beth ami November 2017 ISSUE Cheshvan - Kislev 5778 POST

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1 beth ami November 2017 ISSUE Cheshvan - Kislev 5778 POST

2 L Shana Tova to all of you. I hope the New Year brings health, happiness & prosperity to you & your entire family. Our services were inspiring, meaningful & very well attended in spite of the extra share of difficulty we experienced as a result of Hurricane Irma right before our high holidays. Needless to say, safety was everyone s #1 concern. Because of Hurricane Irma, a number of our congregants were forced to evacuate. They left Florida to go to the safety of their families and decided to spend the High Holidays with them. I am so grateful that everybody returned safe & sound. This past summer, we went to California & spent time in Sonoma County, Northern California. I look for shuls nearby to attend minyan. Lo & behold, I came across CONGREGATION BETH AMI in Santa Rosa, California. What were the chances of finding a shul with the same name as ours? I was anxious & excited to attend. The next morning I went to this beautiful shul & introduced myself to Rabbi Mordechai Miller. I showed him my card & he embraced me as if we were long- time friends. He made me feel so welcome (very much like our shul does upon greeting a new face.) Upon leaving, we both agreed to stay in touch...and we have. I m sharing this story because when Hurricane Irma hit Fl., Rabbi Miller called me numerous times to see how we were doing. Did our shul get damaged? How were our congregants holding up? I was so moved by his gesture...what a mensch!!! Many of you must have seen the news of the devastating fires in Sonoma, Santa Rosa & Napa in Northern California. So, now the shoe was on the other foot. I called Rabbi Miller to see how his shul & congregants were doing. He told me that he & many of his congregants had to evacuate. I just spoke to him again as of this writing. Thank G-d his shul did not sustain any damage, but unfortunately a number of his congregants lost their homes due to the fires & they need a lot of assistance to recover. As Jews we are the moral compass of the world. That moral compass comes with benefits and burdens. When I was a child, I thought do I have to go to shul. I want to sleep late and then play with my friends on Shabbat. But as I grew up I began to recognize the benefits of being Jewish and the 1 day off from the burdens of the world. Now I see the beauty of a Shabbat service. The singing... the hymns... wow. As a synagogue we have to keep up with times. A synagogue s lifeblood is the next generations... the youth. To attract the youth we have to speak their language. They use technology and expect us to also. We have to be hip... we are living in times when technology is the way to go... presidents on both sides of the isle have won elections by using technology... tweeting is the new communication tool. Technology has also gotten wanabe running for office in trouble... so its judicious use is imperative. Our plans for the coming year are to utilize technology to communicate with and offer the next generation a community and religious outlet. To develop new Bet Ami related friendships. Friday night services will begin at 6 and end at 7. Time enough to gather other Beth Ami worshipers and go out for dinner... sometimes we will hold the dinners ourselves... depends on participation, as all events will depend. Technology is the key to reaching the next generation. We have to know who they are... what they like and need... but first we have to know who we are... what we stand for... who we want to attract. Let us know who you are and what you need and desire... let us know that we have your support and that we can count on you... we need workers to accomplish this... whatever your interests are, let us know that you can help make it a reality. My retelling of these stories just proves how Jews come together where we are close or far apart. We can count on each other for support & guidance at all times. May our hopes & prayers for this New Year include our brothers & sisters in California & may all of our collective prayers bring healing & peace of mind to all of Israel and the world over. AMEN 2

3 Membership Update For forty years, our ancestors wandered in the wilderness, seeking the promised Land. As the new winter season approaches, many Jews are still wandering, right here in Boca! They are seeking a spiritual home, perhaps like the one they left up north -- a place to pray and a place to gather with other Jews. You may know some of these people and you could help them on their search. At Beth Ami, WE are all on the Membership Committee. We are a committee of the whole and it is our responsibility and our pleasure to help the wanderers to find that home with us here, at Beth Ami. We all need to reach out to our unaffiliated friends and neighbors and invite them to join us for a service, for a Shabbat dinner or a special event-- here at Beth Ami. We have something really wonderful here and we must do the outreach and be ambassadors for our beloved Shul. Consider yourself drafted into the Beth Ami Membership Committee. Your synagogue needs you! Synagogue Etiquette Please Silence Your Cell Phones THOUGHTS FROM THE PHILOSOPH Push Pause. Are you ready to allow a joyful, peaceful experience into your life? No you don t have to to book a cruise, just push pause. It s an available option every Friday (Erev Shabbat). As the sun slowly begins its descent so can you, from your usual cares, activities, and chores. This is a time to put aside the mundane and enter the divine. A time to bask in the beautiful glow of Shabbat. Can t give it the full 25 hours, how about 2/4/5/10... Have a special dinner, make Kiddush, join us in shul Friday evening or Saturday morning. Find your own way special way to applaud this wonderful gift handed to us by G-d. I wish each of you a Shabbat Shalom, may the special prayers you render while lighting candles become the reality of your world. And remember there is ever a place for you at our warm and wonderful Beth Ami. As ever G-d Bless America and Am Yisroel Chai. ATTIRE: MEN are required to wear a Kippa in the Sanctuary, and a Tallit (for morning services). WOMEN should wear a head covering when going up to the Bima for an Aliya or other honor and are requested to have their shoulders/arms covered. SANCTUARY DOOR: It is inappropriate to enter or exit the Sanctuary during the times when the Congregants are standing for the Amidah or for the taking out or returning of the Torahs. TORAH SERVICE: Please Refrain from Talking : When the Torah or Haftorah are being chanted; During the Rabbi s sermon; and When the Torahs are carried around the Sanctuary ARK HONOREES: When opening the Ark please face the Torah with your back to the congregation. HATIKVAH: Please do not move about, face the flag and reserve conversation until the anthem for Israel, followed by Gd Bless America, is completed. Please be respectful to the Torah, to the Clergy, and to the other congregants that are worshiping. Beth Ami is not only a place for prayer, but also a place to socialize with fellow congregants. Please reserve the socializing for the Oneg or Kiddush in the social hall. Todah Rabah Beth Ami Post Cheshvan - Kislev

4 Library Dedication The Beth Ami Library has been dedicated to the memory of Dr Burton and Vivian Bergman from their children: Dr Bergman was a devoted student and a lover of learning. He supported various libraries his entire life. As founding members of Temple Shomrei Torah in Hillside, New Jersey he and his wife donated the library and Rabbis study to the newly built synagogue in Over the years they continued to support Jewish study through donations to various libraries, schools and scholarships. To carry on that tradition their children donated over $15,000 to Beth Ami for the complete renovation including furniture and work stations for the new library/conference room. Donations made to Beth Ami by synagogue members in memory of Dr Bergman s January passing were designated for the computers and their program updates. The Jews and Their Friends The Jews and Their Friends Series began on October 19th with a modest attendance of 25. The topic was Lincoln and the Jews which after speaker Steve Hollander s presentation turned into an interesting and lively discussion with most everyone in attendance participating. Beth Ami has some very smart members well versed on American history and Jewish heritage in the USA. Mr Hollander filled with facts and trivia had much interesting information to share that many of us had never heard before not the least of which were some interesting observations/facts for the case that President Lincoln may have had some Jewish blood in his DNA! An interesting evening - we look forward to his future presentations very soon. 4 Beth Ami Post November 2017

5 Simchat Torah Celebration Beth Ami Congregation experienced a delightful morning of high-spirited singing, dancing, and rejoicing in celebration of Simchat Torah. This holiday marked the end of Sukkot and honored the conclusion of the annual cycle of weekly Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle. Our service was led by Rabbi Joe and Cantor Dicker, with the assistance of Dr. Lewis Messulam. The Torah scrolls were taken out of the ark and carried around the sanctuary in seven circles by numerous congregants. Plus, everyone present was given an Aliyah. Three couples, Miriam and Max Deutsch, Ellen and Paul Hirsch, and Vanessa and Henry Rosen were honored with aliyahs under a traditional chuppah. The morning was topped off with a delicious light luncheon. MAH-JONGG TOURNAMENT V Sunday January 28, GREAT CASH PRIZES First Place $125 ~ Second Place $100 ~ Third Place $75 ~ Fourth Place $50 Bonus 2018 $15 ~ PLUS 3 Bonus Prizes $10 each Reserve Your Spot Now! Space for 64 Players Only TOURNAMENT AND BUFFET LUNCH - $42.00 Doors open 9:30 am - Play begins 10:00 am National Mah-Jongg Rules (13 tiles) The Red Tent What did you think of this Bible movie seen at Beth Ami? Never thought I would enjoy the movie Red Tent so much. I even had to wipe my eyes during the emotional parts. The movie The Red Tent was a magnificent epic film that was so very engrossing. I was completely spellbound by the story and the acting I enjoyed the Red Tent - It read like the stories of the Bible which I felt that I had enjoyed in my childhood. This was a powerful movie. I loved the way it showed the strength of our foremothers. From one line in the Torah came this story of strength, bravery, endurance and love. The woman before us were forgiving and hopeful, attributes which made them strong. I loved this movie November 13, 20, 27 Monday Mornings at 10:30am - 11:30am Classes are each a $3 donation to Beth Ami collected in class For more details, please call Synagogue Office (561) Torah Stories and their meaning to us Jews throughout our history and today. Every Monday morning at 10:30, the Beth Ami Womens Torah Study Group met in the Temple library. Last year we focused on solely a womens group. The idea being there was much to learn about the contributions of the Mrs throughout the Torah and what the women could learn about the strength of her female ancestors. We started with B raisheet, Genesis. We dealt with family stories in the first book of the Torah from Adam to Joseph. The class learned the beauty of the Torah is that the ancient families, our patriarchs and matriarchs, were so human and so real! The students came to know them as people, to understand the family dynamics and struggles. The connection between us and them became clear and our ancestors became more a part of us as our understanding of them grew. The women of the Torah Study Class were not shy and we had great discussions as we were able to relate to what we were learning. This year the plan is different. This year in 5778 the class is open to everyone, male and female. Afterall, women have studied the men of the Torah all their lives, it is time everyone knows about the Jewish Womans contribution throughout our ancient history and into the 21st century.! This year our syllabus includes the study of strong and wonderful Jewish women who were largely unsung. Without a doubt throughout our long history, there are some really interesting, brilliant and even troubled women. Think about it. Almost anyone can tell you some fact about Moses, but what do we know about Mrs. Moses or her role in the Jewish story? Beth Ami s year of the woman theme will come alive in this years Jewish Studies classes! Please join us. One class or every class I would love to have you explore and learn with us. Beth Ami Post Cheshvan - Kislev

6 EVENT CALENDAR BETH AMI UPCOMING EVENTS CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES NOVEMBER 3 6:19 NOVEMBER 10 5:15 NOVEMBER 17 5:12 NOVEMBER 24 5:10 6 Beth Ami Post November 2017 DECEMBER 1 5:10 DECEMBER 8 5:11 DECEMBER 15 5:13 DECEMBER 22 5:16 SAVE THE DATE So YOU don t miss out on the next and even more fabulous Beth Ami Gala 2018 MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR Wednesday, January 17, 2018! The Gala Committee has already met and there are new ideas in the making, great energy and lots of surprises!!! The Evening will be filled with Fabulous Cocktails Terrific New Music Entertainment Delicious Food and Plenty of Fun The Silent Auction will be bigger and better And Best of all ~ We promise it will be an amazing Night! Couples and Singles are ALL going to have a great time. Details will Follow in the Fall Mark your calendars because this is the year you will NOT want to miss! Early reservation and payment is appreciated Ad Journal Forms to honor the special women in your life wife, mother, daughter, sister, friends are available at Beth Ami. Your invitation to the Gala will be arriving soon

7 Beth Ami presents In Our Hands: The Battle for Jerusalem BETH AMI UPCOMING EVENTS Documentary ~ 2 hours Tuesday, November 28th at 4:30 pm For centuries, their nation had been in exile. For a generation, they had been without access to their ancestral city. For six days, surrounded by enemies, Israel stood alone and changed history. This spring marked the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War and a CBN Documentaries Film commemorates this historical battle with the new movie, IN OUR HANDS: The Battle for Jerusalem. The story of Israel s extraordinary battle for survival fifty years ago. In May of 1967, Arab nations joined together with a stated goal to wipe Israel off the map. Less than 20 years after reforming as a nation, Israel was on the verge of extinction. Yet six days in early June 1967 changed history forever. IN OUR HANDS tells the story of Israel s 55th Paratrooper Brigade and how Israel Defense Forces risked everything for the sake of their homeland. With firsthand interviews and historical reenactments, this powerful docudrama focuses on the commitment and sacrifice of the soldiers who reunited Jerusalem. Whether you vividly recall the historical declaration by the Israel Defense Forces that The Temple Mount is in our hands or you would like to learn more about this stunning victory by Israel, IN OUR HANDS will captivate and compel you. Popcorn, Candy and Drink $8 per person $3 for Children Please Call Temple Office The Dovekeepers By Alice Hoffman Nov. 15, 2017 Beth Ami Book Discussion Group Wednesdays 10 Beth Ami Strong Jewish Women Theme Coffee, tea & Pastries, spirited conversation & friendship provided $10 donatation per session or 3 for $25 call the office at (561) to register NOTE: MOVIE VERSION OF THE RED TENT AT BETH AMI ON 8/20/17 The Orphan s Tale By Pam Jennoff Jan. 10, 2018 The Book of Jewish Women s Tales By Barbara Rush March 14, 2018 The Devil in Jerusalem By Naomi Regan May 9, 2018 The Golems of Gotham By Thane Rosenbaum July 13, 2018 Beth Ami S We hope to clear up some confusion about our two addresses. - Programing uses BethAmiBoca@aol.com only. - The office uses BethAmiCong@aol.com primarily. - BethAmiBoca@aol.com for some mass mailing. BethAmiCong@aol.com This is the address used for all synagogue correspondence that are personal and/ or specific. It is the address used for contact with the public. It is the address written on all our cards and publications. This is the account read regularly and often. It is to use when you have a question or need the office to be aware of anything. This is an account most like your own. BethAmiBoca@aol.com This is the address used for mass mailing. Most of the flyers and announcements are sent through this account. It means that all members are getting the same information at once. This account is rarely checked for incoming mail so your contacting the office through it can be easily missed. A FYI - We have begun to utilize the BethAmiCong account for some of the mass s. REMEMBER : If you hit reply to an from BethAmiBoca you may not get a response. BethAmiCong is a better address for you to use. Beth Ami Post Cheshvan - Kislev

8 SPONSOR A Sabbath Oneg or Kiddush It s a Mitzvah to Celebrate at Beth Ami!!! Beth Ami Members can enjoy their happiness and significant life events by hosting a Sabbath Oneg or Kiddush. The synagogue welcomes your support while offering you a fabulous way to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, a family milestone or just the joy of being Jewish! Please consider sponsorship yourself or with other friends. Basic or elaborate menus are available with the new program and the results are beautiful and delicious. Thank you for your support. For further information of available dates and reasonable costs please contact the synagogue office New Enhanced Beauty at Beth Ami! New Foyer Wall Unit Personal Drawers For Your Tallit and Tefillin 8 Contact Synagogue Office Annual Rental only $52 Beth Ami Post November That s the number of the weeks in a year, of the Shabbats on a calendar and of the Onegs and the Kiddushs over 12 months! When you get your bills this year for your dues please consider this $1 dollar a week voluntary contribution to the Oneg/Kiddush Fund. This fund does not pay for the food served, in fact those that are special sponsors of each week pay for that food but this fund pays for the help in the kitchen. It has been suggested volunteers could do the job but, it is a day of rest for our volunteers too so voluntarily we hope everyone will contribute to this Fund. Thank You to everyone who does. Important Security Information: ~ Photo ID required ~ All bags and parcels subject to search ~ Video cameras in use ~ On site security ~ Any disruptive behavior on Beth Ami property will cause you to be subject to arrest. What is Amazon.Smile? beth ami Amazon.Smile is a website operated by Amazon that lets customers enjoy the same wide selection of products, low prices, and convenient shopping features as on Amazon.com. The difference is that when customers shop on Amazon.Smile (smile.amazon.com), the Amazon.Smile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organization selected by customers and it doesn t cost you anything! Need Help? Please call the office to walk you through it. Here s How: 1. Visit and log in using your current Amazon account (or create one!) 2. Under Pick Your Own Charitable Organization, type in Temple Beth Ami of Palm Beach County and click Search.. 3. Select Temple Beth Ami of Palm Beach County and start shopping! Remember to always log into smile.amazon.com. If you have any questions please call the office at

9 Beth Ami Congregation 1401 NW Fourth Avenue Boca Raton, FL NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID BOCA RATON, FL PERMIT # BethAmiBoca.org Office Hours Mon Thurs 9am to 3pm Friday 9am to 2pm Beth Ami Post Cheshvan - Kislev