If not, why not? Sisterhood offered lots of goodies!

Transcription

1 November / December 2014 THE OICE Bimonthly Publication of Congregation Beth Israel, Meridian, MS Did You Break the Fast Properly? T he CBI Membership, at its October annual meeting, overwhelmingly voted to thank Ann Stewart for her stewardship over the CBI Grounds and Building Committee and all the work she has done through the years. In recognition thereof, an apple tree and a plaque will be installed in the courtyard. Thanks, Ann! Board of Trustees Scott Strasser: PRESIDENT Jay Davidson: 1ST VICE PRES Sheryl Davidson: SECRETARY Lewis Rosenfeld: TREASURER Marc Fisher: TRUSTEE Barbaree Heaster: TRUSTEE Helen Meyer: TRUSTEE Lou Goodman: TRUSTEE David S. Goldstein: RABBI Photos by Marc Fisher If not, why not? Sisterhood offered lots of goodies! Thanks, Ann

2 Your Activities Calender for November & December November 2014 Su M TuWThFr Sa Nov 7: Nov 8: Shabbat Service Dylan Strasser Bar Mitzvah 5:30pm: Preneg Social by Strasser Family 6:00pm: Service w/rabbi Simons Shabbat Service Dylan Strasser Bar Mitzvah 10:00am: Shacharit Service w/rabbi Simons Kiddush Luncheon following service Nov 11: Veterans Day Nov 14: 5:30pm: Booze n Schmooze 6:00pm Shabbat Service w/rabbi Goldstein Nov 27: Thanksgiving Day December 2014 Su M TuWThFrSa Dec 12: 5:30pm: Booze n Schmooze 6:00pm Shabbat Service w/rabbi Goldstein Dec 16: Hanukkah begins at sunset Dec 17-24: 8 days of Hanukkah Dec 25: Legal Holiday (US & Canada)

3 From Our Rabi s Desk THE DEATH OF KLINGHOFFER S ome of us recall the tragic event of the hijacking of the cruise ship Achille Lauro in A group of Palestinian terrorists took the ship, and in the process murdered Leon Klinghoffer, a wheelchair bound Jewish passenger. Decent human beings around the world were shocked and outraged. Basing himself on that terrible moment the acclaimed composer, John Adams, wrote an opera called The Death of Klinghoffer. It will debut at the Met in New York in late October some weeks before you receive this. The Anti-Defamation League and other Jewish defense organizations have protested and regard the opera as potentially incendiary because part of the libretto gives voice to Palestinian terrorists and might stimulate a new wave of anti-semitism. The Met has refused to withdraw the opera, but has compromised and agreed not to simulcast Klinghoffer in movie theatres around the world only in America. The rationale being that European Anti-Semitism is on the rise, and this might ignite a new fuse there. Some leaders of the Reform movement have condemned the opera, although they have not called for its cancellation. I disagree regarding the condemnation because all art forms, music, literature if they are not created for ulterior purposes of hatred have a right to be expressed. And, we as discerning observers have a right to be exposed to those forms and determine for ourselves if they carry value in society and are worthy additions to the lexicon of culture. Stay tuned and be alert to responses to Klinghoffer that are sure to be in the news later this Fall. Rabbi David Goldstein A Very Loving Reminder A thoughtful member from the Church of the Mediator sent this reminder. Amy-Jill Levine was the speaker for Seeds of Faith which we co-sponsored with the Mediator Church several years ago. 2015

4 Words From Our President Dear Congregants, I thought I would share this story. Years ago when I was about ten years old my class at the Hebrew day school wrote a letter to the newspaper complaining about all the Christmas decorations in public places around town. Our letter was published on the OP-ED page of the Greensboro News and Record. It brought us great joy to see our letter in the newspaper. We felt we had spoken up for Jews everywhere and we had been heard. We all expected that the decorations would come down. Obviously we were young and knew nothing of the newspaper s poor circulation and lack of readers. I can still see us standing in Mrs. Zaleon s classroom holding the newspaper up high above our heads, each of us reaching to touch it like it was a Torah being brought through the congregation on a Shabbat service. Even today I can still feel the pride we felt that morning. Of course our letter did not actually change anything. The shopping center by the house continued to have a thirty foot inflatable Santa marking the entrance to their stores. Actual reindeer ran lose in a public park, and businesses closed early or didn t open at all with signs in the window saying off to see santa. Each year now I travel back to Greensboro for my brother s Hanukkah party. I fry latkahs for eighty or so people and spend my time in the deep enjoyment of being around Jews at a Hanukkah party. Not a holiday party, or a seasonal party, or a gathering of friends party, but a true blue and white Hanukkah party. Complete with dreidels and gelt and kids twisting their fingers trying to the learn the secret of the upside down spin. I feel the same pride I felt that morning when I saw my name in the newspaper. Hanukkah will be here in mid December and I will come home with slightly burnt fingers from popping oil and a smile on my face knowing that at least for a night I escaped Christmas. As a side note, the thirty foot inflatable Santa was destroyed by a drunk driver when I was fourteen years old. The ground he stood on is now a P.F. Changs. Scott Strasser, CBI President Deeds of Loving Kindness C ongregation Beth Israel gratefully acknowledges receipt of these kind and thoughtful contributions: Mary Ellen and Barry Germany remember Donald Adler with a donation to CBI Harriet Jacobs thanks the Davidson family for their hospitality during her recent visit to Meridian Jake & Wyatt Davidson make a tzedakah/ contribution to Congregation Beth Israel Anne Z. Meyer makes a donation to CBI in memory of Mr. Reid Kimbrell

5 Yahrzeit Observances Annual Member Meeting K addish is the most caring and respectful way we can manifest our everlasting love. Kaddish is the way we can actively demonstrate the Jewish is never forgotten. Kaddish recited Nov 7, 8: Beulah C. Jacoby, Hallie Meyer, Ludwig Ullman, Edward Dee, Leopold Rosenbaum, Charles E. Steel, Sr., Bettye Kaufman Meyer, Saul Baum, Annie Ney Kaddish recited Nov 14: Sara Niemetz, Lucille Feinstein, Flora Turitz, Thelma Goldin Kaddish recited Dec 12: Jacoby Bernard Lerner, Carolyn Threefoot Klein, Herman Zissman, Arthur Klein, Emmanuel Hirsh, Helen Feiler, William Mashburg, Arnold Feltenstein, Barbara Switzer Loeb Rothenberg, Dora O Mell, Genevieve Roth, Josephine Strauss, William S. Dveirin, Mabel Feibelman, Abe Frishman, Louis Dumont, Hannah B. Adler, Harold Meyer, Marcus Lowenstein, Dr. Meyer Hillman, Saul Feinstein, Rabbi William Ackerman, Moche David ben Mayer Zalman, Brandy Zeewid, Sam Rothenberg, Marks Rothenberg, Willard Leon Rosenbaum, Sidney Lee Rosenbaum, Jr., Henrietta Mindlin, Josephine Lowenstein, Aaron Lowenstein, Marsh Davidson very D espite numerous invitations and reminders, the 2014 annual member meeting was poorly attended. With wine and cheese and fruit and drink in hand, the meeting was officially opened at 5:15pm. Following the usual introductory procedures, Committee reports were requested by Chairman Scott Strasser, beginning with the finance committee. Following that report, Ann Stewart s report was read in her absence. It was noted by the attendees that Ann has and is devoting a great deal of time to her Building and Grounds responsibilities. Reports were also heard from the Cemetery committee. Religious Practices committee chair, Sheryl Davidson was complemented for her committee s activities which, among other benefits, provides readers for lay services and helpers for rabbinic services. Thanks, Sheryl! A President s report was not offered. Chairman Scott announced the resignation by Linda Miller, past CBI president, from the Board of Trustees. A short discussion of the matter resulted in the nomination of Lou Newman to serve the unexpired board term. Upon seconding, a vote revealed a unanimous selection of Lou Newman to serve on the Board of Trustees. It was announced that an apple tree and stone plaque, honoring Ann Stewart, have been erected in the CBI courtyard.

6 Fall Sisterhood Meeting T he fall meeting of the CBI Sisterhood was conducted on October 8th at Weidmann s Restaurant. Helen Meyer opened the meeting at 11:05 with a special prayer. A motion was made and adopted to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting. Morele Rosenfeld moved and Ann Stewart seconded a motion that Jan Maith assume the position of secretary. Passed unanimously. It was decided to send a $100 donation to the South Harbor Shelter in memory of Francis Davidson. It was announced that Sisterhood dues are $25 and are payable at this time. Helen Meyer thanked all who provided hospitality during the Rosh Hashanah reception and the Yom Kippur break-the-fast reception. A brief discussion regarding these occasions was held. Ann Stewart reported from her Building & Grounds committee: Leaky roof repairs, numerous issues with A/C equipment. Rosenbaum building floors were cleaned, refinished and sealed. Ann stated that she is looking for a new janitorial service. Helen Meyer announced that Melanie Newman had joined Sisterhood. THE VOICE thanks Jan Maith for providing the information for this article. Chai Lights: Birth Days & Anniversaries T he Congregation takes great delight in wishing the celebrants the best of everything. Many happy returns of the day. BIRTH DAYS Harry Kleinman November 9 Marc Fisher November 24 Emily Strasser November 25 Harold Heaster December 2 Perry Goodman December 20 ANNIVERSARIES Lew & Morele Rosenfeld December 24 CBI Mail Call T wo thoughtful notes of appreciation have been received by CBI. A thank-you for being invited to our Yom Kippur service came from Jaclynn Gothard, Birmingham, AL. Appreciation for assistance, food, letters, prayers and other mitzvahs is expressed by Ann and Allan Stewart.

7 Want a quick overview of Chanukah? Well, look no further. Here s some of what the internet offers. Obviously, there s more and you can dig for it and share your findings. Happy Chanukah.

8 Published Bimonthly by Congregation Beth Israel P.O. Box 3456 Meridian, MS FIRST CLASS MAIL