, Counsel Paula Jacobson, Immediate Past Pres. Debbie Jackson, WRJ-Sisterhood Pres. Jeff Rosenberg, MRJ-Brotherhood Pres. Andrew Rogers, MeFTY Pres. Stacy Canales, Executive Director mishpacha family temple israel

16 1376 East Massey Road, Memphis, Tennessee PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT MEMPHIS, TN The Voice is published monthly (combined June/July issue) by Temple Israel. Periodicals postage paid (USPS ). Return service requested. Knock em down to build it up! High school junior Marcus Gronauer first learned about Temple Israel s partnership to build a home with Habitat for Humanity this fall, in association with Sukkot, through Ben Orgel, the coach of his Ragin Rabbis basketball team. The conversation stuck with Marcus, and he knew he wanted to help in whatever way he could. He considered several ideas for fundraisers, but he thought he could incorporate his involvement with being on the MUS Bowling Team with an opportunity to raise money for this effort to build a home for a family in need. It took forever to come up with a name for a bowling fundraising event, but in brainstorming with his dad, the name Frame it Up for Humanity emerged. Strike! Marcus shows off his form. The name is perfect, because of the bowling term frame and a house frame, he said. When asked what he hopes those involved with Frame it Up for Humanity and the other upcoming fundraisers for Habitat learn from these experiences, he was quick to respond. First and foremost, I want people to know how important it is to help somebody in need. There are some parts in our Greater Memphis area that have been struggling, and we need to help people there out. He pointed out that we all have a hand in tikkun olam, the repair of the world. It is important to be generous and help people out. ~Marcus Gronauer It is important to be generous and help people out, Marcus emphasized. A little goes a long way, and every donation counts because it all adds up. The Frame it Up for Humanity bowling fundraiser is on Saturday, May 7, from 1-3 pm at Cordova Bowling Center. The $30/person admission includes shoe rental, pizza, and soft drinks. Go to timemphis.org to RSVP and to access a link to the website Marcus created that is devoted to Frame it Up for Humanity. RSVP